Healing Out Lao'd

On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Secret War in Laos, the Fall of Saigon, and the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, this powerful conversation—hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library—brings together Lao American community leader and healing practitioner Rita Phetmixay and writer, director, and producer Kulap Vilaysack.

Together, they reflect on the ripple effects of war, loss, migration, and survival that have shaped their La...

In Episode 2 of Healing Out Lao’d, Rita unpacks Thailand’s role in the ongoing conflict with Cambodia through the lens of nationalism, colonial legacy, and cultural appropriation. With Lao and Thai Isaan roots, Rita reflects on how this war hits close to home — especially after her cousin had to evacuate due to a bomb hitting her city in Thailand. This episode further explores the history of the Preah Vihear Temple dispute, how bor...

Episode 46 features Vekonda Luangaphay, founder of The Lao Project, a cultural movement that celebrates Lao identity through storytelling and community engagement. Vekonda shares her journey of exploring her roots, the significance of her last name, and the impact of her family's history on her identity as a Lao American. The conversation delves into the importance of community, mental health, and the role of storytelling in p...

In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita Phetmixay discusses the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and their impact in context to the Lao diaspora and overall immigrant communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding rights, community support, and the need for solidarity in the face of state-sanctioned violence. Rita shares personal stories and actionable steps for listeners to support undocumente...

Episode 45 features a conversation with Tina Meetran—visual artist, children’s book author, and nonprofit leader—who joined Rita on the pod to talk about her journey as a Lao American growing up in Rhode Island. Tina opens up about family dynamics and what it was like growing up as an eldest Lao daughter and finding out at 16yo her parent’s immigration status that led to her dad facing deportation. 

Ultimately, this episode highligh...

Episode 44 is a recording of Souvankham Thammavongsa's Book Talk at the March 2024 HOL Wellness Retreat at Joshua Tree, CA. In this talk, Souvankham shares her journey as a Lao Canadian short story writer & poet of 2 decades, and explores the themes of Lao identity, cultural/family heritage, and the creative process. This conversation highlights the importance of sharing your authentic voice, leaning into self-trust and be...

In episode 43, Phatsaline "Pat" Vongsaly reflects on her experiences of co-founding Gamlangchai, a community-based organization/social enterprise founded in 2020, who's mission is “Making basic mental health support accessible in Laos.” 

Together, Rita and Pat discuss Pat's upbringing in Vientiane + her process of attending higher education in Sydney Australia, the cultural perceptions of mental health in Laos, a...

In episode 42, Aleena reflects on her journey as a Lao diaspora leader, from which she shares her upbringing in Virginia, her past work with Legacies of War, and her current leadership role in the Lao Food Movement. This conversation highlights navigating imposter syndrome, challenging experiences/controversies within the Lao community (surrounding the VA/DC temple), and the power of food in connecting people and preserving cultura...

In episode 41, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay engages in a heartfelt conversation with  Vilayvanh Bender, a Lao American children's book author and registered dietitian. Vanh shares her journey as a 1.5 generation immigrant/refugee, her childhood memories in Laos, and the importance of cultural representation through literature. The discussion delves into Vanh's motivations for writing Mommy Eats Fried Grassho...

In episode 40, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Rina B Herman, fellow Lao/Vietnamese/Southeast Asian American therapist & social worker based in Ohio. They explore the stigma surrounding mental health in Lao communities, the role of social work in promoting mental health awareness, and confronting harmful Lao phrases from parents to kids growing up, and shifting the narrative of what it means to seek su...

In episode 39, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Khoulapsavanh (Khoulap for short), fellow Lao podcaster based in Germany. They delve into Khoulap's family refugee/migration history, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and the importance of self-care and mental health practices. Khoulap shares her proud moments, advice for the younger generation, and the significance of community connection ...

In episode 38, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Ketsana Roberts, a leader in the Asian American diaspora and VP of Community Relations for Ascend. They discuss Ketsana's journey of reconnecting with her roots, growing up in a predominantly Lao neighborhood in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the challenges of navigating bi/cultural identity. Ketsana shares her experiences of resilience, the importance ...

This episode features Dr. Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy, who shares her experiences of growing up navigating the public school systems and eventually graduating as the first Lao American refugee to receive a Doctorate of Education from Harvard University!!!

Rita and Dr. Phitsamay discuss topics on intergenerational trauma, her family's escape from "Secret War" in Laos and rebuilding a community of support in th...

Healing Out Lao'd finally re-launches another season after a couple years of challenges and growth pains! In this trailer, Rita introduces the continued themes of the upcoming season focused on healing, resilience, and community within the Lao diaspora. The conversation delves into personal updates, including the host's achievements and experiences, as well as the challenges of navigating grief and friendship transitions....

On this week's surprise episode of Healing Out Lao'd, we released PART 2 of the Sabaidee Fest Reflection Series!!! [Sabaidee Fest is the largest Southeast Asian music and cultural festival]

Part 2 takes a deep dive and highlights the POV of 4 Lao-identified diaspora attendees of Sabaidee Fest: Somlit, Joy, and Susan!!! Individually and collectively, all reflect on the festival's scenery, food, culture, music...

LONG TIME NO SPEAK P'NONG!!!

On this week's surprise episode of Healing Out Lao'd, we are reflecting and reminiscing our experiences of the largest Southeast Asian music and cultural festival-- Sabaidee Fest!!!

This episode is PART 1 of a 2 PART SABAIDEE FEST REFLECTION SERIES that is intentional in highlighting the POV of 2 Lao-identified diaspora attendees of Sabaidee Fest. Saeng and Rita unpack ...

FINAL SZN 2.0 Episode 34 features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and actor/co-host of Laos Angeles Deuan Sabaidee, Somlit Inthalangsy!

During this episode, Somlit speaks on returning to his Lao name + embodying dad's legacy of community organizing & finding home away from home in Laos Angeles.

As the co-host of the Laos Angeles Deuan Sabaidee, Somlit organizes monthly gatherings for LA/Orange County commu...

Episode 33 features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and founder of Courageous Kitchen & TukTuk Box enterprises, Christy Innouvong-Thornton!

During this episode, Christy reflects on her painful experiences of growing up in a white household (w/o her Lao Isan parents) + moving beyond narratives of forced resilience & giving back through Southeast Asian foodways. 

Today, Christy is living her best life in Nort...

Episode 32 features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and music maker/DJ/audio editor of HOL– Andrew David Vilaythong!

During this episode, Andrew reflects on his experiences of growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness + therapy as a tool for addressing conflict-avoidant behaviors & making music as self-exploration. 

Today, Andrew continues to thrive in his creativity thru DJing/producing beats and ...