OKIRU: Rise Together

How Martial Arts Shaped My Creative Life with Flying Art Studios | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #72

In this episode, we sit down with David Trí Nguyen, founder of Flying Art Studios, to explore how martial arts, film, and hip hop shaped his creative and personal journey. From navigating cultural pressures and identity, to building a filmmaking business from passion, to reclaiming Vietnamese pride, this is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and staying true to yourself. We dive into: ‣ Balancing creativity with a busy life ‣ The entrepreneurial ups and downs of building a creative business ‣ Hip hop’s influence on culture, gangs, and positive outlets ‣ The power of reclaiming names and cultural identity ‣ Gratitude, presence, and finding answers within This is more than a story about creativity — it’s about turning struggle into strength, connecting with community, and inspiring the next generation of Vietnamese Australian creatives.

From skater to filmmaker: Bol Mayan on culture, community & The Seed Network | OKIRU Podcast #71

In his first ever public interview, Bol Mayan, Founder of The Seed Network, shares his journey from growing up in Richmond, skating the streets, and running from his South Sudanese identity - to becoming a filmmaker, community leader, and cultural storyteller. We talk about: ‣ How skateboarding led him to filmmaking and Channel 31 ‣ Building The Seed Network to inspire young people of colour ‣ Embracing and celebrating his South Sudanese heritage ‣ Using sport, media, and storytelling to create opportunities in Richmond ‣ The impact of representation in breaking stereotypes ‣ Navigating the light and dark sides of social media Timestamps: 0:00 Guided Mindfulness – Breathing exercise and reflections on mindfulness 2:20 Daily Reflection Practice – Three questions for daily growth 6:30 Meeting at Youth Works – How Bol and Liem first met 8:40 From Skater to Filmmaker – Skate culture, COVID, and personal loss 14:20 Launching The SEED Network – Bedroom interviews on culture 17:20 From Bedroom to Channel 31 – Landing a 12-episode TV series 20:40 Winning ‘Outstanding New Producer’ – Discovering what producing means 25:40 Pivot to Documentaries – Telling Richmond community stories 28:20 Men’s Mental Health Hike – Normalising open conversations 29:50 Friday Soccer – Community sports in Richmond 31:20 Boxing Program – From training to debut fights 33:20 Embracing South Sudanese Identity – Reconnecting with culture 38:20 Multicultural Richmond – How diversity shaped his work 40:40 The SEED Network Team – Filmmakers, coaches, and collaboration 44:55 Social Media Spotlights – Platform for representation 48:40 Representation Matters – Peter Bol and breaking barriers 51:15 What’s Next – New documentaries and interviews 53:00 Guarding Your Mental ‘Garden’ – The SEED metaphor 56:00 Gratitude for Mum – Her role in Bol’s journey 57:20 Cooking With Mum – A public love letter through food Bol’s mission is simple but powerful: plant seeds of possibility so the next generation can grow into their potential. This is an honest and heartfelt conversation about identity, creativity, and giving back. Find us on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: OKIRU Rise Together Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

How hip hop, media, and identity shape a community | Michael Husky Nguyen | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #70

In this episode, Liem sits down with Michael Husky Nguyen - a cultural connector, music curator, and producer at SBS Vietnamese—to trace his journey from tech to the heart of Australia’s Vietnamese music scene and SBS Vietnamese. What began as pandemic-era Zoom collaborations evolved into People Behind the Music, a platform amplifying Asian voices in the arts. Now, through his work at SBS and as an artist manager, Michael is bridging the gap between Vietnamese hip hop and traditional media - while spotlighting stories that often go unheard. This conversation dives deep into identity, heritage, and community. Michael opens up about growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs, the role of hip hop as personal expression, and the complexities of intergenerational dialogue. From language and discipline to cultural belonging and media representation, this is an honest look at what it means to move between worlds - and make something meaningful from the in-between. 0:03 Building community and collaboration in the music industry 8:31 Building bridges between Vietnamese hip hop and traditional media 20:02 Intergenerational stories and cultural connections in Vietnamese communities 27:12 Cultural identity through language and family connections 33:18 Cultural differences in parenting and discipline 41:07 Overcoming self-doubt through creative expression 44:38 Exploring family history and resilience through personal stories 52:04 Embracing a flagless identity among Vietnamese communities 59:06 Exploring identity and community through Vietnamese media Find us on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: OKIRU Rise Together Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Hold the door open for culture | Corina Dutlow | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #69

To open 2025, OKIRU sits down with Corina Dutlow, CEO of Australian Filipino Community Services, for a conversation on culture, leadership, and the quiet power of service. With roots in both Filipino and Romanian heritage, Corina’s journey is anything but linear. Her story is an intimate reflection on what it means to grow into leadership without losing sight of where you came from. Across the episode, we travel through stories of migration, language, and legacy—from her father’s arrival in Australia, to the quiet but radical work of supporting elders, to the intergenerational power of dance. Corina shares how identity isn’t something you perform—it’s something you honour, pass down, and carry forward. 0:03 – From volunteer to CEO: Corina’s early years and rise in community services 7:47 – Multilingual worlds: Navigating identity through culture and communication 13:59 – Family legacy: A Romanian migrant story that shaped a daughter’s path 17:56 – Dual heritage: The beauty and complexity of living between cultures 21:07 – Caring through culture: Serving elders and community through dance 31:12 – What does it mean to be Australian, really? 38:49 – The migrant experience: Barriers, belonging, and building bridges 43:21 – Creating the Filipino Performing Arts Collective 50:38 – Intergenerational storytelling through movement 51:31 – Service-led leadership and holding space for others Follow OKIRU on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Here Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!

Between Two Worlds: The Vietnamese Australian Identity | OKIRU Rise Together Ep #68

Nam Nguyen, DJ, father and social worker, shares his journey navigating a bicultural identity as a Vietnamese Australian. He reflects on reconnecting with his family’s history by visiting a Thai refugee camp and discusses the challenges and triumphs of straddling two worlds. Highlighting themes of identity, family, and cultural tension, Nam's storytelling offers insights into the Vietnamese community's resilience and the influence of music. Join Nam and Liem for a deep dive into finding balance between cultural heritage and personal aspirations. Discover the powerful narrative that shapes Nam's life and work. Timestamp Summary 0:00 Opening guided mindfulness exercise 10:30 Nam Nguyen: From Hobby DJ to Cultural Icon 16:24 The Evolution of DJing and Its Impact on Music Sharing 23:37 Growing Up Between Cultures: Multicultural vs. Homogeneous Communities 29:00 Navigating a Hybrid Identity as a Vietnamese Australian 32:45 The Search for Home: What Cultural Identity Really Means 34:35 Family, Tradition, and Change: Modern Vietnam's Cultural Shifts 36:00 Does Culture Shape Happiness? Different Perspectives Explored 36:57 Privilege & Intergenerational Trauma: When Cultures Clash 39:10 Food as a Language of Love and Connection 40:03 Straddling Two Worlds: The Challenges of Identity and Belonging 44:52 Retracing My Family's Roots and Embracing Vietnamese Identity 53:47 Solo Travel Through Vietnam & Thailand: Finding Myself in Culture 57:17 Emotional Return to Samila Beach: A Refugee’s Journey Home 1:03:44 The Struggles of Vietnamese Australian Identity and Belonging 1:10:37 Vietnamese Hip Hop: Its Rise and Cultural Influence 1:14:00 Rediscovering Vietnamese Roots in a Fast-Changing World 1:19:29 How Vietnamese Artists Are Changing the Music Industry 1:23:37 Balancing Tradition, Happiness, and Self-Discovery Follow OKIRU on social media: Instagram: @okiru.com.au Spotify: Listen Here Facebook: @okiru.com.au TikTok: @okiru.com.au 💡 Support Our Mission Help us share more stories! Shop OKIRU gear for yourself or a loved one to stay comfy while enjoying the podcast: Shop Now. 🎙️ Hosted by Liem Nguyen and produced by Jasper Menor, co-founders of OKIRU, the OKIRU Rise Together Podcast celebrates creativity, cultural pride, and community stories. 🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Prefer to listen on the go? Find us on Spotify and other podcast platforms!