The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith
Formosa Files is the world's biggest and highest-rated Taiwan history podcast. We use an engaging storytelling format and are non-chronological, meaning every week is a new adventure - and, you can just find a topic that interests you and check out that episode...skip stuff that isn't your thing. The hosts are John Ross, an author and publisher of works on Taiwan and China, and Eryk Michael Smith, a journalist for local and global media outlets. Both Ross and Smith have lived in Taiwan for over two decades and call the island home.
Email: formosafiles@gmail.com
Email: formosafiles@gmail.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 16, 2021 • 23min
S1-E4 - Mao Really Wants Taiwan - and a Taiwanese Spy Almost Gave it to Him!
Explore Mao Zedong's ambition to conquer Taiwan, the story of a Taiwanese spy who almost gave Taiwan to Mao, Jankai Shek's strategy to regain control from the communists, and Mao's determination to invade Taiwan despite the obstacles he faces.
Sep 11, 2021 • 24min
S1-E3 - The Fall of Fort Zeelandia
The podcast explores the Dutch's resilience during the Siege of Fort Zeelandia in Taiwan, their failed attempts to form an alliance with Qing forces, the ill-fated naval and land attack launched against a larger force, the motivations of a German traitor, and the fall of redoubt Utrecht during the nine months of siege.
Sep 11, 2021 • 24min
S1-E2 - Koxinga VS. The Dutch - Round One
Pirate Warlord Koxinga's successful invasion of Taiwan changed everything. Here's part one of the tale of an epic, nine-month struggle with the Dutch in Anping, modern-day Tainan.
Sep 6, 2021 • 25min
S1-E1 - The White Formosan
How could a 'very white' European man get away with showing up in London in 1703 and claiming to be from Formosa? In this first episode of FORMOSA FILES, we look at this fascinating story of a French con-man, and the bigger picture of what the West knew about Formosa/Taiwan roughly three to four centuries ago.
