"I think the Scottish accent's been voted one of the sexiest, but it's also, some of them, one of the most disgusting" - Craig

This bonus episode was a hilarious trip down memory lane. Craig and I just let loose with our Scottish accents, sharing stories about growing up in Glasgow that we've never really talked about on the main show. The cultural differences, the misunderstandings with Americans, and the unique character of Glasgow compared to the rest of Scotland - it all came pouring out in our natural voices. I think listeners will get a real kick out of hearing us in our element, not holding back on the Scottish slang and experiences that shaped us before we moved abroad. It's raw, it's authentic, and it's Glasgow through and through.

What's fascinating is how our identities are still so tied to Scotland even though we've both been away for decades. The way we slip in and out of our accents, the experiences that only make sense to other Scots - it's like carrying a piece of home with you that never quite fades, even when you have no plans to move back. This episode really captures that weird space of being proudly Scottish while also acknowledging why we chose to build our lives elsewhere.

Key Takeaways:
- The difficulties of being understood with a Scottish accent in America and how Niall had to adapt his speech to be understood
- How Americans have particular difficulty understanding Scottish accents, especially with words like "bottle of water"
- Discussion of Scottish comedy (Kevin Bridges, Still Game) and how specific cultural references don't translat

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In this special extra episode of A Vietnam Podcast, I take you through a day filled with various adventures.

Starting with a cold sunrise bike ride where the stunning beauty of the dawn was well worth the early wake-up.

Then, I recount our challenging yet exhilarating hike to a waterfall, where we navigated through icy waters and tricky paths.

Along the way, I share some interesting local quirks, such as the abundance of weed shops and Friday laundry closures.

We opted to skip a wild tubing event due to our 'mature' age and instead enjoyed a fun, albeit slightly murky, poolside hangout.

Join us on this journey and get a glimpse of the highs and lows of our travels.

00:00 Introduction to the Extra Episode
00:26 Exploring the Pool and Surroundings
01:07 Sunrise Adventure
03:54 Waterfall Hike Challenges
08:14 Poolside Relaxation and Tipsy Tubing
09:48 Sunset Bar and Local Discoveries
11:36 Reflections on Pai
13:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

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"I planned to do six months. I planned to do like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, that kind of bit of Southeast Asia and never left Vietnam.... It's so unlike any other place I've ever been." - Craig Haggart

This episode was a long time coming, and it was more than worth the wait. I've been trying to get Craig on the show for over six months, and sitting down with someone who not only shares my hometown but also so many formative experiences was something truly special. As two Glaswegians in Saigon, the nostalgia and humor flowed naturally—and maybe a bit too much football chat!

What struck me most was Craig’s vulnerability and openness. From his journey as a gay man in Glasgow to finding community in Vietnam, and navigating love, culture, and identity—he told it all with humility and a cracking sense of humor. I know listeners will take something valuable from this episode, whether it’s a laugh, a moment of reflection, or simply a reminder of how far we can come when we step into the unknown.

Key Takeaways:
The chaotic beauty of Vietnam – “It’s so unlike any other place… the smells, the lights, the busyness—it’s sensory overload.”

Coming out in Glasgow at 14 – Craig candidly shares what it was like to come out young and navigate high school as a gay teen.

Vietnamese culture and family acceptance – Insight into being part of a liberal Vietnamese family and his relationship with his Northern-born boyfriend.

Scottish identity and sectarianism abroad – A raw discussion on how football-related sectarianism follows Scots globally, and how i

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"My mouth is on fire. My tongue is totally burned, but I want another one… ’cause it’s so good."

This episode was such a wild mix of adventure, confusion, and food. It’s one of those travel days where you don’t really know what’s going to happen next, and I loved every second of it.

From riding a half-broken bike through the hills of Northern Thailand to accidentally sitting in duck poo and stumbling upon a garden full of phallic statues, this day had it all. Pai totally surprised me—it was way more lively and international than I expected, and the street food scene was on another level.

This episode is all about leaning into the chaos of travel, trying weird and wonderful things, and laughing along the way.

Key Talking Points:

• The wild road trip from Chiang Mai to Pai – 762 turns and a lemon of a bike.
• The Erotic Garden – a totally unexpected and hilarious stop filled with art, innuendo, and surprise wisdom.
• Hopping on a bike - Riding experience in Thailand was different from that of Vietnam
• Eating everything – from gyoza and halal dumplings to coconut pancakes, and even lasagna made with macaroni.
• First impressions of Pai – hippie vibes, Gen Z fashion, TikTok-famous “banh mi,” and a whole lot of fun.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 01:30 – First stop: a totally unexpected Erotic Garden
• 06:00 – Waterfalls, steep hills, and a near-death motorbike experience
• 17:30 – Finally in Pai: weird fashion, hippie energy, and international food
• 22:00 – The wild night market: Gen Z, food, and weed shops
• 26:00 – More food: stuffed peppers, halal dumplings, and fake banh mi
• 32:00 – A lasagna bar in Thailand (yes, really)
• 34:30 – Pesto’s not the best, but the spinach-mac

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7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

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“I love Thai food… but Vietnamese food just hits different—it’s the balance, the freshness, the herbs. It’s something else.”

This episode was a fun, spicy, and slightly controversial one: Thai food vs. Vietnamese food. As someone who’s lived in Vietnam for years and has also spent time traveling through Thailand, I get this question all the time—which cuisine is better?

Thai food is bold, fiery, and unforgettable. Vietnamese food is fresh, light, and deeply balanced. Both have their own magic. In this episode, I break down the differences in flavor, ingredients, regional styles, and even cultural eating habits. Whether it's pho vs. pad Thai, green curry vs. bun bo Hue, or sticky rice mango vs. chè, we dive into what makes each cuisine special—and why Vietnamese food deserves more global recognition.

Join Adrie and me to find out which is better!

Key Talking Points

• Why Vietnam is one of the best home bases for travel in Southeast Asia.
• Honest thoughts on Tan Son Nhat Airport, including how to navigate it smoothly, what to expect from immigration and check-in
• From temples to night markets to foot massages, I give you a mini-guide to getting the most out of a single day in this chilled-out northern city.
• Street food journey—highlighting spicy curries, grilled meats, and (my personal favorite) mango sticky rice.
• Thai food vs. Vietnamese food, from bold flavors and spice levels to freshness and balance.
• Muay Thai—Thailand’s national sport. Whether you're a fighter or just curious, it's a cultural experience that’ll definitely get your heart rate up.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [00:02:05] Living in Vietnam: A Travel Hub
• [00:03:10] Tan Son Nhat Airport Tips
• [00:05:50] Chi

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

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Support the show

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“I can always return and do the same thing here, but I need to go somewhere and experience a different culture.”

This episode with Alenka Moze was a beautiful journey across cultures, creativity, and finding purpose. Alenka is a Slovenian actor, singer, writer, and teacher who has made Vietnam her home. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and following your artistic calling—even when it means starting over in a completely new country.

We talked about everything from her first impressions of Vietnam’s wild traffic and intense heat, to her love of summer rolls and morning glory. But more than that, we dug into deeper themes—what it means to live in alignment with your passions, the healing power of the arts, and how community theater and emerging vertical films are creating space for creativity in Vietnam.

If you're curious about the arts scene in Vietnam, how expats are contributing to creative communities, or just want an inspiring story of someone who’s bravely followed her heart—you’ll love this one.

Key Takeaways

• Discussion about the small Slovenian community in Vietnam and their interactions.
• Alenka's transition from teaching in Slovenia to pursuing a career in the arts in Vietnam.
• Reflections on the differing perspectives on the Vietnam War between Slovenians, Americans, and Vietnamese.
• Alenka's first impressions of Vietnam, including the traffic, heat, and cultural adjustments.
• The challenges and opportunities of producing English language plays in Vietnam.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:03:22

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

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The Podcast Makeover

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"Don't get too mad at strangers touching your small children. Wait, wait, wait. Are you gonna clarify touching before we go any further."

Along with my guests Krista, James, and Paul, share a fun and insightful discussion on the dos and don'ts for tourists in Vietnam.

We delve into local customs, highlight necessary behavioral adjustments for foreigners, and provide practical advice on navigating traffic and avoiding common scams. We also humorously discuss scenarios like crossing the roads, experiencing Vietnamese weddings, and unique cultural interactions such as strangers displaying affection towards children.

Covering various aspects of Vietnamese cultural norms and practical tips, we aim to ensure tourists have a safe and respectful experience in the country.

02:14 Crossing the Road in Vietnam
05:10 Avoiding Bui Vien Street
08:34 Taxi Scams and Tips
13:10 Handling Money and Scams
15:49 Vietnamese Weddings and Drinking Culture
20:34 Haggling in Vietnam: Myths and Realities
35:36 Tourist Tips: Safety and Common Pitfalls

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

The Podcast Launch Lab

The Podcast Makeover

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💬 Comments & Community:

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"Gen Z in Vietnam are so driven. They’re baristas in the morning, creators by night, and students in between." - Adele Doan

This conversation with Adele Doan was full of energy, insight, and plenty of laughs. Adele’s a TEDx speaker, community builder at Workflow, founder of Career Lab, and LinkedIn influencer with over 80,000 followers—and it’s clear she’s leading the charge in how young Vietnamese people think about work, social media, and identity.

We talked about everything from learning English through How I Met Your Mother, to why Facebook is too noisy for professionals, and how Gen Z in Vietnam are hustling in new, creative ways. She also opened up about the evolution of Saigon—what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what still needs to happen, especially in terms of art, culture, and public spaces. Adele's mission is all about using social media with intention and building meaningful careers, and this episode is packed with stories and ideas to inspire anyone navigating the future of work in Vietnam.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn is still an untapped opportunity in Vietnam – and Adele’s helping Gen Z unlock it.
• English and confidence can come from unconventional places—even sitcoms.
• Gen Z are balancing school, work, and content creation with incredible drive.
• Facebook is cluttered—LinkedIn is where career-focused conversations are happening.
• Saigon is growing fast—but still lacks creative spaces, museums, and arts infrastructure.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 04:30 – Learning English Through Sitcoms & Self-Co

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

The Podcast Launch Lab

The Podcast Makeover

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Support the show

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💬 Comments & Community:

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