Best Alex Chau Podcasts (2025)

1
Caylee So - Filmmaker 1:04:41

4d ago1:04:41

1:04:41

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, I sit down with Caylee So, a Cambodian-American filmmaker, veteran, and co-founder of the Cambodian Town Film Festival. Born in a refugee camp after her parents fled the Khmer Rouge, Caylee shares her incredible journey from growing up in Virginia to serving in the Army National Guard and ultim…

1
Loung Ung - Author of "First They Killed My Father" 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

With the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge upon us, I’m honored to share a conversation that holds so much weight, truth, and heart. In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, I sit down with Loung Ung, Cambodian-American author, activist, and survivor. You probably know Loung from her memoir First They Killed My Father, which tells t…

1
Jean-Baptiste Phou - Author of “Coming Out of My Skin” 1:05:53

2M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

French-Cambodian artist Jean-Baptiste Phou joins Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast for a powerful conversation about identity, creative expression, and the journey of reconnection. Born in Paris and now based in Phnom Penh, Jean-Baptiste reflects on growing up as a Cambodian immigrant in France, grappling with cultural disconnection, and u…

1
Patricia McCormick - Author of Never Fall Down 51:01

4M ago51:01

51:01

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with Patricia McCormick, a two-time National Book Award finalist and the acclaimed author of Never Fall Down, a powerful novel based on the true story of Arne Chorn-Pond, a boy who survived the Khmer Rouge by playing music. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytell…

1
Sin Setsochhata - Singer/Songwriter 1:00:25

4M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

We’re back with Season 3 of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, and we’re still going strong with incredible interviews! This week, we’re joined by Sin Setsochhata, a rising singer-songwriter from Phnom Penh and the granddaughter of the legendary Sinn Sisamouth—Cambodia’s “Elvis” and a trailblazer of Khmer rock. Setsochhata opens up about growing u…

1
Dr. Judy Lederwood - Researcher 59:19

6M ago59:19

59:19

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with anthropologist Dr. Judy Ledgerwood, an expert on generational trauma and Southeast Asian studies. Drawing from decades of research in Cambodia and with Cambodian refugees in the United States, Dr. Ledgerwood unpacks the profound aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime. Together, th…

1
Dr. Alex Hinton - Anthropologist 1:21:22

6M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

In this powerful episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with renowned anthropologist Dr. Alexander Hinton, an expert on genocide, mass violence, and human rights, to dig into the dark history of the Cambodian genocide and the lessons it holds for the world. Dr. Hinton shares how his journey began with a visit to Cambodia in 1992…

1
THEORY OF A DEAD PARTY 1:57:14

7M ago1:57:14

1:57:14

In this episode, we breakdown the results of the 2024 election, why it didn't go as we expected/ why it turned out the way it did, we entertain hypotheticals about previous elections and talk about what's coming up next.By The Discourse

1
Chantha Nguon - Author of "Slow Noodles" 53:00

7M ago53:00

53:00

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Chantha Nguon, author of Slow Noodles, Fast City and a refugee of the Khmer Rouge. Nguon shares her powerful journey of survival, starting with her childhood in Cambodia, which abruptly changed when the Khmer Rouge took over. She recounts the hardships her family faced while fleeing to Vietnam, losing loved …

1
Eric Tang - Author of Unsettled 44:03

8M ago44:03

44:03

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Eric Tang, author of Unsettled: Cambodian Refugees in the New York City Hyperghetto. As an associate professor and former community organizer, Tang shares his deeply personal research on Cambodian refugees in the U.S., shedding light on the often overlooked struggles they face. From his time working with Cam…

1
Bunthoeun Real - Director of Donut Boy 1:00:03

8M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with award-winning Cambodian-American director and writer, Bunthoeun Real, to dive into his experiences growing up as a Cambodian American and his inspiring journey into filmmaking. Real shares the unique challenges of navigating cultural expectations, the importance of representati…

1
WET FUTURE ft. Michael Chau 1:33:04

9M ago1:33:04

1:33:04

In this episode, I am joined by Michael Chau (Twitter: @SrirachaChau) to discuss the Alien franchise. We rank the 7 movies, talk about how wet/dystopian the future is, and more!By The Discourse

1
Elizabeth Becker - Author of "When the War Was Over" 57:56

9M ago57:56

57:56

Elizabeth Becker, a war correspondent and author of When The War Was Over: Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, discusses her experience in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. Becker explains how she became interested in Cambodian history and how she ended up as a journalist in Vietnam and Cambodia. Becker highlights the importance of understanding th…

1
Dr. Scott Allen - Author of "Across a Bridge of Fire" 1:05:51

10M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Dr. Scott A. Allen, an author, physician and professor, shares his experiences working in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border in the 1980s in his book, Across a Bridge of Fire: An American Teen's Odyssey from the Burn Ward to the Edge of the Cambodian Killing Fields. Dr. Allen highlights the resilience and hope he witnessed in the refugees, …

1
FROM THE WINDOZ TO THE WALZ 1:25:13

10M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

In this episode, we discuss Walz joining the Democratic Party Presidential ticket and the escalation of the genocide by Israel.By The Discourse

1
Monica Sok - Author & Poet 1:00:26

11M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Monica Sok, author of A Nail the Evening Hangs On, discusses her upbringing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and her connection to her Cambodian heritage. She shares how her parents' silence about their refugee experiences and her own curiosity led her to explore her history and pursue poetry. Sok talks about her time studying abroad in Vietnam and Camb…

1
WEREWOLF IN THE WHITE HOUSE! 1:27:33

11M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

In this episode, we talk about the current state of Joe Biden, the likelihood of him being replaced and who could replace him.By The Discourse

1
SUNDOWNING AT THE O.K. CORRAL 1:42:34

11M ago1:42:34

1:42:34

In this episode, we discuss the first Presidential debate of the 2024 election, Biden's performance, and the consequences for Democrats.By The Discourse

1
Chris Parkhurst, Producer and Director of Elvis of Cambodia 50:49

11M ago50:49

50:49

Director and producer Chris Parkhurst discusses his documentary film 'Elvis of Cambodia' and his journey of exploring the music and legacy of Cambodian artist Sinn Sisamouth. The film beautifully blends the history of the Khmer Rouge with the healing power of Cambodian music. Chris shares how he fell in love with documentary filmmaking and Cambodia…

1
HOG WILD 1:06:53

12M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

In this episode, we discuss the conviction of Hunter Biden, Trump's VP considerations, and the upcoming presidential debate.By The Discourse

1
Anne Elizabeth Moore - Author, Journalist, and Cultural Critic 59:50

12M ago59:50

59:50

Anne Elizabeth Moore, author of Cambodian Grrrl, shares her experiences in Cambodia, teaching young women about self-publishing and cultural differences. She discusses the impact of the Khmer Rouge and the Chbab Srey on women's rights and freedom of speech. The conversation covers Moore’s experience teaching self-publishing to young women in Cambod…

1
HACKING THE BORDER w/ Prof. Levi Vonk 1:13:02

1y ago1:13:02

1:13:02

In this episode, we talk with Levi Vonk – professor, freelance journalist, and author – about his book “Border Hacker”, migrant caravans, international worker solidarity, the contradictions within the asylum process, and the crackdown on Pro-Palestine encampments at UVA.Levi’s Social MediaTwitter: www.twitter.com/vonklevi/Instagram: www.instagram.c…

1
Soreath Hok - A Multi-Media Journalist 51:33

1y ago51:33

51:33

Soreath Hok, a multimedia journalist, shares her journey in the media industry and her focus on reporting on Cambodian-American mental health issues. She discusses her upbringing as a 1.5 generation immigrant and her love for media from a young age. Soreath talks about her experience in college radio and how it led her to pursue a career in journal…

1
Dr. Sophal Ear - Esteemed Academic and Writer 1:19:55

1y ago1:19:55

1:19:55

Dr. Sophal Ear, a Cambodian refugee, shares his journey from escaping the Khmer Rouge to becoming a successful academic and writer. He discusses his multifaceted work, including teaching, research, and consulting, and his passion for paying it forward and giving back. Dr. Ear reflects on the importance of educating the next generation about the Khm…

1
Dr. Patrick Heuveline - A Sociologist and Khmer Rouge Expert 1:06:08

1y ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Welcome back to Season 3 of Death in Cambodia, Life in America! We're starting season 3 off strong with a special guest: Dr. Patrick Heuveline. Dr. Heuveline is a sociologist and expert on the long-term consequences of the Khmer Rouge regime, discusses the effects of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. He explores topics such as the baby boom that occurre…

1
HOUSE HACKERS ft Matt Lech 1:15:21

1+ y ago1:15:21

1:15:21

In this episode, Matt Lech joins the show to discuss a mutual guilty pleasure: HGTV's House Hunters. We talk our favorite (least favorite) hunting destinations, couples, and trends. We also talk about our own feelings on travel.(Apologies for the echo, recording in a new, empty studio)You can find Matt's podcast, Left Reckoning here: https://www.le…

1
ENTER THE WONKAVERSE 1:22:15

1+ y ago1:22:15

1:22:15

In this episode, Alex Ptak joins the show to dive deep into the Wonkaverse to discuss all (most) things Willy Wonka. We provide a retrospective on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), before giving our impressions on the newest adaptation Wonka (2023). You can find Alex's shows Quorators here: h…

1
Nick Coffill - Author of the book "Photography in Cambodia: 1866 to Present" 1:14:14

2y ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Nicholas Coffill's huge passion for live theatre, performances, and sharing a cultures history through photography and music - lead him to create one of the first ever fully developed photography books about Cambodia today. His book "Photography in Cambodia: 1866 to the Present" is one of the most beautiful coffee table books enriched with photogra…

1
Catherine Filloux - Award Winning Playwright of the Only Cambodian-U.S. Rock Opera 59:26

2y ago59:26

59:26

For the past three decades, award-winning artist, playwright, and librettist Catherine Filloux has been traveling to conflict areas creating art that addresses human rights and U.S. complicity. Her plays and operas about Cambodia include: “Eyes of the Heart” and “Photographs from S-21” and she is the co-founder of Theatre Without Borders. “Where El…

1
Myra Torcheux - A Cambodian Orphan in France 1:05:47

2y ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Myra Torcheux has her masters from The London School of Economics and aspires to change policies for children's rights. Much of her passion for this career is driven by her experience growing up in France as an adoptee. I mentioned via social media that I am passionate about highlighting stories that deserve more attention, one storyline being the …

1
ZERO DARK-BLUE THIRTY FT. ALEX PTAK 1:07:05

2+ y ago1:07:05

1:07:05

In this episode, Brandon is joined by Alex Ptak to discuss the hit blockbuster Avatar 2: Way of the Water and the many lessons only teachable on Pandora.Alex Ptak's Website: https://t.co/zPnszWQ8p4By The Discourse

1
Sochanvimean Vannavuth Ph.D - How has the Khmer Rouge Effected this Generation? 55:40

2+ y ago55:40

55:40

I am popping out of retirement to introduce you to someone that I absolutely HAD to interview. Sochanvimean or as I call him Vimean , is a Cambodian Ph.D Psychologist at UCSB who is passionate about how the mental health and generational trauma is cultivated through traumatic expereinces such as the Khmer Rouge. We dig into Vimean's past growing up…

1
Season Finale - Farewell to Robert 53:22

2+ y ago53:22

53:22

Robert and I share our last recording together as we close this chapter. We finalize the season by discussing what Robert has learned over the years, how he would have done things differently, and what he hopes everyone will takeaway from this podcast. We discuss topics like revenge, forgiveness, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, lessons of life…

1
A Final Message, From Me to You. 10:22

2+ y ago10:22

10:22

By Dorothy Chow

1
Special Guest - Angela Wu aka The Sassy Asian Therapist 54:39

2+ y ago54:39

54:39

Today we bring on Angela Wu LMFT aka the Sassy Asian Therapist to bring on a professional light on what generational trauma is, and how we can cope with it as second generation asian Americans. We discuss this idea of trying to "fix" our parents as children of refugees, tactics to handle generational trauma, how we can start the conversation of hea…

1
Special Guest - David Edsall Law 30:04

2+ y ago30:04

30:04

David and Robert met when they were both young and starting their their careers. While Robert was building his long train of shops up along highway 99, he met a nice lawyer from Camarillo, CA who was willing to help Robert on reading documents and any legal situations he was in. To this day, David is just a phone call away for any of Robert's legal…

1
S2 Epsiode 16: The Fall of Golden Bake 30:11

3y ago30:11

30:11

Robert discusses the lowest point in his life in America - when a family member and business partner who he trained from the ground up, stabbed him in the back and pushed him out of his own company. He talks about being depressed, angry, and turning to alcohol to release himself from the pain. Robert felt he spent his whole life working and sacrifi…

1
S2 Episode 15: The Growth of Golden Bake 27:00

3y ago27:00

27:00

Robert reflects on his past and the different obstacles he faced as he ran 4 different companies at once. We dive into topics like how people viewed him, jealousy, family perceptions and more. He recalls an instance where we attends a wedding where nobody actually knew who he was and he witnessed (and even joined in!) on the gossip about this myste…

1
S2 Episode 14: The Rise of Golden Bake 26:12

3y ago26:12

26:12

Robert continues to grow B&H in Northern California and ended up doing so well that he surpassed his Southern California counterpart. They had an agreement when they first decided to join together that Robert's territory was Northern California and his friend was Southern. However, the counterpart started getting jealous and crossing into Northern …

1
S2 Episode 13: Crabs in a Bucket Mentality 20:12

3y ago20:12

20:12

Robert discusses the cultural downfalls of the Cambodian culture that he first realizes when he tries to grow his business. He notices that there is a lack of community and help when he comes to supporting their own Cambodian people, which we call "crabs in a bucket" mentality. Robert does his best to create this community and despite the pushback,…

1
Black Brandon, White Brandon, Dark Brandon, Light Brandon 1:19:48

3y ago1:19:48

1:19:48

In this episode, Crypto Chad and the Boyz discuss the collapse of the economy, Crypto technology, Shinzo Abe's assassination, and more.By The Discourse

1
S2 Epsiode 12: The Beginning of B&H Bakery Distributors 26:01

3y ago26:01

26:01

Robert and I take it back to discuss how he went from a silent investor to running the Northern California division of B&H Bakery Distributors. Robert believes it was a great idea from the very beginning to supply his own community with the ingredients they needed to run their donut shops. After building the donut shops up along California, Robert …

1
S2 Episode 11: Church's Fried Chicken and Winchell's Donuts 29:46

3y ago29:46

29:46

Robert continued on with his growth mindset and built donut shops until he hit South Lake Tahoe where he lost money due to renting the shops to owners with gambling problems. He then decided that he was going to tackle Church's Fried Chicken when he found out of an opportunity to take over their locations with the idea of potentially turning them i…

1
S2 Episode 10: "If I have money, I have everything" 26:40

3y ago26:40

26:40

Robert scales up the state of California taking 6-8 months at a time building donut shops all along highway 99. Robert backpacks his way just building one shop after the next with no intention of stopping. He has become borderline obsessed with his process of building donut shops. Robert talks about never taking a day off and how the culture he was…

1
Dear Fellow Survivors - A Khmer Message From Robert 22:07

3y ago22:07

22:07

Today, I released the video called Dear Fellow Survivors. This video feels like the accumulation of what the podcast represents so far: healing. My goal is and always has been to heal as many remaining survivors as possible, and this video is the kickstart. Todays release is a audio version of Robert's speech, however if you don't understand Khmer,…

1
S2 Episode 9: The Gift of the American Dream 22:34

3y ago22:34

22:34

Robert continues to build donut shops throughout California. In this epsiode we talk about Robert's chase towards the American Dream and why he fought so relentlessly towards it. I ask Robert how he has the willpower to keep going, and what his mindset was like as a new refugee in America. This episode was a huge eye opener for me on how refugees l…

1
2 Week Intermission - Back on June 19th! 2:46

3y ago2:46

2:46

I will be taking a 2 week intermission from launching episodes to refresh, plan, and manifest the future of this podcast. If you haven't seen, we were on CBS National TV a few weeks ago, and I feel nothing but gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Cambodian American community through this podcast. (still pinching myself!) Thank you to all …

1
S2 Episode 8: Climbing the Donut Ladder 23:48

3y ago23:48

23:48

Robert gets back on his feet and builds his first donut shop's sales in just 6 months. Sleeping and breathing the donut shop day in and day out allowed him to pay back all his investors within the first year. Robert LOVES his newfound way to build a good life in America. He brings mama and the whole family from Portland to also work these donut sho…

1
Special Guest - "On the Corners of Argyle and Glenwood' 57:51

3y ago57:51

57:51

About 20 years ago, Stuart Isett lived on the corners of Argyle and Glenwood and noticed that many of his fellow neighbors were Cambodian Refugees from the Khmer Rouge. Years later, he put together a photo book called "On the Corners of Argyle and Glenwood' that showcases the Cambodian Refugee experience here in America. He captures the Cambodian y…

1
Special Guest - Bob Burton 33:51

3y ago33:51

33:51

Bob Burton was the real estate commercial agent who helped Robert find his first donut shop ever. Today we with with Bob and recall when he first met Robert and why he felt compelled to help this refugee from Cambodia. Music Written By: Acerylio ChenBy Dorothy Chow

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