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.
66episodes
Episodes
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502 - Does Staying "Politically Correct" Ruin Your Relationship With Your Elders? - Van Tran Nguyen
Jun 201:00:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken sits down with artist, filmmaker, and Georgetown University Professor Van Tran Nguyen to talk about her highly anticipated film, The Mother Lode.Van breaks down the profound sense memories that anchor the diaspora—from sitting encapsulated under a poncho on a rainy Saigon scooter during Tết, to watching parents release generational trauma by "wailing" banned, deeply emotional music over hot pot steam in suburban basements. As a young woman of color navigating the elite, deeply political structures of academia in Washington, D.C., Van pulls no punches. She analyzes why the American system is "happy to diminish you," the toxic allure of white proximity for immigrant communities, and the heartbreaking reality of the "culture of resentment" that fractures diaspora households over politics.Inside this raw, intellectual exploration of survival and dissent:The "Saigon Ai" Song: How a forlorn, bittersweet melody became an acoustic security blanket for refugees cobbling together an identity out of American "bits and bobs."Censored Grief: The political history of Vietnam's reconstruction era music, why it was banned for "damaging morale," and how it functions as the ultimate emotional release.The Petri Dish of Georgetown: Navigating the tightrope of elite institutional funding while actively teaching students the critical scale of revolutionary power and the First Amendment.The Court Translator’s Truth: What translating in the legal system taught Van about showing up for your community, regardless of whether they understand the structural forces working against them.Calling In vs. Throwing Out: A deeply personal discussion on surviving the painful political and generational chasm with family members without losing your 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
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501 - Why Did An Underground Vietnamese Rapper Leave Saigon To Start Over In California? - Cam
May 2900:52:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Ken attempts his first-ever full episode in Vietnamese with Cam, one of the most respected and introspective voices in the Vietnamese underground rap scene.Cam opens up about his major life transition: leaving his established fanbase in Saigon to relocate to Orange County, California. He discusses his intense struggle with homesickness, moving from a "silent war" of feeling like a perpetual tourist to finally finding a quiet rhythm in the suburban landscapes of the US. Cam pulls back the curtain on the creation of his masterpiece track "Trong Veo," explaining how a rainy day traffic jam blocking an emergency vehicle in District 10 birthed a devastatingly beautiful reflection on mortality. He also delivers a hot take on the state of global hip-hop, analyzing the boundary between appreciation and "cosplay," and why the raw, unpolished errors of analog guitar will always triumph over the sterile perfection of AI.Inside this deep dive into the immigrant creative psyche:The Blueprint of a Groove: How Michael Jackson videos, The Carpenters' melodies, and his mother singing the Journey to the West (Tây Du Ký) theme song wired Cam's brain before he turned 14.The District 10 Vision: The heartbreaking, real-life story behind the ambulance windows on Sư Vạn Hạnh street that inspired his most profound lyrics at age 20.The "Cosplay" Trap: Cam’s raw observation on watching legends like the Wu-Tang Clan live in Garden Grove, and why international artists must accept their status as "tourists" when borrowing Black American musical foundations.Saigon Rock 'n' Roll Resistance: Discovering the 1960s psychedelic hippie sounds of Carol Kim and Hùng Cường, and how that historical cross-cultural exchange legitimizes modern Vietnamese rap.Happy Accidents: Why Cam models his music after legendary TV painter Bob Ross, embracing the beautifully out-of-tune string slides over computer-assisted auto-tune.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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
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500 - P2 AMA - Is Modern Vietnamese Writing the Colonizer’s Alphabet? Viet Origins w Prof. John Phan
May 2600:54:14Tap 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
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499 - Who Is The First Vietnamese Woman Mayor of the United States? - Helena Tran
May 2300:42:42Tap 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
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498 - What Happens To Your Mental Health When You Stop Chasing The Destination? - Thalia Tran
May 1000:49:25Tap 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
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497 - Can An Independent Vietnamese-American Actually Win A Seat In Congress? - Nina Linh
May 800:42:55Tap 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
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496 - How Can Vietnamese Accents Affect Beatboxing? - Trung Bao
May 600:59:30Tap 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
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495 - Is The British-Vietnamese Creative Scene About To Explode? - Tuyen Do
May 301:03:34Tap 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
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494 - Is Vietnamese Food In The US Stuck In The 70’s? - Duyen Ha
May 101:01:37Tap 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
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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
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