In this episode, host Francine Barchett interviewed Sirithorn Siriwan, or Ing, a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Asian Studies at Cornell University. Ing discusses rice rituals in northern Thailand and how they relate to animism, or “Sasana Phi.” She draws from narratives surrounding what she coins Thai "ricelihood" to unfold the juxtaposition of phi, rice deity, and Theravada Buddhism. Finally, she recaps her multi-media methodological approach, which includes the use of theater and autoethnography.   Lightning Round: 4:42   Research and lecture summary: 12:07   Advice for researchers and recommendations: 47:37   Sirithorn Siriwan's Top Recommendations:

• Buoyancy (2019)

 

The music on the podcast is from "Me and Some Friends", a musical project by a group of friends at Cornell, to experiment with how the beautiful timbres of Gamelan music can meld with hypnotic guitar parts to create a contemplative and unique experience. Check them out here. 

 

Produced by Neen Tangcharoenmonkong.