In this conversation, Chhut Pa shares his journey from surviving the Cambodian genocide and Thai refugee camps to navigating Long Beach gang culture, serving in the U.S. Air Force, and ultimately finding peace through surrender to God. We talk baksbat (broken courage), fatherlessness, the cost of silence, and how healing begins—with honesty, community, and faith.
Topics & timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:10 Childhood under the Khmer Rouge
05:05 Thai refugee camp & first hope
10:20 Long Beach gangs, poverty & baksbat
18:40 Losing Dad, silence, and anger
25:30 Military service, faith crisis, divorce
33:10 “Let Go & Let God”: surrender & forgiveness
45:50 Recording our parents’ stories (SORIYA Project)
54:30 Breaking cycles: vulnerability, therapy, church & community
1:02:20 Final message — Healing starts with you
If you’re breaking cycles in your family, this one’s for you.
Comment on IG: @the_rosie_rose_ | Guest: @khmerfatherscollective / @chut_p717
