Lars Callieou is a touring comedian from Edmonton, Canada, who was recently on his 4th tour of Saigon and Vietnam.

After watching his show and attending a workshop he put on for local comedians I caught up with Lars at his hotel shortly before he flew back to Canada. So apologies for the background noise, we were in the hotel restaurant that was thankfully mostly quiet. 

Lars has appeared at the Just for Laughs Festival and has a 1-Hour Comedy Special currently airing on The Comedy Network. He was named ‘Best of the Fest’ at the 2018 San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival for the second time in as many appearances. Lars has also been overseas to entertain the troops 3 times.

Lars has toured with the likes of Miss Joan Rivers, Jeff Foxworthy, Bob Saget and Martin Short. He will be making his fifth appearance this April at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia

You can find Lars on Instagram, Twitter and his Website. 

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“Life is not about the money in your bank account. Life is for living, and your investments, your insurance, all those things should be about allowing you to live the life you want.” – Robin Copley

It wasn’t easy to share, but I opened up about my own financial mistakes in Vietnam—losing tens of thousands of dollars because I trusted the wrong person. Robin Copley, my financial planner now, joined me to unpack what went wrong, what red flags I should have seen, and what every expat needs to know about money here.

I walked away from this conversation feeling relieved, but also more aware. Relieved because I know I’m back on track with someone I can trust. Aware because Vietnam really is a financial superpower if you manage things properly—but also a financial nightmare if you don’t.

5 Key Talking Points

• Why living in Vietnam can be a “financial superpower” if you manage money wisely.
• The biggest financial mistakes expats make—and how to avoid them.
• Hidden commissions and fees in products sold to expats.
• The importance of fiduciary responsibility and transparency in financial advice.
• Why money is only a tool—the real goal is the life you want to live.

Chapters & Timestamps

1. [00:00] Why Vietnam is a financial superpower – The balance between cost of living and income potential.
2. [00:02] My financial horror story – Losing tens of thousands through bad advice.
3. [00:09] Red flags and hidden commissions – Robin explains how expats are often misled.
4. [00:23] Investments as tools, not goals – Shifting the focus from money to lifestyle.
5. [00:27] Practical advice for expats – Motorbike licenses, medical insurance, and saving strategies.

[00:38] Life beyond money – Robin’s philosophy on living fully while planning responsibly.

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 Mischa Smith, from Canada, is a regular sight around Saigon in the craft beer scene as the Sales Director for Pasteur Street Brewing Company. 

Mischa started in the craft beer industry in Toronto, Ontario before he packed up and moved to South Korea to teach English for a year that turned into four years and five months. 

After a visit to Saigon he fell in love with the city, left Korea and has now been here for 6 years, seeing massive changes in Saigon in a relatively short time.

Mischa shares how he went from drinking beers to pouring them for free to selling Pasteur Beer nationally and internationally and his tips for eating, drinking and living in Saigon. 

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“Choose one thing that you want to focus on. Start saying no to everything else politely. Make everything you do about that one thing and I guarantee you’ll be successful.”

That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my journey of turning a hobby podcast into a full-time business. Today, I opened up about the setbacks, surprises, and wins I’ve had along the way—from starting with one microphone in my living room, to working with RMIT Vietnam on an international project, to facing a health scare that changed my perspective on life and business.

I loved recording this because it gave me a chance to reflect on just how far things have come, and to share openly the mistakes, detours, and lessons that shaped Seven Million Bikes Podcasts into what it is today.

Key Talking Points

• How I turned podcasting from a hobby into a business in Vietnam.
• The setbacks of COVID-19, losing my job, and becoming a “yes man.”
• The turning point when I chose to focus on podcast production only.
• Big wins in 2024, including international projects and awards.
• My MS diagnosis, how it affected me, and why it pushed me to finally open a studio.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [04:00] Moving to Vietnam & charity work – Building schools, raising funds, and life before podcasting.
• [08:00] Starting Seven Million Bikes – Why I launched the show, the name story, and early struggles.
• [13:00] Surviving COVID and saying yes to everything – Online shows, too many jobs, and burnout.
• [17:00] Refocusing on one thing – Choosing podcast production, rebranding, and winning awards.
• [23:00] Health scare & new beginnings – MS diagnosis, opening the podcast studio, and lessons learned.

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“Choose one thing that you want to focus on. Start saying no to everything else politely. Make everything you do about that one thing and I guarantee you’ll be successful.”

That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my journey of turning a hobby podcast into a full-time business. Today, I opened up about the setbacks, surprises, and wins I’ve had along the way—from starting with one microphone in my living room, to working with RMIT Vietnam on an international project, to facing a health scare that changed my perspective on life and business.

I loved recording this because it gave me a chance to reflect on just how far things have come, and to share openly the mistakes, detours, and lessons that shaped Seven Million Bikes Podcasts into what it is today.

Key Talking Points

• How I turned podcasting from a hobby into a business in Vietnam.
• The setbacks of COVID-19, losing my job, and becoming a “yes man.”
• The turning point when I chose to focus on podcast production only.
• Big wins in 2024, including international projects and awards.
• My MS diagnosis, how it affected me, and why it pushed me to finally open a studio.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [04:00] Moving to Vietnam & charity work – Building schools, raising funds, and life before podcasting.
• [08:00] Starting Seven Million Bikes – Why I launched the show, the name story, and early struggles.
• [13:00] Surviving COVID and saying yes to everything – Online shows, too many jobs, and burnout.
• [17:00] Refocusing on one thing – Choosing podcast production, rebranding, and winning awards.
• [23:00] Health scare & new beginnings – MS diagnosis, opening the podcast studio, and lessons learned.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

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In this episode I speak with Saigon native, Kim Nguyen. Kim moved to the UK as a teenager to study and stayed for 6 years, meeting her boyfriend in the process who now lives with her in Saigon.  Returning to Vietnam in 2018, Kim has a unique perspective on both living overseas and in Vietnam and has some helpful tips for young Vietnamese students thinking of studying overseas. She currently works in the music industry as a marketing executive, managing exciting and talented local talent. 

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This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

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“It’s like you’re wearing our face, but you’re not really us.” – Devin Hong

This episode with Devin was one of those conversations that reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place. Devin’s journey—from leaving Vietnam as a child, growing up in California, then returning decades later—was powerful, funny, and deeply honest. I loved hearing his perspective on identity, belonging, and what it really means to come “home.”

I also found myself relating to so much of his story. The way he described friendships that come and go, or how the noise and chaos of Saigon can both overwhelm and energize you—these are things I’ve felt myself in the nine years I’ve been here. This was more than just an interview; it was a genuine exchange about life, culture, and what makes Vietnam such a unique place to live.

Key Talking Points

• Growing up between cultures: Vietnamese roots, American upbringing, and hip-hop identity.
• The unique struggles and joys of returning to Vietnam as a Viet Kieu (Overseas Vietnamese).
• Acting experiences in LA vs. Vietnam, from commercials to difficult industry moments.
• Cultural differences in communication, work, and relationships.
• Finding real connections in Saigon beyond the expat and Viet Kieu bubbles.

Chapters

• [00:00] Welcome & Introduction – Why Devin’s story matters.
• [06:00] Acting Experiences – Commercials, makeup, and cultural beauty standards.
• [13:00] Growing Up in the US – Identity struggles, stereotypes, and hip-hop culture.
• [24:00] Challenges in the Industry – Standing up for values in acting.
• [33:00] Returning to Vietnam – Family reactions, struggles, and healing
• [46:00] Community & Belonging – VQ groups, friendships, and finding real connections.

Follow Devin:

https://www.Instagram.com/dev1naire

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqTZqiGBQ/

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This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

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My first guest on Seven Million Bikes is JK Hobson. As a finalist in the 2018 Vietnam Comedy Competition JK is known by many in Saigon as a stand-up, but is a man of many talents. We had so much to talk about I’ve split this first episode into two parts.

Growing up in New York, JK moved to LA with his “fairly well known” thrash-metal band, Crisis. After Crisis split and he returned to University, JK initially came to Vietnam on a study abroad program in 2015, returning in 2016 on a Fulbright Scholarship. He went on to co-found Saigon Funny People, regularly hosting open mic nights and performing stand-up comedy. JK now writes for City Pass Guide, Saigoneer and TaleCity, has appeared on Vietnamese TV AND teaches English. The main questions I’ll be asking JK is ‘What do you not do? And where do you find the time?’

Part 2

Moving forward to 2015 when JK first came to Vietnam we talk about his life here, speaking Vietnamese and why he loves it here.

Right mouse click the link to open in a new tab.
Where to get the Bò kho JK talked about.

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This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

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🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

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What an amazing story! I was so fascinated by Dennis and Emily's decision to leave their jobs as accountants and travel the world with their two kids, Hannah and Aiden. They turned a simple idea into an incredible journey across more than 30 countries. 

Listening to them talk about the challenges of homeschooling on the road, the cultural differences they've encountered, and the beautiful moments they've shared as a family was truly inspiring. It was a lot to manage with four people on the podcast at once, but their story is so brilliant that I could have kept talking all day.

Key talking points:

• A Spontaneous Decision: The couple's journey began as a simple thought of a short trip, which quickly escalated into a year-long adventure across 30+ countries.
• The World is a Classroom: The family discusses the challenges and flexibility required for homeschooling their children while traveling, and the constant feeling that they need to be productive.
• Cultural Identity: Dennis, an American, and Emily, a Vietnamese, share how their backgrounds influenced their relationship and interactions while traveling.
• Embracing Stereotypes: The conversation touches on humorous cultural stereotypes, such as the belief that basketball makes you taller, and the common concerns about water and ice quality in Vietnam.
• Kids' Favorite Moments: The children, Hannah and Aiden, share their favorite parts of the trip, with Hannah loving the Maldives and Aiden enjoying Japan for snowboarding. 

Chapters and Timestamps

• [00:00:00] Intro to Dennis and Emily: The couple shares how a simple idea of a trip turned into a year-long global adventure.
• [00:06:00] Leaving a Career for Travel: Dennis and Emily talk about their decision to step away from their accounting jobs in Texas to travel.
• [00:15:00] Homeschooling on the Road: Discussion about the challenges and strategies of educating their children while moving from country to country.
• [00:23:00] Cultural Connections and Stereotypes: The couple explores their shared Vietnamese heritage and discusses cultural differences and funny stereotypes.
• [00:30:00] The Kids' Perspective: Hannah and Aiden reveal their favorite countries and moments from their travels.

[00:38:00] Wrapping Up the Adventure: Final thoughts from th

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“Everyday life in Saigon means navigating sugar in everything—from coffee to orange juice—and I can’t have any of it.” – Jane Ha

My guest today is Jane Ha, a researcher in behavioral science who has lived in Hanoi, the U.S., the U.K., and now Saigon. Jane’s story is as much about resilience as it is about culture—living with diabetes in one of the sweetest food environments in the world, while also studying the consumer habits that shape what we all eat and drink.

What struck me most is how her personal challenge with diabetes gave her a unique lens on Vietnam’s rapid changes. She sees both the risks of a sugar-heavy culture and the opportunities in the rise of healthier, sugar-free alternatives. And she links it all to bigger shifts: from Gen Z’s cocktail culture to the way Vietnamese consumers demand convenience, speed, and personalization.

Jane also opened up about the culture shocks of living in Oklahoma and Ohio, where she learned what it really meant to be “different.” Returning to Vietnam, she realized Saigon allowed her to merge all the versions of herself—the East and the West, tradition and modernity—without fear of judgment.

This conversation reminded me how food, identity, and culture are all connected. And how Vietnam, in all its complexity, forces us to constantly rethink how we live.

Main Talking Points

• Living with diabetes in Vietnam’s sugar-saturated food culture.
• How manufacturers and Gen Z are reshaping health trends.
• The psychology of Vietnamese shopping: from discounts to convenience.
• The cultural shift in drinking—from beer halls to cocktail bars.
• The boom-and-bust nature of Vietnamese trends: milk tea to Manuka honey.
• Culture shock in Oklahoma and Ohio, and lessons on race and identity.
• Finding freedom in Saigon as a bridge between East and West.

Chapters & Timestamps

02:05 | Life with diabetes in Vietnam: sugar everywhere.

10:40 | Health awareness, sugar taxes, and new consumer trends.

20:15 | Vietnamese shoppers: price-sensitive or value-driven?

29:30 | Gen Z’s changing drinking culture and the impact of zero-alcohol laws.

41:00 | Cocktail bars, milk tea, and why some trends boom then bust.

45:20 | From Hanoi to Oklahoma: culture shock and unexpected lessons.

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This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

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🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

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