Born from lived experience and deep curiosity, Roots, Routes & Voices explores what it means to leave, to arrive, to adapt, and to thrive. From boardrooms to grocery store aisles, from mother tongues to second homes, the podcast delves into the layers of identity, integration, and belonging. It’s about the beauty and bravery of becoming, the messiness of culture, and the stories of people not just surviving immigration — but reshaping America through it.
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Born from lived experience and deep curiosity, Roots, Routes & Voices explores what it means to leave, to arrive, to adapt, and to thrive. From boardrooms to grocery store aisles, from mother tongues to second homes, the podcast delves into the layers of identity, integration, and belonging. It’s about the beauty and bravery of becoming, the messiness of culture, and the stories of people not just surviving immigration — but reshaping America through it.
The Cost of Freedom: Bao M. Nguyen’s Story from Saigon to Cincinnati
Roots, Routes & Voices That Shape America
1 hour 10 minutes
3 months ago
The Cost of Freedom: Bao M. Nguyen’s Story from Saigon to Cincinnati
In this episode of Roots, Routes, Voices, Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright engage with Bao M. Nguyen to explore his transformation from the vibrant streets of Saigon to the serene neighborhoods of Cincinnati. Bao shares his enduring memories of life in Vietnam, the upheaval of immigrating to the United States, and his quest for a sense of belonging in the Midwest. His story highlights his family's resilience amid war and separation, his rise and subsequent departure from Procter & Gamble, and how redefining success inspired him to foster community through initiatives like Cincinnati’s Asian Food Fest and Asianati. Through Bao’s experiences, the episode examines the true cost of freedom, the challenges of establishing a new home, and the intricate layers of identity formed between cultures.
Driven by his grandparents’ tales of snow, Bao moved to Dayton, Ohio from Vietnam at fifteen. After graduating from Miamisburg High School, he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Bao began his career at Procter & Gamble as an automation engineer and advanced to become the North America Sales Manager for Swiffer. Despite his success, he felt compelled to pursue a path that aligned more closely with his values and experiences.
Bao emphasizes that his achievements are a product of his family and community support rather than being self-made. Recognizing the numerous individuals who aided his journey, he chose a career in financial services to help guide multi-generational and under-served families through their own challenges. Bao is committed to making a meaningful impact in his community, building on the foundation laid by those who supported him.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – Adjusting to Isolation in California 08:29 – Family Reunification Journey 15:52 – "Many Moms Shaped My Childhood" 17:01 – Self-Made or Community-Built? 26:07 – Conflicting Leadership Realizations 31:04 – "Empowerment Through Financial Impact" 34:29 – Financial Guidance: A Reluctant Mentor 39:26 – "Asian Food Fest Celebrates Community" 43:45 – "Family Mealtime: A Sharing Negotiation" 52:01 – "Global Belonging Among Asian Identities" 55:40 – Evolving Through Struggles 01:02:05 – Cultivating Legacy and Self-Worth 01:04:41 – Podcast Credits and Acknowledgments 01:05:20 – Outro
Quotes:
"Sometimes the ladder leans on the wrong tree. Find your roots and create a sense of belonging for others."- Bao M. Nguyen
"We never truly arrive; we're always evolving. Building a community is as powerful as finding a home."- Clara Matonhodze
"Every journey shapes our landscape. By sharing our roots and supporting each other, our community grows stronger."- Bryan Wright
Key Takeaways
The Sound and Soul of Home From Displacement to Reunion Redefining Success and “Making It” in America The Power of Pivot: Owning Your Path Building Bridges and Community Roots The Ever-Evolving Meaning of Belonging Legacy, Responsibility, and Planting Seeds Inspiration for the Next Chapter
Born from lived experience and deep curiosity, Roots, Routes & Voices explores what it means to leave, to arrive, to adapt, and to thrive. From boardrooms to grocery store aisles, from mother tongues to second homes, the podcast delves into the layers of identity, integration, and belonging. It’s about the beauty and bravery of becoming, the messiness of culture, and the stories of people not just surviving immigration — but reshaping America through it.
