In this episode, Francine Barchett sits down to interview Dr. Benjamin Tausig, an Associate Professor of Critical Music Studies at SUNY Stony Brook University. Dr. Tausig shares his work on the transnational dialectic of queerness and race in Cold War-era Thailand. He describes the complex intersections of American military influence, local nightlife, and the socio-economic transformations that shaped Thai culture. Later, he also reflects on the murder of Darrel Berrigan, asking: how do non-heteronormative relationships play a role within this unique cultural moment? Through it all, he invites us to rethink how sound and silence can reveal hidden layers of history and politics around race and sexuality. And for graduate students juggling research and teaching? He has some reassuring words for you, too!

 

Lightning round: 4:06 

Research and Lecture Summary: 14:16

Advice for researchers and recommendations: 44:50

Dr. Tausig ’s top recommendations:

• Bangkok Wakes to Rain - Pitchaya Sudbanthad

• ตะลุยบางกอก - เพลิน พรหมแดน

• เพชรพิณทอง The Petch Phin Thong Band 

 

The music on the podcast is from "14 Strings!", a Filipino style Rondalla group established in Cornell University. Check them out here.