“How Did You Get Here?” is a series focused on intergenerational conversations within Korean Studies. Dr. Rory Walsh, NCKS Lecturer and Research Fellow, interviews Korean Studies experts with the assistance of select Nam Center Undergraduate Fellows. These discussions focus on the diverse paths that one can take into research and/or academic positions in Korean Studies.
Power and Resistance | Dr. Jamie Doucette
Bringing a background in activism to the study of democratization and economics, Dr. Jamie Doucette provides food for thought on modernity, American politics, academic labor rights, and structures of power in general. Nam Center Undergraduate Fellow Leah Phillips joins to reflect on how high-level systems affect our everyday lives.
When Life Gives You Citrus | Dr. June Hee Kwon
Dr. June Hee Kwon shares her insightful wisdom on the discipline of anthropology, the human relationship with trees, Jeju Island's place within Koreanness, and the concept of Koreanness itself. Nam Center Undergraduate Research Fellow Sydney Jones joins the podcast for this thoughtful and broad-ranging conversation.
Choosing Your Path | Dr. Texu Kim and Maestro Earl Lee
Join this insightful conversation with two old friends, Dr. Texu Kim, Associate Professor of Music Composition and Theory at San Diego State University, and Maestro Earl Lee, Music Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Along with guest host Dr. Matthew Thompson, we discuss unforeseen career pivots, balancing professional and family life, and the reasons we make and perform music.
Local and Global | Dr. Stephan Haggard
We talk with Dr. Stephan Haggard, Research Professor at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, about seeing Korea for the first time as a member of the U.S. military, how to do ground-breaking research on political economies, and the role of mentorship in supporting the growth of an academic discipline. Joining us as guest host is Jane Lee, doctoral student in Asian Languages and Cultures at U-M, and a former student of Dr. Haggard's at UCSD.
Going Viral | Dr. Matthew Thompson
We discuss music, language, mentorship, and getting a million views on YouTube with Dr. Matthew Thompson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theater, and Dance. Joining as guest host is fellow viral sensation Jack Morin, recent SMTD graduate.
Dr. Juhn Ahn
Join us for a profound discussion of life, freedom, and happiness Dr. Juhn Ahn, Associate Professor of Buddhist and Korean Studies at the University of Michigan. From rebellious high schooler to Buddhist monk to beloved professor, Dr. Ahn shares insights from his life, lessons he's learned about how to be the person you want to be in the world, and how happiness is achievable no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
