Breaking Cultural Barriers: Rewriting the Rules Between Two Cultures | Mai's Story | From Dark To Light - Episode 9

In this episode of From Dark to Light, Julie Crawford sits down with Mai to explore what it means to grow up between two cultures and the strength it takes to reclaim your voice. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand after her family fled the Vietnam War, Mai was raised navigating Hmong cultural expectations while adapting to life in the United States. From becoming her family's translator at a young age to entering a cultural marriage at just 14, Mai shares how silence, responsibility, and patriarchy shaped her early life. As a young mother, she faced the painful decision to leave an unhealthy marriage and begin again. This conversation dives into cultural identity, generational trauma, breaking cycles, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. Mai's story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and that your voice matters, even after years of silence. ✨ 🎧 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more stories of courage, faith, and resilience and help us shine light into the darkest places. 🌿 Follow From Dark To Light Podcast for more conversations on healing, resilience, and finding peace after pain: 👉YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@FromDarktolightpodcast 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromdarktolightpodcast 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromdarktolightpodcast 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fromdarktolightpodcast 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-crawford-3b2372206/ 🌿Connect and follow Mai 👉Website: https://www.maiforus.com/ 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmmaivang/ 🎙️ Have a story to share? We'd love to feature you on From Dark to Light! Fill out the form here: https://c47films.com/podcast-guest-submissions-from-dark-to-light/ 00:00 – Welcome to From Dark to Light 01:10 – Introducing Mai and her powerful journey 03:05 – Life today: "I'm living the life I always dreamed of" 05:10 – Born in a refugee camp: Mai's early years 08:00 – Hmong history, war, and fleeing Laos 11:30 – Memories of the refugee camp 14:05 – Coming to America at age five 16:30 – Being the oldest child and family translator 19:40 – Growing up between two cultures 22:10 – Understanding Hmong culture and patriarchy 26:15 – Cultural expectations for girls vs. boys 29:30 – The incident that changed everything 32:45 – Married at 14: the cultural misunderstanding 36:10 – Teen marriage, pregnancy, and motherhood 39:40 – Staying in school against all odds 41:55 – Leaving an abusive marriage at 18 45:10 – Family support, healing, and finding strength 47:20 – Education, independence, and redefining tradition 49:10 – Mentoring young Hmong women today 50:20 – Final message: Your voice matters 51:00 – Closing reflections and farewell 💬 If Mai's story touched your heart, we invite you to support this space of healing and hope. Like the video, share it with someone who may need encouragement today, and subscribe so you never miss a story that reminds us of the strength within us all. Thank you for being part of this community. #FromDarkToLight #MarriedAt14 #ResilienceStory #WomenVoices #SurvivorStory #WomenEmpowerment #FindingYourVoice #HealingJourney #GenerationalHealing #TraumaToTriumph