Tibet Unfiltered

This episode features Pema Taratsang, a Tibetan refugee who recounts her harrowing journey across the Himalayas at age seven, her life in exile, and her ongoing connection to Tibet. It explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the fight for Tibetan freedom.Chapters00:00 Introduction & powerful opening reflections01:00 Podcast intro: Tibet Unfiltered and context02:25 Pema’s early life in Tibet & family background04:24 Unique family structure & upbringing06:13 The moment everything changed (leaving Tibet)09:00 Arrival in Lhasa & preparing for escape10:47 Crossing begins: river, hunger, and hardship11:58 Tragedy on the journey (nun & snow mountain events)15:40 Resilience, fear, and survival as a child16:36 Arrival in Nepal & refugee experience17:49 Life in India & schooling under the Dalai Lama19:12 Reconnecting with family & emotional distance21:26 Moving to Australia & new life opportunities25:09 Contact with family & risks under CCP surveillance27:46 Trauma, reflection & meaning of “home”30:42 Final thoughts & message about TibetProducer: Sonam GyeltshenHost: Geraldine NordfeldtLocation credit: Sonam ChoedonLearn more about Australia Tibet Council’s work https://www.atc.org.au/Support Australia Tibet Council’s work with a donation https://www.atc.org.au/donate/

The conversation delves into the intersection of the Chinese Government’s disinformation, cognitive warfare, and the Tibetan movement, particularly focusing on the recent association of the Dalai Lama with the Epstein files. Our guest Lobsang Sither, a cyber expert and Director of Technology at the Tibet Action Institute, breaks down the systematic nature of Chinese propaganda, the role of social media in spreading disinformation, and the importance of educating the public about the realities of the Tibetan struggle.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Context00:41 How the Dalai Lama’s Name Appears in the Epstein Files02:12 Official Denial & Forged Statement Explained03:19 Timing After the Grammy Win Raises Questions04:55 The “169 Mentions” Claim & Cognitive Warfare06:30 A Long History of CCP Attacks on the Dalai Lama07:26 Why Link the Dalai Lama to the Epstein Scandal?10:19 Clickbait, Conjecture & Social Media Amplification11:51 Manufactured Controversy & Eroding Moral Authority16:00 Is the Dalai Lama’s Legacy at Risk in the Digital Age?18:23 Can the CCP Win on Moral Grounds?20:12 Meta Threat Reports & China’s Coordinated Disinformation23:35 The “50 Cent Army,” Bots & AI Warfare25:08 Are Social Media Companies Doing Enough?27:24 AI, Tibetan Language & Surveillance Technology28:14 China’s Tibet International Communication Strategy31:07 What Supporters Can Do: Reporting, Blocking & FactChecking33:27 Verify Sources: How to Spot Fake Statements36:27 Top Three Facts About Tibet37:53 Final Reflections & Closing RemarksProducer: Sonam GyeltshenHost: Geraldine NordfeldtGuests: Lobsang Gyatso Sither, Dr Zoë BedfordLearn more about Australia Tibet Council’s work https://www.atc.org.au/Support Australia Tibet Council’s work with a donation https://www.atc.org.au/donate/

In this episode of Tibet Unfiltered, our host Geraldine Nordfeldt engages in a profound conversation with Barbara Miller, the director of the Dalai Lama’s new film "Wisdom of Happiness". The film, marking His Holiness's 90th birthday, offers a unique perspective on his teachings, focusing on themes of peace, compassion, and hope amidst global chaos. Miller shares insights into the film's creation, emphasising the importance of presenting the Dalai Lama's wisdom in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences, while also highlighting the challenges faced in securing his participation and the film's distribution due to political sensitivities surrounding Tibet.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tibet Unfiltered00:29 The Wisdom of Happiness Film Overview01:26 Interview with Director, Barbara Miller02:57 Challenges in Securing the Dalai Lama's Participation05:12 The Interview Experience with His Holiness08:28 Archival Footage and Its Significance12:20 Cinematography and Visual Storytelling14:49 Richard Gere's Involvement in the Film20:08 Film Distribution Challenges21:17 Martin Scorsese's Banned Film22:18 Political Pressures and Filmmaking27:24 The Dalai Lama's Middle Way Approach32:07 Humour and Humanity in His Holiness33:10 The Universal Appeal of His Wisdom36:43 Final Thoughts and Audience TakeawaysProducer: Sonam GyeltshenHost: Geraldine NordfeldtLocation credit: Sonam ChoedonLearn more about Australia Tibet Council’s work https://www.atc.org.au/Support Australia Tibet Council’s work with a donation https://www.atc.org.au/donate/

In this episode of Tibet Unfiltered, Tsewang Thupten discusses his journey in Tibetan political advocacy in Australia, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges faced by Tibetans in the diaspora. He highlights the need for Australia to take a stronger stance on human rights issues in Tibet, the significance of Magnitsky sanctions in addressing human rights abuses, and the impact of transnational repression on Tibetan Australians. The conversation also touches on the role of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan identity and the connection between Australia and Tibet regarding trade and environmental issues.Chapters00:00 The Call of Home: Tibetan Political Advocacy03:00 Activism Roots: A Personal Journey06:26 Understanding Home: Identity and Belonging08:03 Building Bridges: Engaging with Parliament11:15 Balancing Trade and Human Rights14:06 Australia's Role in Tibetan Human Rights19:02 The Importance of Magnitsky Sanctions30:46 Transnational Repression: A Growing Concern32:30 The visa-free travel40:50 Chinese repression in Australia40:01 Hungkar Dorje death in Vietnam47:05 Why China wants to control Buddhism52:07 Upcoming Event: Raising Awareness53:02 Three things about Tibet: The Connection Between Australia and TibetProducer: Sonam GyeltshenHost: Geraldine NordfeldtLocation credit: Sonam ChoedonLearn more about Australia Tibet Council’s work https://www.atc.org.au/Support Australia Tibet Council’s work with a donation https://www.atc.org.au/donate/