Episode 45 features a conversation with Tina Meetran—visual artist, children’s book author, and nonprofit leader—who joined Rita on the pod to talk about her journey as a Lao American growing up in Rhode Island. Tina opens up about family dynamics and what it was like growing up as an eldest Lao daughter and finding out at 16yo her parent’s immigration status that led to her dad facing deportation. 

Ultimately, this episode highlights Tina’s children’s book Nana Makes Spring Rolls and why investing in yourself is part of the healing journey. This episode is full of gems on Lao diaspora resilience, self-worth, and reclaiming one’s cultural identity through art and advocacy.

Connect w/Tina via her website at www.littlenanacooks.com or follow her IG @littlenanacooks !!!

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HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

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SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

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Episode 44 is a recording of Souvankham Thammavongsa's Book Talk at the March 2024 HOL Wellness Retreat at Joshua Tree, CA. In this talk, Souvankham shares her journey as a Lao Canadian short story writer & poet of 2 decades, and explores the themes of Lao identity, cultural/family heritage, and the creative process. This conversation highlights the importance of sharing your authentic voice, leaning into self-trust and being your own source of inspiration. 

Connect w/Souvankham via her website at www.souvankham-thammavongsa.com or follow her IG @souvankhamthammavongsa !!!

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

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RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

In episode 43, Phatsaline "Pat" Vongsaly reflects on her experiences of co-founding Gamlangchai, a community-based organization/social enterprise founded in 2020, who's mission is “Making basic mental health support accessible in Laos.” 

Together, Rita and Pat discuss Pat's upbringing in Vientiane + her process of attending higher education in Sydney Australia, the cultural perceptions of mental health in Laos, and the challenges faced in advocating for mental health access in a country with limited resources. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the impact of COVID-19 on mental health discussions, the importance of community advocacy, and the future projects of Gamlangchai aimed at empowering youth and promoting mental well-being across various school groups and institutions.

Connect w/Pat and her team via email: [email protected] + visit their website at www.gamlangchai.org and/or Facebook/IG @gamlangchai !!!

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

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RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

In episode 42, Aleena reflects on her journey as a Lao diaspora leader, from which she shares her upbringing in Virginia, her past work with Legacies of War, and her current leadership role in the Lao Food Movement. This conversation highlights navigating imposter syndrome, challenging experiences/controversies within the Lao community (surrounding the VA/DC temple), and the power of food in connecting people and preserving cultural heritage. Ultimately, Aleena emphasizes the need for transparency and trust in order to move forward and heal collective community trauma.

Connect w/Aleena via email [email protected] or IG @laofoodmovement !!!

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

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RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

In episode 41, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay engages in a heartfelt conversation with  Vilayvanh Bender, a Lao American children's book author and registered dietitian. Vanh shares her journey as a 1.5 generation immigrant/refugee, her childhood memories in Laos, and the importance of cultural representation through literature. The discussion delves into Vanh's motivations for writing Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers, her career trajectory into becoming a registered dietitian, and the significance of mental and physical health in her life and work. Vanh emphasizes the need for cultural preservation and encourages listeners to connect with their elders and embrace their heritage.

Connect w/ Vilayvanh on IG @mommyeatsfriedgrasshoppers or TikTok @mommyeatsgrasshoppers 

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

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RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

In episode 40, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Rina B Herman, fellow Lao/Vietnamese/Southeast Asian American therapist & social worker based in Ohio. They explore the stigma surrounding mental health in Lao communities, the role of social work in promoting mental health awareness, and confronting harmful Lao phrases from parents to kids growing up, and shifting the narrative of what it means to seek support especially within the Southeast Asian diaspora.

**trigger warning**: this episode contains triggering phrases you might have heard as a kid growing up in a Lao household, so please be gentle with yourself while listening. 

Connect w/Rina on IG @rinabherman or TikTok @rinab_

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

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RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

In episode 39, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Khoulapsavanh (Khoulap for short), fellow Lao podcaster based in Germany. They delve into Khoulap's family refugee/migration history, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and the importance of self-care and mental health practices. Khoulap shares her proud moments, advice for the younger generation, and the significance of community connection through her podcast, Khouli Connects.

Connect w/Khoulap on IG @khouliconnects

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

----------

RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

In episode 38, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Ketsana Roberts, a leader in the Asian American diaspora and VP of Community Relations for Ascend. They discuss Ketsana's journey of reconnecting with her roots, growing up in a predominantly Lao neighborhood in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the challenges of navigating bi/cultural identity. Ketsana shares her experiences of resilience, the importance of relationship building, and the impact of her upbringing on her current role as a leader.

Connect w/Ketsana on IG @_KTSN_ and/or sign up to the mailing list on www.ascendcharlotte.org

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

----------

RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

This episode features Dr. Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy, who shares her experiences of growing up navigating the public school systems and eventually graduating as the first Lao American refugee to receive a Doctorate of Education from Harvard University!!!

Rita and Dr. Phitsamay discuss topics on intergenerational trauma, her family's escape from "Secret War" in Laos and rebuilding a community of support in the United States. Dr. Phitsamay demonstrates how to feel your emotions and get in touch with the reality of war violence, while also exuding compassionate leadership qualities in educational spaces and beyond.

Follow Dr. Phitsamay on her foodie IG @funfriendsnfood and/or email her at [email protected] to connect!

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SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

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RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show

Healing Out Lao'd finally re-launches another season after a couple years of challenges and growth pains! In this trailer, Rita introduces the continued themes of the upcoming season focused on healing, resilience, and community within the Lao diaspora. The conversation delves into personal updates, including the host's achievements and experiences, as well as the challenges of navigating grief and friendship transitions. The episode concludes with an exciting preview of what to expect in Season Three, emphasizing the importance of digging deeper into transformation.

SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod

----------

RATE x REVIEW!

HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org

Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!!

----------

SUSTAIN HOL:

Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL”

JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms. 

Music: Andrew David Vilaythong

Support the show