About the Podcast
Learn more about the hosts of Growing Up Nguyá»…n!
Born from years of storytelling at the family dinner table, Growing Up Nguyá»…n emerged when Bay Area siblings HÆ°Æ¡ng, Karin Hạnh, Hedda  Hiếu, and Benjamin  Hoàng realized their shared conversations about growing up Vietnamese‑American deserved a wider stage. Raised by first-generation immigrants, their sibling bond (and the inevitable debates over kitchen chores and cultural traditions) became the foundation for a podcast that blends humor, memory, and meaning. Officially launched in 2020 after their father’s passing, Growing Up Nguyá»…n explores when grief, identity, and legacy became intertwined in each new chapter of the show.
HÆ°Æ¡ng
Host of Growing Up Nguyen / chị
As the oldest Nguyá»…n sibling, I’m usually the one piecing things together—whether that’s stories, travel plans, or food. I love being both the responsible one and the playful one who once thought biking with no hands meant I could ride with no eyes (spoiler: I ate dirt). Family for me is equal parts laughter, food, and connection.
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​Language slip: Once said “phát bánh” instead of “rÆ°á»›c lá»…” to our family priest ... basically “passing out bread” instead of the formal “receiving communion”. That was embarrassing.
Karin Hạnh
Host of Growing Up Nguyen / chị & EM
As the second eldest Nguyá»…n sibling, I help keep us grounded and hold space for feelings by staying calm, listening, and sprinkling a little curiosity and care into all the sibling chaos. I usually do this with a side of humor, like the time I begged my siblings for teamwork to untangle my hair from a circular comb—only for Mom to gift me micro bangs for the next few months. I love being second: no first-child pressure, just enough room to play—and maybe bend the rules on what success looks like for the younger siblings.
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​Fav Việt word: NÆ°á»›c—I used to scream it as a kid crossing the bridge. Now it names my first Vietnamese American greeting card collection.
Hedda Hiếu
Host of Growing Up Nguyen / chị & EM
Until Hoang was born 5 years after me, I enjoyed being the youngest and exuded a rambunctious fearlessness. When the protective instincts of an older sister finally kicked in, I learned to share. Whether that is my sense of sarcasm or a bite of food, sharing with my siblings laughter over memories and mishaps gives me the feeling of family.
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Childhood memory:
In Kindergarten, when I was asked, "What does your dad do?" I responded, "he yells." That was a fun conversation for my dad.
Benjamin Hoàng
Host of Growing Up Nguyen / Em
Rounding out the Nguyá»…n siblings, I grew up as the family crybaby who burst into tears if Mẹ didn’t carry me. I’ve gone from clinging to her leg to getting help from my siblings to untangle emotions and essays (though I still procrastinate like it’s an art form). The best may come last, but growing up isn’t just personal—it’s something we do together.​​
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Skin Care Tip: I used to do tumeric, yogurt and oatmeal masks for my eczema. I looked like monster every week, but now my skin is thriving!
