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Episode #328: In the aftermath of Myanmarâs devastating earthquake, Htuu Lou Rae paints a grim picture of systemic neglect and discrimination faced by the countryâs Muslim community. The disaster struck during âEid al-Fitr, the holiest day of Ramadan, when mosques were packed with worshipers. Tragically, many of these mosquesâcenturies oldâcollapsed due to decades of state-imposed bans on their repair. Rae highlights how successive regimes denied routine maintenance of these religious sites, effectively turning them into death traps.
Beyond the earthquakeâs physical toll, Htuu Lou Rae describes a deeper, ongoing crisis: institutional and social discrimination that continued through the rescue phase. He reports that junta-led efforts largely ignored Muslim victims, and even civil society-led aid responses may be compromised by lingering anti-Muslim sentiment. Online abuse and discriminatory denial of housing further underscore the communityâs marginalization.
Htuu Lou Rae also warns against the junta's cynical manipulation of Muslim suffering to attract international aidâparticularly from Muslim-majority countries like Pakistanâwhile hoarding resources for its own benefit. He advocates bypassing both the junta and the National Unity Government (NUG), calling instead for aid to flow through trusted organizations like USAID and Muslim-led civil society groups. Despite the bleakness,
Yet Htuu Lou Rae sees a silver lining amid all the challenges. He has observed growing public solidarity across ethnic and religious lines, and envisions a coordinated, independent relief mechanism to address the crisis effectively. âDoesnât that make more sense and isnât [it] also going to, at the same time, help the country recover from this multi-layered humanitarian crisis?â
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Episode #327: In the wake of Myanmarâs devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake, Meredith Bunn, founder of Skills for Humanity (SFH), describes a catastrophic humanitarian crisis compounded by years of civil war. Entire towns lie in ruins, clean water is scarce, medical facilities are overwhelmed, and childrenâmany already malnourishedâare now orphaned or trapped in rubble. âWe get calls consistently throughout the day⊠in some cases, we have found their bodies,â Bunn says. âThere is just a lot of people who are missing but still lying next to a dead body.â
Aid workers face severe risks: military assaults, detentions, and a lack of coordination that leaves families in limbo. The junta, Bunn warns, is exploiting the disaster for propaganda and military advantage, even bombing earthquake-struck areas. International aid routed through the junta, she cautions, will only further empower this regime. âWeâre talking to a war criminal,â she says.
Bunn urges international agencies to support community-based groups and ethnic networks that can reach affected populations. She calls for both funding and specific supplies like water filters, medical kits, and food. While many want to help on the ground, she advises supporting remotely due to security risks. Governments and global bodies must avoid legitimizing the junta and instead engage with local civil society. Amid overwhelming tragedy, she and her teams persistâsaving lives one mission at a time.
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Episode #326: âEvery country could face disaster, but every country also has plans to respond to those kind of like devastating events. But our country is not like others! We don't have the manpower, we don't have the techniques, we don't have the preparation and equipment. So usually, what we most rely on is volunteers and the unity of the whole country,â says Kyaw Kyaw. âBut now this time, it is not happening, since all the volunteers and the technicians and the experts, they are in prison or in the other countries.â
Kyaw Kyaw, a former military doctor and CDM defector, gives a chilling account of the destruction following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar. He estimates over 10,000 people may be dead in cities like Mandalay and Sagaing aloneâfar exceeding the juntaâs official figure of 1,700. Entire cities have been leveled, with survivors trapped under rubble for days. Many die slowly, their cries fading as rescue efforts falter due to a lack of proper tools, training, and manpower.
With bodies decomposing under debris and in the streets, the cities themselves are becoming public health hazards. People are forced to live near the dead, and calls have shifted from rescuing the living to simply removing corpses. Yet the junta continues to block aid convoys, enforce curfews, and restrict information flow. Foreign journalists are barred from entering. International rescue teams were diverted to Naypyidaw, where military facilities were quickly cleaned and repairedâwhile areas most in need remain sealed off.
Even as resistance groups offered a ceasefire and assistance, the military refused cooperation. Worse, it has reportedly continued airstrikes in earthquake-affected zones and even conscripted young people in the midst of the disaster.
Kyaw Kyaw emphasizes that local volunteers are doing what they can, but without equipment or freedom to act, their impact is limited. He appeals for international help, but warns donors to be careful. Aid must go directly to those working on the groundânot through junta channels.
Donate today to provide urgent relief for earthquake victims!
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Episode #325: âIt's going to take days, if not weeks, to really get a full picture on how devastating this initial earthquake was, let alone these aftershocks that were expected.â
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by a major aftershock, struck central Myanmar, leaving behind widespread devastation. Entire regions, particularly along the Yangon-Mandalay corridor, were heavily damaged.
Michael Martin, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explains how Myanmarâs political fragmentation severely complicates aid delivery. The country is divided between the military junta (SAC), ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and Peopleâs Defense Forces (PDFs), making coordinated relief efforts nearly impossible. Civil society organizations are trying to respond but face communication barriers and limited support from international actors.
Martin critiques the role of the SAC, which has historically weaponized aid, prioritizing its own interests and obstructing relief to opposition areas. EAOs have demonstrated more effective local distribution through long-standing networks, but international agencies are often reluctant to work outside official channels. The National Unity Government (NUG) lacks the capacity and recognition to serve as a central coordinator.
Martin warns that despite early pledges from regional powers, international interest may wane. He stresses the urgent need for recovery-focused aid before monsoon season worsens conditions. Ultimately, he expresses cautious hope in the resilience of the Burmese people, who have long endured hardship with determination and strength.
âNow you're seeing people all over the country, not only taking up arms to get rid of the military, but also gathering and saying, âOkay, now that we got them out of here, how do we want to be governed in our town, in our township, in our ethnic state, in our region, however It may be.â I suspect that if the international community doesn't fully pull the weight that it probably should, that the people in the country will find a way of getting by, because that's what they've done for decades. They get by in their terrible circumstances.â
Please consider a donation today to our earthquake relief fund!
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Episode #324: In a deeply moving interview, Thiri discusses the devastating aftermath of the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake, set against the backdrop of ongoing political turmoil. With communication lines down and infrastructure destroyed, even basic information about the crisis has been difficult to obtainâmaking reporting and relief coordination nearly impossible.
Since the 2021 coup, the military junta has systematically dismantled media freedom and community support networks. Journalists are in exile or hiding, and many volunteers face arrest simply for helping. Despite this, grassroots rescue efforts have been heroic, with civilians digging survivors out by hand. The military, meanwhile, underreports casualties and stages propaganda photo ops, creating a false image of control and care.
Thiri warns that the juntaâs sudden welcome of international aid is a calculated attempt to mask the true scale of devastation, seek legitimacy, and potentially repurpose aid for military use. She urges donors to apply âconflict sensitivityââa deep understanding of Myanmarâs political contextâand work directly with trusted local organizations rather than the junta.
The emotional toll is immense: families separated, loved ones missing, and grief compounded by misinformation and fear. Amid continued military airstrikes, Thiri says the suffering is not just from the quake, but from the coup itself.
She calls on the international community to act responsibly: support grassroots Burmese networks, avoid legitimizing the regime, and understand that for Myanmar, even basic humanitarian aid has become a political battleground. âWe just want to live in peace,â she says. âBut even that feels like too much right now.â
Please consider a donation today to our earthquake relief fund!
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Episode #323: âQuite frankly, and I might catch flak for this, but I'll say it: there is a special place in hell for those who seek to exploit or weaponize this aid, or block this aid for political purposes from getting to those affected communities.â
Jack Myint delivers a powerful and urgent appeal following the catastrophic, March 28th, 7.7-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar that devastated Mandalay and nearby regions, leaving hospitals, monasteries, universities, and homes in ruins. He describes how the initial rescue efforts came from ordinary citizens using basic tools to save lives. But he notes that, while heroic, such actions are not enough in the face of such widespread devastation. He also mourns the destruction of Mandalayâs historic and religious landmarks, calling the national trauma incalculable.
In the context of Myanmarâs ongoing political crisis since the 2021 coup, Jack pleads for international aid that bypasses politics and directly supports affected communities. He outlines three paths for U.S. involvement: direct emergency assistance via USAID, cooperation with regional allies like India and Singapore, and support through international bodies such as the UN and ASEAN. He insists that these options are not mutually exclusive and must be pursued with urgency.
He closes by urging support for Better Burmaâs grassroots fundraising and immediate international action, emphasizing that lives hang in the balance. âThe people simply don't have time to wait through political deliberations,â he says, calling for direct support to those already saving lives on the ground.
Please consider a donation today to our earthquake relief fund!
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Episode #322: Hector and Dr. Paingâs story is a testament to determination in the face of overwhelming challenges. Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, they left their medical careers to provide care in conflict-ridden Karenni State. Initially strangers to the region, they overcame deep mistrust from the Karenni community, who equated their Bamar origins with oppression. By establishing clinics and proving their commitment, they slowly earned the enduring trust of the Karenni people.
Their work is fraught with dangers, from bombings that destroyed their first hospital to relentless drone surveillance. Relocating to the jungle, they constructed a makeshift hospital, gradually upgrading its facilities despite limited resources. Secrecy is vital to protect patients and staff from military airstrikes. Supplies often need to be sourced through unreliable channels, while electricity and water remain scarce. Internet access only became feasible in 2023 with the arrival of Starlink.
Their mission exposes them to the horrors of war: landmines, airstrikes, and suicide drones inflict devastating injuries, leaving physical and emotional scars. Both staff and civilians grappled with PTSD and depression, yet they find hope through communal resilience and shared moments of joy in improvised celebrations.
Despite limited funding and volunteer burnout, Hector and Dr. Paing continue, driven by the belief that health is a universal right. They have become builders, fundraisers, and documentarians, collecting data to ensure future accountability and systemic improvements. Their transformation over three years reflects their deep commitment to a better future for Myanmar.
As Dr. Paing states, âPlease, donât be trapped under the policy. Do what you can do urgently and immediately. Health is the human family, and health is peace.â Their story stands as a call to action and a symbol of unwavering dedication to humanity amid conflict.
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Episode #321: Growing up in Indonesia, Evy Zulyani found her passion for social justice early on, using her skills as a high school journalist to expose corruption. This experience gave her a first taste of how activism could transform society, even on a small scale. She found inspiration in community involvement, particularly through her work providing non-formal education to poor children, solidifying her belief in collective action and grassroots change.
After college, Evy joined an NGO supporting migrant workers, where she witnessed the deep systemic injustices faced by Indonesian women returning from working abroad. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Evy transitioned to digital activism, joining the Milk Tea Allianceâa transnational solidarity movement uniting activists across Asia. Myanmar's 2021 coup became a focal point of her activism, inspiring solidarity actions, including protests in front of the ASEAN Secretariat.
Evy's approach to activism embraces creativity and resilience. She organized unique protests in Jakarta like âBike for Myanmarâ and collaborated with artists and musicians, using art to express resistance to the Burmese regime. Despite facing burnout and exhaustion, Evy relied on her community for strength, emphasizing that activism could not be done alone. She also co-created 'The Dictator's Playbook,' a zine that educated activists on state repression tactics and strategies to counter them.
Above all, love is a central tenant to Evy's activism. She sees love as a radical, transformative actâessential in sustaining hope, protecting one another, and turning pain into power. âLove transforms the darkness,â she says. âI think love can radicalize you. If you go with the path of love, I think the power of love is limitless. So don't forget to love yourself and love others. Just spread love.â
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Episode #320: Don Tajaroensuk's story is one deeply influenced by the experiences of refugees and the human rights work led by his mother. As a child growing up in Thailand, Donâs home became a temporary refuge for people political turmoil, on their way to resettlement. Initially, Don didnât understand the gravity of their circumstances. To him, they were simply house guests; it wasnât until he was older that he realized they were refugees, displaced by the instability in their homelands.
This early exposure shaped his worldview and eventual activism. Donâs mother, Chalida, is a prominent figure in the human rights and democracy movements, working across Southeast Asia on issues related to migration and political activism. She would often be away for months at a time, engaged in work that Don didnât fully comprehend as a child. It was only through the stories of her friends that Don pieced together her role in supporting democracy movements around the world.
Following in her footsteps, Don has committed himself to grassroots activism, focusing on the intersection of migration, human rights, and democracy. His work is informed by the intimate understanding of displacement he gained from a young age. Today, he continues to advocate for the rights of refugees, particularly those from Myanmar, and strives to educate Thai society on the urgent need to address these humanitarian crises.
âWhat we should understand is that [Burmese people] have supported Thai society a lot. I can say that with our Myanmar friends being here, Thai society can really develop at lighting speed!â he exclaims. âWhen I talk with them, actually, they really donât want to make any problem for Thailand. They don't want to disturb the country, they don't make any problem. They want to pay taxes! And they are already part of our society. If we have more respect towards them, then our country will be better.â
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Episode #319: Nyan Linn Htet, founder and managing editor of Mekong News, joins the podcast to discuss the complex dynamics that shape the media landscape, as well as the worsening conflict in eastern Shan State. Mekong News, established in 2019 in Tachileik, focuses on reporting under-covered issues, including drug smuggling, local ethnic groups, and powerful armed organizations active in the region.
The region Nyan Linn Htet reports on is located near the notorious Golden Triangle. It is rife with illegal drug trade, largely unregulated due to corruption and safety concerns. Authorities often ignore drug production and distribution, accepting bribes or fearing retaliation. This has allowed the trade of methamphetamine, heroin, and other drugs to thrive, fueling both economic dependence and local militias. Nyan Linn Htet notes how this complex web of interests among military factions, ethnic armed groups, and criminal enterprises affects the areaâs stability and the safety of journalists covering such sensitive topics. Since the coup, independent media like Mekong News has operated in exile, emphasizing the critical role of regional journalism in amplifying marginalized voices and documenting human rights abuses amid the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar.
The regionâs sociopolitical landscape is equally fragmented. Competing armed groups like the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) maintain uneasy relationships with Myanmarâs military while pursuing their own agendas, often prioritizing autonomy over broader democratic ideals. For instance, the UWSA is known to align with China, while the RCSS has connections to Thailand, complicating ceasefire agreements and political negotiations.
âEvery leader of the EAOs talk about federal democracy, but it may be their second political aim. To get their control of their area is the first political aim,â he says. âI don't mean they are not interested in federal democracy. Maybe federal democracy is their final aim.â
Note: This episode was recorded last year. Within the last month, we have become aware of concerning statements made by the guest on his social media feed regarding women, as well as allegations of sexual harassment. The content of this episode focuses solely on his perspectives as a journalist covering the regions around eastern Shan state. However, in the interest of transparency, we believe it is important for our audience to be aware of these developments before listening.
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For this Bonus Episode, we share a talk presented at Nowhere Books in Chiang Mai, which was hosted alongside Yucca, the Research Director at Exile Hub.
We are including the following description which was prepared by event organizers:
Buddhism and anarchism, though originating in distinct realmsâspiritual and politicalâshare key commonalities that make for a thought-provoking intersection. Both reject coercive authority and hierarchical structures, emphasizing individual responsibility and autonomy. Buddhism, particularly Zen, encourages personal liberation through inner peace, mindfulness, and detachment from desire, while anarchism advocates for a free, non-hierarchical society based on mutual aid and voluntary cooperation. Both traditions emphasize non-violence and compassion, valuing simplicity and interconnectedness within communities.
However, notable contradictions exist. Buddhismâs focus on spiritual detachment and acceptance of suffering contrasts with anarchismâs drive for political resistance and material change. While Buddhists aim to alleviate suffering through personal transformation and mindfulness, anarchists see suffering as rooted in unjust social systems that require active resistance. Additionally, the hierarchical nature of some Buddhist communities contrasts with anarchismâs emphasis on egalitarian, horizontal structures. Despite these differences, the overlapping values of personal freedom, non-violence, and community-based ethics make the relationship between Buddhism and anarchism a fascinating area of exploration.
The talk was presented at Nowhere Books, a âthird cultureâ Chinese language space whose cultural activities include lectures, publishing, curation, theme camps and other programs. It was part of a series called the Digital Humanities Un, an initiative sponsored by digi-cnx, a local Chiang Mai network committed to dialogue and research on how digital technologies are impacting both people and our planet. Many thanks to Dev Lewis for his role in helping to arrange the talk.
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Episode #318: Lynne Bousfield grew up in Australia, and led a fairly conventional life. But in 1975, when she was a student at the university, she received a postcard from her brother in Thailand. The picture of golden stupas stirred something stirred something deep within her.
After some adventures in Indonesia, Thailand, Laos and India, she still felt she had not found what she was seeking. But she had to replenish her coffers, and so went on to Iran to find work. While there, an expat she met told her about a meditation retreat in Bodghaya taught by someone named Munindra. That was it! Lynne dropped what she was doing and headed back to India. There, under Munindraâs guidance, she embarked on her first meditation retreat, a transformative experience that set her firmly on the path of Vipassana meditation. This practice, deeply rooted in the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition, became the cornerstone of her spiritual journey.
Lynneâs commitment to the practice grew stronger with time, leading her to spend extended periods in Burma, where she deepened her understanding under the tutelage of some of the most respected meditation masters. She also met many Western seekers like herself, who became well-known Dhamma teachers in their own right. Returning to Australia, Lynne helped establish a retreat center, where she has long been a teacher. She also went back to school to become a licensed therapist. Way ahead of her time, she began integrating mindfulness practice in her therapeutic work.
Today, Lynne sees a huge loss in the closing off of Burma and the violence and destruction there. She feels the world is losing access to the wellspring of authentic meditation teachers that had set her on her path. âI think meeting people like Mahasi Sayadaw, youâre in the presence of something that is very hard to describe. Thereâs some kind of recognition with it, but to try to describe it would make it sounds like nothing⊠but that was trustworthy and true.â
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Episode #317: Derek Mitchellâs engagement with Myanmar began unexpectedly in the 1990s when he attended a human rights event featuring Aung San Suu Kyi. Years later, he became the first U.S. Special Representative and later Ambassador to Myanmar, playing a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy toward the country.
Under the Obama administration, the U.S. reassessed its approach, transitioning from sanctions to diplomatic engagement. Mitchell was tasked with determining whether Myanmarâs new government, led by Thein Sein, was genuinely committed to reform. While political prisoners were released and civil society restrictions eased, skepticism remained, especially as the military, under Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, retained significant power.
Mitchell championed an action-for-action approach, incrementally easing sanctions in response to reforms. While some criticized this as premature, he defended engagement, arguing, âWe have to recognize that Myanmar is a country, not a cause.â He believed isolating Myanmar would only deepen military control while economic and political incentives could encourage democratic progress.
The 2015 elections marked a milestone as Aung San Suu Kyiâs National League for Democracy (NLD) won by a landslide. However, ethnic minorities remained wary, and military control persisted under the 2008 Constitution. Then the Rohingya crisis of 2017 shattered hopes of democratic transition, exposing the militaryâs unchecked power. âI realized that was a ticking time bomb, and that it could go off at any time,â Mitchell recalls.
The 2021 coup confirmed his fears, revealing how fragile Myanmarâs democratic reforms had been. Post-coup, Myanmar entered a period of profound instability, with mass resistance challenging military rule. Mitchell stresses that external pressure remains crucial, stating, âThere should be absolute, airtight pressure, not just from the United States, but from the frontline states to this regime, to say, âthis is unacceptable.ââ
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Episode #316: âHunger and undernutrition in Myanmar is a political failure, and itâs a conscious political failure that's devastating,â says Thin Lei Win, a journalist dedicated to exposing Myanmarâs struggles with food security and press freedom.
As a co-founder of Kite Tales, a non-profit storytelling project, she seeks to challenge mainstream narratives by amplifying personal stories that reflect Myanmarâs diverse realities. She says that before the 2021 coup, journalists were beginning to move beyond just reactions to events into more nuanced kinds of stories, but since the coup, press freedom has deteriorated, forcing many into exile or silence.
Thin also highlights the paradox of Myanmarâs food production: despite its fertile soil, ample water and warm climate, large numbers of Burmes suffer from malnutrition due to political neglect and systemic policies. The militaryâs Four Cuts strategy has worsened food insecurity, using starvation as a weapon to control vulnerable communities. She argues that this is not simply a result of poverty but a deliberate choice by those in power.
Beyond food and press freedom, Thin is deeply concerned about climate changeâs impact on Myanmar. Extreme weather disproportionately affects farmers, exacerbating existing inequalities. She advocates for sustainable farming and policy reforms to address these interconnected crises.
The post-coup resistance has led to a shift in Myanmarâs cultural and political consciousness. People are increasingly questioning traditional authorities, including the role of Buddhism in politics. Thin believes meaningful change will require difficult conversations and sustained activism. âIf given a chance to rebuild, I think we can build a Myanmar that is so much stronger, caring, truly caring, and a force for good,â she says.
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Episode #315: Responding to the question of why he left a comfortable life in Australia to join the resistance against the Burmese military in Karenni state, Jay says, âI would just say it's the crimes against the children. I have a child myself, and we're extremely lucky to be in a Western country where my child can grow up relatively safe. Seeing the reels and videos about children being murdered pulled on my heartstrings, big time. That was the driving factor of me wanting to do something.â
Inspired by a chance social media encounter highlighting atrocities committed by the military in Myanmar, Jay traveled to Karenni State to offer medical expertise he had learned during his stint in the Australian army. There, he found a region ravaged by violence largely overlooked by the international community, yet powered by an unyielding hope for freedom.
Jay offers a harrowing portrait of his time in Karenni: traversing the unforgiving terrain; working in under-resourced and makeshift medical outposts; stumbling across atrocities; and seeing displaced families struggling to survive. Jay worked alongside Karenni fighters, providing life-saving medical care in the face of overwhelming challenges, including a devastating mine explosion that killed several and left others critically injured.
His vivid accounts also stress the resilience and determination of the Karenni people. Whether describing children navigating life in refugee camps or the solemn unity of funeral ceremonies for fallen fighters, Jay paints a portrait of a community bound by courage and faith. Despite lacking funding or proper equipment, the Karenni fighters persist against the oppressive junta, motivated by a shared vision of liberation.
In reflecting on his experiences, Jay expresses a deep sense of gratitude for his own circumstances and a renewed commitment to using his privileges to help others. âThe Karenni people and the Burmese people are just strong,â he says. âThey donât get paid at all; theyâre only in it for freedom. A lot of them have had families killed at the hands of Burmese soldiers, but their community takes care of them. This sense of unity is huge. You can just see it in their way of life.â
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Episode #314: Celito Arlegue, the Executive Director of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), offers a reflective account of his organization's involvement with Myanmar. He discusses CALD's initial engagement with Myanmarâs National League for Democracy (NLD), providing training and support leading up to the 2015 elections, and recalls the optimism of that period, with many NLD members showing remarkable resilience despite years of imprisonment and torture. These experiences were life-changing for Arlegue, who was struck by the leaders' focus on national reconciliation and democratic progress instead of any justifiable animosity toward the military.
However, Arlegue also admits that CALD was unprepared for the challenges the NLD would face in governance, particularly during the Rohingya crisis. The complexities of this crisis strained relations between CALD and the NLD, as the organization struggled to balance its support for democracy with the need to address human rights violations. Arlegue expresses regret that CALD did not do more during this period, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating such a delicate situation.
In the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, CALDâs connections with Myanmarâs democratic forces have become increasingly difficult to maintain, as many leaders are now in exile or imprisoned. Arlegue underscores the importance of international recognition for the National Unity Government (NUG) and calls for greater support for Myanmar's resistance forces, including military aid. Despite the challenges, Arlegue remains hopeful, recognizing the extraordinary courage and determination of the Myanmar people in their fight for democracy and human rights.
âI have to say that I'm really surprised that ASEAN is not recognizing this as a regional security issue,â he says. âThe mere fact that it's happening within our borders, and as ASEAN, we could not do anything about it! It really baffles me why ASEAN is not doing enough on this particular issue.â Arlegue further calls on ASEAN to recognize the NUG and CRPH as âthe legitimate voices of the Myanmar people.â
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Episode #313: This second interview with Friedgard Lottermoser, recorded in 2023 before her she passed away on August 8th, 2024, delves deeper into her remarkable journey from wartime Berlin to Burma, where her life was inexorably shaped by her 1959 Vipassana course under Sayagyi U Ba Khin. She agreed to share her story only posthumously, due to concerns that the Goenka Vipassana Organization might block her acceptance to long-courses.
This chapter of Friedgardâs story unfolds during her formative years in Burma, where she encountered the transformative teachings of U Ba Khin, a pioneering Burmese meditation teacher who emphasized Vipassana as a means of liberation. Through her reflections, she recounts profound spiritual breakthroughs, including instructions reserved only for advanced practitioners, which allowed her to experience deeper stages of meditation and the impermanence of existence.
U Ba Khinâs mentorship shines as a cornerstone of her journey. His ability to guide students through advanced meditative states, such as the âbhaáč ga,â is paired with his emphasis on self-discipline and spiritual resilience. Friedgardâs narrative also highlights her connection with Mother Sayama, whose rapid spiritual evolution and steadfast dedication exemplified the transformative potential of Vipassana. Meanwhile, the influence of Webu Sayadaw, who inspired U Ba Khin to teach widely, contextualizes the broader spiritual lineage in which these practices are rooted.
Friedgard also reflects on the role of S.N. Goenka, one of U Ba Khinâs most prominent disciples. As Goenka transitioned from student to global teacher, his journey paralleled the spread of Burmese Vipassana worldwide, underscoring the universal applicability of these teachings.
âWhen Goenka was successful in India, U Ba Khin has said, âOh, I will go to India!â That was shortly before his death. If he didn't die, he would probably try and get to India,â she says. âHe thought he should be very encouraging of Goenka, so he used to say, âYou are not doing this on your own. I'm behind you. You are doing it on my behalf. Don't worry, you will be successful.ââ
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Episode #312: August grew up in a loving household in Taunggyi, albeit one steeped in conservative values and connected to the military. But as he matured, his worldview began to diverge from his familyâs, especially after he attended a pre-collegiate program where he heard firsthand stories of the military's brutality against ethnic minorities. These accounts shattered the narrative he had grown up with, creating a rift between him and his family, particularly his grandfather, who had once been involved in suppressing protests.
August also faced challenges regarding his sexuality. Coming out as gay deepened the distance between him and his family, though his mother eventually showed signs of acceptance. This tension came to a head during the February 2021 military coup. Augustâs mother downplayed the coup, urging patience, but August felt an urgency to act. He joined student protests, which led to his expulsion from school, and ultimately, to his leaving home.
The risks of staying in Myanmar grew, with threats from the military and sexual harassment from a civil society supervisor forcing August to flee to Thailand in November, 2022. In Chiang Mai, he found a supportive community of like-minded exiles. He organizes protests, used art as a form of activism, and remains committed to the resistance. Despite the struggles, Augustâs story is one of resilience, community, and an unyielding hope for a free Myanmar.
Reflecting on his journey and the state of the resistance, August says, âWe take some time to take a rest, to take a break, and we regenerate, re-energize, and come back to support again and again. You get burned out because you are putting a lot of yourself out. It's like a vicious cycle [for us].â However, he is still filled with optimism that they will eventually preserve. âWhat I am proud the most is because of our work, we could wake the emotions so that we can be part of the revolution again.â
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Episode #311: Paul Salopekâs Out of Eden Walk is an extraordinary journey that retraces the migration paths of early Homo sapiens while examining the intersections of history, culture, and modernity. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Salopek embarked on this transcontinental project in 2013 traveling by foot, starting from Africaâs Rift Valley; it will end in Tierra del Fuego. As he walks, experiences humanityâs age-old urge to move, he collects stories and makes connections with the landscapes and people he encounters, finding humanityâs shared struggles and triumphs.
In early 2020, Salopek waked into Myanmar, where he experienced the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup that followed. Stranded in a rural village, he documented the skillful ways that local farmers adapted to isolation and scarcity; he immersed himself in their routines. Later, quarantined in a hotel in Yangon during the coupâs early days, he observed the cityâs descent into chaos. He prepared for uncertainty by storing water and food.
Salopek witnessed the courageous resistance of Myanmarâs youth, who improvised weapons in their fight against the heavily armed junta, wielding trash-can lids as shields and crafting makeshift bows and arrows. Despite their bravery, the brutal crackdown highlighted the tragic power imbalance between civilians and the regime. These experiences left Salopek reflecting on the systemic media neglect of crises like Myanmarâs, which he compared to underreported conflicts in Africa. He argued that a lack of strategic resources and geopolitical significance often relegates such struggles to global obscurity.
Amid this neglect, Salopek praised the resilience of Myanmarâs people, who, despite immense challenges, continued to resist and document their plight. âKeep Myanmar in your heart,â he urged, emphasizing the importance of sustained attention and solidarity for those enduring these crises.
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In this bonus episode, we are sharing four interviews conducted by the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB).
First, Isabel Todd, the coordinator at the Special Advisory Council for Myanmarâ (SAC-M), discusses international advocacy on Myanmar. The SAC-M was founded by three international experts on Myanmar following the 2021 military coup.
Next, a new cyber safety campaign called Stop Online Harm was launched last year in Myanmar. Its program lead, Hetty, shares how its resources and technology tools help build capacity and raise awareness, as well as develop strategies for change from global technology companies and governments.
Third, Ashley South, the author of âConflict, Complexity and Climate Change,â talks about the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-22. He introduces the Kawthoolei Climate Action Plan, which was presented by two Karen leaders at COP29 and will be officially announced sometime this year.
Last, Noor Azizah, the co-founder of the Rohingya Maiyafuinor Collaborative Network, shares about the launch of the Rohingya women and refugee-led organization. Their team now works on human rights and education with refugee and diaspora communities, focusing on women, peace and security. One year after the launch of RMCN, her team has visited Rohingya women and children to provide support in Indonesia and Malaysia.
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