Mid-Autumn Mooncakes & 'Rubber and the Making of Vietnam' Author Michitake Aso

On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:22) with a chat about mooncakes, the traditional treats of the just-passed Mid-Autumn Festival. What do we make of new novelty varieties (Oreo mooncakes, anyone?), and where do these pastries stand in Vietnamese society in 2019? Then (21:33), we speak to Michitake Aso, associate professor at the University of Albany-SUNY and author of the 2018 book 'Rubber and the Making of Vietnam.' In this extended interview, Aso discusses the brutality of colonial-era rubber plantations in southern Vietnam, the environmental and social impacts this industry still has today, and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:09:20).