We discuss her transition from a "pre-med" student to a professional videographer, her obsession with the legendary Nguyễn Ngọc Ngạn, and the "two jobs" of the modern artist: creating the work and creating the content that feeds the algorithm. Kavi also pulls back the curtain on the high-speed world of Vietnamese Live Shopping and why dating in the diaspora feels like navigating a minefield of cultural trauma and patriarchal expectations.

In this conversation:

The "Kavi" Origin: How a girl named Vũ Kim Ngân created an identity that accidentally meant "Poet" in Hindi.

The Nguyễn Ngọc Ngạn Influence: Why the "deep cuts" of Paris by Night poetry segments are the foundation of Kavi's style.

The "Con Dâu" Trauma: A frank discussion on the "servant" expectations placed on daughters-in-law and why Western-minded women are avoiding the "Junior Servant" role.

Live Shopping Chaos: How Kavi became a VIP in the high-speed world of TikTok auctions, learning "shorthand" Vietnamese from Gen Z sellers.

The Content Creator’s Paradox: Why a random video about white hair gets 6 million views while a soulful poem about mom gets ignored—and how to be okay with it.

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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!

We dive deep into the moment Carl was ordered by his boss to put the wrong name on the iconic "Napalm Girl" photo—an image credited with changing the course of the war. Now 80 years old, Carl reveals the "moral weight" he carried, his journey to find the real photographer in the Vietnamese countryside, and his raw, unfiltered take on the political "balloon" he’s popping in 2026.

Inside this high-stakes conversation:

The "Whisper" in Saigon: The exact moment Carl was told to lie and why he felt he couldn't stand up to the "celebrity machine" at the time.

Finding the Ghost: How Carl tracked down the real photographer, Hoang Van Tuoi, just 24 hours before a near-fatal stroke almost silenced the truth forever.

The "Divorce" Theory: Why Carl views the North vs. South conflict as a family divorce where the children (the diaspora) are still fighting over the house.

Substack & To Lam: Carl's 2026 insights into the new leadership in Vietnam and why he believes the government is still "afraid" to acknowledge the South’s history.

Warding off Dementia: How writing long-form journalism at 80 is Carl's secret weapon for keeping a "lucid" and sharp mind.

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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!

We dive into the rare story of his father, a full-time artist who gave Bobo a unique surname at birth to ensure he would stand out. We explore how martial arts tricking became the foundation for his stage presence and why he uses makeup—inspired by David Bowie—not to hide, but to unleash a primal energy that defies traditional norms.

Inside this deep dive into art and identity:

The "Ziggy Stardust" Effect: Why an alter ego is the key to liberating yourself from social expectations and anxiety.

The Tricking Foundation: How years of "eating shit" in martial arts prepared Bobo for the physical and mental volatility of the music business.

Bay Area vs. LA: The cultural differences between growing up in the NorCal "bubble" versus the global "world stage" of Southern California.

The "Lone Wolf" Problem: A candid talk about the scarcity mindset among Vietnamese creators in LA and the need for a collaborative community "powwow."

The Motherland Shift: Why Bobo is finally ready to take his "brave" energy back to Vietnam’s emerging pop and rock scene.

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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!

We explore the "shame" that often prevents second-generation Vietnamese Americans from learning the language and the paradoxical rise of the "Ginger ambassador." From the tense political polarization of 2026 to the "dangerously fractured" state of the modern nuclear family, this conversation serves as a raw look at how a community survives 50 years after a divorce from its motherland.

Inside this deep dive into cultural survival:

The "Shame" Cycle: Why younger Vietnamese are regretful about losing their language and why they’d rather learn from a "foreigner" than a critical parent.

Kentucky to Little Saigon: Phúc Mập’s 8-year journey as an English teacher in Vietnam and his transition to translating for nail techs in the American South.

The Flag Evolution: A candid discussion on content creators like Jason (Wynn Dynasty) and Mimi who are bypassing 50 years of political lines to focus on "Culture over Politics."

The Retirement Reality: Why South Vietnamese veterans are finding more "healing" in 3 weeks in Saigon than in 30 years in the US.

Branding the Streets: How the "Little Saigon Official" merch is turning a 50-year-old tourist destination into a legacy worth framing.

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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!

Together, they reveal the heart behind Saigon Bonbon, a brand that is much more than a gummy company. It is a "love letter" to Vietnamese resilience, a bridge between generations, and a masterclass in cultural branding. We discuss the viral speech that moved millions, the struggle of living with Parkinson's, and why the next generation of Vietnamese "rebels" is finally ready to take center stage.

Inside this deep dive into culture and commerce:

The "Kỳ Lân" Philosophy: Why replacing gummy bears with Lion Dance lions (Kỳ Lân) is a daily reminder to celebrate life, not just for Tết.

Resilience in Real Time: Bao Han discusses retiring from the stage due to Parkinson’s and how her "alive and positive" energy became the DNA of the brand.

The Gen X vs. Gen Z Bridge: Tee explains the shift from "survival mode" to "expression mode" and how the launch party became a magical exchange between legends and newcomers.

The "Vanilla of the East": A breakdown of the "Guifao" (elegant) flavor profiles, from spicy street food nostalgia to botanical lychee.

Michael Le’s "Sauce": Why a global superstar is looking back to his Vietnamese roots to define his next chapter as an entrepreneur.

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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!

Khoa, a former graphic designer, spent a decade archiving the work of her grandfather—the legendary composer Y Vân—before ever picking up a film camera. Y Vân was the mastermind behind Vietnam’s most iconic anthems, from the upbeat "Sài Gòn" to the mournful "Lòng Mẹ."

In this episode, we explore:

The "Un-Jaded" Director: How coming from a design background allowed Khoa to break traditional filmmaking rules and tell a more authentic story.

The Quincy Jones of Vietnam: Why Y Vân’s range—from Latin-inspired Cha-Cha-Cha to heavy rock and roll—makes him a unique figure in world music history.

Healing a Nation: The movement to move past the political lines of North vs. South and unite under a shared creative heritage.

The Archiving Movement: How Western labels and young DJs are sparking a resurgence in "The Lost Sounds of Saigon."

Killing Your Babies: The brutal reality of cutting 90 hours of raw footage down to a tight 93-minute feature.

Catch the Movement:

The film is currently on its 2026 festival run, hitting cities like Atlanta, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Houston. Follow @yvan.film on Instagram for the full screening schedule and a special Orange County event at the end of May.

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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!

Tree breaks down her transition from the high-stakes world of HR in Silicon Valley to the creative chaos of Los Angeles. We explore the "trauma-to-comedy" pipeline, why she thinks American bathroom habits are wrong, and the deep linguistic history behind Vietnamese slurs.

In this episode, we explore:

The "Marble Drip" Morning: How a simple coffee run turned into a graphic lesson on performance anxiety and defensive humor.

Silicon Valley to Showbiz: The moment Tree realized corporate alignment was gone and her theater kid roots needed to take over.

The Flow State: Kenneth analyzes the neuroscientific precision behind Tree’s seamless blending of English and Vietnamese.

Bê Đê & Chinky: A heavy but necessary dive into the etymology of slurs, reclaiming identity, and the "rebel" role of Vietnamese Americans in challenging traditional families.

Vietnam Dialects: Tree’s connection to Huế and why the "yelling" volume of Vietnamese content is actually a product of cultural history.

AI vs. The Soul: Why ChatGPT can’t replicate the "ashy" reality of human experience or the specific comedic timing of a frustrated Vietnamese mom.

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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!

Bold, Vietlish, and unapologetic — this is the space for the stories that don't always make it to the main stage. The careers being built, the culture being carried, the conversations happening at the dinner table that never make it online.

Viet Boss Babe is where Vietnamese women come to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Follow Viet Boss Babe:

https://www.instagram.com/vietbossbabe

https://www.youtube.com/@vietbossbabe

Welcome to a special collaborative series between The Vietnamese Podcast and Viet Boss Babe. In this premiere episode of "Đàn ông phải thế" (Men Must Be This Way), host Mia and Kenneth Nguyen pull back the curtain on the silent struggle of the modern Vietnamese man.

We explore the "Gia trưởng" (patriarchal) script that has governed Vietnamese households for centuries—the idea that a man is a provider, a protector, and above all, someone who never cries. But what happens when that script is torn up? In a world where women are dominating medical schools and out-earning their partners, where do men fit in?

In this episode, we tackle:

"Con trai không được khóc": The long-term psychological damage of suppressing male emotions and the fear that vulnerability will "rock the foundation" of the family.

The Norwegian Warning: A startling look at how men are being left behind in education, with 99% of medical students in some countries now being women.

The "Invisibility" of Women: Kenneth’s honest admission about being raised in a culture where women were socially invisible and the work required to break that conditioning.

The 4 Pillars of Radical Self-Love: Mia and Kenneth discuss why meditation, journaling, the gym, and affirmations are no longer "optional" for the modern man.

Learning from Gen Z: Why Kenneth believes 50-year-old men need to seek guidance from 30-year-olds to navigate modern relationship dynamics.

Will is headlining his biggest show yet at Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco on April 24, 2026. You can find tickets in the following link: https://willpepper.komi.io/

In this episode, Ken sits down with Will Pepper (born Will Tieu). You might know him from his viral cooking videos with his "Daddy Pepper," his work managing Jimmy O. Yang’s TikTok, or as the "loan shark" in Uncle Roger’s skits.

Will opens up about a life that sounds like a dark comedy script: growing up as a "nail salon kid" in Utah and Phoenix, navigating his father’s past struggles with addiction and gambling, and the surreal moment his family name was changed to "Pepper" overnight just to secure a business loan.

In this episode, we explore:

The "Pepper" Strategy: The wild story of how Will's dad changed the family's last name on a random Tuesday in high school to sound "more American" for credit applications.

Healing Through Ayahuasca: A vulnerable look at how Will and his father used psychedelics to process intergenerational trauma and reconcile their past.

The Comedy Grind: Will’s journey from "boring" pre-med student to moving to LA, managing major stars, and finally finding his own voice on stage.

Honoring Alex Jung: A tribute to the late Vietnamese comedian and the tight-knit community of "Viets in Comedy" who keep the grind going.

The "Retarded" Intelligence of Comedy: Why being a great comic requires high emotional intelligence and the ability to "read the room" rather than traditional book smarts.

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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!

In this fascinating episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Kevin Quach, an Aerospace Engineer at Blue Origin. From working on experimental heavy-lift helicopters like the Sikorsky CH-53K to testing the next generation of rockets at Cape Canaveral, Kevin brings a grounded, technical perspective to the most "out of this world" topics.

Kevin walks us through the rigorous world of flight test engineering, the reality of working in an industry where "failure is not an option," and how the laws of physics finally put the moon landing conspiracy theories to rest.

In this episode, we dive into:

Debunking the Hoax: Why the math and physics of 1969 are immutable, and the "PR" reality behind famous space photography.

The "Jack of All Trades": What it actually takes to become an aerospace engineer and the grit required to survive "experimental" flight tests.

Helicopters vs. Rockets: A surprising comparison of mechanical complexity—why mastering the rotor head is a different beast than mastering a launch vehicle.

Blue Origin’s Mission: Moving beyond "space tourism" to build an infrastructure "for the benefit of Earth," including manufacturing solar panels from lunar dust.

The Lunar Gateway: How the 2026 Artemis missions are creating a "gas station/rest stop" in lunar orbit to enable deep space travel.

Aerospace in Vietnam: The potential for VinSpace and Viettel and the complex political "ITAR" hurdles for engineers in the 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!

Host Kenneth Nguyen, Chris, and Dana dive deep into the "Identity Loop." We discuss why the diaspora is "addicted to angst" while Vietnam is already moving at light speed, and whether our "biological pull" to the motherland is a gift or a golden cage.

Inside this discussion:

The "Pungent" to "Fragrant" Shift: How Little Saigon successfully rebranded Vietnamese culture for the world.

The "Broken" Fragment: Why we feel a biological need to return to the "ocean" of the motherland.

Standstill vs. Creation: Breaking the cycle of "Am I Vietnamese enough?" to start making things that matter.

The Global Platform: Why we need an intentional "council" to push the Vietnamese brand forward in 2026.

Are you ready to stop searching for who you are and start creating what you want to be? Join the conversation in the comments.

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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!

Owen’s journey is far from typical. Unlike most F1 stars who begin karting at age 4, Owen didn't step into a cockpit until he was 14. From playing F1 video games to pulling $4G$ in a real race car, Owen discusses the grit, the late-start disadvantage, and the staggering financial reality of the "pay-to-play" world of professional racing.

In this episode, we explore:

The Racing Ladder: Breaking down the progression from F4 to the $1.5$ million Euro seasons of F3 and the "feeder" system for F1.

The Physics of Speed: What it feels like to endure $5G$ to $7G$ of force—gravity levels usually reserved for fighter pilots.

The Money Game: The brutal truth about racing—why talent isn't always enough and why Owen is seeking Vietnamese investors to help bridge the funding gap.

National Pride: Why bringing a Vietnamese name to the F1 grid represents more than just a career—it’s a demonstration of national power and the "indomitable spirit" of the people.

Owen is currently balancing business school in France while training for his next shot at the track. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to drive at 300+ km/h or how the business of racing actually works, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to join Owen’s journey to the grid.

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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!

Opened in Hanoi in 1907, this school lasted only 10 months before the French colonial government shut it down—but those 300 days changed the trajectory of the nation forever. We explore how a tiny group of intellectuals, inspired by Japan's Meiji Restoration, attempted to "enlighten the Vietnamese mind" by abandoning ancient Confucian rote-learning in favor of science, hygiene, and a brand-new Romanized script.

In this episode, we tackle:

The Death of Tradition: Why cutting your hair and learning math was seen as a radical act of patriotism.

The "Dictator's Dilemma": The tension between needing a smart, educated workforce and the fear that those same people will think for themselves.

Humboldt vs. Napoleon: Understanding the two models of education—building an "economic powerhouse" versus cultivating a "free citizen."

2026 Realities: From mandatory Marxism-Leninism courses in Saigon to book banning in Florida, we look at the global state of academic freedom today.

Key Historical Insights:

Japanese Influence: How Japan's 1905 victory over Russia proved to the Vietnamese that "white people" could be defeated through modernization.

The Power of the Map: Why showing villagers an S-shaped map of Vietnam for the first time was a revolutionary act.

Social Darwinism: The uncomfortable 1900s ideology that framed colonialism as a "survival of the fittest" race.

Whether you're interested in the roots of Vietnamese nationalism or the modern battle over what we are allowed to teach in 2026, this conversation is essential. Subscribe to join the intellectual front line.

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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!

In this episode, we sit down with Viet Nguyen, the visionary founder of KEI Concepts and a recent James Beard Award semi-finalist. From a single storefront to a portfolio of iconic brands that have redefined the Southern California dining scene, Viet has cracked the code on scaling culture without losing soul.

We’re recording on-site at his most ambitious project yet: Qua. Located in the heart of Orange County’s Little Saigon, Qua isn't just a restaurant—it’s a "Chinese culinary experiment" that challenges traditional boundaries.

In this conversation, we dive into:

The Blueprint for Scale: How Viet transitioned from a solo founder to managing a multi-million dollar hospitality group.

The "Qua" Experiment: The deep-rooted inspiration behind his newest venture and why he chose to innovate within the legendary landscape of Little Saigon.

Cultural Fusion vs. Confusion: How to respect culinary heritage while pushing the envelope for a modern audience.

The James Beard Journey: What it means to receive national acclaim and how it changes (or doesn’t change) the daily grind of the industry.

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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!

Since we last spoke in 2024, Peter’s journey has been a whirlwind of high-stakes media jobs, intense burnout, and a profound psychological reset. Now, in 2026, he is "locking in" to content creation full-time, navigating the streets of Nha Trang and the complex emotional landscape of the Viet Kieu (Overseas Vietnamese) experience.

In this episode, we dive into:

The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset: How intergenerational trauma from the refugee experience creates a "survival mode" that follows us even when we find financial success.

The "Hoa Le" of Saigon: Exploring the stark contrast between the extreme wealth of international districts and the gritty reality of local life in District 8.

Breaking the Parental Guilt: The heavy burden of the "eldest son" and the drive to become a millionaire to "repay" the sacrifices of our parents.

Vietnam as a Passage of Rites: Why every member of the diaspora should return to the motherland for 2–3 months to truly understand their own identity.

Whether you are in Vancouver, Little Saigon, or Hanoi, this conversation is about more than just travel—it's about breaking habits and finding the courage to say "I love you" to a culture that shaped you.

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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!

Brittany Tran: Founder of Real Citrus, a film distribution company bringing diaspora stories to the big screen.

Duzan Duong: Czech-Vietnamese director of Summer School 2001, sharing the unique perspective of Northern Vietnamese migration to Eastern Europe.

Hien: A Hungarian-born singer-songwriter blending traditional roots with modern sounds.

What we dive into:

The North-South Divide: How the history of migration to Europe differs from the American experience.

Reclaiming Identity: The role of film and music in navigating "displacement trauma" and representing our community.

The Future of the Diaspora: Why 2026 is the year of global creative collaboration and "co-authoring" our narrative with the world.

Whether you're a first-generation immigrant or a third-generation creative, this is where we celebrate our shared heritage and the abundance of our future. Subscribe to join the journey.

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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!

Quentin opens up about the "war of attrition" that is the acting world—revealing how he survived over 11,000 rejections across a decade by mastering a mental "Fruit Ninja" technique to slice through insecurity. We dive deep into his unique experience as a white-passing individual navigating the Vietnamese diaspora, moving from a childhood where he felt he had to "hide" his heritage to now lead the charge in celebrating it through Viet Salon and learning the language.

Key highlights from this conversation:

The Mixed Experience: Navigating identity when you look like an "outsider" but your DNA is 50% Vietnamese.

10 Years of "No": How to stay "undamageable" when the industry rejection rate is 98%.

The Saigon Cinema Boom: Why Quentin believes Vietnamese cinema will be as big as Korean cinema in the next 10 years.

Vertical vs. Horizontal: The evolution of media and whether "micro-dramas" on our phones will eventually replace the silver screen.

Whether you're a creative looking for the grit to survive the "tundra" of your career or someone reconnecting with your roots, Quentin’s story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to step into your truth. Subscribe to join the conversation.

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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!

Khanh opens up about his journey through corporate giants like Levi’s and Urban Outfitters, and why he famously demanded HBO recut his segment on the reality series The Hype to stop pushing "weak" Asian stereotypes.

In this episode, we dive into:

The "Midwest Pedigree": Growing up Vietnamese in predominantly Black urban neighborhoods and how it shaped his design aesthetic.

Systemic Bias: Why global brands spotlight Japanese and Korean creators while overlooking Southeast Asian talent.

The HBO Scandal: Khanh’s firsthand account of Hollywood's "identity angst" and why he refused to play the victim on camera.

Vietnam 2026: Why the Motherland is poised to become the next "Tokyo" for global fashion and culture.

Whether you’re a creative looking to break into the industry or interested in the complex identity of the Vietnamese diaspora, this conversation is a masterclass in standing your ground and betting on yourself.

Follow the Guest:

Instagram: @madebyngo

Follow The Vietnamese Podcast:

Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @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!

The conversation moves beyond the surface of "identity politics" to explore how race, class, and the American educational system shape our reality. Ryan argues that the "predator class" (the ultra-wealthy) benefits from social divisions that keep working-class communities of color from organizing for their collective interests.

Key Discussion Points

The Spectrum of Privilege: Ryan discusses growing up in the "cusp" of privilege, where every extra dollar was funneled into education rather than luxury.

The American "Science Fair" Experiment: Why the US education system often misses the mark on minority history by miles, leaving communities to educate themselves.

Radical Empathy as Revolution: How to handle the "Let Them" theory when facing criticism from within our own communities.

The Billionaire "Predator Class": A deep dive into why 0.1% of the population controls astronomical wealth while 90% faces stagnant wages and rising costs.

Black-Asian Solidarity: Ryan introduces Bloom, his cross-cultural organization designed to move past "tragedy-based" solidarity and toward shared joy and community.

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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!

Ethan starts out addressing the "elephant in the room"—the battle of the flags—with the unique, non-biased perspective of an outsider who has lived the history from both sides of the ocean. From diving into putrid, biologically hostile rivers to clean up trash, to spitting bars with Vietnamese rappers, Ethan’s story is a masterclass in radical empathy and cultural immersion.

What We Explore in This Episode

The Flag Conversation: How Ethan processes "bullets" of political hostility and navigates the sensitive history of the Vietnamese diaspora.

The 1-Year Fluency: How Ethan mastered a "sharp" Hanoi accent and advanced literacy without ever stepping foot in a formal classroom.

Dirty Jobs, Big Impact: The reality of cleaning Vietnam’s polluted waterways and how one viral video can mobilize hundreds of volunteers.

Fate & Faith: The "ego-shattering" experience of losing a $6M company and finding a new life in a trade-based mountain community.

The "Weapon" in the House: Ethan’s heartfelt tribute to his Vietnamese wife and why he believes the traditional family unit is the "rock" of society.

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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!

In this episode, we move past the "professional hats" to discuss the raw reality of identity, integrity, and the "Let Them" approach to life. Dr. Ha reveals the inner workings of her nonprofit, Collective Freedom, and why she believes the "American Dream" is currently disintegrating for thousands of refugees who have lived here for decades.

What We Explore

The Integrity Practice: Why Dr. Ha stopped shopping on Amazon and other major corporations as a form of "soul conditioning."

The "Let Them" Theory: How to maintain your peace (and your relationships) when the people you love support policies that you strongly disagree with.

The Hidden Crisis: The technical reality of Southeast Asian deportations. Many don't realize that old criminal convictions—some from the 1990s—are now being used to tear families apart in 2026.

Dignity On Sale: How Dr. Ha provides legal clarity to families who are being told they need to pay $30,000 in legal fees for cases that have no relief.

Love Letters to the Dirty South: An exclusive teaser of Dr. Ha’s upcoming memoir (September 2026), detailing her journey from Houston gang life to academic life.

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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! 

Lynda sets the record straight on the headline-grabbing Gucci store incident in Orlando, Florida. She walks us through the petty misunderstanding involving a $330 AirPods case, the rush of a performance schedule, and the reality of facing a legal firestorm in the public eye.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Lynda gives a step-by-step account of exactly what happened that day in Florida, from the perfume purchase to the accidental concealment, and how much positivity came from the online community.

Arriving in the 70s from San Diego to Orange County, Lynda reflects on her upbringing after arriving in the U.S. at age 10 and how that displacement fueled her drive to create something entirely new.

What it was like to be the first Vietnamese American artist to break the mold, singing in English, and building a bridge for the younger generation when there were no idols to turn to.

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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!

In this episode, we dive into the "American Science Fair Project"—the ongoing experiment of identity, language, and power. Whitney shares her raw reflections on the Bad Bunny Super Bowl controversy, the theatrical survival roots of the Black Church, and the uncomfortable parallels of colorism that haunt both our communities.

What we explore in this session:

The Bad Bunny Trigger: Why a Spanish-language halftime show exposed the "gatekeeping" of American identity.

The North vs. South Divide: Comparing the 120-day "background check" of Hanoi to the social conditioning of the American South.

Colorism & Class: From the "house vs. field" slave dynamics to the multi-billion dollar skin-whitening industry in Asia—why are we so "basic"?

The "Cici's Pizza" Incident: Whitney recounts a harrowing personal story of how four police officers were called to escort a Black female engineer out of a restaurant over a salad—a stark reminder that "status" doesn't provide armor in America.

Uncentering America: Why Whitney believes stepping away from the "foundation of hate" in the US was the only way to restore her hope in humanity.

This is a deep dive into the nuances we often ignore. It’s about communication, the language of ancestors, and the courage it takes to unsubscribe from a narrative that no longer serves you.

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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!

Kathy breaks down the psychological breakdown of charisma, explaining why "The It Factor" isn't a genetic lottery but a state of being that anyone can develop, if they can navigate the cultural "rào cản" (obstacles) that hold them back. They dive deep into the differences between the Western "equality-based" mindset and the Vietnamese hierarchy of respect, and how these dynamics shape the way we express our true selves.

What We Explore in This Episode

The Recipe for Confidence: Why Kathy views confidence as a "soup" made of thoughts, emotions, and physical freedom.

Cultural Suppression: How the Vietnamese honorific system (Anh, Chị, Em) can sometimes create subconscious boundaries that inhibit artistic expression.

The 2026 Cinema Boom: A look at the unprecedented growth of the Vietnamese film industry, with a record-breaking 70-80 productions hitting screens this year.

The AI vs. Analog Debate: Can a robot replicate the "core wounds" and imperfections that make a human performance resonant? Kenneth shares a chilling story of being "tricked" by AI-generated soul music for six months.

Acting for Life: Why 50% of Kathy's students aren't actors at all, but dentists, coders, and parents looking to "unlock" their emotional intelligence.

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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!

Whether you are curious about the mechanics of psychiatric medication or wondering why your kids can't put down their phones, this conversation explores the "hardware" and "software" of the human mind.

In This Episode, We Explore:

The Modern Vietnam Shift: Why watching 20,000 people at a Mỹ Tâm or Hà Anh Tuấn concert signifies a "hard reset" for Vietnamese identity globally.

Psychiatry vs. Psychology: A clear breakdown of who prescribes the meds, who does the talking, and why the "starter package" for PTSD requires both.

The "Honorific" Barrier: How our beautiful culture of deference (dạ, thưa, bác, chú) can sometimes become an impediment to emotional intimacy and honesty.

Big Pharma & Addiction: Dr. Lu addresses the stigma around "pills" and explains the scientific difference between life-saving medication and dependency.

The Dopamine Trap: A powerful segment in Vietnamese about how AI, TikTok, and "doom scrolling" are hijacking the reward centers of our brains—and what parents can do about it.

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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!

In this episode, Kenneth and Professor John Phan discuss the "startup age" of the Vietnamese script. We journey back to the 17th century to discover that Chữ Quốc ngữ wasn't just a colonial imposition, but a complex collaboration involving Portuguese pioneers, Italian linguists, and forgotten local consultants.

What We Explore:

The "Hip-Hop" Age of Nôm: How the 17th-century explosion of vernacular literature set the stage for a new way of writing.

The 3 G’s (God, Gold, and Glory): Why missionaries like Francisco de Pina and Alexander de Rhodes were the first "field linguists" in Vietnam.

The Great Identity Crisis: Why 20th-century Confucian elites feared that abandoning Chinese characters would mean the "extinction" of the Vietnamese soul.

From Niche to National: How cheap literary magazines like Nam Phong and the abolition of the civil service exams in 1919 turned a missionary tool into a weapon of anti-colonial empowerment.

The "Pure" Vietnamese Fallacy: A deep dive into why there is no "essential" Vietnamese identity—only a beautiful, ever-changing aggregation of influences.

"There is no quintessential essence to being Vietnamese. It’s an aggregation of different things that changes over time. You have to be a little Buddhist about it." — John Phan

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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!

In episode 375 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, stepping away from its usual focus on economics, markets, and innovation, host Hao Tran speaks with podcaster Kenneth Nguyen in an open conversation about 15 life “truths” drawn from lived experience—perspectives that not everyone will easily agree with.

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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!

Whitney opens up about her journey as a Black woman navigating the streets of Hanoi and Saigon. From the overwhelming "celebrity" treatment in rural villages to the challenging moments of colorism in local shops, Whitney provides a raw and honest look at what it means to be "seen" in a homogenous society. She reflects on how Vietnam has forced her to confront and heal American traumas, and why she sees the resilience of the Vietnamese people as a source of hope for marginalized communities everywhere.

In this episode, we discuss:

Colonized Cousins: The surprising cultural and culinary overlaps between Vietnam and Louisiana.

The "Where are you really from?" Question: Navigating identity when your American-ness is questioned for the first time.

Reframing the Stare: How Whitney moved from a defensive posture to finding joy in her interactions with locals.

Healing Through Travel: Why Whitney believes Vietnam "chose" her to help prepare her for a global stage.

Building "Homie": Whitney’s new venture to create vetted, safe community spaces for expats and travelers in Vietnam.

Whether you're an expat, a traveler, or someone interested in the evolving social fabric of Vietnam, Whitney’s insights on unity, ignorance, and the power of "finding your homie" are not to be missed.

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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!

We explore the uncomfortable contradictions of history: Why would a Buddhist monk advocate for a high-intensity American bombing campaign? How did his belief in spiritual "flourishing" drive him to participate in the downfall of the Ngo Dinh Diem government? And why did the American media find him so elusive?

In this episode, we discuss:

Beyond the Orange Robe: The difference between "socially engaged Buddhism" and the anti-political traditions of the past.

The "Machiavellian" Monk: Applying the philosophy of The Prince to the strategy of the 1960s Buddhist uprising.

Catholic vs. Buddhist Tension: Kenneth and Kevin reflect on their own Catholic upbringings and the "tribalism" that defined their parents' views on Buddhism.

Spiritual Politics: The fascinating argument that Buddhism is "anti-political" yet uses politics as a necessary tool to create conditions for enlightenment.

Whether you are a student of history or simply curious about the intersection of faith and power, this episode offers a new lens through which to view the struggle for the soul of South Vietnam.

https://kyotoreview.org/issue-35/thich-tri-quang-the-machiavellianism-of-buddhist-political-theory/

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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!

In this episode, we bring together two sides of history that were separated for half a century. Kenneth and co-host Nam C. Kim are joined by John Irwin and Robbie Parsley, two U.S. Marines who served as security forces during Operation New Life.

This conversation explores:

The myth of the “bloodbath” after 1975

What it meant to stay, not be “left behind”

Life in Saigon during the first months after the war

Reeducation camps, U.S. embargoes, and historical omissions

How propaganda shapes memory in the Vietnamese diaspora

These veterans share the memories of what it was like to be 18-year-old soldiers tasked with managing a humanitarian crisis they weren't trained for. They recount the sight of overloaded barges, the tragic burial of a woman who couldn't bear to leave her homeland, and the miracle of a baby born on a crowded freighter, a child named "Kimbro" in honor of the ship that carried him to freedom.

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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!

In this reflective episode, Kenneth sits down with Claudia Krich, author of Those Who Stayed: A Vietnam Diary, one of the very few Americans, and perhaps the only white woman, who chose to remain in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.

Through firsthand diary accounts and lived experience, Claudia challenges one of the most enduring narratives of the Vietnam War: the myth of an immediate bloodbath. She recounts the days, weeks, and months after the war ended—when tanks rolled in, soldiers walked the streets unarmed, families reunited after decades, and daily life quietly resumed while the world believed Vietnam had gone silent.

This conversation moves beyond politics into memory, propaganda, reconciliation, and the emotional weight carried by the Vietnamese diaspora. If you ever questioned what you were taught about the war, this conversation may challenge, unsettle, and expand how you see the past.

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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!

Kenneth and Kevin explore Madame Nhu’s background, political rise, and outspoken public persona, situating her within the turbulent landscape of South Vietnam in the 1950s and early 1960s, a period marked by ideological conflict, international pressure, and internal instability. They discuss how her rhetoric, policies, and media presence shaped both domestic opinion and global perceptions of the Ngô Đình Diệm regime.

The episode also examines why Madame Nhu became such a polarizing figure, raising broader questions about leadership, accountability, and historical memory. By revisiting her legacy through a critical and nuanced lens, this conversation reveals why Madame Nhu remains a powerful and unsettling reflection of Vietnam’s modern political history.

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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!

We’ve gathered some of the most thoughtful questions from our last episode from the listeners, and I’m excited to dive deeper into the topics we touched on in the last episode, clarify some points, and explore a few new ideas that came up. 

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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!

From there, he charted an extraordinary path: earning an economics degree from UCLA, answering the call to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, and becoming the first Vietnamese American Marine Corps aviator, flying CH-46 helicopters in the Gulf War and Somalia.

After military service, Quang didn’t slow down, he entered into the business world, becoming a pharmaceutical sales leader before founding multiple companies. As an entrepreneur he raised millions, launched and sold successful ventures, and eventually founded Cadrenal Therapeutics, a Nasdaq-listed biotech company developing life-changing therapies. Along the way he became the first American of Vietnamese heritage to lead a biotech IPO on Nasdaq and earned prestigious recognition such as the BioFlorida Executive of the Year Award.

His philosophy on duty, effort, and resilience, themes he explores deeply in his books, including his memoir A Sense of Duty and his latest leadership guide Underdog Nation.

This episode is a textured look at how one man’s journey bridges cultures, battles, boardrooms, and breakthroughs. Whether you’re chasing dreams or redefining them, this is a story that will stay with you.

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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!

You can find out more information and watch the documentary here: https://www.wewerethesceneryfilm.com/

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Her journey is defined by resilience, sacrifice, and a determination to rebuild life from the ground up — the same strength she later carried into the intense world of Squid Game: The Challenge.

Competing against 456 contestants, Mai relied on her discipline, clarity, emotional intelligence, and unwavering composure to make it to the finale and ultimately win the $4.56 million prize. What set her apart was not just strategy, but her ability to stay true to her values under pressure.

In this podcast, Mai opens up about the experiences that shaped her — from military life to motherhood, from navigating the immigration system to surviving fierce competition on a global stage.

She also reflects on what kept her going every. Mai is a testament that no matter your background or hardships, you can rise, rebuild, and redefine your future.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Beyond its central mystery, the documentary offers viewers a deeper look into journalistic ethics, the politics of wartime reporting, and the fragile nature of historical memory. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in Vietnam War history, photography, investigative storytelling, or the complexities behind how iconic images shape global narratives. Their discussion highlights not only the film’s meticulous craftsmanship but also its emotional and cultural significance.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

We explore a central question: Is the return on investment (ROI) worth it? Does continued U.S. spending on this effort truly deliver value—whether humanitarian, diplomatic, or strategic—or is it primarily a way to keep relations with the Vietnamese government running smoothly after all these years?

Dr. Veith offers candid insights, historical context, and analysis of the political and diplomatic considerations behind this long-standing cooperation. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing commitment to bring closure to the families of missing service members, while also examining the complex balance between humanitarian priorities and national-level strategy.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Chris reflects on the unwavering dedication of Japanese craftsmen, whose mastery comes from generations of focus, discipline, and intention. Together, we examine what Vietnam can learn from this mindset, and how intentional craft could reshape the country’s creative identity.

We also talk about the importance of focus, purpose, and long-term thinking for anyone hoping to build meaningful work—whether in design, entrepreneurship, or personal development. Chris shares insights from his second trip back to Vietnam, offering a candid look at the nation’s current trajectory and what he hopes to see in its creative future.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

The Vietnamese American Uniformed Services Association is a truly unique organization, distinguished by its rich heritage and vibrant culture. United by a shared commitment to public service, Vietnamese American military members work together to uphold the legacy of their ancestors’ courage and devotion. Through their service in uniform, they continue to exemplify compassion, respect, and a deep sense of purpose — the very values that form the foundation of VAUSA.

VAUSA info: https://www.wearevausa.org/

Tino Dinh is a management and technology consultant and tech entrepreneur. He is a former board member of VAUSA and is active in the Vietnamese-American and AAPI community and in various Veteran organizations. Tino served for 8 years as a USAF intelligence officer and Asia regional specialist. He deployed as an military advisor to Iraq in 2004. He is a 1999 graduate of the US Air Force Academy and received his MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. A native of Houston, Tino currently resides in Northern Virginia with his wife and two sons.

Thomas Nguyen retired as a colonel after serving 30 years in the U.S. Army. He was born in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam; and at the age of 3, immigrated to the U.S. with his family in April 1975 under Operation Frequent Wind, which was the final evacuation of American civilians and Vietnamese from South Vietnam. The son of a South Vietnamese Air Force “Bird Dog” forward air controller pilot, Major Dzy Nguyen; and South Vietnamese staff member for the U.S. Defense Attache Office, Bang Nguyen; Tom grew up in Orange County, California, and went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy in 1995. He was commissioned as a military intelligence officer, and later served as an acquisition officer. Tom has served at all echelons from tactical to strategic levels, to include deployments to Kuwait, Iraq & Afghanistan; and has traveled extensively to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Tony recounts his journey from his early life in Vietnam, through the turbulence of war, to the heartbreaking days following the fall of Saigon in 1975. Like thousands of others, he fled as a refugee and began again in Orange County, California, helping resettle the newly arrived Vietnamese community and laying the foundation for what would become Little Saigon.

In 1992, Tony made history by winning a seat on the Westminster City Council, marking a turning point for Vietnamese Americans in politics. His election symbolized not just personal achievement, but the collective progress of an entire generation of refugees determined to find belonging and representation in their new home.

Beyond politics, Tony Lam’s story represents the resilience and unity of the Vietnamese diaspora, a people rebuilding identity, culture, and hope far from home. His leadership opened doors for future Vietnamese American public servants and helped transform Little Saigon into a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and civic pride.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Together, they unravel how iconic women, The Trung Sisters, once dismissed as rebels and “savages” in early Han and medieval Vietnamese records were later reborn as symbols of courage, independence, and identity. Kim and Phan reveal how these shifting portrayals weren’t accidental but reflected the evolving needs of different eras and rulers. From state ideology to local worship, the guests uncover how generations of Vietnamese have told, retold, and reshaped these stories to define who they are.

The discussion also takes listeners on a journey through the archaeological and linguistic evidence of the time, showing how the vibrant Đông Sơn culture blended with Han influences after the conquest to form something uniquely Vietnamese.

Kim draws a striking parallel to Boudicca’s rebellion in Roman Britain—another female-led uprising against empire—raising a fascinating question: could future excavations uncover the physical traces of the Trưng Sisters’ revolt? Beyond the history, this episode celebrates the idea that our understanding of the past is never fixed. It evolves through collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. Together, Kim and Phan remind us that Vietnam’s history is not just something to study—it’s a living story that continues to define the nation’s identity today.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

 Originally from Southern Vietnam, Dam Van Huynh is a UK based dancer/choreographer/director. As a child refugee, his family and he fled Vietnam after the war and settled in the USA where Dam was raised. He was Head of Contemporary Dance at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from 2019 - 2023. Dam founded his own company in 2008, Van Huynh Company – a vibrant, cutting-edge contemporary dance company with a growing national and international reputation. He is the Director of Centre151 - a cultural, arts and community space based in London (Hackney). From the very beginning, his work was distinctive and reflected his deep interest in redefining the body and its movement capability.

His research is an ongoing attempt to synthesize the most dynamic and revolutionary aspects of the dual dynamic of his Vietnamese heritage and Western influences harmoniously informing a personal and creative expression. The dynamics of the moving body is central to his practice. His working methodology combines multitudes of performative practices, drawing inspiration from voice, sound art and performance art allowing him to ask pertinent questions on what it means to be human.

At the core of his practice, he reflects upon his lived experience from a child refugee of the Vietnam war to the artist he has become today. His work adopts a critical stand on current issues, examining the body through movement exploration and weaving the research tightly with an aural experience drawn from sound art. Themes that pertain to his work are based on his interest in human connections: intimacy, otherness, sense of self, interpersonal relationships. The research stands out for its physical rigour, socially engaged awareness and connection to visual arts whilst drawing the audience into an immersive experience.

Website: www.damvanhuynh.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

We discuss what it takes to navigate European film financing structures, how he approached casting and directing actors, and where the emotional core of the film came from. Duzan opens up about the personal and cultural themes that shaped the story, and gives us a glimpse into what’s next on his creative horizon.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

From the exciting rise of animated Vietnamese films to the behind-the-scenes process of how films are chosen, the conversation also touches on how AI might shape the future of curation and storytelling in film. Eric also discusses what kinds of films are selected this year.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

As Head of Entertainment Marketing & Publicity at IW Group, Karen oversees a division dedicated to crafting integrated, culturally resonant campaigns that connect with today’s diverse audiences. Her client portfolio includes major names like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Lionsgate, Universal Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. She has led standout campaigns for Barbie, Avatar: The Way of Water, Shōgun, The Cleaning Lady, Moana 2, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

In our conversation, Karen shares what it takes to build inclusive, high-impact marketing strategies in today’s Hollywood—and why multicultural audiences, especially Vietnamese Americans, deserve greater attention from studios and brands. We also dive into the global future of Vietnamese film and music, how it compares to industries like K-pop, and her thoughts on how AI is reshaping the entertainment landscape and the future of creativity.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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John D. Phan is an Associate Professor of Vietnamese Humanities at Columbia University, based in the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures and the Weatherhead East Asian Institute. He focuses on the linguistic history of Vietnam and its cultural context.

His first book, The Lost Tongues of the Red River: Annamese Middle Chinese & the Origins of the Vietnamese Language, published in April 2025 by Harvard University Press, posits the existence of a regional dialect of Middle Chinese once spoken in northern Vietnam (the Red River Delta) and explores how this dialect influenced the emergence of Vietnamese

Phan completed his M.A. at Columbia University (on Ming‑Qing vernacular fiction, 2005) and earned his Ph.D. from Cornell (on Sino‑Vietnamese language contact, 2012). His scholarship examines the evolution of writing systems, vernacular literary forms (like chữ Nôm), and the social-political implications of multilingualism in East Asia

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

We're doing another follow up round of Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode! we’ve gathered some of the most thoughtful questions from our last episode from the listeners, and I’m excited to dive deeper into the topics we touched on in the last episode, clarify some points, and explore a few new ideas that came up after the show.

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John D. Phan is an Associate Professor of Vietnamese Humanities at Columbia University, based in the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures and the Weatherhead East Asian Institute. He focuses on the linguistic history of Vietnam and its cultural context.

His first book, The Lost Tongues of the Red River: Annamese Middle Chinese & the Origins of the Vietnamese Language, published in April 2025 by Harvard University Press, posits the existence of a regional dialect of Middle Chinese once spoken in northern Vietnam (the Red River Delta) and explores how this dialect influenced the emergence of Vietnamese

Phan completed his M.A. at Columbia University (on Ming‑Qing vernacular fiction, 2005) and earned his Ph.D. from Cornell (on Sino‑Vietnamese language contact, 2012). His scholarship examines the evolution of writing systems, vernacular literary forms (like chữ Nôm), and the social-political implications of multilingualism in East Asia

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

We discuss his rise from colonial Vietnam to the Parisian intellectual scene, his groundbreaking work in philosophy of consciousness and language, and the difficult political turns his career took as he navigated the complexities of intellectual life under colonial rule, revolution, and socialism. Along the way, we ask: what does it mean for Vietnam to have produced a global thinker in the midst of colonial struggle? And how should we understand the contributions and contradictions of a man who bridged East and West, philosophy and politics?

This episode sheds light on a figure too often overlooked, placing Trần Đức Thảo back into the story of global intellectual history.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

We dive into their unique sibling dynamic—how competing side by side strengthened their relationship, but also tested it under the pressures of racing around the world. Han and Holden also reflect on just how close they came to winning it all, sharing the emotional highs and near-misses along the way.

Finally, they reveal the deeper reasons behind why they decided to join The Amazing Race, offering insights into what motivated them and what the experience ultimately meant for their family and their future.

Instagram: 

@teamasianswag

@hanbnguyen

@hole.den

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

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John D. Phan is an Associate Professor of Vietnamese Humanities at Columbia University, based in the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures and the Weatherhead East Asian Institute. He focuses on the linguistic history of Vietnam and its cultural context.

.His first book, The Lost Tongues of the Red River: Annamese Middle Chinese & the Origins of the Vietnamese Language, published in April 2025 by Harvard University Press, posits the existence of a regional dialect of Middle Chinese once spoken in northern Vietnam (the Red River Delta) and explores how this dialect influenced the emergence of Vietnamese

Phan completed his M.A. at Columbia University (on Ming‑Qing vernacular fiction, 2005) and earned his Ph.D. from Cornell (on Sino‑Vietnamese language contact, 2012). His scholarship examines the evolution of writing systems, vernacular literary forms (like chữ Nôm), and the social-political implications of multilingualism in East Asia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Together, they explore how toxic masculinity shows up, how it shows up in our family lives, and the ways it impacts not only men but also families and the broader community. This is a conversation meant to spark reflection and invite dialogue—how do we recognize it, and what can we do about it?

This episode is just the beginning. In future conversations, we’ll bring in mental health professionals, women with personal insights, and strong young voices navigating these dynamics at home. Our goal is to open space for honest discussion, healing, and collective growth.

Join us, share your thoughts, and let’s continue this conversation as a community.

She is also a luxury travel, food, and culture writer and on-camera correspondent based in Los Angeles, who has written for The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, and more. She’s a certified PADI scuba diver, freediver, and mermaid.

Her former band, Nylon Pink, has toured in Australia: Melbourne and Sydney, played in Shanghai at the launch party for Havaianas in China, Costa Rica, played at the Hard Rock in Tokyo, Japan, Macau, China, and Penang, Malaysia.

Early in this episode, John introduces the concept of language shift through a comparison to Norman England, showing how language imposition can reshape native speech without erasing cultural identity. This idea threads through the episode as we explore how Vietnamese developed under centuries of outside influence and internal change.

John and Kenneth also respond to listener questions about tonality: when tonal features emerged in Vietnamese, how they function, and why similar developments appeared in Chinese. Along the way, they dismantle common assumptions about ethnicity and language, emphasizing that racial or genetic identity doesn’t necessarily equate to linguistic heritage.

Finally, the episode turns to the historical formation of the name Vietnam itself—tracing its evolution through dynasties, borders, and political imagination. What did "Viet" and "Nam" originally mean? And how did their pairing come to represent an enduring national identity?

This follow-up episode is both a reflection and a deepening of the conversation—expanding on the hidden dynamics of language, power, and identity in Vietnam’s distant past. Join us as we continue to unearth the stories embedded in scripts, sounds, and names.

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John D. Phan is an Associate Professor of Vietnamese Humanities at Columbia University, based in the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures and the Weatherhead East Asian Institute. He focuses on the linguistic history of Vietnam and its cultural context.

.His first book, The Lost Tongues of the Red River: Annamese Middle Chinese & the Origins of the Vietnamese Language, published in April 2025 by Harvard University Press, posits the existence of a regional dialect of Middle Chinese once spoken in northern Vietnam (the Red River Delta) and explores how this dialect influenced the emergence of Vietnamese

Phan completed his M.A. at Columbia University (on Ming‑Qing vernacular fiction, 2005) and earned his Ph.D. from Cornell (on Sino‑Vietnamese language contact, 2012). His scholarship examines the evolution of writing systems, vernacular literary forms (like chữ Nôm), and the social-political implications of multilingualism in East Asia

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Together, we unpack the complex cultural and political landscape in which the sisters rose to power, exploring the matriarchal traditions of early Việt societies and how they clashed with—and were later overwritten by—Confucian patriarchy. We also investigate how their legacy has been remembered, reshaped, and at times mythologized across dynasties and regimes.

Was their rebellion a singular moment of feminist defiance—or part of a broader, now-obscured tradition of female leadership? What can the historical record, fragmentary as it is, tell us about the real lives behind the legend?

This episode challenges us to rethink how history is recorded, who gets to lead, and how the stories of women—especially those who wage war—are remembered or erased.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

While box office success has eluded him, Khoa has forged a new path in academia as head of the Digital Film and Video Program at RMIT in Ho Chi Minh City, where he has established strong roots and a solid theoretical foundation to enhance his screenwriting for a future return to filmmaking. In the meantime, he takes pleasure in nurturing the next generation of Vietnamese storytellers and filmmakers.

Please join me and Khoa as we discuss his journey over the last two decades.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Together, we unpack what "freedom" meant to Phan Khôi and how his pursuit of intellectual and political autonomy challenged colonial powers, authoritarian rule, and even the ideological currents of his time. From his role in the Nhân Văn–Giai Phẩm movement to his radical reimagining of Vietnamese identity and civil society, Phan Khôi's work asks us to reconsider what it means to speak truth in an era of fear.

This episode is a tribute to a man whose commitment to independent thought continues to resonate—especially in a time when the boundaries of freedom are still being contested.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Dr. Kim shares details about a new project launching in 2025, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation, that explores the legacies of Operation New Life—the massive humanitarian effort that temporarily housed tens of thousands of Vietnamese evacuees on Guam in 1975.

We discuss the stories, memories, and resilience of those connected to the camps—from former refugees to military personnel, volunteers, and local communities. Dr. Kim’s team aims to uncover and preserve these narratives, and they’re actively inviting contributions from anyone with a personal or family connection to this pivotal moment in history.

If you or someone you know has memories, stories, or artifacts related to Operation New Life, please visit www.onlguam.org to learn more or get in touch.

Chris and I share a conversation about how it feels to witness our own community turning its back on hardworking immigrants who are simply seeking a better life. It’s a heartbreaking reality that, despite the resilience it took for our parents to build their lives here as refugees, there is now a growing disconnect where our community seems to forget the struggles of new immigrants.

The conversation is partly inspired by the work of our dear friend, Julie Mai Tran (@sharemyroots), who created an incredibly insightful Instagram carousel. In it, Julie highlights why it’s not just important, but necessary, for Vietnamese Americans to support those who are most vulnerable today. She reminds us that if we’ve made it this far, it’s because we stood together as a community and extended a hand to others — just as we once needed support when we first arrived.

Join us as we discuss how we can break down the barriers of indifference and rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion that has always been the backbone of the immigrant experience.

Tuyet founded Star Nhà Ease: Vietnamese Cinema that presents a captivating collection of Vietnamese cinematic treasures, marking their debut to UK audiences. This season is a celebration and introduction of Vietnamese cinema to UK viewers.

Star Nhà Ease is dedicated to unveiling the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cinema to UK audiences for the first time. This initiative will focus on expanding the understanding of Vietnam’s unique cinematic identity and spotlighting the wealth of its cinematic achievements, which remain largely unrecognised in the West.

Dr. Sean Fear is a Lecturer in International History at the University of Leeds (UK), where he also directs international activities and teaches on Vietnam and Cold War history. He earned his Ph.D. in History from Cornell University and his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto.

His work focuses on the interplay between South Vietnamese domestic politics and U.S. foreign policy during 1967–1975, drawing extensively on Vietnamese-language archives, memoirs, and media—his forthcoming book (with Harvard University Press) examines South Vietnam’s struggle for legitimacy.

Professor Fear has held fellowships at Dartmouth’s John Sloan Dickey Center, New York University’s Centre on the Cold War, McGill University, and the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada. In 2022–23, he served as Visiting Professor at Fulbright University Vietnam and advises Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace Museum. He's also co-editor (with Tuong Vu) of The Republic of Vietnam, 1955–1975: Vietnamese Perspectives on Nation Building (Cornell University Press, 2020).

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Together, we'll unpack how linguistic clues offer profound insights into the social dynamics, cultural exchanges, and political landscapes of premodern Vietnam. Join us as we discuss the secrets hidden in scripts and sounds, the lost tongues of ancient communities, and how language can illuminate centuries-old realities.

John guides us into the linguistics of ancient Vietnam—where every word is a clue, every script tells a story, and every conversation uncovers a forgotten world.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Read less

Written in the early 19th century during a period of intense turmoil and dynastic upheaval, Nguyễn Du crafted this epic poem as both a subtle critique and poignant reflection of the social, political, and moral tensions prevalent in Vietnam at the time. Kenneth and Kevin discuss how Nguyễn Du’s nuanced storytelling, filled with complex characters and moral ambiguity, mirrored the struggles faced by Vietnamese society amid shifting political allegiances, corruption, and foreign threats.

The hosts also examine the ways in which The Tale of Kieu resonated deeply with Vietnamese audiences, prompting widespread discussions about ethics, personal agency, fate, and social justice. They explore how Nguyễn Du skillfully navigated the fraught politics of the Nguyen dynasty era, embedding messages that continue to resonate today as powerful symbols of resilience, identity, and moral consciousness.

Join Kenneth and Kevin as they unpack this literary work, revealing why The Tale of Kieu remains essential reading and a reflection of Vietnam’s historical and cultural landscape.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

This episode discussed the critical work of USIP and reflect on the impact of its recent defunding during the Trump administration. Dr. Wells-Dang shares insights into the shifting dynamics in the region, particularly the rising tension with China and whether a direct threat to Vietnam could be potentially be on the horizon. We also unpack what the U.S. has (and hasn’t) learned from its wars—Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan—and how those lessons shape policy and peace building today.

- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -

Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

.His first book, The Lost Tongues of the Red River: Annamese Middle Chinese & the Origins of the Vietnamese Language, published in April 2025 by Harvard University Press, posits the existence of a regional dialect of Middle Chinese once spoken in northern Vietnam (the Red River Delta) and explores how this dialect influenced the emergence of Vietnamese

Phan completed his M.A. at Columbia University (on Ming‑Qing vernacular fiction, 2005) and earned his Ph.D. from Cornell (on Sino‑Vietnamese language contact, 2012). His scholarship examines the evolution of writing systems, vernacular literary forms (like chữ Nôm), and the social-political implications of multilingualism in East Asia

In this episode, Kenneth sits down with John to talk about his new book The Lost Tongues of the Red River. They get into the role language plays in shaping who we are—not just how we speak, but how we think, remember, and connect to culture.

John shares insights into the roots of the Vietnamese language, how it’s evolved, and what might be slipping away. They also dig into the experience of growing up speaking English instead of Vietnamese, and what that means for identity, especially in the diaspora. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about language, memory, and what it really means to be Vietnamese—wherever you are in the world.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Born in 1913 in Ha Tinh, Nguyễn Khắc Viện studied medicine in France, where he became deeply involved in anti-colonial activism and the international communist movement. He spent years in exile, publishing prolifically in both French and Vietnamese, and became a key figure in explaining and defending the Vietnamese revolution to the outside world. His essays and editorials offered nuanced views on nationalism, socialism, and cultural policy, helping to articulate Vietnam’s ideological stance during a turbulent century.

Kevin and Kenneth explore Nguyễn Khắc Viện’s role as editor of Études Vietnamiennes, his sharp critiques of dogmatism within the Party, and his pioneering work in Vietnamese psychoanalysis and cultural theory. They also discuss his later years, in which he called for political openness and reform — cementing his place as both a loyal revolutionary and a principled critic.

This episode offers conversation on a man who was not only a key intermediary between Vietnam and the world, but also a model of intellectual integrity and lifelong commitment to national progress.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Christina Vo is the author of My Vietnam, Your Vietnam, a memoir that weaves together the stories of two generations navigating identity and belonging. With a background in international development and storytelling, Christina explores how personal and national histories intersect.

Dr. Kieu-Linh Caroline Valverde is a professor of Asian American Studies in the Bay Area, known for her groundbreaking work on Vietnamese diasporic identity and cultural politics. As both an academic and community advocate, she brings a sharp, critical lens to questions of trauma and resilience.

Truong Tran is a poet, visual artist, and author who confronts themes of exclusion, erasure, and the struggle for voice. His work bridges the personal and political, challenging the limits of language and representation.

Andrew Lam, award-winning author of Perfume Dreams and the newly released Stories from the Edge of the Sea, is a journalist and former NPR commentator whose essays and fiction illuminate the complexities of exile, memory, and transformation.

Together, they sit down with Kenneth in conversation about what it means to create art after displacement and inherited trauma. Can the creative spirit evolve beyond pain or is trauma an inescapable thread in the Vietnamese diasporic narrative?

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

By day, she leads marketing strategies in the tech industry. By night, she’s building a platform that redefines what it means to be modern, Vietnamese, and proudly in-between - through storytelling, community events and cultural context that speak both to the roots and the remix.

His films include Yellow Lotus, Three Seasons, Green Dragon, and The Throwaways. His short film, Yellow Lotus, was the first Vietnamese language film to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival and received over 15 national and international festival awards. 

His feature film debut, Three Seasons, was the first American-Vietnamese co-production to be filmed entirely in Vietnam. The film received the Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award, and Best Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival, along with two Independent Spirit Awards nominations. Three Seasons was also Vietnam’s official entry to the Oscars, where it was shortlisted. 

In 2024, Three Seasons was showcased once again at the Sundance Film Festival, chosen as one of ten films from the festival's four decade history to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Tony is a recipient of the Humanitas Prize and an alumnus of the Sundance Institute's Screenwriting and Directing Labs. He has written and developed projects for HBO, Warner Bros., and NBC. 

Tony previously served on the Board of Directors of Film Independent for seven years and is currently on the Global Advisory Board of Fulbright University Vietnam. 

As Artist-in-Residence at Columbia, Tony has brought filmmakers, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, global activists, and more to the campus as guest speakers to engage in vital conversations about the role of artists and truth seekers. 

In the summer of 2024, in partnership with Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Tony held public talks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Beijing. These events, titled Conversations in Storytelling: Regional Voices, Global Impact, brought together notable filmmakers in each city for discussions on the role and significance of regional storytelling in today’s world. 

In April 2025, Tony and the Criterion Channel launched Legacies of War: Vietnam Across the Divides, a curated program of American and Vietnamese films in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. This landmark series marked the first time a showcase of Vietnamese cinema became available for streaming on the Criterion Channel.

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Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.

Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovie

In this episode, we sit with Kevin Nguyen, author of the new novel Mỹ Documents, a chilling and satirical reimagining of American history. Kevin is the features editor at The Verge, formerly a senior editor at GQ, and the author of New Waves.

We talk about his latest book, which imagines a near-future America where Vietnamese Americans are rounded up and detained in internment camps following a wave of national panic. Set through the perspectives of four cousins—Ursula, Alvin, Jen, and Duncan—Mỹ Documents explores family, ambition, and the terrifying ease with which fear can turn into policy.

In our conversation, Kevin shares the inspirations behind the novel, how historical memory shapes fiction, and why this story—while fictional—feels uncomfortably close to reality. We also reflect on how history has treated communities of color in times of crisis, and whether the past is ever really past.

This is a deeply personal, sharply political, and unexpectedly funny conversation about resilience, memory, and what it means to belong in America.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Not to forget, not to erase, but to release. We’ve all carried the weight of this war for five decades — across time, oceans, generations, and identities. In this moment, I'm asking for a new space.

A new way of seeing community not built on grief or guilt, but on creativity, possibility, and dialogue. We should always honor the shadow of the past but start imagining a future that’s finally ours to show the world.

The discussion explores Đào Duy Anh's early involvement in revolutionary movements, his contributions to Vietnamese historiography, and his role in the Nhân Văn–Giai Phẩm affair, which highlighted the tensions between intellectual freedom and political authority in mid-20th-century Vietnam. Through his extensive research and publications, Đào Duy Anh not only chronicled Vietnam's past but also influenced its cultural and academic development .

Join us as we examine how Đào Duy Anh's dedication to scholarship and cultural preservation has left an indelible mark on Vietnam's intellectual landscape.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

His writing explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of the immigrant experience, often drawing from his own background. In 2004, a PBS documentary titled My Journey Home followed Lam's return to Vietnam, offering a personal perspective on the Vietnamese diaspora.

Beyond his literary work, Lam co-founded New America Media, an association of ethnic media organizations, and has taught journalism and creative nonfiction at institutions like San Francisco State University and San Jose State University.

April 30th, 1975 is a day of reflection for the global Vietnamese, no matter where you stand. Fifty years later, we are all affected in one way or another. Please join Andrew Lam and Kenneth Nguyen in conversation about all the ways this date can mean to Vietnamese folks all around the world.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

Transitioning from Hollywood to Vietnam, Timothy shares his experiences producing films such as How to Fight in Six Inch Heels and his latest venture, Daydreamers—Vietnam's foray into the vampire genre. We discuss the challenges and inspirations behind bringing supernatural narratives to Vietnamese cinema and how his bicultural background influences his storytelling. 

Join us for a conversation that bridges cultures, genres, and the evolving landscape of global Vietnamese films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Doan also talks about her own documentary Oh Saigon, a deeply personal exploration, capturing the resilience and transformation of her family in the aftermath of war. Doan reflects on the significance of April 30th, 1975, this historic milestone and how it has influenced her work and perspective as a filmmaker.

Join us for a conversation with Đoan Hoàng Curtis as we explore her artistic vision and the power of storytelling from a Vietnamese American perspective.

Turning Point: The Vietnam War releases on Netflix on April 30, 2025

To learn more about the upcoming May 3rd event, please go to:

ohsaigon.com

Link to the Netflix series Turning Point: The Vietnam War

https://youtu.be/G7LounlxPdA

In this episode of Viet History Makers, Kenneth and Kevin dive into one of the most somber chapters of the Vietnam War: the final days of the conflict, marked by the suicides of five high-ranking South Vietnamese generals on April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell to the North. These men, once at the helm of the South Vietnamese military, faced the collapse of their government and the impending victory of the communist North. Their tragic decisions reflect the profound psychological and political toll the war exacted on those in power, and their deaths serve as a chilling reminder of the personal cost of conflict.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. Kenneth and Kevin also take a step back to explore the broader ideological landscape of the time, discussing the different types of communism throughout history. From Marxist-Leninism to the unique interpretations shaped by Vietnamese revolutionary leaders, they trace how communist ideology evolved, influenced the course of the Vietnam War, and shaped the future of the nation.

Join us as we unravel the complex history of these five generals and their tragic end, while also exploring the broader context of communism and its impact on Vietnam's journey. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersections of personal fate, political ideology, and national history at a moment of profound transition.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

The conversation opens with Linh’s artistic beginnings, tracing how her studies abroad and early creative experiments led her to pursue storytelling through film. She discusses the personal and cultural themes that often appear in her work—exploring identity, gender, and the everyday absurdities of life in Vietnam.

Together, Anderson and Linh discuss the challenges of navigating the Vietnamese film industry as an independent filmmaker, and what it means to create bold, personal cinema in a space that often favors commercial formulas. They also discuss the importance of short films in her career and how the festival circuit, including Cannes and Berlinale, helped bring her voice to an international audience.

Her first narrative feature, DON'T CRY BUTTERFLY, world premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, bringing a refreshingly unconventional perspective to contemporary Vietnamese cinema. Her work is celebrated for its dark humor, emotional depth, and striking visual compositions.

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Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.

Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovie

He formerly served as a historian with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Agency and a research scholar with the U.S.-Vietnam Center at the University of Oregon. He is the co-editor of Toward a Framework for Vietnamese American Studies: History, Community, and Memory (Temple University Press, 2023).

He is published and interviewed on Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and the BBC. He holds a Ph.D. and two MAs in history from Cornell University and a B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

We then turn to a discussion about President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu—his leadership, legacy, and role in shaping the fate of South Vietnam.

Finally, we reflect on the critical importance of preserving South Vietnamese military history. As time passes and veterans age, recording their memories through memoirs has never been more urgent. Dr. Veith discusses why these personal accounts matter—not only for history’s sake but for truth, legacy, and future generations.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Additionally, Chris shares exciting details about his new venture, the Heritage Tour, where he takes people on immersive journeys to explore Vietnam’s rich history and heritage. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on identity, culture, and the power of teaching the next generation. To learn more about Chris Tran's Vietnamese language courses, please check out the links below:

Survival Vietnamese is a practical, fun, and culturally grounded language brand that helps you speak real Vietnamese with confidence.

Learn real Vietnamese at your own pace with the full Survival Vietnamese course—packed with essential grammar, vocabulary, and real-life conversations in both Northern and Southern dialects.

👉 Start your journey here: https://chris-site-f403.thinkific.com/courses/survival-vietnamese?ref=a87b69

Master the Southern Vietnamese dialect with the self-paced Pronunciation Course—50+ snappy, practical lessons packed with drills to help you sound natural and be understood.

👉 Get started here: https://chris-site-f403.thinkific.com/courses/SouthernVietnamesePronunciation?ref=a87b69

The conversation begins with Ham Tran’s early days, with the director recalling his influences and pivotal moments that sparked his passion for film. From the formative years of his career to his breakthrough successes, Ham discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

Throughout the discussion, Anderson and Ham also examine the broader landscape of Vietnamese cinema, touching on how the industry has changed and where it is heading. They explore the role of Vietnamese filmmakers in reshaping global narratives and creating more authentic representations of their culture, both within Vietnam and abroad.

Ham Tran, known for his visionary direction in films and shows like Maika, Journey from the Fall and Devil's Diner, has made a significant impact on the Vietnamese entertainment industry.

His work highlights personal and familial struggles, weaving rich emotional stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. In this episode, Ham reflects on how his upbringing and experiences in both Vietnam and abroad have shaped his approach to storytelling, and how he continues to push the boundaries of Vietnamese cinema.

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Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.

Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovie

We begin by discussing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza — a conflict that continues to raise difficult questions about power, accountability, and the role of the United States in international spaces. Viet offers his perspective not only as a writer and academic, but as someone who has consistently used his platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for human rights.

The conversation also turns to the lasting influence of President Trump on both American society and global politics. We explore how he continues to shape narratives around nationalism, truth, and democracy — and what that means for the future of political discourse both in the U.S. and abroad.

This is not just a conversation about geopolitics — it’s about how writers, thinkers, and artists engage with the world. Whether you’re here for the politics, the literature, or the intersection of both, this episode offers plenty to reflect on.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

After studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Hung worked at fashion houses like Balenciaga and Céline, gaining invaluable experience. In 2017, alongside his partner Léa Dickely, he co-founded the luxury womenswear label Kwaidan Editions, known for blending diverse cultural references.

In 2021, Hung launched Lựu Đạn, a menswear brand rooted in Asian identity. The name, loosely meaning "dangerous man" or "grenade" in Vietnamese, reflects his desire to challenge stereotypes and present a more nuanced narrative of Asian masculinity. Lựu Đạn's collections blend oversized silhouettes, bold prints, and luxurious fabrics, drawing inspiration from Asian subcultures.

Hung is also an advocate for greater representation and diversity in fashion, pushing for authentic storytelling and the inclusion of Asian creatives. Through Lựu Đạn, he continues to redefine masculinity and identity in modern fashion.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Throughout their conversation, Anderson and Minh explore the evolution of Vietnamese cinema, specifically how to challenge and reframe traditional narratives, especially when it comes to Vietnamese war films. They discuss the importance of moving beyond the typical tropes seen in American war movies, often told through the lens of older, white male directors, and how Vietnamese filmmakers can reshape these stories with a more authentic and diverse perspective.

Nguyễn Võ Nghiêm Minh is a Vietnamese filmmaker known for his visually striking and deeply personal storytelling. Growing up during the Vietnam War, he witnessed firsthand the complexities and human toll of the conflict—experiences that would later shape his work.

As a director, Minh seeks to “reclaim” the narrative of the war from the dominant white, American perspective often seen in Hollywood films. Instead of focusing on the war through the lens of American soldiers, his work prioritizes Vietnamese voices, memories, and emotions, offering a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of his homeland’s history.

Through films like Mùa Len Trâu (BUFFALO BOY) and Nước 2030, he explores themes of identity, resilience, and the lived experiences of ordinary Vietnamese people, through a prism of different genres. His latest project, PICTUREHOUSE (currently in pre-production) is based on his family’s movie theater that they managed in Vung Tau during the Vietnam War.

Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.

Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovie

In this episode, Diana takes us behind the scenes of her career, sharing stories of growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese-Australian, navigating two cultures, and her rise in the Australian comedy world. She’s toured internationally with her solo shows, co-created the groundbreaking Vietnamese-Australian TV series Phi and Me, and delivered an inspiring TEDxTalk titled “Joy is my Caffeine – JoyFool.”

Diana has also made her mark on screen, appearing in a wide range of television and film projects such as The Whistle Blower, Five Bedrooms, and Chak De India, as well as lending her voice to important conversations on shows like The Project and Q&A. She’s an advocate for the arts and community, having received the 2021 Overall Asian Australian Leadership Award for her contributions to both fields.

In this podcast, Diana shares her experiences, challenges, and the joy she finds in telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy, TV, or personal journeys of cultural discovery, this conversation promises to be both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and co-host Kevin Pham take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Nguyễn Thị Bình (1927–2023), a revolutionary, diplomat, and one of the most prominent female figures in Vietnam’s modern history. As the chief negotiator for the Provisional Revolutionary Government at the Paris Peace Accords, Bình played a crucial role in shaping the diplomatic path that led to the end of the Vietnam War.

From her early days as an anti-colonial activist to her rise as a key representative of the National Liberation Front, Bình’s career was defined by her unwavering commitment to Vietnamese independence and self-determination. Her diplomatic skill and steadfast rhetoric made her a formidable presence on the international stage, challenging the narratives of global superpowers while advocating for peace and national reunification.

Despite the immense challenges of war and diplomacy, Bình emerged as a symbol of resilience and progress, later serving as Vietnam’s Vice President and continuing to champion education, women’s rights, and social development. Her legacy endures as a testament to the power of diplomacy and the crucial role of women in shaping Vietnam’s history.

Join us as we explore Nguyễn Thị Bình’s extraordinary journey—from revolutionary fighter to global diplomat—and discuss the pivotal moments that defined her career. Whether remembered as a skilled negotiator, a staunch advocate for peace, or a pioneering female leader, her story offers profound insights into the struggles and triumphs of Vietnam’s past.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and co-host Kevin Pham take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Nguyễn Văn Thiệu (1923–2001), the second and final president of the Republic of Vietnam. A soldier-turned-politician, Thiệu played a pivotal role in shaping South Vietnam’s fate during one of the most turbulent periods in Vietnamese history.

From his early days as a military officer to his rise as a key figure in the South Vietnamese government, Thiệu’s leadership was marked by both staunch anti-communism and controversial political maneuvering. As president from 1967 to 1975, he navigated a country caught in the throes of war, balancing U.S. support, internal political struggles, and an increasingly dire battlefield reality. His policies, leadership style, and ultimate decisions remain a subject of intense debate among historians and those who lived through the era.

Despite his efforts to maintain South Vietnam’s sovereignty, Thiệu’s tenure ended with the collapse of Saigon and his eventual exile. His departure from Vietnam symbolized the end of a republic he fought to preserve, leaving behind a legacy that continues to provoke discussion on leadership, loyalty, and the limits of political power in the face of overwhelming odds.

Join us as we examine Nguyễn Văn Thiệu’s journey—from his early years to his final moments in Vietnam—and discuss the critical decisions that defined his presidency. Whether viewed as a steadfast leader, a flawed politician, or a figure caught in an unwinnable war, his story offers valuable insights into the complexities of Vietnam’s modern history.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Fueled by a deep passion for filmmaking, Dustin has pushed his limits, taking on roles as an actor, director, and producer in the critical early years of Vietnam's film industry rebirth. During the height of his success in Vietnam, Dusting was called back to the U.S. to play a key role in the success of the hit series Warrior (a series produced by Justin Lin of the Fast and Furious franchise) and most recently, delivered powerful performances in The Accidental Getaway Driver and Dope Thief, premiering on Apple on March 14th, 2025.

In this podcast episode, Dustin Nguyen opens up about his journey—from a young Vietnamese actor breaking into Hollywood to becoming a multi-talented artist. He shares the ups and downs of his career, the pivotal decisions he’s made, and the resilience that has helped him overcome challenges.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and co-host Kevin Pham explore the life and legacy of Nguyễn Mạnh Tường (1909–1997), a brilliant scholar, lawyer, and intellectual who embodied both the promise and peril of being an independent thinker in 20th-century Vietnam.

One of the most highly educated Vietnamese of his time, Nguyễn Mạnh Tường earned dual doctorates in law and literature in France before returning to Vietnam, where he sought to contribute to his country’s development. Initially a supporter of the revolution, his faith in the new regime was tested as he witnessed its treatment of intellectuals and dissenters. His outspoken critiques—particularly following the repression of the Nhân Văn-Giai Phẩm movement—led to decades of political and professional ostracization.

Despite his erasure from official history for much of his life, Nguyễn Mạnh Tường’s story is a powerful reflection of the complex relationship between the truth presented by intellectuals and power in Vietnam. Was he a principled dissenter, a tragic figure caught in the tides of ideology, or both? Join us as we examine the life of a man who challenged authority with his words—and paid the price.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Before tragedy struck, Alex was invited to open for Ronny Chieng and join Donnie Wahlberg in a spinoff of The Bluebloods TV show. All of his income for 2025 has stopped. Alex Duong needs our help. 

Please donate here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-alexs-journey-to-regain-sight

In this second part episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and co-host Kevin Pham examine the life and legacy of Hồ Chí Minh (1890-1969), the revolutionary leader who played a central role in shaping modern Vietnam. A towering figure in Vietnam’s struggle for independence, Hồ Chí Minh remains one of the most influential—and divisive—leaders in Vietnamese history.

A staunch nationalist and communist, Hồ Chí Minh led Vietnam’s fight against French colonial rule and later against American intervention, forging the path toward a unified, independent Vietnam. His vision for the country was rooted in socialist ideals, emphasizing land reform, economic collectivism, and national sovereignty. To many in Vietnam, he is Bác Hồ, the revered father of the nation.

Yet, his legacy in the Vietnamese diaspora tells a different story. Many who fled the country after the Vietnam War remember him as a symbol of communist rule, associated with policies that led to war, suffering, and exile. His political ideology and the means by which he pursued Vietnam’s independence remain subjects of intense debate.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of Hồ Chí Minh’s life—from his early travels and revolutionary awakening to his role in shaping Vietnam’s future. We explore how his ideals, policies, and leadership left an indelible mark on the nation, while also sparking deep divisions among Vietnamese communities around the world. Whether seen as a visionary leader, a skilled strategist, or a polarizing figure, Hồ Chí Minh’s impact on Vietnam and global history is undeniable.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and co-host Kevin Pham examine the life and legacy of Hồ Chí Minh (1890-1969), the revolutionary leader who played a central role in shaping modern Vietnam. A towering figure in Vietnam’s struggle for independence, Hồ Chí Minh remains one of the most influential—and divisive—leaders in Vietnamese history.

A staunch nationalist and communist, Hồ Chí Minh led Vietnam’s fight against French colonial rule and later against American intervention, forging the path toward a unified, independent Vietnam. His vision for the country was rooted in socialist ideals, emphasizing land reform, economic collectivism, and national sovereignty. To many in Vietnam, he is Bác Hồ, the revered father of the nation.

Yet, his legacy in the Vietnamese diaspora tells a different story. Many who fled the country after the Vietnam War remember him as a symbol of communist rule, associated with policies that led to war, suffering, and exile. His political ideology and the means by which he pursued Vietnam’s independence remain subjects of intense debate.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of Hồ Chí Minh’s life—from his early travels and revolutionary awakening to his role in shaping Vietnam’s future. We explore how his ideals, policies, and leadership left an indelible mark on the nation, while also sparking deep divisions among Vietnamese communities around the world. Whether seen as a visionary leader, a skilled strategist, or a polarizing figure, Hồ Chí Minh’s impact on Vietnam and global history is undeniable.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Join hosts Kenneth Nguyen, An Vo, and Phil Van as they explore the structural, financial, and developmental barriers that have kept the region from reaching soccer’s biggest stage.

From grassroots infrastructure and investment in youth academies to government support and international exposure, we break down the key factors shaping the future of Southeast Asian soccer. What will it take for a team from the region to finally break through?

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and co-host Kevin Pham explore the life and legacy of Phạm Quỳnh (1892-1945), a prominent intellectual, writer, and statesman in modern Vietnamese history. A man of deep convictions and complex loyalties, Phạm Quỳnh’s contributions to Vietnam’s cultural and political evolution remain a topic of both admiration and debate.

A passionate advocate for Vietnamese literature and a modernist thinker, Phạm Quỳnh played a key role in promoting the use of the Vietnamese script (quốc ngữ) and championing the preservation of Vietnamese culture during a time of intense colonial influence. As editor of Nam Phong magazine, his writings sought to harmonize Vietnamese traditions with modernity, making him a leading voice in shaping national identity during the French colonial period.

However, Phạm Quỳnh’s legacy is not without controversy. As a high-ranking official in the French colonial administration, he faced criticism from Vietnamese revolutionaries who viewed his collaboration with the colonial regime as compromising the fight for independence. Despite this, his intellectual contributions and vision for a modern Vietnam have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Join us as we examine the nuances of Phạm Quỳnh’s life, from his efforts to elevate Vietnamese cultural pride to the political choices that ultimately led to his tragic fate. We explore how his vision for a culturally awakened Vietnam remains relevant today and why his legacy continues to spark debate among historians, intellectuals, and activists.

Whether you see Phạm Quỳnh as a misunderstood patriot, a pragmatic modernist, or a symbol of cultural resilience, this episode provides a thought-provoking perspective on a man whose ideas and actions reflect the complexities of Vietnam’s colonial past and its quest for self-determination.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Theresa shares her experiences of loss, resilience, and the hope that keeps her moving forward.

We also discuss Theresa’s GoFundMe campaign at the end of the episode, which she has set up to help rebuild her life and secure a new home. If you feel inspired by Theresa’s story and wish to support her during this difficult time, please consider donating through her GoFundMe link provided in the show notes.

Join us as we honor Theresa’s journey and explore the power of community and strength in the aftermath of tragedy.

Family/friends can Zelle us at 626-590-8828. If not, donate to

GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/5bc16d4e

In this episode of Viet History Makers, host Kenneth Nguyen and Professor Kevin Pham explore the life and legacy of Nguyễn An Ninh (1900-1943), one of the most compelling and intellectual rebels in Vietnam’s modern history. A journalist, lawyer, and revolutionary thinker, Nguyễn An Ninh’s ideas and activism challenged the colonial structures of his time, inspiring both admiration and controversy.

Often overshadowed by other figures of Vietnam’s independence movement, Nguyễn An Ninh stood apart as a voice that fused radical thought, cultural identity, and political defiance. His writings called for a cultural awakening among the Vietnamese youth and questioned the limits of colonial rule. Yet, his vision extended beyond political independence — he advocated for a more profound revolution of thought, values, and identity.

Join us as we delve into Nguyễn An Ninh’s remarkable journey, from his time in France absorbing revolutionary ideas to his return to Vietnam, where he became a symbol of intellectual resistance. We discuss how his philosophical approach to freedom and national identity made him a unique figure in the fight for liberation, and how his legacy continues to influence generations of thinkers and activists.

Whether you see Nguyễn An Ninh as an inspiring revolutionary, a romantic idealist, or a misunderstood visionary, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a man whose ideas transcended his time and continue to resonate in Vietnam’s ongoing search for identity and self-determination.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts. 

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024). 

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Our first guest, Cat Bao Le has been organizing in North Carolina and the South for over 14 years. From her early work with the Asian Law Caucus in civil rights and supporting Southeast Asian farmworkers with the United Farm Workers, to her fellowship in Viet Nam studying labor laws and policies, Cat’s journey has been rooted in advocacy and justice. As the founder of SEAC Village, an abolitionist Southeast Asian and Black organization in Charlotte, North Carolina, Cat has championed immigrant and refugee rights, mutual aid, and community empowerment. Now consulting and providing training for organizations, Cat also co-directs a project supporting individuals deported to Vietnam. Born in London to Vietnamese refugee parents, Cat’s story is as inspiring as her unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

Our second guest, Tin Thanh Nguyen, is a renowned immigration attorney and activist who has spent over 18 years practicing immigration law, focusing on removal defense and challenging prolonged detention of Southeast Asian refugees. As the founder of the Law Office of Tin Thanh Nguyen, PLLC, Tin’s work spans immigration courts, federal courts, and advocacy for criminal justice reform. A founding board member of SEAC Village, Tin provides pro bono representation for immigrant families impacted by police violence, ICE detention, and deportation. Raised in a Vietnamese refugee family in Charlotte, Tin’s activism is deeply personal, blending legal expertise with a passion for empowering communities caught in the intersections of immigration and criminal justice systems.

Join us as Cat and Tin share their powerful stories, the challenges of organizing and advocating in the South, and their vision for a more just and equitable future.

Here's the fundraiser link:

https://gofund.me/bb31f963

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

As a 𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙨, Linda 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩, 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚-𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨. From the right intention emerges influential action, and it is with this authentic and curious vision that she continues to support diverse communities that bring the umami of our heritage to the forefront of our world.

Starting with a $1 donation, you help ensure that the voices and stories of the 2.3 million Vietnamese Americans in the U.S. are heard and our community’s legacy is celebrated.

https://givebutter.com/journeyofdreams

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, we delve into one of the most polarizing figures in Vietnam’s modern history: Ngô Đình Diệm, the first president of the Republic of Vietnam. Often portrayed as either a staunch nationalist who sought to forge a stable, independent South Vietnam or as an authoritarian leader whose policies deepened divisions within the country, Diệm’s legacy is anything but straightforward.

Join us as we unravel the life and death of Ngô Đình Diệm, exploring the forces that shaped him, his rise to power, and the controversies that defined his presidency. From his early days as a devout Catholic in a predominantly Buddhist country to his role in the escalating tensions of the Cold War, we reflect on how his vision for Vietnam collided with both internal dissent and external pressures.

Whether you see President Ngô Đình Diệm as a tragic figure, a flawed leader, or a symbol of a divided movement, this episode invites you to understand the man behind the myth, in the broader context of Vietnam’s struggle for identity and sovereignty.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts. 

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024). 

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

With a background in education and a passion for storytelling, Chris strives to bridge the world and Vietnam through his educational work, YouTube content, and social media platforms.

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges of being Vietnamese-American: trying to fit into two worlds that don’t always agree on what “fitting in” looks like, and building a relationship with Vietnam that’s equal parts love and discovery. Chris shares his personal journey of living in Vietnam, embracing his heritage, and learning to extend compassion to the differences that shape us all.

It’s a conversation about empathy. Kenneth and Chris explore the nuances of culture, identity, and what it means to truly belong, all while keeping things real and relatable.

@chris.tran.travels

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Viet Story Bank

What’s your family’s story worth to you?

Not the shiny ones everyone knows. I mean the buried ones—the secrets, the heartbreaks, the ones that only slipped out after too much Hennessy.

That’s what Vietnam Story Bank is for. No polish. No rewrites. Just raw, beautiful beating history—the kind that makes you sit up and hold your breath. Your dad’s memories of his mother’s wildest dreams. Your grandparents’ laughter that echoes in your bones. 

We dig it all up, record it, and hand it back to you—safe, untouchable, and unforgettable.

Because when our stories disappear, they’re gone forever.

Go to vietnamstorybank.com. Make sure your family’s stories never burn out. 

Join hosts Kenneth Nguyen, An Vo and Phil Van as they explore how cryptocurrency is reshaping Southeast Asia's economic landscape, weighing both the hype and the hard realities.

From financial inclusion in remote areas to concerns about digital security and environmental costs, we dissect the key metrics driving the crypto conversation in the region. Will digital currencies unlock new opportunities or create deeper inequalities?

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

They graduated from USC’s MFA film program where they wrote and directed several award-winning short films, including REAL BOY, which won best Sci-Fi film at USC’s First Look Festival, and THE MATTRESS, which received the SCA Edward Small Directing Award and was invited to premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

The brothers were both mentees of Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative and have developed projects with notables such as Cj Entertainment, CBS Studios, 20k Productions, and 1community.

The two also wrote an original multicultural, supernatural narrative podcast series for Gunpowder & Sky. More recently, Kevin and Kelly were selected to take part in Soo Hugh’s and Universal Content Productions’ (UCP) highly competitive inaugural writing program, The Thousand Miles Project.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, we ask, "How Does Someone Become A Revolutionary?" We turn our focus to Nguyễn Thị Định, a significant figure in Vietnam’s history, whose journey from a rural village to becoming a top military leader for the Viet Cong—and later a vice president of unified Vietnam—remains a subject of both admiration, debate and deep pain for others.

Join us as we carefully navigate Nguyễn Thị Định's life and legacy, and reflect the deep complexities of Vietnam’s war-torn past. While she is celebrated by many as a symbol of resistance and resilience, her story is also deeply intertwined with the profound loss of those who fought to protect a different vision for Vietnam. In this episode, we explore her path to communism and the forces that shaped her, acknowledging the diverse perspectives on her contributions to Vietnam’s history.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts. 

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024). 

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Paul Nguyen is an award-winning activist and filmmaker from Toronto's Jane-Finch area. In 2004, he created Jane-Finch.com to change negative stereotypes about his community. Within a short period, his grassroots project became a national success story.

Paul's impact is recognized by political and community leaders across Canada. He is a public speaker and media commentator on race, crime and youth issues.

In 2006, Paul was the Associate Producer for CBC's The Fifth Estate following the lives of gang-involved youth in the Gemini Award-nominated Lost in the Struggle. He was the Associate Producer for Global's Revealed: Missing the Target (2010), CBC's Lost in the Struggle: The Next Chapter (2012) and CBC's Year of the Gun (2019).

In 2018, he was a recipient of Canada's Volunteer Award. In 2018 and 2019, he won back-to-back CEMA Awards for his stories in the ethnic press. In 2020, CBC Radio aired Rap Battle, an hour-long podcast about the journey of Jane-Finch.com. In 2021, Paul received the Star Metroland Media Urban Hero Award. In 2024, Paul co-produced the Netflix global hit What Jennifer Did.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of Viet History Makers, we ask, "Would Democracy Be Good for Vietnam?" We turn our focus to Phan Chu Trinh, one of Vietnam's most influential thinkers and reformers, whose vision for democracy and national modernization continues to resonate. A tireless advocate for social change, Phan Chu Trinh sought to reinterpret Vietnam’s Confucian heritage in light of democratic ideals, offering a bold blueprint for political and cultural renewal in the early 20th century.

Join us as we trace his journey from a scholar steeped in traditional values to a revolutionary voice for progress. We'll explore how he challenged colonial oppression, critiqued monarchy, and envisioned a future where democracy and Confucian principles could coexist. If you’re curious about the philosophical underpinnings of Vietnam’s modern history, the intersections of tradition and reform, or the life of a leader who dared to dream beyond his time, this episode dives deep into the legacy of a man who reshaped the intellectual landscape of his nation.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts. 

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024). 

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

While there, he oversaw a variety of policy and community issues, including immigration, AAPI affairs, older adults, redistricting, and board operations. Hoàng led the establishment of the countywide LA vs. Hate initiative, a multi-million dollar government program to provide services to survivors of hate during the surge of anti-Asian hate. He played a key role in the establishment of Represent LA, a multi-million dollar government program to provide legal services to undocumented people facing deportation. He was also the office’s representative and liaison for the areas of LA Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Historic Filipinotown, and Thaitown.

As an openly gay immigrant from Việt Nam, Hoàng is proud to be appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to serve on the Los Angeles City Civil and Human Rights Commission. He was also named one of the National Association of Asian Pacific in Politics and Public Affairs’ 40 Under 40. He serves on the executive boards of several community and political organizations, graduated cum laude from the University of California, Los Angeles, and was the College’s Commencement Speaker.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Cùng nhau, chúng tôi khám phá những thử thách và gian nan đã định hình con đường của bà, từ những khó khăn mà cha mẹ bà phải đối mặt trong hành trình vượt qua gian khổ, đến câu chuyện cá nhân về việc bà định nghĩa lại ẩm thực Việt Nam trên sân khấu toàn cầu. Cuộc trò chuyện thân mật này hé lộ người phụ nữ đứng sau đế chế ẩm thực, tinh thần kiên cường, và lịch sử phong phú đã truyền cảm hứng cho sự kết hợp giữa truyền thống và đổi mới của bà.

Hãy lắng nghe để cảm nhận một câu chuyện đầy cảm hứng về gia đình, ẩm thực và nghị lực, chắc chắn sẽ khiến bạn không chỉ thán phục mà còn muốn thưởng thức những hương vị đỉnh cao từ thế giới ẩm thực.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Join hosts Kenneth Nguyen and An Vo (missing our third co host Phil Van) as they are joined by two special guests: Benny Tran, a world traveler and global ambassador for the Los Angeles Football Club, and chef Nguyen Bui, a master private chef, with a deep knowledge of dishes from all corners of the region. Together, they’ll discuss the rich cultural histories, unique flavors, and personal connections behind some of Southeast Asia's most iconic dishes.

From the steaming bowls of pho in Vietnam to the spicy and savory flavors of Thailand's green curry, we explore what makes these dishes so beloved and whether they truly deserve the title of “best.” It’s a flavorful conversation that will have you craving your next meal, no matter where you are.

Tune in for a lively and tasty debate on what makes Southeast Asian cuisine so special—and which dish ultimately comes out on top!

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, whose reign marked the twilight of the Nguyen dynasty and the turbulent crossroads of Vietnamese history. From his privileged upbringing in the royal court to his complex role as both a symbol of tradition and a figure entangled in modern political struggles, we explore how Bao Dai navigated a rapidly changing world.

Discover the challenges, contradictions, and controversies of an emperor caught between colonial powers, nationalist movements, and his own vision for Vietnam. Whether you're intrigued by the dynamics of monarchy in a revolutionary era, fascinated by the personal stories behind historical shifts, or seeking to understand Vietnam’s journey through the 20th century, this episode offers a nuanced portrait of a leader who witnessed the end of an era and the birth of a new nation.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts. 

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024). 

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode, we deep dive into the life and legacy of Phan Boi Chau, a trailblazing revolutionary who played a crucial role in shaping the early discourse on Vietnamese nationalism. From his humble upbringing to his profound contributions to society, we examine how Phan Boi Chau laid the intellectual groundwork for Vietnam's quest for independence.

Experience the struggles, triumphs, and unyielding determination of a man who dreamed of a united and free Vietnam in the face of colonial rule. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of revolutionary movements, or simply curious about Vietnam’s past, this episode offers new insights into one of its most iconic political thinkers.

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Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts. 

He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024). 

Kevindoanpham.com

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

From the co-working cafés of Bali to the bustling nomad communities in Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai, we explore the factors that make this region so attractive. Low costs of living, vibrant cultures, and welcoming communities are just the beginning—yet questions remain about the long-term impact on local economies, cultures, and communities.

Join us as we examine the opportunities and challenges of digital nomadism in Southeast Asia, the ethical dilemmas it presents, and the delicate balance between embracing global connectivity and preserving local identity. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how the digital nomad movement is reshaping both lives and landscapes across the region.

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Dr. Ha’s story offers her perspective on social issues and the urgent need for understanding each other. It’s not everyday a sociology teacher can talk about street gangs from first-hand experience. When she talks about the social consequences of gangs, she can point to the scar on her arm. She was shot in a gang-related drive-by shooting as she was coming out of a billiards hall near where she lived in Houston.

Today, she is professor of sociology at MiraCosta College with a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. She’s a writer, filmmaker, media consultant, and philanthropic leader who leads the Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA) and the Doan Foundation for the arts.

She is the founder of Collective Freedom, a North San Diego County nonprofit serving the formerly incarcerated population. Her forthcoming book, Love Letters to the Dirty South, will be released in 2026. It’s a memoir following her journey from being in a Houston Vietnamese gang in the 1990s to reconnecting with her incarcerated first love, Vu, in 2020, and explores the broader social structures of the refugee experience, mass incarceration, and prison injustice.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

As Michelin expands into Southeast Asia—covering everything from Singapore’s fine dining to Bangkok’s vibrant street food—questions arise about the balance between global standards and local flavors.

Join us as we examine Michelin’s criteria for awarding stars, its impact on Southeast Asia’s diverse culinary culture, and the dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity in the region’s food scene. This episode offers insights into how global dining trends intersect with Southeast Asia’s unique flavors and traditions, sparking fresh debates about authenticity, cultural preservation, and what “quality” really means.

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

When he's not working for scale, he can be seen performing stand-up regularly at The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, Flappers Comedy Club, The Ice House, The Hollywood Improv, and Supernova Comedy.

He also produces his monthly show - “Sean Porter & Friends” - at the Ice House Comedy Club. He has opened for comedians such as Paul Rodriguez, Zainab Johnson, Hal Sparks, and Wendy Liebman and performed alongside comics like Damon Wayans, Kevin Nealon, Alonzo Bodden, Sarah Tiana, Ian Edwards, Maz Jabroni, Adam Carolla, Laurie Kilmartin, Dean Del Rey and others.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Have you ever wondered why some countries have a more codified, statute-driven approach to law while others rely heavily on judicial rulings and precedents?

With insights into colonial legacies, religious influences, and local customs, this episode will explore the unique blend of legal traditions that define Southeast Asia. Whether you're curious about how laws are made or how they affect everything from economic policy to personal freedoms, this episode offers a glimpse into the legal identities shaping the region.

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

He co-hosts a podcast called Nam Phong Dialogues: Casual Chats on Vietnamese History.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Earlier in his career, he worked directly with company founder Charles Brandes as an institutional portfolio manager for high-profile North American and Asian institutional clients at Brandes Investment Partners. In 2021, Mayor of San Diego Todd Gloria appointed Louie to the approximately $10 billion San Diego City Employees’ Retirement System, sitting on both the board and the investment committee.

He is also a board member of the Jacobs Center of Neighborhood Innovation, advising the Jacobs family on its mission of innovative community empowerment. Louie is a member of the investment committee for the Mingei International Museum and an advisory investment committee member for the Alliance Healthcare Foundation.

After studying Communications at Goldsmiths College and Sociology at the London School of Economics, Khue pursued her love for writing, working nights at The Guardian while honing her craft. In 2009, she joined ZEIT in Hamburg, where she reported on major events like Brexit and the rise of the Pirate Party, shaping her unique perspective on global politics.

Now based in Berlin and writing for ZEITmagazin, Khue’s work has earned her prestigious awards such as the Reporter Prize and the Helmut Schmidt Prize. Her impactful stories, including an exclusive interview with Kevin Spacey before his trial and a powerful dossier on Vietnamese twin sisters involved in the Essex truck tragedy, have gained widespread recognition.

In her books, Khue delves into personal themes that resonate with her own experiences, including We New Germans and her debut novel Wherever You Are, which explores family, identity, and belonging.

In 2022, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship to Vietnam. Currently, Joseph teaches Vietnamese American Experiences at CSU Long Beach and is a Vietnamese dual language immersion (VDLI) teacher at Westminster School District, the first K-12 VDLI program in the United States.

He is also helped contribute researching for and writing the recently-released Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum, funded by the California Department of Education and led by the Orange County Department of Education.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

In this episode of the Vietnamese podcast, Tymay shares her online comedy journey with Kenneth.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

The dialogue highlights the significance of exploring Vietnamese culture through an academic lens while fostering a sense of connection among listeners. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of education and academic freedom in Vietnam, particularly at Fulbright University.

They discuss the impact of a recent disinformation campaign against the institution, the role of Confucianism in Vietnamese governance, and the evolving identity of Vietnamese youth. The dialogue also highlights contemporary Vietnamese heroes and the cultural influences shaping modern Vietnam.

Yen Vu is a faculty member at Fulbright University Vietnam, where she teaches modern Vietnamese literature. Her research focuses on 20th century Vietnamese and French intellectual politics as well as Southeast Asian ecocriticism. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, Environmental Humanities, and elsewhere. She also co-hosts a mainstay podcast for the Vietnam studies and Vietnamese American community, called Nam Phong Dialogues.

Kevin Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at the University of Amsterdam. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024), the first book to bring Vietnamese political thought into the academic field of political theory. He co-hosts a podcast called Nam Phong Dialogues: Casual Chats on Vietnamese History.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In 2022, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship to Vietnam. Currently, Joseph teaches Vietnamese American Experiences at CSU Long Beach and is a Vietnamese dual language immersion (VDLI) teacher at Westminster School District, the first K-12 VDLI program in the United States.

He is also helped contribute researching for and writing the recently-released Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum, funded by the California Department of Education and led by the Orange County Department of Education.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In this episode of *Sea Dreams*, we explore how coffee has shaped Vietnam's history, economy, and identity—from its introduction during French colonization to its rise as a global export powerhouse.

This is not just about coffee; it’s a journey through resilience, innovation, and Vietnam’s unique spirit. We delve into the differences between Robusta and Arabica, beyond the familiar cà phê sữa đá, uncovering coffee's deeper cultural, historical, and economic significance.

Join us as we explore the rich intersections of commerce, culture, and history—one cup at a time.

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forces driving change in this influential region.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

In addition to his passion for film, he has served as a volunteer and writer for Viet Film Fest 2018. Eric was also a part of Viet Film Fest 2019’s Curatorial Committee and volunteered during the 3-day event. Eric has a BA in Political Science from UC Irvine (also attended UC Santa Cruz for the first two years of undergrad); MPP from UCI with a focus on education and poverty alleviation.

In his spare time, Eric volunteers his time to teach English and the U.S. citizenship test to Buddhist monks and nuns. He maintains a blog dedicated to classic movies.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Katherine Lam, who immigrated from Vietnam at age thirteen, holds influential roles as a commissioner for the Port of Portland and board member for the Oregon Business Council. Katherine was just named Restaurateur of the Year by the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.

Daniel Nguyen and Katherine Lam are the husband and wife team behind Bambuza Hospitality Group, a small family business that has grown into a successful restaurant and retail management company with locations in four states.

Beyond their restaurants, Daniel and Katherine actively engage in the local community and state governance, helping to create pathways to quality jobs, education, healthcare, and housing.

Daniel and Katherine are 2024 inductees into the Asian Hall of Fame, marking them as the first Oregonians to achieve this honor.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Transitioning from agriculture to comedy, Andy discovered his knack for creating hilarious skits and rap parodies that quickly gained attention for their witty humor.

He has a variety of characters including Viet Dad and none other than 50dong the Vietnamese 50cent! & the beloved hoeyfarmer!

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, who fled their country by boat after the Vietnam War, and eventually settled in Boston, MA, where she was born and raised.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

What is pho? A deep-dive into the origins, development, and significance of this quintessential Vietnamese dish.

An Vo is an Australian-Vietnamese living in America with a background in law, politics, economics, and multi-cultural affairs. He has advised both state and federal government bodies on multi-cultural affairs. Having emigrated to Australia at age 5 An has spent two decades each in both Australia and the US but still retains his Aussie accent.

Phillip Van is a commercial director and screenwriter whose work has earned recognition from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Filmmaker Magazine, and awards at festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Half-Vietnamese and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he draws on his unique cultural background to inform his creative perspective. His projects are currently in development with major studios, including Netflix and Fifth Season.

Kenneth Nguyen is a Los Angeles based podcaster and film producer with over two decades in the Vietnamese media space. Kenneth hosts and produces The Vietnamese podcast with over 400 episodes recorded. Kenneth Nguyen is a founding partner of EAST Films.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Her titles include Scott Alexander Howard’s The Other Valley, Luke Dumas’s USA Today bestseller The Paleontologist, Carolyn Huynh’s The Fortunes of Jaded Women (a GMA Book Club Pick), and Jess Kidd’s The Night Ship, Sarah Langan’s Good Neighbors (both B&N Book Club Picks).

Loan is eager to acquire dark, character-driven, and atmospheric upmarket and “literary plus” fiction—literary fiction with propulsive genre elements like folklore, horror, speculative, mystery, suspense, and/or thriller. The eerier the story, the more likely she’ll like it! Loan loves genre-bending works; if a novel can be pitched as “Part X, Part Y, and Part Z,” then it’s probably meant for her. She acquires select multicultural family fiction.

Loan is also the author of YA novels A Pho Love Story (2021) and Solving for the Unknown (Spring 2025). Follow her on Instagram, and look out for her expanded manuscript wish list, which can be requested here.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Outside of the realm of content creating, you can find him figure skating or begging his mom to make bò kho.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

With a natural talent for immersing herself into diverse roles, Kayli is also the starring lead in the award winning SnapchatTV original series Dead of Night, executive produced by Timur Bekmambetov of Bazelevs Entertainment. With over 16 million viewers, her remarkable performance in the two-season series earned her a spot on the 2020 Emmy Awards Nomination ballot for "Outstanding Actress In A Short Form Comedy Or Drama Series," competing against major actresses such as Sophie Turner and Anna Kendrick.

An exceptionally talented actress whose versatile performances have captivated audiences worldwide, Kayli can also be seen on screen working alongside industry heavy hitters including Jake Gyllenhaal in Michael Bay's major blockbuster "Ambulance," Neal McDonough in the sci-fi thriller "Monsters of Man," Issa Rae in the comedy series "BSU: Black Student Union," and Ryan Phillippe in USA Network's hit show "Shooter". Kayli has even expanded her talents into the world of voiceover and motion capture for video games including Activision's "Call of Duty" and Sony's "The Last of Us”.

With a passion for storytelling and dedication to her craft, Kayli Tran is a force to be reckoned with as she continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of Hollywood cinema.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

He is currently wrapping up post-production on his first feature documentary The Empathizer, an exploration of wartime trauma told through stories from second-generation Vietnamese immigrants who made the choice to move back to the country that their parents had fled. The film features beats by fellow Vietnamese Podcast alumnus Nodey as well as appearances by several former guests of the show.

The hour-long documentary will premiere at an independently-produced red carpet event in Los Angeles on September 21st, 2024 before it makes its festival debut at the Viet Film Fest on October 12th.

You can learn more about The Empathizer at www.empathizerdoc.com and keep up to date by following along on Instagram @empathizerdoc.

The Vietnamese Podcast listeners are invited to RSVP to the exclusive LA premiere on 9/21/24 for a limited time, by following the link : www.empathizerdoc.com/event-details/rsvp . Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but we respectfully ask that you RSVP only if you are certain to attend the event.

Tickets to the Tet Trung Thu in LA edition of the Embarrassed by Night comedy show on 9/13/24 can be found at http://embarrassedbynight.eventbrite.com.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

“You Know What You Did” is her debut novel that was just released in April 2024. Now settled just outside Washington, D.C., K. T. reflects on her journey as a writer, the lessons learned along the way, and the adventures still to come—all with a cup of coffee in hand and her adopted terrier, Alice, by her side.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

He was a regular commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered for many years, and was the subject of a 2004 PBS documentary called My Journey Home. His essays have appeared in newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times, The LA Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Baltimore Sun, The Atlanta Journal, the Chicago Tribune, Mother Jones, and The Nation, among many others. His short stories have been widely taught and anthologized. Birds of Paradise Lost is his first story collection and due out by Red Hen Press in the spring of 2013. He lives in San Francisco.

Andrew's latest work, Stories from the Edge of the Sea, will be out March 25, 2025.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

The brand saw instant global recognition when Bon Appetit listed Fat Miilk on their "Highly Recommend" list. The brand can be seen in publications, including Eater, TimeOut, Thrillest, Roast Magazine, and more. Lan was recently a finalist on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars on FOX network, where she represented her brand, leadership, and entrepreneurial story. 

@iamLanHo

@fatmiilk 

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Thảo previously held positions in commercial aircraft sales, brand marketing, and international strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Prior to joining the private sector, Thảo was a Foreign Service Officer focusing on economic issues in East Asia at the State Department, serving overseas as a Vice Consul in Shanghai and Taipei.

Thảo briefly served under the Obama administration in her role as the Director of Trade Policy for the United States Trade Representative’s Office.  

She attained her B.B.A. in Finance and a Certificate of International Studies in business at the University of Washington and completed the Advanced Economic Studies Program at the Foreign Service Institute. She is fluent in Chinese and Vietnamese.

Thảo serves as a member of the board of trustees of the World Affairs Council, volunteers her time mentoring Foster Business School students, and champions women’s financial inclusion and capacity building. 

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

He was later discovered sitting on the streets and taken to an orphanage where he was further neglected with little to no medical care. On April 6, 1975, as Saigon burned in the background, his future was forever changed with Operation Babylift- a humanitarian war effort to rescue Vietnamese orphans and unite them to adoptive parents in America. 

Stefan has vague memories of that day; frantic staff grabbing orphans and their personal effects and loading them onto waiting planes. In the commotion, Stefan’s bags were loaded on the first plane and he was accidentally redirected onto the second plane. This mistake proved critical, because the first plane crashed 12 minutes after take-off killing 141 of the 149 orphans on board. This would be one of many examples where Stefan would see, “the finger prints of God on his life.”

Stefan escaped the war, but different obstacles awaited him in the US. At 4 years old, he was thrust into the foster care system and placed with the Beans who would eventually adopt him. Despite adoption officials’ warnings of Stefan’s health condition and recent trauma, the Beans adopted Stefan without hesitation. He would be one of 12 children; 2 biological and 10 international adoptees, in the Bean family. 

From day one his parents encouraged Stefan to be independent and refused to see him as any less than any of their other children. Those early years proved difficult as Stefan grappled with English, adapted to a new life, and adjusted to normalcy after seeing unspeakable things during the war. If that wasn’t enough, he underwent multiple surgeries including muscle transplants on his legs and stomach. He also had pulmonary issues and most of his teeth were abscessed which required extensive dental procedures. But with the unconditional love and support of his adoptive parents he not only survived but thrived. 

 In his early years, Stefan was enrolled in public school, but when he wasn’t getting the support he needed, his parents transferred him to private school where he began to excel. Despite his physical limitations, he availed himself to things he could do in sports and extracurricular activities. Instead of being frustrated that he couldn’t play basketball or baseball like others, he would umpire sandlot baseball games and join student council and develop his public speaking. He was a straight A student, elected as sixth-grade class president and his eloquent speaking skills earned him an opportunity to make a speech in Washington D.C. advocating for the disadvantaged. 

After high school graduation, he would receive a full scholarship from USC where he earned a BA in business administration.  

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Minh Phan is an art practitioner, chef, founder, and creative director of Michelin Star (2021, 2022) and 2021 LA Times Restaurant of the Year PHENAKITE, lauded porridge + puffs, and multi-disciplinary PKite Studio.

Gustavo Arellano is an American writer and journalist. He is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times and the former editor of Orange County's alternative weekly OC Weekly.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Tatarski's reporting has covered Vietnamese culture, politics, and international relations, including the 2019 Trump-Kim Summit in Hanoi and the COVID-19 outbreak in Vietnam.

Tatarski has reported on conservation efforts and climate change in Vietnam, particularly on the country's wildlife trafficking trade and the imprisonment of environmental activists. His reporting has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Vice, The Diplomat, and The Telegraph.

Mike Tatarski sits down every week with a guest doing unique, important work in - or about - Vietnam to get a panoramic view of this dynamic, increasingly important country through The Vietnam Weekly Podcast.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Miyagi expresses his passion for social justice, cultural awareness, lyricism, and clever wordplay. His most viewed music video today, titled “Việt Nam Xin Chào”, which is a nod to his hometown, has garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.

He received praise for his talents, and for embracing his Vietnamese roots. This is the musical artistry of rap that he continues to inspire the world with. He is also one of the Co-Founders of the Saigon Night Market @saigonnightmarket in Clearwater, Florida, sharing Asian culture and cuisine with the community.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

His tenure with the Chicago PD includes five years on the full-time SWAT team, where he excelled as a shield operator, demonstrating exceptional bravery and tactical expertise. Driven by a passion for service and a commitment to excellence, Trung founded We Go Home, a supplement and apparel company that proudly supports military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and first responders.

The company champions a powerful message: strive to be better than you were yesterday and become an asset to your organization and community, ensuring that everyone goes home safely. Through We Go Home, Trung inspires others to embrace a mindset of relentless improvement, teamwork, and dedication, reinforcing the values that have defined his remarkable career.

Wegohomesupps.com

IG Trungbnguyen

IG Wegohome 

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

With over 30 years experience in tattoo artistry, Bob still shows love for the art and its apparent in his work. You can still find him tattooing at his shop aptly named Bad Influence Tattoo, established in 2003. 

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

We uncover the inspirations behind his genre-defying beats, his creative process, and his vision for the future of music. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Nodey's work, this conversation offers insight into the life and art of one of today's most intriguing music producers in Vietnam.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Building Little Saigon examines nearly fifty years of city building by Vietnamese Americans—who number over 2.2 million today. Author Erica Allen-Kim highlights architecture and planning ideas adapted by the Vietnamese communities who, in turn, have influenced planning policies and mainstream practices. Allen-Kim traveled to ten Little Saigons in the United States to visit archives, buildings, and public art and to converse with developers, community planners, artists, business owners, and Vietnam veterans. By examining everyday buildings—who made them and what they mean for those who know them—Building Little Saigon shows us the complexities of migration unfolding across lifetimes and generations.

In the final days before the fall of Saigon in 1975, 125,000 Vietnamese who were evacuated or who made their own way out of the country resettled in the United States. Finding themselves in unfamiliar places yet still connected in exile, these refugees began building their own communities as memorials to a lost homeland. Known both officially and unofficially as Little Saigons, these built landscapes offer space for everyday activities as well as the staging of cultural heritage and political events.

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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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Peter mainly focuses on content that questions the norms he was raised with and isn’t afraid to be a walking example of his own brand.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Growing up, he'd watch his mom cook to provide for the family—from selling rice plates as a street vendor in Vietnam to cooking for family gatherings. She is his biggest inspiration, and the reason why he cooks today. He's been fortunate to have worked for some of the best restaurants in the country, including The French Laundry.

David started filming and sharing his recipes on social media in 2020. With some persistence and a little luck, he now has a community of passionate foodies like himself.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Recently, Hồng Anh directed documentaries for EST Eastern Standard Times, highlighting the voices of modern Vietnamese women. Her work has been funded by British Council Vietnam, Goethe Institute and the Asia-Europe Foundation.

She is a recipient of the STEP writers' stipend from Hessen Film & Media and a fellow of the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab 2022.

Hồng Anh Nguyễn's personal website: https://www.honganhnguyen.com/ 

Updates on Saigon Kiss: https://linktr.ee/saigonkiss 

Trailer to Saigon Kiss: https://vimeo.com/honganhnguyen/saigonkisstrailereng 

Kevin sits in the producing seat while collaborating with names such as Elijah Woods, Jack Harlow, Pink, Derek Hough, Post Malone, Dove Cameron, The Kardashians, Drake, Backstreet Boys, Weezer, Kawhi Leonard, and Chris Brown.

Kevin just finished co-directing with International Hong Kong Boy Band “Mirror” ft NBA all Stsr Damien Lillard and collaborating with Jawn Ha from the Kinjaz.

He is also slated to premiere his short film this year “Happy Ending Funeral Parlor” with Corbin Bernsen (Psych), Tony Award winner Eric Nelsen (1883), Spencer Breslin (The Kid), Katie Sarife (Annabelle Comes Home), Cassie Scerbo (Make It or Break It) and Trevor Larcom (True Detective)

He is actively developing a slate of original content, spanning scripted feature films, documentaries, short films, and TV + Digital Series.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Kevin is a dedicated family man, proud father, and husband.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Weiko Lin has wrote and directed original plays and musicals that have been produced, workshopped, or received stage readings at various theaters. They include UCLA Royce Hall, UCLA Black Box, Veteran's Wadsworth Theater, David Henry Hwang Theater, Chicago's Silk Road Rising, The Loft Ensemble, and Japanese American National Museum.

His original song LOVE THAT WAS (Music by Christopher Wong) was performed as part of the ASCAP Songwriting Showcase at 2018 Dramatist Guild National Conference. His newest musical RISE TO THE TOP will have its Workshop Concert Performance in the Arts District at Japanese American National Museum in February 2024.  

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

In 2001, Minh joined the Department of Justice where she served as Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. In that position, Minh oversaw the enforcement of the ADA, the FHA, the Rehabilitation Act, as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

She also represented the DOJ at the US Access Board, the federal agency charged with creating accessibility guidelines for public accommodations, commercial facilities, and federal agencies. She returned to private practice in 2003, where she has focused her practice on Title III of the ADA and related laws.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Viet is a University Professor, the Aerol Arnold Chair of English, and a Professor of English, American Studies and Ethnicity, and Comparative Literature at the University of Southern California. 

Viet was born in Ban Mê Thuột, Viet Nam (now spelled Buôn Mê Thuột after 1975, a year which brought enormous changes to many things, including the Vietnamese language). He came to the United States as a refugee in 1975 with his family and was initially settled in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, one of four such camps for Vietnamese refugees. From there, he moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1978.

Seeking better economic opportunities, his parents moved to San Jose, California, and opened one of the first Vietnamese grocery stores in the city. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, San Jose had not yet been transformed by the Silicon Valley economy, and was in many ways a rough place to live, at least in the downtown area where Viet’s parents worked. 

Viet attended St. Patrick School and Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose. After high school, he briefly attended UC Riverside and UCLA before settling on UC Berkeley, where he graduated with degrees in English and ethnic studies. He stayed at Berkeley for a Ph.D. in English, moved to Los Angeles for a teaching position at the University of Southern California, and has been there ever since.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

After attending NYU Graduate Film, Phillip was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film,” and appeared in Shoot Magazine’s New Directors Showcase. His work has since been featured by the New York Times, Rolling Stone, MTV, Pitchfork, AdAge’s “Best Ads,” Short of the Week and Vimeo’s Staff Picks. His commercial work has won D&AD, One Show and Addy awards and his narrative short films have garnered accolades at festivals including Berlin, Sundance and Telluride. 

On the literary front, he’s one half of the writing duo Goodwin & Van. He and his writing partner Chris Goodwin penned the screenplay To The Extreme, which was featured on The Hit List, Young & Hungry List and The Black List, the annual rundown of Hollywood’s best unproduced screenplays. It’s currently in development through No Trace Camping (Room) and Ramona Films (The Disaster Artist), with Dave Franco attached to star.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

It all started as a joke on YouTube back in '07, but by 2020, it turned into a full-on passion. Supdawk got into sharing his unique humor on big-time social platforms, tapping into that Asian American subculture with a comedic twist. Amidst the pandemic, the follower count just blew up.

Supdawk's all about spreading those good vibes and laughs, aiming to shake up how folks see Asians, breaking down stereotypes one joke at a time.

https://www.instagram.com/supdawk

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Growing up, he'd watch his mom cook to provide for the family—from selling rice plates as a street vendor in Vietnam to cooking for family gatherings. She is his biggest inspiration, and the reason why he cooks today. He's been fortunate to have worked for some of the best restaurants in the country, including The French Laundry.

David started filming and sharing his recipes on social media in 2020. With some persistence and a little luck, he now has a community of passionate foodies like himself.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

 Do began her career as a musician, playing in seminal indie band The Tyde, which released albums on Rough Trade Records. Before Expedia Group, Do was a founding partner at IAMSOUND, a hybrid creative studio and visual artist management firm where she was a three-time Clio Music award winner for her work on campaigns for Billie Eilish and Solange. 

Do also works as a music supervisor on films. Her latest project is HBO’s The Stroll, which premiered June 2023. 

A Vietnamese refugee, Do is a passionate advocate for inclusion and mentorship.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

His latest film, THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP, a feature documentary about the making of the seminal global hit song, "We Are the World", world premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and launched globally on Netflix on January 29th where it quickly became the number one film globally on the platform. He also recently directed Apple’s first major project in Vietnam, a Shot on iPhone film featuring Vietnam’s hottest singer, tlinh.

In addition to his directing work, he is a partner at EAST Films, a production company based in Vietnam looking to elevate Vietnamese cinema domestically and abroad. At EAST, he produced the feature ROM which won the top prize at the 2019 Busan International Film Festival and was one of the highest grossing films in Vietnam in 2020, and MAIKA which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. 

He is 2011 PBS/WGBH Producers Workshop Fellow, an alumnus of the 2012 and 2014 Berlinale Talent Campus, a Firelight Media Fellow, and a 2022 BAFTA US Breakthrough recipient. He earned his BA in Politics/International Relations at NYU and his MFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He is currently repped by CAA and managed by Mosaic.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Every summer a group consisting of doctors, health professionals, and student volunteers from U.C.I., U.S.C & U.C.S.D. chapters of M.E.M.O. travel to impoverished communities in Vietnam. It is during this mission trip that the programs (Dental, Heart, Hope, Scholarship) reach fruition, thanks to the dedicated volunteer members throughout the year as well as the mission goers and doctors who dedicate their expertise as well.

M.E.M.O holds free health clinics in rural areas for 3-4 days of the mission trip. During these clinics, trained M.E.M.O. volunteers have the opportunity to partake in the following stations: patient intake, crowd control, triage, dental, pharmacy, consultation, EKG, ultrasound and physical therapy. 

Through these health clinics, the students have the privilege to not only assist the underserved communities of Vietnam but also have the opportunity to observe and learn first hand from medical professionals. The volunteer doctors can provide primary assessment, prescribe medication and/or transfer patients to the EKG or ultrasound specialists. For patients who require care that are beyond M.E.M.O's capabilities, sponsor referrals to local hospitals are available so that local patients are able to get the necessary treatment.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Christina is also the author of The Veil Between Two Worlds: A Memoir of Silence, Loss, and Finding Home. With a background in international work, Christina has experience at UNICEF, the World Economic Forum, and various nonprofits. She currently works at Stanford University and holds an MSc from the London School of Economics.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

As a passionate advocate for the arts, she curated the exhibit Áo Dài: A Modern Design Coming of Age (2006) for the San Jose Museum of Quits and Textiles in partnership with Association for Viet Arts, and consults for the annual Áo Dài Festival held in San Jose (2011, 2012 and 2024).

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

She took a two-year sabbatical to learn about herbs and plants from Eastern countries and incorporated this knowledge with Western science teachings, in order to combine the best of both Eastern Ayurveda and Western medicine, empowering Dr. J’s Natural to become a credible science-based nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals company.

As a clinical compounding pharmacist for 23 years, she founded Dr. J’s Natural with the motivation of “Do Good, Feel Good.” With a passion for health and wellness, Dr. J aims to create products that are simple, effective and affordable for all. In addition to her goal to promote healthy living, Dr. J desires to give back to those in need through Dr. J’s Natural, vowing to give 10% of every dollar to a number of non-profit organizations worldwide.

Some of these non-profit organizations include Kiva, Because of the Heart, Handicapped of the Orphans Fund for children in Vietnam and American Uniformed Services Association in the USA. For the past 12 years. Dr. J has been very passionate about her health and her clients’ health. She frequently holds seminars and launched a popular wellness blog.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

As a fashion expert, she is frequently featured on television programs such as Today, Extra TV, Entertainment Tonight, and Insider. She has also appeared as a host for E! and as a red carpet host for the American Music Awards.

Mai was a correspondent for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Miss Universe pageants; she co-hosted the 2022 and 2023 editions as well.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

She currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and oversees transportation, food services, information technology, facilities, maintenance and operations, fiscal services and operations and risk management.

Her district serves 38,100 students, including all schools in the Little Saigon area and surrounding areas and 68 school campuses and over 5,000 employees.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

He formerly served as a historian with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Agency and a research scholar with the U.S.-Vietnam Center at the University of Oregon. He is the co-editor of Toward a Framework for Vietnamese American Studies: History, Community, and Memory (Temple University Press, 2023).

He is published and interviewed on Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and the BBC. He holds a Ph.D. and two MAs in history from Cornell University and a B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley.

To submit entries for the Vietnamese Heritage Museum’s call to reflect on the event of April 30th, 1975, and its consequences, please send physical submissions to the Vietnamese Heritage Museum at PO Box 27372 Santa Ana, CA 92799; digital submissions can be sent to info@vietnamesemuseum.org and/or alextvo@vietnamesemuseum.org

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information.

For two seasons, Lam was a regular judge on Bravo’s hit show, Top Chef Masters. An award-winning writer, Lam has written for numerous publications, including Gourmet, Bon Appetít, Food & Wine, Lucky Peach, Saveur, Salon, Men’s Journal, and the Financial Times. He graduated first in his class at the Culinary Institute of America and holds a bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies and Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. He lives with his family in New York City.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Rachele's parents first discovered she could sing when she was 2, when they realized she was singing along to the Vietnamese music her dad would play in the car. At 9, Rachele had the opportunity to participate in a Vietnamese singing competition show and became known in the community.

The show sparked her interest in performing and she's been singing for people ever since. As much as Rachele loves singing, she also loves playing piano. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, Rachele keeps her culture alive by learning to speak, read, write and sing in Vietnamese with help of her grandma. She represents her Vietnamese culture on the Voice and has inspired other young Vietnamese artists.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Arellano has won numerous awards for the column, including the 2006 and 2008 Best Non-Political Column in a large-circulation weekly from the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, the 2007 Presidents Award from the Los Angeles Press Club and an Impacto Award from the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and a 2008 Latino Spirit award from the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

In 2018, Arellano was featured in the "Tacos" episode of the hit Netflix show Ugly Delicious. He has also written an episode of the American cartoon Bordertown.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Her work explores different varieties of flowers, family history and her Asian American heritage. Her art is a mixture of abstract and figurative concepts that are often broad and contrasting in ways of style and mediums with no limitation of color. Her work continues to evolve, using her training in traditional painting and figurative drawing to experiment with more modern ways to create art styles that are uniquely hers.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

The Boiling Crab was founded by Sinh Nguyen and Dada Ngo, a Vietnamese husband-and-wife couple. They opened the chain's first restaurant in 2004 in Garden Grove's Little Saigon. It opened its first intercontinental location in the Kakaʻako district of Honolulu, Hawaii in 2016. 

The first international restaurant was opened in May 2020 in Shanghai. Locations in Australia started operation in early 2021. Meanwhile, a Harvard Square location in Cambridge, Massachusetts began business in early 2022.

Kristin Nguyen is the founder of Garlic & Chives Garlic, an award winning restaurant in the heart of Little Saigon in Orange County, well-known for two things: its deep-fried salmon belly dish and one of the longer waits for a table in Little Saigon.

Kristin is the chef behind the concept, has won several prestigious accolades, including Best Vietnamese Restaurant in OC Weekly‘s Best Of 2015 and has been on Jonathan Gold's list of 100 best restaurants for many years.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve just begun to sit 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 vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

Before that, he was in construction which served him well in designing Anchovies & Salt into the largest Vietnamese restaurant outside of Vietnam.

Tina Nguyen is a national correspondent for Puck, covering the world of Donald Trump and the American right. Previously, Nguyen was a White House reporter for Politico, a staff reporter for Vanity Fair Hive, and an editor at Mediaite.

She was nominated for a James Beard Award for her coverage of the restaurant industry while working at The Braiser. A Brooklyn transplant, Nguyen graduated from Claremont McKenna College and lives in Washington.

Follow her on Twitter @Tina_Nguyen.

Infusing her work with a deep-seated intention of compassion, Linda has worked alongside enterprising visionaries, global spiritual leaders, and local community organizers to lift, launch, and ignite purpose-driven projects.

As a board member for various cultural organizations and a builder for emerging endeavors, Linda cultivates impactful collaborations and meaningful connections. From the right intention emerges influential action, and it is with this authentic and curious vision that she continues to support diverse communities that bring the umami of our heritage to the forefront of our world.

Hiện tại kênh đã sở hữu vài trăm nghìn lượt theo dõi, với nội dung xoay quanh những cuộc trò chuyện, chia sẻ về những chủ đề khác nhau của nghệ sĩ với VJ là Dustin Phúc Nguyễn.

She received a B.A. in Political Science and a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

You can find more information about her at kieulinh.com 

Tragically in 1952, Le Dinh Toai passed away suddenly in a car accident in Vietnam, leaving behind a five-year-old son, Le Manh Trung, who was living in Hong Kong. Le Dinh Toai's surviving four siblings in Vietnam grieved deeply and began to search for their nephew, Le Manh Trung, Ross Le's father.

Now after over 70 years, thanks to social media, Ross Le has reconnected with his father's side of the family. They had lost hope of finding Le Manh Trung, now in his mid-70s. Ross has recently visited his father's long lost sister in Saigon, whom his father never knew, and met many cousins in Hue and Saigon.

Ross now living in Los Angeles, also found more relatives in Garden Grove, making the reunion even more special.

We're delighted to share this heartwarming story of the Le family's reunion. Happy Holidays!

Melissa grew up in Westminster, Little Saigon, California and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she practices with the Disney Triathlon Team, where she is also on the leadership crew handling the Fundraising.

Bao Han's very first experience in front of a large audience came when at age 14, she performed in front of 5,000 people in a Vietnamese summer camp in Holland.

In 1990, Bao Han entered a beauty pageant in Paris and became the second runner up. She was signed by Thanh Le Paris to be one of their models. While at a performance in Paris, Bao Han was discovered by the management of Thuy Nga Productions, the company that produces Paris by Night. In 1992, she signed an exclusive contract with Thuy Nga Productions and has seen appeared in most of the Paris by Night music videos.

In recent years, Bao Han has been working alongside her husband as the creative director at Tee Studios and living with Parkinson's Disease. She is committed to maintaining a life of gratitude.

His new memoir is called A Man of Two Faces.

Là người gốc Việt Nam, nghiên cứu của ông tập trung vào chính trị của chủ nghĩa dân tộc, chủ nghĩa cộng sản, cách mạng và xây dựng nhà nước ở Đông và Đông Nam Á. Ông đã xuất bản nhiều sách và là tác giả hoặc biên tập viên của năm cuốn sách, bao gồm The Republic of Vietnam, 1955-1975: Vietnamese Perspectives on Nation-Building (Cornell, 2020), Vietnam’s Communist Revolution: The Power and Limits of Ideology (Cambridge, 2017), Paths to Development in Asia: South Korea, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia (Cambridge, 2010), Dynamics of the Cold War in Asia: Ideology, Identity, and Culture (Palgrave, 2009), and Southeast Asia in Political Science: Theory, Region, and Qualitative Analysis (Stanford, 2008).

Prior to joining Reeves Immigration Law Group, Kim was the founder and managing partner of KLN Firm PC, a boutique immigration law firm that exclusively practiced business, family, and humanitarian immigration law. She also worked at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) where she represented survivors of torture and other forms of severe violence (human trafficking, domestic violence, and serious crimes) in immigration matters.

Kim has also served inside U.S. detention centers under the auspices of the Executive Office of Immigration Review’s Legal Orientation Program, representing immigrant detainees, and providing legal orientation and training, and coordinating pro bono representation. During her time at LAFLA, she chaired the Refugee Forum of Los Angeles County, a consortium of NGOs, refugee resettlement agencies, and government entities that advocates for the needs of immigrants fleeing persecution and seeking refuge in Los Angeles County. Kim began her legal career as a litigator at the international law firm Reed Smith.

A child boat refugee from Vietnam, Kim has been involved with many non-profit organizations that serve refugees and immigrants, including Program for Torture Victims, Boat People SOS, USAHello, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California. She co-founded L.A. Chefs for Human Rights with her husband James Beard-nominated chef Bryant Ng to support non-profit organizations committed to serving human rights causes. Ms. Luu-Ng has been recognized by the South Asian Network, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and the Los Angeles Times for her contributions to the community.

Kim and her husband Chef Bryant Ng co-own the award winning restaurant Cassia in Santa Monica, California.

Nell Hensey is a Filipino-Irish screenwriter and director from the west of Ireland. She is passionate about female-centric narratives or stories that explores unique cultural identities and coming-of-age themes. Nell co-wrote and directed the award winning short film GOOD CHIPS which premiered at Dublin Film Festival and went on to win Best Short Film at Viet Film Fest 2023.

A native of Vietnam, his research focuses on the politics of nationalism, communism, revolution, and state-building in East and Southeast Asia. Vu has published extensively and is the author or editor of five books, including The Republic of Vietnam, 1955-1975: Vietnamese Perspectives on Nation-Building (Cornell, 2020), Vietnam’s Communist Revolution: The Power and Limits of Ideology (Cambridge, 2017), Paths to Development in Asia: South Korea, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia (Cambridge, 2010), Dynamics of the Cold War in Asia: Ideology, Identity, and Culture (Palgrave, 2009), and Southeast Asia in Political Science: Theory, Region, and Qualitative Analysis (Stanford, 2008).

His photography book "The Soul of Vietnam" was published by ‘The Gioi” in Vietnam in 2016 with a parallel sixty image circulating exhibit appearing in three locations in Ha Noi, one in Malaysia and later in three U.S. museums. He has had exhibitions in Vietnam, Spain, Italy, Malaysia and the U.S.

He also has taught photography as adjunct instructor in several universities and in the U.S. Embassy in Ha Noi. His images focuses on people, especially in Vietnam, has been directly aided through studying the artworks of famed photo journalist W. Eugene Smith.

Lawrence is married to writer, Pamela Foard and he has four sons.

She has met that goal by organizing and collaborating with other collectives for film screenings, talks, live podcasts, exhibition, festivals (she's co-produced the 1st Asian Street Food Festival in Paris).

At the age of 24, Linda left France to explore Asia and ended up living there for 8 years in South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand as well as traveling to different parts of Asia: China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, India and Japan.

Living and traveling to these countries has helped her understand parts of her own upbringing and the complexities of integrating her own Asian culture as it related to her being born and raised in a Western country, such as France. This is how the Banh Mi podcast was born, and now called the Banh Mi Media.

Today, the media has reached (since 2021) a community of more than 40K listeners, viewers, subscribers. (Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube, Instagram, Tiktok, Newsletter)

Linda is also an admin member of Dive+ a collective promoting inclusion and diversity in the French cinema, founded by Kaname Onoyama.

Chris owns a merchandise store situatied inside of Phuc Loc Tho for his “Fall and Rise” brand, which launched online two years ago.

Chris' Instagram account is @littlesaigon.official

https://www.instagram.com/withlovelinh/#

His years providing legal support on a broad range of entertainment, technology, and artistic ventures (including independent film production, post-production, digital content production, music, book publishing, multimedia art, illustrations, public art, and software development) make him a valuable ally for creative businesses.

Over his career he has represented a wide range of creative clients – from filmmakers, musicians, fine artists, and book publishers to technology startups and serial entrepreneurs.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Truong worked tirelessly to close linguistic, racial and class achievement gaps while providing advanced learning opportunities for high achieving students. She understands the importance of working across various constituencies to develop a synergistic partnership focused on the whole system. This requires the ability to work across race, culture, language, class, and socioeconomic status in order to bring the best thinkers and movers together.

Dr. Truong started her career at Portland Public Schools (PPS) as a secretary, then moved on to teaching French, art, and ESL. Since then, she has been Vice Principal at Franklin High School, Principal at Mt. Tabor Middle School, Assistant Director of Secondary Instruction, Senior Director of English as Second Language Program, and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at PPS.

During her tenure, PPS achieved its highest graduation rate in more than 15 years. PPS is a PK-12 urban school district in Portland, Oregon that serves more than 49,000 students in 78 schools, making it one of the largest school districts in the Pacific Northwest. 

Hailing from Hawaii, he quickly learned that the best route to a future in music is to gain mass support from home then get away from it. The result: his hit single "How High?" was picked up by 50+ radio stations across the United States and becoming the #1 reggae artist in Hawaii.

Beyond the spotlight, Maria holds a background in psychology and has spent over a decade as a Youth Digital Arts facilitator in Australia, all while pursuing acting and filmmaking as personal endeavors. Her recent role as Madame Tien in "Last King of the Cross" on Paramount+ reflects her dedication to the craft, embodying a spirit that resonates both on and off the screen.

Cocoons, Steinhauer's third monograph was published by Powerhouse Books in January 2019. His prints are in the collections of the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and a growing number of private and corporate collections world wide.  

He is a recipient of numerous international photography awards including a finalist for the Lucie Award for International Photographer of the Year 2014, and 2017 won a Lucie Award for his Cocoons publication, a Ford Foundation grant for his multi year work in Vietnam, Black and White Spider Award for Architecture, IPA and PX3 Paris awards, three Communication Arts Photography Annual Award of Excellence awards, among others.

Pho Da Culture spotlights new creators each week along with recaps of our top videos from their social media accounts.

Tom Nguyen is a veteran commercial real estate broker, real estate attorney, and developer/investor with over 24 years of experience and over 1 billion in closings.

Recently Tom teamed up with Keystone DCS, to start Key Partners LLC a commercial real estate investment and ground up residential development firm.

Tom heads up acquisitions and dispositions for the company and also serves as its general counsel.

Tom was given the top award at the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professional’s (VNARP) Top Commercial Broker for 2022.

After studying Psychobiology from UCLA and working as a crisis counselor, Ava has spent the last decade turning her academic background and real-world experience with human behavior into a unique style of entertainment.

Ava's performances are a combination of sleight-of-hand demonstrations and mind games to create psychological illusions also known as mentalism. While initially guests are drawn to the novelty of a female magician, they soon realize she has the expertise of a behaviorist and the charisma of a con-artist.

With a thorough knowledge of the subculture of deception practitioners - con-men, hackers, art forgers, etc.. Ava has been sought after as a consultant for popular films and television programs such as WB's Focus starring Will Smith & Margot Robbie, as well as Amazon's Sneaky Pete.

Marcelino's new graphic novel, 40 Men and 12 Rifles is an expansive, gripping graphic novel set in Indochina in the year leading up to 1954, when the French-held garrison at Dien Bien Phu fell after a fifty-five-day battle, leading to the end of the first Indochina war opposing both French and Nationalist Vietnamese forces to Ho Chi Minh's National-Communist underground state. 

He attended the French Lycee in London, then moved to Paris where he earned degrees in law at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, and English literature at the Sorbonne. He lives in St-Malo, France.

He was also named one of the National Association of Asian Pacific in Politics and Public Affairs' 40 Under 40.

Her work has been featured in TIME, NPR, SALON, POPSUGAR, TINY BUDDHA, and WRITER'S DIGEST.

She is the great grand daughter of Pham Phu Thu, a great minister and reformer of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Peter Steinhauer is a world-renowned fine art photographer who has dedicated his career to documenting Vietnam since first moving to Vietnam in 1993. They believe in the transcendent power of art as a uniting medium which helps people to connect and bond and that art allows for the expression of interpretation of the country’s history and society, providing knowledge and inspiration for this generation and those to come.

He is known for his collaborations with Damien Chazelle including Whiplash for which he won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing as well as La La Land, and First Man.

Kei Concepts is a startup incubator at the crossroads of food, tech, and culture; AAPI-run, with women in key leadership roles. A thriving nest of fresh, electrifying ideas, devoted to pioneering and nurturing innovative culinary concepts, Kei Concepts began for a simple reason: to build something that our community can be proud of and forge a path ahead for the next generation.

A graduate in translation and law, Kim Thuy has worked as a seamstress, interpreter, lawyer, restaurant owner, media personality and television host. She lives in Montreal and devotes herself to writing.

Viet Pham attended culinary school in San Francisco but began his career in software. His first chef job was at Casey's Irish Pub Downtown where he was hired in 2006 upon graduating from Le Cordon Bleu. After working in San Francisco, owner Blake Ballard convinced Chef Pham to join Spark Restaurant and Lounge in Provo, Utah. In 2009, Pham opened his own restaurant, Forage, in Utah with co-Chef Bowman Brown. In 2011 Pham received the Best New Chef Award from Food & Wine Magazine. 

In 2016 Forage closed, Pretty Bird Hot Chicken. Starting in downtown Salt Lake City, the Pretty Bird brand has expanded to four locations as of the end of 2022. These include the original downtown location as well as Sugar House, Midvale, and Park City.

Quang was born and raised in Germany. He currently resides in Singapore and works for Google.

OV: overseasvietnamese.com

Quang: quang.do

That realization sparked the deliciously simple idea of bringing the best and most exciting French wines to market. In 2020, Duyen founded BONDLE, a wine brand that specializes in selling premium French wines in the magnum format (1.5L).

Prior to launching BONDLE, Duyen attended Ferrandi Culinary School in Paris and graduated top of her class. Her culinary journey took her to work at restaurants such as Arpège (3 Michelin Stars), Mirazur (3 Michelin Stars) and Frenchie (1 Michelin Star), where she was exposed to some of Europe’s finest wine lists and professionals.

Christina Bui’s breadth of experience spans a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, engineering, construction, management consulting, venture capital, and private equity. Christina has served in senior business development executive roles at Johnson & Johnson, Parsons Corporation, Robert Half, Tatum, and Kranz, and is an advisor at several venture capital funds.

Christina is the founder of the Viet Leaders Forum

Before moving to Warner Bros., Chantal was a Vice President of Development at Légende Films (LA VIE EN ROSE) and worked at the William Morris Agency and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. Chantal attended Yale University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Studies, before attending the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC.

Her restaurant, ĐiĐi, opened July 2023 in West Hollywood in partnership with the world renowned Hospitality company, HWood Group. Her culinary skills have also been showcased through many sold-out popups that include Family Style Festival, Open Market, ComplexCon, Kogi Truck, Madame Vo in New York City, and more!

Tue can also be seen as the host of People Magazine's first digital food show, “Celeb Eats", and Buzzfeed Tasty's "Making it Big". There is a lot to be excited for next year, as Tue has a cookbook coming out with Simon & Schuster.

Tu is now the Founder and CEO of Ronin Tactics, Inc., where he teaches and develops tactical equipment for military, law enforcement, and civilians. Tu hosted “Knife or Death” on the History Channel and is also a key figure in Call of Duty as “Ronin", and he’s also featured in various magazines and articles.

Tu Lam enjoys traveling around the world with his wife of 22 years, to continue motivating others with his life experiences.

Jason is currently the Creative Director @ Will Smith’s Westbrook Media. He heads up some of Westbrook’s viral digital content for a variety of high- profile celebrity clients and brands.

She started her career in community mental health, with specific interests in cross-cultural psychiatry, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and the healing power of water and the natural world. She is now in private practice in Davis, CA. You can learn more about her psychiatry practice at www.multidimensionalpsychiatry.com and her work with water at www.waterkeeperscommunity.com.

Her previous diplomatic assignments overseas have included Japan, Greece, and Mexico. Domestically, she has served in Washington, DC in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

From 2015-2018, as the president of the Asian American Foreign Affairs Association, she led diversity and inclusion advocacy efforts within the Department of State and was honored in 2017 with the William R. Rivkin Award for Constructive Dissent. She was a 2017 National Security Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a nonpartisan think tank.

Before joining the Department of State, she held research positions at a microfinance NGO and at the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Public Policy and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan. She graduated from the University of Chicago. She speaks Vietnamese, Spanish, and Japanese; studied Kyrgyz; and received the AFSA Sinclaire Language Award for Greek.

Today, Sophie + Jennifer have their own YouTube channel called @mommyandmevietnamese where they teach children the basics of Vietnamese language.

She has worked for various departments and companies: reality television with Mark Burnett Productions, feature development with Village Roadshow Pictures, talent representation at ICM Partners, business affairs and animation at DreamWorks Animation, animation television production at Warner Bros, animation feature production at Disney Toon Studios, and employee relations at The Walt Disney Studios.

During her career, Crystal led primetime evening newscasts, extensively covering: George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis and the subsequent riots throughout the city; investigations into hate crimes in the wake of the deadly Atlanta spa shootings; the Aaron Hernandez double-murder trial and many big political races in the national spotlight, including Atlanta’s 2021 mayoral election and Georgia’s 2022 primary race. 

Crystal Bui is the author of “More To Tell” a memoir about the sexism and racism she faced as a female Asian news reporter in Minneapolis during the time of George Floyd’s murder. The book is available at  www.MoreToTellBook.com  and is now sold across online retailers.

Her prolific and dedicated studio practice has expanded from painting to 3-D sculptural paintings and site-specific installation work, using the various visual languages to best fit the narrative of her exhibitions. 

Vy Ngo has had several solo exhibitions and group shows in various public art spaces and galleries in Texas and across the country from California to Tennessee. Her work has been acquired by private and public permanent collections, such as Austin City Hall and Texas A&M Multicultural Center and has drawn attention from various publications and media, such as Tribeza, Austin Woman, PBS Arts in Context and listed as one of the “10 Contemporary Artists in Austin to Know” by Culture Trip.

Whether it be representational work, abstract paintings, or large-scale installations, Vy Ngo creates work and spaces for dialogue and introspection about identity, culture, political issues, memories, and the human experience.

Instagram @vjngo_art

Website: www.vyngostudio.com

Andrew Phung is an award winning actor, improv comedian, emcee, and writer. His infectious and relatable personality has made him one of Canada's top comedic performers. His work on Kim's Convenience has earned him four Canadian Screen Awards (2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021) in the category of Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Andrew's television and film credits include The Beaverton (2019), Events Transpiring (2021), Wynonna Earp (2020), and factual series The Canadian Improv Games (2020), where he served as the host, and won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host - Digital Series.

He can also be heard on CBC Radio as a regular contributor to Now or Never, The Debaters, and Because News. In 2022, Andrew starred in the CBC television series Run the Burbs which he wrote, co-created and serves as Executive Producer.

Dennis (Dizzy) Doan is a San Diego based tattoo artist, designer, philanthropist and author. During the pandemic he created the iconic digital painting "Model Minority©" depicting a woman wearing the Vietnamese conical hat, dawning a face mask with the words, "Hate is a virus." Doan’s painting was widely shared on the internet and used by the numerous Anti-Asian Hate protests that swept the nation.

These days, he is still deeply committed to his craft as a tattoo artist while building his non-profit, The Doan Foundation to empower teen creatives from marginalized communities throughout Southern California.

Cat-Thao is an Unconscious Bias and Cultural Intelligence Facilitator certified by the Cultural Intelligence Institute (Michigan, US) and is a certified executive coach. She has designed and led inclusive leadership programs, anti-racism and gender equity programs across the Asia Pacific, North America & Europe. Her clients include listed ASX and Fortune 500 companies. 

 Prior to establishing Global Ready, Cat-Thao was a corporate lawyer and investment executive. She established and managed Ernst & Young Law Vietnam LLC after being Vietnam/Cambodia chief strategy officer for a Singapore multi-billion-dollar private investment fund and CEO of an affiliate company. She was Regional Director for an Australian education company and management board member of two affiliate joint ventures in Asia.

Her advocacy work includes being a former member of the Australian non-government delegation to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, former Board Chair of Loreto Vietnam education charity, management board member of the NSW Ethnic Communities Council and Australian National Community Advisory Board member to SBS (a public broadcaster to serve non English speaking communities) She was founding Board Chair and co-founder of the Australia Vietnam Leadership Dialogue, a non profit organisation enabling leaders to fulfil the UN SDGs via the bilateral relationship. 

Cat-Thao Nguyen is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce (University of Sydney) and is a current Doctoral candidate with the University of Technology Sydney (Faculty of Arts & Social Science).

Her doctorate work focuses on the intersection between belonging and refugee/racial identity. Her written works have been published by the Asia Society, Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among others. Her memoir, We Are Here, published by Allen & Unwin, was a finalist in the NSW Literary Awards (Australia).

She is also known for playing a variety of roles in several other shows such as Yidu in Vikings, Kate Nguyen in Good Trouble, and Mai Ling in Warrior. 

Hieu recently produced the highly-anticipated feature  Shortcomings, directed by Randall Park, which had its world  premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and will be  released by Sony Pictures Classics. Prior to forming Imminent  Collision, he was Vice President at BuzzFeed, managing their  global scripted film and television division.

By creating  innovative story systems, Hieu leveraged the media company’s  vast IP and data analytics to set up multiple projects across  the major studios and networks.

Previously, he served as  President of Chu Studios. Hieu began his career in the Global  Management Program at Warner Bros. and received a BA in  Sociology at UCLA and a MFA in the USC Peter Stark  Producing Program.

She writes for a wide range of publications, and previously held digital and editorial roles at the ABC.

https://www.sheilatakeabow.com/

He currently serves as the chairman of the board for the SPJA, and as an advisor to Saleshood. He has also served as: advisory board member for AIGA/LA, Emmys Motion & Title Design Peer Group, Otis Board of Governors, Santa Monica College and Woodbury University.

Mr. Do has given talks and conducted workshops on: Sales, Negotiations, Value Based Pricing, Mindset, Branding, Graphic & Motion Design, Social Media Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, and Client Relations.

Tuan discusses the company's journey as it has recently won awards at the San Francisco Spirits Competition.

Nguyen has worked as a production assistant at Universal Pictures (Jarhead, Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift). Since 2006, Nguyen has written, directed and produced over fifty feature length and short independent films ranging from a wide variety of genres.

In 2012, Nguyen co-directed and produced an animated film, Hibakusha, which chronicled the early life of a Hiroshima bombing survivor, Kaz Suyeishi. The animated film stars Karin Anna Cheung, Connie Lim, Daisuke Suzuki, Jane Lui and William Knight. The film was dedicated to the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors in an effort to spread awareness for nuclear disarmament and was completed on the 67th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, August 6, 2012.

Nguyen and the Studio APA crew have toured with Hibakusha throughout the United States since October 2012, and the film has been screened at the Japanese American National Museum, Vietnamese International Film Festival, Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, Dragon Con in Atlanta, University of Michigan, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, San Diego State University, UC Davis, UC Riverside, DisOrient Film Festival, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and California State University, Fullerton.

Hibakusha has gone on to receive nominations and awards, including the Special Achievement Award and Best Animated Short at the 2013 International Uranium Film Festival held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Nguyen released his first children's book on June 2020 with Sky Pony Press and Simon & Schuster titled To Baby From Daddy, which feature his own illustrations and personal composition of paternal love and advice to his daughter.

https://www.instagram.com/stevenguyen/

Nguyen was a founding member of The Propeller Group in 2006, an entity that positions themselves between a fake advertising company and an art collective. Accolades for the group include the main prize at the 2015 Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur and a Creative Capital award among others.

Nguyen’s videos and films have been included in major international festivals, biennials, and exhibitions including Berlin Biennale, Manifesta 14, Prishtina, Kosovo (2022); Aichi Triennale (2022); Biennale de Dakar (2022); Asian Art Biennial, Taiwan (2021); Manifesta 13, Marseilles (2020); the 2019 Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, UAE (2019); 2017 Whitney Biennial, New York, NY (2017); the 55th International Short Film Festival, Oberhausen, Germany (2009); 8th NHK Asian Film Festival, Tokyo, Japan (2007); 18th Singapore International Film Festival (2005). His work is included in the permanent collections of institutions including Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane; San Francisco MoMA, Museum of Modern Art, NY; Smithsonian Art Museum, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, NY and the Whitney Museum of American Art, NY.