This is a special episode, maybe mini-season, of Seven Million Bikes direct from quarantine in Saigon. This was recorded on a phone recorder and I don't have a laptop for edits so it's a live interview with my wife, Adrie Mackay.

Adrie and I left Vietnam on March 9th for what was meant to be three weddings in three weeks on three continents; going to New Zealand, then the USA then back to Vietnam for the final wedding. 

Weighing up the risks of the coronavirus we decided to start out trip, but almost immediately those plans changed as things developed rapidly in the world. And continued to change daily, then hourly, then almost by the minute as we tried to get back to Vietnam as soon as we could before the borders closed and we were stranded in New Zealand. In hindsight we should have listened to those red flags and stayed in Vietnam.

Adrie tells the story of how we got back into Vietnam, barely, and why we are in quarantine after the most anxiety inducing and stressful period of our lives together. 

We feel ridiculously lucky that we made it into Vietnam at literally the 11th hour before the border effectively shut at midnight to foreigners.

******
Adrie and the presenter of Seven Million Bikes, Niall have been married for nearly 7 years, living in Vietnam for 4 of those, calling this country home. They have a beautiful French Bulldog called Biscuit who is waiting for them to get out of quarantine at her best friends house. 
-------------------
Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.
Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen.
Episode art designed by Niall Mackay.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

"Be authentic. If it doesn't feel right inside, don't post it." – Amy Wenham

In this episode, I sat down with Amy Wenham, founder of the Women's Business Network (WBN) in Ho Chi Minh City, to talk about one of my favourite topics—authentic content marketing.

The conversation made me reflect on my own content. We talked about the podcast studio, the countless hours spent setting up lights and cables, and how I'd often forgotten to share the journey behind the finished product. It reminded me that people don't just want to see the final result—they want to understand the work that got you there.

If you're a business owner, marketer, or content creator trying to build a genuine connection with your audience, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start using today.

Key Takeaways:

• How Amy grew the Women's Business Network from just 23 members to more than 900 without paying for advertising.
• Why authentic stories consistently outperform polished, "perfect" content.
• The biggest content marketing mistakes SMEs make and how to avoid them.
• How to use AI without losing your own voice and personality.
• Why podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for creating authentic, long-form content.

Chapters and timestamps:

00:00 – Rapid-fire questions and why authenticity beats viral marketing

04:00 – Why sharing challenges creates stronger engagement than polished content

08:30 – Listening to your community and creating content your audience actually wants

14:00 – The biggest content marketing mistakes SMEs make

20:00 – AI, authenticity, and why your voice still matters

26:00 – Why podcasting is the perfect format for authentic content marketing

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Can authenticity still cut through in a world overflowing with AI-generated content?

In this trailer for the first episode of Vietnam Content Marketing, I explore the growing gap between polished corporate marketing and the raw, human stories that audiences are actually engaging with.

Featuring a preview of the conversation with Amy Wenham, founder of the Women's Business Network, this episode asks an important question for every marketer and business owner:

As AI makes content easier to create, what makes people actually care?

The full episode drops this Friday.

Vietnam Content Marketing is hosted by me, Niall Mackay, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts and Saigon Podcast Studio, exploring the people, ideas and trends shaping marketing in Vietnam.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

 In the break between season 2 and 3 here are the answers each guest gave to my questions at the end of each episode.

Thanks for listening!
-------------------
Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.
Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen.
Episode art designed by Niall Mackay. 

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

In the break between season 2 and 3 here are the answers each guest gave to my questions at the end of each episode.

Thanks for listening!
-------------------
Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.
Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen.
Episode art designed by Niall Mackay.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

This is an extra special episode of Discover Vietnam!

As you probably know, I run Seven Million Bikes Podcasts and we produce podcasts for clients around the world. We've done over a thousand episodes, helped with millions of downloads, and we've even won some awards. 

One of our clients is Laura Colon from Inspired Authority, and I was really, really lucky to be asked by her to be a guest on her show. And so I wanna bring this episode to you with her permission. 

Please subscribe to her channel, check them out. 

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

In the break between season 2 and 3 here are the answers each guest gave to my questions at the end of each episode.

Thanks for listening!
-------------------
Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.
Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen.
Episode art designed by Niall Mackay.

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

The first ever live show of Seven Million Bikes; A Saigon Podcast, recorded live at Soma Art Lounge in D2, HCMC.

I am so sorry, the recording cut out with about 10-15 mins left of the show! I have no idea why. If you are in HCMC look out for the next live show to avoid disappointment.

The panel discussed comedy in the current PC era and post #metoo era. Is comedy being stifled or do comedians need to adapt to stay funny without offending? Or are audiences too sensitive?

The panel consisted of Angee the Diva, Uy Nguyễn and Jesús López II.

Panel Profile

Angee the Diva
Angee is an American comedian based in Saigon, Vietnam. She was a 2019 finalist in the Vietnam Comedy Competition and has been headlining gigs around Vietnam and South East Asia since 2017, as a solo comedian and as half of the comedy duo, “Stand Up for the Queens”. She has headlined solo in Canada and USA, as well. She is a mother of two, writer, event planner, and has a Degree in Education, previously teaching kids in her home of Hawaii.

Uy Nguyễn
A Vietnamese comedian who gives a fresh perspective on dating, dealing with tourists, and other thoughts that will have you splitting a side.
He has performed in Saigon for 3 years and opened for Gina Yashere, Grem Wooding and Ro Campbell since 2017.
Uy represents the new generation of young English-speaking Vietnamese comics coming into the scene with hilarious success.

Jesús López II
Jesús is a journalist regularly featured in Saigon’s Oi magazine and works a professional copywriter. As a general assignment reporter, Jesús has covered a wide spectrum of topics, including Ho Chi Minh City’s comedians and (just a bit of) political coverage.

Supporting Materials

10 famous comedians on how political correctness is killing comedy: "We are addicted to the rush of being offended"

How Political Correctness is Killing Comedy

Is the snowflake generation really about to kill off comedy?

Is standup comedy doomed? The future of funny post-Kevin Hart, Louis CK and Nanette

“Un-PC” Comedy Lovers: George Carlin And Eddie Murphy Aren’t On Your Team

The New Culture of Censorship

Sarah Silverman - Rape Jokes

George Carlin About Rape

Louis C.K. and Aziz

"Send me a message!"

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

"Send me a message!"

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

The first ever live show of Seven Million Bikes; A Saigon Podcast, recorded live at Soma Art Lounge in D2, HCMC.

I am so sorry, the recording cut out with about 10-15 mins left of the show! I have no idea why. If you are in HCMC look out for the next live show to avoid disappointment.

The panel discussed comedy in the current PC era and post #metoo era. Is comedy being stifled or do comedians need to adapt to stay funny without offending? Or are audiences too sensitive?

The panel consisted of Angee the Diva, Uy Nguyễn and Jesús López II.

Panel Profile

Angee the Diva
Angee is an American comedian based in Saigon, Vietnam. She was a 2019 finalist in the Vietnam Comedy Competition and has been headlining gigs around Vietnam and South East Asia since 2017, as a solo comedian and as half of the comedy duo, “Stand Up for the Queens”. She has headlined solo in Canada and USA, as well. She is a mother of two, writer, event planner, and has a Degree in Education, previously teaching kids in her home of Hawaii.

Uy Nguyễn
A Vietnamese comedian who gives a fresh perspective on dating, dealing with tourists, and other thoughts that will have you splitting a side.
He has performed in Saigon for 3 years and opened for Gina Yashere, Grem Wooding and Ro Campbell since 2017.
Uy represents the new generation of young English-speaking Vietnamese comics coming into the scene with hilarious success.

Jesús López II
Jesús is a journalist regularly featured in Saigon’s Oi magazine and works a professional copywriter. As a general assignment reporter, Jesús has covered a wide spectrum of topics, including Ho Chi Minh City’s comedians and (just a bit of) political coverage.

Supporting Materials

10 famous comedians on how political correctness is killing comedy: "We are addicted to the rush of being offended"

How Political Correctness is Killing Comedy

Is the snowflake generation really about to kill off comedy?

Is standup comedy doomed? The future of funny post-Kevin Hart, Louis CK and Nanette

“Un-PC” Comedy Lovers: George Carlin And Eddie Murphy Aren’t On Your Team

The New Culture of Censorship

Sarah Silverman - Rape Jokes

George Carlin About Rape

Louis C.K. and Aziz

"Send me a message!"

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Esta Ricardo is a Drag Queen and GenderFunk performer and Founder/Mother of GenderFunk. He loves exploring Gender through workshops, performance and lots of talking!

Born in Birmingham he then lived in Manchester and London before studying Journalism in London. He then worked for the British Red Cross for 2 years and started performing in the radical arts festival scene in Europe. 

He has now lived in Saigon for 3 years.

In part 2 we talk about inclusiveness, not knowing if you're being discriminated in Vietnamese, orgies and changing perceptions of what's right or wrong.

Esta Ricardo is a funny, entertaining and fabulous guest!

"Send me a message!"

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Esta Ricardo is a Drag Queen and GenderFunk performer and Founder/Mother of GenderFunk. He loves exploring Gender through workshops, performance and lots of talking!

Born in Birmingham he then lived in Manchester and London before studying Journalism in London. He then worked for the British Red Cross for 2 years and started performing in the radical arts festival scene in Europe. 

He has now lived in Saigon for 3 years.

We talk about the art of Drag, the Drag scenes in Saigon and Hanoi, sexuality, gender, inclusiveness, white, male privilege and a whole lot more!

Esta Ricardo is a funny, entertaining and fabulous guest!

"Send me a message!"

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

"Send me a message!"

Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast!

Book your free tour of Saigon Podcast Studio!

Support the show

🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio!

👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com

🎙️ 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:

 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

 These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ 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 Website 🎉 Join Our Community!