The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
John Ross and Eryk Michael SmithFormosa Files is the world's biggest and highest-rated Taiwan history podcast. We use an engaging storytelling format and are non-chronological, meaning every week is a new adventure - and, you can just find a topic that interests you and check out that episode...skip stuff that isn't your thing. The hosts are John Ross, an author and publisher of works on Taiwan and China, and Eryk Michael Smith,... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 344 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||
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Latest Episodes
NOTE: This is our first episode to be labeled “explicit,” not due to bad language, but because it includes reasonably direct anatomical references. It may be best not to play this aloud when minors are present.
We start with the relatively unknown s... more
TC Brown returns to Formosa Files – and to Taiwan – after 53 years away. A former U.S. Air Force security policeman stationed at CCK Air Base in Taichung for most of 1968-73, TC reflects on his recent trip back to the island, the Taiwan he remembers ... more
In the early hours of morning, Eryk and John head to a market in Taichung. Actually, they let Lin Kai-lun do that and all the other hard work. Lin is a third-generation fish seller, whose Chinese-language memoir A Guide to Fake Fishmongering tells a... more
Does a “triangular head” mean danger? Did the wartime Japanese release experimental snakes on Yangmingshan? Do you really collapse after a hundred steps if a hundred-pacer bites you? Herpetologist Gerrut Norval joins John Ross to talk snakes. They fo... more
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Reviews
- Great history education
This a a great history show, covering Taiwan history from European settlement, through Ming and Qing, Japanese and post war histories. Very well researched and I cannot believe they are still finding such great topics after all these series. I can’t wait for the next one.
Apple Podcasts5Non tassie devil
Australiaa month ago - Educational and entertaining.
I really enjoy the show and I’m working through the back catalogue. Great audio, quality, educational and entertaining, the witty banter, never goes too far astray from the topic.
Apple Podcasts5I'm writing in for a reason.
Taiwan10 months ago - Interesting but bumpy
These are interesting pieces of history but the scripts and delivery by the hosts are rough. Would also be great if subject matter experts could be brought in from time to time for freeform interview or additional context.
Apple Podcasts4mrlan888
United Statesa year ago - 👍
Who knew history was so interesting ❤️🔥
Apple Podcasts5JambuchiUnited Statesa year ago - Interesting Taiwan History
This podcast is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn Taiwan history. The topics are varied and the hosts have a chemistry that keeps things moving along. You'll never be bored and it's amazing how much important history you will learn. I've listened to all of the English episodes and look forward to the new ones every week. Great work. Thanks for sharing your love for Taiwan in a format that is easy to listen to.
Apple Podcasts5vtcafeUnited States2 years ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #184 |  Germany/History |
Apple Podcasts | #97 | Taiwan/History |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A history-focused show centered on Taiwan and cross-strait dynamics, blending deep archival research with accessible storytelling. Topics span Taiwan's colonial and modern history, indigenous perspectives, espionage, cultural heritage, and notable figures, with a knack for weaving obscure anecdotes into broader context. Noteworthy strengths include strong host chemistry, rigorous sourcing, and a knack for sparking curiosity about lesser-known chapters of Taiwan's past. Potential listeners include history buffs, Asia-focused researchers, travelers, and policy enthusiasts seeking engaging, context-rich narratives about Taiwan beyond headlines.
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. History of Japan
2. 蔡桑神鬼夜話
3. Nature Podcast
4. Sinica Podcast
5. American History Hit
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 344 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Gerrut Norval
2. Sasha Chhabra
3. Sasha B. Chhabra
4. John Groot
5. Ross Feingold
6. Dafydd Fell
7. Jonathan Benda
8. Lee Moore
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