“Vietnam isn’t just somewhere people come for a cheap holiday anymore — it’s where creators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers are choosing to build a life.”That line sums up what this episode is all about.

For our first-ever live-streamed episode of Discover Vietnam, I sat down with Dana Bradley, co-founder of Where in HCMC, to talk about how Vietnam — especially Saigon — has evolved into one of the most exciting lifestyle destinations in Asia.

Dana first arrived in Vietnam by accident during the COVID lockdowns… and ended up staying five years (and counting). Her story mirrors so many of ours: we came for a short time, fell in love with the energy, and somehow built a life here.

What I loved most about this conversation is how naturally it flowed between personal stories, cultural observations, and genuine admiration for what makes Saigon Saigon. We dug into everything from why foreigners can’t seem to leave, to how Vietnamese creatives are shaping the city’s future.

Key Talking Points

• Vietnam’s evolution – from a backpacker stop to a global lifestyle and creative hub.
• Why people stay – Saigon’s spontaneity, community, and energy make it impossible to leave.
• Dana’s story – from being “stuck” during COVID to building Where in Vietnam, a platform connecting people and local businesses.
• Authenticity redefined – the real Vietnam isn’t just pho and war museums; it’s also cocktail bars, design studios, and Gen Z creatives.
• Empowering small businesses – how Where in Vietnam’s new website and People’s Picks Awards are spotlighting modern Vietnam.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 02:45 – Dana’s accidental arrival and decision to stay
• 06:30 – What makes Saigon special
• 13:40 – The birth of Where in HCMC
• 23:00 – Vietnam’s new generation and creative boom
• 31:00 – The future of lifestyle in Vietnam

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Niall talks to Ilse Zoerb. They instantly click and are both super goofy, joking about her name, accent and even Niall's dead grandmother. We even find a mutual appreciation for the TLC channel. Check out her favourite TLC show here.

Ilse helped her parents move to Vietnam at the end of 2016 while Trump was taking office. She got caught in the Saigon vortex and is grateful for it.

Ilse is a creator of things, having studied Movement in her native US. Since moving to Saigon she tried out stand up comedy before exploring Drag as the character Colonel Hai Minh, performing in several shows and also works with Dragonfly Theatre.

Instead of talking about the arts scene in Saigon that they are both a part of, for some unknown reason Niall and Ilse get very excited to talk about urban planning in Saigon and the improved road network! It's a way more interesting conversation than it sounds!

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“You can live in Vietnam for $1,000 a month… but will you be happy, healthy, and secure doing it?”

Adrie and I are gonna be here again, but in different roles - she’s the host and interviews me. Adrie asks me about the real cost of living in Vietnam after nine years as expats in Ho Chi Minh City. When we first arrived, we thought everything would be dirt cheap — almost free. But as we settled into long-term life, we learned that costs depend entirely on the lifestyle you want to live.

This conversation was a fun mix of stories from our early days, lessons we’ve learned the hard way, and advice I wish someone had told me when we first moved here. It’s not just about whether you can survive on a backpacker budget — it’s about whether you can thrive here long-term with savings, health insurance, and a lifestyle you actually enjoy.

Key Talking Points

1. First impressions vs. reality – Vietnam feels cheap at first, but costs add up quickly.
2. Wide price ranges – from 10k coffees to 110k Starbucks, lifestyle choices shape your budget.
3. Can you live on $1,000/month?
4. Long-term essentials – pensions, health insurance, transportation, and gym memberships are often overlooked.
5. Simple but rich lifestyle – Vietnam makes it easier to spend less on consumer goods, but temptations (international food, travel, shopping) are always there.

Chapters

• [00:00] Arriving in Vietnam – first impressions and naïve expectations.
• [07:00] The shock of real rent prices in Ho Chi Minh City.
• [13:00] Street food vs. Western comforts: how your lifestyle changes your budget.
• [19:00] Hidden costs expats forget: pensions, insurance, gyms, and groceries.
• [29:00] Big question: Can you live on $1,000/month in Saigon?

[45:00] Why a simpler life in Vietnam can actually feel richer.

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This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

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Lars Callieou is a touring comedian from Edmonton, Canada, who was recently on his 4th tour of Saigon and Vietnam.

After watching his show and attending a workshop he put on for local comedians I caught up with Lars at his hotel shortly before he flew back to Canada. So apologies for the background noise, we were in the hotel restaurant that was thankfully mostly quiet.

Lars has appeared at the Just for Laughs Festival and has a 1-Hour Comedy Special currently airing on The Comedy Network. He was named ‘Best of the Fest’ at the 2018 San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival for the second time in as many appearances. Lars has also been overseas to entertain the troops 3 times.

Lars has toured with the likes of Miss Joan Rivers, Jeff Foxworthy, Bob Saget and Martin Short. He will be making his fifth appearance this April at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia

You can find Lars on Instagram, Twitter and his Website.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

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🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

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“Life is not about the money in your bank account. Life is for living, and your investments, your insurance, all those things should be about allowing you to live the life you want.” – Robin Copley

It wasn’t easy to share, but I opened up about my own financial mistakes in Vietnam—losing tens of thousands of dollars because I trusted the wrong person. Robin Copley, my financial planner now, joined me to unpack what went wrong, what red flags I should have seen, and what every expat needs to know about money here.

I walked away from this conversation feeling relieved, but also more aware. Relieved because I know I’m back on track with someone I can trust. Aware because Vietnam really is a financial superpower if you manage things properly—but also a financial nightmare if you don’t.

5 Key Talking Points

• Why living in Vietnam can be a “financial superpower” if you manage money wisely.
• The biggest financial mistakes expats make—and how to avoid them.
• Hidden commissions and fees in products sold to expats.
• The importance of fiduciary responsibility and transparency in financial advice.
• Why money is only a tool—the real goal is the life you want to live.

Chapters & Timestamps

1. [00:00] Why Vietnam is a financial superpower – The balance between cost of living and income potential.
2. [00:02] My financial horror story – Losing tens of thousands through bad advice.
3. [00:09] Red flags and hidden commissions – Robin explains how expats are often misled.
4. [00:23] Investments as tools, not goals – Shifting the focus from money to lifestyle.
5. [00:27] Practical advice for expats – Motorbike licenses, medical insurance, and saving strategies.

[00:38] Life beyond money – Robin’s philosophy on living fully while planning responsibly.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

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Mischa Smith, from Canada, is a regular sight around Saigon in the craft beer scene as the Sales Director for Pasteur Street Brewing Company.

Mischa started in the craft beer industry in Toronto, Ontario before he packed up and moved to South Korea to teach English for a year that turned into four years and five months.

After a visit to Saigon he fell in love with the city, left Korea and has now been here for 6 years, seeing massive changes in Saigon in a relatively short time.

Mischa shares how he went from drinking beers to pouring them for free to selling Pasteur Beer nationally and internationally and his tips for eating, drinking and living in Saigon.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

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“Choose one thing that you want to focus on. Start saying no to everything else politely. Make everything you do about that one thing and I guarantee you’ll be successful.”

That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my journey of turning a hobby podcast into a full-time business. Today, I opened up about the setbacks, surprises, and wins I’ve had along the way—from starting with one microphone in my living room, to working with RMIT Vietnam on an international project, to facing a health scare that changed my perspective on life and business.

I loved recording this because it gave me a chance to reflect on just how far things have come, and to share openly the mistakes, detours, and lessons that shaped Seven Million Bikes Podcasts into what it is today.

Key Talking Points

• How I turned podcasting from a hobby into a business in Vietnam.
• The setbacks of COVID-19, losing my job, and becoming a “yes man.”
• The turning point when I chose to focus on podcast production only.
• Big wins in 2024, including international projects and awards.
• My MS diagnosis, how it affected me, and why it pushed me to finally open a studio.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [04:00] Moving to Vietnam & charity work – Building schools, raising funds, and life before podcasting.
• [08:00] Starting Seven Million Bikes – Why I launched the show, the name story, and early struggles.
• [13:00] Surviving COVID and saying yes to everything – Online shows, too many jobs, and burnout.
• [17:00] Refocusing on one thing – Choosing podcast production, rebranding, and winning awards.
• [23:00] Health scare & new beginnings – MS diagnosis, opening the podcast studio, and lessons learned.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

“Choose one thing that you want to focus on. Start saying no to everything else politely. Make everything you do about that one thing and I guarantee you’ll be successful.”

That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my journey of turning a hobby podcast into a full-time business. Today, I opened up about the setbacks, surprises, and wins I’ve had along the way—from starting with one microphone in my living room, to working with RMIT Vietnam on an international project, to facing a health scare that changed my perspective on life and business.

I loved recording this because it gave me a chance to reflect on just how far things have come, and to share openly the mistakes, detours, and lessons that shaped Seven Million Bikes Podcasts into what it is today.

Key Talking Points

• How I turned podcasting from a hobby into a business in Vietnam.
• The setbacks of COVID-19, losing my job, and becoming a “yes man.”
• The turning point when I chose to focus on podcast production only.
• Big wins in 2024, including international projects and awards.
• My MS diagnosis, how it affected me, and why it pushed me to finally open a studio.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [04:00] Moving to Vietnam & charity work – Building schools, raising funds, and life before podcasting.
• [08:00] Starting Seven Million Bikes – Why I launched the show, the name story, and early struggles.
• [13:00] Surviving COVID and saying yes to everything – Online shows, too many jobs, and burnout.
• [17:00] Refocusing on one thing – Choosing podcast production, rebranding, and winning awards.
• [23:00] Health scare & new beginnings – MS diagnosis, opening the podcast studio, and lessons learned.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!