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Taiwan
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Geopolitics
Democracy
Technology
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2045 (board Game)
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Strait Forward is a podcast series from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), where Channing Lee takes a deep-dive into Taiwan, the island at the forefront of technological innovation and the global fight for democracy. Hear Taiwanese experts discuss geopolitics, technology, and culture.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes31Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TechnologyGovernment

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Artwork for Strait Forward

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee sits down with Paul Chang, founder of the Morganhope Tea Shoppe in Taipei, to discuss the history and uniqueness of Taiwanese tea. As a "first-generation tea maker," Paul explains how his shop blen... more

YouTube

In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Ken Moriyasu, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former foreign correspondent for Nikkei Asia, to discuss how Japan is navigating its stake in Taiwan’s future. Drawing on decade... more

YouTube

In this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee is joined by Taipei-based freelance journalist Chris Horton to discuss his new book, Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival. With over two decades of experience reporting f... more

YouTube

Strait Forward celebrates its first anniversary with a special crossover episode featuring SCSP’s in-person “Chipping In” event series! Host Channing Lee welcomes on stage Andrea Yang, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Represe... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Paul Chang
Owner of Morganhope Tea Shoppe, Taipei
Morganhope Tea Shoppe
Episode: How to Brew Taiwanese Tea
Ken Moriyasu
Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute; former Foreign Correspondent at Nikkei Asia
Hudson Institute / Nikkei Asia
Episode: Japan's Stake in the Taiwan Strait
Chris Horton
Freelance journalist based in Taipei, author of Ghost Nation
Independent journalist / author
Episode: A Ghost Nation’s Struggle for Survival
Andrea Yang
Deputy Representative from Tecro
Tecro
Episode: Why Taiwan Matters to Every U.S. City & State (Subnational Diplomacy Explained)
Clarissa Wei
Food journalist and author of Made in Taiwan
Food journalism / Made in Taiwan
Episode: How to Cook Taiwanese Cuisine
Ivy Chen
Cooking instructor in Taiwan
Ivy's Kitchen / cooking instructor
Episode: How to Cook Taiwanese Cuisine
Lin Jin-Chang
Executive producer of Zero Day Attack, with extensive experience in Taiwanese politics
Taiwanese government, National Security Council
Episode: Civilian Preparedness Through Film & TV
David Kao
Marketing director for Zero Day Attack
Episode: Civilian Preparedness Through Film & TV
Puma Shen
Legislator in the Legislative Yuan and Associate Professor at National Taipei University.
Legislative Yuan
Episode: Cognitive Warfare & Civilian Defense

Hosts

Channing Lee
Host focused on Taiwan geopolitics, media, and security narratives; affiliation with Special Competitive Studies Project and STRAIT FORWARD.
Libby Lange
Co-host with broad remit across topics, authorial voice on Taiwan's democracy and tech landscape; frequent collaborator with the host.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 14 ratings
  • Insightful and Timely

    Two wonderful cohosts who’ve clearly put a lot of time towards inviting top tier guests and asking insightful questions

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NatsecGuy
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Cohosts ask thoughtful, timely questions with credible guests.
High-quality guests and rigorous, context-rich discussions.
Engaging coverage of Taiwan's tech and geopolitical issues.
Thoughtful, accessible analysis that makes complex topics approachable.
Strong balance of policy, tech, and culture.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#62
Sweden/Government
Apple Podcasts
#72
Hong Kong/Government
Apple Podcasts
#88
New Zealand/Government
Apple Podcasts
#122
Singapore/Government
Apple Podcasts
#142
Taiwan/Government
Apple Podcasts
#178
Japan/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to Brew Taiwanese Tea
Q: So how do you see tea shaping Taiwanese social life?
Tea acts as a universal social language in Taiwan, appearing in street-night markets, homes, and shops, and serving as a ritual that fosters hospitality, trust, and moments of calm that people carry back into their daily lives.
Japan's Stake in the Taiwan Strait
Q: Can you provide a quick overview of Japan-Taiwan relations and why they are so unique?
Japan and Taiwan share a democratic trajectory and deep economic and historical ties, with a forward-looking partnership that is grounded in shared interests in stability, technology, and regional prosperity, even though they do not have formal diplomatic ties. This relationship is shaped by history, proximity, and practical cooperation in tech and security, viewed through a pragmatic lens in Tokyo.
Why Taiwan Matters to Every U.S. City & State (Subnational Diplomacy Explained)
Q: What is the current scope of Taiwan's engagement across US cities and states?
Taiwan engages through a network of 12 offices across the US plus Guam, promoting city-to-city exchanges, economic partnerships, and cultural programs that create localized understanding and support for Taiwan's role in the US–Taiwan relationship.
A Ghost Nation’s Struggle for Survival
Q: Why did you choose the title Ghost Nation, and what does it signify for Taiwan's identity?
Ghost Nation reflects Taiwan's history of being seen as an outlier or “ghost island” yet being central to regional dynamics, with indigenous roots, a vibrant democracy, and a future that demands recognition on the world stage.
A Ghost Nation’s Struggle for Survival
Q: What are the major events in the last decade that shaped your understanding of Taiwan and its global perception?
Key turning points include the legalization of same-sex marriage, Taiwan's handling of COVID-19, and the rising visibility of Taiwan in international media due to a growing foreign press corps and regional security concerns.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Strait Forward

What is Strait Forward about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series centers on Taiwan's evolving role in geopolitics, technology, and culture through informed conversations with regional experts, journalists, policymakers, and technologists. Across episodes, listeners encounter deep dives into Taiwan's democracy, semiconductor dominance, energy security, civil defense, and the practical implications of cognitive warfare, subnational diplomacy, and defense innovation. The show often pairs historical context with contemporary challenges—ranging from media portrayals and culinary culture to drone tech, board games about Taiwan, and bold takes on deterrence—creating a nuanced picture of Taiwan's global significance and the forces shaping its future. A standout pattern is bringing cross-disciplinary g... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Strait Forward:

1. NatSec Tech
2. Taiwan Frontlines: Taiwan in the Global Arena
3. ChinaTalk
4. ChinaPower
5. China Global

How many episodes of Strait Forward are there?

Strait Forward launched a year ago and published 31 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 Strait Forward?

Recent guests on Strait Forward include:

1. Paul Chang
2. Ken Moriyasu
3. Chris Horton
4. Andrea Yang
5. Clarissa Wei
6. Ivy Chen
7. Lin Jin-Chang
8. David Kao

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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