November Podcast Schedule
Take a look at the compelling list of guests that make up our November podcast lineup!
In these upcoming episodes, we delve into the captivating stories of individuals who have been touched by Myanmar in unique ways. From a spiritual journey through the 1960s counterculture movement, to a seasoned economist navigating Myanmar's economic landscape, to the harrowing experiences of a political prisoner and more, these stories offer insights into the complex tapestry that is Myanmar.
Episode 199: Michael Stein's life began simply enough in a small, Jewish community in New York, but took a profound turn after his mother's passing when he was just 14. Inspired by a desire for adventure and amid the counterculture movement, he sought solace through travel, embarking on a transformative odyssey through India, Afghanistan, and Nepal. He dabbled in various spiritual practices along the way, and met iconic figures like Ram Dass, Joseph Goldstein and Munindra. Eventually, he found his spiritual home in vipassana meditation under the guidance of S.N. Goenka. Michael helped launch the Insight Meditation Society (IMS), and his devotion and close association with Goenka led to helping establish the first vipassana Center in North America in that tradition. His journey reflects the spiritual awakening of a generation and the enduring legacy of Goenka's teachings. (Release date: November 7)
Episode 200: Jagdish Dalal, known as Jag, is a unique blend of Eastern heritage and Western perspectives, with a rich background in business leadership spanning over half a century. Jag champions diverse worldviews, as well as effective business strategies in developing nations. His advocacy for "impact sourcing" underscores his commitment to aligning corporate activities with local community development. Jag's primary concern is fostering stability and growth in these regions to counteract social inequality and unrest, as he warns how Myanmar's current challenges stem from unresolved economic issues. His economic perspective guides his belief in incentives over sanctions, and underscores the critical role that education and engagement play in addressing Myanmar's complex problems. (Release date: November 10)
Episode 201: Sean Turnell, an Australian economic advisor to Myanmar's civilian government from 2016 to 2021, shares his tumultuous journey. Following a military coup, he was imprisoned for 650 days for violating Myanmar's Official Secrets Act. Referring to his work in the 2009 book “Fiery Dragons,” he describes how disastrous economic policies and military control have transformed Myanmar from one of Southeast Asia's richest nations to one of its poorest. Sean highlights the challenges of the lack of transparency in Myanmar's economic landscape, offering unique insights into its economic history and recent upheavals, while emphasizing the need for international sanctions against the military regime to limit their access to foreign currency. (Release date: November 14)
Episode 202: Chilean meditator Diego Prieto embarked on a transformative journey to Myanmar to explore Buddhist meditation and sacred places. There he encountered a vibrant, Buddhist culture and more deeply experienced the essence of Buddhism beyond rigid rules or any one technique. Visiting historic meditation centers, including the site where S.N. Goenka first learned meditation, left a profound impact. His experiences at Thabarwa Monastery, emphasizing active compassion work, expanded his view of Buddhist practice. Diego empathizes with Myanmar's current challenges, drawing from his own country's past turmoil, emphasizing the importance of bearing witness and staying present in the face of adversity and suffering. (Release date: November 17)
Episode 203: Jack Myint's journey from a traditional Burmese classroom to the United States was a transformative experience. His time in the U.S. exposed him to the interactive and open nature of American classrooms, igniting his passion for dialogue and debate. He eventually landed in Washington, D.C., where he was able to attend the ceremony at the US Capital in which Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Later, his experiences and encounters with powerful leaders from the US as well as around the world fueled his determination to become a change-maker for Myanmar's future. Jack highlights the limitations of imposing sanctions on Myanmar, emphasizing that they often end up punishing the people more than the regime. He also underlines the uniqueness of Aung San Suu Kyi's significance for the Burmese, despite her controversial political career. Jack conveys a sense of hope, citing the resilience of the Myanmar people and their potential to rebuild the nation, even in the face of formidable challenges and traumas. (Release date: November 21)
Episode 204: Ashin Kovida, a prominent Burmese monk, exposes the military's claims as "guardians of religion, democracy, and the country." Raised in a traditional village, his journey was one of political transformation: initially skeptical of democracy, he now emphasizes the importance of governance aligned with the will of the people, which he sees as being in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha. Forced into exile due to his activism, Kovida criticizes monks who align with the regime while also blaming Western media for promoting extremist Burmese Buddhist figures. He advocates for monks to adapt, emphasizing the relevance of critical thinking and contemporary knowledge. To Ashin Kovida, Buddhism doesn't need the kind of state protection that the military insists on, but instead argues that Burmese monks today need to communicate the Buddha's teachings so that they remain relevant to the realities of the modern world. (Release date: November 28)