Matthijs van Nieuwkerk Launches Video Podcast Amidst Comeback

Matthijs van Nieuwkerk, a prominent Dutch television personality, has embarked on a new venture with the launch of his video podcast, 'Schuilen in Schoonheid' (Sheltering in Beauty). The announcement was accompanied by a black-and-white video depicting Van Nieuwkerk and his dog, Bobby, on the Scheveningen beach, setting a contemplative tone for the series.

The podcast features interviews with well-known Dutch figures, exploring their sources of comfort and solace amidst adversity. Van Nieuwkerk himself shares that he and Bobby found their 'shelter' on the beach in recent years. The series is an auditory continuation of an article series Van Nieuwkerk published on his Substack newsletter, 'Best of Matthijs,' which previously featured guests like Paul de Leeuw and Shirma Rouse.

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In the sea, Bobby doesn't dare. A pity. I wish it for her so much.

Van Nieuwkerk's return to public life follows his departure from television in 2022 amid accusations of verbal and emotional abuse. A subsequent report from the Van Rijn commission revealed the extent of the toxic work environment at his former show, 'De Wereld Draait Door,' leading to the cancellation of a planned collaboration with RTL. Despite these controversies, Van Nieuwkerk has been making a gradual comeback, touring with the music program 'Matthijs & Sven Feelin’ Alright' last year and announcing a return to television in the SBS6 program 'SOULSISTERS' with singer Shirma Rouse.

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I wish you everything, including that magpies can talk.

The first episode of 'Schuilen in Schoonheid' is available on YouTube and features Astrid Holleeder as the guest. Holleeder recounts her experiences of living in hiding and the constant vigilance required since testifying against her brother. She describes finding a form of solace in feeding magpies, creating a daily 'theater' outside her door, which Van Nieuwkerk acknowledges with empathy, stating, "I wish you everything, including that magpies can talk."

Holleeder's second source of comfort is the book 'The Choice' by Holocaust survivor Edith Eger, detailing her experiences of survival through dance in Auschwitz. This narrative of resilience and finding beauty in the darkest of times aligns with the podcast's theme of seeking shelter and strength.

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I saw death in his eyes. And I saw the pleasure too.