Healing Out Lao'd

Rita Phetmixay
  • 5.0 (260)
  • RELATIONSHIPS

Created/Hosted by Rita Phetmixay (she/they), MA, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, Wellness Coach, and Independent Audio Producer. Healing Out Lao'd explores the intersections of Lao diaspora storytelling x healing x tools for sustainability. While this show centers the Lao and broader Southeast Asian diaspora experience, anyone can benefit from this resource, especially those in the margins including BIPOC (Black Indigenous Persons of Color), survivors, thrivers, healers, movement builders, and so forth. In order to highlight the nuances of the diverse Lao diaspora experience, HOL casts diverse perspectives of what it means to be an (adult) child of refugees while also inspiring a new generation of folx to heal and move forward with their lives. This is one project to expand visions of the overall #LaoHealingMovement !!!

  1. JAN 30

    E51: From Thailand Refugee Camps to the U.S.: Passorn’s Role in My Parents’ Escape

    In Episode 51 of Healing Out Lao’d, Rita sits down with one of the most crucial figures in her parents’ life—the person who helped connect her mother, Vilavanh, to her father, Phoutone, and played a crucial role in their escape from the Thailand refugee camps to the United States. Through this deeply reflective and intimate conversation, Rita uncovers a side of her family history she had never fully known. As stories unfold, she begins to understand the complex realities and circumstances that led Vilavanh—who was a Thai citizen at the time—to make the life-altering decision to leave everything behind and take refuge to the U.S. with Phoutone, without knowing his full background or history as a Lao refugee. This episode is an exploration of trust, survival, love, and the unseen decisions that shape generations—offering a rare and powerful glimpse into the personal histories that live beneath Lao diaspora narratives. ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    49 min

  2. JAN 15

    E50: Riki B Malone on Mixed-Race Identity + Lao Grandfather's role in Vietnam/Laos Secret War + Decolonizing Spirituality

    In Episode 50 of HOL, host Rita engages in a profound conversation with Richard Boussarath Malone aka "Riki B Malone" (he/they), a Licensed Master Esthetician and Reiki Master Teacher based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Riki shares his unique background as a mixed-race individual with a Lao mother and a white American father, discussing the complexities of identity within the Lao American diaspora. He emphasizes the importance of rejecting fractional identities, advocating for a holistic understanding of self that transcends simplistic labels. The conversation delves into Riki's family history, including his grandfather's significant role during the Vietnam War and the family's journey to the United States, highlighting the nuances of cultural heritage and the impact of colonialism on personal identity. Throughout this important conversation, Riki reflects on his spiritual journey, particularly his practice of Reiki and its connections to both Buddhism and animism. He articulates the significance of honoring one's roots and the importance of understanding the origins of spiritual practices. The episode culminates in a rapid-fire round where Riki shares personal insights and advice for those exploring their spiritual paths. This rich dialogue not only sheds light on the Lao American experience but also invites listeners to consider their own identities and the legacies they carry. Connect with Riki via their Facebook Business page: Plumeria Beauty + Wellness or IG @rikidementia @plumeria.beauty.wellness  ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    50 min

  3. 11/06/2025

    E49: What’s Been Brewing at HOL + In My Pickleball Era!

    In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita shares personal updates, reflections on community engagement, and the importance of play in healing. Rita discusses her experiences with pickleball, hosting events, and wants to see YOU at either the upcoming Lao Friendsgiving Community Impact Dinner on November 10th at 5pm at Mekong Cuisine Lao and Thai (open to everyone +  allies/partners), and/or at the March 2026 HOL retreat (open to Lao-identified women and femmes) in San Diego.  ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod, contributing through Zelle at healingoutlaod@gmail.com OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    11 min

  4. 08/22/2025

    E48: Catzie Vilayphonh on Arts as Resistance & LAOS in the House

    In this episode, Rita engages in a conversation with Catzie Vilayphonh, an award-winning spoken word poet and community leader. They discuss Catzie's journey from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand to becoming a prominent figure in the Lao American arts community. The conversation explores themes of identity, storytelling, and the importance of community support. Catzie shares her experiences in organizing events, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her reflections on mental health. They also touch on the significance of cultural heritage and the ongoing impact of the Lao diaspora's history and movement work. The episode concludes with Catzie's thoughts on the future of the Lao American community and the need for continued dialogue about shared experiences. ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    1h 6m

  5. 07/31/2025

    E47: Resilience & Joy in the Lao Diaspora; Reflecting on 50 Years Since the Laos Secret War

    On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Secret War in Laos, the Fall of Saigon, and the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, this powerful conversation—hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library—brings together Lao American community leader and healing practitioner Rita Phetmixay and writer, director, and producer Kulap Vilaysack. Together, they reflect on the ripple effects of war, loss, migration, and survival that have shaped their Lao American experiences—and how, in the midst of those legacies, AAPI joy continues to thrive. The episode explores: Personal and family histories rooted in LaosThe emotional weight of inherited traumaThe ways storytelling, art, and community serve as tools of healingReclaiming joy as resistanceThe importance of uplifting Lao/Southeast Asian voices during AAPI Heritage Month and beyond📌 Why this matters: Too often, Lao and overall Southeast Asian refugee stories are erased or assimilated into broader Asian American narratives. This conversation centers those histories as living testaments to survival, creativity, and joy. 🔗 Highlights: Kulap on reclaiming her Lao identity through filmmaking and founding Laos AngelesRita on cultivating spaces for Lao diaspora mental health and healing intergenerational trauma The shared grief of erasure—and the hope found in community building🎉 AAPI Joy is not a luxury—it’s a birthright. 📚 Hosted by Los Angeles Public Library as part of their AAPI Heritage Month series  📍 Recorded live | May 2025 Support the show

    44 min

  6. 07/29/2025

    Current Events Series EP2: Unpacking Thailand's Role in Conflict w/Cambodia

    In Episode 2 of Healing Out Lao’d, Rita unpacks Thailand’s role in the ongoing conflict with Cambodia through the lens of nationalism, colonial legacy, and cultural appropriation. With Lao and Thai Isaan roots, Rita reflects on how this war hits close to home — especially after her cousin had to evacuate due to a bomb hitting her city in Thailand. This episode further explores the history of the Preah Vihear Temple dispute, how borders drawn by colonial powers continue to drive tension, and how Thai nationalism and militarization are erasing Khmer and Lao cultural heritage in the name of sovereignty and control. This episode centers the emotional toll on Southeast Asian communities navigating both proximity to power and generational trauma from displacement. On July 28th, 2025, a ceasefire was brokered by ASEAN and Malaysia, though reports show that fighting still occurred after the deadline. With over 38 civilians killed and more than 300,000 displaced in under a week, this update episode offers space to grieve and reflect on how everyday people bear the cost of state violence. We discuss the fragile/skeptical nature of the peace deal, and how cultural sites like Preah Vihear continue to be weaponized. As always, this podcast holds space for truth-telling, rooted care, and collective reflection in the face of ongoing harm. ---------- SOURCES:  Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 (Wikipedia) – background on how colonial powers redrew bordersReuters – Q&A on Preah Vihear and tensionshttps://www.icj-cij.org/case/45AP News – Preah Vihear cultural disputesReuters – Ceasefire agreement – initial reporting on July 28 peace dealTIME – Overview of ceasefireReuters – Ceasefire breach report---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    12 min

  7. 07/17/2025

    E46: Vekonda Luangaphay on Preserving Cultural Heritage via The Lao Project

    Episode 46 features Vekonda Luangaphay, founder of The Lao Project, a cultural movement that celebrates Lao identity through storytelling and community engagement. Vekonda shares her journey of exploring her roots, the significance of her last name, and the impact of her family's history on her identity as a Lao American. The conversation delves into the importance of community, mental health, and the role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. Vekonda emphasizes the need for vulnerability and connection in navigating one's identity and offers insights on how younger generations inspire change within the Lao diaspora. Connect w/Vekonda via her website at www.vekonda.com or follow her IG @iamkohnlao !!! ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    50 min

  8. 06/13/2025

    Current Events Series EP1: Addressing ICE Raids in LA and IN CONTEXT to Lao refugee experiences

    In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita Phetmixay discusses the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and their impact in context to the Lao diaspora and overall immigrant communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding rights, community support, and the need for solidarity in the face of state-sanctioned violence. Rita shares personal stories and actionable steps for listeners to support undocumented individuals and families, while also providing affirmations for the immigrant community. LINKS to Resources to Support Immigrants & Undocumented Community:  SEARAC.org ILRC Know Your Rights (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)CHIRLA (The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)Asian Law Caucus at 415-896-1701Southeast Asian Freedom Network---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show

    14 min
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260 Ratings

About

Created/Hosted by Rita Phetmixay (she/they), MA, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, Wellness Coach, and Independent Audio Producer. Healing Out Lao'd explores the intersections of Lao diaspora storytelling x healing x tools for sustainability. While this show centers the Lao and broader Southeast Asian diaspora experience, anyone can benefit from this resource, especially those in the margins including BIPOC (Black Indigenous Persons of Color), survivors, thrivers, healers, movement builders, and so forth. In order to highlight the nuances of the diverse Lao diaspora experience, HOL casts diverse perspectives of what it means to be an (adult) child of refugees while also inspiring a new generation of folx to heal and move forward with their lives. This is one project to expand visions of the overall #LaoHealingMovement !!!

Information

  • Creator
    Rita Phetmixay
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Healing Out Lao'd
  • Show Website
    Healing Out Lao'd