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Artwork for The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith
Taiwan
Japan
China
Chiang Kai-Shek
Kaohsiung
Takagi Tomoe
World War II
Cold War
Qijin Ferry Tragedy
People's Republic Of China
Formosa
Public Health
Korean War
Kaohsiung Export Processing Zone
CIA
Green Island
Barbie Dolls
Tibet
Vietnam War
Shulinkou Air Station

Formosa 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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes362Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Latest Episodes

We travel back to 1920s Taiwan, first in the company of Terry’s Guide to the Japanese Empire and then follow a Tokyo travel bureau itinerary for Japanese tourists to the island. Ride the rails with us as we visit Shinto shrines, sugar factories, form... more

Defense analyst Bryce C. Barros tells Formosa Files about M.I.T. drones and their surprising connection to Taiwan's remote-controlled toy industry.

Before China became the "world's factory," Taiwanese companies emerged as major manufacturers of inex... more

Apple Podcast users will need to visit YouTube to view this.

Defense analyst Bryce C. Barros tells Formosa Files about M.I.T. drones and their surprising connection to Taiwan's remote-controlled toy industry.

Before China became the "world's factory... more

We understand that APPLE Podcasts is not showing these videos. We will try to fix this issue, but in the meantime, they can be seen on YouTube. Here is the link for this one.

Created with Han Cheung from TAIWAN IN TIME.

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Gerrut Norval
Researcher focusing on reptiles and their parasites, with background in herpetology
Episode: Snakes of Taiwan (with Gerrut Norval) – S6-E16
Sasha Chhabra
Taipei-based political commentator and analyst
Formosa Review (newsletter)
Episode: VIDEO: Should Taiwan Change its Time Zone? A Chat with Sasha B. Chhabra – S6-E13
Sasha B. Chhabra
Taipei-based political commentator, analyst; runs Formosa Review
Formosa Review
Episode: Should Taiwan Change its Time Zone? A Chat With Sasha B. Chhabra – S6-E13
John Groot
Formosa Files man in Danxue, author of Taiwanese Feet
Independent author
Episode: Bridges of Taiwan – S6-E10
Ross Feingold
Friend of the show, lawyer specializing in Taiwan constitutional law
Independent (guest)
Episode: The Celebrity Forensics Expert: Henry Lee – Part 2 – S6-E6
Dafydd Fell
Professor of Politics at SOAS, co-author of The Twilight Years of Taiwan's Sugar Railways
SOAS, University of London
Episode: Bonus episode: Taiwan’s Sugar Railways (with Prof. Dafydd Fell) -S6
Jonathan Benda
Professor, Northeastern University (Boston)
Northeastern University
Episode: George Kerr and Formosa Betrayed (with Prof. Jonathan Benda) – S5-E52
Lee Moore
Author of China's Backstory, historian and podcaster
Unsung Voices Books / Scholar
Episode: "China’s Backstory: The History Beijing Doesn’t Want You to Read" by Scholar and Podcaster Lee Moore – S5-E51
Roger B. Jeans
History scholar and professor
Episode: The CIA Plan to Remove President Chiang Kai-shek (Part 1): S5-E44

Hosts

John Ross
Author and publisher on Taiwan/China history; long-time resident of Taiwan with deep background in historical narratives.
Eryk Michael Smith
Journalist and co-host with a focus on Taiwan history; brings contemporary perspective to archival material.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 371 ratings
  • Concerning the episode of Tsai Ingwei, begin of last year

    What about the rumors of her „managed“ Ph.D. Thesis in England? No mention of that rumor …

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tippfehlerteufel
    Germany2 months ago
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    Non tassie devil
    Australia3 months 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 Podcasts
    5
    I'm writing in for a reason.
    Taiwana year 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 Podcasts
    4
    mrlan888
    United States2 years ago
  • 👍

    Who knew history was so interesting ❤️‍🔥

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jambuchi
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A broad range of topics keeps history fresh and interesting, with insightful context.
High-quality research and well-paced storytelling that's accessible to non-experts.
The hosts are knowledgeable and engaging, with strong chemistry that keeps episodes moving.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#159
Germany/History
Apple Podcasts
#36
Taiwan/History
Apple Podcasts
#89
Austria/History
Apple Podcasts
#229
India/History
Apple Podcasts
#240
New Zealand/History
Apple Podcasts
#247
Finland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Altars and Outlaws: Ben Sando on Taiwan’s Underworld – Gangs, Temples, and Political Influence – S5-E35
Q: If you were suddenly given a magic wand to change things or set policy, what would you tell us to do?
Temple regulation is probably the most critical factor here, as temples have established legal foundations which govern them, and oversight could disrupt nefarious uses of their finances.
Taiwan’s 1930s Pop Boom, and Its First Pop Queen – S5-E18
Q: What was the significance of Liu Ching-hsiang in Taiwan's pop music?
She was considered the first pop superstar in Taiwan, known for integrating Western elements into traditional Taiwanese music and for her songs that championed modern values.
S4-E31 - Concubines, Wives, and Women - a peek into the personal lives of early Dutch settlers - With Professor Ann Heylen
Q: What was the role of women among the Dutch settlers?
Women were primarily seen as housewives and cared for children, with some exceptions for missionaries marrying local women to integrate into the community.
S4-E31 - Concubines, Wives, and Women - a peek into the personal lives of early Dutch settlers - With Professor Ann Heylen
Q: What motivated Dutch settlers to come to Formosa?
The primary motivation was money, although adventure was also an appealing factor.
S4-E2 - Taiwan (the ROC) and Israel - Surprising Shared Histories
Q: Do you agree that the government in China is a totalitarian state that does not respect democracy?
Yes, they have become hostile to Israel and support the physical extermination of Israel.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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 that covers Taiwan's past with a storytelling style that blends biography, politics, culture, and overlooked episodes. Recent episodes range from biographical arcs of key political figures and urban development to maritime expeditions, social history, and cultural traditions, all told with accessible context and a dash of banter. The format is non-chronological, letting listeners jump into topics of interest while still weaving in broader historical threads. Noteworthy is the emphasis on underexplored stories, cross-cultural connections, and the hosts' lived experience in Taiwan, which lends authenticity and nuanced local perspective while remaining approachable for English-speaking audiences.

The program often pairs... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Formosa Files 中文版
2. BOOKISH ASIA with Plum Rain Press
3. 轉角國際新聞 Daily Podcast
4. Emmy 追劇時間
5. The China History Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 362 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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