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, Viet ...
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The Asian American Athlete is a podcast that celebrates Asian American athletes and Asian Americans in the sports world.
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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 transfor…
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Playing Baseball at Stanford, Developing Into a D1 Level Starting Pitcher, and Life as a College Baseball Star with Christian Lim
30:51
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews D1 college baseball player Christian Lim. Christian talks about growing up in Nashville, playing sports in his childhood, and his early baseball days (3:20). He shares about his training regimen (7:09), his college recruiting experience, and how he landed at Stanford to play college baseball (9:36). He g…
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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 pu…
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Playing D1 College Hoops at Stanford, Life as a College Basketball Player, and Becoming a Basketball Hero with Ryan Agarwal
36:34
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Stanford men’s basketball player Ryan Agarwal. During this episode, Ryan talks about his family’s background (3:13) and his early basketball experiences (5:09). He shares about his high school basketball career at Coppell High School (10:05), his college recruiting experience, and how he decided to go to…
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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 histor…
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Winning the Wimbledon and US Open Doubles Titles, Life as a Pro Tennis Player, and an Incredible Tennis Journey with Vania King
50:22
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro tennis player Vania King. During this episode, Vania talks about her family's background, where she grew up, and how she got her start with tennis (2:40). She shares about her early tennis days, including playing in her first tournament and what her training regimen looked like (7:18). Vania g…
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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). Thi…
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The Journey to Becoming the 1st NCAA D1 Basketball Coach of Full Asian Heritage, Coaching UC Riverside’s Men’s Basketball Team, and Founding the Asian Coaches Association with Mike Magpayo
43:25
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Mike Magpayo, Head Coach of the UC Riverside men’s basketball team and Founder & President of the Asian Coaches Association. During the episode, Mike shares about his family’s background, where he grew up, and his experiences playing sports (3:07). He talks about his early basketball coaching experiences…
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Life as a D1 Collegiate Swimmer, Becoming an All-American at UVA, and Swimming Career Highlights with Zach Fong
44:32
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former D1 All-American swimmer Zach Fong. During the episode, Zach talks about his family’s background, where he grew up, playing sports in his childhood, and his early swimming days (2:01). He talks about his weekly training regimen in high school (9:26), his college recruiting experiences, and how he l…
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Playing D1 College Football at Notre Dame, Becoming Notre Dame Football’s All-Time Leading Scorer, and a Legendary Kicking Career with Justin Yoon
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In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former D1 college football player Justin Yoon. During the episode, Justin talks about growing up in Korea and Tennessee as well as playing sports in his childhood (2:52), how he first got started playing football (8:06), and when he started pursuing football as his primary sport (12:34). He gives us an i…
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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 los…
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Life as a Sports Agent, Launching Upper V Athlete Management, and Representing Women’s Pro Soccer Players with Lenny Lun
30:32
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews sports agent Lenny Lun about his journey working in the sports world. During this episode, Lenny talks about his background (2:27) and his career path, including landing his first job in sports with the San Francisco 49ers and why he decided to start his own sports agency representing women’s professiona…
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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 t…
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Leading Team Travel for the LA Dodgers, Working with Japanese Baseball Players, and Finding a Job in Sports with Scott Akasaki
42:16
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Scott Akasaki - the Director of Team Travel for the Los Angeles Dodgers - about his journey in sports. During this episode, Scott talks about the vibe and buzz around the Dodgers during spring training (2:55). He also shares about his family background, growing up in LA, and the role that sports played i…
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Life as a D1 College Tennis Star at Vanderbilt, Playing Singles & Doubles, and an Amazing Tennis Journey with Anessa Lee
28:21
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Vanderbilt tennis player Anessa Lee. During this episode, Anessa talks about where she grew up, how she got her start with tennis, and playing tennis during her childhood (3:31). She also shares about her high school tennis playing days (8:51), her experience with college recruiting, and how she landed a…
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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 intro…
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Becoming the First Asian American Manager in Major League Baseball History, Playing & Coaching Pro Baseball, and the Oakland Ballers with Don Wakamatsu
35:16
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Don Wakamatsu, the first Asian American manager in Major League Baseball history. During the episode, Don shares about his family’s background, growing up in the Bay Area, and how he got started playing baseball (2:43). He talks about his college baseball experience at Arizona State (6:34), getting draft…
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Becoming a Major League Soccer Star, Playing on the International Stage, and a Legendary Soccer Journey with Brian Ching
51:10
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro soccer player Brian Ching. During the episode, Brian talks about his soccer journey, including how he got started playing soccer, his youth soccer experiences, playing college soccer at Gonzaga, and getting drafted into Major League Soccer (3:05). He also discusses his training regimen, the ha…
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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 forg…
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From a small town in Maine to the lights of Bangkok, it’s the love of the game that has taken Jose Nouchathavong on a journey around the world. Jose began playing basketball as a child and would work his way onto the roster of a local community college before going on to play for University of Southern Maine. At a crossroads, contemplating a transi…
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When the Lao American Sports Hall of Fame was founded over a cup of coffee in South Elgin, Illinois, we could have only imagined what it would become. About two years into our journey, we’ve inducted 25 athletes, featured countless rising stars, built bridges between athletes in Laos and the USA and made a few new friends along the way. The SEA Fou…
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Life as a Pro Baseball Player in the Minors, Playing College Baseball at the University of Houston, and Supporting Youth Baseball Development with Hyung Cho
47:34
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews entrepreneur and former pro baseball player Hyung Cho. During this episode, Hyung shares about his family’s background, his childhood experiences playing sports, and how he got started playing baseball (2:48). He talks about his youth baseball days, developing athletically (7:42), his experience as an As…
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Playing D1 College Hoops at UC-Irvine, Winning Championships, Skill Development, and Becoming a Basketball Star with Nikki Tom
26:13
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews UC-Irvine women’s basketball player Nikki Tom. During this episode, Nikki shares about her family’s background, where she grew up, and how she got her start playing basketball (3:45). She talks about how playing with older kids during her childhood helped her become a better player (4:42), her experience…
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While we love the competition, the glory and the roar of the crowd there is so much more to sports and nowhere is this more evident than on the Rugby pitches of Laos. From the capital city to the rural villages rugby is making a positive impact across the country. Through the Lao Rugby Federation’s developmental programs and the transnational Wered…
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Becoming a Pioneer in Women’s College Basketball, Playing & Coaching College Hoops, and Celebrating a Legendary Career With Colleen Matsuhara
39:30
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Colleen Matsuhara on her incredible basketball journey as a player and coach. During the episode, Colleen shares about her family’s background, where she grew up, and how got started playing basketball (2:59). She also talks about her basketball playing career, including playing collegiately at Sacrament…
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Prospect Watch (October 2023 Edition): 12 Up & Coming Asian American Baseball, Basketball, and Football Players We’re Excited to Follow with Patrick Pratumrat
44:33
Host Justin Hong is joined by Patrick Pratumrat on the 2023 edition of “Prospect Watch,” which showcases and celebrates up-and-coming Asian American athletes. On this episode, they shine the spotlight on 12 electrifying, young baseball, basketball, and football players they’re excited about: college football quarterbacks Indiana Wijay (4:30) and No…
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Victor Hugo said, “What causes night in our souls, may have stars”. The 9/11 attacks drove Terry Rajsombath to enlist in the military and it wouldn’t be long before he was deployed to the front lines in Afghanistan. After surviving a near fatal gunshot wound in a harrowing fire fight, Terry would face the ultimate battle of his life while trying to…
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Playing & Coaching for the Pomona-Pitzer Women’s Basketball Team and a Lifelong Basketball Journey with Alaina Woo
38:14
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Alaina Woo, Head Coach of the Pomona-Pitzer women's basketball team, on her basketball journey as a player and coach. During the episode, Alaina talks about her family’s background, where she grew up, and how she got started playing basketball (3:35). She also shares about her high school basketball care…
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Coaching UCLA Women’s Soccer Team, Winning a National Championship, and Making History with Margueritte Aozasa
43:57
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Margueritte Aozasa, Head Coach of the UCLA women's soccer team, about her playing and coaching career. During the episode, Margueritte shares about her family’s background, playing sports in her childhood, and how she got started playing soccer (3:40). She talks about her training regimen and her develop…
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The toughest moments in our lives can either break us, or make us. Brandon Thammavong was headed down a path of self-destruction, when in a defining moment he decided to make a change. Pouring everything into his mental and physical self, while harnessing his entrepreneurial spirt, Brandon, would conquer his past and forge a path into the future. H…
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In life we make choices. Shortly after Rasi Chau landed in America, he strapped on a football helmet and put the war and devastation that had defined his early childhood behind him. Rasi would go on to play in high school, college and the ranks of the semi-pros before taking to the field as a coach and official. From Pewee to the Pros, Rasi has bee…
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Breaking Into the Sports Industry and Life as the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of San Francisco’s Men’s Basketball Team with Garrett Furubayashi
30:44
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Garrett Furubayashi, the Director of Basketball Operations for the University of San Francisco men’s basketball team, about his journey in sports. During the episode, Garrett talks about his family’s background, where he grew up, and his experience playing sports (2:23) as well as how he broke into the s…
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How does a shy child from Long Beach end up fighting on Asian’s biggest MMA stage? After high school, Sovannarhry Em began training in boxing and martial arts. Initially focused on fun and fitness she quickly caught the eye of professional promoters. After winning her first few pro fights in dramatic fashion, Sovannahry boarded a plane for Malaysia…
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A College Basketball Coaching Journey and Life as the Associate Head Coach for the Cal-State Fullerton Men’s Basketball Team with Anthony Santos
42:36
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews basketball coach Anthony Santos on his basketball coaching journey and experiences. During this episode, Anthony talks about his family’s background and how he got into basketball (3:25) as well as his basketball playing career (10:32). He details his career path with the Cal-State Fullerton men’s basket…
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Coaching the UC-Irvine Women’s Basketball Team, Playing D1 Hoops at Long Beach State, and a Storied Basketball Journey with Tamara Inoue
45:28
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Tamara Inoue, the Head Coach of the UC-Irvine women's basketball team, on her basketball journey as a player and coach. During the episode, Coach Inoue talks about growing up in Hawaii and how she got her start playing basketball (3:10) as well as her high school career at Laguna Hills High School in Cal…
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Amatha Ratsombath: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Laos
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Amatha Ratsombath was lost in life, floundering somewhere between the French ideals of Liberty, equality and fraternity and the urban ghettos of Paris filled with disenfranchised immigrant youth. He would find a path in life through martial arts and after relocating to his ancestral homeland of Laos discover his inner self. Amatha recentlyled the L…
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Anchoring ESPN’S SportsCenter, Breaking Into Sports Media, and Becoming an Award-Winning Communications Expert with Cary Chow
45:46
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews award-winning communications expert and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Cary Chow about his journey and sports media career. During this episode, Cary talks about his family’s background, where he grew up, and why he wanted to pursue a career in media (2:24) as well as the importance of sports in his lif…
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Athlete Mental Health: Stories from Lao American Athletes
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Behind the triumphs and glory that grace the sporting arenas, there lies a lesser-known battle fought within the hearts and minds of these extraordinary individuals. Athlete Mental health, a topic often shrouded in silence but that holds immense importance. Behind every gold medal lies, trauma, self-doubt, fear and pain. From the darkest lows to ou…
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Walking On to the UConn Men's Basketball Team, Playing for a College Hoops Powerhouse, and Overcoming the Odds with Ace Watanasuparp
45:13
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former D1 college basketball player Ace Watanasuparp about his journey and basketball career. During this episode, Ace talks about his family’s background, growing up in New York, and his early experiences playing basketball (3:16). He also discusses his high school career at the Bronx High School of Sci…
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To most people the 2021 Jimmy Kimmel L.A. Bowl was just another football game but to the Lao American community in was a moment of great pride as two Lao last names battled it out. AJ Vongphachanh rose from the youth football fields of western Washington to playing in a sold-out SoFi stadium on national television. Behind his rise, a strong work et…
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Playing Pro Basketball, Attending NBA Training Camp & Pro Workouts, and Breaking Stereotypes with Benji Kil
59:54
On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro basketball player Benji Kil about his athletic journey and basketball career. During this episode, Benji talks about his family’s background, growing up in Michigan, and playing a bunch of sports in his childhood (2:09), finding basketball when he was living in Los Angeles pursuing child actin…
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Neil Diamond said, have you ever heard a story about a frog who dreamed of becoming a king, and then became one? Well except for the names and a few other changes if you’re talking about Leth Oun the story is the same one. Leth was a virtual slave under the Khmer Rouge but now protects the leader of the free world. After escaping the killing fields…
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Life as the QB1 at Cornell, Experiences as an Asian American Football Player, and Being a Leader & Role Model with Jameson Wang
36:03
On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews quarterback Jameson Wang about his athletic journey and football career. During the episode, Jameson talks about his background, playing sports in his childhood, and his early experiences playing football (3:20). He also shares his experiences playing high school football in LA (8:40), working with train…
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Boomer Savanh: Laos Born U.S. Navy Veteran, Mountain Climber and Runner
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How does a child go from a poor farming village in Laos to the top of a mountain? Opportunity, its what the American dream is ultimately all about. After transiting through a refugee camp, Boomer Savanh, came to America as a child and went on to have a successful 27-year career in the U.S. Navy and is raising a family. As an athlete, he’s climbed t…
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Teaching Basketball, the Power of Relationships, and Lessons Learned from an Incredible Basketball Coaching Journey with Marshall Cho
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On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews basketball coach Marshall Cho about his story and coaching journey. Marshall talks about his family background, immigrating from South Korea to Oregon as a child, and how he first fell in love with basketball (3:07), his playing career and breaking stereotypes as a 3-sport varsity athlete & team captain …
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Kenya Prach: Kun Khmer / Bokator fighter, Cambodian Genocide survivor, author of Black stone Hands
59:59
Kenya Prach is a survivor of the Cambodian genocide, known as the killing fields. Destitute and clinging to life, Kenya entered a refugee in Thailand. At night he would sneak out of the camp and fight for money in order to support his family. In America, with limited language and job skills Kenya would rely on his fighting skills again and pass on …
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For many in the U.S. participation in competitive sports ends on the high school football field but for Jerry Sysourath and Tino Paophavihanh football was only the beginning. Rugby, a sport that has long been popular in the Asia Pacific Region is steadily gaining a following in America and became a completive poulet for Jerry and Tino. What started…
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Playing Pro Basketball in Vietnam, Starting at Point Guard for Harvard, and Winning Championships at Every Level with Christian Juzang
46:50
On this episode, host Justin Hong interviews Christian Juzang about his basketball career and journey. Christian talks about his backstory, growing up in LA, and the beginnings of his basketball journey (2:45), how coaches and trainers helped him with his basketball development (6:33), how he landed at Viewpoint School to play high school basketbal…
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John Nammychai: Lao-Khmu Army Airborne Soldier and Semi Pro Football Player
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As Steve Hartman would say, “everybody has a story”. John Nammychai is no exception. The child of refugees he guided himself into the world, jumping from planes, fighting in war, and realizing his version of an NFL dream on the semipro football field. John did this all while trying to understand who he is and to connect with his ancient Khmu herita…
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Playing Pac-12 Basketball at Colorado, Experiencing March Madness, and Life as a Pro Hooper in Taiwan with Sabatino Chen
47:28
In this episode, host Justin Hong interviews former pro basketball player and coach Sabatino Chen about his athletic journey. During the interview, Sabatino shares his backstory, family background, and when he started playing basketball (2:43), his high school basketball experience at Monarch High School in Colorado and how he elevated his game by …
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