In this episode, host Chad sits down with Ova Sao Pang, a Lao refugee who grew up in Hawaii, to explore his remarkable life journey and the lessons he has drawn from it. Ova shares the story of his family’s migration from Laos to the United States, describing the challenges of displacement and the resilience required to build a new life in a completely different cultural landscape. Growing up in Hawaii, he navigated the complexities of holding onto his Lao heritage while adapting to a multicultural environment, which sparked his lifelong interest in identity and belonging.

Ova discusses how these experiences shaped his path into the world of theater, where he discovered the transformative power of storytelling as both a personal and communal practice. He explains how theater became a way to express cultural narratives often overlooked in mainstream spaces, giving voice to the struggles and triumphs of Southeast Asian communities. Through his work, he emphasizes the importance of representation, visibility, and creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.

The conversation also highlights Ova’s deep commitment to community engagement. He reflects on the shared challenges that Southeast Asian communities face—such as generational trauma, underrepresentation, and cultural assimilation—and stresses the need for solidarity and interconnection between different cultures. For Ova, art is not just performance, but a bridge that fosters understanding and unity.

Looking toward the future, Ova shares his aspirations to expand his work internationally, building connections that transcend borders while continuing to inspire others through the arts. His vision is rooted in the belief that storytelling can transform lives, heal communities, and bring people closer together, regardless of background.