#27 - Mark Ward (Part 2)

(Note: This is the second of a two-part episode. We strongly recommend you start with Part 1.)

The continuing story of Mark Ward, a committed humanitarian who led teams to provide critical help after natural or man-made disasters. He saved lives and restored hope to communities affected by many disasters over two decades, including the 2004 tsunami and the Syrian Civil War. In (so-called) retirement, he returned to Afghanistan to lead a humanitarian organization. None other than George H.W. Bush dubbed him "Mr. Disaster." He is--in short--a guy whose stories cannot be contained in a single episode.

Mark Ward in Turkey, surveying the damage following a 2023 earthquake in Turkey

Mark in Afghanistan

With friends in Afghanistan

Mark with the Taliban Governor of Bamiyan, Afghanistan

With students in Afghanistan

Mark with former President Bill Clinton

Mark with his grandkids

Mark Ward (Parts 1 & 2)

SHOW CREDITS

SP/FS Producer & Host: Christopher Wurst

Opening Voices: Dmitri Wurst, Elena Wurst, Kjara Wurst, Christopher Wurst

Voice of Dubious Aunt Deb: Cathy Zielske

Cold Open Music: BWM – The Brina Band

Dubious Ant Deb Music: Cass County Beauty Queen – Alan Singley

Episode Music (Part 1):

Last Step West – Whispers of Arrakis

Waterbourne – Blue Dot Sessions

Music – Youssoupha Sidibe

Where It Goes - Jahzzar

Words Fall Apart (Instrumental) – Josh Woodward

Ambient Blues Joe – Lobo Loco

Episode Music (Part 2):

Ticky Tack – Blue Dot Sessions

Life in a Dollhouse – Alan Singley

Supermoon – Alan Singley

Driving Home – Dee Yan-key

Stakes & Things – Blue Dot Sessions

Interview date: December 16, 2025