Listening tip: this exciting podcast is interesting for Zoetermeerders

Podcasts: We love it. While washing dishes, showering, cleaning, on the bike. You name it! Recently we discovered an exciting podcast about a Zoetermeerder.

Laura H. from Zoetermeer

We are talking about the podcast ‘Laura H’, from producer SCHIK and publisher Das mag. This podcast tells the story of Laura, a young woman from Zoetermeer, who ends up in the caliphate. In 2016 she manages to escape from this, but what exactly is her story? You’ve probably heard something about this case in the news, but you’ve probably never heard it as extensively as in this podcast.

Interviews and research

In the podcast we hear the story from all kinds of perspectives. Journalist Thomas Rueb, who investigates the case and eventually writes a book about Laura. Laura’s father, who tries to track her down and eventually helps her escape. And Laura’s own perspective is also discussed: what is her story? In four exciting episodes we hear how Laura grew up in Zoetermeer until how she is eventually reunited with her family in ‘Salt Lake City’, as she calls it herself. You can listen to the podcast via Spotify and through this website.

Also in book form

In addition to the podcast, a book has also been written about her life story. Journalist Thomas Rueb did extensive research into what happened and interviewed many people who had something to do with this case. His book ‘Laura H – The Caliphate Girl from Zoetermeer’ was published in 2018.