Nam Nguyen, DJ, father and social worker, shares his journey navigating a bicultural identity as a Vietnamese Australian. He reflects on reconnecting with his family’s history by visiting a Thai refugee camp and discusses the challenges and triumphs of straddling two worlds. Highlighting themes of identity, family, and cultural tension, Nam's storytelling offers insights into the Vietnamese community's resilience and the influence of music. Join Nam and Liem for a deep dive into finding balance between cultural heritage and personal aspirations. Discover the powerful narrative that shapes Nam's life and work. Timestamp Summary 0:00 Opening guided mindfulness exercise 10:30 Nam Nguyen: From Hobby DJ to Cultural Icon 16:24 The Evolution of DJing and Its Impact on Music Sharing 23:37 Growing Up Between Cultures: Multicultural vs. Homogeneous Communities 29:00 Navigating a Hybrid Identity as a Vietnamese Australian 32:45 The Search for Home: What Cultural Identity Really Means 34:35 Family, Tradition, and Change: Modern Vietnam's Cultural Shifts 36:00 Does Culture Shape Happiness? Different Perspectives Explored 36:57 Privilege & Intergenerational Trauma: When Cultures Clash 39:10 Food as a Language of Love and Connection 40:03 Straddling Two Worlds: The Challenges of Identity and Belonging 44:52 Retracing My Family's Roots and Embracing Vietnamese Identity 53:47 Solo Travel Through Vietnam & Thailand: Finding Myself in Culture 57:17 Emotional Return to Samila Beach: A Refugee’s Journey Home 1:03:44 The Struggles of Vietnamese Australian Identity and Belonging 1:10:37 Vietnamese Hip Hop: Its Rise and Cultural Influence 1:14:00 Rediscovering Vietnamese Roots in a Fast-Changing World 1:19:29 How Vietnamese Artists Are Changing the Music Industry 1:23:37 Balancing Tradition, Happiness, and Self-Discovery Follow OKIRU on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Here Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au 💡 Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. 🎙️ Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. 🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Join us for a heartwarming episode on OKIRU: Rise Together, as we celebrate the enriching journey of self-development and multiculturalism with Bou, a proud Māori man. His vibrant culture forms the bedrock of his identity, providing deep-rooted safety and understanding of his place in the world. We're thrilled to share how Māori culture blesses him with so much wisdom and empowerment. Explore the captivating concept of intersectionality as Bou opens up about his experiences as a queer man and an Indigenous individual. His story resonates with authenticity, offering profound insights into the beautiful complexities that shape us. Kickstart this extraordinary episode with a moment of mindfulness through guided meditation, allowing you to connect with your inner self. Let the serenity and peace flow through you as you embark on this empowering journey of self-discovery. As we delve into the heart of our conversation, we pause to honour and appreciate the rich heritage of Australia's First Nations people. A heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of our shared cultural tapestry. Calling all young souls who seek connection, community, and growth! Join us on the OKIRU: Rise Together podcast as we embrace diversity, foster self-discovery, and celebrate the power of culture. Bou's heartfelt story will leave you feeling welcomed and inspired. So tune in now, and together, let's navigate the depths of self-awareness, multiculturalism, and the essence of community. We extend our arms wide to welcome you on this transformative journey. Let's thrive together with open hearts and minds! You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3rOi6HO Facebook: @okiru.com.au Tiktok: @okiru.com.au Help us share more stories and join the Okiru Collective by grabbing yourself or a loved one unique OKIRU gear that will keep you comfy while you watch the podcast: Shop Now 👇 http://www.okiru.com.au About Us OKIRU Collective is more than just clothes and designs we adore. Our mission is to share the untold stories of those who've lived through hardships and glories, inspired by migration waves that overlap. Our founders strive to empower and map a journey towards mastering one's universe. Through sharing tales from diverse backgrounds, we delve deep into personal identities found. We believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, to share, to feel its full glory. We know life's struggles, the pain and strife, mental and physical health battles rife. So we motivate you to push through the fight, to "Get Up" when knocked down, to ignite a courage to begin, strength to perform, and perseverance to keep going, no matter the storm. OKIRU represents belief in oneself and kindness to others, a valuable wealth.