Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast

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  • 4.8 (13)
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I’m your host, Niall Mackay. Each week I share my personal stories, my wife and I's and with guests connected to Vietnam — entrepreneurs, artists, locals, Viet Kieu, expats, and voices from across the community, including the LGBTQ+ world.Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast takes you inside the stories shaping life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.The conversations are honest and unscripted. Sometimes funny, sometimes challenging — always real. Together, we discover what it means to live, work, and thrive in modern Vietnam.If you’re curious about Vietnam beyond the headlines and guidebooks, this podcast offers the insights and perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.

  1. Lewis Wright - Music Producer

    1D AGO

    Lewis Wright - Music Producer

    Lewis Wright is a talented music producer from the UK who now lives in Saigon, working for InQ International producing kids songs for a Vietnamese audience and Vietnamese artists for an international audience. He even composed the popular theme music for Seven Million Bikes. Lewis is originally from the UK and has lived in Vietnam for just over a year, having visited and lived on and off in previous years. He started out as an English teacher but with a degree in Music from the University of Huddersfield he quickly became involved in the local music scene. It wasn’t long before he began doing music production work and now works full time as a music producer. This is one of the most entertaining interviews I've had, and when you hear about the rhubarb you'll know why! He is now engaged to Kim Nguyen, our guest from Episode 2, and plans to make Saigon their home.  ------------------- Theme music composed by Lewis Wright. Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen. Episode art designed by Niall Mackay, with pictures supplied by guests and used with permission. "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community! "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    31 min
  2. Greg Lea - Digital Nomad & Football Journalist

    JAN 18

    Greg Lea - Digital Nomad & Football Journalist

    Greg has what would be for many a dream job - a freelance football journalist. After moving to Saigon in January Greg planned to stay for only three months, but now going to be staying for the foreseeable future. He was recently featured in The Guardian writing about digital nomads which Greg is currently debating whether that label applies to him. As both avid football fans Greg and I had so much to talk about I’ve split this episode into two; the main episode on his life as a digital nomad and a BONUS episode with us talking about football, the influence of Asia on the English Premier League and why I became disillusioned with football because of the bigotry and sectarianism in Scotland. There are some interesting stories but if you’re not into football this may not be of interest to you so I separated it from the main pod. In the main episode Greg shares how he came to live in Saigon after he started in Italy as a football journalist, and important advice and tips for anyone thinking about being a digital nomad. He shares the realities of being a digital nomad, both the benefits and drawbacks. Greg also talks about life in Saigon and answers the usual questions I ask each guest. In classic Saigon fashion, there is construction above us so at times you may hear some banging in this episode although Biscuit doesn’t make an appearance this time! (And yes I called it Seven Million Podcasts near the end!) Celtic v Dunfermline Scottish Cup Final I talked about. I got it wrong, Dunfermline scored after 40 minutes, not 26. Check out the website Greg mentioned Nomad List Here is Greg’s article from The Guardian; The world is my office: why I chose to become a digital nomad worker. Follow Greg on Twitter @GregLeaFootball. "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    36 min
  3. Raising a Three-Year-Old in a City That Never Stands Still, with Ebru Gelibolu

    JAN 14

    Raising a Three-Year-Old in a City That Never Stands Still, with Ebru Gelibolu

    “Rome is always Rome. Saigon is never Saigon. It’s always changing.” That line from this conversation stopped me in my tracks. I’ve lived in Saigon for nearly 10 years, and sometimes I forget just how intense, exciting, and different this city feels when you first arrive. Talking with Ebru, who had only been in Vietnam for three months, gave me a fresh perspective on a place I call home. What I really loved about this episode was how honest it was. We didn’t sugarcoat things. We talked about the energy, the excitement, but also the challenges of adjusting to life here, especially as a parent. It reminded me of my own early days in Vietnam, when everything felt overwhelming, confusing, and full of possibility all at the same time. Ebru has lived in seven countries across four continents, and hearing her compare Saigon to places like Rome, the US, and Japan helped me better understand why Vietnam feels so unique. This episode was a good pause moment for me. A chance to reflect on why I still love living here and why so many people arrive planning to stay a short time and end up staying much longer. Key Talking Points from This Episode Why Saigon’s energy feels different from older, more established citiesThe reality of adjusting everyday habits when you first move to VietnamBanking, cash, and budgeting challenges for newcomersWhat it’s really like raising a young child in SaigonThe balance between convenience, cost of living, and lifestyle in Vietnam Chapters and Timestamps 04:00 – First impressions of Saigon 09:00 – Why Saigon feels alive and always changing 15:00 – Adjusting to daily life and practical challenges 22:00 – Money, banking, and budgeting in Vietnam 30:00 – Raising a child in Saigon "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    45 min
  4. Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - Hidden Wildlife to Conservation Wins | James Hunt

    12/28/2025

    Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - Hidden Wildlife to Conservation Wins | James Hunt

    "All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises—just like not all who wander are lost." Niall Mackay sits down with James Hunt, an American expat in Vietnam known for his restaurant ventures like Brick and Barrel and Big Boss Bistro. However, James's story extends far beyond the world of fried chicken and culinary pursuits. He delves into his passion for wildlife photography, which initially drew him to Vietnam, and how it eventually led him to explore and document some of the country’s rarest creatures, including King Cobras and critically endangered species like pangolins. James also shares the challenges and joys of navigating Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, from the rich biodiversity of Cat Tien National Park to remote, unexplored regions along the Laos border. Together, Niall and James discuss the growing awareness of conservation in Vietnam, touching on how recent government policies and grassroots efforts are making a difference. It’s a conversation about adventure, discovery, and the importance of preserving Vietnam's natural beauty. Takeaways: Unexpected Journey to Vietnam: James recounts how his initial visit to Vietnam as a photography enthusiast led to an unplanned, long-term stay in a country that captured his heart.Vietnam's Hidden Wildlife: Learn about Vietnam’s lesser-known wildlife, including the elusive parakeets and flying squirrels that inhabit even the urban areas of Saigon.Conservation Success Stories: James shares how Vietnam's government has made strides in conservation, cracking down on illegal wildlife trade and supporting educational initiatives.Exploring Cat Tien National Park: Insight into the changes and improvements at Cat Tien National Park, and why it’s a must-visit for nature lovers looking to experience Vietnam's biodiversity.The Fight Against Wildlife Poaching: Discusses the illegal trade of animal parts like bear bile and pangolin scales, and the role of organizations like ENV and Save Vietnam's Wildlife in combating these issues.Chapters and Timestamps: 02:00 - Meeting James Hunt: From Fried Chicken to Photography 05:30 - How Vietnam Became Home for James 10:15 - Opening Restaurants During COVID: Big Boss Bistro and Brick and Barrel 14:20 - The Hidden Wildlife of Vietnam: Snakes, Birds, and More 18:15 - Conservation Efforts in Vietnam: A Changing Landscape 23:00 - Illegal Wildlife Trade: Challenges and Solutions 28:45 - Discovering Cat Tien Nat "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    44 min
  5. Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - "Just Another Lesbian" In Saigon On LQBTQ+ Acceptance and Sex Education | Phuong Truong S8 E7

    12/21/2025

    Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - "Just Another Lesbian" In Saigon On LQBTQ+ Acceptance and Sex Education | Phuong Truong S8 E7

    Join The Community Phuong Truong, "just another lesbian in town", is the owner of Twist coffee bar in Thao Dien, a fun place for everyone and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. We discuss the LQBTQ+ community in Vietnam in the context of religion, region and generational acceptance. We also talk about sex education in Vietnam in light of a recent story in VNExpress with the headline, It's not working: sex education makes teachers and students squirm and another story about a parent finding her 12 year old child had been watching pornography. Phuong herself started watching pornography at only 8 years old. Follow Seven Million Bikes on Facebook or Instagram. Buy us a coffee. ------------------- Theme music composed by Lewis Wright. Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay. Episode art designed by Niall Mackay, with pictures supplied by guests and used with permission. Audio Engineer Luke Digweed. These are the programs we use to create A Vietnam Podcast. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes too. Editing - Descript https://bit.ly/3FM3IFB Host - Buzzsprout https://bit.ly/3cFbQvk Design - Canva https://bit.ly/3oW2S2n Support - Fiverr https://bit.ly/3FI7EXZ Website - 10 Web https://bit.ly/3HNTOoU "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    47 min
  6. Discover the secrets to thriving as an Expat mum in Vietnam with Claire Simpson

    12/17/2025

    Discover the secrets to thriving as an Expat mum in Vietnam with Claire Simpson

    “I never thought I was going to have kids here… that wouldn’t have even crossed my mind.” — Claire Simpson This episode with Claire really opened my eyes to a side of Vietnam I’ve never personally experienced but have always been curious about — what it’s actually like to be an expat parent here. I've interviewed entrepreneurs, creatives, teachers, founders… but motherhood is a whole different universe. There were parts of this episode that surprised me, like how many expats assume you can’t buy diapers or formula here, or the fact that kindergarten can start as early as 6–9 months. And then the nanny story… wow. It’s one of the wildest behind-the-scenes expat-life stories I’ve ever heard on the podcast. But the biggest takeaway for me is this: Vietnam can absolutely be an amazing place to raise a child — as long as you’re prepared, informed, and connected. Key Talking Points What maternity care in Vietnam is really like for expats — including costs, translation challenges, medical tests, and choosing the right hospital.How motherhood impacts identity abroad — from postpartum depression to losing parts of yourself to rebuilding routines and confidence.Practical realities of raising a kid in Vietnam — baby supplies, pollution, infrastructure, kindergartens, and accessing play areas.How Vietnamese culture treats children — the warmth, attention, and openness families receive everywhere they go.The truth about hiring a nanny in Vietnam — a raw story about contracts, misunderstandings, emotional conflict, and what expat parents need to know.Episode Chapters & Timestamps 02:50 — Awards, Identity & Pregnancy  Claire talks about influencer awards, losing parts of her identity, and finding out she was pregnant. 06:30 — Navigating Healthcare & Maternity Packages  We dive into hospitals, costs, tests, translators, and what the maternity journey looks like in Vietnam. 12:50 — Motherhood Without Family Support  The emotional and practical challenges of being an expat mum, postpartum depression, and building a “tribe.” 17:45 — Raising Kids in Vietnam: Food, Formula, Kindergartens & Safety  Diapers, play areas, pollution, sidewalks, cultural attitudes toward children — the full picture. 28:30 — The Nanny Story: Contracts, Conflict & Lessons Learned  Claire shares the dramatic and eye-opening experience of hiring a nanny and the advice she wishes she had known. "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    44 min
  7. Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - From the U.S. Airforce to Learning Vietnamese and Being On VTV | Slawpi Đô

    12/14/2025

    Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - From the U.S. Airforce to Learning Vietnamese and Being On VTV | Slawpi Đô

    Get NordVPN’s ultimate security package - 63% off the 2-year plan | Support Independent Podcasts. Join The Seven Million Bikes Community Slawpi Đô, his pseudonym, shares why he is dedicated to learning Vietnamese. why he wants to be on Vietnamese TV, and talks about his military background, trying to start a business in Vietnam and learning to enjoy being unproductive.  In this episode Niall and Slawpi Đô talk about; what it is really like to be in the US AirforceWhy he is learning Vietnamesethe challenges of living in Vietnamthe difficulty of accepting being unproductiveFollow Seven Million Bikes on Facebook or Instagram. Buy us a coffee. ------------------- Theme music composed by Lewis Wright. Episode art designed by Niall Mackay on Canva Audio Engineer Garrett McLean These are the programs we use to create A Vietnam Podcast. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes too. NordVPN | Descript | Buzzsprout | Canva | Fiverr | 10 Web  "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    58 min
  8. Why Female Founders Thrive in Vietnam with Amy Wenham

    12/10/2025

    Why Female Founders Thrive in Vietnam with Amy Wenham

    “The first thing I saw that I just loved so much is that the women here are so fearless.” — Amy Wenham This conversation with Amy was one of those episodes where I found myself nodding almost the entire time. I’ve been talking about how badass Vietnamese women are for years, but Amy put language to things I’ve seen but could never fully articulate. What I loved most is that she didn’t just compare Vietnam to the UK — she compared it to Dubai, a place where she saw firsthand how a country can transform itself, empower women, and build an entirely new entrepreneurial ecosystem. And according to her, Vietnam is on that trajectory too — maybe even faster. We also explored identity, expectations, family pressure, and the very real tension between being a modern entrepreneur and living within traditional structures. It’s something every foreigner eventually observes here, but Amy broke it down with empathy and clarity. Key Talking Points Why Vietnamese women are some of the most fearless, entrepreneurial people Amy has ever met — anywhere in the world.The surprising similarities between Dubai and Vietnam when it comes to empowering female founders.How social media pressures — especially the obsession with going viral — impact women and businesses in Vietnam.The difference between small-town expectations and big-city ambition for Vietnamese women.Why Vietnam feels like a “mother country,” and what that means for its rapid growth and future. Chapters & Timestamps 03:00 — Amy’s Journey From London to Dubai to Vietnam Amy talks about arriving in Dubai, cultural shock, and eventually discovering the same energy in Vietnam. 10:00 — Feminine Power, Subservience & Small-Town vs City Life We unpack the contrast between modern entrepreneurship and traditional expectations. 18:00 — The Pressures on Vietnamese Women: Family, Work, Marriage Amy explains the invisible load women carry and how family structure supports — and pressures — them. 27:00 — Social Media Culture & The Myth of Virality We talk about TikTok culture, “mukbang,” seeding, and why going viral is usually bad for business. 45:00 — Vietnam’s Future & Why It’s a ‘Mother’ Country Why Vietnam’s growth will be heavily shaped by women — and why the country feels inherently feminine. "Send me a message!" Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

    55 min
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4.8
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About

I’m your host, Niall Mackay. Each week I share my personal stories, my wife and I's and with guests connected to Vietnam — entrepreneurs, artists, locals, Viet Kieu, expats, and voices from across the community, including the LGBTQ+ world.Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast takes you inside the stories shaping life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.The conversations are honest and unscripted. Sometimes funny, sometimes challenging — always real. Together, we discover what it means to live, work, and thrive in modern Vietnam.If you’re curious about Vietnam beyond the headlines and guidebooks, this podcast offers the insights and perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.

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