In this hilarious and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Orion Grove, a Vietnamese social influencer and real estate investor based in Houston, Texas. From the jump, our conversation takes off with plenty of laughs as we dive into Orion’s Vietnamese roots, the chaos and charm of bus transportation, and his wild journey of self-discovery. We don’t shy away from the unexpected — gambling stories, cockfighting tales, and honest takes on life growing up Vietnamese in America all make an appearance. Of course, no Vietnamese convo is complete without food debates, and Orion brings his unfiltered opinions on how Vietnamese cuisine stacks up against everything else. Orion even talks about past Halloween parties, culture clashes, and the random things that make life hilarious. Equal parts deep, funny, and authentic, this episode captures Orion’s sharp wit, hustle mentality, and unapologetic humor. Tune in for a ride through culture, comedy, and real-life lessons — Vietnamese style.

Be sure to follow Orion at his socials below

Instagram: @ItsOrionGrove

Youtube: @ItsOrionGrove

Tik-Tok: @OrionVuong

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at AlwaysWalmak.com

And follow me on IG at: phuocvus_walmak

In this episode of Walmak, Ha Mai sits down with the multi-talented Thu Anh Nguyen — a Vietnamese-American writer, poet, painter, and educator based in Washington, D.C. Thu Anh opens up about her coming-of-age journey and what it really means to step out of comfort to chase passion and purpose. From brushstrokes to verses, she shares how art, poetry, and teaching all intertwine in her creative process.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Walmak convo without some laughs along the way. Thu Anh reveals her top three very unexpected favorite Vietnamese dishes, talks about the unmatched vibe of Vietnamese moms rocking pajamas, and even dives into her thoughts on life after death — blending humor, honesty, and heart the whole way through.

It’s a conversation that’s equal parts deep and delightful — full of stories, reflection, and plenty of Vietnamese-American flavor. So grab your cà phê sữa đá (or Heineken), kick back, and enjoy the ride into Thu Anh’s colorful world of art, culture, and creative courage.

Be sure to follow Thu on Instagram: @thuanhpoet

and check out her website too: thuanhnguyen.com

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at AlwaysWalmak.com

And follow me on IG at: phuocvus_walmak

In this lively and laughter-filled episode, I sit down with Dallas gardening master Khang Starr, a man whose love for soil, spice, and good vibes has cultivated more than just a beautiful backyard—it’s built a thriving online community. We dig into his passion for gardening and lawn care, the satisfaction of growing your own food, and his fiery obsession with peppers that could make even the boldest taste buds sweat. Between stories of sipping whiskey, clubbing in the early 2000s, and lawn care tips, Khang's shares how he grew his massive social media following by simply doing what he loves and staying authentic.

But it’s not all just laughs and hot peppers—we also talk about finding peace in the simple things, balancing family life, work, and creative passions without losing your spark. With plenty of playful banter and candid moments, this conversation captures Khang’s signature mix of humor, hustle, and heart. Whether you’re a gardener, a foodie, or just someone chasing balance in a busy world, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe a little hungry for something spicy 🌶️🔥🔥🔥

Be sure to follow Khang Starr at the links below...

His Instagram

His Facebook

His Youtube

and the Pepper Lover's Community: HERE

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at AlwaysWalmak.com

And follow me on IG at: phuocvus_walmak

In this episode, I sit down with Christine Pham, R.D., a Vietnamese-American registered dietitian who keeps it real about body image, culture, and self-worth. Christine opens up about growing up Vietnamese, being body-shamed by friends and family, and how those early experiences inspired her to rebuild her confidence through healthy eating and exercise. What started as a personal journey turned into a career dedicated to helping others heal their relationship with food and themselves.

From nutrition and fasting to running and mindfulness, we cover the full menu of health and humor. Between the serious moments, we keep things light with playful back-and-forth banter and plenty of laughs about the uniquely Vietnamese things we all grew up with.

Christine shares how she balances her profession, culture, and self-care to help people and her family thrive without losing joy in the process. It’s an honest, funny, and uplifting conversation about food, healing, and finding your worth — one healthy choice (and one laugh) at a time.

Be sure to follow Christine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmasforxine/

and check out her website too: https://www.christinephamrd.com/home

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at alwayswalmak.com

In this episode, I sit down with Will Pepper, a Vietnamese-American stand-up comedian based in Los Angeles, CA, whose name is just as memorable as his punchlines. We kick things off by digging into his background, where he’s from, and how growing up Vietnamese shaped his perspective. Will shares what drew him into comedy and why making people laugh became his calling, blending his personal experiences with the universal humor of everyday life.

Our conversation doesn’t stop at comedy. We wander into food, music, family quirks, and the uniquely “Vietnamese” things that every Vietnamese household seems to do—like hocking out loogies at a stop light and how to handle passing out toothpicks. Will keeps it playful with sharp, witty banter, and we trade stories that highlight both the fun and the challenges of growing up between cultures.

We also dive into his dating life in L.A., his favorite comedy movies, and his adventures traveling the world, which give him even more material for the stage. It’s a lighthearted, funny, and relatable conversation that celebrates identity, creativity, and the everyday humor in Vietnamese-American life.

Be sure to follow Will on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willpeppercomedy/

and check out his Youtube too: https://www.youtube.com/@willpeppercomedy/featured

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at AlwaysWalmak.com

And follow me on IG at: phuocvus_walmak

In this episode, host Ha Mai sits down with Paul Nguyen, a Vietnamese American from the Dallas–Fort Worth area whose story blends resilience, creativity, and passion. Paul is a hemorrhagic stroke survivor, and he opens up about how that life-changing experience reshaped his outlook. Since his recovery, he’s adopted a much healthier lifestyle—being mindful of his diet, daily habits, and overall wellness. But Paul isn’t defined only by his stroke. He’s also a lover of culture, sneakers, movies, and especially coffee.

What began as a personal obsession with Vietnamese coffee has grown into a brand of its own: Một Tay Pha Coffee. Through word of mouth and social media, Paul has cultivated a loyal, almost cult-like following for his label. Ha and Paul’s conversation mixes humor and playful banter with moments of genuine reflection, offering listeners both laughter and perspective.

From swapping sneaker stories to discussing what makes Vietnamese coffee unique, the episode showcases Paul’s personality—down-to-earth, passionate, and resilient. At the same time, it raises awareness about stroke recovery and health, proving that inspiration doesn’t have to come without fun. This is an interview that celebrates survival, creativity, and the joy of pursuing what you love.

Be sure to follow Một Tay Pha Coffee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mottayphacoffee/

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at alwayswalmak.com

In this episode, host Ha Mai sits down with Elizabeth Dinh, a proud Dallas–Fort Worth native whose story is as inspiring as it is relatable. Elizabeth shares her journey from growing up in a Vietnamese household to finding her voice as a journalist and news anchor. Married to her high school sweetheart, Kevin, she opens up about the ups and downs of marriage, the realities of growing older, and navigating perimenopause with humor and grace.

A University of Texas at Arlington grad, Elizabeth’s career has taken her from Amarillo to Tampa, Seattle, Dallas, and finally Portland, where she’s made her mark in the newsroom. Beyond the headlines, listeners will hear her love for pho, knitting, her beloved pug, and the cultural roots that shaped her resilience.

Packed with laughter, honest stories, and playful banter, this episode offers an look at the woman behind the anchor desk and is the perfect listen to anyone who is curious about breaking into the news media industry.

Be sure to follow Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizdinh

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at alwayswalmak.com

Kick off the very first episode of the AlwaysWalmak.com podcast, a Vietnamese-American pop culture show created by Ha Mai, a graphic designer passionate about storytelling, culture, and community. In this debut episode, Ha sits down with Jaclyn Le, a Dallas-based designer, artist, and typographer whose journey is as colorful as her lettering.

Jaclyn shares how her childhood love of the TV show Pappyland sparked her creative curiosity, leading her to explore illustration and typography. She opens up about how Vietnamese culture—and love for spring rolls—keeps her grounded, and she reflects on a surprising chapter of her life when she considered becoming a nun. This mix of humor, spirituality, and artistry offers a unique lens into her creative world.

Perfect for fans of design, pop culture, and Vietnamese-American stories, this episode highlights the power of cultural identity, curiosity, and community in shaping an artist’s voice. With a balance of fun banter, heartfelt storytelling, and thoughtful conversation, Walmak sets the stage for a series that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

Whether you’re tuning in from a Little Saigon café or a Dallas studio, this episode promises inspiration, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese-American creativity.

Check out Jaclyn's work below:

www.jaclynlestudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/jaclynlestudio

And don't forget to snag your Walmak gear at alwayswalmak.com