In this inspiring episode of Khmer Tree, host Chad welcomes Sophon Khoeun, who shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Born during the dark years of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, Sophon and his family endured profound challenges before finding refuge in the United States. His story captures both the struggles and triumphs of adapting to life in a new country while holding on to the traditions and values that connect him to his Cambodian heritage.
Sophon reflects on the difficulties of growing up as a refugee child—balancing the pressures of assimilation in American society with the responsibility of honoring his roots. Through it all, music, art, and storytelling became powerful tools for healing and self-expression, helping him preserve his cultural identity and share it with others. He emphasizes the importance of family bonds, community support, and the role of creativity in overcoming trauma and building bridges across generations.
A highlight of the conversation is Sophon’s introduction of his exciting new project: a Jukebox Musical celebrating Cambodian music, history, and resilience. More than just a performance, this project is a cultural movement, designed to honor the past while inspiring the future. Sophon envisions it as a way to connect Cambodian elders and youth, foster intergenerational dialogue, and create a renewed sense of pride and belonging within the Cambodian diaspora and beyond.
This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the strength of the Cambodian spirit, the importance of cultural preservation, and the healing power of creativity in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
In this powerful episode, Chad sits down with Audrey Chea, a former refugee from Cambodia whose life story embodies resilience, determination, and service to others. Audrey recounts her harrowing experiences of surviving the Khmer Rouge regime and the difficult transition to life in the United States as an immigrant. She reflects on how these early challenges shaped her identity, giving her both the strength and the empathy to dedicate her life to community building.
Audrey shares her journey of stepping into leadership roles at a young age, beginning with her involvement as a youth leader and later evolving into a career in social services. Her work has focused on supporting underserved families, advocating for access to resources, and guiding the Cambodian American community toward greater civic engagement. She highlights her efforts in promoting civic education, encouraging young people to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the power of their voices in shaping society.
Throughout the conversation, Audrey emphasizes the central role of education, resilience, and cultural pride in overcoming adversity. She speaks passionately about the need for Cambodian Americans to stay connected to their heritage while also actively participating in the broader American civic landscape. Her story stands as an inspiring reminder that healing and growth come not only from personal perseverance but also from lifting up the community around us.
https://www.chinaryung.com/index.html
In this episode, host Chad has the honor of interviewing Chinary Ung, the legendary Cambodian composer whose extraordinary journey bridges two worlds: the traditional sounds of Cambodia and the evolving landscape of contemporary music in the United States. From his childhood in Cambodia to his rise as a prominent figure in the international music scene, Chinary reflects on a life shaped by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation.
The conversation explores themes of identity, survival, and renewal, as Chinary recounts his formative years, his musical studies, and his arrival in New York during the 1960s—a time of artistic experimentation and cultural upheaval. He shares how these experiences influenced his compositions, blending Western modernism with the spiritual depth and melodic essence of Khmer traditions. Through his music, Chinary sought not only to innovate but also to ensure that Cambodian identity remained alive in the face of displacement and historical trauma.
Chinary also speaks candidly about the challenges Cambodian artists face in diaspora, where sustaining heritage can often feel like an uphill battle. Yet, his story is one of resilience and vision: he emphasizes the importance of embracing both tradition and innovation, showing how the two can coexist to create new artistic possibilities.
Looking ahead, Chinary offers a powerful message to the younger generation of Cambodian Americans and artists worldwide. He encourages them to embrace their heritage with pride, to express their creativity without fear, and to see art as a vital force for healing, connection, and cultural survival.
This episode is both a celebration of Chinary Ung’s life and work, and a call to action for future generations to carry forward the spirit of Khmer culture through creativity, resilience, and innovation.
In this episode, host Chad sits down with Neak Kru Charya, a master teacher and choreographer of Cambodian classical dance, at the Cambodian Heritage Museum in Chicago. Neak Kru shares her inspiring journey from Cambodia to the United States, reflecting on how her life experiences shaped her devotion to keeping Khmer traditions alive and accessible to new generations.
The conversation explores her lifelong commitment to Cambodian classical dance, an art form that embodies centuries of history, spirituality, and cultural storytelling. Neak Kru discusses how she uses dance as both an educational tool and a cultural bridge—helping Cambodian American youth reconnect with their heritage while also sharing the beauty of Khmer arts with wider audiences.
She highlights her current projects focused on teaching, mentorship, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of passing down discipline, knowledge, and pride to ensure that the art form endures. Beyond technique and performance, she underscores how dance fosters healing, resilience, and cultural pride, particularly within communities still carrying the weight of displacement and historical trauma.
Looking to the future, Neak Kru Charya shares her vision for Cambodian arts in the diaspora—calling for stronger institutional support, intergenerational teaching, and opportunities for Khmer traditions to flourish in evolving cultural landscapes.
This conversation illuminates Neak Kru Charya’s artistry, leadership, and unwavering belief that dance is far more than performance—it is a living cultural legacy, a form of resistance against forgetting, and a powerful expression of identity and resilience.
In this conversation, host Chad speaks with Kevin Keo, a Khmer American artist and scholar whose work explores the intersections of culture, identity, and creativity. Growing up in Long Beach, California, home to one of the largest Cambodian American communities in the country, Kevin reflects on how his upbringing shaped his sense of belonging and inspired his path as both an artist and cultural advocate.
Now pursuing graduate studies in Museum and Exhibition Studies in Chicago, Kevin shares how his academic pursuits connect with his passion for art as a tool of preservation and expression. Specializing in ceramics, he views clay not only as a medium of artistic creation but also as a vessel for memory, resilience, and storytelling. For Kevin, working with clay embodies the endurance of Khmer culture and serves as an act of resistance against erasure.
Kevin also discusses his involvement in a community arts program that brings together participants from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the role of art in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding. Through this work, he demonstrates how creative spaces can empower communities, bridge cultural divides, and sustain traditions while encouraging innovation.
Looking ahead, Kevin envisions a future where Cambodian artists thrive on a global stage and where museums dedicated to Khmer heritage become vibrant spaces for education, creativity, and pride. He stresses that art has the power to both safeguard cultural identity and inspire new generations to adapt and innovate.
This conversation highlights Kevin’s journey as an artist and scholar, while underscoring the transformative role of art as preservation, resistance, and community-building. His story is a reminder of the importance of cultural memory and the potential of creativity to shape a more connected and inspired future.
In this episode, host Chad interviews Fedrick Ngo, a Cambodian American professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), who shares his family’s journey of resilience, migration, and cultural rediscovery. Fedrick reflects on his family’s move from Cambodia to the United States, and how growing up in Syracuse, New York, and later Long Beach, California, shaped his identity and connection to both his Cambodian roots and his American upbringing.
He discusses the challenges of navigating life as a Cambodian American, from the struggles of assimilation to the search for belonging, and how these experiences ultimately inspired his passion for education. Fedrick describes how his academic path led him into research on community college outcomes, with a particular focus on the barriers faced by Cambodian American and other underrepresented students. Through his work as a professor, he emphasizes the importance of access, equity, and culturally responsive teaching as key to empowering the next generation of students.
Beyond his academic career, Fedrick shares his personal commitment to reconnecting with and preserving Cambodian culture, both for himself and for the broader Cambodian American community. He reflects on the significance of passing on Khmer traditions, language, and history to future generations, ensuring that cultural identity remains strong even in diaspora communities.
This conversation highlights the powerful intersections of community, education, and cultural identity, showing how Fedrick’s personal history and professional mission come together in service of both scholarship and cultural preservation. His story is a testament to the role of education as a tool not just for personal advancement, but also for collective empowerment and the safeguarding of cultural heritage.
In this episode, host Chad welcomes Punisa Pov, a Cambodian traditional musician whose journey reflects resilience, cultural pride, and the healing power of music. Punisa takes listeners back to her early life in Phnom Penh, where her love for traditional Khmer music first took root amid the everyday challenges her family faced. She speaks openly about the struggles of growing up, including her mother’s illness, and how those hardships strengthened her determination to pursue music not only as an art form but also as a source of comfort and strength.
Punisa describes her path through education and her transformative work with Cambodian Living Arts, an organization dedicated to revitalizing Cambodia’s artistic traditions after decades of upheaval. Her experiences there deepened her understanding of the importance of preserving cultural identity while also inspiring her to share her knowledge with younger generations.
Now based in the United States, Punisa plays a central role at the Cambodian Association of Illinois, where she teaches music, mentors youth, and helps foster a strong sense of community. Through her teaching and performances, she works to ensure that Cambodian music continues to flourish in the diaspora, serving as a living connection between Cambodia’s rich past and the evolving identity of Cambodian Americans today.
Throughout the conversation, Chad and Punisa touch on broader themes of cultural preservation, the importance of mental health, and how music can be a powerful tool for healing and unity. Punisa’s story is not just about her personal journey—it’s about the enduring strength of art to uplift, inspire, and carry forward the spirit of a people.
In this episode of Khmer Tree, host Chad engages in a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation with Neak Kru Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, a renowned Cambodian classical dancer, choreographer, and teacher, along with her husband, Pu John Shapiro, an artist and cultural advocate. Together, they share their life journeys, beginning with their formative years in Cambodia and the harrowing impact of living through the Khmer Rouge regime. They reflect on how those traumatic years shaped their outlook on resilience, survival, and the responsibility of carrying cultural identity forward.
The discussion explores not only their personal histories but also their deep connection to Cambodian classical dance. Neak Kru Sophiline recounts her path as one of the first students at the School of Fine Arts in post-war Cambodia, while John offers insights into the challenges and beauty of bridging cultures through the arts. The couple recalls how they met, their experiences during dance tours in the United States, and the difficult realities Cambodian artists faced — including the risks of defection and the struggles of preserving traditions far from home.
Central to the conversation is the founding of the Khmer Arts Academy, where they have dedicated their lives to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring younger generations of Cambodian Americans. They highlight how dance and education serve not only as artistic expression but also as powerful tools for healing and rebuilding a sense of identity after displacement and trauma.
Looking toward the future, Pu John and Neak Kru share their vision for the evolution of Cambodian arts and culture. They stress the importance of nurturing creativity, fostering innovation while respecting tradition, and ensuring that Khmer cultural values remain vibrant in an ever-changing world. Their story stands as a testament to perseverance, love, and the transformative power of art to connect communities across generations and continents.
In this episode, Chad engages in a thoughtful conversation with a Cambodian artist whose passion for pottery and ceramics serves as both a personal journey and a cultural statement. The artist shares how their path into the world of ceramics was not only about discovering a creative outlet but also about reconnecting with Khmer traditions and finding ways to preserve heritage through art.
Throughout the discussion, they reflect on the role of cultural representation in the arts—how creating pottery that honors Khmer history and aesthetics can foster pride and visibility within the community. The artist also emphasizes the importance of community building, noting how pottery has become a medium for connection, storytelling, and healing across generations.
Beyond the artistic process, the conversation explores the artist’s aspirations for the future, including expanding access to art education, creating collaborative spaces for Southeast Asian artists, and ensuring that Khmer heritage remains alive and relevant for younger generations. They highlight the value of cross-cultural collaboration, envisioning a world where diverse traditions and creative practices come together to strengthen community ties and promote deeper understanding.
This dialogue ultimately underscores the power of art—not only as a form of self-expression but also as a bridge between cultures, a preservation of history, and a catalyst for unity within and beyond the Khmer community.
In this episode, host Chad sits down with Brandy Myers, who shares her inspiring journey from Columbus, Ohio, to Long Beach, California, and the unique perspective she brings as a mixed-race individual within the Khmer community. Brandy reflects on the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities, the importance of finding belonging, and the ways community support has shaped her sense of self.
She opens up about the challenges of growing up in a multicultural household, balancing different traditions and expectations, and how these experiences fueled her passion for cultural preservation and advocacy. Brandy introduces her initiative, Khmer Kids, a project dedicated to creating accessible educational resources in the Khmer language for younger generations. She also highlights her involvement in the Beautiful Brown Bodians movement, which seeks to confront and heal the impact of colorism in the Khmer community by celebrating diversity in all shades and identities.
Looking toward the future, Brandy shares her vision of a thriving Khmer community—one that embraces collaboration, uplifts representation, and strengthens its connection to cultural roots. Her story is both a personal reflection and a call to action, encouraging listeners to celebrate heritage while building a more inclusive and united future.
In this episode, Chad interviews Samantha (Sam) Chanwantha Limon, a prominent Cambodian American leader whose inspiring journey reflects resilience, service, and dedication to community. Born in Cambodia during a time of great turmoil, Sam and her family were forced to flee the Khmer Rouge regime, ultimately finding refuge and building a new life in the United States. She shares the struggles of adjusting to a new culture while carrying the weight of her refugee experience, and how those challenges fueled her determination to succeed.
Through perseverance and an unwavering belief in education, Sam rose to become the Chief of Human Resources for Los Angeles County’s Department of Social Services, one of the largest public service institutions in the nation. In this leadership role, she not only oversees critical operations but also champions fairness, equity, and opportunities for underrepresented communities. Her lived experience as a refugee informs her empathy-driven leadership style and her commitment to creating pathways for others.
Sam also reflects on her passion for community service and representation, emphasizing how important it is for Cambodian Americans and immigrant communities to see themselves in positions of influence. She discusses her vision for a united future where cultural identity is celebrated as a strength, not a dividing line, and where the Cambodian American community can thrive through solidarity and collaboration.
Her story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. By embodying the values of hard work, education, and giving back, Sam encourages others—especially younger generations—to embrace their identities with pride and to contribute positively to the world around them. Her journey from refugee to respected leader serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, possibility, and the impact one person can make.
In this episode, host Chad sits down with Ova Sao Pang, a Lao refugee who grew up in Hawaii, to explore his remarkable life journey and the lessons he has drawn from it. Ova shares the story of his family’s migration from Laos to the United States, describing the challenges of displacement and the resilience required to build a new life in a completely different cultural landscape. Growing up in Hawaii, he navigated the complexities of holding onto his Lao heritage while adapting to a multicultural environment, which sparked his lifelong interest in identity and belonging.
Ova discusses how these experiences shaped his path into the world of theater, where he discovered the transformative power of storytelling as both a personal and communal practice. He explains how theater became a way to express cultural narratives often overlooked in mainstream spaces, giving voice to the struggles and triumphs of Southeast Asian communities. Through his work, he emphasizes the importance of representation, visibility, and creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.
The conversation also highlights Ova’s deep commitment to community engagement. He reflects on the shared challenges that Southeast Asian communities face—such as generational trauma, underrepresentation, and cultural assimilation—and stresses the need for solidarity and interconnection between different cultures. For Ova, art is not just performance, but a bridge that fosters understanding and unity.
Looking toward the future, Ova shares his aspirations to expand his work internationally, building connections that transcend borders while continuing to inspire others through the arts. His vision is rooted in the belief that storytelling can transform lives, heal communities, and bring people closer together, regardless of background.
Sophath Chou Colwell - Immigration Lawyer, Seattle, WA & Co-Founder of The National Association of Cambodian American Lawyers (NACAL)
In this lively and heartfelt episode, Chad reconnects with O’lary Yim, and together they share the humorous and memorable story of their reunion. Their conversation flows between personal history and broader cultural narratives, giving listeners an intimate yet wide-ranging perspective on Cambodian heritage. O’lary speaks about her royal family connections in Cambodia and reflects on how the Khmer Rouge regime profoundly impacted both of their families, shaping not only their lives but also their sense of identity and resilience.
The dialogue also highlights Cambodia’s rich cultural legacy, including the influence of the French protectorate and the determination of Cambodians to preserve their traditions through adversity. They discuss the lasting impact of the film First They Killed My Father, a powerful portrayal of Cambodia’s painful history that continues to resonate with survivors and educate younger generations about the past.
Beyond history and memory, O’lary shares her commitment to cultural preservation and community building. She highlights her involvement in organizing Cambodia Day in Long Beach, a gathering that strengthens bonds within the diaspora by honoring shared traditions. She also offers a glimpse into the upcoming Dikini Sky Music Festival, a dynamic celebration designed to reconnect Cambodians worldwide with their roots through music, art, and cultural expression.
Blending humor, history, and hope, this episode is both entertaining and deeply meaningful, celebrating the resilience and unity of the Cambodian community.
Saron Khut - Owner of Mekong Bistro, Portland, OR
In this episode, Chad interviews Kim Tan, who shares her inspiring journey of returning to Cambodia after years of living in the United States. Kim reflects on the challenges and opportunities of building a business dedicated to talent and skills development in her home country. She highlights the importance of equipping young people and women with the tools they need to succeed, not just through technical training but also by fostering emotional intelligence, adaptability, and other essential soft skills that are increasingly valued in the modern workplace.
Kim also discusses the strategic opportunities that exist for Cambodia within the ASEAN region, emphasizing the interconnected future of Southeast Asia and how Cambodia can leverage its youthful workforce to play a larger role on the global stage. With a deep belief in the potential of the next generation, she envisions a Cambodia that is not only self-sustaining but also competitive internationally. Looking ahead, Kim paints a hopeful picture of the next 50 years, where Cambodian talent is recognized worldwide and the nation stands as a hub of innovation, resilience, and leadership.
In this episode, Chad sits down with Botum LeBon, who shares the extraordinary story of her life’s journey from Cambodia to the global stage. Born in Cambodia during a time of turmoil, Botum recounts her early experiences as a refugee and the challenges her family endured while seeking safety and opportunity. She reflects on how these formative struggles shaped her resilience and determination, ultimately paving the way for her pursuit of higher education in the United States.
Botum discusses her academic journey and how it led her into a career in journalism, where she discovered the power of storytelling to shed light on important issues. Later, she transitioned into the field of international development and humanitarian work, a path that brought her to UNICEF, where she has committed herself to improving the lives of children and vulnerable communities worldwide.
Throughout the conversation, Botum offers thoughtful insights into the profound changes she has witnessed in Cambodia over the years, particularly in education and healthcare. She speaks candidly about the country’s progress as well as the persistent challenges, all while sharing her hopes for Cambodia’s continued growth and development. Beyond her professional mission, Botum reflects on her vision for her own family’s future, emphasizing the values of resilience, compassion, and service that she hopes to pass on to the next generation.
Her story is one of courage, adaptability, and dedication—an inspiring reminder of how personal history can be transformed into global impact.
In this compelling and inspiring episode, host Chad interviews Robert Chow, whose life story embodies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of hope. Robert takes listeners through his extraordinary journey, beginning with a privileged upbringing in Cambodia before the Khmer Rouge regime plunged his world into chaos. He recounts the harrowing experiences of surviving genocide, fleeing to refugee camps in Thailand, and overcoming unimaginable obstacles in pursuit of safety and freedom.
Robert candidly shares the difficulties he encountered as a refugee adjusting to life in the United States, including cultural barriers, economic hardship, and the struggle to build a new identity in a foreign land. Despite these challenges, his determination and entrepreneurial spirit propelled him forward. He talks about founding and growing a thriving donut business empire—an achievement that stands as a testament to his hard work, vision, and commitment to excellence.
Throughout the conversation, Robert highlights the vital role of community support, underscoring how collective resilience has been key to his success. He speaks passionately about the importance of giving back, mentoring, and uplifting fellow Cambodian-Americans, especially younger generations seeking guidance and opportunity.
Robert also shares his forward-looking vision centered on unity and mutual support within the Cambodian diaspora. He stresses that by coming together, fostering strong networks, and investing in education and entrepreneurship, the community can build a brighter and more prosperous future.
This episode is a powerful story of survival and success, a celebration of the enduring Cambodian spirit, and a call to action to nurture solidarity and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
In this insightful and inspiring episode, host Chad sits down with Ravin Pan, a Cambodian-American educator, professor, and advocate for educational reform, to explore the profound connection between personal history, cultural identity, and the transformative power of learning. Ravin shares his family’s remarkable story, beginning with their life in Cambodia, the devastation they endured during the Khmer Rouge era, and the journey that eventually brought them to the United States as refugees.
With honesty and reflection, Ravin discusses how these formative experiences—marked by both hardship and resilience—shaped his worldview, his academic pursuits, and his commitment to giving back. He recounts the challenges of navigating life as a refugee in America, finding his voice in the classroom, and working tirelessly to achieve his goal of becoming a professor. His journey is a testament to perseverance, the value of education, and the importance of honoring one’s roots while forging a new path forward.
The conversation dives deep into Ravin’s vision for improving education in Cambodia, with a focus on access, quality, and culturally relevant learning. He shares his belief that education should not shy away from the darker chapters of history—particularly the Khmer Rouge genocide—but instead embrace them as essential lessons for future generations. By confronting the past with honesty, he argues, Cambodians can better understand their collective identity and create a more united, informed, and empowered society.
Ravin also speaks passionately about the potential of the next generation of Cambodians—both in the homeland and the diaspora—to excel across every field. He emphasizes the role of educators, mentors, and community leaders in providing the tools, encouragement, and opportunities young people need to reach their full potential.
This episode is both a personal narrative and a call to action: a reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating empathy, resilience, and the courage to envision a brighter future for the Cambodian community worldwide.
In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Khmer Tree, host Chad sits down with Yari Livan, a Cambodian-born artist, master potter, and ceramics professor based in Lowell, Massachusetts—home to one of the largest Cambodian communities in the United States. Yari shares his extraordinary journey, beginning with his childhood in Cambodia, the harrowing years he lived through under the Khmer Rouge regime, and the path that ultimately led him to the United States. His story is one of survival, resilience, and a lifelong devotion to preserving Khmer cultural traditions through the art of ceramics.
Yari reflects on how his early exposure to Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage sparked a passion for pottery that would define his life’s work. After resettling in America, he committed himself to mastering traditional Khmer ceramic techniques, eventually becoming both a highly respected artist and a professor dedicated to teaching the next generation. His creations—intricately shaped, carved, and glazed—embody not only technical skill but also deep cultural symbolism, carrying forward the spirit and history of Cambodia.
During the conversation, Yari walks listeners through his artistic process, explaining how the shaping of clay, the careful attention to detail, and the firing of each piece are all acts of cultural preservation. For him, pottery is not simply craft—it is a living vessel for memory, identity, and resilience.
Beyond his personal artistry, Yari is deeply committed to giving back. He speaks passionately about his dream of returning to Cambodia to help build a smokeless kiln, a sustainable and innovative tool that would empower local artisans, protect the environment, and improve working conditions for potters in his homeland.
This episode is a celebration of the enduring power of art to heal, connect, and sustain cultural identity. Yari’s journey is a testament to how one artist’s dedication can keep traditions alive while inspiring new generations to shape their own stories in clay.
