Saigoneer Audio Archive

On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) by discussing how the concept and role of pets is evolving as Vietnam becomes increasingly wealthy. More people are buying expensive breeds of cats and dogs, but cities like Saigon have introduced stricter pet regulations, while many new apartment complexes don't allow pets.

Then (17:15), we dive into 'Ghost Month' and the traditions that come with it, such as not making big purchases or life decisions in order to avoid bad luck.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:11).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) ̣by discussing the factors that Vietnamese students weigh when choosing a country for studying abroad.

Then (14:44), we dig into recent developments in the local ride-hailing app market, from new competitors to driver strikes and more.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:49).

What makes a certain dish or cuisine authentic? Who determines which food and restaurants are authentic? Does authenticity even matter when it comes to food? We debate these questions and more in this single-topic episode (1:04).

As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (26:03).

On this week's episode, we celebrate the end of an era with our second nhậu roundtable special (1:08). We answered questions such as "If you launched a Vietnamese airline, what would it be called, and what uniforms would the flight attendants wear?"; "If you could open a museum in Saigon, what topic would it cover?"; and "What is the worst food abomination you've eaten in Vietnam?"

Then (29:29), we speak to Quyen Nguyen, a co-founder of Laiday Refill Station, about her efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and spread a lifestyle focused on reusable, refillable products.

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (49:57).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:02) by discussing the explosive growth of domestic tourism in Vietnam, an industry aided by rapid economic growth and a blossoming middle class. Can tourism service providers cater to both the domestic market and the international tourism market, given the very different interests of these groups?

Then (20:16), we dive into the derivative but possibly important new Son Tung music video, which features an appearance by the one and only Snoop Dogg. The video broke all kinds of records on YouTube, but does it signify bigger things to come for Vietnam's music industry?

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (32:26).

On this week's show, we begin (1:10) by discussing Saigon's disappearing architectural heritage. Much has been written about the city's failure to preserve its historic buildings, particularly those from the colonial era, but at times local voices have been left out of that discourse. Who should preservation serve, and is every historic building worth saving?

Then (15:09), we share the one thing each of us would change about our beloved Saigon if given the chance to do so.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:46).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:06) by discussing Vietnam's new national campaign against plastic waste. Such garbage is a massive problem here, so what do we hope to see from this effort, and what sort of impact have small-scale anti-plastic movements had?

Then (20:07), on a lighter note, we share what our Vietnam-related superpowers would be. Punching through the red tape holding back metro projects? Kicking internet cable-munching sharks in the face? Snapping half of all traffic out of existence? Listen to find out!

As always, we close (34:36) with Bánh Mì Banter (and a special email offer from Paul).

On this week's episode we start (1:23) in the movie world. 'The Third Wife,' the critically acclaimed indie film festival darling directed by Ash Mayfair and filmed here, was released in Vietnam recently, but only lasted four days in cinemas before being pulled. We break down the controversy surrounding its use of a 13 year-old actress in erotic scenes, and what it says about Vietnam's movie-going public.

Then (15:44), we discuss a report stating that Vietnamese consume much less beef and milk on an annual basis than the global average. Is that a bad thing? What are some possible protein alternatives as African Swine Fever spreads through the country? Tofu? Insects? Hippo meat?

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (29:28).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:14) by discussing news that officials are considering adding nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to the list of banned substances. Balloons filled with laughing gas have become hugely popular on the local club circuit in recent years.

Then (12:47), we debate our favorite Vietnamese sauces and condiments, from green chili sauce and tamarind fish sauce to the incredible hot sauce at Hanoi's Pho Thin.

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:36).

It's our 50th episode!

As unabashed bibliophiles, we care and think about book culture and trends a lot. In our first segment, we discuss what we’ve observed in light of a pretty terrifying survey of reading rates in Vietnam (2:18).

Then (20:33), we talk about idioms. While these pithy phrases are an important part of Vietnamese culture and help transmit and reflect important values, they can sometimes be problematic.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (37:44).