Conversations with Marianne Cooper-van Der Veen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Cooper-van Der Veen

Hi Marianne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Groningen, the Netherlands; the land of bikes, stroopwafels, tulips, and people who tell it like it is. I grew up in a small family with my parents Klaas Jan and Annelies, and my older brother Willem. Life in Groningen was straightforward, with plenty of rainy days (but yes, we do get sunshine too!), a 9 to 5, friends and family around, and a culture where “acting normal is already crazy enough.”

In 2012, while my brother was streaming his DJ show for “Radio For The World” (an online radio station with DJs all around the world) I happened to see Deon “The Director” Cooper on the screen. Something about him caught my attention, and that moment sparked a connection that (little did I know) would change my life. Deon, the owner of Radio For The World, was born and raised in California, where he was living when we met online while building his career in media and entertainment.

After 1 year and 8 months (!) of chatting online we met in real life in the Netherlands. Deon decided to move there and for 5 years he braved Dutch bluntness, endless gray skies, and the great mystery of why we sprinkle chocolate on our bread. Then, in 2019, he got a job opportunity in Los Angeles. And so we packed our lives into suitcases and took the leap.

Leaving the land of modesty for a city where “bigger is always better” was a culture shock, to say the least. L.A. can be tough, and nothing comes easy, but it’s also full of possibilities. The Netherlands taught me to be practical, but L.A. has challenged me to dream bigger!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t always been a smooth road. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I had very little understanding of how things worked here. Adjusting to a new country, new culture, and a different professional environment took time and patience. The pace in LA, the way people communicate and connect, it was different from what I was used to in the Netherlands. I quickly learned that “let’s grab coffee sometime” doesn’t always mean coffee will actually happen, and that “sometime” is basically a vague concept with no real timeframe attached, lol. I have to admit, it was a lonely adjustment at times.

But well before I moved to L.A., life had already thrown its share of challenges my way. Losing friends and family members hit me hard, and the traumas I experienced as a child left lasting imprints. For a long time I didn’t fully understand how those experiences shaped me, but over the years I’ve come to see how deeply they influenced the way I move through the world. Grief, change, and uncertainty have forced me to confront myself in ways I never expected. And then, before I even had the chance to build a new life in L.A., COVID hit and the world shut down. Suddenly isolation wasn’t just emotional, it was physical too.

Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s also about allowing yourself to feel, to heal, and to grow. Every challenge, every loss, every painful chapter has shaped me, giving me a deeper understanding of myself and a greater appreciation for the connections that truly matter. And I’ve come to understand just how vital it is for a person to feel seen and heard. When we’re acknowledged, when our experiences are validated, it gives us the strength to move forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout my career I’ve worn many hats – SEO content writer, editor, poet, interviewer, storyteller. But at the heart of it all, I’m someone who believes in the power of words to connect, inspire, and preserve the stories that shape us.

My journey began in content writing and editorial work, both in Dutch and English. While working for the local water company, I became a writer for the company magazine. My managers and colleagues recognized my talent and encouraged me to grow in the field of communication. Inspired by their support, I pursued a degree in Written Communications, further refining my skills in storytelling and content creation.

Along the way I’ve been fortunate to see my poetry work published in anthologies like “Voices” and “Motivating Our Youth” by Luella Hill-Dudley’s Sistah’s With Ink. Together with Deon, I co-authored “Two Worlds, Two Loves, Two Stories”, a collection of poems we wrote to each other – it’s basically our love story told through verse. Before moving to the U.S., I worked on projects in the Netherlands like “Polarization and Radicalization in Society” and edited “Awareness”, a book shedding light on discrimination in my hometown Groningen.

Some of you may know me as the co-host of “I’m Just Sayin'”, where I had the honor of working alongside my late friend and social justice advocate Dionne Johnson, together with Big Homie Quan Chandler and Ross Johnson. As the show’s communications director I saw firsthand how raw, unfiltered conversations could spark change. These experiences strengthened my passion and drive to give a voice to those who often go unheard and to shed light on topics that are often avoided.

That same passion led me to create “Life Stories with Marianne”, a Youtube show where I sit down with everyday people to uncover the defining moments, struggles, and victories that have shaped their lives. From overcoming loss to finding purpose and building community, each story is a reminder that we have more in common than we think. Recently, I had the chance to interview De’Shawn “Sho Tyme” Watkins of Compton Mania, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. He’s a natural storyteller, and his resilience is inspiring. His journey is a powerful reminder to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles in your way. If you’d like to share your story on “Life Stories with Marianne”, I’d love to hear from you!

Deon and I also founded “Captured Heirlooms”, where we help families preserve their legacies through video autobiographies. We help individuals document their life stories so that future generations can see, hear, and feel the essence of their loved ones. These personal histories deserve to be told, cherished, and passed down. If you want to create a Captured Heirloom for your family, let’s connect.

Beyond that, storytelling has taken me into scriptwriting, where I had the opportunity to contribute to “Meal Ticket”, a Youtube series created by Deon. Most recently, I was credited as a production assistant for filmmaker Marcus Head’s upcoming documentary on Reynaldo Rey, featuring comedy legends like Katt Williams, Luenell, and Sinbad. Thanks to my sister-in-law Felicia “The Poetess” Morris, owner of Morris Media Studios in Leimert Park, I’ve had (and still have) the privilege of meeting both renowned and everyday podcasters – people I likely would have never crossed paths with otherwise. Morris Media Studios is a place where voices are amplified, stories are shared, and important conversations come to life. So if you want to get your voice heard through podcasting, come through!

If I had to choose one moment that I’m proud of that stands out, it would be the launch of “Two Worlds, Two Loves, Two Stories” in Groningen. Seeing our friends and family gather to celebrate a book that held our story was surreal. It wasn’t just about the book, it was also about the journey that led us there, the love and support that carried us through, and the incredible feeling of sharing something so personal with the people who mattered most. That day was unforgettable!

What sets me apart? Hmm, I’d say my deep love for life stories, paired with a genuine curiosity and the courage to ask the tough questions. I believe every story deserves to be heard, and I’m not afraid to dig deeper to uncover the meaning behind them.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success means living a life that feels fulfilling and that is (mostly) worry-free, if that even exists! Lol. It’s about being healthy in every way; physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s about feeling secure, connected, and valued, surrounded by people who truly see and appreciate you for who you are. At the end of the day, I think success is less about achievements and more about peace of mind and a true sense of belonging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariannecoopervanderveen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannecoopervdveen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifestorieswithmarianne/ and https://www.facebook.com/capturedheirlooms/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannecoopervanderveen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifestorieswithmarianne