Fong Xiong was an art director in the fashion industry for many years, living his dream but he realized that he had lost himself in the process. This led him to quit his job and take a sabbatical from the working world which became a cultural and personal awakening. He shares his thoughts on the process and steps through the journey.

Ellen Hang married her high school sweetheart to find out that he no longer wanted to be with her. Although devastated and instead of dwelling on it, she packed her bags and moved to the big city. She loves herself and does not let the scarlet letter define her. Ellen shares her comical and endearing stories of her divorce, dating as a divorcee, and romantic expectations.

Yayo Vang is a camera assistant working in the film industry. He is often butting heads with his father, who does not support his creative career. Not only does he struggle with living his dream but with dating as the oldest Hmong son who carries a lot of responsibilities to carry the Hmong traditions. He talks about challenges for Hmong men when it comes to dating ambitious, Hmong women.

Sharon Her is a writer and creative living in New York City. She was part of the first wave of Hmong families to immigrate to America. Despite this, she continues to live an unconventional life such as being the only Hmong person in band, leaving home to live in the Big Apple, marrying someone who isn’t Hmong, and choosing not to have children.

Hmongumentary, a play on the words “Hmong” and “documentary,” is a podcast with conversations exploring what it means to be part of the Hmong community, especially as it continues to expand and evolve. We hope to share honest and vulnerable conversations with the Hmong diaspora about the challenges and complexity of being Hmong.