"In the past I compared myself a lot with the people around me. And I felt, with all my German friends, like less German, but also having low values." Niall Mackay sits down with Trang Nguyen, a food scientist and aspiring content creator who recently moved to Vietnam from Germany. Trang shares her complex journey growing up as a Vietnamese-German, grappling with cultural identity, and her evolving relationship with her Vietnamese heritage. She also shared how her perspective on Vietnam has t...

One of the things I've loved documenting through our Saigon Sunday Sessions is watching this city embrace its river. When we first arrived, so much of the waterfront was just walled off or wasted space. Now, whether you're in District 1 or here at Binh Canh by Night, you can see how Saigon is transforming these spaces into something special. Sure, there are still challenges with pollution and development isn't perfect, but being able to walk along the river, grab a pizza or a beer, and w...

"In the West, we say hospitality; in Vietnam, it’s still just F&B. Bridging that gap is everything to me." – Jason PhamThis episode with Jason was truly inspiring. Jason’s journey from Australia to Saigon, rooted in his family’s refugee story, brings so much depth to what he does in the hospitality industry here in Vietnam. He’s not only a skilled mixologist but also an incredible storyteller, blending Vietnamese and Western influences in a way that’s reshaping Saigon’s cocktail scen...

"Send me a message!"Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

“Vietnamese culture values relationships deeply; we believe in kindness as a way of life, not a strategy.” - Jessie NguyenJoin Niall Mackay as he interviews Jessie Nguyen, a marketing manager at NFQ, about the rapidly changing image of Vietnam. In this episode of A Vietnam Podcast, Jessie sheds light on Vietnam’s rising generation, the power of Gen Z, and their role in reshaping the country’s global identity. From her move from rural Northern Vietnam to Saigon’s bustling tech scene, Jessie sh...

"We’re taught in the U.S. that we are the pillars of the world. But living abroad, you realize how untrue that is." – JamesNiall Mackay, Adrie, Mischa, James, Will and Shelly gather at East West Brewing Company to celebrate Vietnam Women’s Day and reflect on what it means to live as expats in Vietnam. The conversation weaves through cultural observations, from the special significance of Vietnam Women’s Day to the complexities of being an American living abroad. They dive into personal storie...

"All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises—just like not all who wander are lost."Niall Mackay sits down with James Hunt, an American expat in Vietnam known for his restaurant ventures like Brick and Barrel and Big Boss Bistro. However, James's story extends far beyond the world of fried chicken and culinary pursuits. He delves into his passion for wildlife photography, which initially drew him to Vietnam, and how it eventually led him to explore and document some of the co...

In Vietnam, they love Americans—even with all the history.Niall Mackay sits down with Tyler, an American expat and bar owner in Saigon, who shares his colorful experiences adjusting to life in Vietnam and the journey that led him there. From his early days pretending to be Canadian in Australia to avoid stereotypes, to his later years in Vietnam navigating the complexities of cross-cultural living, Tyler provides a blend of humor and insight into the expatriate life.The conversation touches o...

"The best part of Vietnam isn't just the stunning landscapes—it's the people, whose kindness and generosity leave a lasting impact." – Thao NguyenNiall Mackay welcomes Thao Nguyen, a passionate advocate for Vietnam's culture, history, and the genuine connections that make the country special. Thao, who hails from the Mekong Delta and has over nine years of experience in the tourism industry, shares her journey from studying business administration to starting her own tour company. She emphasi...

“The air in Hanoi was so polluted that some days, we couldn’t even see the mountains. Then COVID hit, and suddenly we had blue skies.”In this episode of The Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay dives deep into the age-old debate between Vietnam’s two major cities: Saigon and Hanoi. Joined by guests Paul Villanova and Krista Bernard with Adrie Lopez Mackay, they explore their personal experiences living in both cities, sharing everything from lifestyle differences to humorous anecdotes about m...

"It’s not about defying my family—it’s about choosing a life that fits who I am."Niall Mackay sits down with Thinh Dang, a young personal trainer from Vietnam with a fascinating story. Thinh shares his journey from growing up in Dak Lak, moving to Da Nang for education, and ultimately ending up in Saigon, where he has built a successful career as a personal trainer—despite his family’s traditional expectations for him to follow a more conventional career path.Thinh reveals how his family work...

“It’s a relief living in a place where I don’t have to worry about guns on a daily basis. In the U.S., there’s always that undercurrent of fear, but here in Vietnam, it’s not something I ever have to think about.”In this inaugural episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay sits down with his wife, Adrie Lopez Mackay, to explore what it’s like living in Vietnam as an American. The conversation delves into Adrie’s first impressions, the cultural perceptions surrounding Vietnam, and how the...

"I absolutely love living in Saigon, I love living in Vietnam. The people are amazing."In this comprehensive episode of the Vietnam Podcast, host Niall Mackay blends personal experiences of living in Saigon with the journey and success of creating a globally recognized podcast. The episode is an 'Ask Me Anything' session where Niall answers listener questions, reflects on the growth and transformation of Vietnam, and shares intriguing personal stories and challenges. Key topics incl...

“Living in South Korea… my eyes were bugging out of my head on vacation in Saigon.”Mischa Smith was one of the first guests on A Vietnam Podcast in 2019!Niall and Mischa revisit the dramatic changes in Saigon over the past eight years, highlighting the city's evolution from swamps to modern buildings. Mischa, a long-term resident of Saigon and former sales director of Pasteur Street Brewing Company, the episode delves into their shared experiences and how both the city and their careers have ...

I want to do an Ask Me Anything, but I need your help!Send me your questions about my life in Vietnam, life in Vietnam in general or anything Vietnam related!I'll use your answers to create a special AMA episode.Send your questions by October 11th to;Email: [email protected]"Send me a message!"Support the show

Adrie Lopez-Mackay joins host and husband, Niall Mackay, as they venture out for a brunch in Thao Dien, Saigon and as recommended by Mischa Smith, the Oriental SnapperThey discuss the major infrastructural changes in the city over the past few years. From the transformation of roads and tunnels to improved traffic systems, they reflect on how the city's charm has evolved. The episode also features a near miss with a dog, funny moments of driving in Saigon, and highlights of new dining sp...

Podcasts have revolutionized how we consume content, providing a platform for storytelling, education, entertainment, and conversations that span the globe. Today is International Podcast Day, September 30, is a time to honor the incredible impact podcasting has had on our lives.As a podcaster myself, I’ve seen firsthand how this unique medium can create connections, foster communities, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. In celebration of International Podcast Day, ...

Join me and Adrie for a look at Yunka, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Saigon, as we navigate the chaotic rainy season. We speak to manager Huynh Nguyen about the evolution of Saigon's service industry and the passion of young Vietnamese staff who make places like Yunka shine.Amidst personal anecdotes and event planning nightmares, we explore the unique offerings of this cozy spot, its serene ambiance, and its standout drinks like the Passion Fruit Sake and Yunka Sour. And we an...

Join Adrie and I as we embark on the Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Saigon, taking in the beautiful views of the city at sunset. We discuss the development of new buildings and infrastructure, and our experiences as both tourists and residents in the vibrant city of Saigon. Highlights include visits to key landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Independence Palace, and the bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street, capturing the essence of Saigon's rapid development and rich history.0...

I’m incredibly honored to announce that I’ve won two major awards at the Asia Podcast Awards 2024—Best Interview Podcast for A Vietnam Podcast and Best Audio Producer for my work on all the podcasts created by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts!Since starting my podcast journey in 2019, what began as a passion project has now grown into a full podcast production service. A Vietnam Podcast, produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, has allowed me to showcase diverse voices, explore Vietnam’s rich cu...

Niall and Adrie celebrate Vietnamese Independence Day with you from the much changed Saigon waterfront. The couple shares their experiences and observations from the bustling waterfront, offering insights into the city's transformation over their eight years as residents. They blend historical context with personal anecdotes, creating a vivid picture of Saigon's evolution and the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday celebrations.This was recorded on my new lavalier mics for the first t...

Niall and his frequent guest and friend, Mischa Smith, embark on a conversation about Mischa's favorite Bloody Mary spots in Saigon. Reviews cover the Bloody Marys from Bardo, Malt South, Layla, Ministry of Men, Wkend, and Summer Experiment, culminating with their top pick. The episode is part of a broader theme of exploring stories and experiences connected to Vietnam, including insights into brunch cultures, cocktail bars, and the growing craft beer scene. Listeners als...

Niall meets up with his friend and personal trainer Thinh to try bánh bèo, a traditional dish from Central Vietnam. They discuss Vietnamese regional cuisines, accents, and Thinh's experience as a personal trainer while enjoying the food at a local restaurant in Saigon.Key Points:Discussion of regional differences in Vietnamese cuisine (North, Central, South)Comparison of Vietnamese and British regional accentsThinh explains the proper technique for eating bánh bèoConversation about Thinh's wo...

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer on Patreon and you would have gotten this episode ages ago!In this special bonus episode exclusive to Patreon members, Niall Mackay shares a riveting tale about the intense and surreal experience of acquiring a COVID-19 vaccine during the deep lockdown in Saigon. Niall recounts the chaotic situation where his friend, Lewis Wright, tested positive for COVID-19 at a vaccination center, leading to an unexpected journey to deliver essential supplies to Lewis in a gover...