Today, I’m joined by Randy Kim, a Khmer-Vietnamese American writer, content creator, and the host of Banh MiChronicles. He’s also the mind behind the Substack newsletter Banh Mi Bites. Randy’s work amplifies BIPOC voices, exploring identity, memory, and healing.
As a queer child of refugees, Randy has wrestled with questions of belonging, survival, and resilience — often through deeply personal reflections on trauma and mental health. In our conversation today, we’ll talk about his journey, the power of storytelling, and how vulnerability can become a bridge to community and self-love.

Please know this episode may be triggering for some listeners as we discuss trauma, identity, politics, and mental health.

In this episode, Randy Kim, a content creator and podcaster, shares with the Quixotic Heights Podcast his journey of creating an award-winning platform to elevate the stories of the BIPOC communities and how he navigates grief to come through the other side stronger and more purposeful than before.

Randy Kim is a queer Vietnamese-Khmer American storyteller and podcast host of The Banh Mi Chronicles as well as content writer for his Substack, Banh Mi Bites. His work centers on intergenerational healing, identity, and uplifting voices from Asian, queer, and BIPOC communities.

Randy is an experienced nonprofit development professional. With a background in public storytelling and relationship-building, Randy creates space that honors history, builds trust, and provokes reflection.

IG: @BanhMi_Chronicles

Substack: randykim.substack.com

Today, we’re joined by a very special guest, Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose words have resonated with thousands and whose story will inspire even more.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a curious reader, or just someone who believes in the power of persistence, thisconversation is for you. We delve into the creation of a bestseller, the mindset behind it, and the journey that led Sheena to the top of the charts.

Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster, is recognized for elevating women’s leadership and self-confidence through the power of media and visibility. @sheena.yap.chan is the founder of the Confidence Through Visibility™ movement and host of The Tao of Self-Confidence podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% globally with over 1.3 million downloads and 800+ interviews featuring celebrities, CEOs, and cultural icons.

Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence, was named one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority. At the same time, her latest release, Bridging the Confidence Gap, is a bold call to reimagine leadership by making visibility and self-trust core competencies. Through her signature VISIBLE Framework™, Sheena delivers transformational keynotes and corporate programs that help organizations bridge the confidence gap, retain diverse talent, and build cultures where women are seen, heard, and respected. Her work has been featured on NBC News, FOX, MindValley, and The Manila Times, and she has spoken for global brands including NASA, Live Nation, and UKG. Sheena believes that confidence is something we can build—and that visibility creates the impact we wish to see in the world.

https://sheenayapchan.com/links⁠

Take your free Self-Confidence Personality quiz here: https://www.sheenayapchan.com/quiz

Today’s guests are a remarkable father-daughter duo: Thomas and Samantha Dahlborg.

Thomas is a compassionate researcher, writer, and advocate for children’s emotional and spiritual health. Samantha isnot only a fierce creative force—but also Miss Maine USA, a Sports Illustrated model, and a Paris fashion photographer.

But behind the spotlights and achievements is a deeper story—one marked by bullying, depression, anxiety, loss, and the long climb back to the light.

Together, they’ve taken that pain and transformed it into a message of love, agency, and faith for children and families everywhere.

In this episode, we talk about their book series The Light, the healing power of storytelling, and how we can all help children find their voice and their worth in the eyes of God.

A former Miss Maine USA (2014), Samantha Dahlborg discovered early on the power of personal branding and the art of storytelling through photography. What began as a childhood love of creativity grew into a lifelong passion—from founding The Confidence Project, where Samantha photographed and interviewed young women to help them feel seen and beautiful, to launching her business, Studio Citrine, where she now photographs celebrities, pageanttitleholders, and fashion clients while also leading creative direction.

Having worked as both a model and a photographer—walking in fashion weeks, hosting shows, photographing weddings (including a destination wedding in Italy), and shooting an editorial during Paris Fashion Week—Samantha understands every side of the lens. She uses her talents to serve God and empower others. She is also a proud mother of twin girls. Her family is currently relocating from Boston to Nashville to embrace new career opportunities and focus more intentionally on building her family life. An artist at heart, she has recently collaborated with her father, Thomas Dahlborg, on a special book project that blends creativity and family legacy, years in the making.

Sammy: website: www.dahlborgdesigns.com

IG: @samanthadahlborg @dahlborgdesigns

Named a Healthcare Disruptor and a Mental Health Champion by Authority Magazine and a Ruckus Maker by The Patient Experience Community, with over forty years of extensive healthcare leadership experience, Thomas Dahlborg is a disciple of Jesus and a voice for love-centered care models, servant leadership, and quality and systems improvement. A leader and advisor, Tom is also an internationally recognized speaker and writer with expertise in leading with love, heart, and mind communication, courageous vulnerability, systems thinking and improvement, stopping bullying, amplifying positive childhood experiences, and bringing “love in action” to all we do.

Tom’s multiple award-winning book, From Heart to Head & Back Again … a journey through the healthcare system, is a callto action that brings people together to make a positive impact on others in healthcare and beyond, and was a 2021 AUPHA book award for healthcare leaders of tomorrow.

His other multiple award-winning book, The Big Kid and Basketball … and the lessons he taught his Father and Coach, focusing on bullying and ACES and PCES, has led to significant improvements in youth sports and school systems, as well as in children’s experience and well-being. And his forthcoming book series, The Light …, is already garnering much attention as it reassures children that God loves them, that they are never alone, that the Holy Spirit empowers each and thus has His power within (agency), that they are lovable, and that they are loved.

Tom brings practical, tangible, impactful tools, married with love, compassion, and caring, to all he does. He is a father, husband, and coach. A coach to healthcare leaders. And a coach to young men and women.

Tom: www.dahlborghlg.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdahlborg/

IG: @thedhlgroup

X: @tdahlborg