Engaged Jain Studies Podcast

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Christopher Jain Miller, PhD interviews Tine Vekemans, PhD from Ghent University to discuss her groundbreaking book, Digital & Diaspora: Intertwined Frontiers of Contemporary Jainism . Drawing from years of meticulous ethnographic research, Dr. Vekemans offers insights into how Jain communities in Belgium, the UK, and North America are navi...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Arihanta Institute professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD interviews professor, French literary scholar, and historian of vegetarianism, Renan Larue, PhD about his academic journey and his insights into ancient Western philosophy’s perspectives on meat consumption and anthropocentrism. Dr. Larue recounts his teenage epiphany after reading Ovid’s Met...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Arihanta Institute professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD interviews Pratt Institute political economist Jan Dutkiewicz, PhD . Professor Dutkiewicz shares his journey from business and journalism to the academic study of the politics, economics, and social implications of factory farming. The conversation also touches on the importance of law, perso...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Christopher Jain Miller, PhD interviews Professor Venu Mehta, PhD from Claremont School of Theology. Dr. Mehta discusses her background as a Jain from Gujarat, where she earned her first PhD in literature and humanities before completing a second PhD at the University of Florida. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Academic Journey: Insights into Professor Meht...

"Veganism is not a diet. Veganism is not a lifestyle. Veganism is, and must be, a social justice movement, in solidarity with other social justice movements. There is no more time for nonsense." -- WinforAnimals.org In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD interviews Mercer University professor Vasile Stanescu, PhD about his research...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Professor Christopher Jain Miller interviews Dr. Pratik Bhansali and Vinita Dugad from the Jain Vegan Initiative. They discuss their backgrounds as Jains advocating for veganism and sustainable lifestyles within the Jain community. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Backgrounds in Advocacy: Vinita and Pratik share their journey as Jains promoting veganism and...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , we speak to Arihanta Institute's Professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD . Dr. Bohanec discusses his journey into Jain Studies, influenced by his broader practice of yoga, his study of Sanskrit, and his academic exploration of dharma traditions. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Path to Jain Studies: Dr. Bohanec shares his academic and personal journey, highlighting...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Arihanta Institute professors Cogen Bohanec and Jonathan Dickstein discuss the emerging field of Vegan Studies and the recently launched Vegan Studies Initiative (VSI@AI) at Arihanta Institute. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Defining Disciplines: Dr. Dickstein explores the distinctions and overlaps among Animal Studies, Critical Animal Studies, Food Studie...

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, join Arihanta Institute Professors Jonathan Dickstein and Christopher Miller for a compelling discussion on their shared passions and professional journeys. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS A Fortuitous Meeting: Listen to the story of how Professors Dickstein and Miller first met at an airport during an academic conference, quickly discovering their mutual in...

In the premiere episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, host and podcast producer Taina Rodriguez-Berardi sits down with Christopher Miller, PhD, co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute . Together, they delve into the genesis, aims, and aspirations of this groundbreaking podcast. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Defining Key Terms: Dr. Mi...

Welcome to the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast brought to you by Arihanta Institute. Listen to top figures in the fields of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, Vegan Studies, and Social Justice discuss pressing issues of everyday relevance. Together let’s move beyond the realm of personal spiritual growth and connect philosophy, religion, and spirituality to the important task of caring for the wellbein...