WHYcast transcript episode 36

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This is the full transcript generated using AI tools and some human oversight. This transcript was generated using local running Whisper and Diarization, and some prompting to generate a readable transcript. The transcript was carefully transcribed, however these models do make mistakes (just like humans do). Before publishing it on the wiki read the transcribed episode to correct the obvious errors. But just as AI models, mistakes are not always correct before publishing. So you are more than welcome to correct the transcript based on the WHYcast episode out there. Please feel free to help out to make the content transcription even more accessible.

Transcript 36

Nancy: Hi, and welcome to the WHYcast episode 36. I’m Nancy.

Ad: I’m Ad.

Nancy: And we are the hosts of the only podcast about a hacker camp in the universe. This volunteer-run event will take place this year in the Netherlands, approximately 42 kilometers north of Amsterdam, from August 8th to 12th. So Ad, what are we talking about today?

Ad: Well, as every week, we talk about the news. We talk about where to hack. We have the vacancy of the week. We have a listener question—well, actually, a question for the listener—but we also have a very cool interview. But first, the news.

Nancy: Yes, first the news. We think and assume that the CFP has been overwhelming—no, just kidding, we’re recording this Saturday evening and the CFP isn’t closed yet. In fact, we’re still working on our CFP, because we wait until the last day. That’s how you should do it. But what I heard from Team:Content last week—at least the Thursday before the CFP closed—is that the CFP was coming in one an hour. And from what I know from organizing events prior, the last couple of days always peak. So I think we’ll have enough content to plan an awesome event with great talks. They even ran an explanation session for new blind reviewers, since a lot of new reviewers showed up. Shout out to Tony, a lovely new guy I just met in the content meet last week—it was fun. Those cybersecurity students from Amsterdam are eager to help, too.

Nancy: If you still want to help with the reviews, that session has been recorded. Reach out to Team:Content and ask for the recording link so you know how to add value to the process.

Ad: All the information is on the wiki, in the Team:Content section—contact info and everything.

Ad: And it’s getting closer. If I did my calculations correctly, it’s only 69 days from the time this video goes out.

Nancy: Oh, nice number—so childish, but that’s us.

Nancy: For those arriving by public transport, check the blog post by Team:Info about the shuttle service, including schedules and how to sign up. If you’d like to pick up an angel shift and meet new people, consider becoming a shuttle driver to help friendly hackers from the train station. Questions? Reach out to Team:ShuttleTickets.

Nancy: Let’s talk about tickets: we’re down to fewer than 300 remaining, and next month will be the last chance to buy at the current price. As of July 1st, prices go up. We even have a special “procrastinator” ticket for those who truly waited until the last minute—but if you want to be sure you can come, grab a ticket soon.

Ad: They are flying out the door.

Nancy: One more thing: this Wednesday at eight o’clock there’s another online organ meet—find details on the wiki under “Meetings” to stay up to date with all team updates.

Ad: I’ll be there.

Nancy: I’ll be there as well.

Ad: So that’s all the news. If you have news to add, reach out—drop a comment or send us an email. Now, someone who has something nice to tell is Jos.

Nancy: Yes, we know Jos—Team:Content Jos. I did an interview with him at Wiccon back in November. He’s wearing a great Halloween outfit in the GIF I’ll add here. Together with Mitch Hoffman, Jos has set up a “US Refugee Camp” for US citizens attending WHY. They do need help, so listen closely.

Nancy: Here with us is Jos. Mitch is on the road, but we’ll talk to him later when more info is available. Jos, you’re part of Team Coldhead—would you introduce yourself and explain your involvement with WHY?

Jos: Hi, I’m Jos. I’m in Team Coldhead; this will be my third or fourth camp. I’ve been involved in camps and conferences like this for a while. Now that Mitch isn’t here, you get two interviews for the price of one—woohoo! I’m here to talk about the US Refugee Camp, which looks set to become part of WHYcamp.

Nancy: Love it. The idea popped up at our Field Day on April 5th. Can you explain what happened?

Jos: Stuff happened in America—I won’t get into details—but the world needs to react to hostile environments created by certain governments. Many community members started to flee or feared they couldn’t return after conference trips. Then France lowered entry rules for expats, opening their doors. I thought, “We’re too late, France beat us to it,” so why not do something similar at WHY? People could be useful both to those fleeing and to the camp itself.

Jos: I mentioned this to Mitch at Field Day. He showed me a Signal group he’d been part of that helped trans people relocate. That group now serves many non-trans people seeking the same intel. So I thought, let’s create a refugee camp. Let’s enable this American brain drain—help them a bit, get awesome people here, soften the blow. My role is more idea generation; Mitch volunteered to help execute. We’ve had positive feedback, so it’s going to happen, though we don’t know how big it will be or what exactly will happen there—talks, workshops, or just circle-ups with beer and mental support.

Jos: Housing will be tricky—locals struggle to find housing, so externals will too—but it’s about sharing ideas and helping people. Companies with vacancies can tap into this talent pool—it’s a win-win. Essentially, we’re creating infrastructure for great things to happen, and the awesomeness must spawn itself.

Nancy: Even if just two people show up and help others come to the Netherlands, that’s a win. It’s also community building—contacts made at camp could help well beyond WHY.

Jos: Exactly. This camp isn’t only for Americans fleeing the White House—it’s open to all creatures. You don’t need to be a refugee or American to join.

Nancy: From what I hear, you need knowledge and people for execution. There’s not yet a wiki page—maybe someone can help with that. Should people reach out to you, or to Mitch, or to both?

Jos: That would be Mitch—he volunteered to be the volunteer. Show up to meetings or reach out to me if necessary; I support this idea wholeheartedly.

Nancy: You mentioned questions about who can join—what’s the answer?

Jos: It’s a village—show up with or without a tent, and do your thing. We’re looking for people who want to move, and people who have already done the move, to share knowledge. Legal advisors, companies recruiting, anyone with expertise—fields we haven’t even thought of. Bring your ideas; make it happen.

Nancy: Even if it starts small, let’s provide hope and open options—keep it tongue-in-cheek but rooted in reality.

Jos: Keep checking the wiki for updates. Another interview with Mitch will follow when we have more concrete info. This is an empty vessel for ideas—if you have ideas, bring them on.

Nancy: Thank you, Jos, for coming up with this idea with Mitch and sharing it on the show. Let’s hope enough people get involved to make this a success—helping those less fortunate build cool stuff in the world.

Jos: Awesome. You’re welcome. Have a good one.

Ad: That’s never been done as far as I know. I like new things—WHYcast, “All refugees welcome here.”

Nancy: Even recruiters are welcome there, but we’ll restrict them to that area—send them to the refugee camp.

Ad: If you’re looking for a job, go find recruiters there.

Nancy: Now, where to hack? Each week we share where to find WHY minded people.

Where to Hack

Ad: This weekend, hack at T-Dose—the Dutch open source event. Nancy and I will be there Saturday and Sunday.

Nancy: Perfect.

Ad: If you can’t make it in person, check out Fetti Forum—an online event about open protocols and the social web forward. Speakers include Cory Doctorow and Christine Lemmer-Weber. It’s a few days of discussions and unconference sessions—warm up for WHY.

Vacancy of the Week

Nancy: We have a very urgent vacancy for Team:Parking organizer. I’m baffled—it’s hard to find someone for this parking puzzle. Our community loves puzzles; we need someone to help with the terrain layout. You’ll get support from Kulmai (Netsmurf) and Dave. Reach out to them to help with parking.

Question for the Listener

Ad: Instead of a listener question, we have a question for the listeners. We always start with “Welcome to the WHYcast.” We think it would be cool to have a library of people saying “Welcome to the WHYcast” in their own languages, to sprinkle them into episodes. Would you send us recordings?

Nancy: Yes, send us your version—even a few lines about your camp village and what you’re looking forward to. Email WHYcast@why2025.org.

Outro

Ad: While you’re at it, like and subscribe—click the bell on YouTube. Some platforms let you rate us; a five-star rating helps us reach more hackers who haven’t heard of us or the camp.

Nancy: Thank you for sticking with us until the end. We hope to see you next Friday. Bye!