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PODCAST

PODS by PEI

Policy Entrepreneurs Inc.

PODS by PEI is a podcast initiative of Policy Entrepreneurs Inc., a policy research center based in Kathmandu, that examines the state of Nepali politics, economy, and development and seeks to inform and enrich Nepal’s policy discourse. Every week, PODS by PEI brings to you thoughtful and in-depth discussions that will take you deep into the most pertinent issues in Nepal.

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All Episodes

00:36:32

Dr Buddha Basnyat on Poor Man’s Disease: The...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/09/08

In this episode, Ben and Buddha discuss infectious diseases in Nepal, focusing on tuberculosis (TB). They highlight Nepal's epidemiological shift from to non-communicable diseases, while noting that TB continues to disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, framing it as a “poor man’s disease” shaped by poverty. Despite effective, low-cost preventative therapies and lessons from past successes, TB persists due to limited funding, attention, and advocacy. Dr Buddha Basnyat is a

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00:33:12

Aayusha Prasain on Roots and Routes: The Story of...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/08/05

In this episode, Shreeya and Aayusha explore how community-led tourism is reshaping Nepal's travel landscape, from its roots in Sirubari village to a growing national network. Aayusha shares how homestays empower women, preserve culture, and create sustainable livelihoods. They discuss the operational model, economic impact, and challenges of scaling, offering insight into how authentic, locally owned travel drives inclusive, resilient development.Ayusha Prasain is a committed professional in

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00:48:03

Robert Fisher on Community Forestry in Nepal: What...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/07/23

In this episode, Lasata and Robert discuss Nepal's globally praised community forestry model. Unpacking its evolution from early experiments with user groups to the 1991 political revolution and 1993 legislation, they discuss how local communities learn to govern forests and explore transferability as global interests in the model rise. They also investigate tensions around inclusion, power, and decision-making, and consider what makes community forestry both promising and problematic—then and

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00:40:55

Samjhana Bista on At Risk on the Frontlines: The...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/07/02

In this episode, Khushi and Samjhana spotlight the often-unseen struggles and strengths of Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs): community activists at the forefront of resisting environmental harm and advocating for human rights. They unpack the multifaceted challenges EHRDs face, from threats by powerful actors to the weight of social barriers. They explore gaps in national policy, the crucial role of support systems, and the potential for change through global intervention. Samjhana

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01:05:04

Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: New World Disorder:...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/06/13

In this sambaad, Madhu Raman Acharya, Shiv Raj Bhatt, Kshitiz Dahal, and host Dikshya Singh explore Nepal’s evolving trade landscape—its participation in multilateral, regional, and bilateral frameworks, and why the country has yet to fully leverage these arrangements. Despite benefits like duty-free market access through its LDC status, Nepal faces challenges in integrating into regional value chains and lacks a clear strategy for the post-LDC transition. The discussion highlights the need for

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00:31:05

Raj Gyawali on Nepal's Tourism Sector: Lifetime...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/05/28

In this episode of PODS by PEI, PEI colleague Shreeya Rana sits down with Raj Gyawali, tourism entrepreneur and founder of Social Tours Pvt. Ltd., to explore how sustainable and community-based tourism can redefine Nepal’s future.Raj shares personal stories from his two-decade journey in tourism, unpacks the value of local communities in the tourism value chain, and challenges conventional development models. From livable destinations to people-first tourism, this conversation offers deep insight

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00:55:12

Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: Baadi, Balen, ra Basti: On...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/05/13

In this sambaad, Rupa Basnet, Padma Sundar Joshi and host Sabin Ninglekhu explore Kathmandu as a city shaped by three parallel urban realities—Newa settlements, informal settlements, and formal developments—each with unique histories and relationships to governance. Using the September 2024 floods as a critical lens, the conversation delves into questions of urban planning, legal accountability, and the impacts of aesthetic-driven development policies that often marginalise vulnerable

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00:37:45

Chandra Dev Bhatta on Between State and Society:...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/04/30

In this episode, Shuvangi Poudyal and Chandra Dev Bhatta engage in a thoughtful discussion on the evolution of Nepali civil society—from its pivotal role in democratic movements to its present-day entanglements with political power, funding constraints, and growing public distrust. Drawing from Bhatta’s research and recent discourse, the conversation explores the blurred lines between activism and partisanship, the influence of donor agendas, and the need for more inclusive, accountable, and locally

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00:36:53

Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: How to Talk to People: On...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/04/15

In this Sambaad, Pranay Rana, Anusha Khanal, Anup Ghimire, and Khushi Hang explore the rise of alternative media in Nepal. From rethinking what's newsworthy to building niche communities and making complex ideas more accessible, the conversation unpacks the creative and strategic shifts redefining Nepal's media landscape.This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. ⁠Project Sambaad⁠ is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine

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00:45:58

Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: On the Evolution of Nepali...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/03/28

In this Sambaad, speakers Nisha Onta, Anaya Bhadra Khanal, and Dinesh Gautam dive into the evolving landscape of Nepali civil society—its identity crisis, growing fragmentation, and shifting role from political activism to policy influence. They discuss the rise of think tanks, the challenges of donor dependence, and the need for greater collaboration in a sector grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. Project

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00:38:52

Monalisa Adhikari on Revisiting the Non-Alignment...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/02/21

In a world of shifting power dynamics and the fading influence of multilateral forums, critical questions arise on how they can help effectively navigate global conflicts and uphold the independence of member nations. In this episode, Shuvangi and Mona explore the Non-Aligned Movement, from its historical significance to contemporary relevance and impact. They debate Nepal's non-alignment stance versus India's strategic autonomy, questioning whether it ensures independence or limits

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00:43:49

Suman Basnet on Reviewing Nepal's Rapid Rural...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/01/31

In this episode, Shreeya and Suman explore the transformative journey of rural electrification in Nepal, highlighting its evolution, and impact. They also examine the challenges of equitable access, energy reliability, and integration of diverse models. Reflecting on the broader implications, they consider how lessons from Nepal’s experience can inspire sustainable development and inclusive energy transitions worldwide.Suman is a hydropower, renewable energy and management professional with over 37

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00:56:40

Nischal Dhungel on Nepal's Sovereign Credit Rating...

PODS by PEI ·

2025/01/14

In this episode, Aslesh and Nischal dive into Nepal's first-ever sovereign credit rating and what it means for the nation’s bold economic future as it gears up to graduate from LDC status. They break down its implications on foreign investments, business opportunities, and more. From hydropower to tourism, they explore the sectors ready to thrive and the reforms needed to keep the momentum going.Nischal Dhungel is a Consultant for the World Bank Group and the Independent Evaluation Office at the

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00:41:03

Katharine Rankin on Eating and Being Fed: Competing...

PODS by PEI ·

2024/12/23

Khushi and Katharine discuss Nepal’s community-based road-building initiatives, examining how these projects reveal the complex relationships between citizens, the state, and socio-economic systems. The conversation begins with a field memo from Katharine’s recent research and offers an anthropological perspective on how local cultural values, political dynamics, historical context, and social meanings influence perceptions of corruption, governance, participation, and rule-breaking.Katharine

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00:46:36

Akhilesh Upadhaya on From the Margins of Power:...

PODS by PEI ·

2024/12/04

Shuvangi and Akhilesh explore Nepal's borderland communities' unique challenges and contributions. They discuss how federalism has reshaped governance and service delivery in these regions and examine the effects of cross-border policies and pandemic-era restrictions on local livelihoods and trade. The conversation highlights how borderland communities are often excluded from national discussions despite their critical role in conflict management and cross-border relations, raising important

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00:01:18

Season 3: Teaser

PODS by PEI ·

2024/12/04

An introduction to PODS by PEI Season 3.

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00:55:17

Rebroadcast: वृषेशचन्द्र लालको विचारमा, “नागरिकता...

PODS by PEI ·

2024/09/19

Ep#111नेपालको संविधान जारी भएको नौ वर्ष पूरा भएको उपलक्ष्यमा पोड्स बाई पि.ई.आई.को आजको भागमा पी. ई. आई.का अविनाश कर्ण र तराई–मधेश लोकतान्त्रिक पार्टीका अध्यक्ष बृषेशचन्द्र लालबीच चैत्र २०, २०७९ मा कान्तिपुरमा प्रकाशित उहाँको लेख “नागरिकता विधेयकमा अनुचित अलमल” को सेरोफेरोमा रहेको संवाद पुन: प्रसारण गर्दै छौ| यस लेखमा अध्यक्ष लालले संविधानका शर्त पूरा गरी पारित भएको नेपाल नागरिकता (पहिलो संशोधन) विधेयक–२०७९ लाई कानुन बनिसकेको घोषणा गर्नुपर्ने र लोकतन्त्रवादी भनाउने राजनीतिक दलहरू, र समुहहरुले

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00:30:48

Shuvangi Poudyal on Bureaucracy Beyond Borders:...

PODS by PEI ·

2024/08/24

Ep#110Shuvangi Poudyal is a public policy researcher based in Kathmandu, with a focus on South Asia geo-economics, regional connectivity, and local governance. As the Program and Outreach Officer at PEI, she contributes to research projects like Infrastructure Diplomacy and RENT, while also coordinating programs and communicating findings through publications and an in-house host at PODS by PEI. Previously, she worked with Nepal-based think tanks such as CESIF and Governance Lab. Shuvangi holds a

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01:01:48

Rebroadcast: Jaya Luintel on Gender, War, and...

PODS by PEI ·

2024/08/08

Ep#109More than 15 years have passed since the end of the armed conflict between the Maoists and the Government of Nepal with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord. While the country has done a remarkable job not recoiling back into the violent conflict with which it grappled for a decade, the years after have been slow and painful for the thousands of survivors who keep waiting for a justice that just won't show. In this episode, PEI colleague Khushi sits with ⁠Jaya Luintel⁠ to

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01:04:44

Dr. Sameen A. Mohsin Ali on Bureaucracy Beyond...

PODS by PEI ·

2024/07/31

Ep#108Dr. Sameen A. Mohsin Ali is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Birmingham. Her research focuses on the impact of bureaucratic politics on state capacity and service delivery. She is particularly interested in the dynamics of bureaucratic reform, the implementation and impact of donor programs, and the intersection of party politics, citizens’ interests, and bureaucratic incentives. Exploring cases from Pakistan and Nepal, Sushav and Sameen delve into the

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130 results

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