In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with anthropologist Dr. Judy Ledgerwood, an expert on generational trauma and Southeast Asian studies. Drawing from decades of research in Cambodia and with Cambodian refugees in the United States, Dr. Ledgerwood unpacks the profound aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Together, they explore the regime’s devastating impact on mortality, family structures, and gender roles, and how survivors rebuilt their lives amid lingering fear and uncertainty. The revival of Buddhism plays a central role in this healing process, offering solace and a sense of community to those grappling with trauma.

Dr. Ledgerwood also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and education in understanding the Khmer Rouge’s legacy and ensuring history does not repeat itself. Amidst the challenges, she offers a message of hope for Cambodia’s future, highlighting progress in economic development and education.

This conversation is a powerful exploration of resilience, healing, and the enduring strength of the Cambodian people.

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, anthropologist Dr. Alexander Hinton explores the Cambodian genocide, sharing insights from his work as an expert on mass violence and human rights. He delves into the foundations of genocide, the Khmer Rouge’s use of ideological control, and the challenges of achieving justice through tribunals. With a focus on education and accountability, Dr. Hinton highlights the importance of understanding history to prevent future atrocities and promote healing in post-genocide societies.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Chantha Nguon, author of Slow Noodles and a refugee of the Khmer Rouge. Nguon shares her powerful journey of survival, starting with her childhood in Cambodia, which abruptly changed when the Khmer Rouge took over. She recounts the hardships her family faced while fleeing to Vietnam, losing loved ones along the way, and eventually finding herself in refugee camps. Cooking became her lifeline, and it’s through her love for food and her mother’s recipes that Slow Noodles was born. Joined by her daughter, Clara Kim, Nguon opens up about the healing process of writing her book, overcoming cultural barriers to share her story, and how this project has deepened the bond between mother and daughter. Together, they reflect on the memories tied to their recipes and the significance of sharing Cambodian culture and history through food. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, family, and the power of storytelling.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Eric Tang, author of Unsettled: Cambodian Refugees in the New York City Hyperghetto. As an associate professor and former community organizer, Tang shares his deeply personal research on Cambodian refugees in the U.S., shedding light on the often overlooked struggles they face. From his time working with Cambodian and Vietnamese communities in the Bronx, Tang discusses the concept of "hyper ghettos," the economically devastated neighborhoods where many refugees settled, and how these harsh environments shaped their lives. He challenges the narrative of the American Dream, uncovering the complex reality of finding refuge in a country that is both a sanctuary and a source of displacement. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about resilience, identity, and the true refugee experience.

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with award-winning Cambodian-American director and writer, Bunthoeun Real, to dive into his experiences growing up as a Cambodian American and his inspiring journey into filmmaking. Real shares the unique challenges of navigating cultural expectations, the importance of representation in media, and the personal stories behind his acclaimed short film, Donut Boy, which captures the lives of Cambodian American "donut kids."

In July of 2024, we had the honor of welcoming Skhom Saray Meak from Atlanta, GA, to share his story with us on the Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast. Sitting with his daughter, Theary, in the room, Meak opened up about the unimaginable: surviving the Khmer Rouge genocide in 1975. 

This episode marks a significant moment for us—it's the first time we've invited another survivor to share their story as part of our Survival Stories Series. Our mission is to use our platform as a tool to heal as many survivors as we can through storytelling. So many survivors had lived their entire lives hoping the horrors of the Khmer Rouge would fade, only to realize a lifetime later that their trauma still lives within them. Through these conversations, Meak bravely goes into the deeply personal and painful memories of that time, touching on the devastating encounters and the lasting impact they have had on him and his family. The depth and emotion in his story remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

This is why we do this. To remember. To honor. To heal.

In this powerful episode, Elizabeth Becker, author of When The War Was Over, takes us through her time in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. She shares her journey from becoming a journalist in Vietnam and Cambodia to being one of the few reporters allowed into the country at the height of the regime’s propaganda machine. Becker reflects on the horrors she witnessed, including the murder of a fellow journalist and her chilling interview with Pol Pot. Through it all, she emphasizes the importance of understanding Cambodia’s history and the stories of ordinary people caught in the crossfire.

Listen in as Dr. Scott A. Allen, author of “Across a Bridge of Fire’, recounts his time in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border in the 1980s. In this episode, he shares stories of resilience amid trauma and explores the challenges faced by Cambodian refugees, particularly women and children. Dr. Allen also delves into the importance of preserving the history and contributions of the Cambodian American community.