After a few months away, we take a look back at the podcast since it started; reminiscing on previous recording locations, co-hosts, and memorable moments. Editor-in-Chief (and co-host) Mike Tatarski has moved on from Saigoneer, so we took this chance to revisit the past - while still opening with Bánh Mì Banter. We're not quite sure when the podcast will return at this stage, but we hope to bring it back to your feed in the future!

In our first episode of the new year, we begin with Bánh Mì Banter, before rating 2021 on the usual criteria of deliciousness, billability and would you miss it? Then, in 'This or That,' we debate the pros and cons of the Lunar New Year and the Gregorian New Year - January 1 - to determine which we'd rather celebrate.

This special episode builds on our recent article about the creation of 'Magical Nights - Saigon Surf Twist & Soul,' the recently released album of Phương Tâm's songs from the early 1960s. Hannah Hà, Mark Gergis and Jan Hagenkoetter were the driving force behind the album - Hannah, Tâm's daughter, shares how she learned about her mother's past as a rockstar singer in 1960s Saigon - a previous life that no one in her family knew about. The trio also discuss how they connected, the arduous process of tracking down physical copies of Tâm's music during the first year of the pandemic, the delicate work of bringing her songs to life on 'Magical Nights,' and the importance of bringing Vietnamese voices to music from the 1960s. The audio quality on this episode isn't up to our usual standards, as this is a phone recording of a Zoom call that wasn't planned for the podcast, but we think this is worth sharing as a companion to the website feature, which can be found here: https://saigoneer.com/saigon-music-art/20780-what-to-do-when-you-discover-that-your-mom-was-a-superstar-singer-in-1960s-saigon Happy holidays from the Saigoneer Podcast team!

We begin this week with Bánh Mì Banter, before exploring the Day of Phở in our latest 'That Time We...' segment. Created in 2018, this day celebrates arguably Vietnam's most famous dish - but what other delicacies are worthy of their own day? Then, in 'This or That,' we debate whether we'd prefer to attend a standard Vietnamese wedding, or a party at a glitzy Saigon rooftop bar.

After a brief Covid-related break, we're back with a new episode beginning, as always with Bánh Mì Banter (0:59). Then (9:21), in 'We Rate Stuff,' we analyze the song 'Hello Vietnam,' which was originally composed in French by Marc Lavoine and called 'Bonjour Vietnam.' The English version performed by Quỳnh Anh is now best-known as the song played on VietJet flights, but the lyrics contain some rather outdated language that may come as a surprise. Finally (31:30), in 'This or That,' we debate whether we'd prefer (in a true dream world) a Waterbus system that takes full advantage of Saigon's sprawling network of waterways, or a complete Saigon Metro system with all planned lines completed.

We begin this week with Bánh Mì Banter (1:04), including some banter about an actual bánh mì and the hilarious incompetence of the Saigon Waterbus. Then (10:52), we rate the wonders (and possible pitfalls) of riding around with someone on a motorbike - either as the driver or the passenger. Finally, in This or That (32:46), we debate whether we'd prefer to spend a night out in a Saigon karaoke parlor, or a Saigon fruit-plates-on-the-table, Vinahouse-blasting nightclub.

This week, we begin our first episode recorded in person in well over six months with Bánh Mì Banter (0:56). Then, we move into our latest 'That Time We...' segment (8:17) by discussing the opening of the Bitexco Financial Tower in downtown Saigon on October 31, 2010. Finally (20:20), we debate whether we'd prefer to have a street named after us, or a type of food or drink.

Today, we begin with Bánh Mì Banter (1:17), which includes a mea culpa from Paul regarding a particularly egregious food take he shared in a recent Saigoneer article. Then (10:07), we launch into our first 'We Rate Stuff' segment. How do we rate bicycle baskets under our rather arbitrary system? Finally (27:14), it's time for another round of 'This or That,' with an environmental theme: to protect itself from the inevitability of future sea level rise, should Saigon build underground, or up into the air?

After a two-month break, we're back with a reformatted version of the podcast, meaning new segments and a revised structure. This episode begins, as all future episodes will, with Bánh Mì Banter (2:21). We then move into our first 'That Time We...' segment (15:05), which covers a Vietnamese historical event or figure related to the week an episode is released. Today we cover the history and ultimate demise of a Nguyen Hue Street landmark, the Saigon Tax Center, which was torn down five years ago. Finally, we play a game of 'This or That' (40:03) by debating whether we prefer old film photos of Vietnam, or new digital pictures of the country, as well as what these images say about the people who made them.

We begin this week (1:59) by looking at tourist attractions which have made headlines in recent years, such as the Zodiac animal statues with human genitalia in Hai Phong and the deformed Statue of Liberty in Sa Pa. These can be easy to mock, but they do also have fans, and highlight some of the aspirations of people who might be traveling for the very first time. Then (16:48), we discuss the debate over what constitutes an 'essential' good. Amid widespread lockdowns and transport restrictions, items such as a fridge and sanitary pads have been deemed "not essential" by police officers, meaning they can't be shipped. Why have these policies created so much inconsistency? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (34:03).

After a much longer break than we expected, we are back with a new, remotely recorded episode discussing a topic that is impossible to escape: Vietnam's severe COVID-19 outbreak, which has the country in by far its worst position of the entire pandemic. How did we get here, and what impact are lockdowns having on daily life? (1:20) Then, amid the doom and gloom, many people are coming together to help those in need - we each share some uplifting stories that have given us a break from the terrible headlines (23:49). As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (41:16).

We begin this week (1:12) by sharing our thoughts on the types of products Vietnamese companies should take to foreign markets. Domestic brands have struggled to make an impact overseas, with VinSmart being the latest casualty, but what uniquely Vietnamese goods could have an impact abroad? Then (17:04), we pitch ideas for new Vietnamese TV shows, from an adaptation of 'Kitchen Nightmares' and 'Wet Market Sweep' to our very own 'Real Housewives of the Hẻm.' As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (29:30).

This week, we are joined by the new editor of Urbanist Hanoi (1:23) to chat about sports and outdoor activities available in the capital, as well as down here in Saigon. From rock climbing and roller derby to stand-up paddle boarding, there's a lot to do if you know where to look. Then (15:50), we look at the latest trends in sustainability in both cities, from the spread of non-plastic straws to an app that allows you to see where informal recycling workers are. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:20).

Eric Nguyen, editor-in-chief of DiaCritics and author of the new novel 'Things We Lost to the Water,' joins us today. 'Things We Lost to the Water' tells the story of a family who escapes Vietnam after the war and ends up settling in New Orleans, spanning a time period from the late 1970s to the destruction of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. We discussed why he set the story in New Orleans, why the theme of water is so important to the book, what he wants readers to take away from it, his work at DiaCritics, and much more. Learn more about Eric's debut novel: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652032/things-we-lost-to-the-water-by-eric-nguyen/ And check out DiaCritics: https://dvan.org/diacritics/

In recent years, coffee producers in Vietnam have switched from focusing almost entirely on mass-market, low-quality products to more specialized beans aimed at discerning consumers. What does this mean for both coffee producers and coffee drinkers? (1:04) Then (20:36), we share some of our favorite recent street food finds, including pork belly in District 11 and affordable, authentic Thai near the canal. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:25).

This week we're joined by Chau Nguyen (0:54), the founder of Urbanist Travel, to discuss how she shifted from a focus on international tourists to the domestic market amid pandemic flight restrictions, what the tourism industry should do to prepare for the eventual return of foreign visitors, and more. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (27:08).

This week, we return to one of our favorite topics: Vietnamese modernist architecture. Phạm Phú Vinh, an architecture student and expert on this style, joined us (1:16) to talk about the prevalence of mid-century modernist buildings in southern Vietnam, why this home-grown style is so overlooked by the public, what he thinks about Saigon's current architectural trends, and more. We also chatted about Vinh's new book, 'Poetic Significance, Sài Gòn Mid-Century Modernist Architecture,' which is available on Amazon, Book Depository, and other e-commerce sites. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (41:00). Link to Vinh's book: https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Significance-Mid-Century-Modernist-Architecture/dp/108794337X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Poetic+Significance%2C+S%C3%A0i+G%C3%B2n+Mid-Century+Modernist+Architecture&qid=1617540326&sr=8-1

On this week's show, Levi Doan, known as Levi Oi, joins us (1:00) to talk about her move from Berlin to Saigon, how she became a sought-after DJ in Vietnam, and the opportunities present in the country's creative community. Check out her SoundCloud page here: https://soundcloud.com/levioi We also talked with Levi about the new campaign by Saigon officials to crack down on noise pollution (22:44), especially outdoor karaoke and bars that blast music onto the sidewalk. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (35:49).

On this week's show, we begin (1:12) by discussing Vietnam's COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which began last week with an initial focus on medical workers. What do we think of the vaccine priority list, which places solders above the elderly, and how might vaccinations impact the country this year? Then (16:10), we debate some of Vietnam's most controversial dishes, from hột vịt lộn and field rats to dog meat. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:48). Link to Khoi's Vietnamese indie Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6TJNIj5ugIsxnqfed4wjtx?si=vCYg54wHQvGBSQIKHZMpHQ&nd=1

We're back from a longer-than-anticipated break with our 100th episode! To celebrate, we did a roundtable chat (1:49) on questions such as: "If you could add one tradition to Tet, what would it be?" "Which is better, Hanoi phở or Saigon phở?" "What is the best convenience store chain?" And much more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:15).

It's our last episode of the year, and we're taking the chance to share some stories that may have gotten overlooked during the last 12 months ̣(1:03), from Facebook groups dedicated to acts of kindness and a stowaway raccoon, there was much more to 2020 than just the (admittedly very important) pandemic. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (35:22). Happy holidays, and see you in 2021!

With Christmas approaching, we had some fun this week and shared our ideas for festive movies that could take place in Vietnam (1:52). 'Home Alone' set in an old Saigon villa? A female-led 'Die Hard' sequel that takes over the Bitexco Financial Tower? Our interview guest (24:38) is Debby Nguyen, a student at Northeastern University and author of the new book 'Pills, Teas, and Songs: Stories of Medicine Around the World.' We talked about her family's background in traditional Vietnamese medicine and the practice's role in the modern world. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (48:21).

This week, we begin (1:14) by discussing Vietnam's first known community transmission of the novel coronavirus in 88 days. How has this small outbreak in Saigon been handled, and what has the public reaction been? Then (17:55), we look at the popularity of video games in Vietnam, domestic development and production of games, and how smartphones have helped local companies get games out into the world. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:41).

On this week's show, we welcome our colleague Elise down from Hanoi for a wide-ranging discussion (1:10) about street/public art in Vietnam. What's out there that we like, what don't we like, and what could be done to foster a community of talent street artists? Our interview guest (24:34) is Linh Valerie Pham, a theater and puppetry artist based in Hanoi. We had a discussion about experimental theater in Vietnam, the art of storytelling, and the different alleys one artist can take. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:05:29).

On this week's show, we look (1:11) at the ongoing historic flooding in central Vietnam, where five provinces have been hit by multiple tropical storms in recent weeks and have sustained massive damage and tragic loss of life. What could be done to prevent such calamity in the future, and what sort of charity and relief efforts are currently underway? Our interview guest (23:10) is Le Ngoc Ha Thu, a Hanoi-based fashion designer who won the menswear category at the Redress Design Award 2020, a competition aimed at promoting sustainable clothing production and design. Thu talked about her background in design, how to be an environmentally conscious clothing consumer, and what she hopes to achieve in the future. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (47:20).

We're back! We begin this week (1:08) by chatting about plans to expand pedestrian areas in Saigon and Hanoi. What do we like about existing spaces like Nguyen Hue, and what would we like to see in future vehicle-free zones? Then (17:18), in preparation for Halloween, we share a few scary stories and tales from Vietnam, including the legend of 'rock apes;' ông Ba Bịa, a thin man who haunts kids with three bags; and a demonic grandma. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (41:02).

On this week's show, we begin (0:53) by looking at the uproar over a New Yorker article titled 'The Public-Shaming Pandemic' that was published last week. The feature covered, among other things, the social media abuse aimed at two wealthy Vietnamese sisters who caught the coronavirus back in March, but painted Vietnam poorly and contained several errors regarding the country's response to the pandemic. What does this episode say about foreign coverage of Vietnam, and of the way some Vietnamese perceive journalists and media outlets? A link to the article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/09/28/the-public-shaming-pandemic Then (18:48), we discuss a new proposal from the Ministry of Education that would allow students at public middle and high schools to use their phones during class for 'educational purposes.' Is this realistic? What are the pros and cons? There is no Bánh Mỉ Banter this week.

We begin (1:13) this week by talking about the recent launch of Urbanist Vietnam, our Vietnamese-language sister site. How do we decide which Saigoneer stories to translate into Vietnamese, and what can readers expect in terms of original features in the future? Then (16:23), we discuss the áo dài in contemporary Vietnam. Cultural officials in Thua Thien-Hue Province have started wearing the outfit on the first Monday of every month. What is the iconic garment's place in contemporary Vietnam? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (34:24).

On this week's show, we begin (1:08) with a conversation about our recent decision to use diacritics in Vietnamese names on the Saigoneer website. What are the benefits of using the language to its full extent, and what does the fact that most websites publishing in English don't use diacritics say about our relationship to Vietnamese? Then (21:16), we look at the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak centered on Da Nang - how has this development impacted daily life in Saigon, and what do we think of the protective measures being taken here? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (31:38).

On this week's show, we begin (1:09) by discussing the Vietnamese government's effort to get women to marry by age 30 and have two children by age 35, which is aimed at tackling Vietnam's rapidly aging population. What does this mean for young women, and what is missing from this official suggestion? Our interview guest (24:04) is Bill Nguyen, a visual arts curator and writer currently working at The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre in Saigon. We talked about his work, the status of art in modern Vietnam, and why, in his view, Hanoi is better than Saigon. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (56:27).

This week, we begin (1:00) with a discussion about wildlife consumption in Vietnam. A recently-published study found cornavirus strains in a majority of field rat and bat guano samples taken in Vietnam from 2013 to 2014. What could these findings - and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic - mean for the eating of bushmeat here? Then (20:13), on a lighter note, we share some of our favorite recent street food, cafe and restaurant finds in Saigon. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:53).

On this week's show, our Urbanist Hanoi colleague shares what life in the capital was like during the peak of Vietnam's coronavirus outbreak in February and March (1:22), and how daily life has recovered over the last several weeks. Then (16:51), architect Mel Schenck becomes our first repeat guest after his appearance on our third episode ages ago. We discuss his new book, 'Southern Vietnam Modernist Architecture,' and how appreciation of this style has changed over the last few years. The book is available at Fahasa and other major bookstores in Vietnam, or through Barnes & Noble overseas: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/southern-vietnamese-modernist-architecture-mel-schenck/1136864951?ean=9780578516585 For more on modernist architecture in Vietnam: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VietnameseModernistArchitecture/ As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (36:47).

On this week's single-topic show, we look (1:11) at how people of different genders and generations utilize different businesses and spaces in Saigon for civic life - or to just hang out with friends. From open-front cafes dominated by middle-aged men to convenience stores and roadside tea vendors popular with groups of gender-diverse youths, what do the city's spaces say about who visits them? And would floating cafes make any sense? As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (23:38).

A few weeks ago, we discussed depictions of Vietnam from foreign filmmakers and studios. Today (0:55), we dig into the themes and improving quality of domestically-produced movies like Song Lang, Goodbye Mother, Furie, and Good Morning and Good Night. What do these movies reflect about Vietnamese society, and what do we hope to see from local movies in the future? As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (34:54).

This week, we share our love of all things snackable (1:27), whether American classics like Cheez-Its and Fig Newtons or Vietnamese staples like chuối nếp nướng and the astonishing variety of fruit-based snacks available here. Conversely, what are some of the worst snacks? Our interview guest (20:01) is Damien Roberts, executive director of Saigon Children, the Saigon-based charity organization which provides education and vocational training to disadvantaged children throughout Vietnam, with a focus on the southern region. We discussed the charity's work over the years, the challenges of fundraising during a global pandemic, and Roberts' goals for the future. Find out more about Saigon Children and how you can help here: https://www.saigonchildren.com/ As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (44:52).

On this week's single-topic show, we discuss movies about Vietnam created by foreign production companies and directors (1:28). The country's home-grown movie industry has improved in leaps and bounds in recent years (something we'll address in a future episode), but how has Vietnam been depicted from abroad? Of course, Hollywood has its classic war movies, most of which make for difficult watching from a Vietnamese perspective, but we dig into a few films (mostly) unrelated to conflict. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (36:33).

We're back with a new episode recorded, believe it or not, in our office. This may sound shocking to many around the world, but Vietnam's coronavirus outbreak has been so well-contained that a sense of normalcy has returned, and that's our topic for today. We discussed (1:57) reactions to Vietnam's success, possible ways forward, and whether it's too soon for the country to fully celebrate. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (24:50).

With no end in sight to working from home - and the coronavirus dominating daily life - we've had to think outside the box for this episode. We played a game of 'review roulette,' in which we each submitted a movie, album, TV show and book/article to a random generator, and then reviewed what we received. Most of the submissions were trashy or things we knew other co-hosts wouldn't like very much. Mike got 'High School Musical' (2:47), Thi dissected 'Thor: Ragnarok' (10:54), Khoi watched the old YouTube series 'lonelygirl15' (21:56), and Paul pondered the ESPN article 'The true story behind Michael Jordan's brief-but-promising baseball career' (30:02). As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (37:10). This episode is brought to you by Waves. Learn more about their audio platform at https://waves8.com/.

On this working-from-home episode, we each share a dispatch from our respective neighborhood of Saigon in the time of COVID-19 (1:16). What is daily life like? How are we spending our time? What happens to the fish at those weird foot massage places when there are no tourists? PSA: Since this episode was reported remotely it doesn't have our usual high-level audio quality. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:26). This episode is brought to you by Waves. Find out more at https://waves8.com/.

On this week's episode, our 80th (!), we begin (1:29) with the latest, as of March 12, on Vietnam's Covid-19 outbreak, which has entered a worrying stage with a string of new cases in different regions after over three weeks without any new infections. Then (19:41), we take a slightly whimsical detour to share how we'd spend a hypothetical 14-day home quarantine period. Reading? Baking? Composting? Our interview guest (30:07) is Trang Nguyen, founder of the wildlife conservation organization WildAct. She talked about her childhood interest in animal welfare, her efforts to change attitudes toward wildlife trafficking in Vietnam, and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (51:09). This episode is brought to you by Waves, Vietnam's biggest podcast app. Learn more at https://waves8.com/.

In honor of International Women's Day, we begin this week (1:19) by sharing stories of Vietnamese women from throughout history who haven't received the recognition we think they deserve. From a 15th century Confucian scholar to a contemporary poet, Vietnamese women have a fascinating, often overlooked history. Then (21:24), we sit down with Hong Anh Nguyen, Truong Que Phuong and Doan Kim Thu, the creators of the YouTube series Melon Bê Đê, for an extended conversation about their personal experiences as queer women in Vietnam. They discuss the importance of lesbians getting STD tests, the challenges of bringing the foreign and Vietnamese lesbian communities together, why they decided to begin their conversational series on queer life, and much more. Check out their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelonB%C3%AA%C4%90%C3%AA?fbclid=IwAR36k57IbaLnySgQGSNLjlVsADL8HctS-wviqUmIsvrcHt81_FedjqR_1yE As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:08:57).

This week, we begin (1:04) by discussing nhậu and some of the problems it presents for women or people who don't want to drink, as well as the opportunities for bonding that it can spur in certain groups. This conversation was inspired by an essay titled 'In Food and Community: How Vietnamese Drinking Culture Taught Me to Love My Queerness' by Alex Nguyen. (https://www.colorbloq.org/in-food-and-community-how-vietnamese-drinking-culture-taught-me-to-love-my-queerness) Then (16:36), we look at the impacts of the ongoing closure of schools nationwide amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Many teachers are hurting financially, but could this usher in new forms of learning and methods of teaching? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (31:01).

Whatever you think of the Oscars, there is no denying that 'Parasite' winning Best Picture was a big deal. We begin this week (1:10) by breaking down Bong Joon-ho's masterful triumph (and new role as a living meme generator); the reaction in South Korea; other movies and directors from Asia worth your time; and the ignorance of western moviegoers who avoid films in a foreign language. Then, we dive into the current state of Vietnamese cinema (19:03), which has seen a few notable recent successes, but lags far behind the likes of South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand in terms of overseas visibility - and overall creativity. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (31:52).

We're back from the Tet holiday! This week, we begin (1:25) with the novel coronavirus outbreak: how has it impacted our daily lives, and what changes have we seen in Saigon since the virus' spread began? Then (14:00), we look at the zero-tolerance drunk driving laws that went into effect on January 1. What sort of behavioral changes have these regulations created? Are they too strict? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (21:10).

On this week's show, our last before the Lunar New Year break, we discuss (1:26) potential ways to improve traditional Tet dishes. Specialties like bánh tét, for example, are very heavy - could they be made healthier? And would it be possible to run a year-round Tet food restaurant? Then (22:00), we have an extended chat with Vietnamese writer Nguyen Phan Que Mai, author of the upcoming novel 'The Mountains Sing.' Que Mai is the first Vietnamese national to write a novel in English published by a major American press. 'The Mountains Sing' is a stunning multi-generational story that explores the strength and heartbreak of Vietnamese women during the 20th century. We discuss the book, the craft of writing novels, the differences in publishing in Vietnam versus the west, and, of course, durian. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:13:22). Chúc mừng năm mới, and see you in the Year of the Rat! Find out more about Que Mai's new book here: https://saigoneer.com/vietnam-literature/18107-saigoneer-bookshelf-a-quintessential-vietnamese-novel,-written-in-memories

On this special single-segment episode, we look back at the last decade in Vietnam through the lens of four societal trends: digital convenience, cyberculture, labor issues, and overtourism (1:32). The period from 2010 to 2019 brought incredible transformations to the country, and while these four subjects are by no means comprehensive, we believe they illuminate the profound ways in which daily life has changed for tens of millions of people in Vietnam. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (44:00).

We're closing out the year with a special mega-episode, in which we chose a few of our favorite segments from the past 12 months. We begin (:50) by sharing our nominations for Vietnam's 'national senses,' if such a thing existed. What smells, sounds, sights, tastes and textures do we think best exemplify the country? The smell of pork chops grilling on a sidewalk? The Bitexco Financial Tower? Those fragrant wet wipes given out at bia hơi joints? Then (17:03), our extended conversation about superstitions, both Vietnamese and western. We also play a game where we guess which ones are real, and which are not. 'The Third Wife,' (37:13) the critically acclaimed indie film festival darling directed by Ash Mayfair and filmed here, was released in Vietnam several months ago, but only lasted four days in cinemas before being pulled. We break down the controversy surrounding its use of a 13 year-old actress in erotic scenes, and what it says about Vietnam's movie-going public. What makes a certain dish or cuisine authentic? (51:31) Who determines which food and restaurants are authentic? Does authenticity even matter when it comes to food? Then (1:16:31), we discuss a few of the incredibly diverse, occasionally bizarre festivals that coincide with specific dates on the lunar calendar throughout Vietnam. Everyone knows about Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival, but there are so many more beyond those two. Our interview guest is Thuc Dang (1:33:28), who writes the 'Vietnam's Next Top Bitches' music review Facebook page . We chatted about the evolution of Vietnamese music in recent years, and what he hopes to see in the future.

On this week's show, Saigoneer Korean's editor stops by to chat about the presence of South Korean culture in Saigon (1:32). What draws so many Korean expats to the city, and what's up with the popularity of Cộng Cà Phê among this group? Then (24:08), we dig in to K-pop. What do Koreans make of its massive popularity overseas, particularly in countries like Vietnam? And what sort of impact have recent tragedies involving K-pop stars had on fans? (If you don't know that Saigoneer Korean exists, check it out: https://kr.saigoneer.com/) As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (45:93). Happy holidays! This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by The Deck.

On this week's show, we dig deep (1:24) into the recently-concluded Southeast Asia Games. Vietnam's athletes had a stellar showing, winning the second-most medals among the competing countries, but why does football - and particularly men's football - get the vast majority of coverage and public attention? Also, what are the competition's most whimsical sports? Then, we sit down (24:05) with Phuong Nho and Jerome Buzenet, who are involved in a number of popular restaurants in Saigon - and are also behind a new sourdough-focused cafe. We talked about the exciting F&B scene in the city, as well as what drives them to create new ideas. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (40:39). This episode is brought to you by The Deck.

On this week's show (1:05), we begin by discussing Saigon's rapidly worsening air quality. What can individual Saigoneers do about this seemingly intractable problem, and how does it impact our daily lives? Then (18:48), we ponder whether Saigon's bubble tea 'bubble' has burst, and what the next youth-centric F&B trend might be. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (29:44). This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by Epizode.

This week, we begin (1:00) by discussing the dangers, and potential benefits, of alternative medicine. While sham treatments spread via social media can be dangerous, are we too quick to dismiss methods not used at hospitals or clinics? Then (18:33), we look at video streaming platforms in light of Netflix's recent addition of a Vietnamese-language interface. Will the streaming giant's local productions improve? Can it compete against YouTube and digital piracy? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (33:39). This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by Epizode (https://epizode.com/).

This week be begin ̣(1:04) by sharing our dream upgrades to the Nguyen Hue walking street in light of the recent completion of a lotus fountain on the thoroughfare. What else could be added? A communal kitchen? Ostrich races? An outdoor cinema? Then (16:23), we sit down with Peter Menchetti, organizer of this weekend's We're Loud Fest, which is bringing four days of international punk, hardcore, garage and rock bands to Saigon. (https://slovenly.eventsmart.com/) As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:16).

This week, we begin (1:12) by looking at how some contemporary Vietnamese musicians, artists and architects are taking inspiration from traditional Vietnamese culture and materials for their projects, rather than from foreign countries such as Taiwan or South Korea. Then (15:36), we have our first food fight in quite some time, as we debate the merits of various Vietnamese desserts and ponder whether one is worthy of the title of 'national dessert.' As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:01).

This week, we begin (1:16) by discussing the lure of 'promised land' countries like the United Kingdom and Japan to potential Vietnamese migrants in the wake of the Essex truck tragedy. How did this image get built, and how is it perpetuated? Then (16:40), we dig into the sudden collapse of Mon Hue, the national restaurant chain, and its sister restaurants. Can chains serving Vietnamese food be sustainable in a country with such a strong food culture? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:30).

This week, we begin (1:32) by discussing the impact social media, and especially Instagram, can have on tourism in light of two headline-grabbing recent events: the abrupt closure of Hanoi's 'train street,' and the social media furor that erupted after pictures of an illegally-built hotel on the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Province appeared on Facebook. Then (19:28), we break down the perception of the 'Made in Vietnam' label both at home and abroad. We recently learned that Vietnamese products are popular in Russia, but how are they viewed elsewhere? (We're talking about products designed, made and sold by Vietnamese companies, not clothing or electronics manufactured here and sold by foreign corporations.) As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (35:38).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:04) by discussing victim-blaming in the wake of a controversial message sent out by a local ride-hailing company. What does the reaction to this ad, and its very existence, say about current attitudes toward sexual harassment? Then (18:25), we discuss a few of our favorite up-and-coming local indie bands and the improving standards of music videos and live shows. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:54).

On this week's episode, we take a look ̣(1:09) at the explosive growth of convenience stores throughout Saigon in recent years. It's hard to walk 10 feet these days without tripping over a Family Mart, VinMart or similar competitor. What does this mean for traditional corner shops? (Also why is Hanoi's convenience store game so bad?) Then (15:48), we discuss social media literacy, especially among older people, many of whom went from not having the internet straight to having Facebook. What should be done to ensure that people use Facebook and other platforms safely? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (27:06). Links referenced in the show: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/facebook-free-basics-developing-markets https://tuoitre.vn/vay-8-trieu-qua-app-2-thang-sau-tra-gan-200-trieu-van-chua-het-2019091022251727.htm https://www.alieward.com/ologies https://saigoneer.com/society/society-categories/7295-photos-saigon-s-convenience-craze-how-corporate-chains-are-creating-new-space-for-civic-life

On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:22) with a chat about mooncakes, the traditional treats of the just-passed Mid-Autumn Festival. What do we make of new novelty varieties (Oreo mooncakes, anyone?), and where do these pastries stand in Vietnamese society in 2019? Then (21:33), we speak to Michitake Aso, associate professor at the University of Albany-SUNY and author of the 2018 book 'Rubber and the Making of Vietnam.' In this extended interview, Aso discusses the brutality of colonial-era rubber plantations in southern Vietnam, the environmental and social impacts this industry still has today, and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:09:20).

This episode contains explicit language. On this week's show, we begin (1:22) ̣by discussing the new translation of 'The Tale of Kieu' recently released by Penguin Classics under the name 'The Song of Kieu.' Nguyen Du's original version, written in the early 19th century, is considered Vietnam's most important work of classic literature. Why did Penguin release a translation without the involvement of any Vietnamese scholars? Then (17:41), we look at the recent launches of several Vietnamese social networks aiming to compete with the likes of Facebook and YouTube. Do they stand a chance? Our interview guest is Thuc Dang, who writes the 'Vietnam's Next Top Bitches' music review Facebook page (28:56). We chatted about the evolution of Vietnamese music in recent years, and what he hopes to see in the future. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (49:31).

On this week's episode (our 60th!) we discuss (1:00) a few Vietnam-focused 'what ifs?' - for example, what if the country had never decided to use chopsticks as a dining utensil? Or what if the French had never colonized Vietnam? Then (18:21), we do our first street food update in a while, which includes bamboo rice (171 Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan District in the morning), a glorious vegetarian buffet (73 Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh District) and a couple of top-notch bún riêu spots (outside 95 Pasteur Street, District 1 & across from 14 Quoc Huong, District 2 at lunchtime). As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:35).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) by discussing how the concept and role of pets is evolving as Vietnam becomes increasingly wealthy. More people are buying expensive breeds of cats and dogs, but cities like Saigon have introduced stricter pet regulations, while many new apartment complexes don't allow pets. Then (17:15), we dive into 'Ghost Month' and the traditions that come with it, such as not making big purchases or life decisions in order to avoid bad luck. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:11).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) ̣by discussing the factors that Vietnamese students weigh when choosing a country for studying abroad. Then (14:44), we dig into recent developments in the local ride-hailing app market, from new competitors to driver strikes and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:49).

What makes a certain dish or cuisine authentic? Who determines which food and restaurants are authentic? Does authenticity even matter when it comes to food? We debate these questions and more in this single-topic episode (1:04). As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (26:03).

On this week's episode, we celebrate the end of an era with our second nhậu roundtable special (1:08). We answered questions such as "If you launched a Vietnamese airline, what would it be called, and what uniforms would the flight attendants wear?"; "If you could open a museum in Saigon, what topic would it cover?"; and "What is the worst food abomination you've eaten in Vietnam?" Then (29:29), we speak to Quyen Nguyen, a co-founder of Laiday Refill Station, about her efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and spread a lifestyle focused on reusable, refillable products. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (49:57).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:02) by discussing the explosive growth of domestic tourism in Vietnam, an industry aided by rapid economic growth and a blossoming middle class. Can tourism service providers cater to both the domestic market and the international tourism market, given the very different interests of these groups? Then (20:16), we dive into the derivative but possibly important new Son Tung music video, which features an appearance by the one and only Snoop Dogg. The video broke all kinds of records on YouTube, but does it signify bigger things to come for Vietnam's music industry? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (32:26).

On this week's show, we begin (1:10) by discussing Saigon's disappearing architectural heritage. Much has been written about the city's failure to preserve its historic buildings, particularly those from the colonial era, but at times local voices have been left out of that discourse. Who should preservation serve, and is every historic building worth saving? Then (15:09), we share the one thing each of us would change about our beloved Saigon if given the chance to do so. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:46).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:06) by discussing Vietnam's new national campaign against plastic waste. Such garbage is a massive problem here, so what do we hope to see from this effort, and what sort of impact have small-scale anti-plastic movements had? Then (20:07), on a lighter note, we share what our Vietnam-related superpowers would be. Punching through the red tape holding back metro projects? Kicking internet cable-munching sharks in the face? Snapping half of all traffic out of existence? Listen to find out! As always, we close (34:36) with Bánh Mì Banter (and a special email offer from Paul).

On this week's episode we start (1:23) in the movie world. 'The Third Wife,' the critically acclaimed indie film festival darling directed by Ash Mayfair and filmed here, was released in Vietnam recently, but only lasted four days in cinemas before being pulled. We break down the controversy surrounding its use of a 13 year-old actress in erotic scenes, and what it says about Vietnam's movie-going public. Then (15:44), we discuss a report stating that Vietnamese consume much less beef and milk on an annual basis than the global average. Is that a bad thing? What are some possible protein alternatives as African Swine Fever spreads through the country? Tofu? Insects? Hippo meat? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (29:28).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:14) by discussing news that officials are considering adding nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to the list of banned substances. Balloons filled with laughing gas have become hugely popular on the local club circuit in recent years. Then (12:47), we debate our favorite Vietnamese sauces and condiments, from green chili sauce and tamarind fish sauce to the incredible hot sauce at Hanoi's Pho Thin. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:36).

It's our 50th episode! As unabashed bibliophiles, we care and think about book culture and trends a lot. In our first segment, we discuss what we’ve observed in light of a pretty terrifying survey of reading rates in Vietnam (2:18). Then (20:33), we talk about idioms. While these pithy phrases are an important part of Vietnamese culture and help transmit and reflect important values, they can sometimes be problematic. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (37:44).

On this week's show, which comes a few days late due to two national holidays, we begin (1:14) by discussing challenges which Vietnamese laborers in countries like Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Japan face, as well as some of the problems researchers have found in factories in Vietnam. Then (16:35) we share thoughts on what would possibly happen if a zombie apocalypse hit Saigon. (NOTE: due to a technical error, the beginning of this segment was cut off.) As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (30:12).

We're back from a two-week break! On this episode, we begin (1:20) with a discussion about sexual harassment of children in Vietnam following a recent incident in which a middle-aged man molested a girl on an elevator in a Saigon apartment complex. Then (14:39), we discuss that Burger King New Zealand ad (you know the one), as well as recent food articles involving jackfruit and kaya toast which highlight the problematic ways in which Western writers and media outlets sometimes cover Asian cuisine. Our interview guest (28:46) is Andrew Rowan, the author of 'Startup Vietnam: Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Socialist Republic.' Andrew joined us from New York to talk about his experience working in the startup sector here, and advice for anyone looking to do the same. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (50:06).

Happy April Fools' Day! On this week's episode, we sort through a pile of unsolicited listener questions ̣(0:55) and ponder answers to age-old conundrums such as "Which animal makes the best sound?"; "If you could send each of your colleagues on a trip to anywhere in the world, where would it be?"; "Which is best, 'Parks & Recreation', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' or 'The Good Place'?"; and "If Saigoneer hosted a music festival, what would the line-up look like?" As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (35:22).

On this week’s episode, we devote our extended first segment (2:14) to poetry. We each read a favorite poem by a writer of Vietnamese descent and then discuss it while looking into the context, as well as the pleasures and pitfalls of translation. Then (35:26), we talk about a recent study which ranked the popularity of different global cuisines. We debate what may have led to Vietnam landing in the 13th spot, and then examine how other cuisines are received here. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (47:50).

On this week's episode we begin (1:17) by sharing our nominations for Vietnam's 'national senses,' if such a thing existed. What smells, sounds, sights, tastes and textures do we think best exemplify the country? The smell of pork chops grilling on a sidewalk? The Bitexco Financial Tower? Those fragrant wet wipes given out at bia hơi joints? Then (17:36), we do an audio version of our occasional Street Cred series, which dives into the history of the people Saigon's streets are named after. This time, however, it's a bit more personal, as we explore either the streets we live on, or those near our house. One of these streets is Quoc Huong, named, we believe, after the famous singer. You can check out some if his music here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFd8E46IoQQ&t=107s. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:04).

On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:15) by discussing Vietnamese contestants on international reality TV shows who have made headlines recently, from Christine Ha on 'MasterChef US' to the Giang brothers on 'Britain's Got Talent', and several countries in between. How have they been received here? Then (15:10), we talk about Vietnam's domestic tourism boom and the impact it is having on destinations throughout the country. Some spots, like Phu Quoc, are being massively over-developed, while local entrepreneurs in less-busy areas are opening their own guesthouses and starting businesses. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (29:48).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:45) by discussing a few of the incredibly diverse, occasionally bizarre festivals that coincide with specific dates on the lunar calendar throughout Vietnam. Everyone knows about Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival, but there are so many more beyond those two. Then (18:42), we talk about some of the awkward questions, often about relationships, young people get asked by family members when they visit for the holidays. Why do these get asked? Should we have sympathy for the people asking them? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (32:01). Programming note: there won't be a new episode next week.

On this week's episode, our first after the Tet break, we begin (1:12) with a look at Saigon's parks and precious little green space. If we were in charge of re-designing one of these areas, what would we add? A dog park? Tire swings? A wholesale re-imagining of the very concept of a park? Then (17:16) we discuss recreation in the city. How do we find ways to exercise amid the traffic and pollution? What could be done to make this a better city for outdoor activities? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (27:59).

This episode originally aired on April 15, 2018. Our first segment (1:28) evolved from a recent office conversation about which fruit deserves to be the national fruit of Vietnam. That debate revealed some rather controversial fruit-based opinions among our staff, so we've taken the argument to the airwaves to debate our favorites, from bottom to top tier. Then (12:55), we call up our editor in Hanoi to discuss last week's launch of Urbanist Hanoi. What does our sister site hope to achieve, and what can we look forward to reading from the capital? This week's interview segment (22:10) features Saigon Duo, who we mentioned in our conversation about contemporary Vietnamese literature from our fifth episode. The New York City-based pair of Duy Vo and Thao Bui are Saigon natives, and they discuss their writing and photography work, in addition to providing frank insight on their feelings of not belonging in either Vietnam, their homeland, or the United States, their adopted home. Finally, we close with Banh Mi Banter (44:40).

This episode first aired on June 10, 2018. On episode 17 of the Saigoneer Podcast we begin (1:28) with a discussion of some of the challenges involved in writing in Vietnam, both overall and when writing in a second language such as English. Then (15:09), we wander into Saigon's unofficial Japan Town, at the start of District 1's Le Thanh Ton Street. We talk about the area's unique history, and share some recommendations of our favorite restaurants in the area. Our interview segment (23:09) features French-Canadian artist Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen. She shares her story, as well as her process when it comes to creating her multi-faceted work. Find out more about her projects at www.jacquelinehoangnguyen.com/. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (37:04).

This episode, our last before the Lunar New Year, is a simple one. We enjoyed a few beers and then discussed (1:19) burning questions such as: "How would the pig fare in a brawl between the 12 zodiac animals?"; "If you could only eat one Vietnamese dish for the rest of your life, which would it be?"; and "If you could add any food or activity to Tet, what would it be and why?" As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (27:00). Chúc mừng năm mới, and may the Year of the Pig begin auspiciously for you all!

This week's show features an extended conversation about superstitions (1:10), both Vietnamese and western. We also play a game where we guess which ones are real, and which are not. Our interview guest (21:29) is Parag Khanna, the international relations analyst and author of the new book 'The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict and Culture in the 21st Century'. We talked about how Asian countries are reconnecting in the post-colonial era, and what this means for Vietnam, among other topics. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (48:26).

Happy New Year! On our first episode of 2019, we begin (1:22) by discussing food delivery platforms like GrabFood and GoFood. What benefits do they create for customers, drivers and restaurants, and what problems do they present too? Then (18:25) we suggest some potential locations for Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un to meet if Vietnam is selected for their second summit. Could one of the country's many cable car systems come into play? Also, which Vietnamese dishes should they eat while here? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (27:48).

This episode originally aired on September 30, 2018. We will return with a new show next week! On this week's show, we begin (1:24) with a look at nhậu culture in Vietnam. What does this age-old drinking tradition tell us about masculinity and gender in the country? Then (13:00), we provide one of our periodic updates on recent street food and cafe finds, including an unexpected Greek spot on Hoang Sa Street and a roti cart near Ben Thanh Market. Our interview guest (21:47) is Hang Tran, who goes by Sam. She's a Hanoi native now living in Saigon and working on pursuing a PhD in anthropology. She runs the Vietnamese Culture Space Facebook page and hosts Radio 18+, an in-depth interview series. We talked about why she likes having in-depth conversations with people, as well as her efforts to create her own radio program. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (43:32). This one includes a special dispatch from 'the field' by Paul.

This episode originally aired on May 20, 2018. This week we begin (1:22) with a look at the prevalence of fake goods and businesses in Vietnam, and whether or not they're a bad thing. This follows allegations that Mumuso and Minigood are actually Chinese companies, despite their Korean branding. Then (11:36) we chat about some uber-successful Vietnamese millenials who are beating the stereotype that young people are lazy and lack business drive. Our interview discussion (19:51) features Erik Harms, an associate professor of anthropology and Southeast Asia studies at Yale. He wrote the 2016 book 'Luxury and Rubble: Civility and Dispossession in the New Saigon,' which looks at two of the city's biggest planned developments. We had an in-depth discussion about Thu Thiem and the recent controversy swirling around the project. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (51:53).

This episode originally aired on July 15, 2018. On this week's show, we celebrate our 21st birthday by drinking a few alcohol-infused Japanese drinks and discussing vital matters such as: - Which is the best district in Saigon? - If you could remove three animals from Vietnam's Zodiac calendar, which animals would you replace them with? (Hint: we're big fans of the pangolin.) - What do we expect people to try and bring onto Saigon's metro trains when the service opens? - Street sushi? And more! There is no guest interview or Banh Mi Banter this week, so enjoy an episode full of nothing but banter! We'll return to our regular format next week.

On this week's show, our last of 2018, we begin (2:24) with a look back at our favorite segments, guests, moments and bánh mì banters from our first year on the air. Then (20:39) we'll share some comments and feedback we've received from listeners over the last year, and also look ahead to some guests we'd like to speak to or segments we'd like to try in the coming year. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:29). We'll be back in January, in the meantime, have a great holiday season, and thanks for listening!

On this week's show, we begin (1:16) with a discussion on what it would mean for English to be named Vietnam's second national language, as recently mentioned at a conference on startups and tech innovation in Hanoi. Then (12:28), we break down several cliches about Vietnam that we're frustrated by seeing in international media. These include an over-reliance on war references and simplistic food coverage. Our interview guest (23:26) is Soleil Ho, the San Francisco Chronicle's new food critic and co-host of the Racist Sandwich podcast. We talked to Soleil via Skype about her background, her rise to food writing prominence in the US, cultural appropriation in food and much more. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (51:49).

On this week's show, we begin (1:19) with a chat about the retro/vintage trend that has spread through Vietnamese cafes, restaurants, design, typography and more over the last couple of years. What does this say about nostalgia among younger generations, and what's the deal with Cong Caphe? Then (13:22), we weigh in on one of our periodic street food updates, though this one ranges away from Saigon to Quy Nhon, Hanoi and beyond. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (27:03).

This episode was originally released on March 9, 2018, before we began recording in a studio. We'll be back with a new episode next week. Enjoy! We’re back! This week we made up for lost time over our month-long break with an episode featuring two longer, in-depth conversations. Unlike in previous shows, this episode features just one staff discussion (1:18): a deep dive into contemporary Vietnamese literature, including poetry, fiction and graphic non-fiction, by both native and overseas writers. Our extended interview segment (24:40) features a fun, wide-ranging talk on LGBTQ issues in Vietnam with Anh-Thu Nguyen, a lead organizer for Les Come Out, Saigon’s first queer women and trans-inclusive party series; as well as Ricardo Glencasa, Trinh Bang Ky Nu and Eddie Culbeaux from Full Disclosure, a group which hosts some of the largest LGBTQ-friendly events and parties in town. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (53:16).

On this week's show we begin (1:17) with a conversation on beauty pageants and their place in Vietnam. Why do these often-obscure contests get so much media coverage? What do these events say about beauty standards in the country? We also dig into what it means that a Vietnamese contestant won a pageant for transgender women earlier this year, while a woman from one of Vietnam's ethnic minority groups won another contest around the same time. Then (15:06) we discuss a few recent cases of Vietnamese behaving badly overseas. Could these incidents have an impact on the perception of Vietnamese people internationally? What does it say about us that we are even worried about this? As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (27:07).

On this week's show, we begin (1:07) with a discussion on the Klara, the first electric motorbike model launched by VinFast, the automotive arm of Vingroup. Will Vietnamese consumers buy into electric bikes? Then (11:00), we dive into our latest food-related segment by looking at foreign dishes such as pizza and sushi that have been adapted to Vietnamese palates. Turns out we've all been eating sushi the wrong way. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (20:07).

This week we begin (1:14) with our take on the recently concluded first season of 'The Bachelor Vietnam.' Did the show manage to escape the misogynistic shadow of its American cousin? What do we make of how the unexpected lesbian love storyline was portrayed? Then (11:15) we take a look at western holidays such as Halloween and Christmas that are celebrated by growing numbers of Vietnamese every year. What does it mean when these days are celebrated without much of their traditional context? Our interview guest (21:49) is Mimi Vu, Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at the Pacific Links Foundation, an American NGO which provides financial and organizational support for individuals and groups working to combat human trafficking in Vietnam. We discuss some of the harrowing realities of trafficking victims, as well as a few success stories of women who have been rescued from this illegal trade. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (43:22).

We begin this week (1:18) with a discussion on drunk driving in Vietnam in the wake of a horrific accident which occurred in Saigon early last week. What can be done to combat this perennial social issue? Then (14:46), we look at the acclaimed documentary 'Finding Phong' and its intimate depiction of a transgender Vietnamese woman. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (29:30).

On this week's show, we begin with a look at the spread of co-working spaces in Saigon (1:08). What do these spaces say about work in the digital age, and do we want to use them? Then (10:45) we look at Vietnam's four sacred mythological creatures, the dragon, kỳ lân, tortoise and phoenix, and their place in the country's culture. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (22:35).

On this week's show, we begin (1:24) with a look at nhậu culture in Vietnam. What does this age-old drinking tradition tell us about masculinity and gender in the country? Then (13:00), we provide one of our periodic updates on recent street food and cafe finds, including an unexpected Greek spot on Hoang Sa Street and a roti cart near Ben Thanh Market. Our interview guest (21:47) is Hang Tran, who goes by Sam. She's a Hanoi native now living in Saigon and working on pursuing a PhD in anthropology. She runs the Vietnamese Culture Space Facebook page and hosts Radio 18+, an in-depth interview series. We talked about why she likes having in-depth conversations with people, as well as her efforts to create her own radio program. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (43:32). This one includes a special dispatch from 'the field' by Paul.

On this week's show, we begin (1:36) with a look at two major plans related to traffic in Saigon: the complete repaving of Nguyen Huu Canh Street, and a proposal to create a network of minibuses to reach people who live in the city's narrow hẻm. Then (10:23) we preview next week's Mid-Autumn Festival: how could mooncakes be improved, and what's the deal with the story of the healing banyan tree and urination? Our interview guest (22:50) is Tam Le, a Vietnamese-American woman who runs Saigonita, a monthly closed-door restaurant featuring a creative fusion of Mexican and Vietnamese food. We discuss the dishes she comes up with, as well as authenticity in food. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (38:29).

This week we begin (1:18) with a look at fast fashion in Vietnam in the wake of UNIQLO's announcement that it will expand to the country next fall. What does the arrival of brands like H&M, Zara and UNIQLO mean for local consumers? Then (12:14), we revive a game we played on one of our first episodes: Bubble Tea Shop, or Porno? Also, the bubble tea craze which swept into Vietnam last year has shown no signs of abating, but could this be a good thing for certain areas? Our interview guest (21:19) is Nicolas Plesse, the founder of Urban Tales Cholon. We talked about the logistics of running such a unique company, as well as his plans for regional expansion and what that could mean for tourism. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (34:00).

On this week's show, we begin (1:20) with a conversation about the just-concluded Asian Olympics and what they mean for Vietnam, especially in terms of football and the incredible reaction to the success of the mean's team. Then (14:07), we cover Saigon's collection of museums and their generally poor quality. Why aren't their better museums in the city, and which locations would we recommend? Our interview guest (22:55) is Stuart McDonald, a co-founder of the independent travel website Travelfish. We call Stuart at his home in Indonesia to talk about travel in Southeast Asia. Check out the website here: https://www.travelfish.org/ As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (41:43).

We're back! On this week's show, we begin (2:04) with an extended discussion on gender roles in Vietnam. From drinking sessions to driving and the kitchen, how are the roles of men and women perceived in Vietnamese society? Then (21:38), we look at public indecency in the country following recent viral stories involving couples having public sex inside a CGV cinema and at a bubble tea shop. Our interview segment (31:40) features Dr. Michael Waibel from the Department of Human Geography at the University of Hamburg. We discussed his extensive experience in Vietnam, including the series of large photo books he has created on the growth of Saigon, Hanoi and Da Nang. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (45:01).

This week, we begin (1:07) with a debate over our favorite types of seafood, a conversation which turns rather philosophical in the end. Then (12:45), we discuss traditional Vietnamese medicine, which is quite different from the more famous traditional Chinese medicine. Are various aspects of it hokum, or scientifically legitimate? Our interview guests (25:14) are Jérémy Marcillaud and Nicolas Plesse of L'Arrange Rhum. We chatted about their decision to begin making hand-distilled rum in Saigon, and where they hope to take their craft in the future. Check out their Facebook page for more: https://www.facebook.com/larrangesaigon/ As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (37:44). We're off next week, but will return to your feed on the 27th.

This week we begin (1:06)with a conversation about exercise in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh championed exercise as a form of patriotism, but how have views on this subject evolved in the modern age? Then (11:45), we revive Saigoneer's Street Cred series, though in audio form. Nearly every street in the country is named after a famous person or place, and we take turns sharing the stories behind the names of four streets. Our guest interview (27:44) features Yen Nguyen and Ed Weinberg of the Hanoi Zine Library. They share the background of the project, and their hopes for its future. Find them in Hanoi at Ga Phe or Heritage Space, or on Facebook at Hanoi Zine Library. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (45:43).

On this week's show, we begin (1:14) by salivating over our favorite Vietnamese dishes when we're in the mood for something greasy, dirty or downright sinful. Then (13:35) we discuss marriage and weddings in contemporary Vietnam. What do younger generations think of this social tradition, and have weddings here changed over the years? There is no interview guest this week, but as always we close with Banh Mi Banter (26:23).

On this week's show, we begin (1:17) with a discussion on some of the micro-level differences between Hanoi and Saigon. Our co-hosts Paul and Thi recently spent nearly a week in the capital, so we dug into the character of the place. Then (13:51) we revisited February's U23 football madness through the lens of the World Cup. Why was Vietnam's celebration so peaceful compared to that of France? What would it be like if Vietnam qualified for the tournament? Our interview guest is Howard Limbert (25:46), former head of the British Caving Association and one of the leading experts on Vietnam's cave systems. He is based near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave, which he helped map. We talked about his extensive experience in the country, as well as why tourism in Phong Nha has thus far been an environmental success story, unlike areas such as Phu Quoc and Sa Pa. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (39:07).

On this week's show, we celebrate our 21st birthday by drinking a few alcohol-infused Japanese drinks and discussing vital matters such as: - Which is the best district in Saigon? - If you could remove three animals from Vietnam's Zodiac calendar, which animals would you replace them with? (Hint: we're big fans of the pangolin.) - What do we expect people to try and bring onto Saigon's metro trains when the service opens? - Street sushi? And more! There is no guest interview or Banh Mi Banter this week, so enjoy an episode full of nothing but banter! We'll return to our regular format next week.

On this week's show, our 20th, we begin(1:17)with a semi-civil discussion about transportation in Saigon. Is walking all it's cracked up to be? Can we go beyond the car/motorbike binary? What about using the river? Then (14:17) we look at Vietnamese women in tech, which there aren't enough of, but that doesn't mean there aren't inspirational stories out there. We fawn over Le Duy Loan, the first female Texas Instruments Senior Fellow; and Do Viet Nga, one of the architects of the VT80, Vietnam's first home-grown computer, which debuted in 1977. Our interview segment (23:23) features Mervin Lee, a Singaporean photographer, foodie and (self-proclaimed) coffee snob. We talked about his work and his strategy for finding delicious hidden restaurants. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (33:51).

On this week's show, we begin (1:34) with a look at some traditions of past eras that have largely fallen by the wayside in this modern age, such as teeth blackening and cricket fights. We also honor a few habits that have survived, such as kite flying and the many rituals of Tet. Then (12:47) we look at our beloved Vietnamese cuisine and ponder some ways in which it could be even healthier and more well-balanced than it already is. This segment includes a brief fight over mayo. Our interview segment (22:40) features Mai Nguyen, who has worked in everything from robotics and maker spaces to dyes and social entrepreneurship. Find out more about her wide-ranging projects on her website: https://www.curiousmeye.com/ As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (36:56).

On this week's show, in honor of Pride Month, we begin (1:20) with a discussion on queer representation in Vietnamese pop culture. Vietnam's literature has a long history of queer characters, while modern portrayals can be problematic at times. What does this say about the country's perception of its queer community? Then (14:41), we dig into our latest round of street food recommendations, including a light soup from Phu Yen Province and a collection of ice cream spots. Our interview segment (23:37) features Sam Maruta, a co-founder of Marou Chocolate. We talked about the company's spontaneous beginning, as well as their efforts to become an environmentally sustainable producer. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (39:49).

On episode 17 of the Saigoneer Podcast we begin (1:28) with a discussion of some of the challenges involved in writing in Vietnam, both overall and when writing in a second language such as English. Then (15:09), we wander into Saigon's unofficial Japan Town, at the start of District 1's Le Thanh Ton Street. We talk about the area's unique history, and share some recommendations of our favorite restaurants in the area. Our interview segment (23:09) features French-Canadian artist Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen. She shares her story, as well as her process when it comes to creating her multi-faceted work. Find out more about her projects at http://www.jacquelinehoangnguyen.com/. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (37:04).

This week we begin (1:20) with a game based on news euphemisms created by local officials - for example, 'water accumulation' instead of flooding and 'not-on-time service' instead of a delayed flight. We came up with a few fake headlines featuring our own made-up euphemisms and tried to guess what they meant. Then (9:16), we debate our favorite and least-favorite types of vegetables, a companion segment to our fruit argument from a few months ago. Our interview segment (20:52)features Vu Minh Tu, a hilarious stand-up comedian from Hanoi who has been performing in Saigon for the last nine months. She got real about the reasons why she got into stand-up, as well as how the scene has evolved here. Follow the Saigon Funny People Facebook page to find out when she's performing next: https://www.facebook.com/saigonfunnypeople/ As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (32:45).

This week's show features a super-sized segment on Vietnamese folk tales (1:09), in which we share some of our favorite legends and stories. Our interview segment (22:24) features Quynh Lam, the contemporary artist known for her works which highlight the issue of being a woman in Vietnam. Find examples of her work here: https://www.quynhsequoia.com/. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (33:17). Once you've finished, watch this puzzling video which we discuss during the segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYuAt9_tsI&t=5s.

This week we begin (1:22) with a look at the prevalence of fake goods and businesses in Vietnam, and whether or not they're a bad thing. This follows allegations that Mumuso and Minigood are actually Chinese companies, despite their Korean branding. Then (11:36) we chat about some uber-successful Vietnamese millenials who are beating the stereotype that young people are lazy and lack business drive. Our interview discussion (19:51) features Erik Harms, an associate professor of anthropology and Southeast Asia studies at Yale. He wrote the 2016 book 'Luxury and Rubble: Civility and Dispossession in the New Saigon,' which looks at two of the city's biggest planned developments. We had an in-depth discussion about Thu Thiem and the recent controversy swirling around the project. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (51:53).

This week we begin (1:23) with a look at the strides Vietnamese cinema has taken in recent years, both in terms of production quality and screenwriting. We also discuss why you should see local movies over foreign imports. Then (13:02), we dive into some of the digital sub-cultures that have spawned in Vietnam thanks to the ubiquity of social media, including country-specific memes and confession pages. Our interview segment (23:28) features Benjamin Bathke, a German journalist who recently spent three months in Vietnam interviewing business owners, entrepreneurs, academics and more. He shares a few stories from the road. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (43:42).

We begin (1:37) with a roundup of some of our favorite recent Saigon street food escapades, as listeners have asked for more food coverage. How does banh mi dim sum or a seafood feast sound to you? Then (10:20) we examine Vietnam's potential #MeToo moment, which began with a sexual assault allegation at Tuoi Tre, one of the country's largest newspapers. Our interview segment (21:33) is with Dr. Phuong Mai Nguyen, a Hanoi native who is now a university professor in Amsterdam, as well as a popular author and researcher. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (34:14).

This week we moved into a recording studio, meaning this episode will sound different from all of our previous ones. In our first segment we share the stories of the most unique hobbies we've come across in Saigon, including a friend who likes to burn dirt and men who groom chickens for beauty contests. Then, we look at mental health in Vietnam through a personal lens. Our interview segment is with James Clark, who runs the Nomadic Notes website and focuses on heritage conservation and infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter. We're taking next week off, so we'll be back on May 7.

Our first segment (1:28) evolved from a recent office conversation about which fruit deserves to be the national fruit of Vietnam. That debate revealed some rather controversial fruit-based opinions among our staff, so we've taken the argument to the airwaves to debate our favorites, from bottom to top tier. Then (12:55), we call up our editor in Hanoi to discuss last week's launch of Urbanist Hanoi. What does our sister site hope to achieve, and what can we look forward to reading from the capital? This week's interview segment (22:10) features Saigon Duo, who we mentioned in our conversation about contemporary Vietnamese literature from our fifth episode. The New York City-based pair of Duy Vo and Thao Bui are Saigon natives, and they discuss their writing and photography work, in addition to providing frank insight on their feelings of not belonging in either Vietnam, their homeland, or the United States, their adopted home. Finally, we close with Banh Mi Banter (44:40).

In honor of Friday the 13th, we begin (1:36) with a chat about our favorite local urban legends and ghost stories, including a Shakespearean tale of separated lovers in Da Lat and the mysteries surrounding Saigon's Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School. Then (11:03), we dig into a series of recent articles claiming that an 'anti-rich' sentiment is holding Vietnam's most successful businesspeople back. The country is home to some of the world's fastest wealth growth rates, in addition to four Forbes-listed billionaires. How has Vietnam traditionally viewed the rich, and is there anything to this theory? Our extended interview segment (21:32) features a wide-ranging discussion on Cambodian rock & roll with LinDa Saphan, a Khmer researcher based in New York and associate producer of the 2015 documentary 'Don't Think I've Forgotten: Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll.' We've put together a Spotify playlist including many of the musicians mentioned during the conversation for your listening pleasure; just make sure you wait until you've finished this episode! https://open.spotify.com/user/xkain8den802f078qmzkvuo73/playlist/4t6tjYdIKOHSqyYFAkHQw7?si=SOVObwogRJmGfxeum5yU-w As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (51:32).

We start with a conversation about local fire safety in the wake of last week's deadly apartment building fire in District 8, as well as a string of smaller blazes in recent days. Then, we discuss Grab's acquisition of Uber's Southeast Asian operations. How might this impact everyday users? Our interview segment features Melissa Merryweather, the director of Green Consult-Asia and chair of the Vietnam Green Building Council. She shares insight on what it takes to build 'green' in Vietnam, as well as some of the problems she has with Saigon's new high-rise residential projects. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter. Corgi butts are mentioned, so tune in for that.

Our first segment (1:12) covers several great youth-led projects that have highlighted traditional forms of Vietnamese art that would otherwise be largely forgotten. Examples include Ve Ve Hat Boi, a collective working to preserve the Vietnamese theater opera of hát bội; as well as an effort to digitalize the disappearing art of Hanoi's classic Hang Trong paintings (links below). Then (8:51) we dig into foreign interpretations of Vietnamese food and whether they represent creativity or cultural appropriation. In our interview segment (18:26) culinary expert and food writer Andrea Nguyen calls in from California. She helped bring Vietnamese cuisine into the American mainstream through her best-selling cookbooks. We chat about her background, the significance of her childhood cuisine becoming a global phenomenon, 'The Pho Cookbook' and whether the term "authentic" has a place in food writing. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (45:15). https://saigoneer.com/saigon-arts-culture/arts-culture-categories/12555-ve-ve-hat-boi-saving-vietnam%E2%80%99s-age-old-art-with-youthful-passion https://saigoneer.com/saigon-arts-culture/arts-culture-categories/12378-preserving-hanoi-s-hang-trong-paintings-through-digitization

This week we covered Spotify's long-awaited launch in Vietnam and how this will change local listening habits, as well as the impact it could have on the Vietnamese music industry. Then we dive into Vietnam's close cultural and economic ties with Japan. From Doraemon to manga and Saigon's first metro line, Japan's presence is impossible to miss here. But there are flaws in this relationship, as evidenced by recent news regarding Vietnamese workers in the Northeast Asian country. Our interview is with Long Nguyen, an International Relations major at Tokyo International University and co-host of the Bento Bureau Podcast, which covers Japanese culture, history, and current events. We chatted over Skype about what draws so many Vietnamese students to Japan, as well as his experience living there. Find Long's show at bentobureau.com. Finally, we end with Banh Mi Banter.

We’re back! This week we made up for lost time over our month-long break with an episode featuring two longer, in-depth conversations. Unlike in previous shows, this episode features just one staff discussion: a deep dive into contemporary Vietnamese literature, including poetry, fiction and graphic non-fiction, by both native and overseas writers. Our extended interview segment features a fun, wide-ranging talk on LGBTQ issues in Vietnam with Anh-Thu Nguyen, a lead organizer for Les Come Out, Saigon’s first queer women and trans-inclusive party series; as well as Ricardo Glencasa, Trinh Bang Ky Nu and Eddie Culbeaux from Full Disclosure, a group which hosts some of the largest LGBTQ-friendly events and parties in town. Our final segment, Banh Mi Banter, closes out the show as always.

We're one month old! On this episode, our last before the Tet holiday, we discuss the staggering national outpouring of support during the U-23 football team's run to the final of the recent AFC championship. Then, we look at Saigon's ongoing bubble tea craze and play a few rounds of 'Bubble tea shop, or porn company?' Our interview segment features a conversation with Harry Hodge, who has covered sports in Saigon for years. We sat down to talk about the Saigon Heat basketball team and the city's expensive bid to host the 2021 Southeast Asia Games. As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (hint: we all had thoughts on VietJet's recent behavior.) We will return in early March - chủc mừng năm mởi, everybody!

This week we discuss how Grab and Uber have revolutionized the way Saigoneers get around, in addition to the regulatory challenges these disruptive companies pose. Then, we fawn over Vietnam's up-and-coming indie bands, including Cả Hồi Hoang, Ngọt, Những Đứa Trẻ and Gảc Mải. (Soundcloud links listed below.) Mel Schenck, a co-founder of the excellent Vietnamese Modernist Architecture Facebook group and architect with years of experience in Vietnam, joins us to talk about why this style became so ingrained in southern Vietnam during the 20th century. He also discusses a few of his favorite modernist buildings around Saigon so that listeners can check them out, including 12 Vo Van Kiet, 9 Nguyen Cong Tru and 89 Ly Tu Trong in District 1; Thong Nhat Hospital in Tan Binh District; 31 Ngo Thoi Nghiem in District 3; and 140 Nguyen Van Troi in Phu Nhuan District. Then, we close with Banh Mi Banter. https://soundcloud.com/cahoihoang https://soundcloud.com/ngot https://soundcloud.com/nhungduatre https://soundcloud.com/gacmai

This week we discuss the biggest changes and stories in Saigon from 2017, as well as last year's record-breaking international tourism figures and the impact this industry is having on Vietnam's environment. Our interview segment features a conversation with Dao Duy Bang Thanh, a co-founder of Vietnam Coffee Republic. We discussed their brand, Saigon's growing cafe market and the impact climate change is having on coffee production in the country. Finally, we close with Banh Mi Banter.

In our debut episode we discuss street food vendors in Southeast Asia receiving international awards, as well as Vietnamese representation on the big screen in recent movies such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Downsizing. Our interview segment features a conversation on Saigon's sidewalk-clearing campaign with Annette Kim, an associate professor of public policy and director of the Spatial Analysis Lab at the University of Southern California. Kim wrote the 2015 book Sidewalk City: Remapping Public Space in Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, we close with Banh Mi Banter.

Welcome to the Saigoneer Podcast! Debuting in January, this weekly podcast will allow listeners to take our reporting, insight and banter anywhere. This preview episode will give you an idea of what to expect - give it a listen, and we look forward to seeing you again in January!