January Podcast Schedule
As we welcome in 2024, let us hope that this may finally be the year when the Burmese people are free from the decades of military tyranny and oppression.
Here at Insight Myanmar, we have a stellar January podcast schedule ahead to inform, engage, and update you with voices from a variety of angles and perspectives; subscribe if you have not already done so! If you like personal stories, you will be intrigued by the college basketball player who sought Buddhist meditation in Yangon after blowing out his ACL, the Bamar activist who defied her military family to encourage defections, and Sean Turnell’s harrowing account of his nearly two-year imprisonment. If you’re hoping to better understand current events regarding Myanmar, listen to the discussion about a recent paper analyzing how geography is impacting the conflict, or the analysis about how US sanctions on MOGE have fallen short, or how the determination of genocide was made in the case of the Rohingya. There are also stories that explore how Australian immigration law is negatively impacting Burmese refugees, and how activists are building solidarity globally across conflict zones. Here’s our January lineup:
Episode 209: The child of a military family, Susan Zaw's initial skepticism towards the National League for Democracy transformed into unwavering support for the democracy movement after witnessing the brutal violence unleashed by the military after the coup. She now passionately fundraises for pro-democracy groups and works to unite defectors and their families in the fight for justice. (January 2)
Emergency Edition: Michael Haack sheds light on the ineffectiveness of US sanctions against Myanmar's military regime. He describes how they have been adversely shaped by competing factors such as effective corporate lobbying, reductionist narratives, and US diplomatic priorities. (January 5)
Episode 210: Andrea Gittleman is the policy director at the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Their work has been instrumental in raising international awareness about the Rohingya crisis, culminating in U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's formal acknowledgment of genocide after visiting the center's powerful Rohingya exhibit. Their goal is to “keep a focus on the plight of people at risk of atrocities across Burma” since the coup], and to make sure that US policymakers take this seriously. (January 9)
Episode 211: Enze Han's groundbreaking study on conflict in Myanmar builds on more general research about how elevation and forest coverage typically influence conflict patterns. His work, utilizing satellite data and GIS mapping, provides crucial insights into the ongoing struggles of communities in Myanmar's challenging geographical landscapes. (January 12)
Episode 212: Sean Turnell's remarkable journey in Myanmar, spanning three decades, reflects a life deeply entwined with the country's turbulent history. His involvement, from extensive research on Myanmar's economy to serving as an economic advisor in Aung San Suu Kyi's government, was marked by a variety of challenges, culminating in a 650-day imprisonment following the coup on trumped-up espionage charges. Despite facing extradition threats since being freed, Turnell remains an outspoken opponent of the junta's crimes and is now inclined towards activism and advocacy, drawing strength from the courage and compassion of the Burmese people. (January 16)
Episode 213: Isaac Evans-Frantz, co-founder of Action Corps, shares his organization's mission of global justice and solidarity, and its recent work in supporting persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Myanmar. He is joined by Jade, a Kachin-American activist. Together, they stress the importance of forging a collective identity among diaspora communities, addressing cultural identity challenges for the younger generation, and overcoming historical divisions to unite in advocacy effort. They emphasize the strength that solidarity can bring in the face of adversity. (January 19)
Episode 214: Whit Hornsberger's spiritual journey was surprisingly kickstarted by a basketball-career-ending ACL injury. Losing his ability to compete led to an overall loss of identity, and he turned to the writings of the Dalai Lama and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali for solace, sparking a profound transformation. Whit's approach to yoga and meditation blends mindfulness into daily life. He emphasizes equanimity with discomfort and highlights the commonality in spiritual . Whit passionately supports monasteries and humanitarian missions in Myanmar, emphasizing the importance of giving back and generosity. Moved by the way the Dhamma is disseminated across Myanmar, Whit similarly offers his worldwide courses on a purely donation-basis. (January 23)
Episode 215: Ko Ko Aung's inspiring journey reflects resilience and a deep sense of purpose amid Myanmar's turbulent political landscape. He left the family fish paste business to pursue academics in Australia, where he studied law, with an intention to ultimately contribute to Myanmar's democratic transition. Specializing in immigration law, he later found himself assisting the many Burmese asylum seekers in the wake of the 2021 coup, and advocating for their fair treatment within Australia's immigration system. Despite the challenges, Ko Ko Aung remains hopeful, emphasizing alternative visa options and the importance of educating both immigration officials and the Burmese community in Australia about the ongoing situation in Myanmar. (January 30)