Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life

Imagine being falsely imprisoned, in a foreign country, where you barely speak the language, during a military coup, with no guarantee of a trial (fair or otherwise) and no idea whether you’ll ever be allowed home?

That's what Australian economist Sean Turnell lived through for 650 days, when in 2021 he was arrested during a military coup over-throwing the democratic government of Aang san Suu Kyi.

Sean is a remarkable person and a brilliant story teller who radiates positivity. In this episode, he describes in horrifying, and yet often beautiful, detail his ordeal in the Myanmar prison system.

Through Sean’s story we get a unique perspective…and a shining example of how resilient the human spirit can be.

00:00 - Life As Sean Knew It
13:14 - The Most Unlikely Prisoner
18:02 - Losing Track of Time
25:48 - Living Inside Insein Prison
31:52 - Man v Wild v Regime
38:03 - Moments of Utter Despair (And how to avoid them)
46:09 - Use Your Imagination
51:20 - There’s No Alternative
57:23 - And Then It Got Worse
1:04:02 - Compassion and the Rational Brain
1:07:49 - A Character In History
1:14:57 - Am I Really Going to Get Through This?
1:24:25 - Cascade of Joy and Everyday Life

To purchase Sean's book, An Unlikely Prisoner, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TMyFlJ

To purchase Kylie Moore Gilberts book, The Uncaged Sky, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TMbNCV

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZmSCzs...

Instagram: @theimperfectspodcast

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.