Saigoneer Audio Archive

This week, we begin (1:00) by discussing the dangers, and potential benefits, of alternative medicine. While sham treatments spread via social media can be dangerous, are we too quick to dismiss methods not used at hospitals or clinics?

Then (18:33), we look at video streaming platforms in light of Netflix's recent addition of a Vietnamese-language interface. Will the streaming giant's local productions improve? Can it compete against YouTube and digital piracy?

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (33:39).

This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by Epizode (https://epizode.com/).

This week be begin ̣(1:04) by sharing our dream upgrades to the Nguyen Hue walking street in light of the recent completion of a lotus fountain on the thoroughfare. What else could be added? A communal kitchen? Ostrich races? An outdoor cinema?

Then (16:23), we sit down with Peter Menchetti, organizer of this weekend's We're Loud Fest, which is bringing four days of international punk, hardcore, garage and rock bands to Saigon. (https://slovenly.eventsmart.com/)

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:16).

This week, we begin (1:12) by looking at how some contemporary Vietnamese musicians, artists and architects are taking inspiration from traditional Vietnamese culture and materials for their projects, rather than from foreign countries such as Taiwan or South Korea.

Then (15:36), we have our first food fight in quite some time, as we debate the merits of various Vietnamese desserts and ponder whether one is worthy of the title of 'national dessert.'

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:01).

This week, we begin (1:16) by discussing the lure of 'promised land' countries like the United Kingdom and Japan to potential Vietnamese migrants in the wake of the Essex truck tragedy. How did this image get built, and how is it perpetuated?

Then (16:40), we dig into the sudden collapse of Mon Hue, the national restaurant chain, and its sister restaurants. Can chains serving Vietnamese food be sustainable in a country with such a strong food culture?

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:30).

This week, we begin (1:32) by discussing the impact social media, and especially Instagram, can have on tourism in light of two headline-grabbing recent events: the abrupt closure of Hanoi's 'train street,' and the social media furor that erupted after pictures of an illegally-built hotel on the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Province appeared on Facebook.

Then (19:28), we break down the perception of the 'Made in Vietnam' label both at home and abroad. We recently learned that Vietnamese products are popular in Russia, but how are they viewed elsewhere? (We're talking about products designed, made and sold by Vietnamese companies, not clothing or electronics manufactured here and sold by foreign corporations.)

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (35:38).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:04) by discussing victim-blaming in the wake of a controversial message sent out by a local ride-hailing company. What does the reaction to this ad, and its very existence, say about current attitudes toward sexual harassment?

Then (18:25), we discuss a few of our favorite up-and-coming local indie bands and the improving standards of music videos and live shows.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:54).

On this week's episode, we take a look ̣(1:09) at the explosive growth of convenience stores throughout Saigon in recent years. It's hard to walk 10 feet these days without tripping over a Family Mart, VinMart or similar competitor. What does this mean for traditional corner shops? (Also why is Hanoi's convenience store game so bad?)

Then (15:48), we discuss social media literacy, especially among older people, many of whom went from not having the internet straight to having Facebook. What should be done to ensure that people use Facebook and other platforms safely?

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (27:06).

Links referenced in the show:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/facebook-free-basics-developing-markets

https://tuoitre.vn/vay-8-trieu-qua-app-2-thang-sau-tra-gan-200-trieu-van-chua-het-2019091022251727.htm

https://www.alieward.com/ologies

https://saigoneer.com/society/society-categories/7295-photos-saigon-s-convenience-craze-how-corporate-chains-are-creating-new-space-for-civic-life

On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:22) with a chat about mooncakes, the traditional treats of the just-passed Mid-Autumn Festival. What do we make of new novelty varieties (Oreo mooncakes, anyone?), and where do these pastries stand in Vietnamese society in 2019?

Then (21:33), we speak to Michitake Aso, associate professor at the University of Albany-SUNY and author of the 2018 book 'Rubber and the Making of Vietnam.' In this extended interview, Aso discusses the brutality of colonial-era rubber plantations in southern Vietnam, the environmental and social impacts this industry still has today, and more.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:09:20).

This episode contains explicit language.

On this week's show, we begin (1:22) ̣by discussing the new translation of 'The Tale of Kieu' recently released by Penguin Classics under the name 'The Song of Kieu.' Nguyen Du's original version, written in the early 19th century, is considered Vietnam's most important work of classic literature. Why did Penguin release a translation without the involvement of any Vietnamese scholars?

Then (17:41), we look at the recent launches of several Vietnamese social networks aiming to compete with the likes of Facebook and YouTube. Do they stand a chance?

Our interview guest is Thuc Dang, who writes the 'Vietnam's Next Top Bitches' music review Facebook page (28:56). We chatted about the evolution of Vietnamese music in recent years, and what he hopes to see in the future.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (49:31).

On this week's episode (our 60th!) we discuss (1:00) a few Vietnam-focused 'what ifs?' - for example, what if the country had never decided to use chopsticks as a dining utensil? Or what if the French had never colonized Vietnam?

Then (18:21), we do our first street food update in a while, which includes bamboo rice (171 Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan District in the morning), a glorious vegetarian buffet (73 Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh District) and a couple of top-notch bún riêu spots (outside 95 Pasteur Street, District 1 & across from 14 Quoc Huong, District 2 at lunchtime).

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:35).