Taiwan Talk

Matt Bronsil and Taylor Sharp have been making improv audiences in Taichung (and sometimes Taipei) laugh as part of the central Taiwan comedy group Skits and Giggles. In this episode they talk about what first drew them to this popular form of live comedy, and what keeps them coming back for more. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan may be one of the most fertile areas in Asia -- but its warm, humid environment doesn't particularly encourage grape growing. So what does Weightstone Vineyard Estate and Winery do to overcome natural challenges to create wines that have been recognised by both Decanter World Wine Awards and New York International Wine Competition? Estate owner Vivian Yang takes us on a tour of the vineyards… and tells us how. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taipei means different things to different people… but the city is looking to make it as a trendy destination too. Organizers behind this year's "Trendy Tapei" speak to ICRT about what motivated the city government to come up with what they hope will be one of Taiwan's biggest cultural events this year. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

On the occasion of President Lai Ching-te’s first 100-days in office, we’re taking an unconventional look at this milestone. Instead, we’re talking to the unique TV host and model who emceed the official inaugural banquet held in Tainan. Kevin Tai shares with us the excitement of hosting a state dinner, as well as some of the struggles he has faced as a Brazilian-Paraguayan-Taiwanese public figure. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Protecting the environment and promoting circular economy are important issues in Taiwan, particularly with the growing threat of climate change. To address this concern, the government elevated the Environment Protection Agency, making it a ministry… and in May this year, one of Taiwan's most noted weathermen and climate researchers took the helm. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming goes in depth about the challenges facing Taiwan in this special edition of Taiwan Talk. Hosted by Tim Berge. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

He first came to Taiwan to learn Mandarin. But since that time, Catholic priest Joyalito Tajonera aka "Fr Joy" has become an important advocate for migrant worker rights in Taiwan. He talks about developments in Taiwan society that have supported migrant workers here, and addresses work needs to be done to improve living and working conditions for migrant workers here. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Plastic basins, chopsticks, broom handles and traditional American washboards may not be your everyday musical instruments, but that's exactly what jug bands use to create their unique sound. The Muddy Basin Ramblers first formed in 2002, and today they appear at events and music festivals around the island. Band members David Chen, Tim Hogan, TC Lin, and Cristina Paradise were at the ICRT studios to talk about how the band was formed, what their future is -- and to share their unique sound. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

He was a sports hero in the 1960s, with unbroken sports records -- some remaining intact even to this day. But Olympic decathlete Yang Chuan-kwang (楊傳廣) or CK Yang is no longer remembered by many sports fans in Taiwan -- and former CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy is looking to change that with his documentary "Decathlon" The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story" (奧運傳奇：楊傳廣與強森). Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Building a career at one of Taiwan's high-tech firms is a dream for many Taiwan engineers. But for Grouper Su's Mack Chen (陳坤成), choosing between working at the world's largest semiconductor firm and helping his father-in-law reinvigorate their aquaculture business was an easy decision to make. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. To find out more about Chen's project, visit their Facebook page at 新港社合 . -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

A chief engineer at Kaohsiung's Mass Rapid Transit Bureau about the city's plans for more M-R-T lines. Hosted by Michael Smith. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn