"I wasn’t Vietnamese enough for the locals and not white enough for the expats. It took time to find my place in Saigon."

It was an absolute joy to record this episode. Rochelle's journey is the epitome of courage, adaptability, and humor. Her ability to share deeply personal stories—like her parents meeting on a refugee boat—alongside lighthearted anecdotes about perfecting cocktails and navigating Saigon’s chaos, is remarkable. 

She’s one of those rare guests who can make you laugh, think, and feel inspired all at once. 

This conversation wasn’t just about her life; it was about resilience, community, and finding a place in a world that often feels divided. I’m truly grateful she finally said yes to joining me on the podcast, and I think her story will resonate with anyone chasing their dreams or building something meaningful in unexpected places.

- Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways
* Vietnam's Duality - Saigon's chaotic vibrancy offers a mix of traditional street life and Western comforts, making it a unique city for locals and expats alike.
* Rochelle’s Bold Career Move - Opening 86 Proof was inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and the guidance of her mentor.
* The Whiskey Sour Experiment - It took 34 iterations of whiskey sours to perfect the recipe that became a local favorite.
* Navigating Dual Identity - Rochelle discusses the challenges of being too "Vietnamese" for expats and too "Western" for locals, a struggle familiar to many third-culture kids.
* A Refugee Romance - Rochelle’s parents met on the same boat while fleeing Vietnam, a story straight out of a movie.

Chapters & Timestamps
08:00 - Rochelle’s Background: Refugee Parents and Canadian Childhood 
24:00 - Journey to Vietnam and Opening 86 Proof 
40:00 - The Art of the Whiskey Sour 
34:00 - Challenges of Living Between Cultures
42:00 - Saigon’s Vibrancy and Community Spirit

"Send me a message!"

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Try Descript for free here!

The full list of winners is here. 

Support the show

🎙️ 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!