In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Chad sits down with Li-Da Kruger, a Cambodian adoptee who was raised in England after being separated from her birth family during the upheaval of the Cambodian Civil War and genocide. Li-Da shares her compelling journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the lasting impact of historical trauma on the Cambodian diaspora.

Growing up in a predominantly white environment in the UK, Li-Da reflects on the emotional complexities of being disconnected from her roots—navigating life as a Cambodian child in a British world, while carrying unanswered questions about her past. Her quest for identity led her to Cambodia as an adult, where she began a deeply personal journey to understand where she came from and what was lost.

Through her work as a documentary filmmaker, Li-Da has turned her personal story into a vehicle for truth and healing—not only for herself but for others affected by war and displacement. She shares insights from her film projects, revealing the emotional weight of reconnection, the search for family, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

Li-Da also introduces her nonprofit organization, Reconnecting Cambodia, which uses DNA testing to help Cambodian adoptees and families separated by war and adoption reunite with lost relatives. Her work has become a beacon of hope for those seeking answers and closure after decades of silence.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of identity, memory, and justice. It highlights the enduring strength of the Cambodian people and the importance of community, healing, and honoring the past while building a hopeful future for the next generation.