Saigoneer Audio Archive

On this week's show, which comes a few days late due to two national holidays, we begin (1:14) by discussing challenges which Vietnamese laborers in countries like Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Japan face, as well as some of the problems researchers have found in factories in Vietnam.

Then (16:35) we share thoughts on what would possibly happen if a zombie apocalypse hit Saigon. (NOTE: due to a technical error, the beginning of this segment was cut off.)

As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (30:12).

We're back from a two-week break!

On this episode, we begin (1:20) with a discussion about sexual harassment of children in Vietnam following a recent incident in which a middle-aged man molested a girl on an elevator in a Saigon apartment complex.

Then (14:39), we discuss that Burger King New Zealand ad (you know the one), as well as recent food articles involving jackfruit and kaya toast which highlight the problematic ways in which Western writers and media outlets sometimes cover Asian cuisine.

Our interview guest (28:46) is Andrew Rowan, the author of 'Startup Vietnam: Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Socialist Republic.' Andrew joined us from New York to talk about his experience working in the startup sector here, and advice for anyone looking to do the same.

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (50:06).

Happy April Fools' Day!

On this week's episode, we sort through a pile of unsolicited listener questions ̣(0:55) and ponder answers to age-old conundrums such as "Which animal makes the best sound?"; "If you could send each of your colleagues on a trip to anywhere in the world, where would it be?"; "Which is best, 'Parks & Recreation', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' or 'The Good Place'?"; and "If Saigoneer hosted a music festival, what would the line-up look like?"

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (35:22).

On this week’s episode, we devote our extended first segment (2:14) to poetry. We each read a favorite poem by a writer of Vietnamese descent and then discuss it while looking into the context, as well as the pleasures and pitfalls of translation.

Then (35:26), we talk about a recent study which ranked the popularity of different global cuisines. We debate what may have led to Vietnam landing in the 13th spot, and then examine how other cuisines are received here.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (47:50).

On this week's episode we begin (1:17) by sharing our nominations for Vietnam's 'national senses,' if such a thing existed. What smells, sounds, sights, tastes and textures do we think best exemplify the country? The smell of pork chops grilling on a sidewalk? The Bitexco Financial Tower? Those fragrant wet wipes given out at bia hơi joints?

Then (17:36), we do an audio version of our occasional Street Cred series, which dives into the history of the people Saigon's streets are named after. This time, however, it's a bit more personal, as we explore either the streets we live on, or those near our house. One of these streets is Quoc Huong, named, we believe, after the famous singer. You can check out some if his music here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFd8E46IoQQ&t=107s.

As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:04).

On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:15) by discussing Vietnamese contestants on international reality TV shows who have made headlines recently, from Christine Ha on 'MasterChef US' to the Giang brothers on 'Britain's Got Talent', and several countries in between. How have they been received here?

Then (15:10), we talk about Vietnam's domestic tourism boom and the impact it is having on destinations throughout the country. Some spots, like Phu Quoc, are being massively over-developed, while local entrepreneurs in less-busy areas are opening their own guesthouses and starting businesses.

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (29:48).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:45) by discussing a few of the incredibly diverse, occasionally bizarre festivals that coincide with specific dates on the lunar calendar throughout Vietnam. Everyone knows about Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival, but there are so many more beyond those two.

Then (18:42), we talk about some of the awkward questions, often about relationships, young people get asked by family members when they visit for the holidays. Why do these get asked? Should we have sympathy for the people asking them?

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (32:01).

Programming note: there won't be a new episode next week.

On this week's episode, our first after the Tet break, we begin (1:12) with a look at Saigon's parks and precious little green space. If we were in charge of re-designing one of these areas, what would we add? A dog park? Tire swings? A wholesale re-imagining of the very concept of a park?

Then (17:16) we discuss recreation in the city. How do we find ways to exercise amid the traffic and pollution? What could be done to make this a better city for outdoor activities?

As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (27:59).

This episode originally aired on April 15, 2018.

Our first segment (1:28) evolved from a recent office conversation about which fruit deserves to be the national fruit of Vietnam. That debate revealed some rather controversial fruit-based opinions among our staff, so we've taken the argument to the airwaves to debate our favorites, from bottom to top tier.

Then (12:55), we call up our editor in Hanoi to discuss last week's launch of Urbanist Hanoi. What does our sister site hope to achieve, and what can we look forward to reading from the capital?

This week's interview segment (22:10) features Saigon Duo, who we mentioned in our conversation about contemporary Vietnamese literature from our fifth episode. The New York City-based pair of Duy Vo and Thao Bui are Saigon natives, and they discuss their writing and photography work, in addition to providing frank insight on their feelings of not belonging in either Vietnam, their homeland, or the United States, their adopted home.

Finally, we close with Banh Mi Banter (44:40).

This episode first aired on June 10, 2018.

On episode 17 of the Saigoneer Podcast we begin (1:28) with a discussion of some of the challenges involved in writing in Vietnam, both overall and when writing in a second language such as English.

Then (15:09), we wander into Saigon's unofficial Japan Town, at the start of District 1's Le Thanh Ton Street. We talk about the area's unique history, and share some recommendations of our favorite restaurants in the area.

Our interview segment (23:09) features French-Canadian artist Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen. She shares her story, as well as her process when it comes to creating her multi-faceted work. Find out more about her projects at www.jacquelinehoangnguyen.com/.

As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (37:04).