The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

What does it take to govern a diverse school district like Garden Grove Unified when you come from the very neighborhood you now represent?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Walter Muneton, long-serving trustee for the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education. Raised in Garden Grove’s Buena Clinton neighborhood by Mexican immigrant parents, Walter shares his journey from an introverted student to a community organizer, social worker, and elected official.

Walter breaks down the realities of serving on a local school board—from managing a modest monthly stipend and avoiding special interest money to addressing the student mental health crisis, cyberbullying, and academic recovery. Together, Kenneth and Walter discuss cross-cultural relationships between the Latino and Vietnamese communities in Little Saigon, why public education needs reinvestment rather than privatization, and how local politics impacts everyday working-class families.

Inside the Episode:

The Path to Public Service: How a college assignment at Garden Grove's Gem Theater inspired Walter to get involved in local politics alongside former mayor Bao Nguyen.

Governing Outside Identity Politics: Representing a diverse community across ethnic lines and focusing on shared struggles like housing stability and poverty.

The State of Public Education: Addressing the mental health challenges facing students today and resisting efforts to privatize public schools.

Navigating Local Money & Special Interests: How local campaigns operate, why school boards differ from city councils, and staying independent.

Cross-Cultural Roots in Little Saigon: Growing up in Section 8 housing alongside Vietnamese refugee families and building lifelong community ties.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

How does an event producer behind multi-million dollar experiences for Google and Jack Morton transition into building an AI-driven platform for the event industry?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Julia Vu, founder and CEO of the event community. Julia shares her 11-year journey in experiential marketing—from organizing campus events at UC Riverside to producing high-budget corporate experiences—and explains why she took the leap to solve major industry pain points for planners, vendors, and hosts.

Julia breaks down how the event community uses AI search and geolocation to eliminate restrictive drop-down menus, replace risky Zelle transactions with protected fintech payment solutions, and build reputation intelligence for venue spaces and vendors. She also discusses the post-COVID surge in live events, her recent launch event at Sony Pictures Studios, and why in-person gatherings remain the ultimate antidote to digital isolation.

Inside the Episode:

The Inspiration: Recreating the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through multi-million dollar experiential events.

Building a Startup: Transitioning from a 2020 "shower idea" into an MVP, a 35,000-member community, and a private beta launch.

The Technology: Leveraging AI to match event budgets, vibes, and geolocation parameters without drop-down category search limits.

Fintech & Safety: Partnering with Forbes-recognized fintech platforms to protect venue bookings, equipment rentals, and vendor payments.

The Future of Human Connection: Why the $100B+ event industry is expanding in response to digital burnout, AI, and social isolation.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Julia Vu / the event community (@theeventcommunity)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

What is it like growing up literally above a jazz club in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and taking those roots to Idlewild Arts and Berklee College of Music?

In this episode, Ken sits down with saxophonist, producer, and film composer Antran (@antransax). Daughter of legendary Vietnamese saxophonist Trần Mạnh Tuấn, Antran shares her unique musical trajectory, from absorbing jazz standards by osmosis as a child living above Saigon's SaxonArt Jazz Club to pursuing her own artistic path in the United States.

Antran breaks down her early training across piano, ballet, painting, and musical theater, her high school years at the prestigious Idlewild Arts Academy in California, navigating the jam session scene in New York City, and making the conscious decision to branch out into film scoring and music production. Together, Kenneth and Antran discuss the cultural nuances of jazz, the evolving music industry in Vietnam, and the potential for Vietnamese artists to build global soft power.

Inside the Episode:

Life Above the Jazz Club: Absorbing classic jazz tunes through the floorboards of her family's club on Lê Lợi Street in Saigon.

The Idlewild & Berklee Journey: Moving to a remote California arts boarding school at age 14 before studying music production and performance at Berklee.

Redefining Legacy: Making a conscious decision to forge a distinct identity in film scoring and production rather than competing directly with her legendary father.

The Cultural Nuances of Jazz: Discussing the "secret sauce," improvisation, and the differences between learning jazz in Vietnam versus playing in New York clubs like Smalls.

Vietnam’s Music Evolution: Analyzing the rapid rise of Vietnamese mainstream media, TV talent shows, and what it takes for Vietnamese artists to reach international markets.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Antran (@antransax)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

What keeps a veteran actor and director driven after 40 years navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood and the Vietnamese film industry?

In this third-round sit-down at the Viet Film Festival inside the Bowers Museum, host Kenneth Nguyen reunites with actor, director, and industry icon Dustin Nguyen (21 Jump Street, Warrior, Dope Thief, Superfakes). Recorded as Dustin received the festival's Inspiration Award, the two dive into a wide-ranging, reflective conversation on career longevity, artistic drive, and the evolving landscape of Asian-American representation.

Dustin shares unforgettable stories from his 10+ years directing and producing in Vietnam—including the steep learning curve of a developing film industry and a surreal encounter involving a leading lady and a "voodoo spell." He also breaks down the mechanics of representation, why universal human themes transcend cultural barriers, how he brings subtle authentic details to mainstream Hollywood roles, and his optimistic vision for the future of Vietnamese-American cinema over the next two decades.

Inside the Episode:

Receiving the Inspiration Award: Reflecting on a 40-year career at the 23rd Viet Film Festival and coming to terms with being an inspiration to younger generations.

The Reality of Representation: Why supply, demand, and cultural familiarity shape casting in Hollywood, and how universal human themes bridge the gap.

Wild Stories from Vietnam Cinema: Navigating early production challenges in Saigon, recording live audio vs. dubbing, and a bizarre "fish hook voodoo spell" story from set.

The Trojan Horse Strategy: Injecting authentic Vietnamese-American cultural nuances into mainstream Hollywood projects like Dope Thief and Superfakes (alongside Lucy Liu).

Grit, Obsession, & Delusion: The necessity of tuning out early rejections, staying true to your artistic voice, and the 20-year vision for Vietnamese-American filmmakers.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Dustin Nguyen

Event: Viet Film Festival / Bowers Museum

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

What keeps a veteran actor and director driven after 40 years navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood and the Vietnamese film industry?

In this third-round sit-down at the Viet Film Festival inside the Bowers Museum, host Kenneth Nguyen reunites with actor, director, and industry icon Dustin Nguyen (21 Jump Street, Warrior, Dope Thief, Superfakes). Recorded as Dustin received the festival's Inspiration Award, the two dive into a wide-ranging, reflective conversation on career longevity, artistic drive, and the evolving landscape of Asian-American representation.

Dustin shares unforgettable stories from his 10+ years directing and producing in Vietnam—including the steep learning curve of a developing film industry and a surreal encounter involving a leading lady and a "voodoo spell." He also breaks down the mechanics of representation, why universal human themes transcend cultural barriers, how he brings subtle authentic details to mainstream Hollywood roles, and his optimistic vision for the future of Vietnamese-American cinema over the next two decades.

Inside the Episode:

Receiving the Inspiration Award: Reflecting on a 40-year career at the 23rd Viet Film Festival and coming to terms with being an inspiration to younger generations.

The Reality of Representation: Why supply, demand, and cultural familiarity shape casting in Hollywood, and how universal human themes bridge the gap.

Wild Stories from Vietnam Cinema: Navigating early production challenges in Saigon, recording live audio vs. dubbing, and a bizarre "fish hook voodoo spell" story from set.

The Trojan Horse Strategy: Injecting authentic Vietnamese-American cultural nuances into mainstream Hollywood projects like Dope Thief and Superfakes (alongside Lucy Liu).

Grit, Obsession, & Delusion: The necessity of tuning out early rejections, staying true to your artistic voice, and the 20-year vision for Vietnamese-American filmmakers.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Dustin Nguyen

Event: Viet Film Festival / Bowers Museum

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

What pushes an ordinary resident and 35-year community member to step into the tumultuous arena of Westminster city politics?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Loan Nguyen, candidate for Westminster City Council (District 4). Loan shares the pivotal moment that triggered her campaign: witnessing the city council's controversial decision to add a "Charlie Kirk Way" sign alongside All American Way and seeing incumbent leadership disregard community pushback.

Loan breaks down her 28-year career as a financial controller, how she applies budget management and fiscal discipline to city oversight, her concerns regarding local property decisions (such as the Rose Center Theater and municipal library spaces), and her proposals to bring youth centers and mobile home rent stabilization to Westminster.

Inside the Episode:

The Catalyst: How the "Charlie Kirk Way" street sign controversy in Westminster inspired Loan to attend city council meetings and run for office.

Bringing Civility to City Hall: Why Loan believes Westminster needs quiet, structured leadership rather than shouting and political theater on the dais.

Fiscal Accountability: Applying 28 years of corporate financial controller experience to scrutinize city contracts, property management, and municipal budgets.

Community Priorities: Proposing new youth centers for District 4 and advocating for rent stabilization for mobile home residents on fixed incomes.

Local Governance & Ethics: Discussing transparency in public property allocations, city council decision-making, and keeping special interests out of local government.

Connect & Follow:Guest: Loan Nguyen (Candidate for Westminster City Council, District 4)

Official Website: Loan Nguyen for Westminster City Council  

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

How can local politics in Little Saigon move past old red-baiting tactics to focus on infrastructure, human rights, and community safety?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Hieu Nguyen—a social worker with over 20 years of mental health experience, co-founder of Viet Rainbow of Orange County (VROC), and candidate for Garden Grove City Council (District 4).

Hieu discusses his journey from immigrating to the US in 1993 to becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and immigrant safety. He shares how his background in trauma-informed social work informs his perspective on Little Saigon’s older generation, why he advocates for local infrastructure like pothole repairs and park safety, and how he approaches door-knocking with constituents across the political spectrum.

Inside the Episode:

Why Run for Office?: Transitioning from 20 years of community organizing and social work to local government in Garden Grove's District 4.

Reframing Trauma in Little Saigon: How untreated PTSD from war and displacement affects political views in the older generation, and why empathy is crucial.

Local Issues vs. National Politics: Focusing on core city responsibilities—repairing roads, improving parks, addressing unhoused populations, and city services.

Pioneering Representation: Fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Little Saigon Tet Parade and running as an openly gay candidate and parent.

The State of Local Elections: Addressing campaign sign removal, political transparency, and bridging generational divides at the doorstep.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Hieu Nguyen (@hieu4gardengrove)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

What drives a martial artist trained at Montreal’s legendary TriStar Gym to step onto a comedy stage and bare her soul?

In this episode, Ken sits down with Tina Pham—a former MMA fighter, personal trainer, and actor turned stand-up comedian based in Vancouver, Canada. Tina opens up about the deep childhood dynamics, family trauma, and personal turning points that shaped her drive for raw honesty and performance under pressure.

Tina shares the harrowing story of surviving a 2016 fatal car accident that forced her to question her life’s direction—leading her to shave her head, leave modeling behind, pack her bags for TriStar Gym in Montreal, and eventually pivot to stand-up comedy. Together, Kenneth and Tina explore the psychological overlap between fighting and comedy, learning to wield internal emotions, navigating traditional industry gatekeeping, and using digital platforms to build an authentic audience on her own terms.

Inside the Episode:

Fighters Turned Comedians: Examining the shared psychology of fighting and stand-up—direct feedback, timing, real-time pressure, and performance under resistance.

The 2016 Turning Point: Surviving a tragic accident, dealing with survivor’s guilt, shaving her head, and breaking away from expectations of being the "golden child."

Inside TriStar Gym: Moving to Montreal to train at the world-famous gym home to UFC legend Georges St-Pierre.

Emotional Drive vs. Technique: How grit, internal rage, and family history shape combat outcomes and how to control emotion without being blindsided.

The Art of Stand-Up Comedy: Using humor to explore uncomfortable truths, navigating comedy hierarchy, and building an independent fanbase using social media.

Connect & Follow:

Instagram: @tinapham.co

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

How does a former boat refugee who lived in a jungle refugee camp for three years end up redefining premium Vietnamese dining in San Francisco?

In this episode, Ken sits down in San Francisco with Viet (Mr. Gao), owner of Mr. Gao and Venticello/Ventre. Known across social media for his bold personality, luxury dishes, and $41 bowl of Phở, Viet opens up about the deeply personal backstory he rarely shares publicly.

Viet breaks down his family’s journey leaving Vietnam in 1990 after 10 failed attempts, surviving three years in Indonesia’s Galang refugee camp selling bánh mì at age 12, arriving in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood to live with five family members in a tiny studio, and aggressively cold-calling his way into a successful career as a financial advisor before buying his first restaurant on a whim.

Inside the Episode:

Leaving Vietnam in 1990: Surviving 10 failed escape attempts, a three-day boat journey without food or water, and three years in Galang Refugee Camp.

Arriving in the Tenderloin: The reality check of moving to a tiny San Francisco studio apartment with five family members and sleeping on a couch for seven years.

From Finance to Food: Cold-calling 10 hours a day as a young financial advisor without fluent English, earning a signing bonus, and buying his first restaurant on Grand Avenue.

The Business of $41 Phở: Breaking down food costs, 24-hour bone broths, rejecting the "cheap food" stereotype, and elevating Vietnamese cuisine to Italian/Japanese pricing.

Managing Expectations: How early life lessons shaped his philosophy on authentic social media, realistic food presentation, and never cheating the customer.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Viet / Mr. Gao (@mr.gaoviet)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!

How do we honor our parents' refugee history while fighting for local policy, rent control, and political representation?

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyen sits down with Tracy La, founder and Executive Director of VietRise and candidate for the Garden Grove School Board. Years after first meeting at an Oregon symposium on the 50th anniversary of the war, Kenneth and Tracy reunite for a candid, wide-ranging discussion on the political realities facing the Vietnamese American community in Little Saigon.

Tracy shares her personal backstory—from witnessing workplace exploitation as a teenager in San Diego to becoming student body president at UCI—and explains why she founded VietRise after the 2016 election. Together, Kenneth and Tracy tackle complex local issues: confronting the weaponization of red-baiting in Orange County, organizing around senior mobile home evictions, expanding history education, and navigating the emotional tension between refugee memory and modern political activism.

Inside the Episode:

Meeting in Oregon: Reflecting on a 2023 academic symposium and contrasting perspectives on reconciliation between the diaspora and Vietnam.

The Root of Activism: How early childhood experiences seeing immigrant parents exploited in low-wage labor sparked a lifelong commitment to systemic change.

Why VietRise Was Founded: Organizing young Vietnamese Americans post-2016 to address local housing, eviction defense, and community empowerment.

Dismantling Red-Baiting: Why using "communist" accusations as a political weapon hurts local policy debates and how VietRise expands conversation around history.

Running for Garden Grove School Board: Addressing senior housing crises, supporting public education, and creating pathways beyond traditional higher education.

Connect & Follow:

Guest: Tracy La / VietRise (@vietriseoc)

The Vietnamese Podcast: Instagram / TikTok @thevietnamesepodcast

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit https://www.vietnamstorybank.com/ today for more information!