PodSwap | Beer Stories - Co-Founder & CEO of Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery, John Pemberton

In the heart of Vietnam, there are hidden gems that beckon travelers seeking authentic adventures and unforgettable experiences. Join Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, as he uncovers the magic of these destinations in this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast.

Niall's guest for this episode is Ben Mitchell, the visionary behind Phong Nha Farm State and the luxurious Victory Road Villas. Ben's journey in transforming these locations into must-visit spots on the tourist map is nothing short of inspiring. With Niall's lively interview style, you'll get to know Ben and his incredible achievements.

Why Ben Mitchell is a Phong Nha Expert:

• Founder of Phong Nha Farm Stay and Victory Road Villas.
• Champion of responsible tourism in remote rural Vietnam.
• Combining contemporary elegance with traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• Impacting the Vietnamese tourism landscape.

Topics Discussed:

• The inspiration behind Phong Nha Farm Stay and Victory Road Villas.
• The unforgettable experiences these destinations offer.
• Responsible tourism and its impact on the beautiful regions of Vietnam.
• Ben Mitchell's personal journey in Vietnam.

Discover the real Vietnam in Phong Nha through the eyes of Ben Mitchell and learn about the authentic adventures and hidden gems waiting to be explored in this captivating episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast.

Places To Visit

• Phong Ke Bang National Park 
• Phong Nha Loop
• Easy Riders
• Jungle Treks
  • Oxalis Adventure
  • Jungle Boss Tours
  • Greenland Tours
• Phong Nha Cave
• Bong Lai Valley
• Dark Cave 
• Paradise Cave
• Eig

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

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Exploring the Beauty of Vietnam's Halong Bay: A Conversation with Local Guide, Quan

In this episode host Niall Mackay invites special guest Quan, a local tour guide from Ha Long Bay, who shares his wealth of knowledge and experience regarding this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The conversation covers various aspects of the Halong Bay experience from the types of tours available to historical significance and environmental concerns. 

A thorough understanding of why Halong Bay cruises, including the traditional 'junk' boats and luxury boats, are a must-visit is presented. 

Additional highlights include a brief foray into the changes brought about by COVID-19, efforts towards environmental conservation, and fascinating insights into life on a Halong Bay cruise.

00:11 Introduction and Host Background
00:44 Guest Introduction: Local Tour Guide
01:04 Guest's Journey to Becoming a Tour Guide
02:14 Understanding Junk Boats
05:01 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay
06:56 Tour Options in Halong Bay
07:59 Experience of Overnight Tours
08:58 Recommendations for Tour Duration
10:04 Exploring Caves in Halong Bay
22:43 Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism
25:25 Environmental Protection in Halong Bay
28:29 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

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Earlier this year, I responded to a Facebook post on an ex-pat group. There were looking for someone to be on their YouTube video as they were traveling through Vietnam. So I reached out and then I kind of forgot about it.

I didn't really expect the response. But luckily I did, and I was happy to make arrangements to meet Tal Oran, the host of the wildly successful Travelling Clatt YouTube channel.

This is what I messaged him,

"I'd love to take your own town on the back of my bike and show you the craziness of the traffic firsthand and some food spots that are off the beaten track. And also show you the insane developments here. I've been here for nearly eight years. The amount of new buildings that go up is crazy and there's even a new bridge in downtown. That makes sense silly, but seeing a bridge being built in the middle of a major city was cool."

And I still think that's cool.

So we arranged to meet at 7:00 AM on a Monday morning. And I did exactly that. I took him around Saigon on the back of my bike. Tal has generously allowed me to share the audio from his YouTube video with you. So enjoy the episode and here's some of my story. If you don't know already. And some of my thoughts on life and Saigon and Vietnam as an expat.

 I'd love to hear any comments or questions, and then I can feature them on a future episode. Leave me a voice message here!

Thank you so much for choosing to listen to my podcast, whatever you're doing right now, wherever you are in the world. 

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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Welcome to the Vietnam is awesome podcast. We'll help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences.

My guest today is Canadian Vietnamese, and also worked in the nightlife scene there for over 10 years. He moved to Vietnam in 2019 and has since then opened up three food and beverage businesses. The latest one is in Thao Dien which has changed dramatically post COVID and now a destination for tourists who want to see a different side of Saigon.

I'm Niall Mackay, your host. I've lived in Vietnam since 2016, and I'm the host of A Vietnam Podcast, A comedian, and now brand ambassador for Vietnam is Awesome. I came to Vietnam for a two week vacation in 2015 and was immediately taken by the beauty, friendliness, energy, and even all the quirks of Vietnam.

Venues to visit

Cocktails and cool vibe

• Brix
• Clay
• 86 Proof
• Zumwhere
• Le Cafe des Stagiaires
• Racha Room
• Dram

Pizza/Pasta

• Pendolasco
• Pasta Fresca

Craft Beer

• Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
• BiaCraft
• Belgo

Sports Bar

• The Avenue

Great Food

• Okra HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
• Ut Ut
• Bep Vo
• Tinto

Craft Chocolate

• Marou

Nightclub

• Indigo

Activities

• Ice Skating at Vincom Mega Mall
• Yoga Pod
• Skating at Outcast
• Rock Climbing at Outcast
• Festivals at Outcast

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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The Vietnam Is Awesome Podcast will help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences.

In this episode, we’ll share our recommendations for boutique hotels across Vietnam.

My guest today is Lauren Pienaar. She has been in Vietnam now for 7 years, she's from South Africa originally. She's a singer-songwriter with Moon Rise City and is now the Head of Communications for Vietnam Is Awesome. The very maker of this podcast, she has traveled all over Vietnam to many different luxury and eco-friendly boutiques.

Hotels and activities mentioned.

Phu Quoc

• Mango Bay
• Fusion Resorts
• Premier Village

Saigon

• Myst
• An Lam Retreat
• Mia Resort
• Villa Song

Mui Ne

• 
  
• Clown Car
• Minh On Hotel
• Cargo Remote
• The Cliff
• Joe’s Cafe
• Bo Khe
• Mini Golf

Da Lat

• Twin Lam Lake (sic
• Lavender Valley
• Mo Stay
• Lang Biang Peak

Phong Nha

• Victory Villas
• Phong Nha Homestay

Da Nang

• La Salle de Mer

Hoi An

• An Bang Beach
• Royal Riverside Hotel
• Cao Lau
• Nem
• Mi Quang

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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Elizabeth Nguyen is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who arrived in 1975. 

She has a background in Human Biology and Psychiatry, which gives her a unique perspective on the cross-cultural aspects of mental health.

Her career in community mental health and her interests in spirituality and psychiatry led her to write her first book, Aloha Vietnam.

Elizabeth reached out to me a while ago and shared her book with me. I am a notoriously slow reader so this interview has been a long time in the making but I’m so excited to talk to share her story with you today. 

In this episode we discuss the gap between mental health needs in Vietnam versus the reality, and compare the perspective of mental health in Vietnam to Western outlooks in countries like the USA and UK.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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Uncover the Unique Aspects of Saigon's Underground Art Scene

In this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast, host Niall Mackay takes us on a journey into the vibrant underground art scene of Saigon. He introduces us to two extraordinary individuals who are at the forefront of this creative movement: Truong Que Phuong, the owner of Twist Cafe and Barzinga, and Sabra Johnson, the creator of the Jackfruit Cabaret Show.

Guests:

- Truong Que Phuong is the owner of Twist Cafe and Barzinga, two premier LGBTQ+ venues in Saigon.

- Sabra Johnson is the creator of the Jackfruit cabaret show and the founder of Eva Dance Company.

Discussion Points:

- The LGBTQ+ scene in Vietnam and its acceptance in big cities like Saigon and Hanoi.

- An overview of LGBTQ+ venues in Saigon, including Twist Cafe and Barzinga.

- Collaboration between Truong Que Phuong and Sabra Johnson to create the Jackfruit cabaret show at Barzinga.

- Exploring the concept of burlesque cabaret and how it combines stripping with theater and variety performances.

- Addressing the unique atmosphere of Barzinga and its resemblance to the creative vibe of Berlin.

Key Takeaways:

- Vietnam is surprisingly progressive and LGBTQ+ friendly, especially in big cities like Saigon.

- Saigon's underground art scene offers a diverse range of experiences, from drag shows to comedy and music events.

- Barzinga provides a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Berlin's creative clubs.

- The Jackfruit cabaret show brings elegance and grunge together, showcasing the talent of local dancers and performers.

Links:

- Twist Cafe

- Barzinga

- Eva Dance Company

LQBTQ+ Friendly Venues and Events In Saigon

• Twist 
• Barzinga
• Frolic
• Pride Cafe
• Gender Funk
• Haus of Drag

Join Niall Mackay as he delves into the hidden world of Saigon's underground art scene in this captivating episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast. Discover the unique experiences awaiting you and gain insights into the LGBTQ+ community's acceptance in Vietnam. Prepare to be i

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome podcast. We’ll help you discover the real Vietnam with Awesome experiences.

I interviewed Mischa Smith who has lived in Vietnam for 10 years now. He's worked at Pasteur Street Brewing Company for eight and a half, most of those as the sales director spreading amazing craft beer across Vietnam.

In our main interview we both starting reminiscing about "old" Saigon. Which isn't that old but vastly different from 10 years ago. 

We talk about;

• What Saigon looked like 8-10 years ago
• How much the city has changed in that time
• Places that aren't here any longer that we miss

Vietnam Is Awesome

• Listen to the main episode 
• 6 Best Bars With Craft Beer In Ho Chi Minh City | Guide To Delicious Saigon Beer
• Facebook

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Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome podcast. We’ll help you discover the real Vietnam with Awesome experiences.

In this episode my guest, Mischa Smith, has lived in Vietnam for 10 years now. He's worked at Pasteur Street Brewing Company for eight and a half, most of those as the sales director spreading amazing craft beer across Vietnam.

And he's also the co-host of the Beer Stories podcast, which is produced by myself and Seven Million Bikes podcast and shares stories of craft beer, highlighting the amazing beer that we have here in Vietnam.

We talk about;

• Why he loves Saigon so much
• The growth of the craft beer industry in Vietnam
• The best places to eat and drink in Saigon

And like every guest, he shares;

• What is a good 24 hour itinerary in Saigon
• What life is like for locals?
• Is it a good place to live? And why?
• Where should travellers go next in Vietnam after Saigon?

Places to visit

• Rum Bar
• Malt
• Bui Vien
• Quán Ăn Quang Mập
• Steersman Brewery

Vietnam Is Awesome

• 6 Best Bars With Craft Beer In Ho Chi Minh City | Guide To Delicious Saigon Beer
• Facebook

Join us at The Tourist Trap Stand Up Comedy Show - every Thursday night!
Or our Weekly Quiz Night Saigon @ Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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This episode is going to be more than a little bit different.

Instead of me interviewing a guest, I'll be answering questions written by chat GPT. That's right, I'll be interacting with a machine to explore the intersection of technology and human interaction?

And chat GPT wrote that sentence.

So, what you're about to hear was written by chat GPT, and then it's voiced by AI from Descript the program. I used to edit all my podcasts. So I'm going to hand you over to today's host., whose voice is called, Nancy.

Nancy
I'm your host, Chat Gee Pee Tee.

As an AI language model, I'm programmed to understand natural language and generate responses that mimic human speech. 

But how well can I really understand the complexities of Vietnam and its people? That's what we're going to find out.

I'll be using GPT-3, one of the most advanced AI models available today, to generate questions based on a range of topics related to Vietnam, such as culture, history, and daily life. I have no idea what questions I will come up with, so this is going to be an exciting and unpredictable conversation.

Of course, as an AI I'm not a Vietnam expert by any means. But I hope that by engaging in this AI-human dialogue, we can learn something new and thought-provoking about Vietnam and ourselves.

Meet Niall Mackay the entertaining and knowledgeable host of A Vietnam Podcast. Niall is a seasoned comedian, teacher, and podcast expert who has been hosting his show since 2019. With over 40,000 downloads and a spot in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide, A Vietnam Podcast is the leading English language podcast in Vietnam. Niall's passion for sharing stories, insights, and experiences about Vietnam has captivated audiences around the globe. Through his podcast, Niall takes listeners on a journey through Vietnam's rich history, culture, and people. Join Niall and his guests as they explore everything from food and travel to music and politics. With Niall as your guide, you're sure to have a fun and informative experience on A Vietnam Podcast.

Send me a message, niall@sevenmillionbikes.com!

Or book a free consultation if you want to start your own podcast or need help with an existing one.

Ian Paynton was one of the first students in our course and now has a podcast, You Don't Know Vietnam, that is in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide and already bringing him business!

Get 68% off and three months free when you join NordVPN today with Seven Million Bikes.

As an affiliate partner it also means that I will get a small commission when you sign up, but at no extra cost to you. 

So not only will you be getting a great deal through Seven Million Bikes, you get a great VPN and you'll be supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Stay safe online and enjoy the shows you love.  Any questions, just let me kSupport the show

These are the programs the Seven Million Bikes Podcasts uses. These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting Seven Million Bikes Podcasts too.

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