Paulina’s parents were both born in Cambodia. Her mother is of Cambodian ancestry and her father has both Cambodian and Chinese ancestral roots. Paulina was born and raised in California and currently lives on Northern Chumash Land.

In this episode, Paulina shares the challenges and deep value of having such a rich yet heavy ancestral heritage, given Cambodia’s traumatic history. She tells us what it was like growing up in California to parents of Cambodian descent, and how she was perceived when she went back to visit Cambodia on a solo trip.

We talk about the complexity of straddling two worlds yet feeling like we never truly belong in either, and how Paulina has found deep compassion for herself, her parents and other people through her journey of healing.

Find Paulina’s work here and @paulinadavie