In this episode, Rick Barron speaks with Jenny Chan, the co-founder of Pacific Atrocities Education, a nonprofit dedicated to uncovering and preserving the often-overlooked narratives of the Pacific War during World War II. Jenny shares her personal journey that led her to establish the organization, the importance of documenting survivor stories, and the challenges faced in educating the public about these historical events.

The conversation delves into the impact of historical trauma on current geopolitical tensions, the significance of empathy in understanding history, and the role of interns in the organization. Jenny emphasizes the need for critical thinking regarding historical narratives and the importance of learning from the past to prevent future mistakes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pacific Atrocities Education
02:22 Jenny Chan's Journey and Motivation
05:44 Building the Organization and Website
09:24 The Impact of Survivor Stories
13:12 Internship Program and Its Importance
19:04 Surprising Discoveries in Research
22:31 Understanding Unit 731 and Its Horrors
29:48 Humanizing History: Personal Stories of War
31:56 The Impact of Interns: Discovering Hidden Histories
35:49 Engaging the Public: Outreach and Education Efforts
37:48 Expanding the Mission: Future Goals and Aspirations
39:14 Learning from the Past: The Importance of Historical Context
41:40 Personal Reflections: Insights Gained Through Research
45:53 The Emotional Toll: Interns' Reactions to Historical Realities
48:02 Survivor Stories: Healing Through Sharing
50:17 Questioning Narratives: The Need for Critical Thinking
52:36 Historical Trauma: Its Influence on Modern Policies