" I took my entire severance pay and blew it on a two-month trip to Asia — and that decision changed my life." - Hao Tran In this episode, I felt a strong sense of kindred spirit with Hao. We both came to Vietnam almost exactly nine years ago and ended up building something rooted in storytelling. I loved Hao's honesty about how Vietcetera started from nothing — no business plan, no roadmap — just curiosity and persistence. What stuck with me most was his idea that podcasting and media aren't ju...
Jun 25, 2025•46 min•Season 14Ep. 11
“I got kicked out of college. That was the moment I had to grow up—not just as a player, but as a man.” – Davon Dillard When I first saw Davon Dillard playing for the Saigon Heat, I knew I had to talk to him. He stood out immediately—not just because of his athleticism on the court, but because there was something about his presence. He looked focused. Grounded. Professional. And as it turns out—his story is even more powerful off the court than on it. Davon opens up about hitting rock bottom af...
Jun 18, 2025•53 min•Season 14Ep. 10
After starting this podcast in 2019 in my living room with one mic I can't believe this is happening... "Send me a message!" This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental. Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh Support the show 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Pr...
Jun 15, 2025•22 min•Season 14Ep. 9
"I didn’t know I was Vietnamese or Asian until I looked in the mirror — because I only saw my friends, and I saw my reflection in them." — Phuong Anh I had a chance to talk to Phương Anh, someone I met at an Overseas Vietnamese networking event here in Saigon. What struck me about Anh right away was the richness of her perspective — having grown up in Berlin after moving there from Saigon at the age of 8, then spending time in the US, and now returning to Vietnam. This episode is all about ident...
Jun 11, 2025•58 min•Season 14Ep. 7
"Beef stew for breakfast, in this heat? Only in Vietnam - and somehow, it works." I’ve lived in Saigon for nine years, and yet, this city’s food scene never stops surprising me. Let me bring you through Michelin Guide’s 2025 picks - but not the fancy, white-tablecloth stuff. We're talking about the real heroes: local eateries that made it to the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected lists for their exceptional quality and value. This episode was a blast to record. From simmering bò kho in a clay po...
Jun 09, 2025•48 min•Season 14Ep. 8
I absolutely loved recording this episode with Hoa. We first met through my Tuesday night quiz at Rabbit Hole, and her warmth, wit, and honesty always stood out. This chat went from laugh-out-loud moments to some truly eye-opening reflections about culture shock, navigating visa bureaucracy, and the sometimes ridiculous expectations placed on Vietnamese women, especially when they marry foreigners. I had a lot to talk about, from Grab drivers not understanding northern accents to what it’s like ...
Jun 04, 2025•48 min•Season 14Ep. 5
"Everything we do in Saigon, we're like, 'We don't do this enough.'" - Niall This episode perfectly captures why I love living in Vietnam — the spontaneity, the constant surprises, and how quickly you can go from urban chaos to countryside magic. What started as a simple glamping trip turned into one of our most memorable adventures yet. Driving on that unfinished highway felt like discovering a secret part of Vietnam that most people will never experience. The workers painting the lines just sm...
Jun 01, 2025•42 min•Season 14Ep. 4
"I think I grew up more sheltered. I didn't have the typical New York upbringing." - Annie Vo This episode was special in so many ways — not just because it marked six years of A Vietnam Podcast, but because of Annie’s story. Her journey from Saigon to Yale, and then full circle back to Vietnam, embodies what this podcast is all about: identity, resilience, and connection. Hearing how Annie navigated culture shock, built a successful career, and now helps others feel seen and supported — that hi...
May 28, 2025•39 min•Season 14Ep. 3
"Send me a message!" This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental. Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh Support the show 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! ...
May 25, 2025•26 min•Season 14Ep. 2
"I was born in a house without electricity, and now I help create families through adoption. It’s like winning the lottery." I catch up with one of the very first guests ever on A Vietnam Podcast — my friend Sandy. The last time we recorded together, it was 2019. We were sitting in my apartment with a tiny mic that picked up every sound in the room. Now, six years later, Sandy is back in Vietnam — this time not just as a tourist, but as an adoption lawyer who’s come full circle in the most meani...
May 21, 2025•45 min•Season 14Ep. 1
This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we’ve recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise. Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai’s must-see spots — and wow, what a day. We started with the National Park Hot Springs, where the water gets hot enough to boil eggs (or a human, seriously). Then we checked out the WWII Memorial Bridge (Nara Bridge), which has a surprisingly cool history behind it. After that, we made o...
May 18, 2025•24 min•Season 13Ep. 13
“In the south it's always more dynamic. Everyone is just moving around all the time. In the north, it's slower. People are a bit meaner.” - Viet Anh For nearly ten years now, I've called Vietnam home, and while I've experienced the incredible energy and warmth of the south, Viet Anh's perspective on the north offered a viewpoint I hadn't fully considered. It's fascinating how regional differences can shape the experience of living in the same country. We touched on the sometimes-surprising toxic...
May 14, 2025•52 min
"So those bastards bumped the bridge down so that nobody could use it, and the locals got pissed off at that 'cause they enjoyed having a bridge. So they rebuilt it." This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we’ve recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise. Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai’s must-see spots — and wow, what a day. We started with the National Park Hot Springs, where the water gets hot enough t...
May 11, 2025•16 min•Season 13Ep. 11
"I think the Scottish accent's been voted one of the sexiest, but it's also, some of them, one of the most disgusting" - Craig This bonus episode was a hilarious trip down memory lane. Craig and I just let loose with our Scottish accents, sharing stories about growing up in Glasgow that we've never really talked about on the main show. The cultural differences, the misunderstandings with Americans, and the unique character of Glasgow compared to the rest of Scotland - it all came pouring out in ...
May 07, 2025•29 min•Season 13Ep. 10
In this special extra episode of A Vietnam Podcast, I take you through a day filled with various adventures. Starting with a cold sunrise bike ride where the stunning beauty of the dawn was well worth the early wake-up. Then, I recount our challenging yet exhilarating hike to a waterfall, where we navigated through icy waters and tricky paths. Along the way, I share some interesting local quirks, such as the abundance of weed shops and Friday laundry closures. We opted to skip a wild tubing even...
May 04, 2025•17 min•Season 13Ep. 9
"I planned to do six months. I planned to do like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, that kind of bit of Southeast Asia and never left Vietnam.... It's so unlike any other place I've ever been." - Craig Haggart This episode was a long time coming, and it was more than worth the wait. I've been trying to get Craig on the show for over six months, and sitting down with someone who not only shares my hometown but also so many formative experiences was something truly special. As two Glaswegians in Saigon, t...
Apr 30, 2025•43 min
"My mouth is on fire. My tongue is totally burned, but I want another one… ’cause it’s so good." This episode was such a wild mix of adventure, confusion, and food. It’s one of those travel days where you don’t really know what’s going to happen next, and I loved every second of it. From riding a half-broken bike through the hills of Northern Thailand to accidentally sitting in duck poo and stumbling upon a garden full of phallic statues, this day had it all. Pai totally surprised me—it was way ...
Apr 27, 2025•19 min•Season 13Ep. 7
“I love Thai food… but Vietnamese food just hits different—it’s the balance, the freshness, the herbs. It’s something else.” This episode was a fun, spicy, and slightly controversial one: Thai food vs. Vietnamese food. As someone who’s lived in Vietnam for years and has also spent time traveling through Thailand, I get this question all the time—which cuisine is better? Thai food is bold, fiery, and unforgettable. Vietnamese food is fresh, light, and deeply balanced. Both have their own magic. I...
Apr 20, 2025•22 min•Season 13Ep. 5
“I can always return and do the same thing here, but I need to go somewhere and experience a different culture.” This episode with Alenka Moze was a beautiful journey across cultures, creativity, and finding purpose. Alenka is a Slovenian actor, singer, writer, and teacher who has made Vietnam her home. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and following your artistic calling—even when it means starting over in a completely new country. We talked about everything from her first impressions o...
Apr 16, 2025•44 min•Season 13Ep. 4
"Don't get too mad at strangers touching your small children. Wait, wait, wait. Are you gonna clarify touching before we go any further." Along with my guests Krista, James, and Paul, share a fun and insightful discussion on the dos and don'ts for tourists in Vietnam. We delve into local customs, highlight necessary behavioral adjustments for foreigners, and provide practical advice on navigating traffic and avoiding common scams. We also humorously discuss scenarios like crossing the roads, exp...
Apr 13, 2025•45 min•Season 13Ep. 4
"Gen Z in Vietnam are so driven. They’re baristas in the morning, creators by night, and students in between." - Adele Doan This conversation with Adele Doan was full of energy, insight, and plenty of laughs. Adele’s a TEDx speaker, community builder at Workflow, founder of Career Lab, and LinkedIn influencer with over 80,000 followers—and it’s clear she’s leading the charge in how young Vietnamese people think about work, social media, and identity. We talked about everything from learning Engl...
Apr 09, 2025•56 min•Season 13Ep. 3
"Why do Vietnamese people love seafood pizza? 'Cause it's disgusting." - Niall Mackay Find out in this episode why Vietnamese people love seafood pizza! You may be surprised to find out why. With Krista Hope and Adrie Lopez Mackay, we delve into this curious culinary choice and how pizza in Vietnam has changed with a bit of humor and a lot of curiosity. Sharing personal takes on what makes this dish universally loved we explore the cultural and gastronomic factors that influence its life in Viet...
Apr 06, 2025•42 min•Season 12Ep. 18
“ Drag, I think, is also just a form of art that it doesn't really require you to have any experience in art.” - Gia Nguyen Gia’s story is one of resilience, self-expression, and community-building, and I think that really shines through in our discussion. It was insightful, energetic, and, most importantly, a conversation that truly needed to be had. We talked about everything from craft beer to drag culture in Vietnam, and Gia’s perspective on how the country is evolving was fascinating. What ...
Apr 02, 2025•41 min•Season 13Ep. 1
“We are up at the crack of dawn. It's so early in the morning that the fish are still asleep.” This video captures our early morning adventure in Da Lat, filled with various activities and hidden gems. Our day begins at dawn and involves cloud hunting—a unique activity of watching clouds roll over the hills. We drive through town, witnessing the quiet before the city awakens and humorously comparing it to nightlife in other regions. Our strawberry picking plans hit a snag as we realize it's off-...
Mar 30, 2025•46 min•Season 12Ep. 16
"Vietnam is becoming more open, more expressive, and more accepting. It’s exciting to see." This was such a fascinating conversation with Phuong Truong, the owner of Twist Coffee Bar, one of Saigon’s best LGBTQ+ friendly spaces. We talked about the evolution of queer spaces in Vietnam, how attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are shifting, and why sex education in Vietnam still has a long way to go. One of the things I loved most about this conversation was hearing how Vietnam isn’t necessarily...
Mar 19, 2025•45 min•Season 12Ep. 15
Join Adrie and I (and Biscuit) on an adventure through Da Lat as we uncover hidden gems and more! We started with a trek that Google Maps recommended but were blocked by security, leading us to Happy Hill Café with stunning views and Instagram-worthy spots. While there, we observed the excessive use of plastic in such a natural setting. We then ventured to the Crazy House, a Gaudi-esque marvel designed uniquely. Throughout our journey, we navigated Da Lat's scenic routes, met locals with impress...
Mar 16, 2025•17 min•Season 12Ep. 14
"We don’t always take a straight path in life. Sometimes, the detours lead to the most exciting places." This conversation with Ben Nguyen was an inspiring discovery into the creative journey of someone who has truly embraced change. From growing up in Hanoi to studying in Japan and working with global brands like IKEA and Trunk Hotel, Ben’s story is a testament to following your passions—even when it means taking unexpected turns. One of my favorite parts of this episode was discussing the powe...
Mar 12, 2025•48 min•Season 12Ep. 13
“Dalat is full of hidden gems—you just have to know where to look.” Dalat has always had a special charm, but this trip was all about discovering the lesser-known spots that make it truly unique. From scenic coffee farms to quiet nature trails, we set out to uncover places that offer something beyond the usual tourist stops. And of course, Biscuit came along for the adventure—because if anyone loves the cool mountain air, it’s her. One thing I love about Dalat is how easy it is to explore. We ho...
Mar 09, 2025•29 min•Season 12Ep. 13
“ Vietnam is the number two producer of coffee in the world, which blew my mind because I didn't know that as a Vietnamese American.” - Sarah Nguyen Revisiting this conversation reminded me why I started this podcast—to amplify powerful stories, and Sarah Nguyen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for reshaping the global coffee industry, advocating for Vietnamese coffee farmers, and pushing for diversity and transparency is exactly the kind of discussion that makes podcasting s...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 12Ep. 12
"We can’t be creative all the time. We have to be like a vegetable on the couch sometimes." - Chris Nguyen Chris’s story is one of adaptability, creativity, and carving out your own space in a world that often demands labels. I loved this conversation because it really encapsulated what it means to be a third culture kid—straddling different worlds, blending influences, and figuring out where you truly belong. We talked about everything from UX design to content creation, and what really stood o...
Feb 26, 2025•58 min
