Discover the fascinating history of communist parties in Taiwan, from their origins under Japanese colonial rule to their contemporary role in a democratic society. Explore the significance of political freedom and the importance of expressing diverse views. Delve into the heart-wrenching tale of Jie Zucui, whose tragic sacrifice during ancient times resonates with the modern customs of the Tomb Sweeping Festival. This mix of history and tradition unveils the rich narrative behind honoring ancestors.

臺灣自從1971年退出聯合國以來，在國際上逐漸面臨被孤立的困境。無獨有偶的，此時在非洲也有另一個被國際孤立的國家：南非。雖然非常具有爭議性，但兩個國家確實攜手合作了很長的一段時間，臺灣人當時在南非甚至還被授與「榮譽白人」，直到曼德拉上台後轉與中國建交為止。而就在兩國關係還相當密切的1987年，在印度洋上發生了一起空難，卻引發外界無限的陰謀論遐想。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，「榮譽白人」與這起空難的故事。主持人簡介：Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

If we left in all the material we discover when researching topics, our episodes would be many hours long, so we try to force ourselves not to go down too many rabbit holes. But it’s a problem: we find so many “goodies” that are too good not to share! Our solution: a “Bits and Pieces” episode every now and then. In this first one for Season Five, we’ll look again at Taiwan’s falling population, female dentists, the old custom of throwing teeth on a roof (or burying them), the surprising number of Taiwan-Russia connections, and more. For more, go to formosafiles.com

Dive into Taiwan's complex history of land disputes as Han Chinese settlers increasingly encroached on indigenous territories. Discover the historical boundaries of '土牛沟' (Tu Niu Gou) and the conflicts that arose during the Qing Dynasty. The podcast unpacks the challenges of enforcing these boundaries and the effects of colonial encroachments by both the Qing and Japanese. Learn how treaties were left unfulfilled and how geography shaped ethnic jurisdictions amidst growing tensions.

Pavel Ivanovich Ibis, or Paul Ibis, a 22-year-old Russian naval officer (he was born in today’s Estonia) embarked alone on a dangerous and adventurous journey – on foot – through Taiwan in the winter of 1875. At the time, much of the island was under Qing rule; a prefecture of Fujian Province.So, what was he doing here? He left very detailed accounts of places, people and customs, and Paul Ibis seems to have had a genuine “anthropological” interest in this island. But was he also possibly a spy? Or at least gathering data for his superiors in the then-still powerful Russian Empire under Tsar Alexander II? (And, yeah, that was the Tsar who sold Alaska to the US in 1867.) Visit formosafiles.com for more.

如果要說到臺灣人過去最熟悉的牙膏品牌，「黑人牙膏」絕對是名列前茅。即使後來因為可能有種族歧視的意味而全面改名為「好來牙膏」，商標的顏色也幾度調整，但依然還是臺灣各大賣場架上最常見的牙膏品牌。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版，就讓兩位主持人來一起聊聊這個歷史意外悠久的牙膏品牌，以及它背後的一些歷史爭議故事。主持人簡介：Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

November 28, 1987: South African Airways Flight 295 departs from Taipei bound for Johannesburg. Somewhere near Mauritius, a mysterious fire breaks out. The crew fights hard to extinguish it, but sadly, the plane and all 159 people on board are doomed to a watery grave in the Indian Ocean. The crash of SAA Flight 295 raises questions: What was in the cargo hold? Did the fire have anything to do with banned items or weapons? Plus, we'll tell you why the ROC (Taiwan) and white-ruled South Africa were once very good friends – to the point that Taiwanese were deemed “honorary whites.”More at formosafiles.com

臺灣在追尋民主自由獨立的道路上，彭明敏教授是無法忽略的一位重量級人物。在日本留學時經歷了戰爭、原子彈，回到臺灣後又遇上二二八事件。而1964年的《台灣自救運動宣言》，讓他不得不在傳教士友人的協助下逃離臺灣，顛沛流離三十年，最終由於與李登輝的因緣而回到臺灣。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版，就讓兩位主持人來一起聊聊這位經歷離奇波折的臺灣民主前輩。主持人簡介：Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Two common brands of toothpaste sold in Taiwan: one of them is strangely/poorly named, but the other has a very long history of flirting with racism. In this less-somber episode, you’ll learn the backstories of both “Whitemen Toothpaste” 白人牙膏, and Hei Ren “Darkie/Darlie Toothpaste” 黑人/好來牙膏, and also enjoy a bit of info on the “ten courts of hell,” where the dead are judged and sentenced. Heed this warning if you don’t want to be reincarnated as a mosquito: “Decieve women and children, use illegal mean set porn trap, seize others money, cause people ruin and death. Punishment of stone cone through the heart should be subject!” Umm…we’ll explain.We always try to add extra info, pics, and links as soon as possible on our website formosafiles.com   

臺灣在追尋民主自由獨立的道路上，彭明敏教授是無法忽略的一位重量級人物。戰爭在他的身上刻下傷痕，又讓他在長崎見證原子彈；而在臺灣，二二八事件也讓他的家人飽受威脅；隨之而來的白色恐怖，更讓他不得不逃離臺灣。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版，就讓兩位主持人來一起聊聊這位經歷離奇波折的臺灣民主前輩。主持人簡介：Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。