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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
Qijin Ferry Tragedy
Kaohsiung Export Processing Zone
People's Republic Of China
Lugang Rebellion
Environmental Activism
Israel
25 Maiden Ladies Tomb
921 Earthquake
Hualien
Chinese Religious Traditions
Sun Yat-Sen
National Theater
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
National Concert Hall
Dupont
Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office
Guanyin
Tibet
China Airlines Flight 334

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes291Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Latest Episodes

Inspired by Taichung’s recent hosting of the World Bird Fair, Eryk and John explore Taiwan’s rich avian diversity and look at bird omens, bird gambling, and bird superstitions. Star species make cameo appearances, but it’s the humble chicken that get... more

Everyone knew it was coming, but when U.S. President Carter announced on Dec. 15, 1978 that Washington D.C. was switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in two weeks, both the Taiwanese people and the foreign community (then mostly Ame... more

Travel with Eryk and John as they explore Taiwan using the 1967 edition of a long-forgotten guidebook: The Golden Guide to South & East Asia. Taiwan was then a new travel destination full of rewards for the tourist willing to get off the beaten path.... more

Imagine you’re an Allied soldier in the Pacific during WWII. You’re captured by the Japanese, survive brutal conditions as a POW, and the dangerous voyage in a “hell ship” to Japan, where you endure more years of captivity. Finally, in August 1945, t... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

TC Brown
Vietnam veteran and author of the memoir Made in Taiwan
Episode: Made in Taiwan: A Naïve American’s Chaotic Journey to Manhood in an Exotic Culture During Radical Times – Formosa Files chats with Vietnam vet and author TC Brown – S5-E28
Chris Tharp
Author and long-term resident in South Korea
Episode: Taiwan vs. South Korea - A Conversation with Author Chris Tharp
Dr. Jimmy Lee
A Taipei-based physician and history buff
Not specified
Episode: Takagi Tomoe: The Japanese Doctor Who Devoted Himself to Taiwan – S5-E14
Henry Lee
Leading forensic scientist in the United States
Forensic Sciences
Episode: “China’s Titanic” (1949) & The Cruise That Ended in Cremation (1994) - S5-E11
Professor Ann Heylen
Professor at the National Taiwan Normal University and expert on the Dutch era in Taiwan.
National Taiwan Normal University
Episode: S4-E31 - Concubines, Wives, and Women - a peek into the personal lives of early Dutch settlers - With Professor Ann Heylen
Kim Liao
Granddaughter of Thomas Liao and author of 'Where Every Ghost Has a Name, A Memoir of Taiwanese Independence'
Episode: S4-E23 - Taiwan’s President in Exile – Thomas Liao.
Michael Aldrich
A long-time resident of Taiwan and author of several books on Asia, including Old Lhasa, A Biography.
Episode: S4-E12 - The Dalai Lama Visits Taiwan (1997)
Liam Keen
Member of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs
Formosan Association for Public Affairs
Episode: S4-E8 - The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA): talking to a member of a former “terrorist” pro-Taiwan-independence group
Meron Medzini
Professor Emeritus in the Department of Asian Studies
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Episode: S4-E2 - Taiwan (the ROC) and Israel - Surprising Shared Histories

Hosts

John Ross
Co-host of the Taiwan History Podcast, an author and publisher with extensive works on Taiwan and China. He has lived in Taiwan for over two decades, calling the island home.
Eryk Michael Smith
Co-host of the Taiwan History Podcast, a journalist for local and global media outlets with extensive experience covering various subjects. He has lived in Taiwan alongside his co-host for over twenty years.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 341 ratings
  • 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 month 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 States8 months ago
  • 👍

    Who knew history was so interesting ❤️‍🔥

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jambuchi
    United States9 months 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 Podcasts
    5
    vtcafe
    United Statesa year ago
  • Amazing

    Read the title

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I love my thoughts on
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

The podcast is praised for making complex historical topics accessible and enjoyable.
Some reviews note a desire for occasional subject matter experts or additional perspectives.
Many find the information well-researched and valuable, especially in cultural context.
Listeners appreciate the storytelling style and engaging presentation of Taiwanese history.
The chemistry between hosts John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith enhances the listening experience.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#61
Taiwan/History
Apple Podcasts
#114
South Korea/History
Apple Podcasts
#149
Singapore/History
Apple Podcasts
#158
Hong Kong/History
Apple Podcasts
#168
Norway/History
Apple Podcasts
#235
Japan/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
S4-E2 - Taiwan (the ROC) and Israel - Surprising Shared Histories
Q: Do you think Israel made the right choice in recognizing the People's Republic of China?
Yes, absolutely. Given the atmosphere and the international reality of 1950, it made absolutely the right decision.

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?

Focused on the rich and complex history of Taiwan, this podcast offers a diverse range of engaging topics that span from ancient times to modern events, conveyed through an entertaining storytelling approach. Episodes cover a variety of historical themes, including military history, cultural phenomena, notable figures, and significant events like the Vietnam War and Miss Universe 1988. Hosted by knowledgeable and experienced residents of Taiwan, the narrative style promotes accessibility, making complex historical subjects enjoyable and relatable for listeners. An intriguing aspect of the series is its non-chronological format, allowing audiences to jump into specific topics of interest without prior episodes being necessary.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Taiwan This Week
2. Chinese Whispers
3. Sinica Podcast
4. The China History Podcast
5. WSJ Tech News Briefing

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 291 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. TC Brown
2. Chris Tharp
3. Dr. Jimmy Lee
4. Henry Lee
5. Professor Ann Heylen
6. Kim Liao
7. Michael Aldrich
8. Liam Keen

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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