The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

In this episode, we explore the "Stories We Carry" with a powerhouse panel of creators: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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, Kenneth sits down with Quentin J Nguyen-duy, a rising star in Hollywood known for NBC’s Hunting Party and his viral, socially conscious comedy skits.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From the "hoods" of Columbus, Ohio, to designing the hat LeBron James wore for his 40th birthday, Khanh Ngô has never played by the rules. In this episode, Kenneth Nguyen sits down with the founder of NGO (Nothing Goes Overnight) to discuss the grit required to make it in the cutthroat world of LA fashion.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: @madebyngoFollow The Vietnamese Podcast:Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @thevietnamesepodcast--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Kenneth Nguyen sits down with actor and activist Ryan Alexander Holmes. As we navigate February 2026, Ryan shares his perspective as a "Blasian" American—the son of a Black father from the South and a Chinese immigrant mother from Taiwan.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 PointsThe 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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we sit down with Ethan Kelly, widely known to millions of fans as "Uc Viet". In 2026, the landscape of content creation in Vietnam is shifting, and Ethan is at the forefront of it—but his journey didn't start with likes and follows. It started with a real-life business failure in Australia and a "fate-driven" trip to a remote village in Lam Dong that turned his life around.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 EpisodeThe 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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The gloves are off in this conversation between Kenneth and Dr. Thao Ha. It’s 2026, and the political climate in the United States has reached a boiling point. While many are "flooded" by the chaos of the news cycle, Dr. Ha is in the trenches, navigating the complex and often heartbreaking reality of mass deportations affecting the Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian communities.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 ExploreThe 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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Lynda Trang Dai, for a conversation that is as vulnerable as it is refreshing. For decades, Lynda has been a household name, synonymous with provocative stage presence and the "New Wave" sound that defined a generation. But behind the racy costumes and the rockstar persona lies a grounded woman whose life is based on a surprising level of traditionalism and deep-rooted faith.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re back with Whitney Da’Gail for part two of a conversation that we realized was far from over. After Kenneth and Whitney met in person in Saigon, the weight of the questions felt unanswered: What are the deep, structural similarities between Black American culture and Vietnamese culture? And why does a Black woman feel a sense of peace in a "homogenous" Asian society that she can't find in her own backyard?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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Kathy Uyen Nguyen, film industry veteran, acting directing, producing and and now the founder of Vietnam’s acting academy.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 EpisodeThe 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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Dr. Lu Le, a Navy veteran and psychiatrist who bridges a massive gap in the Vietnamese community. From serving in the military to embarking on medical missions in Vietnam, Dr. Lu offers a unique, bilingual perspective on why we struggle to talk about our feelings and how we can finally start healing.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Have you ever wondered why Vietnamese is written with a Romanized alphabet while its neighbors, China, Japan, and Korea, historically used character-based systems?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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Life does not follow a single set of rules, and the “truths” shaped by personal experience do not always align with what most people believe. Some lessons only become clear after facing real-life challenges.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We explore a perspective rarely captured in the mainstream narrative of Southeast Asia. Join Kenneth as he sits down with Whitney Da’Gail, a Louisiana native and MBA graduate from the University of Michigan, who moved to Vietnam and discovered a world that was both shockingly foreign and deeply familiar.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Kenneth and political theorist Kevin as they unpack Kevin's research on "Buddhist Political Theory." Was Thich Tri Quang a peace-loving monk, a communist agent, or, as Time Magazine once called him, a "Vietnamese Machiavelli"?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/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In April 1975, the world watched as South Vietnam collapsed. But for those on the deck of the USNS Kimbro, it was a desperate, chaotic, and human struggle for survival.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 1975What it meant to stay, not be “left behind”Life in Saigon during the first months after the warReeducation camps, U.S. embargoes, and historical omissionsHow propaganda shapes memory in the Vietnamese diasporaThese 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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What really happened after April 30, 1975?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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Viet History Makers, Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Professor Kevin Pham to examine the life and times of Madame Nhu (Trần Lệ Xuân) one of the most controversial and influential figures in 20th-century Vietnamese history. Through their conversation, the episode unpacks Madame Nhu not only as the de facto First Lady of South Vietnam, but as a complex symbol of power, gender, and political authority during the Cold War.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you joined us last time for the episode "What Is Chữ Nôm? Premodern Vietnamese Hip Hop? " we are here to answer your questions on this AMA based on the questions we got from the last podcast with Professor John Phan from Columbia University.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. -------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we sit down with Quang X. Pham — a Vietnamese American leader whose life story reveals stories of resilience, service, and reinvention. Born in Saigon and arriving in the United States as a refugee at just ten years old, Quang’s early years were shaped by language barriers, new cultures, and the emotional burden of a father left behind in post-war Vietnam.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we sit down with Cathy Linh Che—a poet and filmmaker who grew up in Los Angeles, and the producer of the short documentary We Were The Scenery. Through an intimate conversation, Cathy shares her upbringing and how growing up between cultures shaped the way she sees the world. We dive into the making of We Were The Scenery, unpacking its emotional core and why telling stories like this matters—especially in a time when representation, memory, and identity continue to be overlooked.You can find out more information and watch the documentary here: https://www.wewerethesceneryfilm.com/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 NguyenVisit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy