Bophana is an organization based in Phnom Penh, dedicated to finding and archiving video, audio, and text documentation of Cambodian culture. Throughout the decades of war and the destructive Khmer Rouge regime, much of the nation’s audio-visual archives were lost. But Bophana has taken on the task of gathering this material, from private individuals in the country, or institutions and film companies abroad. I was given an informative tour and a demonstration of how the archive works, later we recorded this podcast interview.
We Discuss:
- What is Bophana
- Who is behind this organization
- Why should Cambodia need such a place
- Types of activities and areas of interest
- Funding sources, funding problems
- Difficulties with finding skilled workers for this type of work
Music:
- Apostle of Hustle – Folkloric Field
- Kanye West – Heard’em Say
It is not easy to go to a country like Cambodia and develop an ecotourism project that involves preserving forests while generating income. Many obstacles will appear, not to mention the amount of people who simply don’t believe it can be done right. Katie Matlack has been working on one such project, and on one recent afternoon we sat together in a park in Bangkok, to discuss that project.
We discuss:
- Wildlife Alliance
- Cambodia, the situation
- How the project works
- Downside to ecotourism
- Green Architecture
- Funding and progress
- And more–
Music:
- Elvis- Crawfish
- LCD Soundsystem – Watch the Tapes
Alternative media is alive and well in Thailand, especially at the offices of Prachatai.com. I spent the morning with the staff of this Thai alternative news source discussing what the big issues are for Thailand and their experience running such a media organization.
We discuss:
- The overall media landscape in Thailand
- Government control, economic influence
- MY experience with the Royal Anthem
- Censorship
- The constitution
- Labor and Unions
- Environmentalism in Thailand
- Funding
Music:
- Eddie Vedder – Rise
- Herbie Hancock – Tea Leaf Prophecy
Paula and Martin run a unique Urban Farm in Victoria, B.C., Canada. They don’t just manage one plot of land, their farm is scattered throughout various areas and its getting more and more popular. In this interview Paula explains how it got started, their specific method of farming, and the growing popularity in their community and beyond.
Cityharvest
Spin Farming
Music:
Roots -Rising Down
Mercedes Sosa – Es Sud America Mi Voz
Note: Im posting this podcast just as I leave for the airport en route to Thailand, so any errors or further details, will have to wait.
While many focus on the global food price and the fate of food exports, in many places around the world, groups of people are growing and selling food locally. Mill Creek urban farm in Philadelphia is one of these places. My guests, farm founders Jade and Johanna explain how Mill Creek works, and how they relate to their community, the city, and even the global picture.
They also recommended the following article about small farmers and their role in feeding the world.
We Discuss:
- – The activities of the farm
- – Relations with the community
- – Funding of the project
- – Reflection on the global food crisis
- – Changes in demand and interest in Urban Farming over the past years
- – Access to green spaces in cities
- – Gentrification and the survival of the urban farm
- – Other forms of Urban agriculture
Music:
Pinback – Blue Harvest
The Roots – Criminal (feat. Truck North & Saigon)
Soy is often looked at as the alternative bean, beloved ingredient for vegetarians and concerned citizens worldwide. Yet what do we know about the soy industry? How is soy being produced, by who, for who, and to what effect? My guest, Nina Holland of the Corporate European Observatory, sat down with me to explain how it all works, and what we should know about our soy.
Discussed:
Soy as food/feed/fuel
Genetically Modified Soy
Who Owns the Farms
Situations in different parts of South America
Comparison to Europe
GM Soy Lobby in the EU
Labeling
So-called responsible soy
Independent farmers
Solutions/Advice for People
Links:
Music:
- Vinicious Cantuaria – Corre Campo
- Tom Brosseau – In My Time of Dyin