The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

thevietnamesepodcast
  • 4.9 (69)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 485 - What Does It Take To Be A Good Comedian? - Will Pepper

    3D AGO

    485 - What Does It Take To Be A Good Comedian? - Will Pepper

    Upcoming Headline Show: Will is headlining his biggest show yet at Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco on April 24, 2026. You can find tickets in the following link: https://willpepper.komi.io/ In this episode, Ken sits down with Will Pepper (born Will Tieu). You might know him from his viral cooking videos with his "Daddy Pepper," his work managing Jimmy O. Yang’s TikTok, or as the "loan shark" in Uncle Roger’s skits. Will opens up about a life that sounds like a dark comedy script: growing up as a "nail salon kid" in Utah and Phoenix, navigating his father’s past struggles with addiction and gambling, and the surreal moment his family name was changed to "Pepper" overnight just to secure a business loan. In this episode, we explore: The "Pepper" Strategy: The wild story of how Will's dad changed the family's last name on a random Tuesday in high school to sound "more American" for credit applications. Healing Through Ayahuasca: A vulnerable look at how Will and his father used psychedelics to process intergenerational trauma and reconcile their past. The Comedy Grind: Will’s journey from "boring" pre-med student to moving to LA, managing major stars, and finally finding his own voice on stage. Honoring Alex Jung: A tribute to the late Vietnamese comedian and the tight-knit community of "Viets in Comedy" who keep the grind going. The "Retarded" Intelligence of Comedy: Why being a great comic requires high emotional intelligence and the ability to "read the room" rather than traditional book smarts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    58 min
  2. 484 - How Is Space Travel Important? - Kevin Quach

    MAR 27

    484 - How Is Space Travel Important? - Kevin Quach

    Kevin Quach was born and raised in the Atlanta, Georgia area to Vietnamese parents. He is an Aerospace Engineer (BSAE Georgia Tech 2014) who has worked the past 3 years for Blue Origin where he tests rockets that will bring humanity to work and live in space. Kevin has previously worked at Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) for almost 8 years, where he tested experimental helicopters for the Marines and the Army. He currently lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife Thanh who works in the Vietnamese and American film industry. Kevin also runs a small rental property business in Florida.  In this fascinating episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Kevin Quach, an Aerospace Engineer at Blue Origin. From working on experimental heavy-lift helicopters like the Sikorsky CH-53K to testing the next generation of rockets at Cape Canaveral, Kevin brings a grounded, technical perspective to the most "out of this world" topics. Kevin walks us through the rigorous world of flight test engineering, the reality of working in an industry where "failure is not an option," and how the laws of physics finally put the moon landing conspiracy theories to rest. In this episode, we dive into: Debunking the Hoax: Why the math and physics of 1969 are immutable, and the "PR" reality behind famous space photography. The "Jack of All Trades": What it actually takes to become an aerospace engineer and the grit required to survive "experimental" flight tests. Helicopters vs. Rockets: A surprising comparison of mechanical complexity—why mastering the rotor head is a different beast than mastering a launch vehicle. Blue Origin’s Mission: Moving beyond "space tourism" to build an infrastructure "for the benefit of Earth," including manufacturing solar panels from lunar dust. The Lunar Gateway: How the 2026 Artemis missions are creating a "gas station/rest stop" in lunar orbit to enable deep space travel. Aerospace in Vietnam: The potential for VinSpace and Viettel and the complex political "ITAR" hurdles for engineers in the diaspora. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    1h 22m
  3. 483 - Is Our Identity Angst Holding Us Back? - @littlesaigon.official, @discoverlittlesaigon

    MAR 25

    483 - Is Our Identity Angst Holding Us Back? - @littlesaigon.official, @discoverlittlesaigon

    In this episode, The Vietnamese Podcast joins forces with Little Saigon Official to ask the ultimate question: Are we too obsessed with our past to build our future? Host Kenneth Nguyen, Chris, and Dana dive deep into the "Identity Loop." We discuss why the diaspora is "addicted to angst" while Vietnam is already moving at light speed, and whether our "biological pull" to the motherland is a gift or a golden cage. Inside this discussion: The "Pungent" to "Fragrant" Shift: How Little Saigon successfully rebranded Vietnamese culture for the world. The "Broken" Fragment: Why we feel a biological need to return to the "ocean" of the motherland. Standstill vs. Creation: Breaking the cycle of "Am I Vietnamese enough?" to start making things that matter. The Global Platform: Why we need an intentional "council" to push the Vietnamese brand forward in 2026. Are you ready to stop searching for who you are and start creating what you want to be? Join the conversation in the comments. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    42 min
  4. 482 - When Will We Have A Vietnamese F1 Driver? - Owen Tangavelou Nguyen

    MAR 23

    482 - When Will We Have A Vietnamese F1 Driver? - Owen Tangavelou Nguyen

    Welcome to The Vietnamese Podcast, hosted by Kenneth Nguyen. In this episode, we sit down with Nguyễn Owen Tangavelou, a French-Vietnamese Formula 3 (F3) driver who is on a singular mission: to become the first person of Vietnamese descent to reach the pinnacle of motorsport—Formula 1. Owen’s journey is far from typical. Unlike most F1 stars who begin karting at age 4, Owen didn't step into a cockpit until he was 14. From playing F1 video games to pulling $4G$ in a real race car, Owen discusses the grit, the late-start disadvantage, and the staggering financial reality of the "pay-to-play" world of professional racing. In this episode, we explore: The Racing Ladder: Breaking down the progression from F4 to the $1.5$ million Euro seasons of F3 and the "feeder" system for F1. The Physics of Speed: What it feels like to endure $5G$ to $7G$ of force—gravity levels usually reserved for fighter pilots. The Money Game: The brutal truth about racing—why talent isn't always enough and why Owen is seeking Vietnamese investors to help bridge the funding gap. National Pride: Why bringing a Vietnamese name to the F1 grid represents more than just a career—it’s a demonstration of national power and the "indomitable spirit" of the people. Owen is currently balancing business school in France while training for his next shot at the track. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to drive at 300+ km/h or how the business of racing actually works, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to join Owen’s journey to the grid. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    58 min
  5. 481 - Why Was The Tonkin School Dangerous? - Viet History Makers

    MAR 21

    481 - Why Was The Tonkin School Dangerous? - Viet History Makers

    Welcome back to The Vietnamese Podcast. In this episode, Kenneth sit down with scholar Kevin Phan to dissect one of the most radical experiments in Vietnamese history: the Tonkin Free School (Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục). Opened in Hanoi in 1907, this school lasted only 10 months before the French colonial government shut it down—but those 300 days changed the trajectory of the nation forever. We explore how a tiny group of intellectuals, inspired by Japan's Meiji Restoration, attempted to "enlighten the Vietnamese mind" by abandoning ancient Confucian rote-learning in favor of science, hygiene, and a brand-new Romanized script. In this episode, we tackle: The Death of Tradition: Why cutting your hair and learning math was seen as a radical act of patriotism. The "Dictator's Dilemma": The tension between needing a smart, educated workforce and the fear that those same people will think for themselves. Humboldt vs. Napoleon: Understanding the two models of education—building an "economic powerhouse" versus cultivating a "free citizen." 2026 Realities: From mandatory Marxism-Leninism courses in Saigon to book banning in Florida, we look at the global state of academic freedom today. Key Historical Insights: Japanese Influence: How Japan's 1905 victory over Russia proved to the Vietnamese that "white people" could be defeated through modernization. The Power of the Map: Why showing villagers an S-shaped map of Vietnam for the first time was a revolutionary act. Social Darwinism: The uncomfortable 1900s ideology that framed colonialism as a "survival of the fittest" race. Whether you're interested in the roots of Vietnamese nationalism or the modern battle over what we are allowed to teach in 2026, this conversation is essential. Subscribe to join the intellectual front line. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    54 min
  6. 480 - Can You Scale Culture Without Losing Authenticity? - Viet Nguyen

    MAR 18

    480 - Can You Scale Culture Without Losing Authenticity? - Viet Nguyen

    Building a $100 million hospitality empire isn't just about good food; it’s about a relentless pursuit of "what’s next." In this episode, we sit down with Viet Nguyen, the visionary founder of KEI Concepts and a recent James Beard Award semi-finalist. From a single storefront to a portfolio of iconic brands that have redefined the Southern California dining scene, Viet has cracked the code on scaling culture without losing soul. We’re recording on-site at his most ambitious project yet: Qua. Located in the heart of Orange County’s Little Saigon, Qua isn't just a restaurant—it’s a "Chinese culinary experiment" that challenges traditional boundaries. In this conversation, we dive into: The Blueprint for Scale: How Viet transitioned from a solo founder to managing a multi-million dollar hospitality group. The "Qua" Experiment: The deep-rooted inspiration behind his newest venture and why he chose to innovate within the legendary landscape of Little Saigon. Cultural Fusion vs. Confusion: How to respect culinary heritage while pushing the envelope for a modern audience. The James Beard Journey: What it means to receive national acclaim and how it changes (or doesn’t change) the daily grind of the industry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    36 min
  7. 479 - Can We Break Free From Refugee Trauma? - Peter Broke The Habit

    MAR 16

    479 - Can We Break Free From Refugee Trauma? - Peter Broke The Habit

    In this episode, we welcome back Peter from the popular channel Broke the Habit. Since we last spoke in 2024, Peter’s journey has been a whirlwind of high-stakes media jobs, intense burnout, and a profound psychological reset. Now, in 2026, he is "locking in" to content creation full-time, navigating the streets of Nha Trang and the complex emotional landscape of the Viet Kieu (Overseas Vietnamese) experience. In this episode, we dive into: The Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindset: How intergenerational trauma from the refugee experience creates a "survival mode" that follows us even when we find financial success. The "Hoa Le" of Saigon: Exploring the stark contrast between the extreme wealth of international districts and the gritty reality of local life in District 8. Breaking the Parental Guilt: The heavy burden of the "eldest son" and the drive to become a millionaire to "repay" the sacrifices of our parents. Vietnam as a Passage of Rites: Why every member of the diaspora should return to the motherland for 2–3 months to truly understand their own identity. Whether you are in Vancouver, Little Saigon, or Hanoi, this conversation is about more than just travel—it's about breaking habits and finding the courage to say "I love you" to a culture that shaped 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! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min
  8. 478 - Who Are the Vietnamese European Creators? Brittany Tran, HIEN, Duzan Duong

    MAR 12

    478 - Who Are the Vietnamese European Creators? Brittany Tran, HIEN, Duzan Duong

    In this episode, we explore the "Stories We Carry" with a powerhouse panel of creators: Brittany Tran: Founder of Real Citrus, a film distribution company bringing diaspora stories to the big screen. Duzan Duong: Czech-Vietnamese director of Summer School 2001, sharing the unique perspective of Northern Vietnamese migration to Eastern Europe. Hien: A Hungarian-born singer-songwriter blending traditional roots with modern sounds. What we dive into: The North-South Divide: How the history of migration to Europe differs from the American experience. Reclaiming Identity: The role of film and music in navigating "displacement trauma" and representing our community. The Future of the Diaspora: Why 2026 is the year of global creative collaboration and "co-authoring" our narrative with the world. Whether you're a first-generation immigrant or a third-generation creative, this is where we celebrate our shared heritage and the abundance of our future. Subscribe to join the journey. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

    1h 1m
See All (494)

4.9
out of 5
69 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
    494
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

You Might Also Like