• How Did You Get Here? | Power and Resistance with Dr. Jamie Doucette
    Dec 16 2025
    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.
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    34 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | When Life Gives You Citrus with Dr. June Hee Kwon
    Dec 15 2025
    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.
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    36 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Choosing Your Path with Dr. Texu Kim and Maestro Earl Lee
    Jun 27 2025
    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.
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    46 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Local and Global with Dr. Stephan Haggard
    Jun 26 2025
    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 UM, and a former student of Dr. Haggard's at UCSD.
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    34 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Going Viral with Dr. Matthew Thompson
    Jun 25 2025
    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.
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    34 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Juhn Ahn
    Mar 19 2025
    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.
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    32 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Christine Hong
    Dec 5 2023
    Join this master class in imperialism with Dr. Christine Hong, Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies and Literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a dedicated activist scholar. Dr. Hong explains how visiting South Korea ignited her interest in US imperialism, and helps us understand the structures of power that ultimately work to interpret reality in ways that reinforce the status quo. For more detail, please check out the Ending the Korean War Teaching Initiative!
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    49 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Chuyun Oh
    Nov 14 2023
    Join our lively chat with Dr. Chuyun Oh, Associate Professor of Dance Theory/Practice at San Diego State University, and CEO of Oniz Lab, a program offering certification for K-Pop creators. We delve into the problematic distinctions between high art and pop culture, the importance of preserving the legacy of dance, and how to reassure your parents that there really are jobs in K-Pop.
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    36 mins