"I took my entire severance pay and blew it on a two-month trip to Asia — and that decision changed my life." - Hao Tran

In this episode, I felt a strong sense of kindred spirit with Hao. We both came to Vietnam almost exactly nine years ago and ended up building something rooted in storytelling. I loved Hao's honesty about how Vietcetera started from nothing — no business plan, no roadmap — just curiosity and persistence. What stuck with me most was his idea that podcasting and media aren't just about broadcasting, but about representation: Vietnam telling its own story, from the inside out.

He reminded me of the importance of long-term vision. When people told him they’d run out of stories, he proved that Vietnam is overflowing with them. This is more than media; it’s cultural documentation. And honestly, that’s what I hope the Vietnam Podcast becomes as well.

Top 5 Takeaways 
- Hao came to Vietnam with no plans and just $300/month: A leap of faith that would unknowingly launch Vietcetera.
- Vietcetera’s first-ever feature was rejected by its subject: A lesson in humility, editing, and persistence.
- The first paid advertorial turned out to be a voucher, not cash: Business lessons in transparency and expectation-setting.
- There was no business model — it was built on energy, value exchange, and curiosity.
- Mission to “bring Vietnam to the world” is not only alive — it’s overflowing with untold stories.

Chapters & Timestamps
04:30-From Tech Layoff to Vietnam Leap
06:30-Meeting Andrew Frazier & Early Immersions
09:30-The First Vietcetera Blog: Rejection & Rewrite
19:00-Living on $300 a Month in Vietnam
22:00-Language, Culture & Being a Vietnamese-American Boss
24:30- Remote Work, Human Connection & Gen Z Trends
31:00-Youth Identity, Content Influence & the Monoculture
39:00-Mission to Bring Vietnam to the World
41:00-Supporting the Next Generation of Vietnamese Talent

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“I got kicked out of college. That was the moment I had to grow up—not just as a player, but as a man.” – Davon Dillard

When I first saw Davon Dillard playing for the Saigon Heat, I knew I had to talk to him. He stood out immediately—not just because of his athleticism on the court, but because there was something about his presence. He looked focused. Grounded. Professional.

And as it turns out—his story is even more powerful off the court than on it.
Davon opens up about hitting rock bottom after getting dismissed from Oklahoma State, and how that moment became the spark for personal growth, discipline, and a complete lifestyle change. Now, not only is he playing pro basketball in Vietnam, but he’s also a published author, a proud vegetarian for over a decade, and someone who’s using his story to lift others up.

This one’s about more than basketball. It’s about identity, transformation, and how we can all use our lowest points to rise higher than ever before.

Key Talking Points
- What it’s like playing for the Saigon Heat and the basketball culture in Vietnam
- First impressions of Vietnam, and how Davon’s family reacted to the move
- What it’s like being a tall, tattooed, Black athlete in Asia
- How a lifelong aversion to meat turned into 11+ years of vegetarian living
- Thoughts on Vietnamese food (and navigating “healthy” options)
- The power of resilience, community, and building a legacy through writing

Chapters and Timestamps
06:20 – Basketball in Vietnam: Clappers, crowds, and why it’s catching on
10:15 – Standing out in Asia: On being tall, tattooed, and Black in public
15:40 – The turning point: Getting kicked out of college and hitting rock bottom
26:30 – Writing three cookbooks and building purpose beyond basketball
34:00 – Going vegetarian: childhood food aversions, fasting, and discipline
40:00 – Protein & performance: how he fuels his body with mushrooms, eggs & juice

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After starting this podcast in 2019 in my living room with one mic I can't believe this is happening...

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"I didn’t know I was Vietnamese or Asian until I looked in the mirror — because I only saw my friends, and I saw my reflection in them." — Phuong Anh

I had a chance to talk to Phương Anh, someone I met at an Overseas Vietnamese networking event here in Saigon. What struck me about Anh right away was the richness of her perspective — having grown up in Berlin after moving there from Saigon at the age of 8, then spending time in the US, and now returning to Vietnam.

This episode is all about identity, belonging, and the culture shocks that come with living between worlds. Anh shares her incredibly candid experiences growing up in Germany, how she reconnected with her Vietnamese heritage, and what it’s like navigating Vietnamese society now with a “German attitude.”

I found this conversation eye-opening, heartfelt, and at times hilarious — especially when we got into German bread vs Vietnamese rice, or Vietnamese CCTV.

5 Key Talking Points

1. Growing up Vietnamese in Berlin
   Anh moved to Germany at age 8 and didn’t realize she was “different” until much later. 
2. The power of cultural contrast
   We compared German directness, Vietnamese community warmth, and American friendliness.
3. Returning to Vietnam and facing reverse culture shock
   Now back in Saigon, Anh shares how her Western mindset sometimes clashes with local norms — especially when working with contractors or navigating gender roles.
4. Navigating multiple languages and identities
   How Anh speaks German, English, and Vietnamese — and thinks in all three.
5. Marriage to an American and global perspective

Chapters & Timestamps

• 09:00 – Life in East Germany post-Berlin Wall
• 16:00 – Growing up without a Vietnamese community
• 22:30 – Returning to Vietnam & being ‘too German’
• 26:00 – Language barriers between German & Vietnamese
• 33:00 – Why she moved back to Vietnam
• 43:00 – Being married to an American

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"Beef stew for breakfast, in this heat? Only in Vietnam - and somehow, it works."

I’ve lived in Saigon for nine years, and yet, this city’s food scene never stops surprising me. Let me bring you through Michelin Guide’s 2025 picks - but not the fancy, white-tablecloth stuff. We're talking about the real heroes: local eateries that made it to the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected lists for their exceptional quality and value.

This episode was a blast to record. From simmering bò kho in a clay pot to coconut ice cream in a coconut shell, to nearly getting hit by an ambulance while searching for bún chả - this was part food tour, part love letter to Saigon, and part chaos. And that’s exactly what I love about it.

Whether you're living here, planning a trip, or just a food nerd like me, I hope this episode gives you a taste of what makes Vietnamese cuisine - and its people - so special.

Key Talking Points

• The Michelin Guide in Vietnam – What it means, how it's grown, and why it matters for local businesses and the country’s global image.
• What is Bib Gourmand? – A Michelin recognition for restaurants that offer great food at great value—not just fine dining.
• Three Must-Try Local Spots – Bò kho at Bà Gà, bún chả at Bun Cha Van, and cơm tấm at a street spot near the airport.
• Why Vietnamese People Don’t Care (And That’s Fine) – Most locals don’t know or care about Michelin, they just know where the food is good.
• The Chaos and Charm of Eating in Saigon – From blowing on cold ice cream to dodging motorbikes, eating here is always an experience.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 01:10 – Starting our food journey at Bà Gà with bò kho in a clay pot
• 07:30 – Coconut & longan ice cream and Vietnamese hospitality
• 18:30 – Bún chả at Bun Cha Van: sesame, spring rolls, and giant fish sauce
• 29:00 – Heading to our third spot: cơm tấm heaven near the airport
• 34:30 – Huge pork chops, sweet-savory flavors, and food nostalgia
• 42:00 – Why Saigon’s food scene is infinite and magical

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I absolutely loved recording this episode with Hoa. We first met through my Tuesday night quiz at Rabbit Hole, and her warmth, wit, and honesty always stood out. This chat went from laugh-out-loud moments to some truly eye-opening reflections about culture shock, navigating visa bureaucracy, and the sometimes ridiculous expectations placed on Vietnamese women, especially when they marry foreigners.

I had a lot to talk about, from Grab drivers not understanding northern accents to what it’s like going through a U.S. visa interview during a pandemic, and why Vietnamese weddings feel more like family transactions than personal celebrations. Hoa brought raw honesty, insight, and that cheeky energy that makes her so much fun to talk to.

Key Talking Points

• What it’s like to experience culture shock as a Vietnamese person moving from Hanoi to Saigon
• The bureaucratic nightmare of getting a U.S. tourist visa—and how Hoa finally got approved
• Hoa’s candid take on being judged for marrying a foreigner (and how she clapped back)
• The emotional toll of career burnout and planning a 500-person wedding
• The hilarious and bittersweet origin story of her nickname “Chang”
• Observations on American vs. Vietnamese culture, kindness, and food portions

Chapters and Timestamps

• 01:00 – Hoa's journey: from Hanoi to Saigon and why she “ran away”
• 08:00 – Hanoi vs. Saigon: culture clash & accent issues
• 14:30 – The U.S. visa nightmare and awkward interview questions
• 23:00 – First time in the U.S.: kindness, sticker shock, and scooters
• 31:00 – Career burnout, moving cities & dealing with depression
• 38:00 – Vietnamese weddings: stress, scale, and social expectations
• 41:30 – Stereotypes of Vietnamese women & being married to an American

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"Everything we do in Saigon, we're like, 'We don't do this enough.'" - Niall

This episode perfectly captures why I love living in Vietnam — the spontaneity, the constant surprises, and how quickly you can go from urban chaos to countryside magic. What started as a simple glamping trip turned into one of our most memorable adventures yet.

Driving on that unfinished highway felt like discovering a secret part of Vietnam that most people will never experience. The workers painting the lines just smiled and waved at us — classic Vietnam hospitality. And then watching those fishermen launch their boats at full speed onto the road? I've never seen anything like it.

But honestly, the whole day reminded me why we're still not "done" with Saigon after all these years. There's always something new to discover, always another ferry to catch or countryside road to explore. Even Biscuit seemed to love every minute of it.

Key Moments:

Ferry crossing for 20 cents with trucks and motorbikes
My ongoing frustration with espresso machines replacing traditional Vietnamese coffee
Stumbling onto an unopened highway and just... driving on it
Meeting friendly locals who weren't fazed by foreigners on their construction site
Watching boats literally drive up onto the road at sunset
Injuring myself four different ways at a water park (peak Niall behavior)

Chapters and Time-stamps:
00:00 - Setting Off: Cat Lai Ferry & Escaping Saigon Chaos
03:00 - Breakfast Hunt: When Everything's Sold Out by 9 AM
06:00 - Ferry Crossing: Old School Saigon Transport
10:00 - Food Discovery: Why Random Places Have the Best Meals
13:00 - Coffee Crisis: The Death of Traditional Vietnamese Coffee
18:00 - Timeout Glamping: Dog-Friendly Countryside Escape
20:00 - Rice Paddies & Water Buffalo Hunt
27:00 - The Unfinished Highway Discovery
30:00 - Sunset & Boat Launching Madness
35:00 - Golden Scorpion Water Park Injuries
42:00 - Bu Resort: A More Upmarket Hidden Gem
47:00 - Highway Redux: Google Maps Hasn't Caught Up
50:00 - Sugar Cane Juice & Ferry Home

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"I think I grew up more sheltered. I didn't have the typical New York upbringing." - Annie Vo 

This episode was special in so many ways — not just because it marked six years of A Vietnam Podcast, but because of Annie’s story. Her journey from Saigon to Yale, and then full circle back to Vietnam, embodies what this podcast is all about: identity, resilience, and connection.

Hearing how Annie navigated culture shock, built a successful career, and now helps others feel seen and supported — that hit home. Her warmth and authenticity reminded me why I started this podcast. These are the conversations that matter. They’re real, honest, and grounded in experience. I feel lucky to have shared the mic with her on such a meaningful day.

Key Takeaways:
- Gossip Girl was based on her high school
- Learning English as a child immigrant
- Reverse culture shock moving back to Vietnam
- What was supposed to be a short stay became 8 years
- Her children are growing up bilingual and connected
 
Chapters and Time-stamps:
03:00 - Annie’s Background & Career Overview
04:00 - Gossip Girl & High School Life in NYC
07:00 - Immigrating to the U.S. at Age 5
13:00 - Learning English & Adjusting to American Life
20:00 - Returning to Vietnam & Reverse Culture Shock
28:00 - Why She Stayed in Vietnam
30:00 - Building a Life and Business in Saigon
33:00 - Family, Legacy, and Raising Kids Bilingually

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"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!

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"I was born in a house without electricity, and now I help create families through adoption. It’s like winning the lottery." 

I catch up with one of the very first guests ever on A Vietnam Podcast — my friend Sandy. The last time we recorded together, it was 2019. We were sitting in my apartment with a tiny mic that picked up every sound in the room. Now, six years later, Sandy is back in Vietnam — this time not just as a tourist, but as an adoption lawyer who’s come full circle in the most meaningful way.

This conversation felt really personal. Sandy and I both started as English teachers here in Saigon, and like many of us, we weren’t “just” that. I loved hearing about how far he’s come — from law school struggles to helping families grow through adoption. He also shares what it’s like to see Vietnam now through a very different lens.

Whether you’re a long-time expat, a first-time visitor, or someone curious about the paths people take after teaching abroad, this episode is for you.

Key Talking Points:

• How we met and recorded one of the very first podcast episodes in my apartment with a broken mic
• Why the phrase “just an English teacher” misses the full story
• Sandy’s journey from adopted child to adoption lawyer
• How law school nearly broke him — and why it was still worth it
• What keeps bringing Sandy back to Vietnam, and the changes he’s noticed over time

Chapeters and Timestamps:

• 04:00 – Our first recording memories: Bad mics, hot bedrooms, and blanket forts
• 07:00 – “Just an English teacher” and why that phrase frustrates me
• 09:00 – Sandy’s journey to come to Vietnam instead of China
• 17:00 – Law school, burnout, and becoming an adoption lawyer
• 23:30 – Why Sandy keeps coming back to Vietnam
• 31:00 – Observations as a lawyer: Safety, laws, and business freedom
• 36:00 – What Sandy misses about Vietnam when he’s away

39:30 – Cost of living vs. quality of life

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

"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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If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

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