Bridging Worlds: Identity, Legacy, and Coming Home | S14 E02 Annie Vo (Part 1)

"I think I grew up more sheltered. I didn"t have the typical New York upbringing." - Annie Vo  This episode was special in so many ways — not just because it marked six years of A Vietnam Podcast, but because of Annie’s story. Her journey from Saigon to Yale, and then full circle back to Vietnam, embodies what this podcast is all about: identity, resilience, and connection. Hearing how Annie navigated culture shock, built a successful career, and now helps others feel seen and supported — that hit home. Her warmth and authenticity reminded me why I started this podcast. These are the conversations that matter. They’re real, honest, and grounded in experience. I feel lucky to have shared the mic with her on such a meaningful day. Key Takeaways: - Gossip Girl was based on her high school - Learning English as a child immigrant - Reverse culture shock moving back to Vietnam - What was supposed to be a short stay became 8 years - Her children are growing up bilingual and connected   Chapters and Time-stamps: 03:00 - Annie’s Background & Career Overview 04:00 - Gossip Girl & High School Life in NYC 07:00 - Immigrating to the U.S. at Age 5 13:00 - Learning English & Adjusting to American Life 20:00 - Returning to Vietnam & Reverse Culture Shock 28:00 - Why She Stayed in Vietnam 30:00 - Building a Life and Business in Saigon 33:00 - Family, Legacy, and Raising Kids Bilingually "Send me a message!" This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental. Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh Support the show 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!