The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

thevietnamesepodcast

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.

  1. 472 - What Really Happened With The Gucci Scandal? - Lynda Trang Dai

    42M AGO

    472 - What Really Happened With The Gucci Scandal? - Lynda Trang Dai

    In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Lynda Trang Dai, for a conversation that is as vulnerable as it is refreshing. For decades, Lynda has been a household name, synonymous with provocative stage presence and the "New Wave" sound that defined a generation. But behind the racy costumes and the rockstar persona lies a grounded woman whose life is based on a surprising level of traditionalism and deep-rooted faith. Lynda sets the record straight on the headline-grabbing Gucci store incident in Orlando, Florida. She walks us through the petty misunderstanding involving a $330 AirPods case, the rush of a performance schedule, and the reality of facing a legal firestorm in the public eye.   In This Episode, We Explore: Lynda gives a step-by-step account of exactly what happened that day in Florida, from the perfume purchase to the accidental concealment, and how much positivity came from the online community. Arriving in the 70s from San Diego to Orange County, Lynda reflects on her upbringing after arriving in the U.S. at age 10 and how that displacement fueled her drive to create something entirely new. What it was like to be the first Vietnamese American artist to break the mold, singing in English, and building a bridge for the younger generation when there were no idols to turn to. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    58 min
  2. 471 - How Is Life In Vietnam Healthier For A Black American? - Whitney Da'Gail Pt.2

    2D AGO

    471 - How Is Life In Vietnam Healthier For A Black American? - Whitney Da'Gail Pt.2

    We’re back with Whitney Da’Gail for part two of a conversation that we realized was far from over. After Kenneth and Whitney met in person in Saigon, the weight of the questions felt unanswered: What are the deep, structural similarities between Black American culture and Vietnamese culture? And why does a Black woman feel a sense of peace in a "homogenous" Asian society that she can't find in her own backyard? In this episode, we dive into the "American Science Fair Project"—the ongoing experiment of identity, language, and power. Whitney shares her raw reflections on the Bad Bunny Super Bowl controversy, the theatrical survival roots of the Black Church, and the uncomfortable parallels of colorism that haunt both our communities. What we explore in this session: The Bad Bunny Trigger: Why a Spanish-language halftime show exposed the "gatekeeping" of American identity. The North vs. South Divide: Comparing the 120-day "background check" of Hanoi to the social conditioning of the American South. Colorism & Class: From the "house vs. field" slave dynamics to the multi-billion dollar skin-whitening industry in Asia—why are we so "basic"? The "Cici's Pizza" Incident: Whitney recounts a harrowing personal story of how four police officers were called to escort a Black female engineer out of a restaurant over a salad—a stark reminder that "status" doesn't provide armor in America. Uncentering America: Why Whitney believes stepping away from the "foundation of hate" in the US was the only way to restore her hope in humanity. This is a deep dive into the nuances we often ignore. It’s about communication, the language of ancestors, and the courage it takes to unsubscribe from a narrative that no longer serves you. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 12m
  3. 470 - Are We All Born with the “IT” Factor? - Kathy Uyen

    3D AGO

    470 - Are We All Born with the “IT” Factor? - Kathy Uyen

    In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Kathy Uyen Nguyen, film industry veteran, acting directing, producing and and now the founder of Vietnam’s acting academy. Kathy breaks down the psychological breakdown of charisma, explaining why "The It Factor" isn't a genetic lottery but a state of being that anyone can develop, if they can navigate the cultural "rào cản" (obstacles) that hold them back. They dive deep into the differences between the Western "equality-based" mindset and the Vietnamese hierarchy of respect, and how these dynamics shape the way we express our true selves. What We Explore in This Episode The Recipe for Confidence: Why Kathy views confidence as a "soup" made of thoughts, emotions, and physical freedom. Cultural Suppression: How the Vietnamese honorific system (Anh, Chị, Em) can sometimes create subconscious boundaries that inhibit artistic expression. The 2026 Cinema Boom: A look at the unprecedented growth of the Vietnamese film industry, with a record-breaking 70-80 productions hitting screens this year. The AI vs. Analog Debate: Can a robot replicate the "core wounds" and imperfections that make a human performance resonant? Kenneth shares a chilling story of being "tricked" by AI-generated soul music for six months. Acting for Life: Why 50% of Kathy's students aren't actors at all, but dentists, coders, and parents looking to "unlock" their emotional intelligence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 30m
  4. 469 - Why Do Vietnamese People Avoid Therapy? - Dr. Lu Le

    FEB 13

    469 - Why Do Vietnamese People Avoid Therapy? - Dr. Lu Le

    In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Dr. Lu Le, a Navy veteran and psychiatrist who bridges a massive gap in the Vietnamese community. From serving in the military to embarking on medical missions in Vietnam, Dr. Lu offers a unique, bilingual perspective on why we struggle to talk about our feelings and how we can finally start healing. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of psychiatric medication or wondering why your kids can't put down their phones, this conversation explores the "hardware" and "software" of the human mind. In This Episode, We Explore: The Modern Vietnam Shift: Why watching 20,000 people at a Mỹ Tâm or Hà Anh Tuấn concert signifies a "hard reset" for Vietnamese identity globally. Psychiatry vs. Psychology: A clear breakdown of who prescribes the meds, who does the talking, and why the "starter package" for PTSD requires both. The "Honorific" Barrier: How our beautiful culture of deference (dạ, thưa, bác, chú) can sometimes become an impediment to emotional intimacy and honesty. Big Pharma & Addiction: Dr. Lu addresses the stigma around "pills" and explains the scientific difference between life-saving medication and dependency. The Dopamine Trap: A powerful segment in Vietnamese about how AI, TikTok, and "doom scrolling" are hijacking the reward centers of our brains—and what parents can do about 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 5m
  5. 468 - Is Modern Vietnamese Writing The Colonizer’s Alphabet? Viet Origins with Professor John Phan

    FEB 11

    468 - Is Modern Vietnamese Writing The Colonizer’s Alphabet? Viet Origins with Professor John Phan

    Have you ever wondered why Vietnamese is written with a Romanized alphabet while its neighbors, China, Japan, and Korea, historically used character-based systems? In this episode, Kenneth and Professor John Phan discuss the "startup age" of the Vietnamese script. We journey back to the 17th century to discover that Chữ Quốc ngữ wasn't just a colonial imposition, but a complex collaboration involving Portuguese pioneers, Italian linguists, and forgotten local consultants. What We Explore: The "Hip-Hop" Age of Nôm: How the 17th-century explosion of vernacular literature set the stage for a new way of writing. The 3 G’s (God, Gold, and Glory): Why missionaries like Francisco de Pina and Alexander de Rhodes were the first "field linguists" in Vietnam. The Great Identity Crisis: Why 20th-century Confucian elites feared that abandoning Chinese characters would mean the "extinction" of the Vietnamese soul. From Niche to National: How cheap literary magazines like Nam Phong and the abolition of the civil service exams in 1919 turned a missionary tool into a weapon of anti-colonial empowerment. The "Pure" Vietnamese Fallacy: A deep dive into why there is no "essential" Vietnamese identity—only a beautiful, ever-changing aggregation of influences. "There is no quintessential essence to being Vietnamese. It’s an aggregation of different things that changes over time. You have to be a little Buddhist about it." — John Phan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 18m
  6. Vietcetera Innovators Digest: 15 Harsh Truths About Life That Nobody Wants To Admit

    FEB 9

    Vietcetera Innovators Digest: 15 Harsh Truths About Life That Nobody Wants To Admit

    Life does not follow a single set of rules, and the “truths” shaped by personal experience do not always align with what most people believe. Some lessons only become clear after facing real-life challenges. In episode 375 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, stepping away from its usual focus on economics, markets, and innovation, host Hao Tran speaks with podcaster Kenneth Nguyen in an open conversation about 15 life “truths” drawn from lived experience—perspectives that not everyone will easily agree with. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 15m
  7. 467 - How Is Black Culture & Vietnamese Culture Similar? - Whitney Dagail

    FEB 6

    467 - How Is Black Culture & Vietnamese Culture Similar? - Whitney Dagail

    We explore a perspective rarely captured in the mainstream narrative of Southeast Asia. Join Kenneth as he sits down with Whitney Da’Gail, a Louisiana native and MBA graduate from the University of Michigan, who moved to Vietnam and discovered a world that was both shockingly foreign and deeply familiar. Whitney opens up about her journey as a Black woman navigating the streets of Hanoi and Saigon. From the overwhelming "celebrity" treatment in rural villages to the challenging moments of colorism in local shops, Whitney provides a raw and honest look at what it means to be "seen" in a homogenous society. She reflects on how Vietnam has forced her to confront and heal American traumas, and why she sees the resilience of the Vietnamese people as a source of hope for marginalized communities everywhere. In this episode, we discuss: Colonized Cousins: The surprising cultural and culinary overlaps between Vietnam and Louisiana. The "Where are you really from?" Question: Navigating identity when your American-ness is questioned for the first time. Reframing the Stare: How Whitney moved from a defensive posture to finding joy in her interactions with locals. Healing Through Travel: Why Whitney believes Vietnam "chose" her to help prepare her for a global stage. Building "Homie": Whitney’s new venture to create vetted, safe community spaces for expats and travelers in Vietnam. Whether you're an expat, a traveler, or someone interested in the evolving social fabric of Vietnam, Whitney’s insights on unity, ignorance, and the power of "finding your homie" are not to be missed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    59 min
  8. 466 - How Did Buddhism Affect The War? Viet History Makers - Thich Tri Quang

    FEB 4

    466 - How Did Buddhism Affect The War? Viet History Makers - Thich Tri Quang

    Join Kenneth and political theorist Kevin as they unpack Kevin's research on "Buddhist Political Theory." Was Thich Tri Quang a peace-loving monk, a communist agent, or, as Time Magazine once called him, a "Vietnamese Machiavelli"? We explore the uncomfortable contradictions of history: Why would a Buddhist monk advocate for a high-intensity American bombing campaign? How did his belief in spiritual "flourishing" drive him to participate in the downfall of the Ngo Dinh Diem government? And why did the American media find him so elusive? In this episode, we discuss: Beyond the Orange Robe: The difference between "socially engaged Buddhism" and the anti-political traditions of the past. The "Machiavellian" Monk: Applying the philosophy of The Prince to the strategy of the 1960s Buddhist uprising. Catholic vs. Buddhist Tension: Kenneth and Kevin reflect on their own Catholic upbringings and the "tribalism" that defined their parents' views on Buddhism. Spiritual Politics: The fascinating argument that Buddhism is "anti-political" yet uses politics as a necessary tool to create conditions for enlightenment. Whether you are a student of history or simply curious about the intersection of faith and power, this episode offers a new lens through which to view the struggle for the soul of South Vietnam. https://kyotoreview.org/issue-35/thich-tri-quang-the-machiavellianism-of-buddhist-political-theory/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Nguyen Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 1m
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4.9
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    thevietnamesepodcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    481
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

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