KhmerTalk Podcast

KhmerTalk: S1-E12Patrick Kdep is a Cambodian-American artist, fashion designer, and founder of Patrick Kdep LLC. A former refugee, Patrick and his family fled war and political oppression, living through four refugee camps in Thailand and one year in the Philippines before resettling in the United States in 1987. Arriving with limited English, he grew up in Tacoma, Washington, later earning a Bach...

KhmerTalk: S1-E11Chace Hunter is a Khmer Rouge immigrant, community advocate, and nonprofit leader withmore than 15 years of experience serving vulnerable and marginalized communities. Hecurrently serves as the Executive Director of AHAT Homecare in Tacoma, Washington,where he leads programs that provide housing and essential medical services to peopleliving with HIV.Chace’s work is rooted in equi...

KhmerTalk: S1-E10Chantha Banks was born and raised in Battambang, Cambodia. Survival shaped her life from an early age. During the Khmer Rouge regime, she was separated from her parents for nearly a year, and she and her older sister were forced to become child soldiers. In that time, fear became familiar—but so did resilience. Survival was not a choice; it was a necessity. Those experiences gave...

KhmerTalk: S1-E09 KhmerTalk: S1-E09Welcome to KhmerTalk—where voices don’t just speak, they resonate. On February 28, 2026, the Asia Pacific Cultural Center hosted its Lunar New Year Celebration at the Tacoma Dome—bringing together over 40 Asian and Pacific Islander communities. This year, Cambodia proudly took the spotlight as the featured country, showcasing the richness of Khmer culture through...

KhmerTalk: S1-E08 In this episode, we talk with Chanjolee “Joe” Bushnell the Deputy Mayor for the City of Tacoma, Washington and the first Cambodian-American elected to the Tacoma City Council, representing District 5 since November 2021. A lifelong Tacoma resident and graduate of Stadium High School, Joe continued his education at The Evergreen State College with a focus on political science and...

KhmerTalk: S1-E07 In this episode, we talk with Ley Dy Chim—a Cambodian refugee, community advocate, and former Ms. Asia Platinum of Washington. Dedicated to uplifting culture and service, Ley moved to the Pacific Northwest in the fifth grade and later earned a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design. She currently works in Quality Assurance at Boeing. A proud wife and mother of three, Ley is als...

KhmerTalk: S1-E06 In this episode, we interview with Bong Angelina Lim. She is a respected real estate professional whose success reflects a foundation built on family values, cultural heritage, and unwavering integrity. Raised by a mother who was a successful businesswoman in her own time, Angelina grew upwitnessing the discipline, resilience, and ethical responsibility required to build both a c...

KhmerTalk: S1-E05 In this episode we welcome Channdara Sos—a community leader, mentor, and global professional whose journey reflects resilience, purpose, and service. Channdara began his academic journey in Cambodia, earning a degree in Computer Science from the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 2005. With a dream to grow beyond borders, he moved to the United States, where he later earned an MBA...

KhmerTalk: S1-E04 In this episode, we talk with Nek Kru Darachan Ros, she is a lifelong educator, community advocate, and cultural leader whose work spans Cambodia, Thailand, and the United States. Before arriving in America, she served as a public school teacher and principal in Pursat Province, Cambodia, helping shape education systems during a critical period of national rebuilding. From 1975 t...

This video is one of our early recordings on November 24, 2025 with trial and error. KhmerTalk: S1-E03 In this episode, we're diving into the powerful and often overlooked story of Khmer refugees, families and individuals who fled Cambodia during and after Khmer Rouge era. Samuel’s journeys were marked by an unimaginable hardship, resilience and the search for safety and belongings. In this co...

KhmerTalk: S1-E2 In this episode we are joined by Vary Siv, an accomplished social worker and law enforcement professional with over 35 years of experience bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. A pillar of the Cambodian-American community in Washington for over 45 years, Vary lives by the principle of being part of the solution rather than just pointing out obstacles. Currently...

KhmerTalk: S1-E1 In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jeudi Boulom to discuss her latest work on wellness and intentional living. Her book serves as a comprehensive guide, merging clinical expertise with a personal perspective on building a purposeful life. Dr. Boulom excels at translating complex concepts of well-being into practical, actionable steps. Her grounded and compassionate approach off...