E44: How to Pronounce Knife Book Talk w/Souvankham Thammavongsa (HOL Retreat March 2024)

About this episode

Souvankham Thammavongsa discusses her journey as a Lao Canadian writer and the themes of identity and creativity.

Episode 44 is a recording of Souvankham Thammavongsa's Book Talk at the March 2024 HOL Wellness Retreat at Joshua Tree, CA. In this talk, Souvankham shares her journey as a Lao Canadian short story writer & poet of 2 decades, and explores the themes of Lao identity, cultural/family heritage, and the creative process. This conversation highlights the importance of sharing your authentic voice, leaning into self-trust and being your own source of inspiration. Connect w/Souvankham via ...

People in this episode

Guest: Souvankham Thammavongsa

Topics covered

• Lao identity
• cultural heritage
• creative process
• self-trust
• authentic voice

Keywords

• book talk
• wellness retreat
• Joshua Tree
• short story writer
• poet

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Joshua Tree, CA

More episodes of Healing Out Lao'd

• E51: From Thailand Refugee Camps to the U.S.: Passorn’s Role in My Parents’ Escape · January 30, 2026 · 49 min
• E50: Riki B Malone on Mixed-Race Identity + Lao Grandfather's role in Vietnam/Laos Secret War + Decolonizing Spirituality · January 15, 2026 · 50 min
• E49: What’s Been Brewing at HOL + In My Pickleball Era! · November 6, 2025 · 11 min
• E48: Catzie Vilayphonh on Arts as Resistance & LAOS in the House · August 22, 2025 · 1h 6m
• E47: Resilience & Joy in the Lao Diaspora; Reflecting on 50 Years Since the Laos Secret War · July 31, 2025 · 44 min
• Current Events Series EP2: Unpacking Thailand's Role in Conflict w/Cambodia · July 29, 2025 · 12 min