Conversations with Vinh Nguyen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vinh Nguyen.

Hi Vinh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in Vietnam, son of a refugee family, I eventually made my way to San Diego and discovered the house music / house dance culture. This culture was very influential in developing my worldviews and openness to people from all different walks of life. I noticed that the societal issues that were/are being debated at large, were already resolved and a foundational part of this culture. Issues like equality and respect for all people regardless of skin color, gender spectrum, age, religious beliefs were already established. That is to say, this culture is the evidence that we can all live and coexist in beautiful harmony. Regardless of who/what you are, you can go to any house music event and find sanctuary. Of course there are still rules of engagement; respect being the ultimate. Without this experience, I would have probably been much more closed off and thought the idea of coexistence to be a utopian dream, especially in America.

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, worldwide shutdown and anti-racism movement; it was clear to me that we need more access to each other. Much like the food we eat, I believe that if given the right access and self-sovereignty, people will choose better ingredients or content to consume. There are so many powerful perspectives, uplifting experiences and unifying cultures out there that are under represented and go on undisclosed.

I thought, “if only there was a place that delivered these stories in a modern, accessible and engaging manner…”

And so, that was how the Enculturation Podcast was born. Enculturation means the process in which you learn culture through others. This endeavor represents the sum of all my experiences and beliefs. It’s my hope that for anyone that tunes in, would be left more empathetic, curious and open to others; especially folks and cultures that they do not yet know how to identify with or relate to.

This is my journey to learn more about the world and leave behind an archive along the way. Helping you stay tuned and stay curious.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The podcast has taken all of my strengths, weaknesses and stretched it past the limits. In life, there are things you know you want to do, don’t know you want to do, and know you do not want to do.

This podcast falls into the very last category – public speaking and social anxiety has been an impenetrable wall for most of my life. When I reflect upon the struggles that my ancestors and people in general went through, just to be able to live another day while swimming in a sea of war-torn uncertainty; it only makes sense that I work past these struggles to make the most of the blessings and opportunities afforded to me.

Other challenges include the steep financial and time investment to get everything going. How to edit a podcast, record with proper lighting conditions, space utilization, equipment purchases and operations, how to conduct interviews; managing the social media accounts, the differences between long form and short reels… all of that had to be learned in real time from ground zero.

Juggling all this while also working a demanding day job (60 hrs/week) has taken a lot of sacrifice at the expense of time, finances and also personal relationships.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets the podcast apart is the diversity of topics, guests, and cultures that may never otherwise intersect on the same platform, all curated towards humanizing these stories.
The Enculturation Podcast spans across cultures near and far; from America to the remote landscapes of Arctic Siberia / Sakha Republic.

Hip Hop and House are original cultures of the USA and also arguably two of its best exports that have gained global adoption. Within these cultures guests include legendary pioneers such as Buddha Stretch, Ejoe Wilson and Henry Link, who were some of the key figures in spreading the culture abroad.

Stacey ‘TheLight’ Stokes also came on to share his story of perseverance on how he survived HIV as an African-American and its impact on the gay community in the 90’s. Hitting closer to home for Los Angeles; Eric Carter Chu, founder of Soul Source (LA’s Premiere dance gathering for dancers by dancers), came on the show to talk about not only his musical journey but also his approach to teaching the next generation in the public education system.

I’m also honored to have had indigenous guests come on the show and share their respective life experience and culture. Dionicio Virvez, a Mayan actor whose credit includes West World and Killers of the Flower Moon, shared what it was like working in Hollywood as a native. In another episode, Snow Raven, an indigenous performer from Arctic Siberia (Sakha Republic) shares wisdom from her homeland on topics such as shamanism, native spirituality and Sakha singing techniques.

The podcast is turning into a diverse cultural offering while delivering the stories in an engaging and accessible manner. Its my hope that it will become a platform where listeners will be exposed to cultures and stories that they may otherwise not be aware of or interested in, and in doing so develop curiosity and empathy for.

I’m both proud and touched that the audience from other countries, such as Ukraine and Bolivia, reached out and volunteered to translate the episodes into their respective languages. Considering that Ukraine is in the ongoing war, it meant a lot to me to have this work of be value to those in need. This type of feedback signals that I’m on the right path.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
In addition to being a podcast host, I’m also a dancer of over 15 years and was a leader in developing the San Diego House Community, where I organized classes, workshops and community events. I also love to DJ and explore the world through the lens of a camera. In addition, I’m also a working professional within the UAV space,

Everything I’ve poured into this podcast has been out of my own pocket and time; this is something I truly believe in.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.enculturationpodcast.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcast
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@enculturationpodcast
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast

Image Credits
I own the rights to all the images/photographs submitted.