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. 21h ago

    554 - Why Is A Progressive Millennial Lawyer Fighting So Hard To Save The South Vietnamese Flag? - Tracy Nguyen

    How do we navigate the deeply divided politics of Little Saigon without erasing our history or attacking each other? In this episode, Ken sits down with attorney Tracy Nguyen for a candid, high-energy discussion on heritage, political polarization, red-baiting, and free speech in the Vietnamese diaspora. Despite identifying with progressive values, Tracy shares her deep sadness over the potential erasure of South Vietnamese history and explains why she fights to preserve the heritage flag—while simultaneously critiquing how it has been co-opted by partisan politics. Kenneth and Tracy debate the friction between generations, the influence of Confucianism vs. Communism, anti-deportation work, the ethics of interviewing conservative guests, and why cross-generational dialogue is the only way forward for the community. Inside the Episode: (00:16) – Wrestling with History: Setting ground rules for respectful disagreement and dialogue. (03:49) – Red-Baiting & Community Service: Addressing the controversy surrounding VietRise and Tracy La. (06:14) – The Weight of Refugee Origins: Boat people, walking through Cambodia, and preserving South Vietnamese identity. (08:15) – Co-opting the Heritage Flag: How Trumpism created friction between elders and younger generations. (12:16) – McCarthyism in Little Saigon: Why calling progressives "communists" misses the mark. (14:36) – The Three Deadly C's: Communism, Confucianism, and the need for parental control. (18:36) – Critiquing Colonialism: Separating South Vietnamese resilience from American military complex narratives. (27:42) – Questioning Historical Footnotes: Independence, 1945 narratives, and legal definitions of statehood. (33:29) – Unfreezing Rigid Thinking: Moving past binary left/right politics to multi-dimensional "third-wave" thought. (41:07) – Why Won't Governments Acknowledge Historical Loss? Comparing post-war realities to global historical memory. Connect & Follow: Guest: Tracy Nguyen The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    554 - Why Is A Progressive Millennial Lawyer Fighting So Hard To Save The South Vietnamese Flag? - Tracy Nguyen

  2. 4d ago

    553 - Will AI Slop Actually Make Real Human Art More Valuable? - Brian Hoang

    Does the rise of AI-generated content destroy commercial art—or does it actually skyrocket the value of real human creativity? In this returning episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down in person with artist and recurring guest Brian Huang, visiting from Canada for the Viet Film Festival. After a night of raising thousands of dollars for the festival through donated original art, Brian and Kenneth dive into a deep, candid conversation about the evolving landscape of fine art, commercial illustration, and the existential threat—and unexpected opportunity—presented by AI. They discuss the psychological drive behind creative obsession, overcoming childhood assimilation to embrace cultural heritage, and why high-end collectors will always pay a premium for certified human expression over digital slop. Inside the Episode: (00:38) – Finding Community: Donating art at the Viet Film Festival and connecting with the diaspora. (03:22) – Unpacking Childhood Assimilation: Wanting to fit in, growing up in Canada, and rediscovering Vietnamese roots. (05:28) – The Evolution of AI in Art: Moving from mild curiosity to genuine fear for commercial illustrators. (07:59) – "Slop" vs. "Soul": How AI affects top-tier artists vs. mid-level working illustrators. (14:14) – Copyright, Backlash, and Client Fears: Why book publishers and commercial clients are hesitant about AI. (19:17) – The Trajectory of an Artist: Trauma, obsession, and Chat GPT’s roadmap to high-value fine art. (24:39) – The New Wave of Collectors: Why the affluent Vietnamese diaspora is ready to invest in modern fine art. (32:17) – Certified Human Touch: Why human craft will always hold a sacred place over machine slop. (46:14) – Elevating the Brand of Vietnamese Culture: From $120 Pho to high-end fine art. Connect & Follow: Guest: Brian Huang The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    553 - Will AI Slop Actually Make Real Human Art More Valuable? - Brian Hoang

  3. 6d ago

    552 - Why Would A PhD Professor Risk Her Career For A Man Serving 60 Years In Prison? - Thao Ha

    What does it mean to experience love across 20 years of incarceration, social change, and personal evolution? In this returning episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Dr. Thao Ha to discuss the release of her debut memoir, Love Letters to the Dirty South. Thao shares the real-life story behind her first love, Vu, a charismatic young man from Houston's 1990s street scene who was sentenced to 60 years in prison, and how their bond transformed over two decades. Dr. Ha explores the intersecting layers of love, anger, and grief—reflecting on her personal journey from gang culture to becoming a sociology professor and anti-deportation advocate. Together, Kenneth and Thao dive into deep conversations about family trauma, selective vs. general empathy within the Vietnamese refugee community, political polarization, and her upcoming writing projects. Inside the Episode: (00:33) – Love Letters to the Dirty South: Book launch, sold-out release, and community support. (01:45) – The Origin Story: Falling in love with Vu in 1990s Houston and his 60-year prison sentence. (04:06) – Understanding the Long Arc of Love: Adaptation, refugee survival, and changing perspectives over time. (11:09) – Empathy, Dignity, and Advocacy: Drawing parallels between personal love and anti-deportation work. (18:13) – Navigating Political Polarization: Generational divides, immigration, and family dynamics in the Vietnamese diaspora. (30:38) – Unspoken Family Histories: Intergenerational trauma, childhood memories, and unspoken parental sacrifices. (39:31) – The Messiness of Relationships: Managing love, incarceration, and the reality of the "Sancho." (54:06) – Teasing the Next Project: Dr. Ha’s father, Texas conservative politics, and an unexpected historical connection. Connect & Follow: Guest: Dr. Thao Ha (@thaohaphd) Book: Love Letters to the Dirty South (Available online and at local booksellers) The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    552 - Why Would A PhD Professor Risk Her Career For A Man Serving 60 Years In Prison? - Thao Ha

  4. Oct 19

    551 - How Did Hollywood Studios Cracked the Vietnamese Film Market? - Derek Powell

    How did Vietnam's theatrical film market grow from an era of 100% pirated DVDs to over $200 million in box office revenue? In this episode, Ken sits down with studio veteran Derek Powell, former executive at Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. Derek provides a rare insider look at how major Hollywood studios analyzed, entered, and structured distribution deals in emerging Asian markets like China, Thailand, and Vietnam during the early 2000s. Derek explains the complex mechanics of market entry—from setting up licensee models and anti-piracy enforcement with government agencies to negotiating minimum guarantees and managing theatrical release windows. He also discusses the evolution of theatrical exhibitors, censorship hurdles, independent film acquisitions, and why the physical cinema experience remains vital in Southeast Asia. Inside the Episode: (01:47) – The Early Days at Warner Brothers: Navigating home video, DVD/VCD manufacturing, and regional expansion across Asia from 2002 onward. (07:25) – Tackling Physical Piracy: Working with cross-functional anti-piracy legal teams, educating government officials, and offering high-value legitimate products. (31:44) – The Economics of Distribution: How studio slates, minimum guarantees (MGs), and block booking impact local distributors and hypermarkets. (23:59) – The Evolution of Release Windows: How theatrical-to-home windows shifted from rigid 12-week schedules to dynamic streaming releases. (52:13) – Censorship & Local Cultural Context: How regulatory bodies handle edits, bans, and why local content strategy differs between giants like Disney and Netflix. Connect & Follow: Guest: Derek Powell Event: Viet Film Festival / Bowers Museum The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    551 - How Did Hollywood Studios Cracked the Vietnamese Film Market? - Derek Powell

  5. Oct 18

    550 - What Can A Social Worker See That Traditional Politicians Completely Miss? - Walter Muneton

    What does it take to govern a diverse school district like Garden Grove Unified when you come from the very neighborhood you now represent? In this episode, Ken sits down with Walter Muneton, long-serving trustee for the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education. Raised in Garden Grove’s Buena Clinton neighborhood by Mexican immigrant parents, Walter shares his journey from an introverted student to a community organizer, social worker, and elected official. Walter breaks down the realities of serving on a local school board—from managing a modest monthly stipend and avoiding special interest money to addressing the student mental health crisis, cyberbullying, and academic recovery. Together, Kenneth and Walter discuss cross-cultural relationships between the Latino and Vietnamese communities in Little Saigon, why public education needs reinvestment rather than privatization, and how local politics impacts everyday working-class families. Inside the Episode: The Path to Public Service: How a college assignment at Garden Grove's Gem Theater inspired Walter to get involved in local politics alongside former mayor Bao Nguyen. Governing Outside Identity Politics: Representing a diverse community across ethnic lines and focusing on shared struggles like housing stability and poverty. The State of Public Education: Addressing the mental health challenges facing students today and resisting efforts to privatize public schools. Navigating Local Money & Special Interests: How local campaigns operate, why school boards differ from city councils, and staying independent. Cross-Cultural Roots in Little Saigon: Growing up in Section 8 housing alongside Vietnamese refugee families and building lifelong community ties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    550 - What Can A Social Worker See That Traditional Politicians Completely Miss? - Walter Muneton

  6. Oct 16

    549 - Why This Multi-Million Dollar Event Producer Left Google To Throw Parties? - Julia Vu

    How does an event producer behind multi-million dollar experiences for Google and Jack Morton transition into building an AI-driven platform for the event industry? In this episode, Ken sits down with Julia Vu, founder and CEO of the event community. Julia shares her 11-year journey in experiential marketing—from organizing campus events at UC Riverside to producing high-budget corporate experiences—and explains why she took the leap to solve major industry pain points for planners, vendors, and hosts. Julia breaks down how the event community uses AI search and geolocation to eliminate restrictive drop-down menus, replace risky Zelle transactions with protected fintech payment solutions, and build reputation intelligence for venue spaces and vendors. She also discusses the post-COVID surge in live events, her recent launch event at Sony Pictures Studios, and why in-person gatherings remain the ultimate antidote to digital isolation. Inside the Episode: The Inspiration: Recreating the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through multi-million dollar experiential events. Building a Startup: Transitioning from a 2020 "shower idea" into an MVP, a 35,000-member community, and a private beta launch. The Technology: Leveraging AI to match event budgets, vibes, and geolocation parameters without drop-down category search limits. Fintech & Safety: Partnering with Forbes-recognized fintech platforms to protect venue bookings, equipment rentals, and vendor payments. The Future of Human Connection: Why the $100B+ event industry is expanding in response to digital burnout, AI, and social isolation. Connect & Follow: Guest: Julia Vu / the event community (@theeventcommunity) The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    549 - Why This Multi-Million Dollar Event Producer Left Google To Throw Parties? - Julia Vu

  7. Oct 15

    548 - Is There A "Secret Sauce" Missing From Vietnamese Jazz? - An Tran

    What is it like growing up literally above a jazz club in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and taking those roots to Idlewild Arts and Berklee College of Music? In this episode, Ken sits down with saxophonist, producer, and film composer Antran (@antransax). Daughter of legendary Vietnamese saxophonist Trần Mạnh Tuấn, Antran shares her unique musical trajectory, from absorbing jazz standards by osmosis as a child living above Saigon's SaxonArt Jazz Club to pursuing her own artistic path in the United States. Antran breaks down her early training across piano, ballet, painting, and musical theater, her high school years at the prestigious Idlewild Arts Academy in California, navigating the jam session scene in New York City, and making the conscious decision to branch out into film scoring and music production. Together, Kenneth and Antran discuss the cultural nuances of jazz, the evolving music industry in Vietnam, and the potential for Vietnamese artists to build global soft power. Inside the Episode: Life Above the Jazz Club: Absorbing classic jazz tunes through the floorboards of her family's club on Lê Lợi Street in Saigon. The Idlewild & Berklee Journey: Moving to a remote California arts boarding school at age 14 before studying music production and performance at Berklee. Redefining Legacy: Making a conscious decision to forge a distinct identity in film scoring and production rather than competing directly with her legendary father. The Cultural Nuances of Jazz: Discussing the "secret sauce," improvisation, and the differences between learning jazz in Vietnam versus playing in New York clubs like Smalls. Vietnam’s Music Evolution: Analyzing the rapid rise of Vietnamese mainstream media, TV talent shows, and what it takes for Vietnamese artists to reach international markets. Connect & Follow: Guest: Antran (@antransax) The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    548 - Is There A "Secret Sauce" Missing From Vietnamese Jazz? - An Tran

  8. Oct 14

    547 - Why Is Dustin Nguyen Still Optimistic After 40 Years In Hollywood? - Dustin Nguyen

    What keeps a veteran actor and director driven after 40 years navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood and the Vietnamese film industry? In this third-round sit-down at the Viet Film Festival inside the Bowers Museum, host Kenneth Nguyen reunites with actor, director, and industry icon Dustin Nguyen (21 Jump Street, Warrior, Dope Thief, Superfakes). Recorded as Dustin received the festival's Inspiration Award, the two dive into a wide-ranging, reflective conversation on career longevity, artistic drive, and the evolving landscape of Asian-American representation. Dustin shares unforgettable stories from his 10+ years directing and producing in Vietnam—including the steep learning curve of a developing film industry and a surreal encounter involving a leading lady and a "voodoo spell." He also breaks down the mechanics of representation, why universal human themes transcend cultural barriers, how he brings subtle authentic details to mainstream Hollywood roles, and his optimistic vision for the future of Vietnamese-American cinema over the next two decades. Inside the Episode: Receiving the Inspiration Award: Reflecting on a 40-year career at the 23rd Viet Film Festival and coming to terms with being an inspiration to younger generations. The Reality of Representation: Why supply, demand, and cultural familiarity shape casting in Hollywood, and how universal human themes bridge the gap. Wild Stories from Vietnam Cinema: Navigating early production challenges in Saigon, recording live audio vs. dubbing, and a bizarre "fish hook voodoo spell" story from set. The Trojan Horse Strategy: Injecting authentic Vietnamese-American cultural nuances into mainstream Hollywood projects like Dope Thief and Superfakes (alongside Lucy Liu). Grit, Obsession, & Delusion: The necessity of tuning out early rejections, staying true to your artistic voice, and the 20-year vision for Vietnamese-American filmmakers. Connect & Follow: Guest: Dustin Nguyen Event: Viet Film Festival / Bowers Museum The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    547 - Why Is Dustin Nguyen Still Optimistic After 40 Years In Hollywood? - Dustin Nguyen
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4.9
out of 5
70 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
    562
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

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