The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Long before 1988, Taiwan’s beauty pageants had been mired in rumors — winners accused of marrying into political dynasties, whispers of contests doubling as “wife buffets” for the elite, and government crackdowns on such events being too frivolous in austere times. Even beauty standards themselves were contested as Western pageants favored tall frames and bold features, while traditional Chinese ideals prized delicacy, modesty, and the “melon-seed face.” By the time Miss Universe came to Taipei, the stage was set for both spectacle and controversy.Yet for Taiwan’s government, the payoff was irresistible. Hosting Miss Universe meant sixteen minutes of global airtime to present the Republic of China’s culture, heritage, and landmarks from Taroko Gorge to Yehliu’s Queen’s Head. For a country fighting for recognition, this beauty show was also showtime for “Free China.”Do us a favor: Rate, review, follow, sub, etc... it really helps!

Dive into Taiwan's mesmerizing yet controversial nuclear narrative, from Chiang Kai-shek's ambitions to modern-day debates. Explore the upcoming referendum on the Ma’anshan Nuclear Power Plant, a flashpoint for divided opinions on energy policy. Discover the challenges of nuclear waste management and the lingering impacts of disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. Uncover the delicate balance between community safety and energy needs, and ponder whether such pivotal decisions should rest in the hands of voters or experts. Taiwan's nuclear future hangs in the balance!

This episode was released on August 15th, 2025, exactly 80 years after the Empire of Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allies following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today, we bring you a largely forgotten story. In 1944, Japan launched its biggest land campaign of the war. It was called “Operation Ichi-Go (Operation #1)” – a massive push through China with half a million troops. It shattered Chiang Kai-shek’s armies, changed Allied strategy, and helped set the stage for the ROC’s retreat to Taiwan.But the spark for this offensive began not on a battlefield in China, but in what’s today Hsinchu, Taiwan. This “big picture” episode has surprise U.S. bombing raids, brutal battles, Roosevelt’s strategy meetings in Hawaii, the collapse of China’s wartime economy, and lots more twists and turns that would lead to Mao Zedong proclaiming the People’s Republic of China in 1949 – and the Republic of China retreating to Taiwan.

In the summer of 1972, Chiang Kai-shek vanished. He missed Double Ten parades. However, Madame Chiang (Soong Mei-ling), and the step-son she loathed (future president Chiang Ching-kuo) carried on as if all was well. There were no press leaks as the president of the Republic of China lay in a coma for six months.   In this episode of Formosa Files, we uncover the cover-up, and tell you about an odd dinner where medical staff waited to pounce and revive the aging dictator. Plus, we meet Jeanette Kung: a cigar-smoking, men’s clothing enthusiast who might today be a gay icon of some kind, except for the fact that she possessed an…um…“challenging personality.”SUPPORT the show by rating, commenting, liking, subscribing, and following on social media.

Supreme Court judges, bus conductors, chemists, even radio stars — in this episode, we look at how women were making their mark in 1960s Taiwan. Our source is a 1963 issue of the Free China Review, published in the peak “Free China” years, when most of the so‑called “Taiwanese” women featured were actually from China. Still, even in this repressive period, you could argue women here had more chances to lead, earn, and succeed than many of their peers in the West.DO US A FAVOR and leave a review or comment (on Apple, Spotify, YT, or our website). It really helps. Thanks.

This Bits and Pieces episode blows from here to there—just like Typhoon Danas, which recently battered John’s beloved Chiayi. It’s a little chaotic, a little wild. We jump from Belgium to Yemen to 1950s Taipei, where we meet Pierre Ryckmans, a young scholar who arrived in Taiwan on a cargo ship and ended up learning brushwork from the cousin of China’s last emperor—a famously tedious teacher who refused to leave his studio to tutor Madame Chiang Kai-shek after she took up painting at 53. We wrap things up with the Generalissimo himself, who, despite a full-hour audience, somehow managed to leave absolutely no impression on Ryckmans, a man who would become a giant in the world of sinology.PLEASE – leave a review, follow & "like" on social media. Thanks!

A young American missionary family embarks on a chaotic journey to Taiwan in 1955, navigating a stormy voyage, customs messes, and cultural surprises. Arriving in a city where whole-wheat flour is a rarity and open sewers abound, they encounter a blend of faith and resilience. Their quest for basic ingredients turns into a comedic adventure, reflecting the challenges of adapting to a new culture. The podcast also touches on the historical significance of medical missionaries and the dietary practices of the Seventh-day Adventists during this transformative time.

Discover the unexpected alliance between Taiwan and Saudi Arabia marked by oil, anti-Communism, and even seedless watermelons. Explore how Taiwanese pilots flew combat jets under Saudi colors during secret missions in Yemen. Delve into their agricultural exchange, including groundbreaking rice cultivation in the desert. Uncover the historical significance of King Faisal's visit to Taiwan and the roots of their enduring diplomatic ties, showcasing a unique chapter in international relations.

Han Cheung, a writer for the Taipei Times' Taiwan in Time column, dives into the dazzling world of 1930s Taiwan pop music. He highlights Liu Ching-hsiang, Taiwan's first pop queen, who captivated audiences with her hit “Longing for the Spring Breeze.” The discussion navigates the vibrant musical landscape shaped by Japanese colonial rule, exploring the fusion of traditional Taiwanese sounds with Japanese Enka influences. Cheung also reflects on how changes in recording technology and cinema promotion redefined Taiwan's early pop culture.

Explore the life of Bo Yang, a provocative Taiwanese commentator whose unexpected imprisonment stemmed from translating a Popeye cartoon. Delve into the role of political satire in critiquing figures like Chiang Kai-shek during turbulent times. Hear about Bo Yang's harrowing experiences in prison and the change in public perception towards political prisoners. His infamous book, 'The Ugly Chinaman,' challenged cultural norms and sparked intense reactions, influencing Taiwan's political landscape and raising questions about identity.