“The battle for democracy is not fought on the battlefield alone, nor in the hearts of the people. Democracy can only be won and maintained when people are aware of what is happening around them. It is only now, in the midst of our nation’s worst civil conflict that many of our people finally realize the truth of the military’s generations of crimes. Impetus for change has been limited in the past because access to reliable and critical information was limited. While Myanmar media and journalists are being suppressed and persecuted, Insight Myanmar has played a crucial role in spreading awareness and bringing advocacy to the Myanmar crisis. Their coverage has changed the way many people understand the ongoing conflict, and has helped to mobilize support from people who otherwise would not have known or understood the dire state our country is in.”

“Insight Myanmar Podcast has been a powerful supporter of the Myanmar people’s democracy movement, providing encouragement, valuable and reliable information, organizing donors and donations for support of the needy, and gathering more and more good people to achieve the noble goal of peace in Myanmar.”

“The Insight Myanmar Podcast is a phenomenal public resource for anyone interested in the history of Buddhism in Burma/Myanmar and the ways in which traditional Burmese practices have developed into contemporary times. I have been following the podcast since its inception and have been amazed at the depth and variety of its content. I cannot overstate the value of this work and the importance of such projects for the people of Burma/Myanmar and those who are invested in helping them seek solutions to their current political situation. At the most basic level, these programs educate and raise awareness. But they do much more than that. They give voice to people in dire circumstances, they provide humanitarian assistance to a variety of communities under the threat of various forms of marginalization and violence, and they actively organize responses in real time to urgent needs of people in distress.”

“I wrote my master’s thesis on the Pro-Democracy Movement in Myanmar. The central tenet of democracy is the will of the people. Therefore, it has always been of utmost importance to educate the citizens about democracy and its institutions, as well as processes. With the Insight Myanmar Podcast, guests from various backgrounds are called for deep discussions about their activism, beliefs, and their efforts in the fight against the coup. Each episode gives a unique insight into the perspective of different people, and the struggle that each community and group faces. By exploring what they believe democracy to be, and how they fight against the military junta, the podcast presents a holistic view of democracy and activism of the people of Myanmar. This is vital in informing the listeners about how Burmese understand democracy, and fight for it. Because a successful future depends on the consensus of the people about the system that should be established, and this can only be reached when information about different views is known to all. When I was writing my thesis, I found this podcast to be essential in obtaining the information, and advocating for democracy in the country.”

“What I like about the podcast is that it’s long-form discussions. A lot of Myanmar content is either short-form news reports or long written reports. Your podcast is different in that it combines long discussions with an informal tone. I think that is precious at this time.”

“What I appreciate in what you are doing is that you beaming the voice of the people —the resistance— to the world. You give us a rare window in a struggle no one else is paying attention to. You are a dynamic example of the power of sustained creative activism that I pray inspires every Buddhist, every meditator, every mindfulness practitioner, and every lover of freedom and democracy worldwide.”

“The podcast is doing a great job in helping the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar by raising the international awareness of the current situations. It introduces Myanmar to the international audience at a human level, it connects to the people and make the exposure personal. Not only with the international audience, these ideas are healing and connective for Myanmar audience as well who are suffering from a national trauma.”

“Insight Myanmar offers a unique platform for understanding Myanmar/Burma through long-format programs that allow time to unravel the historical framework of the country’s political and human rights movement in a context that leads to sharper analysis. The host’s deep knowledge of Burma and her people, culture and potential, results in truly meaningful discussions and calls for action.”

“This podcast leads to more awareness. Our people need to better understand how brutal and inhumane the military is, as well as to hear more true stories and facts about our country, and also learn what is the real meaning of federal democracy.”

“The democracy movement in Myanmar is integral to global democracy. One of the most important tools of democracy is accessible communication. Having Western programming helps unite the Burmese diasporic community, which will in turn strengthen the revolution for democracy in Myanmar.”

“I am a foreigner living in Myanmar countryside. I was not very interested in meditation since it used to seem to me that meditators and other people learning spiritual practices from the East are too much into their own well-being and do not really care about what is going on in the world and do not spend time to actually help the people. My view changed since I started to listen to your podcast, and especially since the coup happened, your podcast is one of the things that truly helps me stay sane here, and I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for your work.”

“Since citizens from all walks of life discuss their views, it is essential to listen to these episodes, as it gives a unique insight into the Burmese people’s view.”

“To offer the ability to hear Burmese voices in this time is invaluable. The ability to be able to interview and explore events and realities from the perspectives of those who are there in this moment would allow the movement the grow so much stronger, giving a voice and platform to those who may not have one out of fear of violence.”

“The podcast with Bhikku Bodhi gave me so much perspective, not only on how to consider the situation in Myanmar, but also how to consider violence, protest, and resistance in a broader Dhammic context that I feel I can carry with me for the rest of my life. It means a great deal.”

“Always a deep conversation from a truly profound interviewer about a country, a people and a story that not enough of the world cares to think or know about.”

“I’ve really been appreciating your podcast lately. Such powerful, necessary work you are doing. Your interview with Clyde Ford was particularly poignant, amongst so much else that has inspired me to continue educating myself on what is happening in Myanmar. Thank you. Really.”

“Each show seems to bring new perspectives and deep dives into some of the most complex issues related to Burma/Myanmar. The show brings the host’s love and curiosity about the country front and center, without hiding the tragedy imbedded in Myanmars history and present.”

“I admire so many things about your podcast. Starting from your genuine care towards the people of Myanmar, your bravery showing your own feelings and vulnerability during the episodes, to the fact that you are so open minded as to include Burmese punk rock songs into your soundtrack. I love it all so much and I feel not alone when I am listening to you guys.”

“I’ve been listening for a while and I’ve been able to drop a lot of misconceptions about other [meditation] traditions from what I’ve heard. I’m a Goenkaji student, and me and one of my closest Dhamma friends trade messages when your new episodes come out interviewing meditators. I really like how the feel is more like conversations and that you are willing to share your point of view.”

“I think the most important thing during the revolution for an information outlet is credibility. Here, we can trust Insight Myanmar on virtue of their impartiality and willingness. The timely arrival of clear messages during the podcast is a beacon of hope for those who thirst to know more of Myanmar and their people.”

“Myanmar has held a deep place in my heart for many, many years, and yet, I had lost a connection with what was occurring in the country. After the coup, I was searching for more information, which is often difficult to find due to very low coverage of events in Myanmar by mainstream press. When one is able to find a story that makes headlines, it is often impersonal, focusing on political details, missing the human reality on the ground. Each of your podcast episodes are filled with very human-based discussions on the experience of those living through this tragic time. Listening to these stories has both educated me and provided me with realities that are hard to find elsewhere. It has encouraged me to keep up with the events day-by-day, to reach out to other friends and meditators who have expressed concern, and to consider how I can better support this challenging time for so many.”

“It is indeed very important for these conversations and ideas to be reaching the people and the leadership so that they understand the situation fully and are motivated to continue the resistance.”

“At first this was going to be about my story and how relatable your podcasts are and how thankful I am for your works. I discovered your channel in first week of February where I was seriously looking for international attention on Myanmar and I randomly found your channel. I am a medical doctor who had to flee the country after the unfortunate circumstances of my closest friends. I used to work as a humanitarian medical doctor in Kachin State before and some months after the coup.I am a big fan of underground bands and a big supporter of similar indie artists as Paing, your recent guest. Meditation helped me survive in my most difficult times after the coup.”

“What a thought-provoking interview with Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi. I also commend the host for keeping the questions based on Burmese citizens’ real need for answers and not simply an intellectual exercise.”

“As its name indicates, insights on deeper knowledge about Myanmar can help both the international community’s and domestic society’s understanding of our country’s potential and determination of peaceful democracy.”

“I hear from people in Myanmar who act from a pure mind and these are the people I am interested in listening to as their actions teach me and they are very effective in helping people. These people, whilst not in anyway shape or form condoning the military actions, have a refuge within themselves and can face what comes to them fearlessly.”

“I love listening to historical facts related with meditation traditions! As a Burmese, I also appreciate that you are highlighting current situation of Myanmar.”

“The community of podcast guests, well, each offers a unique perspective, and that encourages listeners to become more involved, whether through funding or personally spreading the news about Myanmar.”

“Actually, the more I listen to the podcast, the more it makes me want to learn about Myanmar’s situation, geopolitics, and Buddhist traditions.”

“Like many with some knowledge of Myanmar, hearing the many speakers on the podcast reminds me that there’s so much more to know about Myanmar!”