OUT OF TIBET

Namri DAGYAB

Can you name a Tibetan besides the Dalai Lama? Probably not (or you're Tibetan). Let's change that by representing voices of Tibetans and our friends. Sharing stories of hope, struggle and belonging — creating a space for Tibetans and for everyone who cares about Tibet. Since 1950, Tibet has been under Chinese occupation. Today, Tibetans live scattered across the globe. Many of us have never seen our homeland. My name is Namri Songtsen Lhundup DAGYAB, born & raised in Germany by Tibetan parents. Living in Berlin. Wanna support my work? www.patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET buymeacoffee.com/OUTOFTIBET

  1. Jun 17

    Tendon Dahortsang (CH): Doctor or Lawyer – A Tibetan Mother’s Ultimatum

    The Lawyer, the Fighter, and the Foodie What happens when you're born stateless, raised by four monks in a Swiss village, and given a simple, but very straight ultimatum by your refugee mother: "Doctor or Lawyer"? Tendon Dahortsang chose law, but her path was anything but conventional. Today, she is a high-powered inheritance lawyer and sits on the board of a Swiss bank, navigating the elite, male-dominated sphere of corporate Switzerland. But beneath the sharp suits is a fierce Muay Thai fighter and a Tibetan activist whose life was forever changed by a whispered plea from a monk when she visited the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. In this episode, we explore: The "Sans Papiers" Childhood: Arriving in Switzerland without citizenship and the psychological reality of growing up stateless.Four Monks & A Baby: The incredible story of her mother's sacrifice to save her family and kids.The Turning Point: A heartbreaking encounter in Tibet in 2003 that pushed her into global human rights activism.From Activism to the Boardroom: Why she transitioned from leading the Tibetan Youth Association to conquering corporate law.Muay Thai & Mental Health: How getting punched in the face became the ultimate stress relief for her.Follow Tendon on Linkedin⁠ and food blog Instagram SUPPORT this podcast OUT OF TIBET is a free podcast. If you’d like to support this podcast financially, please check out: Patreon: patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/outoftibet Paypal: paypal.me/nsld Follow me on Instagram: @namridagyab Music by Prod. Pluvio

    1h 11m

  2. Apr 8

    Tenzin Mingyur Paldron (USA) Transgender and Tibetan: The Intersection of Exile

    In this episode of OUT OF TIBET, Namri Dagyab speaks with scholar and artist Tenzin Mingyur Paldron (DocTenzin) about the powerful intersection of being a Tibetan refugee and a transgender man. Mingyur shares his deeply personal journey—from growing up as an "outsider" in rural America and daydreaming of Tibetan boys' names, to navigating society with a stutter and facing real-world threats from university staff. The conversation explores the illusion of "safety," why understanding the pain of other marginalized communities is crucial, and how a stunning phone call from his mother provided the radical love he needed. Ultimately, Mingyur’s story is a testament to stubborn optimism, radical self-love, and community bridge-building Follow Tenzin Mingyur Paldron! Instagram: @doctenzin / Transroad Diaries / Tibet Learning Series Website / Venmo / Linktree for more info & materials & support Want to support this podcast? Follow me on  Instagram / Spotify / Youtube / Linkedin Want to support me financially? Patreon: patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/outoftibet Paypal: paypal.me/nsld Music by Prod. Pluvio

    1h 14m

  3. Mar 8

    Tenzyn Zöchbauer (AUT/CH): The Burden of Activism & The Myth of the "Perfect Tibetan”

    "Am I Tibetan enough?" It's a question many in the diaspora ask themselves. Growing up in Austria's very first Tibetan restaurant, Tenzyn Zöchbauer’s heritage was always front and center. But raised by a powerhouse activist mother, teenage Tenzyn often just wanted to be "normal," skip the protests, and hang out with her friends. For a long time, she grappled with the lingering insecurity of not speaking perfect Tibetan. Fast forward to today: Tenzyn is the Managing Director of the Tibet Initiative in Germany. In this episode of Out of Tibet, we trace her unplanned journey from a reluctant teenager to a "stubborn optimist" facing down a global superpower. We talk about: The Language Struggle: Why not speaking perfect Tibetan doesn't make you less Tibetan. Activist Burnout: The psychological burden of the cause and why setting boundaries is crucial. Cross-Movement Solidarity: Finding hope alongside Chinese dissidents. An Unseen Homeland: How to fight for a country you have never set foot in. Follow Tenzyn and Tibet Initiative Germany! Instagram: @t_tales_ and Linkedin Tibet Initiative Germany: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Linkedin, Twitter SUPPORT this podcast OUT OF TIBET is a free podcast. If you’d like to support this podcast financially, please check out: Patreon: patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/outoftibet Paypal: paypal.me/nsld Follow me on Instagram: @namridagyab Music by Prod. Pluvio

    59 min

  4. Feb 8

    Tenzin Sewo (CH): Managing the Dalai Lama’s Foundation & The Reality of Special Needs Parenting

    What happens when you manage the legacy of the world's most compassionate figure, but face a reality at home that no amount of prayer can fix? Tenzin Sewo holds a unique position: He is the Executive Director of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama in Switzerland. But when the office lights turn off, he faces a different kind of challenge. Seven years ago, his eldest daughter was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome at the age of three, a rare genetic condition. In this vulnerable and raw conversation, Tenzin steps out from behind his official title to talk about the side of life that press releases don't cover. We discuss: The Gatekeeper: What it’s really like to work for the Dalai LamaThe Diagnosis Trauma: A critique of how the medical system delivers bad news and treats disabled children like "objects."Karma vs. Genetics: Navigating the cultural stigma of disability in the Tibetan community.The "Selfish" Parent: Why Tenzin believes you must be selfish to be a good caregiver.Two Worlds: Balancing life as a Tibetan-Swiss in Zurich.SUPPORT this podcast OUT OF TIBET is a free podcast. If you’d like to support this podcast financially, please check out: Patreon, Buy me a coffee and Paypal Follow me on Instagram: @namridagyab Music by Prod.Pluvio If this conversation moved you, please leave a 5-star rating and share it with a friend who needs to hear it.

    1h 1m
  5. Tashi Nyima (IND): Khadok Arts Collective & Receiving $30,000 Rubin Museum Prize

    Jan 8

    Tashi Nyima (IND): Khadok Arts Collective & Receiving $30,000 Rubin Museum Prize

    $30,000. That’s the prize money that just changed the game for the Khadok Arts Collective! Tashi Nyima and their small team of four in Dharamsala recently received the prestigious Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize. Just two year’s after one of their closest friends and collaborator Jigme Choedak aka JC unfortunately passed away. The prize is the kind of validation many dream of—especially when they start as "backbenchers" who don't fit the traditional mold. In this episode, Namri sits down with Tashi to talk about the reality behind the headline. They discuss what he and his co-founders Tenzin Melak and Lea Taake motivated to continue with the collective, what it means to paint the raw, messy reality of humans instead of perfect deities, and why living in a safe settlement doesn't always mean you feel “settled." Also, the $30,000 win and how the Rubin Prize impacts the collective and the pressure that comes with it. How he began to focus more on his own works after a scary health issue when he was younger. Follow Khadok Collective and Tashi Nyima! Instagram: @khadok_arts and @_hoo.man_ Website: khadok.com SUPPORT this podcast OUT OF TIBET is a free podcast. If you’d like to support this podcast financially, please check out: Patreon: patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/outoftibet Paypal: paypal.me/nsld Follow me on Instagram: @namridagyab Music by Prod. Pluvio

    43 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Tenzin Dazel (FRA): From Paris Fashion to Indie Film

    Tenzin Dazel spent years in the heart of the Paris fashion world, working for names like Ann Demeulemeester and Jérôme Dreyfuss. But she realized that designing bags wasn't enough—she wanted to design narratives. In this honest conversation, Dazel takes us behind the scenes of her journey from a fashion student in France to becoming one of the most distinct voices in Tibetan cinema. She shares the gritty reality of making her first film, Royal Cafe, with zero budget, and the massive undertaking of her new feature, Dharamsala. In this episode, we talk about: Fashion vs. Film: Why she left a promising career in luxury fashion to tell stories that matter.Breaking the Mold: Dealing with the "bad girl" label for smoking, speaking her mind, and refusing to fit the "perfect Tibetan" stereotype.The Reality of Filmmaking: The immense mental and physical toll of directing Dharamsala, dealing with budget constraints, and the "burnout" that followed.Authenticity: Why she insists on showing Tibetans as complex, flawed humans rather than idealized figures.Listen now to hear how one woman is redefining what it means to be a Tibetan artist in the diaspora.

    1h 38m

  7. 11/07/2025

    Taksham Rinpoche / Jalue Dorje (USA): The 18-Year-Old Lama Navigating Minnesota and Monastic Life

    Join me for a unique conversation with Jalue Dorje, an 18-year-old from Minnesota who is also the reincarnated Taksham Rinpoche recognized by the Dalai Lama. A Dual Life: He shares the surreal experience of being recognized at age four, sitting with high lamas, studying all the time, while navigating life as a normal American teenager.Modern Rinpoche: We discuss Rinpoche's passion for the Atlanta Falcons, trading cards, playing Madden, and his appreciation for rappers like Lil Baby.Future & Philosophy: Taksham Rinpoche talks about his biggest challenge—the vast study of Tibetan Buddhism—and his core, simple value: "If you can’t help them, don’t hurt them. Just be a good person."Listen now for a funny yet profound look at a new generation of Tibetan leadership. Follow Taksham Rinpoche: Instagram: @ft.luedort Website: https://takshamtulku.org/ SUPPORT OUT OF TIBET is a free podcast. If you’d like to support this podcast financially, please check out: Patreon: patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/outoftibet Paypal: paypal.me/nsld Follow me on Instagram: @namridagyab Music by Prod. Pluvio

    58 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    Tencho Gyatso (USA) The Dalai Lama's Niece: From Counting Momos to Campaigning in Washington

    Join us for an extraordinary journey with Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT). She offers a rare, personal history of the Tibetan community. Dharamsala Life: Tencho shares her youth in Dharamsala, which felt like a complete Tibetan bubble. She describes how different the town was in the 60s and 70s compared to today's tourist hotspot. The Family Cliché: Tencho reveals that despite being the Niece of the Dalai Lama, she was expected to carry your own weight and received no privileges. Early Responsibility: Hear how Tencho quickly entered the world of business after her father passed, running the family restaurant. She details the intense challenge of being a woman running a business in India—a "very male-dominated business and society". Success through Teamwork: Her ability to run the business successfully was built on teamwork with the staff her father had employed. Political Rise: Learn how she unexpectedly joined the Tibetan Parliament at just 25 years old. Life Philosophy: Tencho shares the wisdom she learned from her mother: It doesn't matter what you do. You have to do it really well so that you can leave an impact. Listen now for powerful insights on Tibetan Exile, resilience, and finding purpose. Follow Tencho GYATSO: Instagram: @tenchogyatso Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tencho-gyatso-7b52a56a/ Check out the International Campaign for Tibet: Website: savetibet.org Instagram: @savetibetorg Youtube: @InterCampaignTibet Twitter: @SaveTibetOrg Facebook: @InternationalCampaignforTibet Bluesky: @savetibet.bsky.social SUPPORT OUT OF TIBET is a free podcast. If you’d like to support this podcast financially, please check out: Patreon: patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/outoftibet Paypal: paypal.me/nsld Follow me on Instagram: @namridagyab Music by Prod. Pluvio

    45 min
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About

Can you name a Tibetan besides the Dalai Lama? Probably not (or you're Tibetan). Let's change that by representing voices of Tibetans and our friends. Sharing stories of hope, struggle and belonging — creating a space for Tibetans and for everyone who cares about Tibet. Since 1950, Tibet has been under Chinese occupation. Today, Tibetans live scattered across the globe. Many of us have never seen our homeland. My name is Namri Songtsen Lhundup DAGYAB, born & raised in Germany by Tibetan parents. Living in Berlin. Wanna support my work? www.patreon.com/OUTOFTIBET buymeacoffee.com/OUTOFTIBET

Information

  • Creator
    Namri DAGYAB
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Namri DAGYAB
  • Show Website
    OUT OF TIBET