Sometimes the most important discussions are the ones we never talk about. In this series of podcast, we talk on the topics of mental health and well-being. What does it take to get out of rock bottom? How do you build mental resilience? Let’s talk.
All content for OKIRU: Rise Together is the property of OKIRU and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Sometimes the most important discussions are the ones we never talk about. In this series of podcast, we talk on the topics of mental health and well-being. What does it take to get out of rock bottom? How do you build mental resilience? Let’s talk.
Between Two Worlds: The Vietnamese Australian Identity | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #68
OKIRU: Rise Together
1 hour 26 minutes
8 months ago
Between Two Worlds: The Vietnamese Australian Identity | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #68
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!
OKIRU: Rise Together
Sometimes the most important discussions are the ones we never talk about. In this series of podcast, we talk on the topics of mental health and well-being. What does it take to get out of rock bottom? How do you build mental resilience? Let’s talk.