In this episode, host Chad welcomes Punisa Pov, a Cambodian traditional musician whose journey reflects resilience, cultural pride, and the healing power of music. Punisa takes listeners back to her early life in Phnom Penh, where her love for traditional Khmer music first took root amid the everyday challenges her family faced. She speaks openly about the struggles of growing up, including her mother’s illness, and how those hardships strengthened her determination to pursue music not only as an art form but also as a source of comfort and strength.

Punisa describes her path through education and her transformative work with Cambodian Living Arts, an organization dedicated to revitalizing Cambodia’s artistic traditions after decades of upheaval. Her experiences there deepened her understanding of the importance of preserving cultural identity while also inspiring her to share her knowledge with younger generations.

Now based in the United States, Punisa plays a central role at the Cambodian Association of Illinois, where she teaches music, mentors youth, and helps foster a strong sense of community. Through her teaching and performances, she works to ensure that Cambodian music continues to flourish in the diaspora, serving as a living connection between Cambodia’s rich past and the evolving identity of Cambodian Americans today.

Throughout the conversation, Chad and Punisa touch on broader themes of cultural preservation, the importance of mental health, and how music can be a powerful tool for healing and unity. Punisa’s story is not just about her personal journey—it’s about the enduring strength of art to uplift, inspire, and carry forward the spirit of a people.