Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

“The reason I’m putting on a podcast is because I want to listen. I don’t want to read about the hosts - I want you to tell me about you.” — Adrie Mackay

 Today I'm doing something a little bit different. You're about to hear an episode from my other show, Smarter Podcasting, where my wife Adrie joins me to talk about what she looks for in a podcast 

 So if you ever thought. I could do that, but I don't know how, then this episode's for you.  

If you do wanna start your own podcast, then go and subscribe to Smarter Podcasting as well. In this show I share all my tips and tricks and failures along the way to help you make the best podcast possible.   

This episode is easily one of my favorites - not because of the guest (though she is my wife), but because I finally got to hear the raw, honest perspective of a real podcast listener. Adrie isn’t in the industry; she doesn’t care about gear or metrics. She just loves great stories, good sound, and shows that respect her time.

Listening to her describe how she chooses podcasts, where she listens, and what makes her switch off reminded me that every podcaster needs to think more like a listener. This conversation changed the way I look at intros, ads, and even how people interact with Spotify. If you want to know how your audience really experiences your show — this is the episode to listen to.

5 Key Talking Points

1. Listeners crave connection. They tune in to people, not just topics.
2. Bad audio kills interest instantly — even more than weak content.
3. The first two minutes decide everything. Get to the point fast.
4. Titles and artwork matter more than show notes. Most people never read them.
5. Podcast habits are personal. Where, when, and how people listen shapes what they love — and what they skip.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 — Why People Listen
• 03:00 — From Talk Radio to True Crime
• 09:00 — What Makes Listeners Switch Off
• 17:00 — Should You Repeat Your Intro Every Episode?
• 25:00 — How Listeners Discover New Podcasts
• 35:00 — Lessons for Podcasters

"Send me a message!"

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🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

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Phuong Nguyen is a Vietnamese expat currently located in Paphos, Cyprus. 

She has hosted a Vietnamese podcast since 2016. Occasionally she interviewed Expats living in Vietnam and has some episodes covering expat lives such as being a vegan in Hanoi, Vietnam under the eyes of an artist and expat's life during Tet - Vietnam's traditional New year holiday. 

At the age of 30, she decided to shift her career into Fitness and now she is a Pilates instructor. 

You can find her interview with Niall and more on her website:

https://theblueexpat.com/ 

or on wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Phuong on 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblueexpat/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblueexpat/

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Theme music composed by Lewis Wright
Logo designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen with support from Devin Gray
Episode Art designed by Niall Mackay

Buy Seven Million Bikes a beer if you enjoy this content.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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!

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 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

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If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

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“Life is not about the money in your bank account. Life is for living, and your investments, your insurance, all those things should be about allowing you to live the life you want.” – Robin Copley

It wasn’t easy to share, but I opened up about my own financial mistakes in Vietnam—losing tens of thousands of dollars because I trusted the wrong person. Robin Copley, my financial planner now, joined me to unpack what went wrong, what red flags I should have seen, and what every expat needs to know about money here.

I walked away from this conversation feeling relieved, but also more aware. Relieved because I know I’m back on track with someone I can trust. Aware because Vietnam really is a financial superpower if you manage things properly—but also a financial nightmare if you don’t.

5 Key Talking Points

• Why living in Vietnam can be a “financial superpower” if you manage money wisely.
• The biggest financial mistakes expats make—and how to avoid them.
• Hidden commissions and fees in products sold to expats.
• The importance of fiduciary responsibility and transparency in financial advice.
• Why money is only a tool—the real goal is the life you want to live.

Chapters & Timestamps

1. [00:00] Why Vietnam is a financial superpower – The balance between cost of living and income potential.
2. [00:02] My financial horror story – Losing tens of thousands through bad advice.
3. [00:09] Red flags and hidden commissions – Robin explains how expats are often misled.
4. [00:23] Investments as tools, not goals – Shifting the focus from money to lifestyle.
5. [00:27] Practical advice for expats – Motorbike licenses, medical insurance, and saving strategies.

[00:38] Life beyond money – Robin’s philosophy on living fully while planning responsibly.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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!

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 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

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If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

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Join Adrie and I as we embark on the Hop On Hop Off bus tour in Saigon, taking in the beautiful views of the city at sunset. 

We discuss the development of new buildings and infrastructure, and our experiences as both tourists and residents in the vibrant city of Saigon. 

Highlights include visits to key landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Independence Palace, and the bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street, capturing the essence of Saigon's rapid development and rich history.

00:00 Introduction and Annoyances of City Life
00:21 Exploring Saigon: Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
02:59 Development and Changes in Saigon
06:04 Nightlife and Tourist Attractions
12:32 Exploring Saigon's Historical Streets
13:16 Iconic Landmarks and Their Stories
14:42 Modern Saigon: Malls and Markets
21:34 The Hop On Hop Off Bus Experience

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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.

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I’m incredibly honored to announce that I’ve won two major awards at the Asia Podcast Awards 2024—Best Interview Podcast for A Vietnam Podcast and Best Audio Producer for my work on all the podcasts created by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts!

Since starting my podcast journey in 2019, what began as a passion project has now grown into a full podcast production service. A Vietnam Podcast, produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, has allowed me to showcase diverse voices, explore Vietnam’s rich culture, and share authentic stories with a global audience. Winning Best Interview Podcast is a huge recognition of the work and dedication poured into each episode.

Being named Best Audio Producer is equally humbling. Producing high-quality podcasts is something I strive for, not just in my own shows but for every client I work with. Whether it’s editing, recording, or refining the sound, my goal is always to deliver professional, engaging podcasts.

These awards validate the hard work and passion behind the scenes, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my amazing team. We’re excited to keep pushing the boundaries and creating even more impactful content!

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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.

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Niall and Adrie celebrate Vietnamese Independence Day with you from the much changed Saigon waterfront. 

The couple shares their experiences and observations from the bustling waterfront, offering insights into the city's transformation over their eight years as residents. 

They blend historical context with personal anecdotes, creating a vivid picture of Saigon's evolution and the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday celebrations.

This was recorded on my new lavalier mics for the first time - please forgive if the sound isn't as good as you're used to. Or it's better than you think! Let me know!!

Key Topics:
- Vietnamese Independence Day celebrations in Saigon
- City development and changes in Saigon over the years
- Reflections on being an expat in Vietnam
- Beer culture and brands in Vietnam
- Public behavior and etiquette changes

Recommendations:
- Visit the Saigon waterfront for Independence Day celebrations
- Try the new Ba Ba Ba "Extra Smooth" beer for comparison
- Experience the fireworks display next year from the waterfront area

Key Takeaways:
- Saigon has developed rapidly, with significant improvements to public spaces
- The Independence Day celebrations bring together a diverse crowd, mostly young people
- Public behavior and etiquette in Vietnam have noticeably improved over the years

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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!

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 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.

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Before Season 11 starts I wanted to share with you an episode from my podcast about podcasting, Smarter Podcasting! Too many podcasts?

In this episode I interview one of the biggest names in podcasting, Jordan Harbinger!

We delve into the art of preparing for podcast interviews. 

Jordan, whose podcast has millions of downloads, shares his journey from being a Wall Street lawyer to a renowned podcaster. He discusses the importance of extensive preparation, including reading entire books, taking notes, and adjusting interview flow in real-time. 

Jordan emphasizes a structured approach to creating engaging content and advises new podcasters to focus on the joy of podcasting rather than monetization. Additionally, they talk about the misconceptions around podcasting and the hard work required to achieve success in the field. 

The episode wraps up with Jordan sharing stories about his favorite guests and offering advice for aspiring podcasters.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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.

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Niall and his frequent guest and friend, Mischa Smith, embark on a  conversation about Mischa's favorite Bloody Mary spots in Saigon. 

Reviews cover the Bloody Marys from Bardo, Malt South, Layla, Ministry of Men, Wkend, and Summer Experiment, culminating with their top pick. 

The episode is part of a broader theme of exploring stories and experiences connected to Vietnam, including insights into brunch cultures, cocktail bars, and the growing craft beer scene. 

Listeners also get a glimpse of their upcoming podcast venture focused on rewatching the series Deadwood.

00:00 Hungover Brunch and Bloody Mary Revelation
01:01 Introduction to the Vietnam Podcast
02:26 Exploring Saigon's Craft Beer and Cocktail Scene
03:38 The Quest for the Perfect Bloody Mary
17:05 The Downside of Free Flow Deals
17:43 Testing the Limits at Malt's House
21:44 Exploring Saigon's Best Cocktail Bars
24:35 Top Bloody Marys in Saigon

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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.

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Niall meets up with his friend and personal trainer Thinh to try bánh bèo, a traditional dish from Central Vietnam. They discuss Vietnamese regional cuisines, accents, and Thinh's experience as a personal trainer while enjoying the food at a local restaurant in Saigon.

Key Points:
Discussion of regional differences in Vietnamese cuisine (North, Central, South)
Comparison of Vietnamese and British regional accents
Thinh explains the proper technique for eating bánh bèo
Conversation about Thinh's work as Niall's personal trainer
They learn about the restaurant owner's background and menu expansion
Plans to return to try other dishes like bánh xèo

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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!

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer on Patreon and you would have gotten this episode ages ago!

In this special bonus episode exclusive to Patreon members, Niall Mackay shares a riveting tale about the intense and surreal experience of acquiring a COVID-19 vaccine during the deep lockdown in Saigon. 

Niall recounts the chaotic situation where his friend, Lewis Wright, tested positive for COVID-19 at a vaccination center, leading to an unexpected journey to deliver essential supplies to Lewis in a government quarantine facility. 

With a gripping narrative, Niall details the eerie, almost apocalyptic atmosphere of the lockdown, the challenges faced, and ultimately the triumph of safely getting supplies to his friend. This story highlights the extreme measures and human resilience experienced during the pandemic in Vietnam.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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!