The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

Trong tập đầy cảm xúc của The Vietnamese Podcast, host Kenneth Nguyễn trò chuyện cùng đầu bếp huyền thoại Helene An, người thường được mệnh danh là "mẹ đỡ đầu của ẩm thực fusion Mỹ." Từ không gian sang trọng của nhà hàng mang tính biểu tượng Crustacean ở Beverly Hills, Chef Helene chia sẻ câu chuyện cuộc đời phi thường của mình—một hành trình đầy nghị lực, đổi mới, và tình yêu sâu sắc với...

In this episode of  SEA Dreams , we dive into one of the most delicious debates: which Southeast Asian dish reigns supreme? From pho to pad thai, curries to nasi lemak, the region's culinary diversity is a feast for the senses. But with so many incredible dishes to choose from, how do we decide which one truly takes the crown? Join hosts Kenneth Nguyen and An Vo (missing our third co host Phil...

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of  The Architects of Dignity , in this sub-series of the podcast, exploring the key figures and moments in Vietnamese history. In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, whose reign marked the twilight of the Nguyen dynasty and the turbulent crossroads of Vietnamese history. From his pr...

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of The Architects of Dignity , in this compelling sub-series of the podcast, exploring the key figures and moments in Vietnamese history. In this episode, we deep dive into the life and legacy of Phan Boi Chau, a trailblazing revolutionary who played a crucial role in shaping the early discourse on Vietnamese nationalism. From his humb...

In this episode of SEA Dreams, we delve into the rise of digital nomadism and its unique relationship with Southeast Asia. What began as a niche lifestyle for remote workers has now evolved into a global movement—but how has Southeast Asia become a hub for these modern wanderers? From the co-working cafés of Bali to the bustling nomad communities in Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai, we explore the...

Join Dr. Thao Ha—a sociology professor with a backstory of survival and resilience. In this episode of The Vietnamese podcast, Kenneth Nguyen hosts Dr. Thao Ha as they discuss the outcomes of the 2024 presidential election, exploring why “the Dems didn't see the other side coming so strong” and how we can bridge divides in the aftermath. Dr. Ha’s story offers her perspective on social issues a...

In this episode of SEA Dreams, we explore the Michelin star rating system’s journey from its beginnings as a French tire company’s travel guide to its status as a global authority on fine dining. But can one rating system really capture the full spectrum of culinary excellence worldwide? As Michelin expands into Southeast Asia—covering everything from Singapore’s fine dining to Bangkok’s vibrant s...

Sean Porter is a Vietnamese comedian born and raised in LA, and has been featured on season 2 of HBO’s Sweet Life: Los Angeles, Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio on Sirius XM, Pop TV's Hollywood Darlings, as well as other shows buried deep into the basic cable abyss. When he's not working for scale, he can be seen performing stand-up regularly at The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, Flappe...

Join us as we look into the histories behind civil law and common law , examining how these legal frameworks influence governance, judiciary processes, and even day-to-day life in Southeast Asian countries. Have you ever wondered why some countries have a more codified, statute-driven approach to law while others rely heavily on judicial rulings and precedents? With insights into colonial legacies...

Kevin Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at the University of Amsterdam. He is the author of  The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization  (Oxford University Press, 2024), the first book to bring Vietnamese political thought into the academic field of political theory. He co-hosts a podcast called Nam Phong Dialogues: Casual Chats on Vietnamese History. --------...

Louie Nguyen is a seasoned global investor, with a particular focus on disruptive endeavors and mobilizing capital and human resources to solve community pain points. Prior to joining Mission Driven Finance, Louie founded Soledad Investment Management, where he made global investments including impact-oriented investments in Vietnam. Earlier in his career, he worked directly with company founder C...

Khue Pham was born in Berlin in 1982 to a Vietnamese family and her love for storytelling began with childhood trips to the library. From writing poems as a teen to becoming an award-winning journalist and author, her journey reflects both her passion and dedication to exploring complex themes of home and identity. After studying Communications at Goldsmiths College and Sociology at the London Sch...

Joseph Nguyễn received his M.A. focusing on Vietnamese and Vietnamese Diaspora Studies at Columbia University. In 2022, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship to Vietnam. Currently, Joseph teaches Vietnamese American Experiences at CSU Long Beach and is a Vietnamese dual language immersion (VDLI) teacher at Westminster School District, the first K-12 VDLI program in the United States. He is also...

Singapore is a city-state with few natural resources and a colonial past. How was it able to grow into an economic powerhouse and what lessons can be learned and are these lessons applicable to the rest of South East Asia? Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep...

Tymay Lay is an online content creator responsible for the creation of Dear Diary and Peggy and other True Stories from her Imagination from @Tymaylay. In this episode of the Vietnamese podcast, Tymay shares her online comedy journey with Kenneth. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Many of you still have the chance to record and prese...

On this episode of the Vietnamese podcast, Kevin and Yen delve into their academic backgrounds, the inception of their podcast 'Nam Phong Dialogues', and the complexities of cultural identity and post-colonial influences. They discuss the importance of curiosity in travel and the podcasting process, emphasizing the need for community engagement and listener feedback. The dialogue highlight...

Joseph Nguyễn received his M.A. focusing on Vietnamese and Vietnamese Diaspora Studies at Columbia University. In 2022, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship to Vietnam. Currently, Joseph teaches Vietnamese American Experiences at CSU Long Beach and is a Vietnamese dual language immersion (VDLI) teacher at Westminster School District, the first K-12 VDLI program in the United States. He is also...

Join Kenneth as he sits down with his former club-promoting partner (1995-1997), Son Vu. Together with Chris Tran from Little Saigon, they take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the vibrant mid-90s party scene in Southern California, reflecting on their shared experiences and the cultural impact of that era within the Vietnamese community. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/bran...

Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer and the top producer of Robusta beans, but its coffee story is much more than numbers. In this episode of *Sea Dreams*, we explore how coffee has shaped Vietnam's history, economy, and identity—from its introduction during French colonization to its rise as a global export powerhouse. This is not just about coffee; it’s a journey throug...

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Eric Nong is a self-taught classic film buff who, since 2021, has served as Viet Film Fest Artistic Director. In addition to his passion for film, he has served as a volunteer and writer for Viet Film Fest 2018. Eric was also a part of Viet Film Fest 2019’s Curatorial Committee and volunteered during the 3-day event. Eric has a BA in Political Science...

Daniel Nguyen, originally from the Pacific Northwest, made history as the first person of color on the City Council of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and currently serves as an Oregon state legislator for the 38th district. Katherine Lam, who immigrated from Vietnam at age thirteen, holds influential roles as a commissioner for the Port of Portland and board member for the Oregon Business Council. Katherine...

Andy Ho, known by his stage name HoeyFarmer, is a stand-up comedian and entertainer whose unique journey began in the fields as a farmer for four years. Transitioning from agriculture to comedy, Andy discovered his knack for creating hilarious skits and rap parodies that quickly gained attention for their witty humor. He has a variety of characters including Viet Dad and none other than 50dong the...

Nguyễn Cao Kỳ Duyên is a Vietnamese-American singer, songwriter, and master of ceremonies and co-host of Paris by Night. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 parent...

Nguyen Coffee Supply was founded by Sahra Nguyen, a 1st generation Vietnamese American and a quintessential Millennial of the “Slash Generation”. Her multifaceted creative career includes being the award-winning documentary filmmaker behind NBC News’ “Deported”, a former restaurant owner and a 2018 Google Next Gen Leader. Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, who fled their country by boa...

Welcome to SEA Dreams! Explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic past, present, and future landscape through the lens of culture, food, business, history, and politics. Each episode deep dives into expert analysis on key events shaping Southeast Asia. Whether you're a professional, student, or curious listener, this podcast will provide fresh perspectives and thought-provoking conversations on the forc...