Khmer Tree Podcast

About Khmer Tree Podcast

Welcome to The Khmer Tree Podcast, where we share stories from the Cambodian Diaspora. This podcast is dedicated to sharing the experiences of Khmer communities around the world. Each episode dives into personal stories, cultural traditions and reflections on identity, heritage, and community. Whether you’re part of the diaspora, curious about Cambodian culture or simply drawn to inspiring human stories, Khmer Tree is a space for connection, pride, and empowerment. We honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future—one story at a time. Follow and Join us!

Publisher

KhmerTree.com

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Mar 2025

Latest episode

4 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

69 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Sept 2025

   Sophon Khoeun - VP National Cambodian Heritage Museum , Chicago, IL

   In this inspiring episode of Khmer Tree, host Chad welcomes Sophon Khoeun, who shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Born during the dark years of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, Sophon and his family endured profound challenges before finding refuge in the United States. His story captures both the struggles and triumphs of adapting to life in a new country while holding on to the traditions and values that connect him to his Cambodian heritage. Sophon reflects on the difficulties of growing up as a refugee child—balancing the pressures of assimilation in American society with the responsibility of honoring his roots. Through it all, music, art, and storytelling became powerful tools for healing and self-expression, helping him preserve his cultural identity and share it with others. He emphasizes the importance of family bonds, community support, and the role of creativity in overcoming trauma and building bridges across generations. A highlight of the conversation is Sophon’s introduction of his exciting new project: a Jukebox Musical celebrating Cambodian music, history, and resilience. More than just a performance, this project is a cultural movement, designed to honor the past while inspiring the future. Sophon envisions it as a way to connect Cambodian elders and youth, foster intergenerational dialogue, and create a renewed sense of pride and belonging within the Cambodian diaspora and beyond. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder of the strength of the Cambodian spirit, the importance of cultural preservation, and the healing power of creativity in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

2. 

   2 Sept 2025

   Audrey Chea - Community Advocate & Financial Literacy

   In this powerful episode, Chad sits down with Audrey Chea, a former refugee from Cambodia whose life story embodies resilience, determination, and service to others. Audrey recounts her harrowing experiences of surviving the Khmer Rouge regime and the difficult transition to life in the United States as an immigrant. She reflects on how these early challenges shaped her identity, giving her both the strength and the empathy to dedicate her life to community building. Audrey shares her journey of stepping into leadership roles at a young age, beginning with her involvement as a youth leader and later evolving into a career in social services. Her work has focused on supporting underserved families, advocating for access to resources, and guiding the Cambodian American community toward greater civic engagement. She highlights her efforts in promoting civic education, encouraging young people to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the power of their voices in shaping society. Throughout the conversation, Audrey emphasizes the central role of education, resilience, and cultural pride in overcoming adversity. She speaks passionately about the need for Cambodian Americans to stay connected to their heritage while also actively participating in the broader American civic landscape. Her story stands as an inspiring reminder that healing and growth come not only from personal perseverance but also from lifting up the community around us.

3. 

   2 Sept 2025

   Chinary Ung - Music Composer

   https://www.chinaryung.com/index.html In this episode, host Chad has the honor of interviewing Chinary Ung, the legendary Cambodian composer whose extraordinary journey bridges two worlds: the traditional sounds of Cambodia and the evolving landscape of contemporary music in the United States. From his childhood in Cambodia to his rise as a prominent figure in the international music scene, Chinary reflects on a life shaped by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation. The conversation explores themes of identity, survival, and renewal, as Chinary recounts his formative years, his musical studies, and his arrival in New York during the 1960s—a time of artistic experimentation and cultural upheaval. He shares how these experiences influenced his compositions, blending Western modernism with the spiritual depth and melodic essence of Khmer traditions. Through his music, Chinary sought not only to innovate but also to ensure that Cambodian identity remained alive in the face of displacement and historical trauma. Chinary also speaks candidly about the challenges Cambodian artists face in diaspora, where sustaining heritage can often feel like an uphill battle. Yet, his story is one of resilience and vision: he emphasizes the importance of embracing both tradition and innovation, showing how the two can coexist to create new artistic possibilities. Looking ahead, Chinary offers a powerful message to the younger generation of Cambodian Americans and artists worldwide. He encourages them to embrace their heritage with pride, to express their creativity without fear, and to see art as a vital force for healing, connection, and cultural survival. This episode is both a celebration of Chinary Ung’s life and work, and a call to action for future generations to carry forward the spirit of Khmer culture through creativity, resilience, and innovation.

Reach and audience

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.