About the Creator/Host: RITA PHETMIXAY (she/they)
Healing Out Lao’d is created, edited, mixed, hosted, and produced by Rita Phetmixay (she/they), an independent audio producer and politicized healing practitioner based in Los Angeles, CA. Rita is intentional in creating accessible healing spaces for folx with marginalized identities, with a particular focus on Lao diaspora communities. Rita has facilitated a variety of identity-based, holistic mental health and wellness workshops at national conferences, nonprofits, higher education institutions, small business and large corporations. She has over 10+ years of experience working with adult children of immigrants/refugees, current/former foster youth, survivors of sexual/domestic/interpersonal violence and BIPOC, and queer/trans* communities. More about Rita and her work can be found at www.ritaphetmixay.com and @healingoutlaod on all social media platforms.
HOL Advisory Board
Kulap Vilaysack
Kulap (she/her) is a Writer/Actor/Podcaster/ Director/Showrunner born in Washington D.C. and raised in Eagan, Minnesota. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Scott, and two dogs, Georgia Michaela and Molly. Kulap co-hosted the podcast "Who Charted?" with long time friend, Howard Kremer. She is currently in post-production of her debut documentary Origin Story - it features a road trip into her complicated past. She also is the creator and showrunner of the comedy show Bajillion Dollar Propertie$. Her TV acting credits include: The Office, Parks and Recreation, Happy Endings, Bob's Burgers, The Sarah Silverman Program and Reno 911! I've had recurring roles in Childrens Hospital and Comedy Bang! Bang! Her film acting credits include: I Love You Man and Welcome to Me starring Kristen Wiig.
Saeng Douangdara
Saeng Douangdara (he/him) is a content creator and personal chef specializing in Lao cuisine and the founder of Saeng’s Kitchen, a platform dedicated to sharing Lao food, culture, and storytelling. As a first-generation Lao American, food has always been central to his life. Saeng’s work has been featured in Delish, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, and he is the winner of an episode of TBS's cooking show Rat in the Kitchen. A proud member of the Lao Food Movement, Saeng aims to inspire others to explore the delicious flavors of his culture.
Wanda Pathomrit
Wanda Pathomrit (she/her) is a 2011 graduate with a double major in Criminology and Asian American Studies, is a licensed clinical psychiatric social worker at SSG-Asian Pacific Counseling & Treatment Center (APCTC). She leads APCTC’s Stop the Hate project, coordinating prevention, intervention, and direct services for survivors of hate incidents and crimes. Her work promotes community-based alternative safety and public education on racism and hate crimes, particularly within Thai-owned businesses, community groups, and religious institutions. Wanda also serves as a consultant for The SEA US, HEAR US Project, which examines the impact of COVID-19 on Cambodian, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese Americans in Greater Los Angeles. Additionally, she is an advisory board member for Healing Out Lao’d, a podcast and virtual practice space exploring the intersections of Lao diaspora storytelling, healing, and sustainability.
Credits
HOL music and beats produced by Andrew David Vilaythong (he/him/his), a producer, DJ, and visual artist based in Los Angeles.
HOL logo designed by Salong Namsa (he/him/his), entrepreneur, creator and founder of Laos Supply Clothing Brand and movement.