Healing Out Lao'd

E51: From Thailand Refugee Camps to the U.S.: Passorn’s Role in My Parents’ Escape

In Episode 51 of Healing Out Lao’d, Rita sits down with one of the most crucial figures in her parents’ life—the person who helped connect her mother, Vilavanh, to her father, Phoutone, and played a crucial role in their escape from the Thailand refugee camps to the United States. Through this deeply reflective and intimate conversation, Rita uncovers a side of her family history she had never fully known. As stories unfold, she begins to understand the complex realities and circumstances that led Vilavanh—who was a Thai citizen at the time—to make the life-altering decision to leave everything behind and take refuge to the U.S. with Phoutone, without knowing his full background or history as a Lao refugee. This episode is an exploration of trust, survival, love, and the unseen decisions that shape generations—offering a rare and powerful glimpse into the personal histories that live beneath Lao diaspora narratives. ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16105981]

E50: Riki B Malone on Mixed-Race Identity + Lao Grandfather's role in Vietnam/Laos Secret War + Decolonizing Spirituality

In Episode 50 of HOL, host Rita engages in a profound conversation with Richard Boussarath Malone aka "Riki B Malone" (he/they), a Licensed Master Esthetician and Reiki Master Teacher based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Riki shares his unique background as a mixed-race individual with a Lao mother and a white American father, discussing the complexities of identity within the Lao American diaspora. He emphasizes the importance of rejecting fractional identities, advocating for a holistic understanding of self that transcends simplistic labels. The conversation delves into Riki's family history, including his grandfather's significant role during the Vietnam War and the family's journey to the United States, highlighting the nuances of cultural heritage and the impact of colonialism on personal identity. Throughout this important conversation, Riki reflects on his spiritual journey, particularly his practice of Reiki and its connections to both Buddhism and animism. He articulates the significance of honoring one's roots and the importance of understanding the origins of spiritual practices. The episode culminates in a rapid-fire round where Riki shares personal insights and advice for those exploring their spiritual paths. This rich dialogue not only sheds light on the Lao American experience but also invites listeners to consider their own identities and the legacies they carry. Connect with Riki via their Facebook Business page: Plumeria Beauty + Wellness [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576349073270] or IG @rikidementia @plumeria.beauty.wellness  ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16105981]

E49: What’s Been Brewing at HOL + In My Pickleball Era!

In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita shares personal updates, reflections on community engagement, and the importance of play in healing. Rita discusses her experiences with pickleball, hosting events, and wants to see YOU at either the upcoming Lao Friendsgiving Community Impact Dinner [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lao-friends-giving-community-impact-dinner-tickets-1693774257399?aff=oddtdtcreator] on November 10th at 5pm at Mekong Cuisine Lao and Thai (open to everyone +  allies/partners), and/or at the March 2026 HOL retreat [https://tinyurl.com/hol2026retreat] (open to Lao-identified women and femmes) in San Diego.  ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod, contributing through Zelle at healingoutlaod@gmail.com OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16105981]

E48: Catzie Vilayphonh on Arts as Resistance & LAOS in the House

In this episode, Rita engages in a conversation with Catzie Vilayphonh, an award-winning spoken word poet and community leader. They discuss Catzie's journey from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand to becoming a prominent figure in the Lao American arts community. The conversation explores themes of identity, storytelling, and the importance of community support. Catzie shares her experiences in organizing events, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her reflections on mental health. They also touch on the significance of cultural heritage and the ongoing impact of the Lao diaspora's history and movement work. The episode concludes with Catzie's thoughts on the future of the Lao American community and the need for continued dialogue about shared experiences. ---------- SUBSCRIBE to HOL's new YouTube channel: youtube.com/@healingoutlaod ---------- RATE x REVIEW! HOL is a podcast and virtual practice space exploring Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and tools for sustainability. Learn more at www.healingoutlaod.org Support HOL by leaving us a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! ---------- SUSTAIN HOL: Help sustain this space for future generations by becoming a monthly sustainer at patreon.com/healingoutlaod OR by making a one-time donation via PayPal and write in the description “#sustainHOL” JOIN THE COMMUNITY of HOL @healingoutlaod on all major streaming and social media platforms.  Music: Andrew David Vilaythong Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16105981]

E47: Resilience & Joy in the Lao Diaspora; Reflecting on 50 Years Since the Laos Secret War

On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Secret War in Laos, the Fall of Saigon, and the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, this powerful conversation—hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library—brings together Lao American community leader and healing practitioner Rita Phetmixay and writer, director, and producer Kulap Vilaysack. Together, they reflect on the ripple effects of war, loss, migration, and survival that have shaped their Lao American experiences—and how, in the midst of those legacies, AAPI joy continues to thrive. The episode explores: * Personal and family histories rooted in Laos * The emotional weight of inherited trauma * The ways storytelling, art, and community serve as tools of healing * Reclaiming joy as resistance * The importance of uplifting Lao/Southeast Asian voices during AAPI Heritage Month and beyond 📌 Why this matters: Too often, Lao and overall Southeast Asian refugee stories are erased or assimilated into broader Asian American narratives. This conversation centers those histories as living testaments to survival, creativity, and joy. 🔗 Highlights: * Kulap on reclaiming her Lao identity through filmmaking and founding Laos Angeles [https://www.laosangeles.org/] * Rita on cultivating spaces for Lao diaspora mental health and healing intergenerational trauma  * The shared grief of erasure—and the hope found in community building 🎉 AAPI Joy is not a luxury—it’s a birthright. 📚 Hosted by Los Angeles Public Library as part of their AAPI Heritage Month series  📍 Recorded live | May 2025 Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/user?u=16105981]