The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

John chats with Michael Aldrich, author of “Old Lhasa: A Biography,” about relations between Taiwan and Tibet (specifically the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala, India). Despite Taipei and Dharamshala sharing a common foe, this relationship was for decades a difficult one. A turning point came in 1997 with the tremendously successful landmark visit of the Dalai Lama. And, we hear (via a translation read by Eryk) from Taiwan Tibet Office chief Kelsang Gyaltsen, about the warm Taiwan–Tibet relations enjoyed today. Pics and more info at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE IN CHINESE! 臺灣，或說中華民國史上的第一夫人（以及想成為第一夫人的人），大多都是新聞報導關注的焦點，甚至如蔣宋美齡般成為世界知名的人物。然而在第一夫人的行列中，卻有一位稍顯黯淡無聲的夫人－蔣方良女士，即前總統蔣經國先生的夫人。且這名身居高位卻低調沉默的第一夫人，甚至不是中國人，而是來自「敵方」的俄國人…… 重要單字：infidelity, infiltrate karma -- 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。

Exploring the complex territorial disputes in the South China Sea, this podcast simplifies the history of contested islands. From ownership claims to the historical significance of guano fertilizer, the discussion delves into the strategic importance of these disputed territories. With maps, pics, and energetic hosts, this episode is an island-hopping adventure worth tuning in for!

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE 1973 QIJIN FERRY TRAGEDY⁠⁠⁠ IN CHINESE! 1973年（民國62年）9月3日早上，在高雄港發生了一起嚴重的沉船事故。總共有25位乘客罹難，而且這25位乘客全部都是13至30歲的未婚女性。究竟為什麼會有這麼多的年輕女性罹難？事件的後續又如何呢？重要單字：tragedy、condolence、urn 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。

John recently visited the National Radio Museum in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. This led to some research on the use of radio for propaganda. Whether harnessed by the imperial Japanese military or the CIA, “Free China” or the People’s Republic of China, radio waves were important weapons in a cross-strait battle to tell their version of the truth. Enjoy some classic Chinese communist radio broadcast gems that assure all compatriots that the brilliant sun of Mao Zedong will soon illuminate every part of Taiwan. (Happily, not.) Check out formosafiles.com for more

Discover the story behind Barbie dolls manufactured in Taiwan, with over half produced in Taiwan during the 1960s to 1980s. Dive into the historical and economic significance of M.I.T in the manufacturing sector. Explore networking etiquette, cultural exchanges, and the impact of iconic objects like Barbie dolls on marketing.

Former President of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian, started his journey from law school to first prison term. From being inspired by an independent candidate to his involvement in the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979, the podcast delves into his early life, marriage, and legal career. Explore his political awakening, communication challenges, and his crossroads of conscience as a young lawyer in a politically turbulent era.

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF ⁠TAIWAN'S MUSICAL GARBAGE TRUCKS ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE! 說到臺灣日常中最特別的聲音，莫過於幾乎每天都在大街小巷裡響起的〈少女的祈禱〉與〈給愛麗絲〉。臺灣垃圾車播放音樂，其實遠自1968年（民國57年）就已經開始。一路發展到現在，垃圾車的「曲目」也有許多變化，但臺灣人聽得最久、最習慣的還是這兩首曲子，也成為臺灣日常最特別的文化。這集就讓我們來聊聊臺灣垃圾車的音樂文化。重要單字：propose/proposal, handwriting 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。

Explore the journey of a pro-Taiwan independence group labeled as 'terrorists' to becoming respected advocates for Taiwan. Discover the complexities of Taiwan-China relations, identity, and sovereignty. Learn about the advocacy efforts in the US to raise awareness for Taiwan and navigate the China-Taiwan relationship.

Delve into Taiwan's pork apocalypse of 1997, impacting the pig farming industry; explore the historical significance of the outbreak globally. Unveil the challenges of slaughtering infected animals and the eerie disposal methods used. Touch on financial implications and transitions amid a virtual work landscape, highlighting the shift towards remote work. Discuss the economic impact on Taiwan's pig farming industry and containment efforts during the outbreak, followed by a Mandarin language learning segment.