The SEA4 Podcast aims to bring the stories of refugees from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam and their American-born descendants into the mainstream. By focusing on athletes and other accomplished individuals who have overcome adversity we hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams. John Messina and Ko Chandetka from the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame will be interviewing athletes and others who represent the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia including Lao, Laotian, Khmu, Khmer, Hmong, Viet ...
…
continue reading
Cherish the past, dream of the future but live, today… Time waits for no one and when Tee Insixiengmay needed a fresh start after a tough break up, he bought a one-way ticket to the adventure of a lifetime. From his ancestral homeland in Laos, to the mountains of South America, Tee has been back packing his way around the globe with the goal of vis…
…
continue reading
1
Sambo Kim: Promoting Bokator and the Kun Khmer Martial Arts
33:34
33:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:34
Sambo Kim, born in Cambodia, found his connection to an ancient Khmer tradition not in his homeland but 8,000 miles away in America. It was there that he discovered Bokator, a martial art with deep roots in his heritage. Like many young people, Sambo’s initial exposure to martial arts came through Hollywood films, but what began as a childhood fasc…
…
continue reading
1
Matthew Nola: Building pickleball in Laos
28:20
28:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:20
At the bottom, there's only one direction to go: up. When Matthew Nola left the Nong Khai refugee camp and boarded a one-way flight to America with his family, he could only have imagined that his return ticket would come in the form of an unexpected game: pickleball. Now recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the world, pickleball has transfor…
…
continue reading
1
Anna Ounoutha: Probation Officer and Motorcycle Drag Racer
43:47
43:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:47
Life is a journey filled with highs, lows, joy and pain and no one knows this better than Anna Ounoutha. Raised by refugee parents from Laos, she experienced the devastating loss of her brother to gang violence and became a mother during her teenage years. Instead of succumbing to these challenges, Anna transformed adversity into motivation. She pu…
…
continue reading
For most of us help is only a phone call away but we often forget that those responding in our time of need are fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters… everyday people. At no time was that more evident than on September 11th, 2001 when 343 firefighters lost their lives. From routine fire inspections to one of the darkest days in our nation’s histor…
…
continue reading
In 2023 a group of Lao American athletes traveled to Cambodia to represent Laos at the SEA games. Among the group was Angelina Messina (University of Pittsburgh Swim). Astrid Dirkzwager (Georgia Tech swim), Ariana Dirkzwager (Georgia Tech swim, Steven Insixiengmay (University of Georgia swim) and Dawson Sihavong (Stanford University wreslting). Thi…
…
continue reading
1
Samson Phommabout: MMA Fighter & Entrepreneur
44:45
44:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:45
Samson, a man so powerful they say he could slay a lion with his bare hands. Much like his biblical namesake, Samson Phommabout’s life story is one of incredible strength and resilience. Raised in the shadows of Salt Lake City, Samson's early years were marred by the allure of gang life. It would take a brush with law enforcement and the tragic los…
…
continue reading
1
Kyto Khoungrasvongsa: Football Player, Coach and Team Owner
44:21
44:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:21
The first generation walked, so that the second could run, and the third…could fly… Lost somewhere between Buddhist ancestors and Mormon neighbors, between his Lao heritage and the American dream Kyto Khouangrasvongsa would find his way home on the football field. Kyto began playing in high school before transitioning into the semi pros. When the t…
…
continue reading
They say that a smooth sea has never made a skilled sailor. The odds were stacked against Jason Somachay in life. Growing up without a father, being raised by his immigrant grandparents and finding his way into the juvenile justice system. It was through the tumultuous seas of his youth that he discovered his anchor: martial arts. After being intro…
…
continue reading
1
Rose Khun: Forgiveness & Healing through Somatic Breathwork
53:25
53:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:25
Rose Khun is the daughter of Cambodian refugees that resettled in the United States after fleeing the Khmer Rouge. Her parents operated a small video store in California where her father was killed in a robbery. The tragedy would impact Rose for years to come. Through somatic breathwork Rose was able to start her healing journey and ultimately forg…
…
continue reading
1
Jose Nouchanthavong: Lao-American Professional Basketball Player
38:47
38:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:47
From a small town in Maine to the lights of Bangkok, it’s the love of the game that has taken Jose Nouchathavong on a journey around the world. Jose began playing basketball as a child and would work his way onto the roster of a local community college before going on to play for University of Southern Maine. At a crossroads, contemplating a transi…
…
continue reading
1
50th Episode Special: Reflections on the past 2 years
36:43
36:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:43
When the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame was founded over a cup of coffee in South Elgin, Illinois, we could have only imagined what it would become. About two years into our journey, we’ve inducted 25 athletes, featured countless rising stars, built bridges between athletes in Laos and the USA and made a few new friends along the way. The SEA Fou…
…
continue reading
1
Lao Rugby Federation: Megan Knight, Viengsamai Souksavanh & Ana Lavongtheung
42:59
42:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:59
While we love the competition, the glory and the roar of the crowd there is so much more to sports and nowhere is this more evident than on the Rugby pitches of Laos. From the capital city to the rural villages rugby is making a positive impact across the country. Through the Lao Rugby Federation’s developmental programs and the transnational Wered…
…
continue reading
1
Terry Rajsombath: Army National Guard Purple Heart Recipient
57:33
57:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:33
Victor Hugo said, “What causes night in our souls, may have stars”. The 9/11 attacks drove Terry Rajsombath to enlist in the military and it wouldn’t be long before he was deployed to the front lines in Afghanistan. After surviving a near fatal gunshot wound in a harrowing fire fight, Terry would face the ultimate battle of his life while trying to…
…
continue reading
1
Brandon Thammavong: Lifestyle and Confidence Coach
39:44
39:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:44
The toughest moments in our lives can either break us, or make us. Brandon Thammavong was headed down a path of self-destruction, when in a defining moment he decided to make a change. Pouring everything into his mental and physical self, while harnessing his entrepreneurial spirt, Brandon, would conquer his past and forge a path into the future. H…
…
continue reading
In life we make choices. Shortly after Rasi Chau landed in America, he strapped on a football helmet and put the war and devastation that had defined his early childhood behind him. Rasi would go on to play in high school, college and the ranks of the semi-pros before taking to the field as a coach and official. From Pewee to the Pros, Rasi has bee…
…
continue reading
1
Sovannahry Em: One Championship MMA Fighter
36:36
36:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:36
How does a shy child from Long Beach end up fighting on Asian’s biggest MMA stage? After high school, Sovannarhry Em began training in boxing and martial arts. Initially focused on fun and fitness she quickly caught the eye of professional promoters. After winning her first few pro fights in dramatic fashion, Sovannahry boarded a plane for Malaysia…
…
continue reading
1
Amatha Ratsombath: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Laos
1:22:25
1:22:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:25
Amatha Ratsombath was lost in life, floundering somewhere between the French ideals of Liberty, equality and fraternity and the urban ghettos of Paris filled with disenfranchised immigrant youth. He would find a path in life through martial arts and after relocating to his ancestral homeland of Laos discover his inner self. Amatha recentlyled the L…
…
continue reading
1
Athlete Mental Health: Stories from Lao American Athletes
1:06:33
1:06:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:33
Behind the triumphs and glory that grace the sporting arenas, there lies a lesser-known battle fought within the hearts and minds of these extraordinary individuals. Athlete Mental health, a topic often shrouded in silence but that holds immense importance. Behind every gold medal lies, trauma, self-doubt, fear and pain. From the darkest lows to ou…
…
continue reading
1
AJ Vongphachanh: Utah State and BYU Football Star
32:00
32:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:00
To most people the 2021 Jimmy Kimmel L.A. Bowl was just another football game but to the Lao American community in was a moment of great pride as two Lao last names battled it out. AJ Vongphachanh rose from the youth football fields of western Washington to playing in a sold-out SoFi stadium on national television. Behind his rise, a strong work et…
…
continue reading
1
Leth Oun: Cambodian American Secrete Service Agent
42:49
42:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:49
Neil Diamond said, have you ever heard a story about a frog who dreamed of becoming a king, and then became one? Well except for the names and a few other changes if you’re talking about Leth Oun the story is the same one. Leth was a virtual slave under the Khmer Rouge but now protects the leader of the free world. After escaping the killing fields…
…
continue reading
1
Boomer Savanh: Laos Born U.S. Navy Veteran, Mountain Climber and Runner
1:10:24
1:10:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:24
How does a child go from a poor farming village in Laos to the top of a mountain? Opportunity, its what the American dream is ultimately all about. After transiting through a refugee camp, Boomer Savanh, came to America as a child and went on to have a successful 27-year career in the U.S. Navy and is raising a family. As an athlete, he’s climbed t…
…
continue reading
1
Kenya Prach: Kun Khmer / Bokator fighter, Cambodian Genocide survivor, author of Black stone Hands
59:59
59:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:59
Kenya Prach is a survivor of the Cambodian genocide, known as the killing fields. Destitute and clinging to life, Kenya entered a refugee in Thailand. At night he would sneak out of the camp and fight for money in order to support his family. In America, with limited language and job skills Kenya would rely on his fighting skills again and pass on …
…
continue reading
1
Rugby Edition: Jerry Sysourath and Tino Paophavihanh
52:07
52:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:07
For many in the U.S. participation in competitive sports ends on the high school football field but for Jerry Sysourath and Tino Paophavihanh football was only the beginning. Rugby, a sport that has long been popular in the Asia Pacific Region is steadily gaining a following in America and became a completive poulet for Jerry and Tino. What started…
…
continue reading
1
John Nammychai: Lao-Khmu Army Airborne Soldier and Semi Pro Football Player
1:11:13
1:11:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:13
As Steve Hartman would say, “everybody has a story”. John Nammychai is no exception. The child of refugees he guided himself into the world, jumping from planes, fighting in war, and realizing his version of an NFL dream on the semipro football field. John did this all while trying to understand who he is and to connect with his ancient Khmu herita…
…
continue reading
1
Malay Bouaphakeo: Softball, Roller Derby and Life Coach
40:50
40:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:50
Passion, its what drove Malay Boauphakeo from her humble begging in Storm Lake Iowa, to the softball diamond at Drake University. After graduating and entering the workforce her passion for competitive sports would lead her to found and compete on a roller derby team, the Des Monies Dames. Malay’s greatest passion in life might just be instilling i…
…
continue reading
Why attempt something if most people fail? Why put yourself in danger when you can be at home safe? Soukhanthone Siphaxay, known to most as Tron, was in boot camp during the September 11th, 2001 attack on America and would soon find himself on the front lines of the war on terror as part of an elite force, the Navy Seals. Tron enlisted in the Navy …
…
continue reading
1
Lao American Pro Wrestling Round Table: Peter Chanthapone (Jordan Jaa), Sean Bouasenesouk (Sean Lao), Sengphet Sengphachanh (El Saiko Gato)
1:18:34
1:18:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:34
The glory, the agony, the sport and the acting, we dive deep into the world of pro wrestling. From the bright lights of the stage to the depths of defeat it may be just a show to many, but to the athletes, it’s a lifestyle filled with exhilaration, challenges, pain and purpose. Join us for a roundtable style discussion on what its like to be a pro …
…
continue reading
1
James Vang: Hmong American Powerlifting Champion
59:18
59:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:18
The road to greatness can be a lonely one and no one knows this better than champion powerlifter, James Vang. It was during a tough time in life that James made a choice, ignore the naysayers, don’t let others define you and go all in. As a member of Team USA, a nine-time national champion, and Arnold Classic title holder, James Vang has powered hi…
…
continue reading
1
Krysada Panusith Phounsiri: Part 2 Language & Art
32:28
32:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:28
This is part two of our interview with Lao-American dancer, poet, and scientist, Krysada Panusith Phounsiri. In the last episode, he took us on a journey, from break dancing on the streets of San Deigo to national tv and the Las Vegas stage. Krysada is also a poet and tells of his experiences and the stories of his community through writing. We sta…
…
continue reading
1
Krysada Panusith Phounsiri: Lao-American Break-dancer, Poet and Physicist -Part 1
1:00:22
1:00:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:22
Part 1 of a two-part interview. What lies at the intersection of science, art, language, and athleticism? At the confluence of Lao and American culture? Krysada Panusith Phounsiri, or Binly, as he is known is an accomplished break dancer, award-winning poet, artist, and physicist. From his early days in Laos to the Las Vegas stage, Binly is writing…
…
continue reading
1
Arick Souvanna: Precision Rifle Competitor
43:01
43:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:01
Sometimes, in life people shoot for their dreams, literally. Arick Souvanna grew up in Saginaw Texas, a town known for hosting one of the largest Lao New Year celebrations in America. Arick is putting this tight-knit community on the map again, this time for Precision Rifle Shooting. From building his own ammunition to traveling the country for com…
…
continue reading
1
Royal Tiger Academy: Kenji Saykosy and Diandra Sayasy
38:41
38:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:41
Sometimes we don’t find our calling in life, it finds us. As a refugee from Laos, Kenji Saykosy was bullied as a child and turned to martial arts for self-defense. 40 years later at Royal Tiger Academy in Damascus Maryland, Kenji and his partner Dee Dee, pass on their knowledge and passion to students of all ages. Helping young people build confide…
…
continue reading
1
Jeremy Mirken: U.S.A. Sepak Takraw Head Coach
49:31
49:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:31
In 1960 a group of southeast Asian countries came together in Kuala Lumpur to standardize the rules and settle on a name for an ancient sport, Sepak Takraw. The sport began gaining popularity in the United States mainly within the Lao and Hmong diaspora communities in places like Northern California and Minnesota during the 1980s. Jeremy Mirken beg…
…
continue reading
1
Phanath Nate Sengmany: Creator of the Hike and Hit Program
56:33
56:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:33
You may have heard the saying “find your why”. It’s the why that has driven Nate Sengmany from his namesake, a refugee camp in Thailand, to doing the Nate Pose on top of some of California’s most scenic bluffs. He came up during Sacramento’s turbulent 1990’s and after an encounter with the criminal justice system Nate made a choice in life by findi…
…
continue reading
1
Walter Sarnoi Oupathana: WBC Title Holder and Laos National Team Boxer
27:35
27:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:35
What would motivate someone who holds a master’s degree, is a licensed paramedic and speaks five languages to step into the ring with some of the best fighters in the world? A passion and a dream. A passion for competing and the dream of representing your ancestral homeland at the biggest athletic show on earth, the Olympics. Walter Sarnoi Oupathan…
…
continue reading
1
The Lao Pickleball Guys: Noi Sourinthone & Matthew Nola
48:31
48:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:31
Drive by any park or visit an indoor rec center these days and you’re sure to see people, young and old, hitting a ball in what appears to be a life-size game of Ping-Pong. Pickleball has taken the US by storm and two Lao Americans are riding its wave. Noi Sourinthone, left his home in Tennessee to follow his dream to Wichita, Kansas, where he reco…
…
continue reading
1
Jackie Sayasone: Lao American Cornhole Pro
37:06
37:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:06
When one door closes another one opens. As refugees from Laos, Sy and Nang Sayasone were resettled in the Midwest where they quickly went to work, toiling in meat packing plants in an effort to give their children a better life. Jackie would take advantage of that opportunity and go on to be a college athlete but just as Jackie’s college soccer car…
…
continue reading
1
Ohn Phommavong Scoggins: Lao Disc Golf Pro
34:10
34:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:10
Sometimes, our life’s calling finds us in the most unexpected ways. Ohn Phommavong grew up in a rice farming village in rural Laos before heading to the city in search of work. Through a chance encounter, she would fall in love with a backpacker from America, Justin Scoggins. After traveling across Asia together they would settle down to a new life…
…
continue reading
1
Ben Nguyen: Vietnamese American MMA Fighter
57:58
57:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:58
They may say that “nice guys finish last” but Ben Nguyen proves that sometimes it’s the good guy who comes out on top. After the war in Vietnam Ben’s family settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they rebuilt their lives from scratch as refugees. Ben was bullied as a child so his mother signed him up for taekwondo. From his early days practici…
…
continue reading
1
David Phrathep: Lao American baseball player and medical student
53:26
53:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:26
Arnold Schwarzenegger's six rules for success are, trust yourself, break some rules, don’t be afraid to fail, work like hell and give something back. The first time David Phrathep stepped onto the baseball field he was the underdog. From being told that he wasn’t cut out for little league to taking a shot as a college walk-on, David used that negat…
…
continue reading
1
Christa Camvongcau Atwood: Lao-American Airline pilot
56:15
56:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:15
When it comes to chasing your dream, they say, “it’s not the destination but the journey”. Pilot Christa Camvongcau Atwood is on the journey of a lifetime, chasing her dream from destination to destination through the skies. From her humble beginnings as a refugee to taking the controls of an A320 Christa is breaking down barriers in a male-dominat…
…
continue reading
1
Linda Sayavongchanh: Basketball Player & NCAA D1 Coach
43:08
43:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:08
Linda Sayavongchanh was introduced to basketball in elementary school, a sport that was foreign to her parents who had recently resettled in America as refugees from Laos. At Des Moines-Lincoln High School she would score a staggering 1,630 points, be crowned Miss Iowa Basketball and was named Gatorade player of the year before signing with Drake U…
…
continue reading
1
Nara Sihavong: Wrestler, coach, entrepreneur & philanthropist.
59:04
59:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:04
When we featured Folkstyle national champion and Stanford University wrestler Dawson Sihavong as a rising star in the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame it quickly became apparent that Dawson’s journey to the top began a generation earlier in war-torn Laos. Nara Sihavong came to the United States as a refugee in 1978. A mere seven years later he made…
…
continue reading
1
Maria Balang: 1st Lao-Lahu IFBB Bikini Pro
45:22
45:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:22
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “in our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits. That’s exactly what Maria Balang did. Maria started working out to get in shape but soon found herself on the stage competing against women half her age. This mother of four would go on to capture one of bodybuilding top honors, earning …
…
continue reading
1
Davy Phrathep: Baseball player and clinical psychology doctoral candidate on athlete performance.
58:21
58:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:21
Davy Phrathep and his brother David took up baseball during their childhood in Florida. The brothers, whose parents were refugees from Laos, would go on to be the first known Lao Americans to compete at the NCAA Division I level. While Davy may have hung up his glove after graduating from Florida International University, he would merge his athleti…
…
continue reading
1
Lo Phong La Kiatoukaysy, aka Lil' Buddah: Hmong American through hiker
55:24
55:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:24
After the secret war in Laos Lo Phong La Kiatoukaysy and his family fled their Hmong village in the mountains and were resettled on the great plains of America. The family adapted to life in Kansas but would try and reconnect with their highland roots by vacationing in the Rocky Mountains. Lo Phong eventually headed to New York City exploring Ameri…
…
continue reading
1
Justin Phongsavanh: Lao-American Paralympic Athlete
48:39
48:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:39
Justin Phongsavanh was only two years old when he entered the Iowa foster care system after his biological parents were incarcerated. He was raised by his adoptive mother in Ankeny, Iowa, and excelled at a variety of sports until at the age of 18 his life changed forever. Justin was shot in a Mcdonald's parking lot after an encounter with a mentall…
…
continue reading
1
Jennifer Chanthavong: Lao-American Muay Thai Fighter
26:13
26:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:13
Five feet tall, 184 lbs, and out of shape. That was Jennifer Chanthavong when in 2017, determined to take her life back, she walked into V-Fit martial arts of Arlington Texas. Jennifer started taking kickboxing classes to get in shape but soon found herself in the ring fighting against some of the best up-and-coming martial artists that Texas had t…
…
continue reading
1
Channing Cash: Team USA Para-rower from Laos
36:37
36:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:37
Channing Cash was born in a small village in Laos where at three years old she was attacked by a bull that had escaped from its pasture. The attack left Channing unable to walk and was the catalyst behind her parent’s immigration to America as they sought better medical care and quality of life for their daughter. Upon graduation from high school i…
…
continue reading