An Inspiring Journey of Culture, Business, and Identity with Cedric Le Quellec
12/18/24 • 41 min
“Vietnam isn’t becoming Western; it’s becoming modern—on its own terms.”
Cedric’s journey is one of the most unique and inspiring stories I’ve ever had on the podcast. This episode completely blew me away.
From being adopted by a French family and growing up across continents to returning to Vietnam and building his own business, Cedric embodies what it means to embrace every part of your identity while carving out your own path. His perspective on Vietnam’s rapid development, cultural pride, and the future of this incredible country left me reflecting deeply.
It’s conversations like this that remind me why I started this podcast—to share stories that challenge perspectives and inspire listeners.
- Niall Mackay
Key Takeaways:
Cedric’s Adoption Story – Growing up as a Vietnamese adoptee in a French family shaped Cedric’s perspective on culture, identity, and belonging.
Vietnam’s Rapid Development – From motorbikes to malls, Cedric details how infrastructure and societal shifts have transformed Vietnam since 2016.
The Cultural Pride of Vietnam – Despite modernization, Cedric highlights how Vietnam retains its cultural roots and blends them with global influences.
The Work Ethic in Vietnam – Cedric and Niall discuss how Vietnamese people balance their hard work with a love for life and learning.
Vietnam’s Future Identity – Cedric shares his thoughts on Vietnam’s need to define its global role, whether as a tech hub, manufacturing center, or tourist destination.
Chapters
7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!
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“Vietnam isn’t becoming Western; it’s becoming modern—on its own terms.”
Cedric’s journey is one of the most unique and inspiring stories I’ve ever had on the podcast. This episode completely blew me away.
From being adopted by a French family and growing up across continents to returning to Vietnam and building his own business, Cedric embodies what it means to embrace every part of your identity while carving out your own path. His perspective on Vietnam’s rapid development, cultural pride, and the future of this incredible country left me reflecting deeply.
It’s conversations like this that remind me why I started this podcast—to share stories that challenge perspectives and inspire listeners.
- Niall Mackay
Key Takeaways:
Cedric’s Adoption Story – Growing up as a Vietnamese adoptee in a French family shaped Cedric’s perspective on culture, identity, and belonging.
Vietnam’s Rapid Development – From motorbikes to malls, Cedric details how infrastructure and societal shifts have transformed Vietnam since 2016.
The Cultural Pride of Vietnam – Despite modernization, Cedric highlights how Vietnam retains its cultural roots and blends them with global influences.
The Work Ethic in Vietnam – Cedric and Niall discuss how Vietnamese people balance their hard work with a love for life and learning.
Vietnam’s Future Identity – Cedric shares his thoughts on Vietnam’s need to define its global role, whether as a tech hub, manufacturing center, or tourist destination.
Chapters
7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!
Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!
🎙️ 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:
🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?
👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!
Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
💬 Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.
✅ 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 ...
Previous Episode
The EXPAT SECRET Nobody Tells You About! | Saigon Sunday Sessions #8
“Dating in Vietnam? Be prepared—sometimes you show up for a date, and she brings five friends. And yes, you’re expected to pay the bill.”
I’m joined by Rochelle Nguyen at 86 Proof to uncover an unwritten rule every expat in Vietnam should know. From navigating the quirks of dating apps to the cultural nuances of Vietnamese family gatherings and countryside weddings, this episode is packed with funny anecdotes and practical advice.
Plus, we dive into the art of making the perfect whiskey sour (spoiler: it’s all about the ice) and share stories of what makes expat life in Vietnam so uniquely unpredictable and rewarding.
– Niall Mackay
5 Key Takeaways (With Timestamps)
1.Unwritten Rule #1: Always Expect the Unexpected on Dates – Sometimes, a date might include her friends—and the bill. (00:01:00)
2.Tết Visits and Cultural Commitments – Why visiting a girlfriend’s hometown during Tết could lead to unintentional engagement rumors. (00:07:00)
3.Countryside Weddings and Rice Wine – Why being a Westerner makes you the life (and drinking buddy) of the party. (00:15:00)
4.Navigating Tinder and Dating Dynamics – How dating apps in Vietnam differ for expats and locals. (00:08:00)
5.The Legendary Whiskey Sour – What makes the 86 Proof Whiskey Sour a true Saigon icon. (00:05:00)
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to 86 Proof: Setting the Scene
01:00 – Dating in Vietnam: Expect the Unexpected
07:00 – Tết Traditions and Unintentional Engagements
10:00 – Cultural Curiosities: Family Questions and Wedding Shots
15:00 – Whiskey Sour Masterclass
Reflect with Me
From dating surprises to countryside weddings, this episode offers a humorous and insightful glimpse into the unspoken norms of expat life in Vietnam. Whether you’re new to the country or a seasoned resident, t
7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!
🎙️ 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:
🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?
👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!
Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
💬 Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.
✅ 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 ...
Next Episode
$1 Lunch Challenge in Ho Chi Minh City - Is It Possible? | Saigon Sunday Sessions #9
I embark on a challenge to find a satisfying, delicious lunch in Saigon for just $1—or 25,000 Vietnamese Dong.
This episode is more than just a food hunt; it’s a snapshot of life in Vietnam, from the quirks of local health and safety practices to the enduring charm of friendly vendors. Along the way, I reflect on cultural differences and why Vietnam’s food scene is unbeatable—even when working with a tight budget.
– Niall Mackay
5 Key Takeaways
1.The $1 Lunch Hunt – Finding affordable meals in Saigon isn’t as easy as it seems. Inflation and rising costs are challenges even in the land of cheap eats. (00:01:00)
2.Local Favorites and Hidden Gems – Exploring options like bánh mì, cơm tấm, and other iconic dishes reveals what makes Vietnamese street food so special. (00:04:00)
3.A Lesson in Safety Culture – Witnessing tree-cutting practices and construction techniques in Vietnam highlights unique cultural approaches to risk. (00:07:00)
4.Bánh Mì Breakdown – A deep dive into the ingredients and the magic behind one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, the shredded chicken bánh mì. (00:12:00)
5.Cultural Connections Through Food – Reflecting on how Vietnamese people’s friendliness and passion for food make every dining experience unforgettable. (00:14:00)
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: The $1 Challenge and the Mission Behind It
02:00 – Exploring the Neighborhood for Cheap Eats
04:00 – Struggles and Success: The Unexpected Cost of Cheap Meals
07:00 – Cultural Insights: Observing Vietnam’s Health and Safety Practices
12:00 – Victory! The Perfect Bánh Mì and Its Delicious Story
14:00 – Reflections: Inflation, Food, and Vietnam’s Evolving Economy
7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!
🎙️ 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:
🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?
👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!
Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
💬 Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.
✅ 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 ...
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