The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

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.

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter only served one term, but those four years were rough: oil embargos, inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and the decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was an unpopular move, especially in Taiwan. President Carter asked his deputy secretary of state, Warren Christopher, to go to Taipei and deal with the fallout. Christopher received possibly the most hostile “welcome” to Taiwan ever experienced by an American government official.  Pics, videos, links and more at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE HIJACKING OF CHINA AIRLINES FLIGHT 334 IN CHINESE! 「僵局」一詞定義了 1970 年代和 1980 年代初台灣與中國的關係。雙方都不想透過「官方」會談或交流承認對方的合法性，因此郵政、航班的聯繫以及兩岸相隔數十年的家人團聚等想法都難以推動。但就在 1986 年，由空軍 U2 偵察機飛行員轉任的中華航空機長王錫爵幹了一件不可思議的事——劫持自己駕駛的貨機並將其飛往廣州，也為兩岸關係帶來改變的契機。重要單字：defect、assume。 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。

Drawing on an account never before told in English, we visit Taiwan in the company of French war correspondent Reginald Kann. Upon his arrival in Taihoku (Taipei), he hurries down to the city of Chiayi to investigate the aftermath of the massive 7.1 magnitude Meishan Earthquake of March 17, 1906. Kann reports on the damage and the relief efforts being carried out by Taiwan's relatively new Japanese masters. He gives us a fascinating look at the disaster (which took 1,258 lives) and also Japanese colonial rule as it was moving from military subjugation to development. The Frenchman’s “Report on Formosa” was published in French and Dutch. Now, thanks to AI and the talents of a Formosa Files fan, we can bring you the tale in English.  Info, pics and more at formosafiles.com  

Guest John Ross shares his feelings about the recent Taiwan earthquake compared to the devastating 921 quake from 1999. The podcast discusses Taiwan's resilience, lessons learned from past disasters, and the unity of the community in the face of adversity. The chapters explore personal experiences during earthquakes, political maneuvers post-disaster, and societal shifts in beliefs and resilience.