Ep. 22: Talking Peace Corps and Public Service with M. Kim

Today I sit down with M. Kim to discuss working in the peace corps, the call to public service, and what’s going on in Vanuatu. Join Patrick DiMarchi as he sits down with Michael Kim, a former Peace Corps volunteer and board member of the Smol Haos Toilet Project (SHTP) in Vanuatu. In this engaging conversation, Michael shares his journey from a Catholic upbringing in Virginia to serving in Togo, West Africa, where he worked on microfinance initiatives empowering women to start businesses with loans as small as $10. He reflects on the challenges of navigating remote communities, cultural traditions, and logistical hurdles, drawing parallels to SHTP’s mission to bring sustainable sanitation to Vanuatu’s villages. Michael discusses how Lance's passion for Vanuatu, sparked by his own Peace Corps service cut short by COVID, drives SHTP’s work to build life-changing toilets that improve health, education, and dignity. From Togo’s markets to Vanuatu’s bush, this episode explores the power of community, the impact of small interventions, and why Michael’s all in for SHTP’s future. Tune in for stories of service, resilience, and a few laughs along the way. Learn more at smolhaostoiletproject.org.00:00 Language and Identity03:08 The Call to Service05:54 Journey to the Peace Corps08:59 Experiences in Togo11:58 Microfinance and Community Development14:58 Cultural Insights and Challenges18:05 Rural America vs. Rural Africa24:44 Traditional Leadership in Togo27:00 Cultural Influences and Modernity28:35 The SHIT Project in Vanuatu32:12 Challenges of E-commerce in Remote Areas36:42 Community Impact and Project Success41:38 Cultural Integration and Project ManagementFor more information please visit https://www.smolhaostoiletproject.org/And make sure to donate....If you enjoy this episode please press the follow button and share this with anyone you think might be interested. If you know anyone interesting who you think we should interview, send me some info in the comments. And remember to visit...www.patrickdimarchi.com