Healing Out Lao'd

Episode 46 features Vekonda Luangaphay, founder of The Lao Project, a cultural movement that celebrates Lao identity through storytelling and community engagement. Vekonda shares her journey of exploring her roots, the significance of her last name, and the impact of her family's history on her identity as a Lao American. The conversation delves into the importance of community, mental health, and the role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. Vekonda emphasizes the need for vulnerability and connection in navigating one's identity and offers insights on how younger generations inspire change within the Lao diaspora. Connect w/Vekonda via her website at www.vekonda.com [https://www.vekonda.com/] or follow her IG @iamkohnlao !!! ---------- 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]

In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita Phetmixay discusses the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and their impact in context to the Lao diaspora and overall immigrant communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding rights, community support, and the need for solidarity in the face of state-sanctioned violence. Rita shares personal stories and actionable steps for listeners to support undocumented individuals and families, while also providing affirmations for the immigrant community. LINKS to Resources to Support Immigrants & Undocumented Community:  * SEARAC.org  [https://searac.org/] * ILRC Know Your Rights [https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources/know-your-rights] (Immigrant Legal Resource Center) * CHIRLA [https://www.chirla.org] (The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) * Asian Law Caucus at 415-896-1701 [https://www.asianlawcaucus.org/news-resources/guides-reports/resources-southeast-asian-refugees-facing-deportation] * Southeast Asian Freedom Network [https://www.seafn.org/] ---------- 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]

Episode 45 features a conversation with Tina Meetran—visual artist, children’s book author, and nonprofit leader—who joined Rita on the pod to talk about her journey as a Lao American growing up in Rhode Island. Tina opens up about family dynamics and what it was like growing up as an eldest Lao daughter and finding out at 16yo her parent’s immigration status that led to her dad facing deportation.  Ultimately, this episode highlights Tina’s children’s book Nana Makes Spring Rolls and why investing in yourself is part of the healing journey. This episode is full of gems on Lao diaspora resilience, self-worth, and reclaiming one’s cultural identity through art and advocacy. Connect w/Tina via her website at www.littlenanacooks.com [https://www.littlenanacooks.com/] or follow her IG @littlenanacooks [https://www.instagram.com/littlenanacooks/] !!! ---------- 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]

Episode 44 is a recording of Souvankham Thammavongsa's Book Talk at the March 2024 HOL Wellness Retreat at Joshua Tree, CA. In this talk, Souvankham shares her journey as a Lao Canadian short story writer & poet of 2 decades, and explores the themes of Lao identity, cultural/family heritage, and the creative process. This conversation highlights the importance of sharing your authentic voice, leaning into self-trust and being your own source of inspiration.  Connect w/Souvankham via her website at www.souvankham-thammavongsa.com [https://souvankham-thammavongsa.com/] or follow her IG @souvankhamthammavongsa [https://www.instagram.com/souvankhamthammavongsa/] !!! ---------- 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]

In episode 43, Phatsaline "Pat" Vongsaly reflects on her experiences of co-founding Gamlangchai [https://www.gamlangchai.org/], a community-based organization/social enterprise founded in 2020, who's mission is “Making basic mental health support accessible in Laos.”  Together, Rita and Pat discuss Pat's upbringing in Vientiane + her process of attending higher education in Sydney Australia, the cultural perceptions of mental health in Laos, and the challenges faced in advocating for mental health access in a country with limited resources. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the impact of COVID-19 on mental health discussions, the importance of community advocacy, and the future projects of Gamlangchai aimed at empowering youth and promoting mental well-being across various school groups and institutions. Connect w/Pat and her team via email: hello@gamlangchai.org + visit their website at www.gamlangchai.org and/or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/gamlangchai]/IG @gamlangchai !!! ---------- 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]