SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

Vor drei Jahren hinzugefügt

Inhalt bereitgestellt von Lao American Sports Hall of Fame. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Lao American Sports Hall of Fame oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.

Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult

1
Favorite Grown-Up Moments from Season 3 40:54

vor 14 weeks40:54

Später Spielen

Listen

Gefällt mir

Geliked

40:54

Taxes, Voting, Recycling—oh my! After navigating this jungle of grown-up responsibilities together, we're taking a quick summer breather to recharge our adulting batteries. But before we temporarily hang up our responsible pants, join us for this special episode packed with our favorite kernels of wisdom from the season so far AND get an exclusive preview of the fresh adulting adventures awaiting you when Grown-Up Stuff returns in late summer! Think of this episode as your adulting victory lap—complete with confetti and zero paperwork required! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity explicit

Serie-Home•Feed

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, Vietnamese, Lu Mien, Cham, and others.

67 Episoden

#Society #Lao American Sports Hall of Fame

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity explicit

updated vor etwa einem Jahr

Serie-Home•Feed

67 Episoden

#Society #Lao American Sports Hall of Fame

Alle Folgen

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Jonathan Sirisackda: Lao Esports Federations 39:44

vor 12 weeks39:44

39:44

When Jonathan Sirisackda was sent to America as a child, his parents hoped he would master math, science, and English at the Elgin Academy. But the lessons that would really shape his destiny came from an unexpected source — video games. What began as a pastime became a purpose and today, Jonathan is channeling his passion to empower a new generation of Lao athletes. As the founder of the Lao Esports Federation, he helped lead his country to into competition, including a historic bronze medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. Jonathan is not just redefining what it means to be a gamer — he’s transforming a once-dismissed obsession into a movement, a career, and a global adventure. Jonathan Sirisackda is the founder and president of the Lao Esports Federation. https://www.facebook.com/LaoeSportsFederation Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Lalida Maokhamphiou: Marathon Runner 28:47

vor 13 weeks28:47

28:47

For many, running is more than a sport—it’s a sanctuary, a space where life’s challenges are met one stride at a time. For Lalida Maokhamphiou, that couldn’t be more true. What began as a way to cope with life’s challenges quickly transformed into a lifelong passion. The roads that were once an escape soon became a second home. Lalida rose in the sport. becoming a standout high school track star and an accomplished NCAA Division I runner, but one of her most personal triumphs came at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where she broke the three-hour barrier for the first time. Along the way, she’s discovered that every mile holds a life lesson—and now, as a high school running coach, she’s dedicated to passing that wisdom on to the next generation. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Haidon Vongsaravanhlao Allen: Professional Boxer 43:10

vor 20 weeks43:10

43:10

Sometimes, the hardest hits in life don’t come from an opponent’s punch—they come from our own self-doubts. Haidon Allen was climbing the ranks in amateur boxing when he stepped into the ring with one of the world’s top 25 fighters. He left that match humbled, questioning everything, and ready to throw in the towel. From youth baseball to high school football, Division 1 wrestling to MMA, he had always been chasing the best version of himself. Haidon had once before almost allowed his athletic journey to be defined by giving up and it wasn’t going to happen again. So what made him step back into the ring after that crushing defeat? The unwavering support of his biggest fans, his family. Haidon Vongsarvanhlao is a professional boxer from St, Helens, Oregon. https://www.laoamericansports.com/haidon-allen https://www.instagram.com/official_haidonallen/ https://www.facebook.com/haidon.allen Music: summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Mason Bannavong: Journey to Physical and Mental Health 38:42

vor 31 weeks38:42

38:42

Mason Bannavong seemed to have it all — a college degree, peak physical fitness, and a dream job in the bustling city of Dallas. But life took a sudden turn, leaving him broke, unemployed, and back in his hometown of Amarillo, Texas. Hitting rock bottom might have seemed like the end but for Mason, it became the solid foundation he needed to rebuild upon. With the support of his family, newfound confidence, and an enduring passion for fitness, he carved out a name for himself in the fitness and powerlifting communities. Now, as a personal trainer, Mason empowers others to strengthen not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits. www.instagram.com/teamso1training/ open.spotify.com/show/1moR4n7yVyVZB22xemY0Zn?si=e2934be2e52d49d5 www.facebook.com/mbannavong28/ Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Shamik Hayes: Lao-American Muay Thai Champion 30:19

vor 33 weeks30:19

30:19

The cornfields of Iowa and the lush tropics of Southeast Asia may seem worlds apart, but when Shamik Hayes first set foot in Laos, he felt an undeniable sense of home. Rediscovering the culture rooted deep in his family’s history ignited a passion that would propel him to become one of America’s top Muay Thai fighters. For some, fighting is about glory; for others, it’s the thrill of competition. But for Shamik, every punch and kick is a tribute to his heritage. His ultimate dream? To represent his Lao roots on the international stage. https://www.instagram.com/blasian_one712/ Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Tetee Insixiengmay: World Traveler 41:54

vor 44 weeks41:54

41:54

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 visiting to thirty-five countries, by his thirty-fifth birthday. While he loves the beaches, the majestic views and the amazing foods, it’s the connections with locals and his fellow travelers that leave the biggest impression. https://www.instagram.com/thirstee4adventure/ https://www.youtube.com/@thirstee4adventure Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Sambo Kim: Promoting Bokator and the Kun Khmer Martial Arts 33:34

vor 49 weeks33:34

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 fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Returning to Cambodia to train and being mentored under the guidance of Master Kenya Prach, Sambo has been entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting a tradition that spans over 2,000 years. His mission now is twofold: to pass Bokator on to a new generation and to bring it to the Hollywood screens that first sparked his journey. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClueQz3Xaxcvw-Pvy3Lq82A Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Matthew Nola: Building pickleball in Laos 28:20

vor 1 year28:20

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 transformed Matt into one of its most passionate advocates. From playing in tournaments, developing future stars to building a brand that would help put his ancestral homeland of Laos on the map, Matt has become a key figure in the sport's rise. When we spoke with him in 2022, pickleball was barely known in Southeast Asia. Today, courts are springing up across the region and Matt is leaving a lasting impact by spreading America's latest sports craze and changing lives along the way. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC Nong Khai refugee camp photo by John Burgess…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Anna Ounoutha: Probation Officer and Motorcycle Drag Racer 43:47

vor 1 year43:47

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 pursued higher education, established a successful career in criminal justice, raised a family, and even excelled as a drag racer. Her resilience and determination not only shaped her personal achievements but also inspired her to give back to the community. Through our interview with Anna, one profound lesson emerges: despite life's hardships, every day is a precious gift meant to be cherished. Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Andy Rasavongseuk: New York Fire Fighter 50:53

vor 1 year50:53

50:53

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 history, Andy Rasavongseuk served the people of New York for over 25 years. This selfless father of three and his colleagues put their lives on the line to protect others all while quietly fighting their own internal battles. As a nation, we made a solemn vow to never forget those who perished on 9/11. Equally important is our remembrance of the survivors, for whom that tragic day will never end. Andy Rasavongseuk retired form the New York Fire department after serving over 25 years including during September 11th, 2001…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Bonus Episode: 2023 SEA Games Recap 15:39

vor 1 year15:39

15:39

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). This episode includes a short recap and interviews with the athletes that were conducted at the games.…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Samson Phommabout: MMA Fighter & Entrepreneur 44:45

vor 1 year44:45

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 loss of a dear friend before he would confront the harsh realities of where his choices were taking him. He decided to trade the streets for the cage, channeling his energy into mixed martial arts. Samson would rise through the amateur ranks and into the pros. Through blood, sweat, and relentless dedication, he transformed himself into a professional fighter and tested the waters as an entrepreneur. Samson’s ultimate goal is to represent his Lao heritage on the international stage. https://www.instagram.com/wutsupsamson/ https://www.facebook.com/samson.phommabout Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC Samson and the Lion photo y Barbara Maliszewska - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 pl, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28259878…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Kyto Khoungrasvongsa: Football Player, Coach and Team Owner 44:21

vor 1 year44:21

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 team he was playing on went into default, Kyto paid off the debts and found himself at the helm as owner and general manager. Evolving from player to leader, football became more than a game—it became a crucible that forged Kyto's character. As he inherits the torch of life from his refugee parents, Kyto envisions a future where for his son, the field is only the launching pad. Kytos’ parents came from Laos as refugees. His older brother was born in the Nong Khai refugee camp while Kyto was born in Utah. www.laoamericansports.com Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Jason Somchay: Muay Thai and MMA Fighter 50:20

vor 1 year50:20

50:20

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 introduced to MMA by an uncle, Jason would rise through the south Florida amateur circuits and in 2012 made his professional debut. His journey as an athlete and person would come full circle when in 2024 he travelled to Laos and Thailand, re-connecting with his heritage, visiting the grave of a father that he never knew, embracing the spiritual side of Muay Thai and learning that at 37, his life was only beginning. https://www.instagram.com/somchay_muaythai/ https://www.instagram.com/raginasian_fightfitness/ Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

SEA4 Podcast: Southeast Asian Athlete Achievement > Adversity

1
Rose Khun: Forgiveness & Healing through Somatic Breathwork 53:25

vor 2 years53:25

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 forgive her father’s killer, a fellow Khmer Rouge survivor. In this episode host Ko Chandetka opens up about his own healing journey having lost his sister to homicide as well. https://www.youtube.com/@the_rosie_rose https://www.instagram.com/the_rosie_rose_/ https://rosierosebreathwork.my.canva.site/somaticbreathwork Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC…

Willkommen auf Player FM!

Player FM scannt gerade das Web nach Podcasts mit hoher Qualität, die du genießen kannst. Es ist die beste Podcast-App und funktioniert auf Android, iPhone und im Web. Melde dich an, um Abos geräteübergreifend zu synchronisieren.