World Views

In this episode, Thenu chats with a final year medical student who lived through the 2003 SARS epidemic as a child in China. Now, at the height of the coronavirus global pandemic, they discuss what makes this crisis so different. How can we stay calm? Is it as bad as it seems? Can our world return to normal?

28 year old scientist, Mahesh Herath, recently discovered two extra solar planets (exoplanets) orbiting a distant star. Being the first Sri Lankan to do so, he is widely regarded to have put the small island nation on the map of space research. In this episode, Mahesh discusses his passions, discoveries and plans to make exoplanetary research accessible to youth and the wider public in Sri Lanka.  Further links:  Zooniverse (people-powered research platform) Two temperate sub-Neptunes transiting the star EPIC 212737443 (Mahesh's discovery) 

Born and bred in Canada to Lebanese parents, Tina Monsef discusses her experiences and perceptions of identity. In doing so, this episode attempts to answer the question that many second generation immigrants dread. “We’re all so different, but we all have a head, we have a heart, we feel. I’m not Canadian, I’m not Lebanese…I’m both, whether people like it or not”. 

Thenu sits down with Javi Moraleda to find out what makes America so great (and maybe not-so-great). A student at Columbia University, Javi discusses growing up in the United States, the education system, college culture and the 2020 election. 

What comes to mind when you think of Cambodia?  A lively mother who mixes meditation and art was definitely not what Thenu pictured. This episode features local Battambang artist, Khchao Touch, discussing life, love and art.  For more information on the Lotus Gallery:  TripAdvisor  Facebook