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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
Hualien
921 Earthquake
Chinese Religious Traditions
Sun Yat-Sen
National Concert Hall
National Theater
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial 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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes321Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Latest Episodes

This is part one of the extraordinary life story of Huang Chin-tao (黃金島 Huáng Jīndǎo). In fact, he seemed to live not one life but many; he was a Japanese naval recruit, a combat soldier, a survivor of typhoons and pirates, an armed rebel during the ... more

What do Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have in common? Chopsticks. In the second Formosa Files Snack, Eryk and John explore the cultural story behind one of East Asia’s most iconic everyday objects. Why did chopsticks replace spoons in Chin... more

Horses have never played a big role in Taiwan’s history – or have they? Eryk and John start Season Six of Formosa Files and celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse by uncovering a series of surprising equine stories.

We have prehistoric horses, Dutch ... more

Their lineage is ancient. They are loyal, smart, and great hunting companions. But Taiwan’s native dog almost went extinct, and today it’s hard to say how many “pure breeds” are left, if any. These medium-sized dogs, with pointy ears and a love for r... more

Key Facts

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Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

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
Joseph Thomas Miller
Former U.S. Navy officer and intelligence analyst
U.S. Navy
Episode: Shulinkou Air Station – Part 3: Taiwan and the Gulf of Tonkin – S5-E39
Chris Stowers
Taipei-based writer and photographer, and friend of Formosa Files
Episode: S5 Bonus: Taiwan and Xu Fu (with Chris Stowers)
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

Hosts

John Ross
Co-host and author, with expertise in Taiwan and China, he brings a deep understanding and perspective to the discussions.
Eryk Michael Smith
Co-host and journalist, contributing diverse media perspectives and storytelling to the podcast.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 355 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.
    Taiwan7 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 Podcasts
    4
    mrlan888
    United Statesa year ago
  • 👍

    Who knew history was so interesting ❤️‍🔥

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jambuchi
    United 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 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.

Overall, the consensus is that it is a valuable and informative resource for those interested in Taiwan's history.
Many find the hosts' chemistry and knowledge enriching, contributing to an entertaining experience.
Some reviews highlight that there is room for improvement in scripting and delivery.
Listeners appreciate the engaging storytelling format and diverse topics, making learning enjoyable and accessible.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#57
Taiwan/History
Apple Podcasts
#58
Poland/History
Apple Podcasts
#103
Singapore/History
Apple Podcasts
#135
India/History
Apple Podcasts
#212
Hong Kong/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.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast offers an engaging exploration of Taiwanese history through a non-chronological storytelling format, encouraging listeners to select topics that pique their interest. The discussions span a broad range of subjects, from piracy in the historical context of the Taiwan Strait to personal accounts of everyday life during Japanese colonial rule. Notably, the hosts bring well-researched narratives enriched by their long-term residency in Taiwan, which contributes to unique insights and personal anecdotes that draw listeners in. This is complemented by their dynamic rapport, making for an entertaining and informative listening experience. The podcast adeptly balances deep historical analysis with accessibility, appealing to both histo... 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. Talking Taiwan
3. 轉角國際新聞 Daily Podcast
4. 《The Real Story》By 報導者
5. 美國台灣觀測站

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 321 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. Jonathan Benda
2. Lee Moore
3. Roger B. Jeans
4. Joseph Thomas Miller
5. Chris Stowers
6. TC Brown
7. Chris Tharp
8. Dr. Jimmy Lee

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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