Khmer Tree Podcast

In this episode, host Chad speaks with Neardey Trinh, a Cambodian immigrant and entrepreneur based in Virginia. Neardey shares her journey from Cambodia to America, her experiences growing up in a war-torn country, and the challenges of balancing family life with her successful cookie business, Little Lana's Cookies. The conversation delves into her passion for baking, the unique flavors she c...

In this episode, Chad interviews Rob Carlton, a visual anthropologist and documentary filmmaker, who shares his journey into Cambodian culture and the importance of storytelling through film. They discuss Rob's experiences living in Cambodia, his family life, and his current projects that focus on community involvement and the preservation of Cambodian history. The conversation also touches on...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Chad sits down with Li-Da Kruger , a Cambodian adoptee who was raised in England after being separated from her birth family during the upheaval of the Cambodian Civil War and genocide. Li-Da shares her compelling journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the lasting impact of historical trauma on the Cambodian...

In this compelling episode, host Chad sits down with Laura Ouk, a dynamic educator, community advocate, and proud daughter of Cambodian refugees. Laura shares her powerful journey as a first-generation Cambodian American navigating the intersection of identity, heritage, and social impact in the heart of Chicago. With honesty and passion, she recounts her path from growing up in a bicultural house...

In this episode, host Chad reconnects with his long-time friend Paul Sum, who shares his remarkable journey from Cambodia to California. Paul recounts his early life during the Khmer Rouge, the struggles of his family in refugee camps, and their eventual resettlement in Long Beach. The conversation explores the importance of community, cultural heritage, and the role of the church in shaping their...

Lyna Thoeun - Childhood Friend Opens Up About Life & Family

In this heartfelt episode, Chad sits down with Randy Odom to discuss his incredible journey of faith, sacrifice, and love that led him from the United States to the heart of Cambodia. What began as a casual lunch conversation would ultimately change the course of Randy’s life forever. Inspired by a deep sense of purpose, he and his wife made the courageous decision to sell their belongings and mov...

Rithy Hanh - The Unofficial Mayor of Cambodia Town, Long Beach, CA

https://arc707.org/ 404-594-8770

Chhaya Chhoum - Executive Director of Southeast Asian Freedom Network (SEAFN)

Vanny Whitchelo - Founder & Host of Khmer Voices Podcast

Dorothy Chow - Founder & Host of Death in Cambodia Life in America Podcast

Kaylene Men - Owner of Khmer Bridal Boutique, Long Beach, CA 2434 E Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA, United States, California 90804

Kun Chap - Retired Navy Commander

Kim Chha Hout - Cambodia Honorary Consul General & President of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce

Boden Him - Master of Creatives Explains All

Don King Pin - Program Manager at United Cambodian Community

Kreng Krich - Former Youth Pastor Explains All

Sokea Peou - Childhood Friend Opens Up About Cancer & Family

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Christina Lee shares her extraordinary life story—a journey marked by profound hardship, unwavering faith, and an enduring commitment to service. Born in Cambodia, Dr. Lee lived through one of the darkest periods in the country’s history: the Khmer Rouge regime. She recounts harrowing memories of being separated from family, surviving forced labor camps, and witn...

In this episode of The Khmer Tree Podcast , host Chad sits down with Sophy Khut, a beloved Cambodian restaurant owner in Long Beach, California. Sophy recounts her remarkable journey—from growing up in Cambodia and surviving the civil war, to escaping to Thailand and eventually rebuilding her life in the United States. She shares the hardships she faced as a refugee, the perseverance it took to st...

In this episode, we chat with Sophaline Mao, a Cambodian American whose journey from refugee to tech and real estate professional is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. Sophaline reflects on her family’s escape from the Khmer Rouge, growing up in Stockton, and navigating cultural identity while pursuing education and career success. She shares pivotal moments, from changing her academic...

In this episode we chat with Tony Te Chan, a respected entrepreneur and community leader in Long Beach, California. Tony shares his journey as a Cambodian refugee, his experiences growing up in Long Beach—a hub for Cambodian immigrants—and his passion for real estate and community engagement. The conversation explores the importance of cultural preservation, bridging generational gaps, and the sig...

In this powerful episode, Kara Has shares her inspiring journey from refugee to clinical psychologist and community advocate. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the challenges of growing up in a large family, and the values of hard work and resilience. Kara discusses the role of storytelling in healing and preserving cultural heritage, while also addressing mental health challenges within...

In this episode of Khmer Tree Podcast, Chad sits down with Mao Beckett, an EMDR-certified somatic therapist from Milwaukee, to explore the impact of intergenerational trauma on the Khmer diaspora. As a first-generation American, Mao shares her personal experiences growing up in the Khmer community and how they shaped her understanding of mental health. They discuss the importance of acknowledging...