Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast

Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - Hidden Wildlife to Conservation Wins | James Hunt

"All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises—just like not all who wander are lost."Niall Mackay sits down with James Hunt, an American expat in Vietnam known for his restaurant ventures like Brick and Barrel and Big Boss Bistro. However, James's story extends far beyond the world of fried chicken and culinary pursuits. He delves into his passion for wildlife photography, which initially drew him to Vietnam, and how it eventually led him to explore and document some of the country’s rarest creatures, including King Cobras and critically endangered species like pangolins.James also shares the challenges and joys of navigating Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, from the rich biodiversity of Cat Tien National Park to remote, unexplored regions along the Laos border. Together, Niall and James discuss the growing awareness of conservation in Vietnam, touching on how recent government policies and grassroots efforts are making a difference. It’s a conversation about adventure, discovery, and the importance of preserving Vietnam's natural beauty.Takeaways:Unexpected Journey to Vietnam: James recounts how his initial visit to Vietnam as a photography enthusiast led to an unplanned, long-term stay in a country that captured his heart.Vietnam's Hidden Wildlife: Learn about Vietnam’s lesser-known wildlife, including the elusive parakeets and flying squirrels that inhabit even the urban areas of Saigon.Conservation Success Stories: James shares how Vietnam's government has made strides in conservation, cracking down on illegal wildlife trade and supporting educational initiatives.Exploring Cat Tien National Park: Insight into the changes and improvements at Cat Tien National Park, and why it’s a must-visit for nature lovers looking to experience Vietnam's biodiversity.The Fight Against Wildlife Poaching: Discusses the illegal trade of animal parts like bear bile and pangolin scales, and the role of organizations like ENV and Save Vietnam's Wildlife in combating these issues.Chapters and Timestamps:02:00 - Meeting James Hunt: From Fried Chicken to Photography05:30 - How Vietnam Became Home for James10:15 - Opening Restaurants During COVID: Big Boss Bistro and Brick and Barrel14:20 - The Hidden Wildlife of Vietnam: Snakes, Birds, and More18:15 - Conservation Efforts in Vietnam: A Changing Landscape23:00 - Illegal Wildlife Trade: Challenges and Solutions28:45 - Discovering Cat Tien Nat"Send me a message!"Support the show🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - "Just Another Lesbian" In Saigon On LQBTQ+ Acceptance and Sex Education | Phuong Truong S8 E7

Join The CommunityPhuong Truong, "just another lesbian in town", is the owner of Twist coffee bar in Thao Dien, a fun place for everyone and a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.We discuss the LQBTQ+ community in Vietnam in the context of religion, region and generational acceptance.We also talk about sex education in Vietnam in light of a recent story in VNExpress with the headline, It's not working: sex education makes teachers and students squirm and another story about a parent finding her 12 year old child had been watching pornography.Phuong herself started watching pornography at only 8 years old.Follow Seven Million Bikes on Facebook or Instagram.Buy us a coffee.-------------------Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay.Episode art designed by Niall Mackay, with pictures supplied by guests and used with permission.Audio Engineer Luke Digweed.These are the programs we use to create A Vietnam Podcast.These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes too.Editing - Descript https://bit.ly/3FM3IFBHost - Buzzsprout https://bit.ly/3cFbQvkDesign - Canva https://bit.ly/3oW2S2nSupport - Fiverr https://bit.ly/3FI7EXZWebsite - 10 Web https://bit.ly/3HNTOoU"Send me a message!"Support the show🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Discover the secrets to thriving as an Expat mum in Vietnam with Claire Simpson

“I never thought I was going to have kids here… that wouldn’t have even crossed my mind.” — Claire SimpsonThis episode with Claire really opened my eyes to a side of Vietnam I’ve never personally experienced but have always been curious about — what it’s actually like to be an expat parent here. I've interviewed entrepreneurs, creatives, teachers, founders… but motherhood is a whole different universe.There were parts of this episode that surprised me, like how many expats assume you can’t buy diapers or formula here, or the fact that kindergarten can start as early as 6–9 months. And then the nanny story… wow. It’s one of the wildest behind-the-scenes expat-life stories I’ve ever heard on the podcast.But the biggest takeaway for me is this: Vietnam can absolutely be an amazing place to raise a child — as long as you’re prepared, informed, and connected.Key Talking PointsWhat maternity care in Vietnam is really like for expats — including costs, translation challenges, medical tests, and choosing the right hospital.How motherhood impacts identity abroad — from postpartum depression to losing parts of yourself to rebuilding routines and confidence.Practical realities of raising a kid in Vietnam — baby supplies, pollution, infrastructure, kindergartens, and accessing play areas.How Vietnamese culture treats children — the warmth, attention, and openness families receive everywhere they go.The truth about hiring a nanny in Vietnam — a raw story about contracts, misunderstandings, emotional conflict, and what expat parents need to know.Episode Chapters & Timestamps02:50 — Awards, Identity & Pregnancy Claire talks about influencer awards, losing parts of her identity, and finding out she was pregnant.06:30 — Navigating Healthcare & Maternity Packages We dive into hospitals, costs, tests, translators, and what the maternity journey looks like in Vietnam.12:50 — Motherhood Without Family Support The emotional and practical challenges of being an expat mum, postpartum depression, and building a “tribe.”17:45 — Raising Kids in Vietnam: Food, Formula, Kindergartens & Safety Diapers, play areas, pollution, sidewalks, cultural attitudes toward children — the full picture.28:30 — The Nanny Story: Contracts, Conflict & Lessons Learned Claire shares the dramatic and eye-opening experience of hiring a nanny and the advice she wishes she had known."Send me a message!"Support the show🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Back Catalog Rewind : Discover Vietnam - From the U.S. Airforce to Learning Vietnamese and Being On VTV | Slawpi Đô

Get NordVPN’s ultimate security package - 63% off the 2-year plan |Support Independent Podcasts. Join The Seven Million Bikes CommunitySlawpi Đô, his pseudonym, shares why he is dedicated to learning Vietnamese. why he wants to be on Vietnamese TV, and talks about his military background, trying to start a business in Vietnam and learning to enjoy being unproductive. In this episode Niall and Slawpi Đô talk about;what it is really like to be in the US AirforceWhy he is learning Vietnamesethe challenges of living in Vietnamthe difficulty of accepting being unproductiveFollow Seven Million Bikes on Facebook or Instagram.Buy us a coffee.-------------------Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.Episode art designed by Niall Mackay on CanvaAudio Engineer Garrett McLeanThese are the programs we use to create A Vietnam Podcast. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes too.NordVPN | Descript | Buzzsprout | Canva | Fiverr | 10 Web "Send me a message!"Support the show🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Why Female Founders Thrive in Vietnam with Amy Wenham

“The first thing I saw that I just loved so much is that the women here are so fearless.” — Amy WenhamThis conversation with Amy was one of those episodes where I found myself nodding almost the entire time. I’ve been talking about how badass Vietnamese women are for years, but Amy put language to things I’ve seen but could never fully articulate.What I loved most is that she didn’t just compare Vietnam to the UK — she compared it to Dubai, a place where she saw firsthand how a country can transform itself, empower women, and build an entirely new entrepreneurial ecosystem. And according to her, Vietnam is on that trajectory too — maybe even faster.We also explored identity, expectations, family pressure, and the very real tension between being a modern entrepreneur and living within traditional structures. It’s something every foreigner eventually observes here, but Amy broke it down with empathy and clarity.Key Talking PointsWhy Vietnamese women are some of the most fearless, entrepreneurial people Amy has ever met — anywhere in the world.The surprising similarities between Dubai and Vietnam when it comes to empowering female founders.How social media pressures — especially the obsession with going viral — impact women and businesses in Vietnam.The difference between small-town expectations and big-city ambition for Vietnamese women.Why Vietnam feels like a “mother country,” and what that means for its rapid growth and future.Chapters & Timestamps03:00 — Amy’s Journey From London to Dubai to VietnamAmy talks about arriving in Dubai, cultural shock, and eventually discovering the same energy in Vietnam.10:00 — Feminine Power, Subservience & Small-Town vs City LifeWe unpack the contrast between modern entrepreneurship and traditional expectations.18:00 — The Pressures on Vietnamese Women: Family, Work, MarriageAmy explains the invisible load women carry and how family structure supports — and pressures — them.27:00 — Social Media Culture & The Myth of ViralityWe talk about TikTok culture, “mukbang,” seeding, and why going viral is usually bad for business.45:00 — Vietnam’s Future & Why It’s a ‘Mother’ CountryWhy Vietnam’s growth will be heavily shaped by women — and why the country feels inherently feminine."Send me a message!"Support the show🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉 www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!