Host Jon Selig (@jonselig) is joined in his kitchen by Just For Laughs'/Nationally touring stand-up comic Martha Chaves (@TheMarthaChaves)! Martha left Nicaragua during turbulent times, and arrived in Toronto, via Guatemala and Montreal. Stand-up comedy doesn't exist in Nicaragua, but she returned years later to perform at a book launch. Because that's where people go to laugh, right? Comedy clearly ensued...but not for the crowd in attendance. Lesson learned: Making jokes about a Nicaraguan President's wife isn't a wise PR move.

We're then joined by our Nicaragua expert - from New Hampshire! Matthew Karsten's behind travel blog expertvagabond.com. He intended to spend 2 weeks in NICA, and it just kinda stretched to 4 months. He shares thoughts recommendations, and a "brief" tale from his time there! f you go to "pics and videos" on our site, watch Matthew demonstrate receiving nourishment from hardened magma.

This episode is our longest, but it's for good causes. Literally. And it's amazing how things work out some times! Jon is joined by two people he met in Nicaragua, both of whom are making amazing contributions to that country and beyond. Note: we drop the comedy in this portion, but it's the most worthwhile stuff this podcast has discussed. Jen Tynan (and sister Alanna) are co-presidents/founders of The Latitude Project. This not-for-profit delivers transparent, positive change to impoverished areas of Latin America. They fix roofs of homes, filter water, and improve crumbling schools.

DeWitt Foster is also doing good in NICA. He founded The Highplace Foundation to address at-risk women and gaps in Nicaragua's educational system. Jon met both Jen and DeWitt at Maderas Village in Nicaragua. DeWitt was coincidentally in Montreal (!!!) at time of recording. Him joining on this podcast was incredibly meant-to-be!

For more details on both of these amazing causes and how you can donate, please visit ComedyHostel.com.