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…
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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 creating content "for fun." Rita and Saeng also reflect back on their friendship journey turned professionals…
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 deeply reflective and intimate conversation, Rita uncovers a side of her family history she had never…
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 and a white American father, discussing the complexities of identity within the Lao American…
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 Dinner on November 10th at 5pm at Mekong Cuisine Lao and Thai (open to everyone + allies/partners), and/or…
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 themes of identity, storytelling, and the importance of community support. Catzie shares her…
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, and producer Kulap Vilaysack . Together, they reflect on the ripple effects of war, loss, migration,…
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 evacuate due to a bomb hitting her city in Thailand. This episode further explores the history of the…
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 identity as a Lao American. The conversation delves into the importance of community, mental health,…
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 solidarity in the face of state-sanctioned violence. Rita shares personal stories and actionable steps for…
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 daughter and finding out at 16yo her parent’s immigration status that led to her dad facing…