Episodes

  • How Did You Get Here? | Choosing Your Path with Dr. Texu Kim and Maestro Earl Lee

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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
  • How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Sonja Kim

    How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Sonja Kim
    Oct 10 2023
    We talk with Dr. Sonja Kim, Chair of the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at SUNY Binghamton, about how the ability to see obstacles as opportunities has led her on a fascinating journey in becoming a historian. Dr. Kim shares her insights on teaching, community, and how to leave your mark on the world.
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    35 mins
  • How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Catherine Ryu

    How Did You Get Here? | Dr. Catherine Ryu
    Jun 28 2023
    Join our conversation with Dr. Catherine Ryu, associate professor of Japanese Language & Culture and director of the Japanese Studies Program at Michigan State University. We share stories on the difficulty of learning languages, discuss Dr. Ryu's entrepreneurial endeavors, and get her amazing advice for undergraduate students.
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    40 mins