How do we honor our parents' refugee history while fighting for local policy, rent control, and political representation?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Tracy La, founder and Executive Director of VietRise and candidate for the Garden Grove School Board. Years after first meeting at an Oregon symposium on the 50th anniversary of the war, Kenneth and Tracy reunite for a candid, wide-ranging discussion on the political realities facing the Vietnamese American community in Little Saigon.

Tracy shares her personal backstory—from witnessing workplace exploitation as a teenager in San Diego to becoming student body president at UCI—and explains why she founded VietRise after the 2016 election. Together, Kenneth and Tracy tackle complex local issues: confronting the weaponization of red-baiting in Orange County, organizing around senior mobile home evictions, expanding history education, and navigating the emotional tension between refugee memory and modern political activism.

Inside the Episode:

Meeting in Oregon: Reflecting on a 2023 academic symposium and contrasting perspectives on reconciliation between the diaspora and Vietnam.

The Root of Activism: How early childhood experiences seeing immigrant parents exploited in low-wage labor sparked a lifelong commitment to systemic change.

Why VietRise Was Founded: Organizing young Vietnamese Americans post-2016 to address local housing, eviction defense, and community empowerment.

Dismantling Red-Baiting: Why using "communist" accusations as a political weapon hurts local policy debates and how VietRise expands conversation around history.

Running for Garden Grove School Board: Addressing senior housing crises, supporting public education, and creating pathways beyond traditional higher education.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Tracy La / VietRise (@vietriseoc)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How does a camera assistant with 20 years in the film business transition into co-writing a feature film released by Sony Pictures Classics?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Philadelphia-based writer, camera assistant, and filmmaker Nick Huynh. Nick shares his journey growing up in Northern Virginia, getting his start in theater at George Mason University, grinding through camera department roles for two decades on East Coast sets, and co-writing the quirky indie comedy-drama Ha Chan Shake Your Booty with director Joseph Kubota Vladica.

Nick opens up about the writing process during the pandemic, crafting emotional storylines around grief and ballroom dance, navigating career pivots in a shifting film industry, and the importance of representation and small independent storytelling.

Inside the Episode:

East Coast Roots: Growing up in Northern Virginia (Falls Church) and discovering a passion for story over acting at a New York Film Academy summer intensive.

Two Decades in Camera: Spending 20 years as a camera assistant, learning the nuts and bolts of filmmaking, and building a long-term career.

Writing Ha Chan Shake Your Booty: Partnering with long-time friend Joseph Kubota Vladica to write a film loosely inspired by amateur ballroom dance culture, grief, and Latin dance.

Balancing Comedy & Drama: Crafting awkward, cringey, yet deeply human moments that capture how people navigate loss and relationships.

The State of the Film Industry: Navigating industry shifts, career longevity, and the release of their film across 500+ theaters via Sony Pictures Classics.

Connect & Follow:

Film: Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! (Sony Pictures Classics)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How did family remittances, refugee history, and Little Saigon business shape the long road toward reconciliation?

In this episode, Ken sits down with long-time friend Phu Nguyen—Coast Community College District Trustee, community advocate, and member of the historic Hoa Phat family. Phu shares his family’s harrowing journey leaving Vietnam by boat in 1981, being rescued by the Chinese military at sea, and arriving in Southern California to open Hoa Phat Fabric & Gifts, which became the first licensed Vietnamese money transfer business in California in 1998.

Together, Kenneth and Phu discuss the massive economic impact of remittance dollars sent back to Vietnam, the political and cultural shifts among young Vietnamese Americans in Little Saigon, the need for an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission to acknowledge the pain and history of both sides of the war, and Phu's groundbreaking work introducing ethnic studies and community initiatives as a college trustee.

Inside the Episode:

The Hoa Phat Origin Story: Escaping Vietnam by boat in 1981, Hong Kong UN refugee camps, and building a 42-year legacy business in Little Saigon.

The Remittance Economy: Navigating trade embargoes through Air France cargo and growing into a licensed financial institution sending billions to Vietnam.

Reconciliation & Truth Commissions: Why healing post-civil war requires bilateral acknowledge of history, pain, and legitimacy from both sides.

Shifting Demographics in Little Saigon: How new waves of international students from Vietnam and younger generations are reshaping local perspectives on history and community.

Representation in Public Office: Serving as the first Vietnamese trustee on the Coast Community College District Board and expanding Vietnamese American experience curriculum.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Phu Nguyen (Coast Community College District Trustee)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How does inherited trauma drive our deep obsession with history, identity, and cultural preservation?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Ken sits down with Columbia University archaeologist Prof. Nam C. Kim to explore the deep psychological and cultural connection between trauma, passion, and heritage.

Kenneth and Nam discuss how family displacement during the Cold War and the 1975 refugee exodus shaped their lifelong obsession with archaeology and storytelling. They also break down the anthropology of human conflict—from ancient hand-to-hand combat to modern drone warfare and AI—and contrast the trauma-informed perspective of the overseas diaspora with the forward-looking mindset of youth in modern Vietnam.

Inside the Episode:

Trauma, Obsession, and Art: How inherited family trauma fuels a lifelong drive for cultural preservation, archaeology, and creative work.

The Anthropology of Warfare: Nam’s research on why humans fight, the shift from proximate combat to distant drone/AI technology, and the ancient roots of peacemaking.

Diaspora vs. Modern Vietnam: Contrasting the trauma-driven cultural preservation of overseas Vietnamese with the forward-moving mindset of young people in Vietnam today.

Cultural Kinship & Belonging: Why humans naturally seek identity and connection through food, traditions, and historical memory.

Inside the Phúc Tạp Project: Reflections on Kenneth and Nam's ongoing documentary collaboration documenting the complexities of Vietnamese identity.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Prof. Nam C. Kim (Columbia University)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Why did ancient Vietnamese communities dye their teeth black—and what did it mean about their identity, beauty, and survival?

In this episode, Ken reunites with Columbia University archaeologist Prof. Nam C. Kim to explore the history, science, and cultural evolution of tooth blackening (nhuộm răng đen) in ancient and modern Vietnam.

Joined by special guest artist and tattoo historian Andy Hori Tran, Kenneth and Nam examine recent archaeological studies analyzing human remains from the 2,000-year-old Đông Sơn culture. They break down the traditional recipes involving iron salts and gallnuts, the hygienic benefits of enamel protection, and how body modifications like tattooing and tooth staining served as boundary markers between ancient indigenous communities and expanding northern empires.

Inside the Episode:

The Archaeology of Tooth Blackening: Examining recent chemical analysis of 2,000-year-old Đông Sơn human remains and recipes used for permanent staining.

The Trưng Sisters Era: Han Dynasty Chinese chronicles describing southern "barbarians" with short hair, tattoos, and blackened teeth.

Cultural Purpose & Hygiene: How resin pastes protected teeth from decay while serving as rites of passage, community markers, and human-versus-animal distinctions.

Andy Hori Tran on Đông Sơn Art: Decoding the visual motifs on bronze drums, headhunting depictions, boat scenes, and indigenous identity.

Why the Practice Vanished: How Western contact, French colonial beauty standards, and modern shifts led to the decline of nhuộm răng đen in the 20th century.

Connect & Follow:

Guests: Prof. Nam C. Kim (Columbia University) / Andy Hori Tran

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How does a young producer from Toronto go from making beats in high school to producing for Drake, Big Sean, Eminem, Zayn, and Nicki Minaj?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with acclaimed music producer FrancisGotHeat (Francis Nguyen-Tran). Francis shares his journey of growing up in Toronto as the youngest of six children in a musical refugee family, turning down early bad record deals at 17, and producing "4422" for Drake's More Life project.

Francis opens up about his recent trips back to Vietnam, stepping into the Vietnamese entertainment industry as an international guest producer on Anh Trai "Say Hi" (Didn't Say Hi), the difference between AI music and human soul, and his long-term mission to help build the next global wave of V-Pop.

Inside the Episode:

Roots & Refugee Story: Growing up in Canada as the child of Vietnamese refugee parents who loved music but discouraged making it a career.

The Toronto Hustle: Entering the Remix Project at 15, meeting industry lawyers, and flying out to LA as a teenager without taking bad early deals.

The Making of Drake's "4422": Creating the moody, atmospheric beat in high school and having it picked up three years later for More Life.

Reframing Vietnam: Overcoming family fear narratives, experiencing modern Saigon for the first time in 2025, and discovering the local music scene.

Guest Producing on Anh Trai "Say Hi": Working with local artists, adapting from hip-hop/R&B to ballads, and experiencing the versatility of Vietnamese talent.

The Future of V-Pop: Exploring what it will take for Vietnamese music to cross over internationally, blending traditional tones (cải lương, bolero) with modern production.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: FrancisGotHeat (@francisgotheat)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How does a basketball coach from the UK move to Saigon and end up speaking fluent Vietnamese?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with British basketball coach and creator Rob Newson. Arriving in Vietnam in 2011 to coach international school programs, Rob quickly set out to learn the language—a decision that unlocked unique cultural connections and led him to become a pivotal early figure in the launch of the Saigon Heat and the development of the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA).

Rob shares his journey from coaching youth programs across Vietnam to navigating the early days of professional basketball in Saigon, meeting his Vietnamese wife, and building projects like the Vietnam Basketball Experience Trip (VBET) to connect international players with local basketball communities.

Inside the Episode:

The Language Journey: Learning Icelandic first, moving to Saigon in 2011, and building fluency through daily interactions and coaching.

The Birth of Professional Basketball: Coaching early youth programs, working with local district teams, and helping launch the Saigon Heat franchise.

Coaching & Culture: Bridging communication gaps between foreign imports, local Vietnamese players, and international staff.

The Evolution of the VBA: How grassroots academies, proximity to pro players, and social media are growing basketball across Vietnam.

Personal Life: Meeting his wife in Saigon, navigating cross-cultural relationships, and staying connected to Vietnam from the UK.

Connect & Follow:

Instagram: @thay.rob

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How can a regional museum bridge global heritage with local diaspora communities?

In this episode, Ken visits the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, to sit down with President and CEO Dr. Sean O'Harrow. Born in France, raised in Hawaii, and educated at Harvard, Sean is the son of a prominent American professor of Vietnamese language and a French-Vietnamese mother.

Sean shares his personal journey navigating biracial identity—what he playfully calls being a "bánh bao" or "chặp phở" (a unique mix)—and explains how growing up as an outsider inspired his career in art history and museum leadership. Together, Kenneth and Sean discuss moving past war-centered narratives, engaging Little Saigon's Vietnamese-American community, hosting events like the Viet Film Fest, and managing a major cultural institution that serves diverse global heritage.

Inside the Episode:

A "Chặp Phở" Heritage: Growing up in Hawaii as the child of a Vietnamese language professor father and a French-Vietnamese mother.

The Power of Third-Person Perspective: How feeling like a "forever tourist" shaped Sean's objective approach to art, architecture, and academics.

Reframing Vietnamese Art & Media: Moving beyond war narratives to showcase contemporary fashion, film, literature, and culinary culture.

Leading the Bowers Museum: Building partnerships with community organizations (Viet Film Fest, VALA, Viet Book Fest) and engaging Santa Ana's diverse demographics.

The Role of Museums in a Digital Age: Countering AI and virtual spaces with real-world artifacts, history, and community experiences.

Connect & Follow:

Institution: Bowers Museum (Santa Ana, CA)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What does it mean to bridge two distinct cultures forged during a time of war?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Derek Powell, an Air Force Academy graduate, former corporate executive, and board member of the Amerasian Coalition. Born in Cần Thơ, Vietnam in 1971 to a Vietnamese mother and a Black American Air Force serviceman, Derek shares his journey of growing up in Riverside, California, navigating dual heritages, and returning to Vietnam as an adult to reconnect with his family.

Derek opens up about the power of code-switching, the unique experience of attending the Air Force Academy, his emotional reunion with over two dozen family members in Saigon, and the ongoing mission of the Amerasian Coalition to preserve oral histories, support reunification, and build community for children of the Vietnam War.

Inside the Episode:

Roots in Cần Thơ: Growing up with a Vietnamese mother and Black American Air Force father in military-adjacent Southern California.

The Military Journey: Attending the Air Force Academy, navigating identity among minority cadet groups, and mastering code-switching in corporate spaces.

Returning to Cần Thơ: Flying to Saigon with Warner Bros. in 2005 and walking into a hotel lobby filled with 30 long-lost family members.

The Amerasian Experience: Discussing the spectrum of Amerasian stories, Operation Baby Lift, DNA reunification, and overcoming social stigma.

The Amerasian Coalition Mission: Scaling advocacy efforts, archiving oral histories with university research centers, and connecting the global Amerasian diaspora.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How did two 1st-century leaders become the ultimate symbol of Vietnamese anti-colonial resistance—and how has their story changed over 2,000 years?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen reunites with Columbia University professor John D. Phan to launch a new sub-series exploring the origins, myths, and evolution of iconic Vietnamese heroes (anh hùng).

Focusing on Hai Bà Trưng (the Trưng Sisters, Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị), John breaks down the three primary textual layers that form their legend: from 1st-century Han Dynasty Chinese chronicles (Hou Han Shu) to the 13th-century Trần Dynasty spirit catalogue (Việt Điện U Linh Tập) and early modern folklore (Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái).

Together, Kenneth and John examine how historical narratives are reconstructed by each generation, why medieval Confucian scholars reframed Trưng Trắc as a loyal widow, and how modern nationalist movements transformed the sisters into iconic anti-Chinese freedom fighters.

Inside the Episode:

Defining the Hero: Etymology of Anh Hùng, gendered historical language, and what makes a figure universally revered across divided communities.

The Earliest Written Account: Examining the Han Dynasty records (Hou Han Shu), General Ma Yuan (Mã Viện), and the legal conflicts in 1st-century Giao Chỉ (Zhaozi).

The 13th-Century Shift: How the Trần Dynasty compiled Việt Điện U Linh Tập to rally supernatural spirits against invading Mongol forces.

Confucian Rewrites vs. Modern Myths: Why medieval editors added the murder of Thi Sách to justify Trưng Trắc’s rebellion through a lens of wifely devotion.

Reclaiming the Archive: Why diaspora communities and modern creators must dig beyond basic surface folklore to explore pre-modern Vietnamese religious texts.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Prof. John D. Phan (Columbia University)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What does it mean to be a modern Vietnamese musician in the world of jazz?

In this episode, Ken sits down with jazz guitarist and composer Pham Quang Tri (Trí Phạm). Trained at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music and currently studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Trí shares his journey from listening to Japanese fusion and rock to discovering the deep lineage of Bebop, Hard Bop, and improvisation.

Trí and Kenneth explore the concept of honesty in music, the contrast between rehearsed performance and spontaneous expression, the influence of K-pop and commercialization on V-pop, and why studying American jazz ultimately pushed Trí to rediscover his own Vietnamese heritage.

Inside the Episode:

The Gateway to Jazz: Transitioning from Guns N' Roses and Radiohead to Japanese fusion band Casiopea and classical jazz icons.

The Concept of Honesty: Why improvisation requires vulnerability, accepting mistakes live, and playing for yourself before the audience.

Lineage & Heritage: Studying under the American jazz tradition, understanding the distinct sound profiles of jazz pioneers, and bringing a Vietnamese perspective to the genre.

Commercialization vs. Craft: How the rise of K-pop and brand-centric music culture impacts musical identity and artistic depth.

Finding Home Abroad: How living in the Bay Area and studying abroad deepened Trí's appreciation for Vietnamese culture and traditional music.

Connect & Follow:

Website: https://triphamguitar.com/

Spotify: Tri Pham 

YouTube: Trí Phạm

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do you honor a legendary family business after it goes bankrupt—and rebuild it for a new generation?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen reunites with Sophie Baojiang, co-founder of Mommy & Me Vietnamese and daughter of the creators behind the iconic 1990s Vietnamese children's media company Thế Hệ Trẻ.

Sophie opens up about growing up inside the family's flagship Asian Garden Mall store, watching her parents navigate the digital shift and ultimate bankruptcy in the mid-2000s, and why they initially urged her not to enter the industry. She breaks down how she overcame creative burnout, launched Mommy & Me Vietnamese from her living room, and expanded it into a 400,000-subscriber digital brand, live performance group, and dual-language early education program.

Inside the Episode:

The Thế Hệ Trẻ Legacy: Growing up in the 1990s Vietnamese media industry and witnessing the rise and fall of physical media.

The Turning Point: Rebuilding a family empire from scratch after a 2005 closure and turning personal motherhood into a new mission.

Overcoming Parent Guilt: Why second-generation parents struggle with language transmission and how bilingual education reduces pressure.

Scaling Beyond YouTube: Expanding into original music publishing, Spotify streaming, live community events, and interactive early childhood classes in Little Saigon.

Remembering Stefan Gauger: A personal tribute to the late director, his community impact, and his hidden philanthropic work.

Connect & Follow:

YouTube / Spotify: Mommy & Me Vietnamese

Instagram: @mommyandmevietnamese

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when an academic insider steps away from the institution?

In this episode, Ken visits Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen at his home. Following his recent retirement from the University of Southern California (USC) after 28 years, Viet opens up about the realities of higher education, the corporate mechanics of major universities, and the psychological freedom of stepping away from academia.

Viet and Kenneth dive into the state of modern America, examining political division, the price of free speech, self-censorship, the impact of AI on writing, and the inspiration behind his upcoming third novel in The Sympathizer trilogy.

Inside the Episode:

Leaving Academia: Navigating institutional constraints, the rising costs of higher education, and the choice to exit a prestigious tenure position.

Capitalism & The University System: How profitability, branding, and corporate interests shape modern American education.

Speech, Controversy, & Freedom: Reflections on speaking out after October 7th, facing public pushback, and the realities of self-censorship.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Why Viet banned technology in his final seminar and how AI challenges the human element of writing.

The Final Chapter of The Sympathizer Trilogy: Moving the story from Paris to El Salvador in 1984, exploring revolutions, US foreign policy, and imperial legacies.

Connect & Follow:

Website: vietnguyen.info

Instagram: @viet.thanh.nguyen.writer

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How do you build a massive online brand without losing your authentic creative voice?

In this episode, Ken sits down with writer, director, actor, and content creator Milky Tran. Milky opens up about her creative journey—from serving as president of a high school "destructive decisions" club in Pittsburgh to directing for Jubilee, moving to Los Angeles, and building her own viral series like Three Adult Things and Next Session.

Milky and Kenneth dive into the realities of modern content creation: balancing high-production storytelling with social-first algorithms, maintaining creative control, navigating family relationships and boundaries, and the struggles of dating and ambition in LA.

Inside the Episode:

Father-Daughter Connection: The story behind getting drunk with her dad for five hours and building deep intergenerational trust.

The Jubilee Directing Era: What working at a major digital media company taught Milky about thumbnails, virality, and leading sets at 23.

The Creator Pivot: Transitioning from comedy skits to high-production narrative series (Next Session) and overcoming content burnout.

LA Dating & Ambition: The challenge of balancing career drive with romance, avoiding "saccharine" tropes, and setting compatibility standards.

Vietnamese-American Identity: Growing up in Pittsburgh vs. living in LA, visiting family in Vietnam, and bringing emotional depth to modern comedy.

Connect & Follow:

Instagram / TikTok: @milkytran

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, host Ken catches up with creator and fan-favorite guest Phúc Mập to break down his recent road trip to Marian Days (Đại Hội Thánh Mẫu) in Carthage, Missouri.

Phúc Mập shares his firsthand experience as one of the few non-Vietnamese attendees at the massive annual pilgrimage, exploring the sprawling campgrounds, massive pop-up dining halls, and the vibrant family-reunion atmosphere that fills the town. They also dive into his life as a creator, the realities of maintaining his Vietnamese fluency, his new credit card rewards project (The Credit Ginger), and his upcoming return trip to Vietnam.

Inside the Episode:

The Scale of Marian Days: How a tiny town in Missouri transforms into a bustling 100,000-person Vietnamese gathering with RVs, street food, and community reunions.

Behind the Scenes: Walking through the food tents, meeting fans from across the country, and getting a roof-top view of the Carthage cathedral.

Road Trip Mishaps: The story of getting his electric bike stolen out of a hotel parking garage in Kansas City right before the event.

Language & Authenticity: Phúc Mập’s process of continuous learning, preparing to MC weddings, and using basic context to navigate complex conversations.

The Points & Miles Strategy: A look into his new travel-hacking project showing how he booked first-class international flights for his family using credit card points.

Connect & Follow Phúc Mập:

YouTube: Phúc Mập

Instagram / Facebook: @phucmapvlog

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the "American Dream" isn't a 3,000-square-foot house and a corporate job?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Vu and Jenny from the popular channel Cuộc Sống Di Động (The Mobile Life). From meeting at a New Jersey car dealership to climbing the corporate ladder in Texas, Vu and Jenny had everything traditionally defined as success—a dream home, high incomes, and premium cars. But five years ago, they made a radical choice: sell everything, give away their belongings on Facebook Marketplace, and take to the open road full-time with their three children.

Vu and Jenny break down the exact logistics, economics, and mindset required to step out of the traditional rat race. They discuss the realities of homeschooling, navigating financial freedom using market investments and campground systems like Thousand Trails, facing down cultural skepticism from Vietnamese parents, and finding safety and community across North America.

Inside the Episode

How They Met: A BMW X3, an old-school sales pitch, and an unlikely romance starting in New Jersey.

The Corporate Grind: Climbing the automotive management ladder and realizing high income doesn't buy time.

The Turning Point: Selling their 3,000 sq ft house, giving away their furniture, and packing their lives into four suitcases.

The Financial Breakdown: How they funded their transition, managed market investments/ETFs, and cut campground costs to ~$700/year using membership networks.

Homeschooling on the Road: Overcoming traditional educational biases and learning from generational homeschoolers.

The Content Pivot: Switching from English to Vietnamese on YouTube (Cuộc Sống Di Động) to share their journey with family and the global Vietnamese diaspora.

Culture & Community: Attending Marian Days in Carthage, MO, meeting full-time RV families, and why they feel safer in campground communities than traditional neighborhoods.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Does the food we eat define our national identity—or does history make it far more complicated?

In this episode, Ken catches up with creator and researcher Chris Tran (Chris Tran Travels) to unpack the deep, unexpected rabbit holes of Vietnamese history, food evolution, and diaspora identity.

Chris shares insights from co-hosting a Brown University study abroad course across Vietnam, examining how geography, harsh climates, and Champa/Khmer cultural exchanges shaped the pungent, fermented flavors (mắm) of Central and Southern cuisine. Kenneth and Chris also dive into the visible transformations happening across modern Vietnam—from high-speed infrastructure projects to the controversial clearing of street vendors in Hanoi—and discuss what happens when refugee parents return to a homeland that has evolved far beyond their memories.

Inside the Episode:

The Roots of Vietnamese Flavor: How extreme weather, survival needs, and regional fermentation created the distinct profile of mắm and Central Vietnamese spice.

The Rapid Transformation of Vietnam: On-the-ground observations of Hanoi’s street-vendor clearances, rural infrastructure pushes, and the drive toward 2045 "developed nation" status.

Refugee Healing & Return: What Chris’s mother experienced visiting Vietnam after decades away, and why first-generation parents often find modern Vietnam deeply unfamiliar.

The Diaspora Language Paradox: Why second-generation Vietnamese-American siblings struggle to speak Vietnamese to each other and how pronoun hierarchies (anh / em) feel awkward without a shared linguistic "toolkit."

Cultural Manners & Code-Switching: Reclaiming the art of chào (formal greetings), eye contact, and intergenerational respect across the diaspora.

Connect & Follow:

Chris Tran: Instagram / TikTok @christrantravels

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is the next generation of Asian-American pop-rock already here?

In this episode, Ken sits down with 16-year-old high school junior, singer-songwriter, and rising rock artist Ella Quinn (Ella Quỳnh). Ella reflects on her journey from dealing with extreme stage anxiety and panic attacks to writing original music and releasing her debut single, Iconic.

Ella opens up about the rare and unwavering support of her "dadager" and family in a culture that traditionally pushes medical or legal careers, navigating perfectionism, and keeping her music career a complete secret from her high school peers out of fear of being bullied. She also shares how she got discovered on Instagram reels by major producer John (who has worked with icons like Lana Del Rey and Madonna), balancing ASB and club leadership with late-night songwriting, and her upcoming October release, Play It Cool.

Inside the Episode:

Overcoming Perfectionism & Anxiety: How Ella managed physical manifestations of panic and anxiety to step confidently onto the stage.

Breaking Asian Stereotypes: Navigating traditional family expectations and why having full parental backing changes everything for a young artist.

The Secret Life of a Student Rocker: Why Ella tried to hide her music and social media presence from her high school classmates.

Working With Industry Legends: The story of how Lana Del Rey's producer discovered Ella on Instagram and flew to LA to meet her family.

Songwriting at 12 AM: The creative process behind Iconic and her upcoming single Play It Cool.

Cultural Representation: Why creating pop-rock representation for young Vietnamese girls drives her passion forward.

Connect & Follow Ella Quinn:

Instagram / TikTok: @ellaquynhsings

Spotify / Apple Music: Ella Quynh

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Ken sits down for a second interview with legendary actor, director, and producer Dustin Nguyen.

Dustin reflects on the turbulent chapters of his career—from early stardom on 21 Jump Street, SeaQuest DSV, and VIP with Pamela Anderson, to the tragic car accident that left his former wife quadriplegic and wiped out his personal finances. He shares untold stories from his decade away from Hollywood, including running a boutique custom leather and silver jewelry shop on Melrose catering to rock legends like Steven Tyler, Billy Idol, James Hetfield, and Jackie Chan.

Dustin also details his dramatic return to acting in Little Fish alongside Cate Blanchett, his landmark return to Vietnam for The Rebel (Dòng Máu Anh Hùng), spending 12 years building the modern Vietnamese film industry, and his major Hollywood comeback in Apple TV’s Dope Thief and A24’s Superfakes.

Inside the Episode

The Reality of Acting Dry Spells: Navigating the steep representation hurdles and limited roles for Asian American actors during the late 1980s and 1990s.

The Highs of VIP and Sudden Tragedy: How a life-altering medical emergency in 2000 resulted in immediate bankruptcy, constant insurance battles, and an 11-year caregiving journey.

The Melrose Leather & Silver Business: Designing custom rock-and-roll clothing for icons like Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Aerosmith, and Jackie Chan out of a boutique shop on La Brea & Melrose.

Returning to Acting with Little Fish: Auditioning for and landing the lead romantic interest opposite Cate Blanchett when he thought his acting career was permanently over.

The Birth of Modern Vietnamese Cinema: Returning to Vietnam after 32 years to star as the antagonist in The Rebel (Dòng Máu Anh Hùng) and helping spark a new wave of local feature film production.

Playing "Sun Pham" in Dope Thief: Working with showrunner Peter Craig and producer Ridley Scott to bring a complex Vietnamese-American crime boss—pitched as a "Vietnamese-American Tony Soprano"—to screen.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Ken sits down with returning guest Ola for a discussion on modern romance, dating app fatigue, and whether economic and cultural shifts have fundamentally changed what we seek in a partner.

Together, Ken and Ola unpack why many 30-somethings in the diaspora feel stuck or disillusioned by modern dating. Ola breaks down her systematic, marketing-inspired approach to dating profiles—including A/B testing photos to filter for emotional intelligence over superficial metrics. They also examine how traditional Vietnamese parenting, which often strictly discourages adolescent dating in favor of academics, can inadvertently leave young adults without the communication skills needed to navigate adult relationships.

Inside the Episode

"Do Women Need Men Anymore?": How women’s financial independence and shifting social norms have transformed marriage from an economic requirement into an intentional choice.

The "Choice Paralysis" of Dating Apps: Why infinite swiping creates lower commitment, social anxiety, and an artificial "top 5%" standard for both men and women.

A/B Testing Your Dating Profile: Ola explains her systematic method for weeding out superficial suitors by using authentic, unpolished photos and value-driven bio descriptions.

The Cultural Dating Deficit: How traditional Asian parenting practices—prohibiting teenage relationships—atrophy the emotional and communication "muscles" needed for adult intimacy.

Core Values vs. External Metrics: Why shifting focus away from surface-level status symbols (height, Ivy League degrees, job titles) toward shared values like diligence and humor yields better long-term compatibility.

The Offline Resurgence: How running clubs, dinner pop-ups, and real-life speed dating are offering an antidote to digital burnout for the next generation.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy