***CURRENTLY TRAVELING EUROPE***
Hey! I’m John-Mark—an American filmmaker, sports videographer, and coffee enthusiast currently exploring Europe and filming.

After years working for an NBC affiliate—covering everything from breaking news, wildfires, and shootings (lots of stories to share), Paris Olympics, FIS World Cup, and NCAA Championships —I stepped away from the newsroom to focus more on independent storytelling that matters. The kind of stories that make people cry, laugh, cheer, or rethink their life over a late-night glass of wine.
“Artists help people see clearly what they always felt vaguely.” That quote sums up how I see my work—and maybe even art itself.

I’m deeply curious about people, places, and purpose. Whether it’s swapping stories over a homemade meal, (I love cooking), talking about C.S. Lewis and faith, or hearing your grandma’s favorite recipe—I’m all in.

I believe in slow mornings with coffee, good health and friendship, shared meals, great music, and living with intention. I travel light (except for the camera gear), clean up after myself, and always try to say “thank you” in the local language.

My superpowers: capturing beauty, asking meaningful questions, and finding joy in the little things. Oh—and I love making videos that help people see differently. :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe travel is more meaningful when it’s shared.

Hotels don’t introduce you to someone’s favorite café, or their family recipes, or what makes their neighborhood feel like home.

I love the idea of strangers becoming friends through small, intentional moments—conversations over dinner, local tips that never make a guidebook, and the simple act of being welcomed into someone’s life.
In return, I try to be the kind of guest I’d want to host: respectful, clean, helpful, quiet, and genuinely grateful. When asked, I love to talk about my news stories and filmmaking.

Interests

🎥 Filmmaking & visual storytelling
🏈 American and Euro football and sports videography....I just love sports.
🌊 Beach, sunsets, and nature walks...I just love the ocean and water.
📚 Reading and discussing spiritual ideas
🎶 Discovering live music and local bands
☕ Spending time in cozy cafés, and meeting new people
🚶‍♂️ Exploring cities on foot, finding hidden gems & local hangouts
🧖‍♂️ Wellness, spas, and sauna culture.
🍳 Cooking and sharing meals—especially learning family favorite dishes
🚆 European train travel and spontaneous adventures...I've sometimes gotton off the train walked for 10min turned around went on aother train.
🎬 Watching new, classic and indie films with friends. (Love German films, Barbara one of my faves)
🧳 Cultural exchange and learning new languages (currently learning spanish)
🤝 Meaningful conversations about life, faith, and purpose

• books
• photography
• dining
• walking
• flying
• movies
• traveling
• socializing
• sports
• baseball
• soccer
• hockey
• olympics
• world cup
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I love discovering live music and local bands wherever I travel, and I'm happy to share Spotify playlists. Just love good vibes music, LANY, DUA LIPA, and MUTEMATH are some of my faves.

Movies:
I’m a big fan of new, classic, and indie films. Some of my all-time favorites are Barbara (a beautiful German film), La La Land, Cinema Paradiso, and anything with strong storytelling that moves you emotionally but I also love action films!

Books:
I’m passionate about spiritual and philosophical reads—but currently reading about Steve Jobs whose life continues to inspire me and it's great to learn from. I also enjoy thoughtful memoirs and books that dive deep into culture and purpose.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once flew in a World War II B-17 bomber over the mountains of Idaho. Hearing those engines roar and thinking about the bravery of the men who flew them gave me a powerful, humbling perspective I’ll never forget.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’m happy to share filmmaking tips, photography tricks, or even help capture some great photos or videos during my travels at your home and share stories of being an NBC affiliate News photojournalist.

I also love to cook and share food/dinner, and watch a movie or live music.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I try to be the kind of guest I’d want to host: respectful, clean, helpful, quiet, and genuinely grateful. When asked, I love to talk about my news stories and filmmaking.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands, Spain, United States