On our 4th Episode, we have Dr. Françoise Pommaret, a cultural anthropologist, Director of Research at CNRS (Nation Centre for Scientific Research, France), and Associate Professor at The College of Language and Culture. In 2015, she was honored with the highest French Award La Legion d’Honneur, and in 2017, she received the National Award of Merit, in recognition for her contribution in the field of education research in Bhutan.

Last year, Dr. Françoise co-wrote a book called “Divine Messenger” with Journalist Stephanie Guyer, where they traveled to the Himalayas to meet living Bhutanese female shamans and to help make their stories known. They offer an intimate narrative of these shamans’ spiritual experiences and important roles in society. This insightful and sensitive account is also a rare look inside the world of these brave women.

For our host, we have internationally acclaimed author Kunzang Choden. Bhutan’s first author to be published in English. A true pioneer and an inspiration, she has published numerous books including the bestsellers such as “The Circle of Karma” and “Dawa: The Story of a Stray Dog”.