"It’s not about defying my family—it’s about choosing a life that fits who I am."

Niall Mackay sits down with Thinh Dang, a young personal trainer from Vietnam with a fascinating story. Thinh shares his journey from growing up in Dak Lak, moving to Da Nang for education, and ultimately ending up in Saigon, where he has built a successful career as a personal trainer—despite his family’s traditional expectations for him to follow a more conventional career path.

Thinh reveals how his family worked tirelessly to provide him and his siblings with better educational opportunities. Despite the pressure to conform to the typical expectations of a stable office job, Thinh followed his passion for fitness, which has not only given him personal fulfillment but also allowed him to carve out a successful business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the crossroads between family expectations and personal dreams.

Key Takeaways:

• Growing Up in Dak Lak - Thinh describes the tough environment of his hometown, highlighting the poor education system and his family’s struggles with work.
• The Importance of Education in Vietnamese Culture - Thinh’s parents sacrificed a lot to ensure their children had better educational opportunities in the city of Da Nang.
• Breaking Free from Family Expectations - Despite graduating with a business degree, Thinh chose to follow his passion for fitness and became a personal trainer.
• The Cultural Clash of Career Choices - Thinh shares how difficult it was to tell his traditional family that he wasn’t pursuing a stable, conventional career.
• Building a Fitness Business in Saigon - Thinh’s vision for the future includes scaling his personal training business by mentoring other trainers and eventually opening his own gym.

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Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

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The full list of winners is here.

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“It’s a relief living in a place where I don’t have to worry about guns on a daily basis. In the U.S., there’s always that undercurrent of fear, but here in Vietnam, it’s not something I ever have to think about.”

In this inaugural episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay sits down with his wife, Adrie Lopez Mackay, to explore what it’s like living in Vietnam as an American. The conversation delves into Adrie’s first impressions, the cultural perceptions surrounding Vietnam, and how they both adjusted to life in Saigon over the past eight years. The discussion covers everything from Vietnam’s growing craft beer scene to the impact of American foreign policy and even reflections on visiting the War Remnants Museum.

Key Highlights:

1. American Perceptions of Vietnam: Adrie shares her initial apprehensions as an American moving to Vietnam, reflecting on the long-standing stereotypes related to the Vietnam War and how those were challenged once she arrived.
2. Cultural Reflections: The couple compares cultural experiences in Vietnam with Adrie’s upbringing in the U.S., highlighting the Vietnamese people’s warmth, acceptance, and resilience, especially given the historical context.
3. Living in Saigon as a Foreigner: The challenges of adjusting to life in Saigon are explored, from navigating the local food scene to understanding Vietnam’s mix of modern and traditional elements. Adrie and Niall also touch on practicalities like transportation, shopping, and maintaining a connection to American culture while living abroad.
4. The War Remnants Museum: A visit to the War Remnants Museum stands out as a pivotal moment in reshaping Adrie’s understanding of the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective, offering an emotional and sobering experience for both.
5. Comparing Vietnam and the U.S.: Adrie offers insights into how living in Vietnam provides a break from the gun culture and political turbulence of the U.S., emphasizing the sense of safety and community she feels in Saigon.

Adrie’s Initial Fear as an American in Vietnam – [00:00:00]
Introduction to the Saigon Sunday Sessions – [00:01:00]
Visiting the War Remnants Museum – [00:05:00]
Vietnam’s Changing Reputation – [00:07:00]
Vietnamese Peopl

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Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
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Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you c

Support the show

"I absolutely love living in Saigon, I love living in Vietnam. The people are amazing."

In this comprehensive episode of the Vietnam Podcast, host Niall Mackay blends personal experiences of living in Saigon with the journey and success of creating a globally recognized podcast.

The episode is an 'Ask Me Anything' session where Niall answers listener questions, reflects on the growth and transformation of Vietnam, and shares intriguing personal stories and challenges.

Key topics include insights into Vietnamese and British humor, cultural adaptations, modern amenities in Vietnam, and tips for new expats.

Memorable moments include emotional interviews with guests and the host’s reflections on milestones like winning prestigious podcasting awards.

Practical advice is offered for those planning to move to Vietnam, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and social platforms like Patreon.

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

The full list of winners is here.

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you c

Support the show

“Living in South Korea… my eyes were bugging out of my head on vacation in Saigon.”

Mischa Smith was one of the first guests on A Vietnam Podcast in 2019!

Niall and Mischa revisit the dramatic changes in Saigon over the past eight years, highlighting the city's evolution from swamps to modern buildings.

Mischa, a long-term resident of Saigon and former sales director of Pasteur Street Brewing Company, the episode delves into their shared experiences and how both the city and their careers have developed.

Mischa shares nostalgic stories about the emerging craft beer scene in Saigon, comparing it to his time in South Korea.

They discuss the constantly changing landscape of Saigon’s food and beverage industry, touching on the growing presence of international brands and the resilient local culture.

The episode also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and joys of being part of Saigon’s vibrant community while offering insights into the podcast's growth and future plans.

Key Takeaways:

1.Saigon’s Transformation: Saigon has changed drastically over the years, with modern developments continuously bumping up against the city’s old, traditional elements .

2.Craft Beer Scene Growth: The craft beer scene in Saigon was nonexistent when Mischa arrived, but it has since exploded, starting with pioneers like Pasteur Street Brewing Company .

3.Comparison of Korea and Vietnam: Mischa contrasts his experience in Korea, where the foreigner population was mostly ESL teachers and U.S. military, with Saigon, where he encountered people from various backgrounds and industries .

4.Career Shifts: Mischa’s transition from teaching ESL to becoming a sales director for Pasteur Street Brewing was influenced by his passion for craft beer and the opportunity to help grow the industry in Vietnam .

5.Challenges in the Spirits Industry: Mischa discussed the challenges of working in the spirits industry versus beer, noting that small brands face significant competition from large corporations with massive budgets.

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you c

Support the show

I want to do an Ask Me Anything, but I need your help!

Send me your questions about my life in Vietnam, life in Vietnam in general or anything Vietnam related!

I'll use your answers to create a special AMA episode.

Send your questions by October 11th to;

Email: niall@sevenmillionbikes.com
Instagram
Facebook

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Adrie Lopez-Mackay joins host and husband, Niall Mackay, as they venture out for a brunch in Thao Dien, Saigon and as recommended by Mischa Smith, the Oriental Snapper

They discuss the major infrastructural changes in the city over the past few years. From the transformation of roads and tunnels to improved traffic systems, they reflect on how the city's charm has evolved.

The episode also features a near miss with a dog, funny moments of driving in Saigon, and highlights of new dining spots and amenities in Thao Dien, including a review of a delicious zucchini corn fritter brunch.

00:00 Starting the Journey: Heading Out for Brunch
00:21 Navigating Saigon's Changing Roads
00:50 Unexpected Encounters on the Road
01:32 Saigon's Infrastructure Evolution
02:05 Modernization and Traffic Improvements
04:42 Exploring Thao Dien: Then and Now
06:51 Brunch Time: Trying the Oriental Snapper
08:00 Food Review: Zucchini Corn Fritter

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you c

Support the show

Podcasts have revolutionized how we consume content, providing a platform for storytelling, education, entertainment, and conversations that span the globe.

Today is International Podcast Day, September 30, is a time to honor the incredible impact podcasting has had on our lives.

As a podcaster myself, I’ve seen firsthand how this unique medium can create connections, foster communities, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.

In celebration of International Podcast Day, I’ve gathered some fascinating facts about our podcasts and the podcasting industry as well.

If you want to get in touch with Niall with any comments get in touch at niall@sevenmillionbikes.com

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you c

Support the show

Join me and Adrie for a look at Yunka, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Saigon, as we navigate the chaotic rainy season. We speak to manager Huynh Nguyen about the evolution of Saigon's service industry and the passion of young Vietnamese staff who make places like Yunka shine.

Amidst personal anecdotes and event planning nightmares, we explore the unique offerings of this cozy spot, its serene ambiance, and its standout drinks like the Passion Fruit Sake and Yunka Sour.

And we answer the most important question... is the Yunka Sour better than the 86 Proof whisky sour?

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you c

Support the show