Khmer Tree Podcast

In this episode of Khmer Tree Podcast, Chad sits down with Thourn Heng to discuss his incredible journey from a Cambodian refugee to a dedicated educator and filmmaker in the U.S. Thourn reflects on his childhood memories, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the role education played in shaping his future. They explore the power of storytelling, the importance of cultural identity, an...

In 2017, Khem made history as the first Cambodian American woman elected in America as trustee for the village of Skokie, IL, a suburb north of Chicago. Khem shares her incredible journey from being a refugee child to becoming a leader in local government. She reflects on the challenges of growing up in a diverse community, overcoming barriers in education, and the importance of representation in...

In this episode we sit with Dr. Teri Kap Tan, a Greek Australian whose dedication to education, healthcare, and community engagement has made a profound impact on the Cambodian community in Long Beach. Dr. Tan shares her immigrant journey, the challenges she faced, and how they shaped her passion for helping others. Born in Greece and raised in Australia, Dr. Tan experienced language barriers but...

We explore the remarkable journey of Charles Song, who fled Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime and rebuilt his life in America. From escaping war and surviving refugee camps to embracing a new culture and preserving his heritage, Charles’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and healing. He shares his struggles, the importance of community, and the emotional journey of reconnecting with...

In this episode we chat with Monica Salinas, the former Miss Long Beach and dedicated community leader, to discuss her inspiring journey. She was the first Cambodian American to be crowned this title in 2013. Monica shares her family's history, the challenges they overcame, and how faith and education played a crucial role in shaping her path. She reflects on her experience as Miss Long Beach and...

"Keep Walking Koun Khmer" is the mantra of Khmer Renaissance, one of the fastest growing social media accounts on Instagram. In this episode, we chat with Sotheara Lim, the man behind the account. We discuss the importance of cultural identity, community, and the journey of the Khmer people. Sotheara opens up about the generational trauma experienced by the Khmer diaspora and how Khmer R...

In this episode we chat with Dr. Susan Needham at the Historical Society of Long Beach to explore the Cambodian American experience and the rich history of the Cambodian community in Long Beach. As a linguistic anthropologist, Dr. Needham has worked closely with the community since 1988, documenting their struggles, achievements, and cultural evolution. They discuss the archives available at the h...

In this episode we chat with Dr. Christine Su about her powerful journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection as a Cambodian American. Growing up in New Jersey, Christine’s Cambodian heritage was largely suppressed, but through education and transformative experiences—including her time in Hawaii and her return to Cambodia—she found a deeper connection to her roots. Christine shares how her...

Meet Greg Cahill, creator of the graphic novel The Golden Voice, which tells the story of iconic Cambodian singer Ros Serey Sothea. Greg shares his journey from film school to storytelling through graphic novels, highlighting the deep cultural significance of Cambodian music and Ros Serey Sothea’s enduring legacy. The conversation explores Greg’s research process, his collaboration with the Cambod...

In this episode we chat with Dan Peou, a Cambodian refugee who overcame immense challenges to become the first Khmer-American principal in Philadelphia and in America. Dan shares his journey of adapting to a new culture, the transformative power of education, and the vital role mentorship played in his success. He reflects on his experiences within the school system, the impact of community suppor...

Meet Caylee So, co-founder of the Cambodia Town Film Festival. Caylee shares her incredible journey from being born in a Thai refugee camp to serving in the Virginia Army National Guard and discovering her passion for filmmaking while deployed in Iraq. She discusses the inspiration behind the Cambodia Town Film Festival and the growth of Cambodian cinema since its founding in 2013. Caylee also off...

Rep Cambodia is a global clothing brand based in Long Beach, CA, dedicated to celebrating Cambodian culture and identity In this episode we chat with Cameron where he shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a global brand, reflecting on the challenges faced by the Cambodian community in Long Beach, including gang violence and cultural clashes. He discusses the evolution of his brand—...

In this episode we chat with Dr. Suely Saro, the first Cambodian American Councilmember in Long Beach, CA. Suely shares her inspiring journey from being born in a refugee camp to breaking barriers in public service. She reflects on the challenges of running for office against a well-known incumbent during the pandemic and the resilience it took to succeed. Suely discusses the importance of self-ad...

In this episode we sit with Richer San and talk about the significance of Cambodian Town in Long Beach, California, and the journey that led to its establishment. Richer shares his personal story of survival during the Khmer Rouge era, his immigration to America, and the challenges faced by the Cambodian community in rebuilding their lives. The conversation highlights the growth of Cambodia Town,...

In this episode we chat with Chad Phuong, also known as the "Cambodian Cowboy", to discuss his remarkable journey from surviving the Khmer Rouge era to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the culinary world. Chad shares his experiences growing up in a refugee camp, resettling in Long Beach, and witnessing the growth of the Cambodian-American community. Through his passion for food, Cha...

In this episode we sit with French Cambodian filmmaker Davy Chu to discuss his journey from France to Cambodia and his impact on the film industry. Davy shares insights into his family's history, the Cambodian community in France, and his experiences bringing Khmer stories to life through films like Golden Slumbers , Diamond Island , and Return to Seoul . The conversation explores the evolving...

In this episode we chat with Joe Ngo, a talented Cambodian American actor, writer and musician best known for his role in Cambodian Rock Band . Joe shares his family's journey as refugees escaping the war in Cambodia in the late 1970's, his upbringing in Southern California, and how he discovered his passion for the arts. Through his work, Joe sheds light on the Khmer community’s history a...

Chef Mona, owner of Khmai Cuisine Restaurant, shares her inspiring journey of cultural identity, resilience, and the power of food as a storytelling medium. Growing up as a Cambodian immigrant in America, she navigated the challenges of embracing her heritage while pursuing her passion for cooking. In this episode, she opens up about the struggles of running a Cambodian restaurant, the significanc...

Van Tan, co-owner of Penh Noodle Shack, joins us to share the incredible journey of his family’s restaurant, a beloved staple in the Cambodian community for decades. He reflects on his family’s immigration from Cambodia to America, the struggles they faced as refugees, and how their restaurant became more than just a place to eat—it became a sanctuary for the community. Van discusses the evolution...