S2E8: The Journey Through Identity with Dr. Nellie Tran
Update: 2025-11-04
Description
In this episode of "Happily Never After," host Heather McG welcomes Dr. Nellie Tran, a professor at San Diego State University and daughter of Vietnamese refugees. Together, they explore the profound impact of generational trauma, the experience of migration, and the resilience found in connecting to your roots. Nellie shares her family's harrowing escape from Vietnam, the challenges they had to overcome, and the reclaiming of her ancestral roots. This conversation delves into the power of storytelling in healing and understanding our past. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue on history, identity, and the enduring spirit of family.
ABOUT DR. NELLIE TRAN
Dr. Nellie Tran (she/they) grew up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugee "boat people" and is now a professor at San Diego State University. Her work and passion focus on making sense of the traumas we inherit, reclaiming identity, and creating spaces where our stories matter. Her most recent project centers on reclaiming the family traumas and stories that war and migration once made unspeakable.
The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
ABOUT DR. NELLIE TRAN
Dr. Nellie Tran (she/they) grew up as the daughter of Vietnamese refugee "boat people" and is now a professor at San Diego State University. Her work and passion focus on making sense of the traumas we inherit, reclaiming identity, and creating spaces where our stories matter. Her most recent project centers on reclaiming the family traumas and stories that war and migration once made unspeakable.
- Follow Dr. Nellie on TikTok at @drnellie
- Follow Dr. Nellie on Instagram at @drnellietran
- Learn more about Dr. Nellie on her website at nellietran.com
The Happily Never After is a podcast that features stories of big endings that led to personal breakthroughs. While endings can hurt, they also provide opportunities to heal and grow, and sometimes, they even set us free. Endings can offer an opportunity to begin anew, in a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about.
- New episodes every Tuesday.
- Follow @thatheathermcg on IG for related content and discussion.
- Read The Happily Never After on Substack at https://thehappilyneverafter.substack.com/
- Learn more about Heather McG at www.heathermcg.com
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