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 | 369 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||
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Latest Episodes
Writer, philosopher, linguist, inventor – Lin Yutang (林語堂) was one of the most famous Chinese intellectuals of the twentieth century, and for decades one of the people most responsible for explaining Chinese culture to English-speaking readers. His M... more
When his grandfather died during the COVID pandemic, Hudson Wei realized how little he knew about the man who had raised him. Determined to uncover his story, he interviewed relatives, pieced together family memories, and eventually turned this into ... more
Andō Momofuku is a household name in Japan, celebrated as the inventor of instant noodles. But his story actually begins in Puzi, a small town in southern Taiwan, where he was born Wu Baifu in 1910. John is joined by Tom Gibb, a Japan-based translato... more
NOTE: People not using Spotify can watch this video on YouTube.
As the 2026 Asian Games in Japan come to a close, Eryk and John look back at Taiwan’s sporting struggles and successes in Asia. Who knew that the country has long been a powerhouse in ... 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
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #123 | Taiwan/History |
Apple Podcasts | #191 |  Japan/History |
Apple Podcasts | #191 |  Ukraine/History |
Talking Points
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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. ChinaPower
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3. 《The Real Story》By 報導者
4. HOT 基礎英文新聞 Hot English News
5. China Insider
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 369 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. Tom Gibb
2. Tyrel Eskelson
3. Ray Hecht
4. Bryce Barros
5. Scott Crawford
6. TC Brown
7. Gerrut Norval
8. Sasha Chhabra
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