Mike Benjamin has a background in academia, education and radio, teaching English and Public Speaking/debate, having gone through the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Instructor Program. He also taught me English 2010-11 when I was 13 years old, and therefore was a great privilege to catch up for an hour. Topics - Lessons from Carnegie and how they have helped him personally and professionally - How to motivate and engage students as educators, and not being afraid to experiment - His lessons from success and failure - A deeper look into a wide ranging career in education, academia and radio - What Mike is most proud of If you enjoyed, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram. 

Linh Thuy Dang is a recurring guest who previously appeared to discuss expat life, lessons from various cultures, returning to her native Vietnam, professional aspirations and more. In this conversation, roles are reversed in a fascinating twist, and we dive right into dating and relationships. If you enjoyed this conversation, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram.

Conor and Nick dissect and discuss Chapter 9 of Napoleon Hill classic ‘Think And Grow Rich’.

Conor and Nick Cabrejos discuss 2022 and 2023; goals, realizations, plans and desires.

Today’s episode is part of a new podcast pivot with ComebaCK, Coffees With Conor Number 2. In this episode, the topics include resisting labels, not disqualifying yourself before entering the arena, trying your best, and making marginal gains over time. If you enjoyed, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram.

ComebaCK reaches the landmark 500 episode. To commemorate, I (Conor) answer a set of questions about the podcast and what I’ve learned in over 500 episodes spanning almost two years.

Thao and Anya both join the podcast to discuss veganism in Vietnam, their personal experiences, journey and evolution over a period of time. Topics ⁃ The reason and motivation behind their veganism and how to turn it into a committed lifestyle ⁃ The importance of gradually easing into veganism ⁃ Ethical questions ⁃ Alternative products to trial with a vegan diet and the importance of cooking ⁃ The importance of community, environment and support on their lifestyle choices ⁃ Debunking misconceptions such as “fake protein” or “inability to gain muscle” ⁃ Future community activities they have in order to raise awareness If you enjoyed this conversation, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram.

Diego Portales is a Mexican expat who has lived in Vietnam primarily for the last five years, mixing between engineering and teaching, and joins me to discuss the cultures between North America and Southeast Asia, the importance of challenging yourself and leaving your hometown, and having difficult conversations with family members and the elder generations. Topics ⁃ Mexico vs Vietnam; economy, safety, culture, quality of life ⁃ The importance of innovation and adapting as an expat and consistently meeting new people ⁃ His teaching philosophy and why a firm but fair approach is key; and also how to prevent passive, disengaged students ⁃ His thought provoking and open minded conversations and how to approach difficult topics with an open and empathetic mindset If you enjoyed this conversation, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram.

Carlos Ponce is a Mexican expat who has recently made the first ever move outside of Mexico and decided to become an expat teacher in Saigon, Vietnam. We discuss a wide range of subjects, including opportunity vs escapism, quality of life compared in Mexico and Vietnam, the importance of finding balance and much more. Topics ⁃ How being native in Mexico can cause paranoia due to prevalent crime and how to swiftly adapt ⁃ Making the move to Vietnam and getting out of your comfort zone ⁃ The importance of questioning WHY you’re doing something; is it opportunity or escapism? ⁃ Finding balance as an adult and an expat ⁃ The importance of figuring out what you like to do and immersing yourself in different worlds If you enjoyed this conversation, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram.

Nicole Wong is a model, yoga instructor teacher, life coach and expat in Vietnam; yet joined the podcast to discuss anything but her work, proving that you don’t have to be defined by your professions. Nicole is open, enthusiastic, warm and curious, and it sets the tone for a compelling hour long podcast. Topics ⁃ Dealing with narcissists, spotting and understanding their patterns ⁃ Her self exploration and development journey and how she’s found a place of self acceptance ⁃ Her childhood experiences in California and how they have ultimately shaped her ⁃ How to work on the ego and recognize when enough is enough ⁃ How to attract and surround yourself with the right people ⁃ How to deal with the “flow” in social situations ⁃ What her and her closest friends would say about her If you enjoyed this conversation, you can find out more about ComebaCK at @thecomebackwithck on Instagram.