Inside The Cambodia Project

Episode 11: The Double Edged Sword of CSR

Host Christian Pearson and CSR proponent Ben Lewis take a deeper look at a hot topic in the business world: Corporate Social Responsibility. Ben shares key findings from his archival research on how rankings affect the way firms approach CSR. Later, they discuss the controversy surrounding the blurring lines between corporations and government, and examine the issue of "greenwashing" as a potential problem for small businesses in Cambodia.

Episode 10: Religious Topography

Host Christian Pearson is joined by recently returned missionary Ellyn Ohms for an enlightening discussion on religion in Cambodia. Ellyn shares how Buddhism influences the Khmer culture, and identifies families as a key societal fixture in Southeast Asia. Later, they examine the role of faith in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge genocide, and conclude with an inspiring dialogue centered around the "City of Smiles."

Episode 9: Why Culture Counts

Host Christian Pearson is joined by international traveller and cultural expert Bruce Money, who shares his experiences and research while abroad. Later, Bruce defines Hofstede's cultural dimensions and considers their significance within the context of humanitarian research. Christian closes out the episode with some intriguing conclusions from Banerjee & Duflo's book, Poor Economics. 
For more information about Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions, visit https://www.hofstede-insights.com/.

Episode 8: Outsider Perspective

Host Christian Pearson and Cambodia enthusiast Shane Harrison take a closer look at the critical role of non-profits (such as the Cambodian Job Foundation) in developing economies. Shane shares key experiences from his time living in Cambodia and offers relevant insights concerning the project's implementation and reception there. They wrap things up with an interesting discourse on Cambodia's tragic history and it's hopeful future.

Episode 7: Better Marketing for a Better World

Host Christian Pearson invites co-producer and marketing professor Dr. Ben Beck onto the podcast to share his thoughts on the Better Marketing for a Better World initiative. Later, Ben reviews 3 notable academic papers on prosocial marketing and connects their respective research designs to the Cambodia Project.

Episode 6: Corporate Generosity

Keynote speaker & marketing VP Logan Mallory joins host Christian Pearson in a riveting conversation about what being generous looks like at the corporate level. Logan shares several illustrative stories about his personal journey in the business world and the innate potential for good within each person. Then, in the spirit of Christmas, they discuss how giving and making sacrifices empowers and lifts businesses, shareholders, and stakeholders alike. 

Episode 5: #MeToo in Asia

Host Christian Pearson is joined by Asia expert and business scholar Seth Allred for an engaging discussion about the #MeToo movement and its reception throughout Asia. Together, they tackle several of the greatest obstacles to gender equality, and explore potential solutions as they apply to humanitarian research in Cambodia. They wrap things up talking about how to tactfully implement cultural changes in foreign countries, as informed by Melinda Gates' recent book, The Moment of Lift.

Episode 4: Insider Perspective

Host Christian Pearson welcomes guest Oliza Loy, a Cambodian citizen and Khmer translator, to the podcast. Oliza relates her experience growing up in Phnom Penh, and she and Christian discuss some of the most significant differences between Cambodian culture and Western norms. They conclude by reviewing some of the biggest misconceptions about Cambodia, and Oliza shares her favorite part of her country.

Episode 3: Sustainable Development

Host Christian Pearson discusses sustainable development, social impact theory, and Southeast Asia with student researcher Kyli Fox Soug. Kyli shares her research experiences both abroad and in her community as they evaluate Cambodia within the context of global SDGs and data-driven interventions. They tie it all back to a quote from a BYU Ballard Center for Social Impact keynote address by Felipe Queipo, UN Communications Officer.

Episode 2: Project Origins

Host Christian Pearson discusses the origins of The Cambodia Project with the man who started it: Ben Beck. Ben shares valuable insights about the project ideation, his investigative rationale, and why he chose to conduct research in Cambodia.