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 | 364 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||
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Latest Episodes
What happens when curiosity about Taiwan turns into something of an obsession? Canadian academic Tyrel Eskelson, who lives in Japan, set out to understand an island nation that kept appearing in the international news. The result was months of travel... more
Eryk and John look back at Taiwan’s first direct presidential election: the protests and constitutional reforms that made it possible, Lee Teng-hui’s controversial visit to Cornell University, and the Chinese missile tests that turned an election cam... more
NOTE: We know non-Spotify users may not be able to view this from here, but the program is also available on YouTube. Thanks.
Eryk and John look back at Taiwan’s first direct presidential election: the protests and constitutional reforms that made i... more
John is joined by writer, artist and comics enthusiast Ray Hecht for a journey through Taiwan’s manga history. This story is sometimes reduced to Japanese comics and their Taiwanese spinoffs. Ray and John, however, get into the forgotten influence of... more
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Reviews
- 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 Podcasts5Tippfehlerteufel
Germany3 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 Podcasts5Non tassie devil
Australia4 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 Podcasts5I'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 Podcasts4mrlan888
United States2 years ago - 👍
Who knew history was so interesting ❤️🔥
Apple Podcasts5JambuchiUnited States2 years ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #214 | Australia/History |
Apple Podcasts | #236 | Germany/History |
Apple Podcasts | #126 | Taiwan/History |
Apple Podcasts | #187 |  Finland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #199 |  Poland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #222 |  Netherlands/History |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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. BOOKISH ASIA with Plum Rain Press
2. The China History Podcast
3. Asia Geopolitics
4. ChinaTalk
5. ChinaPower
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 364 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. Ray Hecht
2. Bryce Barros
3. Scott Crawford
4. Tyrel Eskelson
5. TC Brown
6. Gerrut Norval
7. Sasha Chhabra
8. Sasha B. Chhabra
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