PODCAST · society
Healing Out Lao'd
by Rita Phetmixay
Created/Hosted by Rita Phetmixay (she/they), MA, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, Wellness Coach, and Independent Audio Producer. Healing Out Lao'd explores the intersections of Lao diaspora storytelling x healing x tools for sustainability. While this show centers the Lao and broader Southeast Asian diaspora experience, anyone can benefit from this resource, especially those in the margins including BIPOC (Black Indigenous Persons of Color), survivors, thrivers, healers, movement builders, and so forth. In order to highlight the nuances of the diverse Lao diaspora experience, HOL casts diverse perspectives of what it means to be an (adult) child of refugees while also inspiring a new generation of folx to heal and move forward with their lives. This is one project to expand visions of the overall #LaoHealingMovement !!!
Episodes
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E52: Saengthong Douangdara on THE LAO KITCHEN COOKBOOK
In episode 52 of HOL, Rita sits down with fellow Lao American friend/ colleague/movement leader/content creator and now COOKBOOK AUTHOR, Saengthong Douangdara to reflect on Saeng's "slow growth" journey on landing the cookbook deal, as well as reflecting back on times when he first started…
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E51: From Thailand Refugee Camps to the U.S.: Passorn’s Role in My Parents’ Escape
In Episode 51 of Healing Out Lao’d, Rita sits down with one of the most crucial figures in her parents’ life—the person who helped connect her mother, Vilavanh, to her father, Phoutone, and played a crucial role in their escape from the Thailand refugee camps to the United States. Through this...
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E50: Riki B Malone on Mixed-Race Identity + Lao Grandfather's role in Vietnam/Laos Secret War + Decolonizing Spirituality
In Episode 50 of HOL, host Rita engages in a profound conversation with Richard Boussarath Malone aka "Riki B Malone" (he/they), a Licensed Master Esthetician and Reiki Master Teacher based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Riki shares his unique background as a mixed-race individual with a Lao mother...
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E49: What’s Been Brewing at HOL + In My Pickleball Era!
In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita shares personal updates, reflections on community engagement, and the importance of play in healing. Rita discusses her experiences with pickleball, hosting events, and wants to see YOU at either the upcoming Lao Friendsgiving Community Impact…
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E48: Catzie Vilayphonh on Arts as Resistance & LAOS in the House
In this episode, Rita engages in a conversation with Catzie Vilayphonh, an award-winning spoken word poet and community leader. They discuss Catzie's journey from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand to becoming a prominent figure in the Lao American arts community. The conversation explores...
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E47: Resilience & Joy in the Lao Diaspora; Reflecting on 50 Years Since the Laos Secret War
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Secret War in Laos, the Fall of Saigon, and the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, this powerful conversation—hosted by the Los Angeles Public Library—brings together Lao American community leader and healing practitioner Rita Phetmixay and writer, director,...
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Current Events Series EP2: Unpacking Thailand's Role in Conflict w/Cambodia
In Episode 2 of Healing Out Lao’d, Rita unpacks Thailand’s role in the ongoing conflict with Cambodia through the lens of nationalism, colonial legacy, and cultural appropriation. With Lao and Thai Isaan roots, Rita reflects on how this war hits close to home — especially after her cousin had to...
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E46: Vekonda Luangaphay on Preserving Cultural Heritage via The Lao Project
Episode 46 features Vekonda Luangaphay, founder of The Lao Project, a cultural movement that celebrates Lao identity through storytelling and community engagement. Vekonda shares her journey of exploring her roots, the significance of her last name, and the impact of her family's history on her...
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Current Events Series EP1: Addressing ICE Raids in LA and IN CONTEXT to Lao refugee experiences
In this episode of Healing Out Lao'd, host Rita Phetmixay discusses the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and their impact in context to the Lao diaspora and overall immigrant communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding rights, community support, and the need for...
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E45: Tina Meetran on Eldest Daughterhood & Finding Out Family's Threat of Deportation at 16yo
Episode 45 features a conversation with Tina Meetran—visual artist, children’s book author, and nonprofit leader—who joined Rita on the pod to talk about her journey as a Lao American growing up in Rhode Island. Tina opens up about family dynamics and what it was like growing up as an eldest Lao...
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E44: How to Pronounce Knife Book Talk w/Souvankham Thammavongsa (HOL Retreat March 2024)
Episode 44 is a recording of Souvankham Thammavongsa's Book Talk at the March 2024 HOL Wellness Retreat at Joshua Tree, CA. In this talk, Souvankham shares her journey as a Lao Canadian short story writer & poet of 2 decades, and explores the themes of Lao identity, cultural/family heritage, and...
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E43: Phatsaline Vongsaly on co-founding "Gamlangchai" and advocating for basic mental health access in Laos, our motherland
In episode 43, Phatsaline "Pat" Vongsaly reflects on her experiences of co-founding Gamlangchai, a community-based organization/social enterprise founded in 2020, who's mission is “Making basic mental health support accessible in Laos.” Together, Rita and Pat discuss Pat's upbringing in Vientiane…
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E42: Aleena Inthaly on growing up in VA + food diplomacy + transitioning from Legacies of War to Lao Food Movement
In episode 42, Aleena reflects on her journey as a Lao diaspora leader, from which she shares her upbringing in Virginia, her past work with Legacies of War, and her current leadership role in the Lao Food Movement. This conversation highlights navigating imposter syndrome, challenging...
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E41: Vilayvanh Bender on Exploring Lao Heritage Through Literature
In episode 41, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay engages in a heartfelt conversation with Vilayvanh Bender, a Lao American children's book author and registered dietitian. Vanh shares her journey as a 1.5 generation immigrant/refugee, her childhood memories in Laos, and the importance of...
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E40: Sarina "Rina" Herman on confronting harmful phrases in Lao + the role of social work in promoting mental health awareness
In episode 40, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Rina B Herman, fellow Lao/Vietnamese/Southeast Asian American therapist & social worker based in Ohio. They explore the stigma surrounding mental health in Lao communities, the role of social work in promoting mental health...
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E39: Khoulapsavanh Sayasith on growing up Lao in Germany + challenges of navigating corporate life & cultural identity
In episode 39, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Khoulapsavanh (Khoulap for short), fellow Lao podcaster based in Germany. They delve into Khoulap's family refugee/migration history, the challenges of navigating cultural identity, and the importance of self-care and mental…
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E38: Ketsana Roberts on navigating Lao identity + financial challenges in South Carolina & being a lil delulu
In episode 38, Healing Out Lao'd host Rita Phetmixay sits down with Ketsana Roberts, a leader in the Asian American diaspora and VP of Community Relations for Ascend. They discuss Ketsana's journey of reconnecting with her roots, growing up in a predominantly Lao neighborhood in Spartanburg…
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E37: Dr. Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy on navigating public education system as the first Lao American refugee Harvard EDD graduate
This episode features Dr. Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy, who shares her experiences of growing up navigating the public school systems and eventually graduating as the first Lao American refugee to receive a Doctorate of Education from Harvard University!!! Rita and Dr. Phitsamay discuss topics on...
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SZN 3 Trailer
Healing Out Lao'd finally re-launches another season after a couple years of challenges and growth pains! In this trailer, Rita introduces the continued themes of the upcoming season focused on healing, resilience, and community within the Lao diaspora. The conversation delves into personal...
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E36: Sabaidee Fest Reflections (Part 2) ft. Somlit, Joy, and Susan
On this week's surprise episode of Healing Out Lao'd, we released PART 2 of the Sabaidee Fest Reflection Series!!! [Sabaidee Fest is the largest Southeast Asian music and cultural festival] Part 2 takes a deep dive and highlights the POV of 4 Lao-identified diaspora attendees of Sabaidee Fest:...
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E35: Sabaidee Fest Reflections (Part 1) ft. Saengthong Douangdara
LONG TIME NO SPEAK P'NONG!!! On this week's surprise episode of Healing Out Lao'd, we are reflecting and reminiscing our experiences of the largest Southeast Asian music and cultural festival-- Sabaidee Fest!!! This episode is PART 1 of a 2 PART SABAIDEE FEST REFLECTION SERIES that is intentional...
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E34: Somlit Inthalangsy on returning to his Lao name + embodying dad's legacy of community organizing & finding home away from home in Laos Angeles
FINAL SZN 2.0 Episode 34 features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and actor/co-host of Laos Angeles Deuan Sabaidee, Somlit Inthalangsy! During this episode, Somlit speaks on returning to his Lao name + embodying dad's legacy of community organizing & finding home away from home...
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E33: Christy Innouvong-Thornton on experiences of growing up without her Lao Isan parents + moving beyond narratives of forced resilience & giving back through Southeast Asian foodways
Episode 33 features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and founder of Courageous Kitchen & TukTuk Box enterprises, Christy Innouvong-Thornton! During this episode, Christy reflects on her painful experiences of growing up in a white household (w/o her Lao Isan parents) + moving...
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E32: Andrew David Vilaythong on growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness + therapy as a tool for addressing conflict-avoidant behaviors & music as self-exploration
Episode 32 features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and music maker/DJ/audio editor of HOL– Andrew David Vilaythong! During this episode, Andrew reflects on his experiences of growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness + therapy as a tool for addressing...
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E31: #HealingTheHealer-- Stephanie Franco on writing as resistance + cultivating mental health equity for BIPOC across cali & tapping into radical imagination
Episode 31 brings back the #HealingTheHealer series, which was first created in order to share the experiences of people in Rita’s lives that have empowered her healing process. In this first episode of 2022, Rita dives into a conversation with Stephanie Franco (aka “SPESH”), who is a creative...
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E30: Lina V Luangrath on overcoming domestic violence, finding inner liberation thru music, & meeting Lao ancestors for the first time
This episode features a conversation between creator/host Rita Phetmixay and the talented Lao American musician and family woman, Lina V Luangrath. During this episode, Lina reflects on her experiences of growing up in an impoverished Lao/BIPOC community in Rockford, Illinois + overcoming…
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E29: Lao Womxn Healing Circle
Episode 29 features creator/host Rita Phetmixay with special guests Seraphina Lotkhamnga, Joy Ngaosivath, and Carole Chainon. Together, they dialogue and reflect on what it means to be daughters of Lao refugees who uniquely embody intergenerational ancestral strength. GUEST BIOs: Seraphina...
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E28: Phetmixay Sibling Reunion on Rupture & Repair Mid-Pandemic
Episode 28 features three out of the four Phetmixay siblings: David, Rita, and Joseph Phetmixay, who come together to reflect on how this pandemic has impacted each individually and how family conflict & reconciliation have helped drive closer ties between each other. Together, they discuss ways…
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E27: Joseph Phetmixay on growing up as Lao GenZ in NC during era of Uprisings & COVID-19
E27 features Joseph Phetmixay, baby brother to Rita Phetmixay AND youngest sibling of the Phetmixay family! Not only is Joseph the youngest child, he’s also the youngest guest on HOL and here to rep all the Lao GEN Z folx out there!! Rita gets to interview Joseph and explore his personal...
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E26: "The Right to Heal: Southeast Asian American Mental Health in CA" [SEARAC report launch]
On behalf of the Laotian American National Alliance, creator/host Rita Phetmixay of Healing Out Lao’d was invited to be a part of a virtual launch event hosted by SEARAC + partners on March 25, 2021. This audio recording captured SEARAC’s debrief of their new report titled: "The Right to Heal:...
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E25.2: Lao Sibling Reconciliation (Part 2) on saving face, vulnerability and building compassion
Healing Out Lao’d SZN 2.0 launches part two of the Lao Sibling Reconciliation episode, which explores the direct impact of saving face, vulnerability and building compassion. Facilitated by Wanda Pathomrit, this intimate conversation between HOL creator/host Rita and her older brother (Aiy David)...
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E25.1: Lao Sibling Reconciliation (Part 1) on gender roles, birth order, and parentification
HAPPY RELAUNCH DAY P’NONG/FAMILY!!! Healing Out Lao’d SZN 2.0 is finally here!!! In this first relaunch episode, creator/host Rita Phetmixay engages in a (part 1) in a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation with her big brother David, facilitated by big sis Wanda Pathomrit. Together, they...
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#COVID19 Series, E2: Gonji Lee on cultivating community resources thru disability justice lens + response to ant-Asian racism + holistic self-care practices
#COVID19 SERIES, E2: GONJI LEE For our second episode of #COVID19 series, HOL invites Gonji Lee to speak about their experiences as a mental health practitioner based Los Angeles, CA. Gonji identifies as a trauma and resiliency-informed, cognitive behavioral therapist, educator, and community...
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E24.2: Mother X Daughter Reconciliation (Part 2)
E24.2: MOTHER X DAUGHTER RECONCILIATION PART 2 Introducing part 2 of the Mother x Daughter Reconciliation Episode! This conversation is mediated by the one and only Wanda Pathomrit! Mother and daughter (Vilavanh and Rita) process what it means to be a “good daughter” from each of their…
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E24.1: Mother X Daughter Reconciliation (Part 1)
E24.1: MOTHER X DAUGHTER RECONCILIATION PART 1 For this Mother’s Day, listen to HOL creator/host Rita reconcile the complicated relationship she has with her mother: Vilavanh Phetmixay! Throughout this episode, you will learn about the difficulty of raising children as a refugee mother in a new...
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#COVID19 Series, E1: Jennifer Xyooj on mask making + wellness practices from a public health lens
#COVID19 SERIES, E1: Jennifer Xyooj on mask making + wellness practices from a public health lens HOL would like to present to you the first episode of our #COVID19 series! In this series, we invite trusted friends/colleagues in a variety of different fields (i.e. public health, social work…
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SZN 2 Trailer
SZN 2 Trailer Episode flow: SZN 2 inspiration... SZN 2 themes to look forward to... SZN 2 relevance during COVID-19 pandemic... ---------- Please leave HOL a 5-star rating and a positive review to help this space flourish!!! KOP JAIII LAI DERRR P'NONG!!! (THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FAM!) ----------...
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E23: HOL SZN 1 Wrap-Up [on hardships and successes of szn 1 + reflection on healing and growth in the Lao diaspora]
In this wrap-up episode of HOL, Rita reflects with big sis and HOL advisor, Wanda Pathomrit, on the hardships and successes of season one! They chat about the initial expectations of HOL, what sacrifices were made in order to sustain this space, the type of feedback from listeners that shifted…
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E22: Vilavanh Phetmixay (AKA “Mom”) on secretly eloping to the U.S. as an Isaan refugee + becoming a wife/mother + proving herself successful
MEET HOL GUEST: VILAVANH PHETMIXAY AKA “MOM” In BONUS episode 22 of HOL, Vilavanh aka “MOM” joins Rita for a conversation about secretly eloping to the U.S. with Peter at the young age of 22 and asking her family in Thailand for forgiveness much later, as they were not aware of her escape plan or...
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E21(PART 2): Kulap Vilaysack on exploring careers in entertainment + building boundaries w/family + cultivating healthier relationships
MEET HOL GUEST: KULAP VILAYSACK In part two of episode 21 of HOL, Kulap dives deeper into her career in entertainment and Hollywood where she began in fashion/sales merchandise, then later transitioned to improv, comedy, acting, podcasting, writing, directing, and now showrunning! She also…
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E21(PART 1): Kulap Vilaysack on creating Laos Angeles + tumultuous upbringing in Minnesota + healing in Los Angeles
MEET HOL GUEST: KULAP VILAYSACK In part one of episode 21 of HOL, Kulap joins Rita for a conversation about how she created Laos Angeles, a community-based organization made up of the diaspora from Laos in Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Not only has Kulap found a passion for organizing such...
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E20: #HealingTheHealer-- Lee Mun Wah on confronting racism + life’s work as a master diversity trainer + reaching across the aisle
MEET HOL GUEST: LEE MUN WAH In episode 20 of HOL, Lee Mun Wah joins Rita for a conversation about the multifaceted experiences of his journey as a Chinese American man from Oakland, CA. After losing his mother from a fatal gun shooting, Mun Wah began his journey of confronting issues of racism…
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E19: Practice Tip-- How to Explore Vegan (Lao) Food 101
Listen to Sharon facilitate a practice tip on exploring vegan (Lao) food and/or what it means to transition into a vegan lifestyle!!! EPISODE OVERVIEW: I: Practicing Gratitude II: Tips on Veganism III: Lao food that is already vegan IV: More tips on vegan Lao food V: Close --------- Check out the...
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E19: Sharon Daraphonhdeth on environmental justice and sustainability + creating access to vegan Lao food + grieving with community
MEET HOL GUEST: SHARON DARAPHONHDETH In episode 19 of HOL, Sharon joins Rita for a conversation about her upbringing as a Lao kid in San Diego with a large Lao community and her dad as her best friend. Later, she dives deep into her work as an environmental justice and sustainability activist,...
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E18: Carole Chainon on Lao/tian identity development in Paris, France + augmented reality + practicing acceptance & gratitude
MEET HOL GUEST: CAROLE CHAINON In episode 18 of HOL, Carole joins Rita for a conversation about what it was like to grow up as part of the Lao diaspora in Paris, France and how speaking multiple languages was pretty normal for her as a kid. Later, she addresses the nuances of meeting other folx…
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E17: Practice Tip--Simple Breathing + Activating Chakras Meditation
Listen to LinSun facilitate a simple breathing with intention and activating chakras meditation!!! Check out the corresponding conversation between Rita and LinSun titled: E17: Linda “LinSun” Simthong on embodying great grandma’s spirit + educating youth of color in Belmont, NC + creating “School...
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E17: Linda “LinSun” Simthong on embodying great grandma’s spirit + educating youth of color in Belmont, NC + creating “School of Jai”
MEET HOL GUEST: LINDA “LINSUN” SIMTHONG In episode 17 of HOL, Linda aka “LinSun” joins Rita for a conversation about what it’s like to embody her great grandma’s spirit and speaks about her upbringing in a predominantly Black/Brown and Lao community space in Belmont, NC. Her Belmont home became a...
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E16: Practice Tip-- Listen to a Poem: "Khao Mah" or "Come In" by Tony
Listen to Tony spit some bars thru his newly first public reading of his new poem called "Khao Mah" or "Come In" !!! Check out the corresponding conversation between Rita and Tony titled: E16: Tony Innouvong on being a conduit for Lao familial legacies + creating “Het Dee Dai Dee” brand + mom as...
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E16: Tony Innouvong on being a conduit for Lao familial legacies + creating “Het Dee Dai Dee” brand + mom as inspiration
MEET HOL GUEST: TONY INNOUVONG In episode 16 of HOL, Tony joins Rita for a conversation about being a conduit for Lao familial legacies through his tie business-- from which he creates with Lao textiles call “sinh”. From there, Tony shares how his mom is his motivation and how he hopes to pay her...
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E15: Practice Tip--Body Awareness
Suzette is a former classical ballet dancer, and was trained to understand the ways of the body and under strict tutelage from the age of 16, to practice yoga and Pilates as part of her daily schedule and has been so for over 40 years now. Suzette began teaching classical ballet using these...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Created/Hosted by Rita Phetmixay (she/they), MA, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, Wellness Coach, and Independent Audio Producer. Healing Out Lao'd explores the intersections of Lao diaspora storytelling x healing x tools for sustainability. While this show centers the Lao and broader Southeast Asian diaspora experience, anyone can benefit from this resource, especially those in the margins including BIPOC (Black Indigenous Persons of Color), survivors, thrivers, healers, movement builders, and so forth. In order to highlight the nuances of the diverse Lao diaspora experience, HOL casts diverse perspectives of what it means to be an (adult) child of refugees while also inspiring a new generation of folx to heal and move forward with their lives. This is one project to expand visions of the overall #LaoHealingMovement !!!
HOSTED BY
Rita Phetmixay
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Healing Out Lao'd have?
Healing Out Lao'd currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Healing Out Lao'd about?
Created/Hosted by Rita Phetmixay (she/they), MA, LCSW, Licensed Psychotherapist, Wellness Coach, and Independent Audio Producer. Healing Out Lao'd explores the intersections of Lao diaspora storytelling x healing x tools for sustainability. While this show centers the Lao and broader Southeast...
How often does Healing Out Lao'd release new episodes?
Healing Out Lao'd has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Healing Out Lao'd?
You can listen to Healing Out Lao'd on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Healing Out Lao'd?
Healing Out Lao'd is created and hosted by Rita Phetmixay.
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