1 00:00:00,420 --> 00:00:01,859 Sandra Pham: Hey y'all, I'm Sandra Pham. 2 00:00:02,160 --> 00:00:03,370 Minh Vu: And I'm Minh Vu. 3 00:00:03,849 --> 00:00:06,590 And you're listening to Asian in Austin. 4 00:00:25,169 --> 00:00:29,299 So we've got a special episode for everyone. 5 00:00:29,750 --> 00:00:34,149 Sandra Pham: Yeah, I think we just thought it would be interesting to 6 00:00:34,169 --> 00:00:38,529 cite our official involvement in SXSW. 7 00:00:38,550 --> 00:00:43,920 And so thrilled to kind of recap that with y'all and chat with Minh as always. 8 00:00:44,739 --> 00:00:50,960 Minh Vu: We were able to host an official AAPI meetup at SX and a 9 00:00:50,989 --> 00:00:55,359 shout out to Audrey and the entire SX team for helping make that 10 00:00:55,359 --> 00:00:58,590 happen and all of the volunteers. 11 00:00:58,650 --> 00:01:02,620 It was a, a really good opportunity to be able to create community 12 00:01:02,620 --> 00:01:04,840 or hold space for community. 13 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:10,285 So I'm really excited that we were able to do that in such an official capacity 14 00:01:10,345 --> 00:01:15,805 where people who were attending the fest and either identified in the community 15 00:01:15,805 --> 00:01:20,195 or were supportive or interested in the community all came together in this 16 00:01:20,525 --> 00:01:24,685 hotel conference room and connected. 17 00:01:25,025 --> 00:01:26,515 And it was really, really beautiful. 18 00:01:26,515 --> 00:01:30,745 And I think we just want to take this episode to talk about the 19 00:01:30,745 --> 00:01:38,355 behemoth that is SX our experiences with it and how creating community 20 00:01:38,355 --> 00:01:40,955 continues to be so important. 21 00:01:41,660 --> 00:01:46,030 Sandra, what's your, well first, what's your experience been with 22 00:01:46,030 --> 00:01:49,200 SX in general over the years? 23 00:01:49,530 --> 00:01:54,300 I know we have memories from college going to SX, but I'm 24 00:01:54,300 --> 00:01:56,860 curious just from your perspective. 25 00:01:56,860 --> 00:01:57,150 Yeah. 26 00:01:57,150 --> 00:01:59,620 Like how have you experienced the festival in the past? 27 00:02:01,445 --> 00:02:05,495 Sandra Pham: Yeah, it feels like this year, I think, was a big milestone 28 00:02:05,495 --> 00:02:11,875 for us and obviously super grateful that we were able to attend SXSW in a 29 00:02:11,875 --> 00:02:17,065 different way that we had previously, obviously having gone to school here 30 00:02:17,065 --> 00:02:23,035 and having experienced SXSW and seeing the changes over the various years 31 00:02:23,045 --> 00:02:27,145 from going You know, experiencing as a college student, obviously, is very 32 00:02:27,145 --> 00:02:29,425 different than in a professional setting. 33 00:02:29,475 --> 00:02:32,805 And then also this year, getting the opportunity to actually be part of 34 00:02:32,805 --> 00:02:37,535 the official programming, hosting and holding space was, you know, really, 35 00:02:37,535 --> 00:02:39,555 really special for, for me this year. 36 00:02:39,555 --> 00:02:39,885 But. 37 00:02:40,485 --> 00:02:45,555 Yeah, fond memories back in the day, you and I, during spring break, because 38 00:02:45,565 --> 00:02:49,034 it would always happen during spring break, going to concerts, trying 39 00:02:49,034 --> 00:02:51,595 to find the cool different events. 40 00:02:51,595 --> 00:02:58,075 I remember seeing Ed Sheeran before he was Ed Sheeran in the, you know, the, the 41 00:02:58,075 --> 00:03:00,805 2000s and and then fast forward to today. 42 00:03:00,845 --> 00:03:01,655 It's so different. 43 00:03:02,810 --> 00:03:06,660 Minh Vu: Yeah I think I feel like I remember us going to like a Red Bull 44 00:03:06,660 --> 00:03:11,839 sponsored event or concert and I feel like it was just in a parking lot somewhere. 45 00:03:12,320 --> 00:03:13,700 Which they still do. 46 00:03:13,940 --> 00:03:19,774 I will say this year, we also were able to see a Vietnamese Hungarian singer. 47 00:03:20,094 --> 00:03:27,044 Who fused Cải lương and electronic music, which my mind was like, 48 00:03:27,044 --> 00:03:29,124 completely blown by that. 49 00:03:29,404 --> 00:03:36,519 For those who don't know, cải lương is like, a specific Vietnamese traditional 50 00:03:36,789 --> 00:03:42,089 music genre, kind of like theater, musical theater, really specific. 51 00:03:42,090 --> 00:03:42,609 Yeah, shout out to 52 00:03:42,609 --> 00:03:43,389 Sandra Pham: Hien. 53 00:03:43,829 --> 00:03:44,359 Yeah. 54 00:03:44,360 --> 00:03:44,949 She was so good. 55 00:03:45,099 --> 00:03:45,319 Yeah. 56 00:03:45,589 --> 00:03:47,419 Trilingual, which is incredible. 57 00:03:47,429 --> 00:03:47,879 Oh my gosh. 58 00:03:48,519 --> 00:03:51,659 Minh Vu: Yeah, she sang in Vietnamese, then Hungarian, then in English as well. 59 00:03:52,629 --> 00:03:53,749 It was really cool. 60 00:03:53,759 --> 00:03:57,179 I think, for me this year, that's what stands out to me, is like the 61 00:03:57,179 --> 00:04:02,264 global aspect of, like, the experience that I was able to have seeing 62 00:04:02,264 --> 00:04:04,404 singers from all across the world. 63 00:04:04,804 --> 00:04:11,854 In one day, I like, I was at the Canada house and there was a singer 64 00:04:11,854 --> 00:04:16,254 who like their genre was like Afro pop. 65 00:04:16,634 --> 00:04:23,084 And then even also at Canada house, one of our previous guests, Aisha, 66 00:04:23,155 --> 00:04:25,594 Dreamchild, she was DJing there. 67 00:04:25,914 --> 00:04:26,955 Just really cool. 68 00:04:27,380 --> 00:04:30,330 moments I think for me this year. 69 00:04:30,960 --> 00:04:35,660 Sandra Pham: Yeah, I think as SX continues to grow and has become this, I think you 70 00:04:35,669 --> 00:04:41,520 said behemoth, like at the top of the the episode here, it's it just continues to 71 00:04:41,520 --> 00:04:46,790 grow and I do find myself kind of feeling lost a little bit every year, right? 72 00:04:46,790 --> 00:04:48,610 I think every year my experience is different. 73 00:04:48,610 --> 00:04:49,560 I seek different things. 74 00:04:49,570 --> 00:04:52,539 Some years, it's really heavily leaned into music. 75 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:55,330 Other years, it's really into the panel and the content. 76 00:04:55,730 --> 00:05:01,280 Being a marketer myself and trying to gain some knowledge there this year, because 77 00:05:01,280 --> 00:05:07,140 we had a place that we specifically were able to host that AAPI meetup. 78 00:05:08,190 --> 00:05:12,729 I find myself really being intentional about finding community and a 79 00:05:12,729 --> 00:05:14,104 lot of the activities that we do. 80 00:05:14,265 --> 00:05:16,325 I saw to be involved in this year. 81 00:05:16,375 --> 00:05:21,405 Also got the amazing opportunity to host some unofficial SX things, 82 00:05:21,405 --> 00:05:25,805 but around SX, so, moderating that panel with ambassador Catherine 83 00:05:25,814 --> 00:05:27,765 Thai, which was a really big deal. 84 00:05:27,815 --> 00:05:32,365 As well as the amazing other women who were on the panel, who are 85 00:05:32,375 --> 00:05:36,680 local Austinites or the majority were yeah, this year, I think, For 86 00:05:36,690 --> 00:05:41,770 me personally, I wanted to find representation and community, right? 87 00:05:42,270 --> 00:05:48,889 Finding specific panels, events that were centered around the AAPI community itself. 88 00:05:49,599 --> 00:05:55,099 Having, feeling like really motivated to, to carve out those spaces. 89 00:05:55,565 --> 00:06:02,785 Minh Vu: Yeah, I think it was good for us to see the different opportunities there 90 00:06:02,785 --> 00:06:08,714 were to create community both officially through SX and unofficially as well, too. 91 00:06:09,425 --> 00:06:13,855 It was great to be able to collaborate with some folks who came into 92 00:06:13,855 --> 00:06:19,314 Austin, but also still try to lift up the folks locally here. 93 00:06:19,954 --> 00:06:23,905 So, yeah, All in all, I think it was, it was really good. 94 00:06:23,945 --> 00:06:27,145 Was there a standout moment for you? 95 00:06:27,585 --> 00:06:28,715 Sandra Pham: I think I'm very biased. 96 00:06:28,765 --> 00:06:33,264 But obviously having our meetup and just chatting with everyone and 97 00:06:33,275 --> 00:06:34,975 getting to know everyone's story. 98 00:06:35,035 --> 00:06:39,255 There were so amazing people that, that showed up to the meetup that I got to 99 00:06:39,255 --> 00:06:44,875 talk to from folks who are like artists and really trying to showcase their 100 00:06:44,875 --> 00:06:50,065 music and, and feeling really encouraged by the fact that there was a meetup. 101 00:06:50,370 --> 00:06:55,510 To have conversations with other people to, there were students there I can't 102 00:06:55,510 --> 00:07:00,620 remember from what university, but they were able to get funded and come to SX and 103 00:07:00,620 --> 00:07:02,619 experience this and pitch a big client. 104 00:07:02,620 --> 00:07:05,830 It was the Austin airport and be able to showcase their work, but 105 00:07:05,830 --> 00:07:09,029 also wanting to feel like they can make friends and meet other people. 106 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:12,260 So I was just inspired to be in that room and have conversations. 107 00:07:12,270 --> 00:07:15,649 And I mean, you know, at the end of the day, that's really what 108 00:07:15,650 --> 00:07:17,580 drove us to build this podcast was. 109 00:07:18,005 --> 00:07:20,145 To meet other folks and hear their experiences. 110 00:07:20,145 --> 00:07:26,085 There was also a woman I met and she is in the music industry and she really wanted. 111 00:07:27,265 --> 00:07:31,555 She grew up in Austin and had gone to SX firm for many, many 112 00:07:31,555 --> 00:07:32,844 years, like 20 plus years. 113 00:07:32,844 --> 00:07:35,984 And I was telling me how excited she was that that. 114 00:07:36,440 --> 00:07:40,950 Our podcast enabled us to have conversations about, you know, folks 115 00:07:40,950 --> 00:07:45,869 in the community who pursue different careers and to really see the space 116 00:07:45,870 --> 00:07:50,920 that she never thought would be possible in, in, in all the time that 117 00:07:50,920 --> 00:07:52,440 she had gone to SX, which is amazing. 118 00:07:52,449 --> 00:07:56,040 And also, you know, we just heard yesterday kind of a tangent, but 119 00:07:56,050 --> 00:08:00,250 the first Vietnamese American lead, a bachelorette, like, it just feels 120 00:08:00,250 --> 00:08:02,050 like there's so much momentum and I'm. 121 00:08:02,805 --> 00:08:05,775 proud that we get to be a very teeny teeny part of that. 122 00:08:06,025 --> 00:08:09,575 Minh Vu: Yeah, I think about some of the people that I was able to meet 123 00:08:09,585 --> 00:08:14,554 at the meetup and basically we all, I was with a group of people and 124 00:08:14,554 --> 00:08:23,555 we all went around sharing where we grew up and what the Asian population 125 00:08:23,555 --> 00:08:25,835 was like there, if there were any. 126 00:08:26,915 --> 00:08:31,855 And I think in that short amount of time, there was already just 127 00:08:31,875 --> 00:08:36,425 people being like, Oh my gosh, like I'm half Filipino, half white. 128 00:08:36,754 --> 00:08:38,635 There weren't a lot of us growing up. 129 00:08:40,084 --> 00:08:41,695 I also like. 130 00:08:42,340 --> 00:08:47,000 You know, they met people who basically had very similar experiences to them and 131 00:08:47,770 --> 00:08:53,859 that type of like community and connection happening in real time was really special. 132 00:08:53,929 --> 00:08:58,740 I think we all both vocally and silently understood what it meant 133 00:08:58,789 --> 00:09:01,270 to be sometimes the only in a space. 134 00:09:01,630 --> 00:09:02,750 And then to be. 135 00:09:03,615 --> 00:09:08,435 The majority in a space during that meetup was really, I think, 136 00:09:08,435 --> 00:09:10,315 empowering and really special. 137 00:09:10,655 --> 00:09:14,325 Sandra Pham: I'm going to ask you I know it's, it's hard to think about 138 00:09:14,325 --> 00:09:19,595 because literally we, SX Southwest just wrapped up, but if we're thinking 139 00:09:19,595 --> 00:09:25,875 ahead and I know it'll be around the corner when we think about SX in 2025, 140 00:09:26,785 --> 00:09:31,964 what do you hope or what do you dream up that could happen next year that 141 00:09:31,975 --> 00:09:33,704 didn't this year, or what is that? 142 00:09:34,285 --> 00:09:35,664 I 143 00:09:36,545 --> 00:09:44,935 Minh Vu: think more opportunities to connect in a larger capacity. 144 00:09:44,965 --> 00:09:54,195 And what I mean by that is Like, where my mind goes here is like, we know that SX is 145 00:09:54,275 --> 00:10:00,465 a great economic development driver for a lot of like local businesses, especially 146 00:10:00,465 --> 00:10:04,095 downtown hotels, restaurants, bars. 147 00:10:04,514 --> 00:10:10,330 And I think as we Hopefully that there's even more AAPI related programming, 148 00:10:10,340 --> 00:10:12,120 both officially and unofficially. 149 00:10:12,450 --> 00:10:18,040 But also what that means too is that people both locally and from out of 150 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:23,889 town who are creating these events and activations are tapping in. 151 00:10:24,470 --> 00:10:32,579 to our local AAPI vendors or restaurants or talent, you know, 152 00:10:32,629 --> 00:10:39,419 both musicians, speakers, artists leaders to be able to participate in 153 00:10:39,419 --> 00:10:40,899 the stuff that they're organizing. 154 00:10:41,669 --> 00:10:48,399 So, I think a combination of those things, you know, just more, Connection. 155 00:10:48,869 --> 00:10:50,159 Intentional connection. 156 00:10:50,989 --> 00:10:51,529 I think. 157 00:10:52,349 --> 00:10:52,769 Yeah. 158 00:10:52,829 --> 00:10:53,339 Sandra Pham: Yeah. 159 00:10:54,249 --> 00:10:54,449 Yeah. 160 00:10:54,449 --> 00:10:55,219 No, I agree with you. 161 00:10:55,219 --> 00:10:59,419 I think for sure over the last few years there have been some stepping 162 00:10:59,419 --> 00:11:01,629 stones and things set into place. 163 00:11:01,629 --> 00:11:06,929 And obviously we love all of our out of town friends, but we 164 00:11:06,969 --> 00:11:11,149 are here year round and want to make sure that SX isn't the end. 165 00:11:11,754 --> 00:11:16,094 I think also for those connections, especially, you know, I always get 166 00:11:16,094 --> 00:11:20,314 excited about SX and yes, I want to meet all the folks that fly in and 167 00:11:20,404 --> 00:11:25,474 take time out of their lives to come and do all the things, but it's also 168 00:11:25,474 --> 00:11:29,904 a really good time to connect with people locally and see their faces. 169 00:11:29,904 --> 00:11:30,504 I like. 170 00:11:30,799 --> 00:11:35,829 Meeting people and knowing that they're also down the road and that it's not okay. 171 00:11:35,829 --> 00:11:40,309 See you in a year from now When you come back for SX you, it's hey, there are 172 00:11:40,319 --> 00:11:46,719 really amazing community leaders and folks who are doing the work and investing here 173 00:11:46,839 --> 00:11:52,429 and so it's you know, not connecting with the local vendor just the one time you 174 00:11:52,429 --> 00:11:56,769 hosted an event here it's remembering to support them all year round and You 175 00:11:57,449 --> 00:11:59,049 amplifying the work that's being done. 176 00:11:59,049 --> 00:12:05,889 So I think for sure next year, I hope to see our local community really kind 177 00:12:05,889 --> 00:12:12,539 of get together and figure out how we can support SX more and in a way that 178 00:12:12,539 --> 00:12:16,849 feels right for us without overextending our community organizers here. 179 00:12:20,559 --> 00:12:29,254 Minh Vu: So I am curious for people who don't know what SX is or have been here 180 00:12:29,274 --> 00:12:36,054 and haven't participated in SX I wonder if we can give them a little like overview 181 00:12:36,094 --> 00:12:45,114 and like tips from our experience and I'll just say top line and this is not 182 00:12:45,124 --> 00:12:49,854 like You know, I'm not reading from the SX playbook or whatever, like, is on 183 00:12:49,854 --> 00:12:51,524 their website or anything like that. 184 00:12:51,794 --> 00:12:55,594 The festival's been around for a long time, has evolved in 185 00:12:55,594 --> 00:12:57,054 a number of different ways. 186 00:12:57,454 --> 00:13:00,464 I won't go into the history too much because I'm not going to pretend 187 00:13:00,464 --> 00:13:02,694 like I know the entire history of SX. 188 00:13:03,054 --> 00:13:07,844 But today, what it looks like, a tech conference. 189 00:13:08,164 --> 00:13:10,114 Well, it actually, it starts with EDU. 190 00:13:10,174 --> 00:13:15,044 So like an education conference, just I think a week before the actual festival. 191 00:13:15,864 --> 00:13:20,124 And then it starts with the tech conference, the first weekend, essentially 192 00:13:20,454 --> 00:13:23,264 film also starts around that time. 193 00:13:23,264 --> 00:13:27,294 So there's also a film festival that's happening and then a music 194 00:13:27,294 --> 00:13:32,424 showcase That also ends up happening towards the middle of the week and 195 00:13:32,424 --> 00:13:33,674 through the end of the festival. 196 00:13:33,954 --> 00:13:40,229 So What I always like to observe is the, you can really tell when you're 197 00:13:40,239 --> 00:13:46,759 downtown, when each part of the festival shifts because of the demographic of 198 00:13:46,759 --> 00:13:51,009 the attendees that end up showing up both in demographic, but also like 199 00:13:51,019 --> 00:13:56,319 style and swag, like what people are wearing and stuff the music crowd. 200 00:13:56,689 --> 00:13:59,829 versus the film crowd versus the tech crowd, you can really 201 00:13:59,829 --> 00:14:02,019 kind of tell a difference. 202 00:14:02,049 --> 00:14:05,609 There's also comedy involved usually that first weekend as well too. 203 00:14:05,979 --> 00:14:09,329 So, you know, that's the official SX stuff. 204 00:14:09,629 --> 00:14:12,309 And then there's like a bunch of unofficial things that sometimes 205 00:14:12,309 --> 00:14:16,249 happens as well throughout downtown, which primarily means 206 00:14:16,289 --> 00:14:18,689 getting on on an RSVP list. 207 00:14:19,119 --> 00:14:26,149 And lining up early to hopefully get into the venue before it reaches capacity. 208 00:14:26,539 --> 00:14:32,219 Because if some venues are 100 percent unofficial and some 209 00:14:32,219 --> 00:14:37,049 venues are official and if it's official, then badges get priority. 210 00:14:38,249 --> 00:14:42,819 So that's like a quick overview of the fest. 211 00:14:43,079 --> 00:14:45,409 Happens all throughout downtown and on the east side. 212 00:14:46,069 --> 00:14:49,909 Sandra, what would you say would be like one of your tips if you 213 00:14:49,909 --> 00:14:51,259 were attending the festival? 214 00:14:52,454 --> 00:14:56,194 Sandra Pham: I think don't feel too much FOMO, right? 215 00:14:56,274 --> 00:15:00,264 I think, just sitting as you described it, I'm just like, oh 216 00:15:00,264 --> 00:15:02,734 my god, it's really overwhelming. 217 00:15:02,774 --> 00:15:07,064 It really is, it continues to grow and expand and become this gigantic 218 00:15:07,064 --> 00:15:10,494 thing and it is kind of hard to describe, especially for folks 219 00:15:10,494 --> 00:15:14,124 who aren't familiar with it, don't regularly attend, maybe aren't in town. 220 00:15:15,494 --> 00:15:17,264 Figure out what you want to get out of it. 221 00:15:17,494 --> 00:15:21,054 If you're super into the music thing, lean into that, go to the concerts and 222 00:15:21,054 --> 00:15:25,514 all that thing, or you want a little bit of a sprinkle of all the things, sure. 223 00:15:26,134 --> 00:15:29,704 But I think don't pressure yourself. 224 00:15:29,724 --> 00:15:33,804 I think early on when I first started attending SX it was like, oh my 225 00:15:33,804 --> 00:15:35,794 god, I'm gonna have FOMO if I don't. 226 00:15:35,944 --> 00:15:41,094 stand in line for three hours to go see Jay Z because he has some random pop up 227 00:15:41,124 --> 00:15:43,384 or whatever thing that happens into town. 228 00:15:43,884 --> 00:15:47,744 I think being really intentional, I think I also get to a place where I'm like, 229 00:15:47,774 --> 00:15:49,894 oh my god, I gotta do SX all day long. 230 00:15:50,224 --> 00:15:52,824 You head out there and you're there from 9 a. 231 00:15:52,824 --> 00:15:52,984 m. 232 00:15:52,984 --> 00:15:54,024 to 9 p. 233 00:15:54,024 --> 00:15:54,174 m. 234 00:15:54,194 --> 00:15:57,454 or whatever it is, and I think really carve out your time. 235 00:15:57,849 --> 00:16:00,979 And figure out what are the things that really get you excited and what are 236 00:16:00,979 --> 00:16:06,789 that must do and then everything else go with the flow like SX is a show you 237 00:16:06,789 --> 00:16:11,869 just kind of you vibe out you go with the vibes you figure out if there's an 238 00:16:11,879 --> 00:16:16,929 unofficial thing you pop by if you don't you don't but I think remove the pressure 239 00:16:16,949 --> 00:16:20,089 of needing to hit up everything because you're not going to enjoy it if you're 240 00:16:20,089 --> 00:16:24,379 popping in 10 minutes to that one show and then running over to the next things. 241 00:16:24,559 --> 00:16:26,139 There's so many things that overlap. 242 00:16:26,579 --> 00:16:30,889 For me, the one thing I wanted to get out of it was just spending time with people. 243 00:16:31,739 --> 00:16:37,319 And seeing the people I wanted to yeah, there was, you know, a sprinkle of music, 244 00:16:37,319 --> 00:16:42,259 a sprinkle of film, sprinkle of panels, and all of that, but just not pushing 245 00:16:42,259 --> 00:16:45,909 myself to feel too much pressure to hit up everything, because I did come up with a 246 00:16:45,909 --> 00:16:49,719 schedule, and then I was like, Wow, there are eight things at the same exact time. 247 00:16:50,129 --> 00:16:51,299 I'm, I'm, that's impossible. 248 00:16:51,299 --> 00:16:52,629 I can't be in eight different places. 249 00:16:52,629 --> 00:16:53,869 So if I make it, I make it. 250 00:16:53,869 --> 00:16:54,899 If I don't, I don't. 251 00:16:55,539 --> 00:16:59,969 And for the rest, I can just watch everyone's stories and I'll be okay. 252 00:16:59,969 --> 00:17:05,384 But my takeaway this year was just, Really being grateful that I got to 253 00:17:05,384 --> 00:17:11,644 spend some, you know, in real life time with folks, because we so often become 254 00:17:11,824 --> 00:17:16,594 internet friends, or you connect with people through whatever way, and sometimes 255 00:17:16,594 --> 00:17:20,924 it's just nice to see someone face to face and just have a good old chat. 256 00:17:23,064 --> 00:17:27,204 Minh Vu: Yeah, I completely agree with basically, like, identify one or two 257 00:17:27,204 --> 00:17:33,394 things per day that you really want to see, prioritize those things, and then as 258 00:17:33,404 --> 00:17:39,329 far and and then, Everything that happens around it, tumbleweed, tumbleweed around. 259 00:17:39,379 --> 00:17:44,659 Like let the wind take you wherever it's going to take you use the SX app. 260 00:17:44,699 --> 00:17:49,049 That was really helpful for me to see, okay, what's going on around this time. 261 00:17:49,049 --> 00:17:51,289 That's near the thing that I want to go see. 262 00:17:51,289 --> 00:17:53,899 But because yeah, otherwise. 263 00:17:54,254 --> 00:17:58,634 Sometimes the venues are kind of spread out, you need to, like, scooter 264 00:17:58,634 --> 00:18:02,334 around, you could walk around, but that's gonna add a lot more time 265 00:18:02,784 --> 00:18:05,199 and it'll just probably be better. 266 00:18:05,549 --> 00:18:08,509 be more work than fun. 267 00:18:08,539 --> 00:18:15,689 And I will say the most fun experiences that I've had at SX in years past and also 268 00:18:15,689 --> 00:18:21,479 in this year is just like happening upon something that wasn't always on my list. 269 00:18:21,489 --> 00:18:27,379 But It was something that was nearby and close enough that I could go 270 00:18:27,379 --> 00:18:31,889 to while waiting for the session that I really wanted to go to. 271 00:18:32,269 --> 00:18:35,919 And I discovered some great artists that way, some great music that way 272 00:18:35,919 --> 00:18:42,089 that I probably wouldn't have if I didn't, I wasn't open to it in that way. 273 00:18:43,039 --> 00:18:49,709 So, pro tip, definitely, if you find yourself going to SX, you could do that. 274 00:18:50,064 --> 00:18:54,444 And also, you know, if you're not able to get a badge, like, I think you can 275 00:18:54,444 --> 00:18:56,594 still look for those unofficial events. 276 00:18:57,154 --> 00:19:00,794 Know that in the evening, it'll be probably a lot tougher 277 00:19:00,794 --> 00:19:03,184 to get in, capacity wise. 278 00:19:03,514 --> 00:19:07,984 But maybe during the day, if you're able to attend things during the day or 279 00:19:07,994 --> 00:19:13,554 earlier on in the day with just an RSVP, you probably have more of a Likelihood 280 00:19:13,554 --> 00:19:19,104 and chance to, to get in and, and experience that piece of the festival. 281 00:19:19,994 --> 00:19:20,294 Sandra Pham: Yeah. 282 00:19:20,294 --> 00:19:24,764 And totally have flexibility because even if you are SVP or you intend to go 283 00:19:24,764 --> 00:19:29,604 something, as this thing continues to grow and more and more people come into 284 00:19:29,604 --> 00:19:33,114 town, like, there's no guarantee you're going to get into some things, right? 285 00:19:33,154 --> 00:19:38,569 Like I know you and I wanted to go watch some films and Sometimes it's 286 00:19:38,579 --> 00:19:43,279 not available or you're just really tired and you're not going to stand 287 00:19:43,279 --> 00:19:45,749 in line and make it to whatever it is. 288 00:19:45,759 --> 00:19:52,509 So be adaptable be flexible enjoy it like Don't don't put so much pressure 289 00:19:52,559 --> 00:19:54,909 on yourself and and enjoy seth byte. 290 00:19:55,159 --> 00:20:00,554 It's it's a really interesting time Of year, I will say I kind of have 291 00:20:00,554 --> 00:20:04,934 a love and hate relationship with it because I do feel like SX is the 292 00:20:04,934 --> 00:20:09,524 reason a lot of folks move to Austin because the weather is beautiful, 293 00:20:09,654 --> 00:20:12,024 downtown is popping, so many fun events. 294 00:20:12,024 --> 00:20:16,684 You just go, wow, like what is this incredible Disney World 295 00:20:16,694 --> 00:20:18,264 experience that you're having? 296 00:20:18,274 --> 00:20:22,024 And so then a ton of people move here for better, for worse. 297 00:20:22,114 --> 00:20:27,704 Again, we talk about this a lot, but you know, I, I love that it does showcase 298 00:20:27,724 --> 00:20:30,284 our city in an incredible way, but also. 299 00:20:31,049 --> 00:20:32,199 sometimes to our detriment. 300 00:20:32,209 --> 00:20:34,229 And it can be a little wild. 301 00:20:34,279 --> 00:20:37,339 But anyway yeah, SX, what an amazing time we did it. 302 00:20:37,599 --> 00:20:39,179 We survived. 303 00:20:40,259 --> 00:20:41,489 But had such a good time. 304 00:20:42,159 --> 00:20:42,749 Minh Vu: Yes. 305 00:20:42,879 --> 00:20:45,079 I, I agree. 306 00:20:45,109 --> 00:20:52,639 I think SX and also like the, like, legion of volunteers that they have 307 00:20:52,649 --> 00:20:57,919 that do such good work of like trying to put their arms around that entire 308 00:20:57,919 --> 00:21:05,714 festival is there's a reason why, like, during the film screenings, when they 309 00:21:05,724 --> 00:21:10,614 say thank you to our volunteers, the whole theater, like, erupts in applause 310 00:21:10,634 --> 00:21:17,664 and appreciation because I think that is really where a lot of yeah, 311 00:21:17,665 --> 00:21:19,344 it just takes a, it takes a village. 312 00:21:19,454 --> 00:21:29,704 And yeah, you know, there's, As much as I think SX has been part of like Austin's 313 00:21:29,724 --> 00:21:37,334 growth and all the pros and cons related to that growth, I still find myself 314 00:21:37,844 --> 00:21:41,894 Being appreciative of the opportunity to be able to experience something 315 00:21:41,894 --> 00:21:43,974 like that in our backyard, basically. 316 00:21:44,374 --> 00:21:48,404 And have the choice, you know, whether or not we want to engage. 317 00:21:48,664 --> 00:21:51,694 Because I know a lot of Austinites, too, like, I've done this in the past. 318 00:21:51,694 --> 00:21:55,745 Like, go out of town during this time of year to kind of avoid it. 319 00:21:56,215 --> 00:21:58,805 And totally, you're prerogative. 320 00:21:58,885 --> 00:22:05,075 I think the But the, for me, it's like, well, at least that there's a choice 321 00:22:05,245 --> 00:22:11,455 to potentially, you know, if we're so lucky to be able to attend or not attend. 322 00:22:11,605 --> 00:22:11,995 So, 323 00:22:19,285 --> 00:22:25,295 I'm excited for the rest of this year and I'll What we have going on. 324 00:22:25,375 --> 00:22:29,875 We have another season that we're planning of the podcast. 325 00:22:30,205 --> 00:22:34,545 It was also really like cool to be able to meet people who have listened 326 00:22:34,545 --> 00:22:37,005 to the podcast at the festival. 327 00:22:37,375 --> 00:22:40,580 We really appreciate the kind words and the encouragement and 328 00:22:40,580 --> 00:22:42,075 the support that y'all have shown. 329 00:22:42,585 --> 00:22:48,865 I think Sandra and I continue to, you know, do this podcast as like our 330 00:22:48,875 --> 00:22:52,015 side project are something that we. 331 00:22:52,670 --> 00:23:01,190 really believe in and and care for and also being mindful of protecting our 332 00:23:01,310 --> 00:23:09,280 health and time and making sure that we're pouring into ourselves as well too. 333 00:23:09,700 --> 00:23:14,690 And so, you know, I think we found a good balance in these abbreviated seasons. 334 00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:17,590 I know I wish we could do more episodes each year. 335 00:23:17,939 --> 00:23:20,039 And maybe that's something in the future, you know. 336 00:23:20,109 --> 00:23:24,010 But for now, we're excited to continue with kind of these abbreviated 337 00:23:24,010 --> 00:23:28,340 seasons, being able to bring on special guests for a couple of months and 338 00:23:28,340 --> 00:23:29,880 sharing their stories with you all. 339 00:23:30,230 --> 00:23:36,330 So stay tuned for more of that coming in a couple months, actually. 340 00:23:36,430 --> 00:23:36,910 Sandra Pham: Yeah. 341 00:23:37,930 --> 00:23:38,170 Yeah. 342 00:23:38,170 --> 00:23:40,140 The year's flying by, but for sure. 343 00:23:40,170 --> 00:23:42,970 I think we're excited for this new season. 344 00:23:42,980 --> 00:23:44,040 So stay tuned. 345 00:23:44,620 --> 00:23:48,510 Want to continue having these conversations with with the community. 346 00:23:48,520 --> 00:23:51,910 And I think we're trying to be really intentional about some of the guests that 347 00:23:51,910 --> 00:23:56,380 we bring on and making sure that there's, you know, Diversity in the voices and 348 00:23:56,380 --> 00:23:58,170 the stories that we continue to share. 349 00:23:58,940 --> 00:24:02,490 So we'll definitely be working on that and I'm excited. 350 00:24:03,040 --> 00:24:05,840 Want to make sure that we're continuing to meet more folks. 351 00:24:05,850 --> 00:24:09,940 I mean, there's, there's so many people in the community that we don't know about. 352 00:24:09,940 --> 00:24:15,000 So definitely love when we get to connect in person and we hear more stories and 353 00:24:15,010 --> 00:24:17,380 more about, learn more about individuals. 354 00:24:17,390 --> 00:24:21,310 So I'm looking forward to, to learning more in this, this season. 355 00:24:22,430 --> 00:24:27,000 Minh Vu: Yeah, there's a lot of work being done in the community that I know Sandra 356 00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:33,850 and I aren't aware of and I think at the end of the day we just continue to want to 357 00:24:34,160 --> 00:24:40,735 learn as much as we can, try to amplify I all parts of our community in all parts of 358 00:24:40,745 --> 00:24:44,185 the greater Austin area as best as we can. 359 00:24:44,195 --> 00:24:49,555 So, SX was a really good opportunity, like Sandra said, to, to meet with people that 360 00:24:49,555 --> 00:24:51,505 we hadn't been able to meet with before. 361 00:24:51,945 --> 00:24:55,225 And so hopefully we just continue to do that and encourage that. 362 00:24:55,225 --> 00:24:56,915 And I encourage you all to do the same. 363 00:24:56,955 --> 00:25:01,265 And the more that we're able to bridge these connections with 364 00:25:01,265 --> 00:25:03,585 one another, the more we can. 365 00:25:05,450 --> 00:25:10,140 more power to our voices and help uplift our entire community. 366 00:25:10,250 --> 00:25:17,460 So, um, with that, we will catch you in a couple months. 367 00:25:18,280 --> 00:25:18,760 Sandra Pham: Bye, y'all. 368 00:25:19,210 --> 00:25:19,680 Minh Vu: Thanks, y'all. 369 00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:39,090 This project is supported in part by the City of Austin 370 00:25:39,110 --> 00:25:40,750 Economic Development Department.