French-Cambodian artist Jean-Baptiste Phou joins Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast for a powerful conversation about identity, creative expression, and the journey of reconnection. Born in Paris and now based in Phnom Penh, Jean-Baptiste reflects on growing up as a Cambodian immigrant in France, grappling with cultural disconnection, and ultimately leaving a career in finance to pursue a life in the arts.

Phou shares insights into his collaborations with renowned filmmaker Rithy Panh, the inspiration behind his film My Mother’s Tongue, and the emotional depth of his latest book Coming Out of My Skin—a bold and vulnerable exploration of racism, sexuality, and belonging within the gay community in France.

Through writing, film, and performance, Phou creates space for conversations about heritage, healing, and the nuances of living between worlds. This episode is an intimate look at what it means to reclaim your narrative, challenge silence, and make art that moves culture forward.

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with Patricia McCormick, a two-time National Book Award finalist and the acclaimed author of Never Fall Down, a powerful novel based on the true story of Arne Chorn-Pond, a boy who survived the Khmer Rouge by playing music. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, McCormick has spent her career shedding light on issues of trauma, healing, and resilience, tackling difficult subjects such as child soldiers, human trafficking, and genocide in her critically acclaimed books.

We talk about the challenges of writing about real-life atrocities, the emotional toll of interviewing survivors, and the importance of preserving history through literature. McCormick shares her experiences working closely with Arne, how music became a lifeline for him in the killing fields, and why storytelling is a vital tool for both healing and historical awareness.

This conversation is a deep dive into the responsibility of writers in shaping how future generations understand genocide, war, and survival. It also highlights why survivors’ voices matter and how books like Never Fall Down serve as crucial records of Cambodia’s painful history.

Join us as we chat with Monica Sok, the incredible author behind 'A Nail the Evening Hangs On'. In this episode, Sok dives into her unique journey, from her parents' refugee experiences to her own exploration of history through poetry. Listen in as she discusses her writing process, the creation of personas in her poems, and how her work has brought her closer to the Khmer community and shaped her identity.

Explore the fascinating history of Cambodian music with Chris Parkhurst on our latest podcast episode. Dive deep into the life and legacy of Sinn Sisamouth, Cambodia's 'Elvis,' as told through Parkhurst's documentary. Learn about the healing power of music during the Khmer Rouge regime and the success of Sisamouth's granddaughter, Sin Setsochhata. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for Cambodian arts and culture.

Join Anne Elizabeth Moore, author of 'Cambodian Grrrl', as she chats about teaching self-publishing in Cambodia and its influence on her life. Get insights on women's rights evolution in Cambodia.

Journalist Soreath Hok, a 1.5 generation immigrant, covers Cambodian-American mental health, spurred by her college radio involvement and USC Annenberg fellowship. Her award-winning work focuses on the mental health challenges among Cambodian refugees and their descendants, drawing attention to the lack of resources and cultural care. With articles that include personal and industry stories, she seeks to foster awareness and healing in the Cambodian American community.

Dr. Sophal Ear, a Cambodian refugee, transitioned from escaping the Khmer Rouge to a successful academic and writer, advocating for Cambodian history education. Influenced by his upbringing and mother's determination, he shifted from medicine to political science and economics. His work includes critiquing Western supporters of the Khmer Rouge, a TED Talk, and a documentary about his family's escape, inspiring Cambodian Americans.