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Second Wave

An American story that begins in Vietnam. Second Wave, a podcast from KUOW and PRX, explores the Vietnamese-American refugee experience. 

Episodes

  • Untitled

    My family fled Vietnam, now I might go back

    What would it take to pack up your life and move to a new country? It’s a question Thanh Tan’s parents didn’t have the luxury of asking when they fled...

  • caption: All of these tasty pho dishes were prepared at Pho Bac in Seattle. Tap to see more deliciousness up close.

    Which bowl of pho is perfect for you?

    Mmmm, pho. That savory, soul-warming and, some say, healing noodle soup brought into the world and perfected by the Vietnamese people.

  • caption: Pho with cilantro, onion, green onion, prawns, noodles, fried shallots and beef broth. Tap to see more photos.

    Pho

    When Thanh Tan was growing up, pho wasn’t cool. Now, it’s an “it” dish and taking on a life of its own as more Americans eat and serve it.

  • caption: Contestants wait to hear results of the Miss Hoa Khoi Lien Truong 2015 contest.

    The Beauty Pageant

    What makes the “ideal” Vietnamese-American woman? In the latest episode of our new podcast Second Wave, Thanh Tan finds herself confronting that question after she is invited to judge a local Vietnamese beauty pageant.

  • caption: Marines marching in Danang. March 15, 1965.

    Good guys, bad guys

    Ken Burns and Lynn Novick join Thanh Tan, host of our new podcast Second Wave , to discuss the new documentary, "The Vietnam War."

  • caption: Thanh's father, Duc Tan, holds the American flag and stands next to Dr. Dung Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese Community of Pierce County, at a political rally in this undated photo.

    Viet kieu

    Ever realize there is more to your family's past than you've been told? Welcome to Second Wave, an American story that begins in Vietnam.

  • caption: Duc Tan, left, and his daughter, Thanh Tan, laugh while eating at Ramblin Jack's Restaurant on Friday, September 29, 2017, in Olympia. KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

    Preview: Second Wave

    Hear what's in store for season one of Second Wave, an American story that begins in Vietnam. The new podcast from KUOW and PRX debuts September 5, 2017.