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

Vietnam Podcast: Culture, Community & Conversations

"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, think, and feel inspired all at once.
This conversation wasn’t just about her life; it was about resilience, community, and finding a place in a world that often feels divided. I’m truly grateful she finally said yes to joining me on the podcast, and I think her story will resonate with anyone chasing their dreams or building something meaningful in unexpected places.
- Niall Mackay
Key Takeaways
* Vietnam's Duality - Saigon's chaotic vibrancy offers a mix of traditional street life and Western comforts, making it a unique city for locals and expats alike.
* Rochelle’s Bold Career Move - Opening 86 Proof was inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and the guidance of her mentor.
* The Whiskey Sour Experiment - It took 34 iterations of whiskey sours to perfect the recipe that became a local favorite.
* Navigating Dual Identity - Rochelle discusses the challenges of being too "Vietnamese" for expats and too "Western" for locals, a struggle familiar to many third-culture kids.
* A Refugee Romance - Rochelle’s parents met on the same boat while fleeing Vietnam, a story straight out of a movie.
Chapters & Timestamps
08:00 - Rochelle’s Background: Refugee Parents and Canadian Childhood
24:00 - Journey to Vietnam and Opening 86 Proof
40:00 - The Art of the Whiskey Sour
34:00 - Challenges of Living Between Cultures
42:00 - Saigon’s Vibrancy and Community Spirit

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Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

The full list of winners is here.

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