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Artwork for Strait Forward
Taiwan
China
Democracy
Technology
Semiconductors
United States
Geopolitics
National Security
Kuomintang
Digital Resilience
Cybersecurity
Democratic Progressive Party
Societal Resilience
Asymmetric Warfare
Us-Taiwan Relations
Disinformation
U.s.-Taiwan Relations
Digital Diplomacy
White Terror
Radical Transparency

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 monthlyEpisodes29Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentTechnology

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Artwork for Strait Forward

Latest Episodes

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

On this episode of Strait Forward, host Channing Lee explores the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture through the lens of its world-class cuisine. Moving beyond the "clichés" of beef noodle soup (牛肉麵) and xiaolongbao (小籠包), the episode highlights how ... more

YouTube

On this episode of Strait Forward, Channing Lee is joined by Lin Jin-Chang and David Kao, among the creators of Taiwanese TV series “Zero Day Attack,” to discuss the important role that film and television play in civilian preparedness. Released in A... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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
KJ Chang
Founder of Mizo Games, creator of 2045 and Raid on Taihoku
Mizo Games
Episode: Can a Board Game Prepare Taiwan for War?
Dr. Tsaiying Lu
Research fellow and Director of the Energy Security and Climate Resilience Program at Taiwan's Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology
Taiwan's Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology
Episode: Securing Taiwan's Energy Supply

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
#101
Taiwan/Government
Apple Podcasts
#173
Singapore/Government
Apple Podcasts
#235
South Korea/Government
Apple Podcasts
#250
Japan/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Civilian Preparedness Through Film & TV
Q: How do you navigate the domestic political tensions surrounding this project?
The producers emphasize that regardless of political affiliation, in the face of war, everyone in Taiwan shares the same fate and must address the potential of conflict together.
Civilian Preparedness Through Film & TV
Q: What has the reception been like in Taiwan?
The reception has shown that the audience is predominantly male and younger than typical Taiwanese audiences for dramas, indicating a shift in engagement with the topic.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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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Which podcasts are similar to Strait Forward?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Strait Forward:

1. ChinaTalk
2. Pekingology
3. NatSec Matters
4. The Proceedings Podcast
5. The Foreign Affairs Interview

How many episodes of Strait Forward are there?

Strait Forward launched a year ago and published 29 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. Chris Horton
2. Andrea Yang
3. Clarissa Wei
4. Ivy Chen
5. Lin Jin-Chang
6. David Kao
7. Puma Shen
8. KJ Chang

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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