The Bánh Mì Chronicles

Randy Kim
  • 4.8 (32)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Bánh Mì Chronicles: A podcast where queer Vietnamese-Cambodian American host Randy Kim breaks bread with Asian (American) and BIPOC creatives to explore their work, their communities, and future-making impact. Subscribe to my Substack: randykim.substack.com for more content!

  1. 4d ago

    The Madonna Deep Dive: Underrated Hits & Confessions II Anticipation with Tranna Wintour

    Happy Pride Month, listeners! 🏳️‍🌈 To kick off the celebrations, the incredibly brilliant Canadian comedian, TV personality, and pop-culture maven Tranna Wintour is back on my podcast again! This week, we are taking a deep dive into the underrated/forgotten gems from the Queen of Pop. Madonna has given us decades of era-defining anthems, but what about the masterpieces that often get overlooked, even with some of her biggest hits? Tranna and I lay out my personal Top 10 underrated and forgotten Madonna hit songs, analyzing the impact, cultural legacy, and our personal connections to each track. Plus, we look ahead to July 3rd, breaking down everything we know so far about her highly anticipated fourteenth studio album, Confessions II, her first album since Madame X back in 2019. From the Stuart Price reunion to the electronic club beats, we are ready to get back to the dance floor. Inside the Episode: [00:00] Pride Month Kickoff & catching up with Tranna Wintour. [12:15] The Countdown: Tracks 10 through 6—The mid-90s gems and overlooked synth-pop. [35:40] The Top 5: The most criminally forgotten Madonna singles and their cultural impact. [52:10] Confessions II Preview: Analyzing the lead singles, samples, and what to expect on July 3rd. Bio: Tranna Wintour is a highly-acclaimed bilingual comedian, singer, writer, hostess, and producer. Legendary comedienne Sandra Bernhard described her as “a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter’s night.” A Just For Laughs New Face Canada (2019), Tranna was named one of the queens of Canadian comedy by Fashion magazine. Performing in both English and French, she appeared in a Juste Pour Rire gala in 2021 before starring in Québec’s hit series, Big Brother Célébrités. Her run to the top 4 was hailed as the show’s breakthrough moment and “the best moment on Québec TV in years” by the Journal Métro. Tranna co-hosted the successful CBC Podcast Chosen Family for three seasons, which was named one of Apple’s Best Podcasts for two consecutive years. Her debut album, Safe From Your Affection, is available on all streaming platforms, and she is currently developing an original comedy series with a major Canadian broadcaster. Also, check out her new podcast, The Blank List Substack: Tranna Wintour Instagram: TrannaWintour Website: https://www.trannawintour.com What’s your ultimate underrated Madonna track? Let us know in the comments below!

    1h 8m

  2. May 29

    AAPI Heritage, Pride Month, Storytelling on Grief, and Reaching 50k Streams: A Solo Reflection

    It's been awhile since I've done a solo episode, so here's a special one for you as I celebrate turning 43 and my recent milestone: hitting 50K streams, and 100K views on my YouTube channel. As a queer Viet-Khmer American, the transition from AAPI Heritage Month to Pride Month always carries a reminder for me on what it means to live abundantly through my identities. In my reflection on this episode, I share my thoughts about the significance of AAPI and Pride Month in a time where erasure of history and human rights are being lost, the power of community and collective care, and bringing back the podcast after a two-year hiatus. I’m also taking you behind the scenes of my recent storytelling debut performance, and why I still felt confident in the days leading up to it despite having very little practice time. Thank you for listening, sharing, and helping me hit this benchmark. Here’s to the next chapter!

    36 min

  3. May 27

    Decolonizing AAPI Health w/Dr. Jonar de Guzman

    Happy AAPI Heritage Month! Everyday health advice is often written through a Western lens, but when it comes to chronic health risks, a one-size-fits-all approach is leaving AAPI communities behind and disregarding other key factors. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jonar de Guzman, MD, to discuss the unique, often hidden metabolic and systemic health risks facing Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Issues raised included the social determinants of health, such as food deserts, intergenerational trauma, language, and access to resources. We break down why standard medical benchmarks frequently miss the early warning signs of insulin resistance in AAPI bodies, and explore how we can advocate for our well-being without losing our cultural connection to food, family, and community. The Hidden Risks: Why chronic conditions like diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypertension manifest differently in AAPI populations, and why standard BMI and metabolic metrics fall short. De-Centering Western Norms: How standard medical advice fails to account for traditional Asian diets, lifestyle habits, and familial structures—and how to pivot toward what actually works for us. The Power of Lifestyle Medicine: Dr. de Guzman’s philosophy on reclaiming health through sustainable, everyday changes rather than relying solely on a lifetime of prescriptions. Cultural Accommodation in Healthcare: Practical strategies for navigating conversations with your doctor, advocating for your specific background, and bridging the gap between heritage and modern wellness. Bio: Dr. Jonar de Guzman, MD, is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, certified health & meditation coach, and founder of 4 Truth Health. Through his Diabetes Reset Protocol program, he helps Asians reverse insulin resistance and reclaim their health through sustainable lifestyle change. A former hospitalist and partner at Providence Medical Associates, he now hosts the Glass Half Healthy podcast, recognized among Board Vitals’ Top 25 Medical Podcasts in 2025. He also serves as Director of Sedona Butterfly Effect, a nonprofit honoring his late daughter and supporting children at risk for or living with cerebral palsy. IG: drjonarmd or reversediabetesdoc Additional Links to Dr Jonar de Guzman here

    48 min

  4. May 20

    Reclaiming Khmer Identity: Vanny Whitchelo on Storytelling & Diaspora through Khmer Voices

    Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with a deep dive into the stories that shape us. In this episode, I’m joined by fellow Khmer diaspora podcaster and friend Vanny Whitchelo, the Host and Producer of Khmer Voices. Based in Vancouver, BC, Vanny is at the forefront of preserving Khmer culture, not only through her podcast but also as the Co-Founder and Director of the Cambodian Cultural Centre. We sit down to discuss the complex, often non-linear journey of understanding and reclaiming Khmer identity as an adult. In this episode, we explore: The “Later in Life” Awakening: What triggers the desire to reconnect with Khmer heritage after years of navigating the diaspora? The Power of the Mic: What Vanny has learned from interviewing a wide spectrum of Cambodian voices and how those stories have reshaped her own perspective. Reclamation in Action: Moving beyond just “knowing” your history to actively building community and driving meaningful change. Regional Ties: The unique experience of the Khmer community in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Vanny’s work has been recognized by Apple Podcasts for its impact on cultural preservation and storytelling. Join us for a candid conversation about what we do with our identity once we find it, and how we can uplift the next generation of Khmer creators. Connect with Vanny Whitchelo: Podcast: Khmer Voices Also on IG (Khmer Voices) Organization: Cambodian Cultural Centre (Vancouver, BC) Note: As we recognize AAPI Heritage Month, this episode serves as a reminder that our stories are our greatest legacy. Feel free to share this episode with your community! Check out: Randy as a guest on Khmer Voices Podcast Vanny Whitchelo is the Host & Producer of Khmer Voices, a podcast shining a spotlight on achievements of the Cambodian diaspora, while sharing stories of resilience, healing, and impact. Since launching in October 2024, the show has been recommended by Apple Podcasts and ranked among top podcasts for hundreds of listeners. Vanny is passionate about using storytelling to uplift communities, preserve culture, and drive meaningful change. Bio: She is also Co-Founder and Director at the Cambodian Cultural Centre. Established in May 2025, it is a non-profit organization in Vancouver, BC, Canada dedicated to celebrating Khmer culture and heritage through the arts, cuisine, and community.

    1h 7m

  5. May 15

    Janet Jackson at 60: The Blueprint of Pop with Brittany Spanos

    Janet Jackson is more than just Michael’s baby sister; she is one of the original architects of modern-day pop music. To celebrate her 60th birthday, I am joined by acclaimed music critic and BritPop founder Brittany Spanos. In this special “legacy deep-dive,” we attempt the impossible: tracing Janet’s five-decade career in under an hour. From her early days after being a famous child actor to the groundbreaking Control, Rhythm Nation, janet., The Velvet Rope, and All For You era, Brittany shares why Janet’s influence remains unmatched in 2026. In this episode, we discuss: The Janet Blueprint: Why every modern performer from Beyoncé, Britney Spears, SZA owes a debt to Janet’s choreography and “Control.” The Brittany Spanos Perspective: Her transition from Rolling Stone to her own BritPop Substack and why Janet is a recurring protagonist in her work. Era by Era: The pivot from child star to the industrial pop of Rhythm Nation 1814 and the sexual liberation of janet. Much to the chagrin of Janet fans, the Super Bowl era is included. The “Black Diamond” Longevity: How Janet navigated the industry’s pivots and maintained her status as a global icon for 50 years. Also, where is that mystery new album? Connect with Brittany Spanos: Substack: BritPop by Brittany Spanos Twitter/IG: BrittanySpanos Bio: https://brittanyspanos.substack.com/about

    1 hr

  6. May 12

    Cameron McCloud from Cure for Paranoia: Tiny Desk, Mental Health, and the Art of Thriving

    In this episode, I sit down with Cameron McCloud, the electrifying frontman of the Dallas-based collective Cure for Paranoia. Fresh off the momentum of being a four-time finalist for the NPR Tiny Desk Contest, Cameron opens up about the determination and self-confidence required to become visible in an increasingly challenging music landscape. We go deep into the complexities of navigating the music industry as a queer Black artist and how those personal battles have fueled his creative innovation. Cameron also shares a fascinating look at his “other” world as a pre-school teacher, explaining how the honesty of kids informs the lyrical worldview in his music. It’s a thought-provoking conversation about mental health, visibility, and the responsibility of being an artist. In this episode, we discuss: The Tiny Desk Effect: What happens after being a 4x finalist and how it changed the band’s trajectory. Identity as Fuel: Navigating the intersections of Blackness and Queerness in the Dallas hip-hop scene. The Classroom & The Stage: How being a pre-school teacher provides a unique lens on human behavior and songwriting. The Work of A.R.T.: Insights into their recent tour and upcoming festival appearances, and their latest EP. Connect with Cure for Paranoia: Instagram: @cureforparanoia Music: Stream on all platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal) Website: Cure for Paranoia Official Born on a doomsday road trip, Dallas collective Cure for Paranoia delivers “Trippy Soul-infused hip hop.” Championed by Erykah Badu and three-time NPR Tiny Desk finalists, the group turns mental health struggles into high-energy anthems. With their Work of A.R.T. EP and electric live sets, they are the perfect dose. From the mind of Cameron McCloud. Crowned Dallas Hip-Hop Group of the Year (2025) by the Dallas Observer & Entertainment Awards, the collective has also secured back-to-back Song of the Year honors with “Love (Again)” (2025) and “From Texas” (2024). Bio:

    59 min

  7. May 6

    Lin Sun aka Lintorious: Breaking Barriers and Taking the Mic as The Cambodian Comedy Queen

    Lin Sun aka “Lintorious” is a risk-taker. Known for her fearless presence and razor-sharp wit, she has spent years lighting up stages and connecting with crowds like old friends. As the first Cambodian American comedian to secure a one-hour special on Prime Video and a half-hour special on Peacock, Lin takes us inside her humorous and sometimes chaotic journey as a daughter of Cambodian refugees after the g*nocide, a single mother, now recently married, and working her way through the world of comedy. Lin remembers her childhood when her dad started his own Cambodian American film business and her mom as an actor. When she was 15, her father had abandoned the family, which left Lin to figure out her future plans. She shares her memorable experience running an erotic massage parlor and spending some time in jail for it. Lin takes us into her process of being a comedian, and what she has learned from comedians she looked up to. Listen for more on this memorable conversation I had with Lintorious! Bio: The hottest Cambodian-American Comedian! Brilliant and a natural-born killer, Lin Sun lights up every stage with a fearless presence and razor-sharp timing. She connects with the crowd like they’re old friends, making every moment unforgettable. She is the first Cambodian American Comic to have a one-hour special on Prime Video, a half-hour, special on Peacock TV and her latest half-hour special on YouTube titled “Sexy Beast”. When Lin isn’t performing, you can find her with her young husband and her 9-year-old son… doing absolutely nothing. Her wildest dream is to marry Eminem and have “brother husbands”. (Get it?) Find her on social media @lintorious.

    1h 9m

  8. Apr 30

    The Evolution of Concert Culture w/ Russ from Pop Pantheon Podcast (The Chill-Out Chronicles Edition)

    In this episode of The Banh Mi Chronicles, I’m joined by Russ, a pop music enthusiast and co-host with DJ Louie XIV behind the Pop Pantheon Podcast, for a deep dive into the history and future of the concert-going experience. As “elder millennials,” we take a trip back in time to the era before cell phone cameras and social media have taken over the concertgoing experience. I reflect on the life-changing impact of my first concert, Madonna’s Reinvention Tour in Summer of 2004 as a 21-year-old, and the sheer anticipation of waiting for an artist in an age without the crowd simultaneously raising their camera phones in the air. We also discuss: The 2026 Music Landscape: Does this year feel quieter compared to the recent blockbuster runs of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Charli XCX? The “Time Capsule” of the Early 2000s: What it was really like to buy tickets at physical kiosks like Carson Pirie Scott or FYE before the 2005 digital shift. The Evolution of Fandom: How the way we experience live music has been fundamentally reshaped by technology and the “elder millennial” perspective. Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome Russ from Pop Pantheon 5:30 – Analyzing the 2026 Music Landscape: A “Quiet” Year? 12:45 – Time Capsule: The Pre-Smartphone Concert Experience 18:20 – First Concert Memories: Madonna and the Reinvention Tour 25:10 – The Ticketmaster Struggle: From Physical Kiosks to Digital Queues 35:00 – Closing Thoughts: The Future of Live Music Bio: Russ Martin is a co-host, researcher, and producer for the Pop Pantheon podcast alongside DJ Louie XIV, contributing deep-dive research into pop star careers. With a background in media studies, Russ helps analyze and rank artists, focusing on detailed, research-driven retrospectives of pop culture history. Instagram: PopPantheonPod Website: https://www.poppantheonpod.com/

    54 min
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4.8
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The Bánh Mì Chronicles: A podcast where queer Vietnamese-Cambodian American host Randy Kim breaks bread with Asian (American) and BIPOC creatives to explore their work, their communities, and future-making impact. Subscribe to my Substack: randykim.substack.com for more content!

Information

  • Creator
    Randy Kim
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Randy Kim
  • Show Website
    The Bánh Mì Chronicles

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