From Lao Food to Brainwaves: What I’ve Been Writing About Lately

Hi Friends,

In many ways, we dread the promise of 2025 and the general trajectory of the world writ large, as well as what the present moment’s fine print forebodes. But don’t let the constant chaos hook you in, drain your energy, and set blinders against the goodness all around and within. Like many, I’ve been reflecting on the last year and wanted to share some of the things I’ve been thinking and writing about. Things like the science of resilience and human-animal bonds, to celebrating Lao food and the arts, and (of course) cats. Here are some publishing highlights that I hope will improve your day:

Exploring Resilience, Connection, and Innovation

Resilience Through Strategy and Mindset:

• What Chess Can Teach Us About Resilience: Chess teaches discipline and adaptability—key traits for building resilience in life. With insights from a couple of psychology researchers with about a century’s worth of combined research experience, the article connects the strategic mindset of chess to essential life skills for navigating challenges.
• Emerging Horizons in TBI Management: Advancements in technology are transforming how we approach traumatic brain injury recovery. With the help of a leading researcher in the field, I look at the innovative tools helping patients manage symptoms and regain control of their lives.

The Science of Human-Animal Bonds:

• What Happens to Brain Waves When Humans and Dogs Connect?: Eye contact with your dog might sync your brainwaves! This piece explores the deep emotional and neurological bond we share with our pets.
• Science Reveals How Service Dogs Are Ushering in a New Era of Domestication: Service dogs are redefining human-animal relationships, going beyond companionship into realms of empathy and evolution. Learn about their pivotal roles—don’t pet them while they’re on the job!

Celebrating Culture and History

• Why Lao Food Is Booming in the Twin Cities: From larb to tam mak hoong, Lao cuisine is, in my estimation, reaching a critical mass in Minnesota’s food scene. Writing about this felt like a love letter to Lao food (and a nod to the incredible work of Christina Tia and local restaurateurs!).
• 442: 'Paper Sons' Rebuilt San Francisco's Chinatown: Along with the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake, Bay Area’s 1906 earthquake was the most powerful and destructive in California’s recorded history. I look at how Chinese immigrants revitalized Chinatown after the utter destruction. I hope that L.A. will likewise recover from the current wildfires.
• Alisa Xayalith Needed to Go Solo to Reclaim Her Narrative: The former frontwoman of The Naked and Famous opens up about her new solo chapter. Hers is a story of resilience, introspection, and growth. We explore how her Laotian heritage and artistic evolution have shaped her new music. The songs are absolutely lovely, so do check them out.
• Science Explains the Mystery of Cats With Orange Fur: Curious why orange cats have such big personalities? Genetics and folklore might have the answer. (But mostly genetics. Okay, it’s all genetics.)

A Special Milestone

Having recently moved to Toronto, I’m proud to share my first Canadian magazine publication in Spacing Magazine’s "State of the Arts" issue! My article about the connection between luxury vehicles and the increase in cyclist and pedestrian serious injury and death is part of an issue exploring how public art shapes our urban spaces. (Obviously, my piece wasn’t art-related, but it’s a timely topic in the Greater Toronto Area.) Read more about the issue here.

I’m hoping that 2025 won’t be all bad and that I get the chance to tackle some larger issues, maybe even get back to writing some fiction. More and more, it’s become an everything-everywhere-all-at-once world. And yet we’re only allotted one moment at a time, a saving grace for those who care to take it as such.

Be well, friends.

Warmly,

Sanaphay