Skip to main content
Creators in Vietnam

Creators in Vietnam

By Creators In Vietnam

Creators in Vietnam is a show based in the rapidly modernizing city of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, Co-hosted by Tue Si Nguyen and Moni Le.

Together, they have weekly intimate conversations with creative entrepreneurs on all topics of the human experience, such as fear, creativity, personal development, sexuality, relationships, health, mental wellness, spirituality, and so much more. Join us as we open up and vulnerably share our experiences in order to figure out this thing called life.

Podcast originally created by Dana Drahos
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

TEASER: Bethany Taylor on Being Present

Creators in VietnamSep 23, 2019

00:00
01:38
The Impact of Comedy on Vietnamese American Identity
Mar 21, 202330:43
Exploring Viet Kieu’s Identity with Fred “The Empathizer” Le

Exploring Viet Kieu’s Identity with Fred “The Empathizer” Le

Meet Fred Le, a talented Vietnamese American stand-up comedian, and filmmaker. He has an exciting documentary on the horizon called "The Empathizer," where he's exploring the stories of "young" Viet Kieus who have chosen to “come back” to live in Vietnam despite their parents' disapproval at times. Fred himself lived in Vietnam from 2017 to 2020 and is passionate about uncovering what it truly means to be Vietnamese.

Through his interviews with other Vietnamese individuals born outside of Vietnam, who are now living there, Fred hopes to find common ground and gain valuable insights into his own identity, and maybe a way to convince his mother that Vietnam is not what it used to be.

In this conversation, we explore some deep, introspective thoughts about the meaning of being Viet Kieu and the role we play in shaping new cultures!

This conversation truly holds a special place for me and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did recording it.

Note: This was actually a long conversation so we had to cut it into 2 episodes. Episode 2 will come out next week! and will talk about the place of Stand Up Comedy here in Vietnam!


Follow The Guest:

Website: https://linktr.ee/fredle

Check out Fred Le's document sizzle here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfoJ2fwnPTc&ab_channel=TheEmpathizer


Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.vietnam


Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Feb 21, 202301:11:48
The importance of Acceptance in Life’s Transitions + Podcast update
Nov 23, 202201:03:35
Team Episode: Handling Doubts and Transitions In Life
Sep 22, 202249:29
The Future of Women Empowerment and Gender Equity in Vietnam With Soline Lee
May 27, 202201:14:17
Behind The Scene of La Boulangerie Francaise Social Enterprise With Van Trinh
May 19, 202249:50
Talking About Sex In Vietnam With Selena Luong
May 09, 202254:39
Letting Go Of Anger & Trauma To Bring More Authentic Creativity into the Queer Scene With Ricardo ESTA
Apr 24, 202201:13:21
Bridging the Gap Between the Vietnamese and African Culture with Nam from Afro Viet TV
Mar 16, 202201:05:59
Understanding Spirituality Through Creation & Compassionate Connections with JK Hobson

Understanding Spirituality Through Creation & Compassionate Connections with JK Hobson

🔈 Fascinating is the word that keeps on popping into my mind since I’ve recorded this interview and throughout the whole editing process of this episode. 

💖 It is fascinating to be able to meet such an incredible human in Jk Hobson that has seemingly lived so many lives and yet each one of them so uniquely and authentically him, in all the ups and the many downs.

➡️  In this episode, we cover among many other things: 

🎙️ His insights & wisdom on his active practice of Nichiren Buddhism

🎙️ His creative upbringing in New York City as a “latchkey Kid”.

🎙️ His music adventures! All the highs and all the lows! And how music brought a deeper meaning to his life and his spirituality

🎙️ How Education and Comedy are, nowadays, his tools for compassionate connections with others.

Without further ado I invite you to dive into this episode and discover our guest, Jk Hobson! And I hope that you will find him, just like we did,...fascinating!


➡️  Follow JK On Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

➡️  Discover JK’s Stand-Up Comedy: Here & Here

➡️  Listen to Crisis: Here & Here

➡️  Listen to Ace Of Sabres

➡️  Discover more about Nichiren Buddhism


Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.vietnam

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Mar 09, 202201:21:55
Roundtable with Quynh: Demystifying the Meaning of Spirituality
Feb 18, 202201:08:41
Team Episode - A Discussion On How To Follow Through On Your Intentions

Team Episode - A Discussion On How To Follow Through On Your Intentions

Chúc mừng năm mới!

In western cultures, we are used to set our intentions & goals for the next year by January first (as you can listen in our “End Of Year Review” episode).

But It is quite different in Vietnam where we do celebrate the “western” New Year but nothing really moves until after the Lunar New Year (Tet).
This offers the unsettling advantage of being able to celebrate two new years back to back.

And so this gave the team the perfect opportunity to have an open discussion about how we follow through on our intentions and check on our progress at the beginning of this year of the Tiger.

In this episode:

🎙️ Creating a clear vision and milestone for your intentions

🎙️ How to stay accountable for your vision

🎙️ Building the right environment for your growth

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.vietnam

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Feb 10, 202247:45
Growing Up as a Third Culture Kid & Addressing Taboo Topics in Vietnam with Ania from Bananoi
Jan 26, 202201:07:37
Rediscovering Vulnerability With Denise Sandquist From Fika
Jan 21, 202201:10:50
How Time & Experience Are Our Two Most Valuable Assets With Laurent Du From Bento Bistro & Oliver’s Pizza
Jan 10, 202255:51
How to Let Go of Past Traumas for True Self-Love and Authentic Self-Expression with Micka Chu

How to Let Go of Past Traumas for True Self-Love and Authentic Self-Expression with Micka Chu

Let’s welcome the amazing Micka Chu, a Russian French MC, actress and media personality in Vietnam. She speaks 5 languages, including Vietnamese, and participates regularly in major Vietnamese National TV shows and YouTube.

You’ve probably seen her a lot, but today we have a chance to learn more about her challenging upbringing and how that experience helped her become that positive and resilient woman that you see today.

Her story is about sacrifice, resilience, grit and finding the silver lining in any situation. She’s a true example that you’re not a the victim of your circumstances, and you can blossom once you accept and let go of the past, and start loving yourself. 💕

In this episode:

🇷🇺 Growing up in Russia in a household impacted by alcoholism

🇫🇷 How her open-minded and resilient personality helped her adapt to a new life in France at the age of 10

🇻🇳 Her journey to Vietnam: what (& who) motivated her to learn Vietnamese and how she got into the show business in Vietnam

💃 How she empowers women with “the art of asking for things”

🧘‍♀️Her daily practice to reconnect with herself and support her mental health

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow Micka:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macha.kalinina

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micka_chu_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@micka_chu_

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam/

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Jan 02, 202201:12:21
Team Episode - End of Year Review
Dec 27, 202101:06:52
Serving The Community During The Strict Lockdown With Cam Van Creator Of "From Saigon-to-Saigon" Charity

Serving The Community During The Strict Lockdown With Cam Van Creator Of "From Saigon-to-Saigon" Charity

💕 In this episode, we have the pleasure to welcome Cam Van the creator of “From Saigon To Saigon”, a charity that saw the light of day during the intense Saigon Lockdown in the middle of 2021.

The Charity was organically created and meant as an emergency response to provide food for the impoverished neighborhood of Saigon, the team went from only her to 40 people volunteering full-time their kind heart and energy for more than 3 months!

🤝 This emotional retelling of her charitable journey really reflects the sense of community that Vietnam has displayed throughout this pandemic and we follow her sentiment in wishing that Vietnam never gets to experience a lockdown like this ever again.

We invite you to dive deeper and discover Cam Van’s incredible and candid life story in this emotional episode full of good vibes and laughter!

In This Episode:

🎙️ Her upbringing & studying abroad in the US and South Africa

🎙️ How she discovered her passion to help others through education

🎙️ Her dedicated quest to financial independence

🎙️ The “From Saigon To Saigon” emotional adventure helping thousands during lockdown

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.vietnam

Follow From Saigon To Saigon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromsaigontosaigon

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Dec 21, 202101:04:09
How to Become a Stand-Up Comedian and Podcastor with Niall Mackay from Seven Million Bikes
Dec 12, 202101:03:09
How To Engage In Meaningful Conversations, Gently, At Your Own Pace With Kitty From Tutu House

How To Engage In Meaningful Conversations, Gently, At Your Own Pace With Kitty From Tutu House

🔈 In this episode, we are taking the time to have a meaningful conversation with Kitty from Tutu.House

She shares with us her journey in understanding and accepting her own rhythm through her life's tribulations while strongly following her own inner voices and guidance.

🎉 Through processing and discussing some of her past traumas, she realized that Vietnam still needed tools to practice love and understanding in the everyday life, and this is why she created Tutu.House in order to bring meaningful conversations to Vietnam so that more of us would talk and think, gently, about things that matter.

💕 She exemplifies living at her own pace always taking the time to slowly and gently bring forth deep and meaningful topics, and we were so grateful to be able to receive her at the podcast and share this conversation.

In This Episode:

🎙️  Growing up in Vietnam and living at her own pace

🎙️  Finding meaning and authenticity while traveling the world

🎙️  Her Experience with Sexual Harassment

🎙️  And How this lead her to create Tutu.house


Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow Tutu.House:

Website: https://www.tutu.house/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tu.tu.house

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tutu.housevn

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Dec 06, 202101:02:39
Growing Out Of Childhood Traumas & Into Your Authentic Self With Denise Truong From Tyde Consulting

Growing Out Of Childhood Traumas & Into Your Authentic Self With Denise Truong From Tyde Consulting

In this episode, we are joined by the amazing Denise Truong, coach & Trainer, and the founder of Tyde Consulting.

🫂 She shares her journey on how she overcame her childhood traumas of being sexually harassed at a young age and the process of deep self-exploration that she had to take (and is still taking) in order to heal and grow into her authentic self.

🎉  Today she'd like to inspire others on their journey from trauma to triumph through her coaching and her consulting company. In her own words: "Growing out of trauma is possible. I have no regret on what happened as it made me who I am today. It pushed me to explore myself at the deepest level. Today, I use this exploration and my people skills to help others explore themselves, strengthen their confidence and self-esteem. Both in their professional life and personal life."

❤️  Her vulnerability and her willingness to share about this part of her life really resonated deeply in our hearts and we hope will resonate in yours.

In This Episode:

🎙️  Growing up Asian In France and the effect of loneliness.

🎙️  Experiencing Sexual Harassment at a young age and the traumatic impact it had in her life.

🎙️  Her Self-Development Journey and how she found healing.

🎙️  How Tyde Consulting is putting employees' growth and wellbeing at the center of any business growth.


Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow the work of Denise: https://linktr.ee/denisetruong

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nov 21, 202101:03:19
Making Charity Sexy with Rosi Happi, Founder of the Social Changemakers

Making Charity Sexy with Rosi Happi, Founder of the Social Changemakers

Nov 14, 202101:03:37
Overcoming Depression with Conor Kelly From ComebaCK
Nov 07, 202101:08:50
A Talk With Our New Co-host Moni Lê  On Identity As A Vietnamese-Hungarian & Finding Purpose

A Talk With Our New Co-host Moni Lê On Identity As A Vietnamese-Hungarian & Finding Purpose

🎙️ A Talk With Moni Lê, Vietnamese-Hungarian, on Identity, Finding Purpose and Being the New Host Of The Podcast

In this episode, we are giving our New Co-Host Moni Lê The Full Creators In Vietnam Experience! We learn more about her particular upbringing in Europe and how she handled the very sensitive question of Identity that many Vietnamese overseas struggles with.

👏 Her Interview is also an important reminder that being able to be vulnerable around the proper support system is key to emotional maturity and growth.

Today, she is in Vietnam driven by her passion and her desire to grow and discover more. She is now helping others do the same by being a Life Purpose Coach so do not hesitate to contact her on her page.

🥳 Finally, she recently joined our team as a co-host and after this interview, we cannot be more excited about the extra depth and passion she will bring into our future guests' interviews! So once again Welcome to Creators In Vietnam Moni!

In this Episode:

  • Her upbringing In Hungary and her relationship with her parents
  • Her experience living in Amsterdam for 5 years
  • Her desire for growth and reconnection that lead her to Vietnam
  • Life as a Life Purpose Coach and what she expects for the near future

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow Creators in Vietnam:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinvietnam

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinvietnam

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nov 02, 202152:56
Team Updates: Big Annoucements & Welcome To Our New Co-Host Moni

Team Updates: Big Annoucements & Welcome To Our New Co-Host Moni

🔊 BIG ANNOUCEMENTS🔊

🎊 We're finally out of a heavy lockdown here in Saigon so we lost no time to get the team physically back together in order to record this special transition episode and give you some updates!

We had to say goodbye to our incredible leader Dana this month and this ushered a few changes in the podcast.

1️⃣ Let's start with the "sad" one first. No other way to say it but Nico is also leaving us! He goes into detail in this episode on the reasons behind his decision and his desire to re-focus his time & intention on writing incredible content for entrepreneurs on his blog.

2️⃣ But do not worry the podcast will carry on with Tue-Si and also.....our NEW co-host Moni! 🎉

Moni is a Life Purpose Coach and a first-generation Vietnamese-Hungarian. We will have a full episode introducing Moni next week and we cannot wait for you to discover her incredible personality! She is super excited to join the podcast and we hope that the new duo of hosts will keep the spirit of the podcast going strong and bring the same valuable interviews to you all!

3️⃣ And Finally the Big Announcement .🥁🥁🥁... Creators In Saigon becomes Creators in Vietnam 🎊

While we remain fans of a good old physical interview, the lockdown really showed us that it was possible to still produce valuable content with online recording so we decided to broaden our horizons and highlight the incredible creators in all of Vietnam!

We're excited about all these changes and while the team is (for now) just a duo, the Creators In Saigon Family just got a bit bigger 💕

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow Creators in Saigon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinsaigon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinsaigon/?hl=en

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Moni: https://linktr.ee/coachmonile

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Oct 24, 202131:47
Unleashing The Goddess Within with Quynh Le

Unleashing The Goddess Within with Quynh Le

Quynh Le is a Feminine Embodiment Coach, Spiritual Teacher and Speaker (she is also a former co-host of the Creators in Saigon podcast!). She guides women and men on how to balance both the masculine and feminine energies within them, for better relationships with themselves and with others. 

Quynh says, "If you’re a woman having trouble forming or sustaining deep connection with other women and constantly feel “threatened, superior/inferior, suspicious, competitive, jealous” around them, you probably have not yet acknowledged and embraced the feminine side within yourself. If you’re a man having issues with the women around you and find “women are so difficult to understand”, the high chance would be that you haven’t been to the feminine side of yourself and explored it deeply enough."

In this episode, Quynh shares her top rituals and practices to fully embody both your masculine and feminine energies, and shares her personal healing journey in doing this work.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Resources Mentioned

Pussy by Regena Tomashauer

Connect with Quynh

Instagram: @quynhspeaks

Men's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/suonggforhim/

Women's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/suongforher/

Couples and Singles Group for Conscious Relationships: https://www.facebook.com/groups/suonggforcouples/

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Dana: http://danadrahos.com/ 

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nicolas: https://www.nicolasthanh.com/



Oct 06, 202101:15:56
Navigating Life Challenges in the startup world with Lam Tran, CEO of Wisepass

Navigating Life Challenges in the startup world with Lam Tran, CEO of Wisepass

When you are an entrepreneur, it's easy to get overwhelmed or lost in your own mind. That is why, in this episode we invited Lam Tran, Co-Founder and CEO of Wisepass

We tried to understand what's the other side of the coin of being a "CEO" and how other entrepreneurs can become as resilent as him. Lam Tran shares with us his different experiences and how he organise himself and manages his startup to stay on track.

He explains us why he moved back to Vietnam and what lead him to become a startup founder in Vietnam. We learned that the entrepreneur's professional and personal life can be strongly tied together when facing difficulties in life.

We also asked him how he transformed criticism into constructive feedback and used it to reshape his business model. And what's the plan for Wisepass, his startup, to thrive in the coming years.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow Creators in Saigon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinsaigon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinsaigon/?hl=en

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Dana: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nicolas: https://www.nicolasthanh.com/

Sep 15, 202101:17:38
Team Updates: Dana's Leaving Vietnam, What's Next for Creators in Saigon Podcast?
Sep 08, 202101:15:48
Overcoming Fear of the Unknown with Tam Nguyen, Host of Vietnam Rising Podcast
Sep 01, 202101:00:30
Putting Deep Empathy In The Service Of Charity With Aiyetoro Hinds Of UPP Global
Aug 25, 202157:59
Create a Long Lasting Impact on Your Community With Social Entrepreneurship - Greg Dolezal, Ology

Create a Long Lasting Impact on Your Community With Social Entrepreneurship - Greg Dolezal, Ology

From a very young age, Greg Dolezal has learned how beneficial it could be to contribute to others in need and to stay active. He was a boyscoot, he is a musician playing with The Young Buffalos, he is involved in the Democratic Party Abroad, coaching and teaching as well, etc.

But, something was missing to Greg for all these years of devoting his time to good causes and his energy to change the world...

He was always frustrated of following someone else's idea.

So, Greg decided to take the leap an start his own social-business; Ology. For us at Creators in Saigon, it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about what is a social business and how different it is from a "normal" business.

During this interview,

Greg explains us how to transform your business into a mission-oriented social-business, that will truly create an impact on the long run and not just make a good sale today.

We discuss what's behind "CSR" (Corporate Social Responsibility), what is truly social, what's not and how hard it is to build a social-enterprise.

Greg also shares with us how important it is to connect with your community, go to help others in need and grow your business by truly adding value to other people around you.

In other words, you will learn how adding the "social" dimension to your business can create a unique mutually beneficial ecosystem for all.

This episode is only a fraction of what's left to cover on the topic of social entrepreneurship. So, if you are interested to learn more, feel free to connect with Greg and Ology!

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Follow Creators in Saigon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinsaigon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinsaigon/?hl=en

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Dana: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nicolas: https://www.nicolasthanh.com/

Aug 19, 202101:12:32
How To Transform Your Passion Into An Impactful Mission, with Wes Jackson
Aug 12, 202101:13:53
How to Be a Good Leader with Loan Tran, Leadership Coach and Business Strategist
Aug 04, 202101:03:12
A Passionate Discussion With Thuyen Vo On The Importance Of Choice In Education, Self-awareness and Mental Health

A Passionate Discussion With Thuyen Vo On The Importance Of Choice In Education, Self-awareness and Mental Health

Jul 29, 202101:08:41
How to Navigate Fear, Anxiety, Instability and Loneliness as a Creator with Author and Podcaster Darren Joe

How to Navigate Fear, Anxiety, Instability and Loneliness as a Creator with Author and Podcaster Darren Joe

As creators and entrepreneurs, we do what we do because we desire freedom, and variety, and control over our own lives. But as wonderful as having these things can be, they come at a cost. Entrepreneurship is lonely, and unstable at times. And if you're not careful, it will really take a toll on your physical and mental health, which is just not sustainable in the long run. But, there are ways to safeguard yourself against these common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. 

Our guest today, Darren Joe, has recently achieved a life-long dream to write a book. Darren's book is the culmination of his personal lessons learned over his own 10-year entrepreneurial journey about mental health and well-being as a solopreneur, that you can put into action immediately. 

In this episode we dig into a few golden nuggets of wisdom from his book and share a lot of personal stories from our own entrepreneurial journeys. 

Darren Joe was born and raised in Southern California, and studied Public Policy and International Affairs at Princeton University. He's been living and working in several different countries in Southeast Asia for the past 10 years.  His business and podcast "Touch MBA" helps MBA applicants match with and get into the world's top business schools. He has just published his first book, The Fail-Safe Solopreneur: 6 Essential Practices to Manage Your Well-Being, Working For Yourself, which was ranked #1 on Amazon for Work-Related Health Books. He's also the host of his podcast ASE, which is about entrepreneurial well-being. In his free time he enjoys Afro-Cuban Dancing & Salsa.

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon


Get in Touch with Darren

Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/3xKusD8

ASE Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3ei5pzi

Touch MBA Podcast: https://spoti.fi/36CHcj2

Blog & Newsletter: https://upstartist.tv/

Follow Creators in Saigon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinsaigon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinsaigon/?hl=en

Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Dana: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nicolas: https://www.nicolasthanh.com/

Jul 21, 202101:29:09
Dear Our Community Podcast Host Tuyen Vo Shares How To Inspire & Connect Through Philanthropy

Dear Our Community Podcast Host Tuyen Vo Shares How To Inspire & Connect Through Philanthropy

✨ In This Episode, We have the pleasure to speak to Tuyen Vo, the incredible host, and creator of the "Dear Our Community" Podcast!

🎉 She shares with us her journey of resilience that led her to pursue her passion for connecting people through philanthropy and her desire to inspire the younger Vietnamese generation into creating positive changes & social impact.

👏  The team is already fan of her first Podcast Dear Our Community and cannot wait to listen to the new one that she is creating at the moment for an English-speaking audience!  Count on us to offer all the support we can, Tuyen!


In this episode:

🎙️ Her difficult upbringing and how her resilience made her thrive for better education.

🎙️ Her work and deep knowledge of philanthropy in Vietnam.

🎙️ Her aspirations for creating social impact in the younger Vietnamese generation

🎙️ The mission behind Dear Our Community Podcast

🎙️ What are her plans in the near future including the creation of a new Podcast

Support the podcast by buying us a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon


Check Dear Our Community Podcast & Get in Touch with Tuyen (Kelly) Vo:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dearourcommunity

Website: http://dearourcommunity.com/

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.vo02


Follow Creators in Saigon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatorsinsaigon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorsinsaigon/?hl=en


Connect and Work with the Hosts:

Dana: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Tue Si: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Nicolas: https://www.nicolasthanh.com/

Jul 16, 202101:07:47
Optimize Your Health and Mental Wellbeing by Healing the Gut ft. Plant-Based Nutritionist and PT Giuliano Cricenti
Jul 11, 202150:23
Team Episode 2 - Updates, Reflections & The Value In Podcasting

Team Episode 2 - Updates, Reflections & The Value In Podcasting

✨ This Episode is quite special as it is a long-due catch-up episode with the whole team!

🎉 BUT First, We want to thanks The Hive Saigon for sponsoring us with their amazing co-working space for our team recording (...and more recordings to come)! We are beyond grateful! 🙏🏼

😆 We had not done an episode together in so long and the excitement got us quite carried away as we caught up on so many different topics!  So saddle up and get ready for some fun updates, a few laughs, and multitudes of shout-outs!

📖 In this episode:

🎙️ The team reflections on our past guests & the value we are getting out of podcasting

🎙️ Nicolas' experience with doing his "Lifebook"

🎙️ The team reflections on mental health, handling criticism & our hopes for the podcasts

🎙️ Dana's life update on her amazing work in Women's Health & Cycle Syncing

🎙️ The team discusses Plant-based Diet in Vietnam

If you love this podcast, consider giving a small donation to support the financial costs of production: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon

Mentionned in this episode:

Get in touch with The Hive Saigon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehivesaigon

Get in touch with Tue-Si:

Website: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Dana Drahos:

Website: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Nicolas Thanh:

Website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

Jun 10, 202154:44
From the Art of Dancing to the Art of Slowing Down with Latin Dancer and Third Culture Kid Marc Nguyen

From the Art of Dancing to the Art of Slowing Down with Latin Dancer and Third Culture Kid Marc Nguyen

Marc Nguyen is half Vietnamese, half Mexican, born in California, and spent his teenage years in Italy. Throughout his younger years he felt a sense of incompleteness due to the Vietnamese side of his culture being somewhat of a mystery. He felt compelled to learn to speak the language and get answers to the questions he had, and so came to Vietnam as an NGO volunteer in 2013. 

Marc is also a professional Latin dancer and choreographer and is passionate about bringing Salsa and Bachata to anyone willing to learn in Saigon. He is currently training a team for the Saigon Latin Cup--a night of dance competition, social dancing, and delicious Latin American and Caribbean food!

In this episode, we discuss how he finds a sense of belonging in the midst of multiple cultures colliding, his Latin dance journey, and how he thought a broken collarbone would be the end of everything, but was actually the start of something new and better.

If you love this podcast, consider giving a small donation to support the financial costs of production: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/creators.saigon 

Connect with Marc Nguyen:

Tickets to the Saigon Latin Cup: https://www.facebook.com/events/428065188486901

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcthelatindancer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc.rojo.nguyen/?hl=en

Also mentioned: https://www.facebook.com/thaodienecowellness

Get in touch with Tue-Si:

Website: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Dana Drahos:

Website: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Nicolas Thanh:

Website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

Episode Cover Photo Credit & Shirt by Dynasty the Label https://www.facebook.com/dynastythelabel (our previous guest Kimmie, check out her episode here!: https://anchor.fm/creatorsinsaigon/episodes/Kimmie-Berhanu--Founder-of-Dynasty-the-Label--on-Identity-and-Ethical-Fashion-eq269u/a-a4im1ir)


Jun 02, 202101:05:09
An Exploration On Modern Vietnamese Vegan Lifestyle With Giang Chu

An Exploration On Modern Vietnamese Vegan Lifestyle With Giang Chu

🥗 Vegan and Plant-based lifestyles are popular in western countries where it is nowadays quite accessible, supported, and understood.

But what about Vietnam? 

🗣️ We are trying to answer this question in this episode with our guest Giang Chu. A young and modern Vietnamese professional that aspires to be the next voice of the Vietnam Vegan Lifestyle.

🔈 From generational misunderstanding, modernizing the already present Vietnamese Vegetarian "Chay" Culture and the deep struggle to maintain the lifestyle without proper support in a country full of delicious meat-dishes...Giang offers us a first glimpse into what could be Vietnam's Vegan life in the coming years.

In this episode:

🎙️ Traveling the world and her move from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

🎙️ How she discovered Veganism and her first attempts at adopting the lifestyle

🎙️ The Difference between Veganism in Vietnam and  the western world

🎙️ Her motivations behind wanting to become Vegans and some of her struggles


Books Mentioned in this episode:

How Not to Die: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25663961-how-not-to-die
Vietnamese Edition: https://www.fahasa.com/an-gi-khong-chet-suc-manh-chua-lanh-cua-thuc-pham.html

Thay Đổi Cuộc Sống Với Nhân Số Học: https://www.fahasa.com/thay-doi-cuoc-song-voi-nhan-so-hoc.html

Khởi Sự Ăn Chay: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48775030-kh-i-s-n-chay


Connect with Giang:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giang.chu.96

Get in touch with Tue-Si:

Website: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Dana Drahos:

Website: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Nicolas Thanh:

Website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

May 21, 202101:01:19
Better Late Than Never: Tony Fornaro's Journey From Toxic 20-Something to Healing 40-Something
May 12, 202101:10:13
Robin Mouquet, Pastry Chef Extraordinaire & His Desire To Share His Passion With Vietnam

Robin Mouquet, Pastry Chef Extraordinaire & His Desire To Share His Passion With Vietnam

🔈 This week, the crew at Creators in Saigon did something new and special! Armed with our brand new equipment and our trusted cellphones, we decided to travel to our guest and interview him in his element!

So we have a shorter episode for you that especially goes in tandem with a video on our Instagram page so be sure to check it out!

🍰 Our guest, Robin Mouquet is a pastry chef that has worked very closely with the world-renown & legendary Pierre Hermé, the "Picasso of Pastry".

He has now chosen Vietnam to settle and develop his own brand and wishes for all of Vietnam to discover his pastries! He actually rented a whole house in district 10 and re-designed the whole ground floor to be his pastry kitchen & shop so do not hesitate to go and visit him there.

It is hard to sit with Robin and not feel the overflowing passion he has for his craft and creations and it was quite invigorating to share a moment with him. The whole team wishes him the very best and we will come back for more eating 😋 

In this episode we discuss:

🎙️ His journey from France to Vietnam

🎙️ His relationship with Pierre Hermé "The Picasso of Pastry"

🎙️ His care and patience for every customers' pastry creation

🎙️ His wishes to make all of Vietnam try his creations and what he hopes for in the near future!


Get in touch with Robin:

Robin.Mouquet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinmouquet.shop

on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robin.mouquet/

Get in touch with Tue-Si:

Website: https://tuesi.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Dana Drahos:

Website: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Nicolas Thanh:

Website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

May 07, 202117:17
Will Szabo owner of Luu Bar on his entrepreneurial journey in Vietnam and learning from mistakes
Apr 28, 202101:03:57
Jana Van Beek, Entrepreneur & Professional Hair Stylist on Preserving Your Energy

Jana Van Beek, Entrepreneur & Professional Hair Stylist on Preserving Your Energy

Jana Van Beek's favorite toy as a child was...a comb! Not the usual toy, but it makes perfect sense when you meet Jana today, who followed her passion of hair styling to become a Professional Hair Stylist, and creator of Earthy Blonde, an all-natural shampoo product to protect blonde hair from pollution and coloring.

Jana started her first very successful hair salon in South Africa at just 23 years old and was styling hair for fashion week and Miss South Africa. After some unfortunate events, she had to close the business and made her way to Asia. She re-built her business in Saigon from scratch, all while juggling full time school and a teaching job, and now has over 30K followers on her Facebook business page!

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Struggles and successes Jana had when starting her first hair salon in South Africa
  • Lessons she learned through having to close her business
  • Why she is passionate about hair styling
  • Why you need to learn to preserve your energy as an entrepreneur (or anyone!) and how to do so
  • The importance of systems and structure for entrepreneurs and what tools we personally use
  • Why and how Jana created her first hair product, Earthy Blonde, an all-natural shampoo for blondes

Jana has been kind enough to offer an exclusive discount for our listeners! Head to her website https://www.janavanbeek.com/ or her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JVBstylist/ and use the promo code CREATORSINSAIGON to get 10% off your purchase! All proceeds from this episode will be going to Little Rose Shelter, a charity and shelter in Saigon for young girls❤️

Get in touch with Jana Van Beek:

Website: https://www.janavanbeek.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JVBstylist/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jvbstylist/

Get in touch with Dana Drahos:

Website: https://danadrahos.carrd.co/

Get in touch with Nicolas Thanh:

Website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

Apr 21, 202153:25
Quit your job, travel the world and find yourself. The journey of Lua Le, founder of Lua's Kitchen.

Quit your job, travel the world and find yourself. The journey of Lua Le, founder of Lua's Kitchen.

Lua Le, in her previous life, was a promising Vietnamese female office-worker who was recognized by her co-workers and praised by her family. But she also felt deep down that something was missing. She was bored and frustrated about her day to day.

So she started to go dancing and meet some international friends in Saigon. That is how she met some digital nomads and started to question more about her career. But still, she needed to go see the world for herself.

So, at 30+ year-old, after many moments of thinking and doubts, she decides to quit her job, leave her family for a moment, take her savings and travel the world on her own.

This decision changed her life.

And in this episode, we cover the many difficulties coming along such a big decision. Lua Le shares how her family reacted to it, her travel adventures, how « not-perfect » this adventure was and how she found herself.

You will also learn about how she started her cooking class business and why it’s now rated as a top-experience on Airbnb or TripAdvisor. She explains us all the journey toward her current success, with all the ups and downs; including how she pivoted during the pandemic.

At the end of the episode we have a really insightful conversation about « getting out of your comfort-zone ». We really hope you learn a lot and enjoy this episode!

To connect with Lua Le, please find her on Facebook and feel free to ask her anything!

Hosts: Nicola Thành & Dana Drahos

This episode is brought to you by Creators in Saigon Podcast!
Please, listen to this episode and share it with your friends, talk about it, and let us know your thoughts!

Apr 08, 202139:56
Mental Health, Body Image, and Childhood Bullying in Vietnam with Tôn Nữ Thiên An

Mental Health, Body Image, and Childhood Bullying in Vietnam with Tôn Nữ Thiên An

Tôn Nữ Thiên An has stories that likely many Vietnamese Millennials can relate to, but very few of which have talked about out loud. We hope this episode opens up a conversation for young Vietnamese to discuss mental health, body image, and bullying.

An bravely shares, for the first time, her experience being bullied as a child by both her classmates and her teacher. She felt worthless, until her Literature teacher stepped in and believed in her. It was a turning point for An to realize that all we need is someone to believe in us. This has led An to become an English teacher, passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment for her students, in the hopes that none of them will have to go through what she did. She introduces her students to taboo topics like racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ issues.

She also opens up about her battle with body image, leading to an eating disorder and subsequent health problems, due to being mocked by her family about her weight and unrealistic beauty standards upheld in Vietnam and globally.

In Vietnam, it's considered "weak" to share about your problems. We hope to change this narrative, to encourage people to openly share and express your emotions. You are NOT alone.

Resources:
https://beautifulmindvn.com/

Connect with An:
Instagram: @andorable._

Connect with Nicolas Thành:

French Expat Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/frenchexpatsvn

IzyViet: https://izyviet.com/

Personal website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolasthanhg/

Connect with Dana Drahos:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.drahos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana.drahos/

Connect with Tue Si Nguyen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuesi

Mar 31, 202101:07:32
How "being authentic" can be the key to succeed in life? - Amélie Huynh Le Maux

How "being authentic" can be the key to succeed in life? - Amélie Huynh Le Maux

🔊 Today, we have the pleasure to introduce you Amélie Huynh Le Maux, a multi-project creators in Saigon who have had literally different lives: she was a Biologist PhD working for a pharmaceutical company to become an entrepreneur in Vietnam partnering with her husband...

Now, she is building a new project with her friend Linda called "Copywriting For Good" and in parallele, explores different creative things. Find out more about here: SaigonHer - Women blogging community or read her cultural newsletter Wander & Wonder in HCMC !

Sometimes, in the creative process, we have too many ideas, too many opportunities of projects... Sometimes the problem is the contrary of the blank page!

It was the opportunity for us to get insights from Amélie's perspective on how to look at opportunities in life from an authentic perspective. In this 28th podcast episode, she explains us more how COVID changed all her plans (and a lot of creators, freelancers, entrepreneurs plans too), how to take your time and be authentic, positive and always openminded.

And of course, because we are all super curious and enthusiastic, our conversation got driven out of the topic and we talked about her relationship, her struggles to ask for money, her discovery about being multi-potential, female-entrepreneurs, cultural events in Saigon, her starting project about copywriting for good causes, ikigai, etc.

Amélie has always been creative and energetic, in all the different aspect of her life. In the end, that is maybe the key to unlock opportunities and connect with people?

🎙Co-hosts: Dana & Nico

✅ Episode 28 - Creators in Saigon Podcast

After listening to our episode, feel free to let us know how you liked it and how we can improve it, but reviewing us on Apple Podcast or itunes.

Mar 25, 202101:03:02
An introspective discussion with Thao Tran | High School for the Gifted Alumni and CEO

An introspective discussion with Thao Tran | High School for the Gifted Alumni and CEO

🎧 I am very excited to share with you this introspective and deeply interesting interview with Thao Tran, CEO of her own translation company Thao & Co https://thaonco.com/.

🧠 In this episode, we delved deeper into her experience as a High School For the Gifted Alumni and her time studying business abroad, and how she is now trying to change the translation market by bringing her passionate views and different approaches she gained from her previous mistakes & successes in the corporate world and her real care for her customers.

🚶🏽I walked out of this interview feeling grateful to her and how she played along and allowed herself to be vulnerable and open about the pressure she is facing, the passionate life she is building for herself, and the deep love she carries for her family and hometown Saigon.

📜 If you are in need of any translation services please visit her website https://thaonco.com/ and do not hesitate to contact her if you would like to help her test out her new system!


Connect with Nicolas Thành:

French Expat Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/frenchexpatsvn

IzyViet: https://izyviet.com/

Personal website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolasthanhg/

Connect with Dana Drahos:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.drahos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana.drahos/

Connect with Tue Si Nguyen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuesi

Mar 17, 202101:05:25
Team Episode 1 - We decided to answer our audience questions!
Mar 10, 202101:08:51
8 Years of Entrepreneurship in Saigon with Nicolas Thành

8 Years of Entrepreneurship in Saigon with Nicolas Thành

Before COVID hit, Nicolas Thành was enjoying the fruits of his four years of labor put into his hostel DaBlend in Saigon, Vietnam. Da Blend Hostel was ranking number one on platforms such as HostelWorld and Trip Advisor. Nico had plans to expand the business and get involved in other tourism business opportunities.

As you can imagine, this all came crashing down with the closing of the Vietnam borders due to the pandemic. It was hard for Nico to accept that it was all over, and that he had to figure something else out--and fast, before he ran out of his savings. At the same time, he was grateful for the chance to actually slow down and have time back to himself. Having spent 10 days in the hospital in 2018 due to overworking, not eating, stress, and lack of sleep..Nico welcomed the opportunity to learn how to install better systems and habits. 

Now, he is a full time business consultant for the company IzyViet, a paperwork service for visas, work permits, licenses, etc. for foreigners in and entering Vietnam. He is also a co-host of our podcast, Creators in Saigon! He also founded a Facebook group community for French Expats in Vietnam (link below). When there aren't government-mandated restrictions, Nico hosts meet ups for entrepreneurs to learn and network.

In this episode we discuss Nico's upbringing, including being a child of divorce, and being a minority in France. We get into his journey coming to Vietnam when he was just 20 years old, starting up two businesses here in his early 20's, and the failures and lessons that came with them. We discuss his relationship with his Vietnamese wife, and how they've managed to stay a strong couple through the ups and downs.

Shout Out to the Seven Million Bikes Podcast, hosted by Niall Mackay! Listen here or on any podcast app!


Connect with Nicolas Thành:

French Expat Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/frenchexpatsvn

IzyViet: https://izyviet.com/

Personal website: https://nicolasthanh.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolasthanhg/


Connect with Dana Drahos:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dana.drahos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana.drahos/


Connect with Tue Si Nguyen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuesi


Mar 03, 202101:07:26