Cocktails, Culture, and Courage — Rochelle Nguyen’s Journey from Refugee Roots to Saigon Icon

"I wasn’t Vietnamese enough for the locals and not white enough for the expats. It took time to find my place in Saigon." It was an absolute joy to record this episode. Rochelle's journey is the epitome of courage, adaptability, and humor. Her ability to share deeply personal stories—like her parents meeting on a refugee boat—alongside lighthearted anecdotes about perfecting cocktails and navigating Saigon’s chaos, is remarkable. She’s one of those rare guests who can make you laugh, ...