Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast

02/04/2025

Arriving in Cambodia in 1965, François Ponchaud embraced the Khmer language and culture, immersing himself in the lives of the people he served. But history had other plans.

When the Khmer Rouge seized power in 1975, he became one of the first to document the unimaginable atrocities unfolding. His book Cambodia: Year Zero shattered the silence, exposing the genocide to the world.

Yet his mission didn’t stop at bearing witness. Forced to flee, he dedicated decades to helping Cambodian refugees rebuild their lives in France. And when peace returned, so did he - working to heal a country scarred by war. He built schools, hospitals, and roads, revived the Catholic Church, and fostered interfaith harmony, ensuring Cambodia’s Catholic community endured.

Father Ponchaud’s impact is immeasurable. Because of his work, 75,000 Cambodian Catholics continue to practice their faith - a faith nearly erased by genocide. His legacy is one of unwavering love, resilience, and service.

On January 17, 2025, Father Ponchaud passed away, but his light will never fade. May we honor his memory by standing for truth, compassion, and justice, just as he did.

01/22/2025

💬 "My father’s mission is complete. My brother’s mission is complete. But here I am, and it’s my turn."

New episode with musician Sin Setsochhata OUT NOW 🎙️

In our latest episode of the Death in Cambodia, Life in America podcast, singer-songwriter Sin Setsochhata opens up about the weight of carrying her grandfather’s iconic legacy as Cambodia’s “King of Khmer Music,” Sinn Sisamouth. While she takes pride in preserving his work, she reflects on the even greater challenge of forging her own path and creating a legacy that’s uniquely hers.

🎧 Full episode streaming now on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.

01/17/2025

NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎤

This week on Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with the talented singer-songwriter Sin Setsochhata, granddaughter of the legendary Sinn Sisamouth—Cambodia’s “Elvis” and an icon of Khmer rock.

Sochhata opens up about growing up in a musical family, balancing the weight of her grandfather’s legacy, and finding her own voice in Cambodia’s evolving music scene. She shares heartfelt stories about the healing power of music, tackling generational trauma, and her journey to remake her grandfather’s classic, Tumpapa Dumbong.

🎧 Streaming 01/19/25 on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.

01/07/2025

"When you’ve carried trauma for so long, it feels like a landmine buried inside you.” That’s how Chantha describes the weight of her past while writing her memoir, *Slow Noodles*.

For years, she kept her pain hidden, quietly shedding tears when memories surfaced during simple moments—like family meals. But sharing her story didn’t just bring those buried feelings to the surface—it changed everything.

On the Death in Cambodia, Life in America podcast, we had a chance to sit down with Chantha Nguon and listen as she talked about how telling her story helped her heal and gave her kids a chance to finally understand what she’s been through. It’s a powerful reminder that there’s strength in sharing and freedom in being truly heard.

Every recipe in *Slow Noodles* is a love letter: to Chantha’s mother, who taught her to cook; to her children, who grew up with these meals; and to Cambodia, whose culture shines through every dish. Her story isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating something meaningful from the scraps life has left behind.

If you’ve ever felt stuck under the weight of untold stories, let Chantha’s journey inspire you to take that step. Healing is possible.

Listen to her story of resilience, healing, and finding joy again.
https://www.deathincambodiapodcast.com/podcast/chantha-nguon

01/05/2025

Imagine walking through a city where the streets are eerily empty, schools are shuttered, markets are silent, and the once-vibrant hum of life has been replaced by an oppressive stillness. This was Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge—a place stripped of its joy, its spirit, and even its humanity.

Journalist Elizabeth Becker saw this firsthand during her rare two-week visit to the closed-off nation. Guided by the regime’s tightly controlled propaganda machine, she witnessed a country under siege—not by foreign enemies, but by its own leaders. She describes a hauntingly empty Phnom Penh, children forced into labor camps, and a landscape reshaped by fear and devastation.

Even more chilling was her face-to-face interview with Pol Pot, the mastermind behind it all. Through scripted answers and paranoia-laced rhetoric, Pol Pot revealed a regime desperate to justify itself even as it crumbled under the weight of its atrocities.

On the Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast, Elizabeth shared her experiences from this harrowing visit—the propaganda she uncovered, the questions that went unanswered, and the enduring lessons about the importance of uncovering the truth, no matter how painful.

History may try to bury its darkest chapters, but voices like Becker’s remind us that the truth must be told to honor those who suffered and to ensure it never happens again.

Take a step into the past and reflect on the power of bearing witness. Listen to the full episode and explore the stories that demand to be remembered.

https://www.deathincambodiapodcast.com/podcast/elizabeth-becker

12/31/2024

In Khmer culture, the legend of the white crocodile is more than just folklore—it’s a harbinger of major change. This mythical creature, said to alter the flow of the Mekong River itself, symbolizes upheaval, transitions, and the power of nature to dictate destiny.

During the Khmer Rouge era, this legend took on new meaning, as Cambodia underwent one of the most dramatic and tragic shifts in its history. Elizabeth Becker, author of *When the War Was Over*, draws a poignant connection between this enduring cultural symbol and the seismic political and social changes of the time.

The white crocodile, believed to have appeared shortly before the overthrow of Prince Sihanouk, became a metaphor for the chaos and transformation that followed. Its image even inspired wartime propaganda art, becoming a visual representation of the Khmer people's struggles and hopes.

How do legends and cultural stories help us process history and trauma? Have you heard the tale of the white crocodile? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how these myths reflect and influence the way we understand the past.

12/31/2024

Cambodia’s story is one of resilience, reconciliation, and the unwavering pursuit of peace. After nearly three decades of war (1970–1998), the nation emerged as a symbol of what’s possible when unity triumphs over division.

At the heart of this transformation is Senate President Hun Sen, who shared invaluable lessons from Cambodia’s path to peace. Lessons rooted in his own remarkable journey.

Hun Sen’s leadership began during the turmoil of the 1970 coup. Surviving the horrors of the Khmer Rouge, he played a pivotal role in rebuilding Cambodia from the ground up after 1979.

In 1996, the Win-Win Policy became the cornerstone of national reconciliation, uniting the country and ending decades of conflict. By 1998, Cambodia achieved sustainable peace, paving the way for stability and development.

As one of the world’s youngest prime ministers, Hun Sen balanced diplomacy, justice, and reform to lead Cambodia’s recovery. His leadership demonstrated the power of reconciliation and the importance of laying strong legal foundations for lasting peace.

Today, Cambodia shares its lessons in reconciliation and diplomacy globally, contributing peacekeeping forces and championing initiatives like the Peace Charter: For People and the Planet.

Cambodia’s story reminds us that no matter how deep the scars of war, unity and resilience can chart a brighter future.

12/29/2024

How does a country stay neutral when war rages on every side?

Cambodia’s neutrality during the Vietnam War was meant to shield it from devastation, but instead, it became a fragile balancing act with tragic consequences. Prince Sihanouk’s decision to keep the country uninvolved allowed Cambodia to avoid direct conflict for years. But neutrality came at a steep price—fragile alliances, covert operations, and the eventual destabilization that opened the door to the Khmer Rouge’s rise.

On the Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast, journalist and historian Elizabeth Becker unpacks the complex relationship between Cambodia, Vietnam, and the United States during this volatile period. She explores how Cambodia’s neutrality—a bold, if precarious, strategy—ultimately unraveled under the pressures of war, shifting political allegiances, and relentless outside interference.

What might have happened if Cambodia had chosen a different path? Could a stronger alliance with either side have prevented the years of devastation that followed?

Cambodia’s story is a powerful reminder of how decisions made on the global stage ripple across borders, leaving lasting impacts on everyday lives.

🌏 Listen to the episode to dive deeper into this pivotal moment in history and share your thoughts: Could a different stance have changed Cambodia’s fate? Let’s discuss in the comments.

https://www.deathincambodiapodcast.com/podcast/elizabeth-becker

12/24/2024

The city of Nimitt was a crossroads for thousands of Cambodians fleeing the Khmer Rouge. It was a place of hope, but also one of terror.

In Season 1, Episode 19, Robert recalls how the Khmer Rouge raided the city at night, leaving countless people dead and forcing others—himself included—to run for their lives. The smell of sewers became the only shield from gunfire and certain death.

Stories like this remind us of the resilience of those who survived and the importance of uncovering the hidden battles that shaped Cambodia’s history.

🎧 Want to hear the full untold story of Nimitt? Listen to the Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting

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12/24/2024

Meet Chris Moon, a man who turned unimaginable challenges into a testament of the human spirit.

In 1993, while leading a demining team in Cambodia, Moon was ambushed and kidnapped by the Khmer Rouge. Facing certain death, he escaped through courage, strategy, and an extraordinary connection with his captor, Mr. Clever.

Just two years later, Moon stepped on a landmine in Mozambique, losing his right arm and leg. Instead of giving in, he made a choice: "It doesn’t matter how bad it is; we still choose our attitude."

Within a year of his injury, Moon ran his first marathon. By 1997, he shattered boundaries as the first double amputee to complete the grueling Marathon des Sables - 155 miles through the Sahara Desert.

Moon’s experiences ignited his advocacy against landmines, helping achieve the historic 1997 Ottawa Convention banning their use. "It is fundamentally wrong to use a weapon that harms civilians for decades."

In 2024, Moon revisited the jungle where he was once kidnapped, meeting families now thriving on the land he helped clear. His journey reminds us of the long-term impact of humanitarian efforts and the power of resilience.

Today, Moon runs resilience workshops, sharing the lessons from his extraordinary life. "Life is such a gift. I feel sorry for those who can’t embrace that."

12/19/2024

🌟 Join us on January 23rd from 6 PM to 7:30 PM for Khmer Courageous Conversations as we dive into the topic: Bravery While Healing.🌟

This empowering virtual event will explore how courage plays a vital role in the healing process and how we can embrace bravery to move forward together.

Through open and honest conversations, we can build strength, foster understanding, and inspire healing and connection. Join us as we share experiences, face challenges, and grow as a community.

Sign up now via this link 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dorothy-chow-dr-sochanvimean-phd-63753692633

We look forward to seeing you there!

🎙️ Don't forget to check out the “Death in Cambodia, Life in America” podcast and Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!

12/17/2024

Rithy Panh, Cambodia’s most renowned filmmaker, brings one of the darkest chapters of history to life in his latest film, Meeting with Pol Pot.

Adapted from journalist Elizabeth Becker’s memoir, "When the War Was Over," the story follows three French journalists on an exclusive interview with Pol Pot, leader of the Khmer Rouge. What begins as a seemingly tranquil visit unravels into an exposure of genocide, uncovering the horrifying truths behind the regime that claimed the lives of nearly two million Cambodians between 1975 and 1979.

Panh not only examines the Khmer Rouge era but raises a critical question for our times: What happens when journalism sacrifices depth for speed? With powerful performances from Irène Jacob, Grégoire Colin, and Cyril Gueï, the film challenges us to confront the dangers of disinformation and the erasure of truth.

Premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Meeting with Pol Pot is Cambodia’s submission for the 97th Academy Awards.

In an age of fleeting headlines, this cinematic masterpiece reminds us of the cost of ignorance and the stakes of truth-telling. History demands reflection, and Panh’s work ensures we never forget the lessons of the past.

12/07/2024

NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎤

This week, we sit down with renowned anthropologist Dr. Judy Ledgerwood, an expert on generational trauma and Southeast Asian studies. Drawing from decades of research in Cambodia and with Cambodian refugees in the U.S., Dr. Ledgerwood unpacks the profound aftermath of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Together, we explore the regime’s devastating impact on mortality, family structures, and gender roles, and how survivors rebuilt their lives amid lingering fear and uncertainty. We also discuss the revival of Buddhism, which has provided solace and community to those grappling with trauma.

Dr. Ledgerwood emphasizes the importance of education and storytelling in understanding the Khmer Rouge’s legacy and ensuring history never repeats itself. Amid the challenges, she shares a hopeful vision for Cambodia’s future through progress in development and education.

This powerful conversation is an exploration of resilience, healing, and the enduring strength of the Cambodian people. 💪

This episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America episode will be available to listen to on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts on Sunday, December 8 🔊

12/01/2024

Catch your favorite dynamic duo of Death in Cambodia at your nearest wedding!! 🫠

Celebrating beautiful love this weekend with the family filled my cup with so much joy!! Hope you all enjoyed time with people that fill your soul this week 🥹

The Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast is available to listen to on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify! 🎙️

11/18/2024

In a world where social media is often lighthearted, one Facebook group stands out for its profound purpose... helping Cambodians reconnect with loved ones lost during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The Missing People in Khmer Rouge Regime group brings together over 9,000 members who share photos, memories, and stories in hopes of finding long-lost family and friends. For members like Virginie Ok and Marie Ly, it’s a space to keep hope alive, even decades after the regime’s devastation.

The journey is challenging - names have changed, records are missing, and memories have faded. Many rely on old photos and recollections to piece together their histories. Supported by the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam), which preserves over a million documents, this group offers a lifeline for those seeking closure and healing.

If you or someone you know is searching for lost family from this era, consider joining and supporting this mission.

11/15/2024

NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎤

Why did Khmer kill Khmer? Why did Cambodians kill Cambodians? These are the haunting questions at the heart of this week’s conversation with Dr. Alexander Hinton, a leading expert on genocide, mass violence, and human rights.

In this episode, we dig deep into the Cambodian genocide, exploring how ideology, intent, and a history of violence set the stage for one of the most devastating atrocities in modern history. Dr. Hinton shares powerful insights from his work as an expert witness at the Khmer Rouge tribunal and explains why education, accountability, and dialogue are crucial to preventing history from repeating itself.

If you’ve ever wondered how societies recover from such unimaginable trauma—or what we can do to stop future genocides—this episode is for you.

This episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America episode will be available to listen to on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts on Sunday, November 17 🔊

11/07/2024

10/31/2024

Learning about the Khmer Rouge’s devastating rule is tough, but necessary. It’s not just a story of loss—it’s a testament to the courage and strength of those who lived through it. When Robert survived the Killing Fields, he didn’t just endure—he found a way to rebuild, to create a new life, and to inspire a future for himself, his family, and his community.

Today, Cambodia is rising—entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers are crafting a new path, refusing to let tragedy define them. Robert’s journey from a war-torn country to building a new life in America shows that no matter how dark the past, there's always a way to create light. Your story isn’t over; it’s just beginning. If you ever need a reminder of the power of starting anew, listen to how one man’s journey from devastation to rebuilding can light a spark in all of us.