Podcast
The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen
Hosted by thevietnamesepodcast · EN
Being a part of the Vietnamese culture of over 100 million people comes with plenty of history, privilege, honor, and not to mention painful challenges. Join Kenneth Nguyen as he spotlights Vietnamese experience from around the world! Each podcast episode explores the creative process of individuals shaping the diversity of what it means to be Vietnamese--as a local, born and raised, or as a third culture kid. Gain insight on the divisions that separate us politically and culturally. This podcast can take multiple directions, but what it will aim to do is show Vietnamese from a transpacific lens, in all its facets and complexities. When you strip away the diaspora, we are #VietnameseFirst.
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
500 - P2 AMA - Is Modern Vietnamese Writing the Colonizer’s Alphabet? Viet Origins w Prof. John Phan
2d ago00:54:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken brings back Columbia University Professor John Phan for a deep-dive AMA responding to your comments on the history of Quốc Ngữ. John blows past standard historical narratives to explore what "literacy" actually meant in the 15th-century Lê Dynasty, revealing that ancient exam data points to an elite, highly widespread network of scholars functioning long before industrialization.They trace the mechanical leap from East Asian woodblock printing to the Gutenberg press, exposing why technology—not just a simpler alphabet—is the true engine of modern literacy. Finally, they unpack a tragic linguistic evolution: how the classical ideal of the moral gentleman (Quân Tử) was broken by colonialism, corrupt mandarins (Quan), and ultimately replaced by the French-romantic archetype of the brooding, cigarette-smoking writer (Nhà Văn).Inside this intellectual sidewalk cafe session:The 15th-Century Data: How triennial civil service exams under Lê Thánh Tông prove that rigorous literacy in Literary Sinitic (Văn Ngôn) spanned every single district in the kingdom.The Gutenberg固定 Illusion: Why the Quốc Ngữ alphabet alone didn't cause the 20th-century literacy explosion—and why mass printing technology takes the credit.The "Poison Dragon" Danger: A martial arts analogy via Mai Siêu Phong explaining the modern threat of self-validating internet algorithms and unguided reading.The Extinction of the Quân Tử: How the noble "son of a lord" shifted from an aristocratic birthright to a moral standard, before being entirely erased by colonial trauma.Brooding Icons: Why the modern archetype of greatness in Vietnam became a thin, cigarette-smoking literary figure (Nhà Văn) like Trịnh Công Sơn.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
499 - Who Is The First Vietnamese Woman Mayor of the United States? - Helena Tran
5d ago00:42:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken travels to the Arrowhead Country Club to sit down with Helen Tran, the historic Mayor of San Bernardino. In 2022, Helen smashed barriers to become the first Asian American mayor in her city's history, and the first Vietnamese American woman elected mayor of any American city. Helen shares her jaw-dropping family legacy: her father surviving a blindfolded firing squad in a Cambodian camp by digging his own grave before being saved by the Red Cross. She traces her unusual journey from an aspiring third-grade teacher to entering City Hall via a temporary placement agency, eventually rising to become the youngest HR Director during the city’s infamous bankruptcy. Helen pulls back the curtain on the raw mechanics of running a massive 65-square-mile city, the transition from a "strong mayor" system to a city manager charter, and why she is laser-focused on local results as she charges toward her June 2026 reelection primary campaign. Inside this deep dive into localized power and grit:The Gravitational Pull of Family History: How her parents arriving with nothing—and her father’s near-death survival—recalibrates Helen's threshold for political stress.The 2016 Charter Trap: Why residents mistakenly believe the mayor can wave a magic wand, and how the modern Council-Manager system forces coalition building.The Inland Empire vs. Orange County: A raw breakdown of why neighboring cities took off while San Bernardino lagged behind, and her blueprint to capture a direct seat with the governor.The "Trash into Beauty" Strategy: How the city secured over $300 million in grant funding and utilized the Bloomberg Love Your Block program to rebuild local pride.The Disneyland Contender: The mind-blowing statistic behind the Yaamava' Tribal Casino as the second-highest tourist destination in California next to Anaheim.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
498 - What Happens To Your Mental Health When You Stop Chasing The Destination? - Thalia Tran
3w ago00:49:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken sits down with the multi-talented Thalia Tran. Since her last appearance, Thalia has transitioned from a teen musician to a "full-blown adult" navigating the high-stakes world of Hollywood.Thalia opens up about her rigorous Muay Thai training, describing combat sports as a rhythmic "dance" that has unlocked a raw, empowered version of herself. We dive deep into the complexities of being a child actor, the "vocabulary gap" between Vietnamese generations regarding mental health, and the profound lessons she learned shadowing directors on the set of Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender.Inside this high-energy and philosophical conversation:The Fighter’s Rhythm: Why Thalia traded the refined world of piano and voice for the "raw" environment of the MMA gym.The 50,000-Word Analogy: A breakdown of the generational disconnect in communication—why your parents might call you "complicated" when you’re simply more nuanced.The "Tangible" Career: How Thalia’s Vietnamese doctor parents went from being "nervous" to fully supportive once the Netflix checks and mainstream success arrived.Autonomy vs. Burden: The reality of child acting and why starting at 11 was the "sweet spot" for Talia’s mental health.Shadowing the Greats: Talia’s experience learning the "ultimate skill" of directing—communication—on the set of Avatar.Rejection as a Superpower: How the acting world prepared Talia to handle any "No" in life with grace and a focus on fulfillment over destination.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
497 - Can An Independent Vietnamese-American Actually Win A Seat In Congress? - Nina Linh
3w ago00:42:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken takes a rare detour into the world of politics with Nina Linh, a Vietnamese-American candidate running as an Independent for California’s 40th Congressional District (CA-40).In a world defined by hyper-polarization and "Pavlovian" party loyalty, Nina argues that the true path to progress lies in the "Radical Middle." We discuss her decision to leave the Democratic Party, her commitment to absolute transparency through quarterly civilian roundtables, and the plight of the "politically homeless" voters who feel betrayed by both sides. Nina shares her "forged in fire" perspective as a first-generation immigrant and her refusal to follow "party bosses" at the expense of her constituents.Inside this deep dive into the 2026 political landscape:The "Independent Surge": Why 46% of Americans now identify as independent and how the "top-two" primary system in California is making Nina a viable threat.Bypassing the "Viper Pit": Nina’s strategy for building bipartisan coalitions without caucusing with a major party.The Quarterly Commitment: A recorded pact to host town halls every quarter to give the truth—however dark—directly to the people.The "Lesser of Two Evils" Trap: How Nina plans to stay "un-bought" in a campaign finance system designed to protect incumbents.Term Limits: Why Nina believes eight years is the maximum time anyone should serve in the House before returning to civilian 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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
496 - How Can Vietnamese Accents Affect Beatboxing? - Trung Bao
3w ago00:59:30Tap to summarizeThis conversation with Trung Bao is a journey from the gritty, rhythmic streets of the global beatbox scene to the high-tech, crystalline world of generative art. Trung represents the "new wave" of Vietnamese creators who see technology not as a replacement for humanity, but as a lens to magnify it. Trung explains that his beatboxing isn't just about mimicry; it is physically shaped by the Northern Vietnamese accent. Because Vietnamese is a monosyllabic, tonal language, the sounds are naturally "snapped" and short, acting like a built-in drum machine.The "Spice" Factor: While the global beatbox scene is becoming "standardized" (similar techniques shared via YouTube), unique cultural accents act as "spices" that separate top artists.Phonetic Advantage: Trung uses the specific tongue positions of the Vietnamese letters "D" and "B"—which move inward—to create sounds that English speakers physically cannot replicate without training.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
495 - Is The British-Vietnamese Creative Scene About To Explode? - Tuyen Do
4w ago01:03:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken connects with Tuyen Do, a powerhouse of the UK creative scene. Tuyen is a "multi-hyphenate" before the term was trendy—an actress, playwright, and now novelist who broke barriers as the first Vietnamese person to grace major national stages in London.We journey through the harrowing "bookends" of her family: from her eldest brother, who survived five years alone in a British orphanage as a child refugee, to Tuyen, the youngest, who fought through paralyzing social anxiety to own her voice. They discuss the "secretive" nature of Vietnamese families, the liberation found in drama, and the massive proportional difference between the Vietnamese diaspora in the UK, Germany, and the United States.Inside this deep dive into the British-Vietnamese soul:The 12-Year-Old Pioneer: The story of Tuyen’s brother, a "boat person" picked up by a British tanker, and how his sacrifice paved the way for six siblings.From Finance to Fame: Why Tuyen spent her 20s "sleeping through" university before a community drama class at age 26 changed everything.Summer Rose: The journey of the first full-run British-Vietnamese play and its transition into a novel (releasing in the US on May 12, 2026).The "Berlin Connection": Tuyen discusses her lead role in the upcoming German-Vietnamese thriller, The Matriarch, and why Germany’s community is five times larger than Britain's.The Podcast Manifesto: Kenneth consults Tuyen on launching her own show to unite "creatives of color" and bridge the global lily pads of the diaspora.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
494 - Is Vietnamese Food In The US Stuck In The 70’s? - Duyen Ha
4w ago01:01:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken sits down with Duyen Ha, a culinary force whose career spans Top Chef, Chopped, and the high-octane world of NASCAR hospitality. Duyen breaks down her "2-hour student" philosophy, explaining how relentless preparation and a positive mindset allowed her to navigate the world's most stressful kitchens.We explore the "ketchup in pho" phenomenon of her childhood, the "ruthless" scrutiny of Vietnamese aunties, and why the food scene in Vietnam is currently evolving faster than its diaspora counterpart in the U.S. Duyen also reveals her "Micro-Risk" strategy for building confidence and why she believes the future of Vietnamese food is about more than just preservation—it’s about evolution.Inside this deep dive into the culinary mindset:The "Ketchup" Confession: How a childhood trick to mimic spicy sriracha became a 14-year tradition (and a lesson in American fusion).The Index Card Method: A behind-the-scenes look at the technical checklists Duyen used to stay "locked in" during Top Chef and Chopped.The 10-Minute vs. 2-Hour Student: A profound life lesson from Duyen’s father about understanding your own work ethic and intellectual pace.Vietnam’s Street Food Evolution: Why modern Saigon is putting mayo and unripe mango in spring rolls while the U.S. remains "stuck in the 70s."The "Fire" Instinct: Why Duyen actively seeks out "butterflies" and uncomfortable risks to drive her career forward.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
493 - What Is There To Hate About The Vietnamese Culture? - Kavi Vu
Apr 2901:05:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken sits down with poet, videographer, and cultural storyteller Kavi Vu. Born in Buôn Ma Thuột and raised in Atlanta, Kavi’s journey is a masterclass in reclaiming a "ripped out" heritage.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
492 - Who really took the "Napalm Girl" photo? - Carl Robinson
Apr 2501:01:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken sits down with Carl Robinson, a man who carried a secret for over five decades that could have rewritten the history of photojournalism. Carl was a key editor for the Associated Press (AP) during the Vietnam War and is the central figure in the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary, The Stringer.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →
491 - How Much Of Yourself Can You Be In Music? - Bobo.Xx
Apr 2300:46:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken reunites with Bobo, an artist whose evolution over the past two years has redefined his place in the creative world. From his roots in the Bay Area’s "Haifi" movement to his current life as a high-energy rock musician in LA, Bobo breaks down the "Identity Crisis" that fuels his art.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.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Transcribe →