BONUS CONTENT: Tales from Cambodia - Episode 15

In this bonus episode, Nica shares her grandmother’s harrowing experiences living under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. From imprisonment and starvation to hiding venomous snakes for food, her family’s survival is a powerful reminder of the human cost of communism and the resilience it takes to rebuild life after devastation.

Through these stories, Nica challenges us to reflect on the freedoms we often take for granted in America—freedom of speech, religion, and opportunity—and why they must be protected. This raw and deeply personal conversation sheds light on a genocide that is too often forgotten and offers wisdom for a generation that must remain vigilant against tyranny.

✨ A story of survival.

✨ A warning against repeating history.

✨ A call to gratitude and resilience.

[01:05] Welcome + intro to Nica’s bonus episode

[01:41] The horrors of communism in Cambodia

[02:09] Nica’s grandmother imprisoned in Tuol Sleng prison

[03:14] Escaping chains but too weak to run

[04:05] Rebuilding life after the war & her grandmother’s strength

[04:29] Non-traditional foods & survival under Khmer Rouge

[05:39] Hiding and eating a venomous snake to survive

[07:18] Why Cambodians ate tarantulas & scarcity of food

[07:38] Stripping away individuality under communism

[08:32] Gratitude for freedom in America

[09:30] Why the Khmer Rouge genocide is rarely discussed

[12:03] Founding the Cambodian Student Association & difficulty telling survivors’ stories

[13:18] Communism as a nightmare that still lingers today

[15:04] The dangers of socialism & gratitude for freedom

[17:07] Encouraging the next generation to build a life of resilience and purpose

[17:49] Closing reflections: Why this story matters on today’s campuses

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. 

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