Finding Home, Identity, and Love in Vietnam | S13 E04 Craig Haggart

"I planned to do six months. I planned to do like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, that kind of bit of Southeast Asia and never left Vietnam.... It's so unlike any other place I've ever been." - Craig Haggart

This episode was a long time coming, and it was more than worth the wait. I've been trying to get Craig on the show for over six months, and sitting down with someone who not only shares my hometown but also so many formative experiences was something truly special. As two Glaswegians in Saigon, the nostalgia and humor flowed naturally—and maybe a bit too much football chat!

What struck me most was Craig’s vulnerability and openness. From his journey as a gay man in Glasgow to finding community in Vietnam, and navigating love, culture, and identity—he told it all with humility and a cracking sense of humor. I know listeners will take something valuable from this episode, whether it’s a laugh, a moment of reflection, or simply a reminder of how far we can come when we step into the unknown.

Key Takeaways:
The chaotic beauty of Vietnam – “It’s so unlike any other place… the smells, the lights, the busyness—it’s sensory overload.”

Coming out in Glasgow at 14 – Craig candidly shares what it was like to come out young and navigate high school as a gay teen.

Vietnamese culture and family acceptance – Insight into being part of a liberal Vietnamese family and his relationship with his Northern-born boyfriend.

Scottish identity and sectarianism abroad – A raw discussion on how football-related sectarianism follows Scots globally, and how it divides.

Assimilation vs Expat life – Niall reflects on the expat bubble versus integration; Craig gives a unique view through his deep local ties.

Chapters & Timestamps

03:00 - Growing Up in Glasgow
06:00 - Football, Sectarianism, & Identity Abroad
20:00 - Coming Out Young & School Days
29:00 - Culture Shock & Arrival in Vietnam
31:00 - Assimilation, Language & Expat Realities
32:00 - Loving Local: Life With a Vietnamese Partner
38:00 - Homesickness & Escapes to Hoi An

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

The full list of winners is here.