In this week's episode of It Only Happens to Earnny, I'm sharing one of the most personal parts of my journey: growing up as a Thai American in a small town and struggling to figure out where I belonged.

From hating my long Thai name and trying to fit in during high school to learning that I didn't have to choose between being Thai or American, this episode is about identity, culture, and finding the confidence to simply be myself. I also talk about two beautiful Thai concepts—kreng jai and nam jai—and how they've shaped the way I see kindness, community, and the world around me.

If you've ever felt caught between two cultures, wondered if you were "enough," or tried to hide parts of yourself just to fit in, this episode is for you.

Because being Thai American—or any mixed identity—isn't half of two worlds. You're one whole person, and your story deserves to be told. 🩷🤎

After a conversation with an old friend, I found myself remembering all the weird, funny, and sometimes confusing things that happened when I first moved from Thailand to America.

In this episode, I'm sharing stories from middle school, talking about the questions people used to ask me about Thailand, and reflecting on some of the cultural differences that still make me laugh today. From "What's my name in Thai?" to why I absolutely cannot handle shoes in the house, this is a nostalgic look back at my immigrant experience and the culture that continues to shape who I am.

Oh! and we're kicking off a brand-new "Thai Word of the Week" segment, too.

EDIT: Hi guys! So sorry for long silent in my failed attempt to upload with terrible wifi! Major technical difficulty here with this episode, I apologize. I had to re-upload my episode again. It should be fixed now. Let me know if you notice any other issues! Thank for you being patience with me and for supporting my little podcast! :)

Is it Earn or Earnny? Which one is my real name?

In this week’s episode, I share the story behind my name, my move from Thailand to America, and the different versions of myself I’ve had to grow through along the way.

We talk about people-pleasing, cultural expectations, finding your voice, and learning that you don’t have to stay the same person forever.

Sometimes growth looks as small as changing a nickname... and sometimes it changes your entire life.

You can follow me for more content on my social media!

Instagram: @onlyearnnypod

Facebook: It Only Happens to Earnny

Email: [email protected]

Starting over in my late 20s wasn’t part of the plan… but maybe that’s the point.

In this episode, I open up about career burnout, leaving the lab, traveling during COVID, people-pleasing, being told “maybe in 10 years you could have my job,” and the moment I realized I wanted more for my life. Turning my pain into my podcast, I talk about why I’m rethinking everything-from IT to possibly dental school-and what it means to rebuild your life when your dreams start changing.

This episode is for anyone feeling lost, stuck, faced rejections, burned out, scared to pivot, or in season of change like myself. You are not behind. You are allowed to start over. And you absolutely got what it takes to bet on yourself. 🤍

An honest update on why this week's episode didn't go as planned.

I talk about my first world's problem of feeling stuck in my career path and also my struggle with school...and learning when to stop forcing things that don't feel right- including my episode about my mom.

I know it's a short one.

But this is real talk.

After last week's heavy episode, this one here is a check-in. A real conversation about where I am with grief, identity, and being in that "in-between" phase of life- where nothing feels certain, and you are still figuring things out.

If you have been feeling stuck, lost, or questioning your next step... this episode is for you.

A reminder to trust yourself, start anyway, and keep going- even without all the answers.

For the past month, I’ve been sharing pieces of my story—what it was like moving to America, navigating life, and finding my place. But there’s been one person at the center of it all that I haven’t fully talked about… until now.

This episode is for my dad.

On April 25, it will mark one year since his passing. So today, in this episode, I’m honoring him the best way I know how—by telling his story, sharing the pieces of him that shaped me, and keeping his name alive.

From a “broke country boy” in middle of nowhere town… to a Marine in Vietnam… to the man who became my dad—this is a story about resilience, sacrifice, love, and the complicated, beautiful legacy someone can leave behind this world.

This episode includes real voicemail clips from my dad, and ends with a voicemail I wish I could leave him.

*** NOTE: This episode discusses grief, loss, and war. ***

If you’re listening… thank you for being here. And if you can—call your dad.

From last week's cliffhanger...

I finally opening up about the moment my mom told us she was leaving to go back to Thailand after only nearly a year of moving to USA.

What felt like abandonment as a kid... looks very different to me now as an adult.

This episode is about holding both truths- understanding someone's choices while still healing from how it affected you.

And if you listened to the last episode... this is where it continues.

Sometimes it takes someone from your past to remind you how far you've come.

In this episode, I reflect on what felt like when I first moved to the U.S- the version of me who was just trying to figure it all out... while realizing I might just be one of the few to really trying to figure this new chapter of my life in a different country. With my dear, long-time friend visiting again , it brought back memories... and made me see things a little differently now.

If you've ever looked back at an old version of yourself and thought, "wow... I made it through that," this one's for you.

I remember getting on a plane and realizing... I didn't even know where this country was on the map- but I was going.

In this episode, I share what life was like growing up in Thailand, my relationship with my mom, and how everything changed after moving to the U.S. at 12.

This isn't for sympathy- it's just my story.

Because sometimes life puts you in between... like sitting in the middle seat. Not quite here, not quite there- just learning how to exist in the in-between.