December Podcast Schedule
Take a look at the upcoming December lineup of guests coming your way as part of Insight Myanmar Podcast! From an African American diplomat in 1950s Rangoon who is charged with teaching meditation at Howard University by one of the eminent Burmese masters, to a Japanese nun who leaves Burma in the face of growing anti-Muslim sentiment and gender inequality with the Sangha; and from an author who chronicled the grassroots democracy movement through the 2010s, to a policy analyst who asserts that the Burmese military is on its last legs— and a panel thrown in to boot— we have a robust schedule in this last month of the year for you.
Emergency Episode: Matthew Arnold, an academic and independent policy analyst specializing in Myanmar, highlights the critical juncture in the country's history, emphasizing Operation 1027 as a strategic move by Ethnic Armed Organizations, noting the junta's inability to recover. Arnold predicts the pro-democracy movement's ascendancy within the next 3 to 6 months, following a complete and total military collapse, and envisioning a post-conflict peace characterized by social goodwill and solidarity among the Myanmar people. He calls for international support and sees Operation 1027 as a ray of hope in the face of the genocidal junta.
Episode 205: In a compelling exploration of representation and diversity in meditation traditions, Aishah Shahidah Simmons reveals the inspiring story of Dr. Leon Wright, an African-American professor and US Cultural Attaché in Rangoon from 1955-57. Authorized to teach meditation by Sayagyi U Ba Khin, Wright's journey from orphanhood to becoming a distinguished diplomat challenges racial prejudice, pre-dating the Civil Rights movement. Aishah's personal quest to uncover and share Wright's hidden legacy becomes a spiritual experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of their paths in the world of meditation and healing.
Episode 206: In 'The Rebel of Rangoon,' Delphine Schrank unveils the untold stories of Nway and Nigel, central figures in Myanmar's pro-democracy movement, shedding light on their sacrifices and the complex interplay of Buddhism and activism while delving deeper into the grassroots community. Schrank dispels myths about Burmese Buddhism's passivity and explores the evolving nature of resistance, from nonviolent methods to the consideration of armed struggle in the face of unrelenting military brutality, with her utlimately expressing faith in the enduring commitment of Myanmar's activists, despite the challenges they face on their journey toward democracy.
Episode 207: Nobuko Nakano's journey from seeking solace in psychedelics and a tumultuous past to ordaining as a Buddhist nun in Myanmar is a tale of profound transformation. Faced with challenges in the monastic life, including gender disparities and the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment, she eventually returns to lay life in Melbourne, contemplating a renewed commitment to being a wholesome, dhammic person in society.
Episode 208: Our third panel explored the perplexing global silence surrounding Myanmar's ongoing struggle for democracy amidst brutal military oppression, with five distinguished guests exploring the reasons behind the lack of international attention and support for the Burmese people's resistance against a Russia-backed military regime. Guests include Michael Haack, Philipp Annawitt, Nandar Min Swe, Igor Blaževič, and Thiri.