Shows
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesShanghai–Taiwan Connections, Part 1: Mark Kitto on Helen Zia’s “Last Boat” — BONUS EPISODESome have called Taipei a “mini-Shanghai.” If true, the emphasis might need to be on the word “mini.” The population of the greater Shanghai area is nearly 30 million, some six million more than the number of people who live in Taiwan. Yet, there are some interesting similarities – which mostly aren’t accidental. When CKS and the Nationalists took control in 1945, and then made Taipei the "ROC Provisional Capital" on December 7th, 1949, the new rulers began to shape Taipei in an image modeled in many ways after Shanghai. John Ross (world traveler that he is) has never be...2025-06-0824 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesTaipei Times “Taiwan in Time”– Han Cheung, the man behind the excellent weekly history newspaper column – A FORMOSA FILES INTERVIEWYou've read his work (or you should); this awesome guy has been pumping out informative weekly history columns (and now YouTube videos) for close to a decade. His name is Han Cheung (learn how to pronounce that by listening to this interview), and he went from being one of the only Asian-Americans in a small town in Wyoming - where he wrote for a local newspaper about the history of that state's Wild West era - to returning to his parents' adopted home of Taiwan to write "Taiwan in Time." It's been quite a journey for Han, and in...2025-06-0820 min
BOOKISH ASIA with Plum Rain PressE-13-TAIWANESE FEET: MY WALK AROUND TAIWAN by John Groot (Almas Books, 2020)Taiwanese Feet: My walk around Taiwan by John Groot (Almas Books, 2020) Canadian John Groot first came to Taiwan in 2001, fell in love with the island and its friendly people, and decided to stay. Years later, looking for a big adventure and a way to forge deeper bonds with his adopted home, he decided to walk around the entire coastline of Taiwan. He set off on foot from his home in Tamsui in the far north of the country, traveling clockwise around the island on weekends and holidays. It would turn out to be an eight-year tr...2025-05-2228 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesEXTRA FOR HARDCORE LISTENERS! Hear the entire story of Japanese doctor Takagi Tamoe in this unedited, 27-minute versionFor those of you who want more specific info, here is the entire conversation John Ross enjoyed with Dr. Jimmy Lee on the remarkable life of Dr. Takagi Tomoe, one of colonial Taiwan’s most influential figures.2025-05-2227 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesTakagi Tomoe: The Japanese Doctor Who Devoted Himself to Taiwan – S5-E14In 1902, Dr. Takagi Tomoe arrived in newly-colonized Japanese Formosa as a seasoned Japanese medical expert sent here to battle bubonic plague – one of the many tropical sicknesses that killed thousands of local people each year. Takagi had a rare sense of empathy. Unlike many of his peers, he encouraged local students to attend his medical school (even letting them speak Taiwanese). This brilliant Japanese and German-trained doctor helped create Taiwan’s medical system – and also, in an unexpected twist, Takagi was tasked with managing the company that’s today known as Taipower. In this largely forgotten story, Taipei physician Dr. Jimm...2025-05-2221 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH54-永和勵行中學殺人事件—臺灣1962年兩大連續殺人案（2）1962年，在當時的臺北縣永和鎮發生了一件轟動全臺的連續殺人案。一位（被）退休的老師持槍進入勵行中學，造成七死三傷的慘案。然而這件案件最引人注目的，卻反而是兇手的身分以及他在案發後的詭異行徑。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊這起喧騰一時的殺人事件。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。2025-04-2318 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH53-更寮腳營區殺人事件—臺灣1962年兩大連續殺人案（1）過去的臺灣，似乎並不是一個非常平靜的地方。在1960年代，對外有持續發生小規模衝突的共產中國，對內則有軍隊紀律、匪諜滲透、省籍情節等問題。雖然實施了戒嚴，但社會的治安依然不甚穩定。而在1962年，民國51年，就發生了兩件駭人聽聞的連續殺人案。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊當年其中一件發生在軍營，罕為人知的殺人事件。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。2025-04-1617 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH52-臺灣戰後至今的人口問題—節育與「催生」政策臺灣在戰後很快的成為「復興基地」，接收了百萬播遷來臺的中國軍民，但仍需儲備「反攻大陸」所需的兵力；再加上農業社會需要大量人力，政府於是鼓勵生育，臺灣人口也隨之快速增加。然而在八十年後的今日，臺灣的生育率卻是世界倒數，人口也開始節節下降。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，臺灣人口的故事與挑戰。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。2025-04-0919 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH51-不名譽的「榮譽白人」—SA295號空難與臺斐關係臺灣自從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。2025-04-0217 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH50-原漢族群的界線「土牛溝」—不斷後退的臺灣「番界」臺灣從荷蘭、明鄭時期以來，不斷的有漢人來此開墾。然而在開墾的過程中，難免會與原住民發生爭端與衝突。而在漢人開始大舉來臺的清代，雖然政府透過各種方式想要避免漢人與原住民發生爭執，但似乎總是成效不佳。甚至在清代中後期以至於日治時期，為了開發臺灣的樟腦資源與擴張帝國治理的邊界，臺灣原漢族群的界線也隨之快速後退。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，清代時的臺灣「番界」，「土牛溝」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。2025-03-2611 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH49-臺灣最知名的黑人牙膏—人手一管的種族歧視（？）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。2025-03-1911 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH48-臺灣獨立的精神導師—彭明敏（part 2）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。2025-03-1212 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH47-臺灣獨立的精神導師—彭明敏（part 1）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。2025-03-0512 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH46-日本最後一位帝國士兵—在叢林存活30年的臺籍日本兵在第二次世界大戰期間，日本曾經從臺灣募集原住民，編成「高砂義勇隊」開赴南洋作戰。然而在戰場上，卻有一位來自臺東的阿美族族人與軍隊離散，獨自一個人在印尼小島的叢林裡存活了30年才被發現。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版，就讓兩位主持人來一起聊聊這位應該是一代傳奇，卻無論在臺灣或日本都沒有得到尊重的人物。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。2025-02-2615 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH45-陽明山上的車禍疑雲—讓蔣介石折壽20年的事故上陽明山的仰德大道，由於彎道視線不良，過去時常發生重大車禍。但絕大多數的人也許不知道，蔣介石自己也曾經在陽明山發生過非常嚴重的車禍，嚴重損害了他的健康，甚至讓他自認因此「折壽二十年」。到底是怎麼一回事呢？這集的 Formosa Files 中文版，就讓兩位主持人來一起聊聊這場一度被懷疑是意圖暗殺國家元首的（不）單純車禍。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。2025-02-1915 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH44-風靡亞洲的「女主角」—徐熙媛（大S）2001年，有一部臺灣改編自日本漫畫的電視劇席捲全臺，開啟了臺灣「偶像劇」的年代，甚至還輸出到中國及亞洲各地，成為當時重要的社會、文化現象。而演出這部《流星花園》女主角的徐熙媛（大S），則是無論劇裡劇外，都是對臺灣社會風氣、性別印象帶來強烈衝擊的新時代女性。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版，就讓兩位主持人來一起聊聊這位一度走在時代尖端，但又有無數爭議的「女主角」。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。2025-02-1211 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesHappy Year of the Wood Snake! – S4-E41Sing: Gongxi, Gongxi, Gongxi Ni, hey, (repeat ad nauseum). Sin Nien Kwai Le (as they might write it in Kaohsiung). We hope everyone is enjoying the long holiday. Nine days of auspicious food, firecrackers, red envelopes, and… relatives!!Should you, however, need a little break from the mahjong table or the relatives, John and Eryk have a few snake stories for you.Not to give too much away, but guess what? John is a snake eater, and he also refrigerates snakes! Eryk is not a fan o...2025-01-3027 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH42-鄧麗君：華語歌壇的傳奇—臺灣的「軍中情人」如果要舉一位臺灣或華語流行音樂史上最有影響力，也最令人感到惋惜的歌手，相信很多人的選擇都是鄧麗君。這位在東亞有巨大影響力的歌手，在臺灣因為積極投入勞軍活動，也曾是許多男性的「軍中情人」。這集的Formosa Files中文版，就由兩位主持人來與大家聊聊鄧麗君，Teresa Teng，這位臺灣永遠的歌姬。
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。2025-01-2814 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E40 - Pirate Patriot & Guerilla Grandma: Huang Bamei - 黃八妹The press called her a “two-pistol-packing” grandma. She witnessed and participated in the chaos of warlord China, World War II, and the CCP-KMT civil war.
For a time, she was a criminal. Later she became a household name for her bravery in fighting the Japanese and then the Communists, resisting right up to the evacuation of Dachen Islands in 1955.
Huang Bamei died in Taipei in 1982 (age 76) after devoting the last decades of her long and action-packed life to caring for children orphaned by the Chinese Civil War; an amazing life t...2025-01-2330 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH41-臺灣永遠的森林之王—林旺與臺灣的故事2013年，美國《時代》雜誌選出了世界史上最具影響力的15頭動物，林旺也名列其中，讓林旺的知名度從臺灣跨向全世界。曾經身有軍階，最初出生在緬甸叢林的林旺，究竟是如何來到臺灣，又與臺灣有些什麼樣的故事呢？這集的Formosa Files中文版，就由兩位主持人來與大家聊聊，過去臺北市立動物園裡人見人愛的這頭「林旺爺爺」。
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。2025-01-2109 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E39 - Traditional VS. Simplified Chinese Characters – 繁體字或簡體字?As you likely know, Chinese writing comes in two main forms: traditional (fántǐzì) and simplified (jiǎntǐzì). Taiwan uses traditional characters and China uses simplified characters. Taiwan is a peace-loving democracy and China is an authoritarian state; ergo – traditional characters are better!
But no, logic doesn’t care about politics and as John and Eryk debate this sometimes-controversial topic, you may come to agree with us that there are pluses and minuses for both systems. Eryk likes writing his wife’s surname as 刘, not 劉… but John has a point about beauty – did they really need to...2025-01-1631 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH40-施明德：充滿爭議的英雄—臺灣民主自由的重要先驅臺灣從1987年解嚴（金馬地區為1992年），以及1992年修正刑法100條之後，開始逐步邁向民主自由的社會，至今已是東亞民主自由成果最耀眼的國家之一。然而臺灣的民主自由絕非誰人給予，也絕非一蹴可幾。這集的Formosa Files中文版，就由兩位主持人來與大家聊聊臺灣民主自由的一位重要先驅：施明德先生。
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。2025-01-1515 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH39-臺灣又愛又怕的颱風—臺灣的颱風故事颱風對臺灣人來說，真的是又愛又怕。臺灣既需要颱風帶來的雨水（以及防災假？），但颱風又時常對臺灣帶來非常嚴重的災害。2024年臺灣歷經了許久不見的颱風登陸，2025年第一集的Formosa Files中文版，就由兩位主持人來與大家聊聊印象最深刻的颱風，以及一些颱風的歷史小故事。
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。2025-01-0709 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E37 - Archways and “spirit bone towers:” Decoding Taiwan’s Mysterious StructuresPart of the landscape, but not really given much thought, paifang 牌坊, also known as a pailou 牌樓, are a part of traditional Chinese architecture. They are generally an arch used as a gateway. But they are not just decorative, they have a long history and deep significance.
In this first chat of 2025, John and Eryk muse about archways, filial piety, and chastity, and then detour into Taiwanese military prostitution and brothels.
Happy New Year and perhaps you’d care to join the Formosa Files team in a new year’s resolution: pay more...2025-01-0230 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E36 - Merry Christmas 2024, and a big thank you to all our People of QualityThis was a breakout year for Formosa Files, for which we thank our highly intelligent, "people of quality" listeners and supporters.
John and Eryk wrap up the year with a "bits & pieces/Xmas hotpot" episode that includes everything from a non-canonical version of the goddess Mazu's birth to the fact that early Tintin comics move into the public domain on 1 January 2025.
Oh, and we've decided on a divine mission: a search for the "Holy Bamboo" of Pingtung (or any bamboo in Pingtung Eryk can pass off as being connected to th...2024-12-2532 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH37-臺灣人最頭痛的「科目」—漫談臺灣英文教育臺灣從2017年開始全面推動雙語國家政策，然而「英語」或是「英文」一直都是臺灣人相當頭痛的學校科目之一。過去考試導向的教學方法，讓許多臺灣人對英語避之唯恐不及。這集的Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就讓兩位「母語」與「外語」剛好相反的主持人來與大家一起聊聊，臺灣英語教育的歷史與小故事。
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。2024-12-2513 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-35 - Formosa 100 years ago: American visitors to Japan's model colony in December 1924Harold and Alice Focht. He was an educator, she came along to keep him away from the geishas (well, some said). Hear how two middle-aged Americans saw Taiwan at, arguably, the peak of the Japanese colonial era.
Lots of civilizing was on display – Asia’s longest bridge and the aboriginal show village of Kappanzan (beautiful modern-day Jiaobanshan). But happily, some local charms were also seen, including the unhealthy but persistent habit of chewing betel nuts, some minor disregarding of cleanliness, and local throngs gawking at big-footed Americans.
As a bonus, Eryk and John give...2024-12-1934 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH36-「奧會模式」的中華臺北—臺灣在國際場合的名字近期臺灣在國際上逐漸有許多亮眼的表現，尤其是各式運動競賽方面。然而臺灣一直都是以「中華臺北」的名稱出賽，甚至連「國旗」與「國歌」都不一樣。然而在1950、1960年代，臺灣在奧會上真的是名為「臺灣」。究竟是何時改成「中華臺北」呢？中間又有什麼曲折呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來與大家一起聊聊，「臺灣」與「中華臺北」的歷史故事。
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。2024-12-1709 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4 - E33 – Dressing Up (and sometimes Stripping Off) – Taiwanese WeddingsIf you've been to a Taiwanese wedding this century, it was likely a much toned-down version of what these boisterous events could once be like.
John (who apologizes for having a cold) recounts watching a wedding and a funeral 20 meters apart held at the same "auspicious" hour.
John and Eryk explore the development of Taiwan’s seemingly Western but actually home-grown modern wedding culture. And they recall the days when it was considered normal that a wedding (or sometimes a religious ceremony) would feature performances from lightly-clothed women. Enjoy this...2024-12-0533 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH34-滅絕？生存？謎般的臺灣雲豹—臺灣山區曾有的美麗身影在一些原住民流傳至今的故事與神話中，可以窺見雲豹一直都在某些原住民族群的文化與歷史中占有非常重要的角色。而直到今日，雖然臺灣雲豹已經在研究報告中被認為滅絕，但仍然持續有零星而難以確認的目擊報告。到底這種美麗而善於隱蔽的掠食者，是否還生存在臺灣的深山老林裡呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊臺灣雲豹的一些歷史小故事。
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。2024-12-0309 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH33-荷蘭時期的拉美島慘案—從小琉球消失的原住民現今的小琉球（琉球嶼）是相當有名的觀光勝地。在島上有一座「烏鬼洞」，過去傳說是從荷蘭人船上逃脫的黑人躲藏之地。不過經過研究後發現，這座山洞不但與黑人一點關係都沒有，而且在荷蘭時期還曾經是一場屠殺慘案的發生地。到底是怎麼一回事呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊這場「拉美島慘案」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。2024-11-2713 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH32-差點滅絕的臺灣梅花鹿—復育（太）成功的特有種你知道嗎？臺灣的梅花鹿其實野外的族群已經滅絕。現在在墾丁看到的梅花鹿，都是後來復育的成果。然而臺灣還遺留有非常多以「鹿」命名的地方，間接展現臺灣過去應該是一個遍地鹿群的地方。究竟臺灣是怎麼從鹿群的天堂，變得需要復育梅花鹿呢？復育的成果又如何呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，臺灣梅花鹿的一些故事。
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。2024-11-1909 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH31-來自臺灣的賑災先鋒—慈濟基金會的故事在國內外發生重大災害的時候，總是會有一群人出現在災區，發放物資或為災民及救災人員準備餐點。臺灣人或許對他們並不陌生：臺灣佛教慈濟基金會，或是以前的慈濟功德會。雖然難免有若干爭議，但不可否認的，走出國際的慈濟已經成為臺灣歷史上非常重要的一個組織。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，慈濟基金會的一些故事。
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。2024-11-1209 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH30-荷蘭引進的臺灣物產—荷蘭人引入臺灣的動植物荷蘭人來臺雖然只有短短的三十幾年，但為臺灣帶來深遠的影響。其中之一就是把原產南亞、東南亞的許多物種引入臺灣試驗養殖或種植。當然荷蘭人的嘗試並非完全成功，也不一定為臺灣帶來正面的影響，但的確有非常多的物種就此被「馴化」，成為臺灣的物產。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，日常生活中意想不到的，由荷蘭人引入臺灣的一些物種。
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。
2024-11-0510 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E29 - Two Odd and Forgotten BooksNeed a break from typhoons (Taiwan)? Need to escape the non-stop political election-related noise (USA)? Or maybe you simply would like to hear John and Eryk babble about a couple of strange out-of-print books with a Taiwan connection (everyone)?
This week we meander, go off on tangents, tell virtually unknown stories (including mysterious deaths), and discuss two books we bet you’ve never heard of, let alone read.
Also: Happy Halloween (and of course, it's Chiang Kai-shek's birthday).
More info and links at FORMOSA FILES DOT CO2024-10-3122 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH29-臺灣人的英文老師？—專訪 ICRT 總經理 Tim Berge說到臺灣人早期學習英文的機會，ICRT大概是其中一個大家最熟悉的媒介。ICRT這個廣播電台的歷史從1957年的美軍電台開始，到1979年因為中美斷交而將設備象徵性的「賣」給中華民國政府，並在同年催生了「ICRT」，台北國際社區廣播電台（International Community Radio Taipei）至今，已經用ICRT這個名字在臺灣播送了45年。由於是臺灣歷史上唯一的英語廣播電台，又容易收聽，自然成為臺灣人學習英文與接觸外國文化的重要來源。這回的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就由主持人 Eryk Michael Smith 來專訪ICRT的總經理 Tim Berge，一起為大家說說ICRT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。
來賓簡介：
Tim Berge（白健文）－來自美國明尼蘇達州，於1990年加入ICRT，在空中帶領通勤族從臺灣的混亂交通中找出一條回家的安全道路。目前擔任總經理，擅長英語和中文，熱愛火鍋和跑步，並喜歡看喜劇和享受戶外生活。2024-10-3015 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH28-重獲自由的反共義士—韓戰與一二三自由日國府在1949年播遷來臺的當下，美國發表聲明不再介入國共內戰，中華民國幾乎真的可說是風中殘燭。然而1950年的韓戰隨即改變了這一切，也改變了許多在韓戰中被俘的中共「志願軍」軍人的命運。究竟中華民國與韓戰還有什麼關係，又為什麼會有「一二三自由日」呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊一二三自由日的故事。
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。2024-10-2211 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E27 - NBC "Old Timey Radio" Show from 1946 - With Analysis from John and ErykTaiwan in 1946. How will post-war Formosa turn out? Will the KMT be successful in managing the local economy? Will there be strife between the new Chinese rulers and – until very recently – Japanized Taiwanese people? Who knows? Well, we do... now.
The Formosa Files team is pleased to bring you a rare gem: clips of a radio program by NBC, recorded in late 1946, just a little more than a year after the end of World War II.
John and Eryk will play segments of this radio docu-drama and then comment on the facts...2024-10-1728 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH27-橫行海上的女海盜—大海盜蔡牽媽與蔡牽中國東南沿海、臺灣海峽一帶自從明朝實施海禁政策以來，就成為了海盜橫行的海域，一直到清朝年間都還有海盜出沒，甚至還有許多名震四海的女性海盜。在1790年代，就誕生了一對海盜夫妻：蔡牽與蔡牽媽，堪稱是當時最強盛也最特別的海盜。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，大海盜蔡牽媽與蔡牽的故事。
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。2024-10-1513 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E26 - Bits and Pieces - October 2024Did you know?
1. Joseph Stalin saved Chinese characters. (um… sort of)
2. In Qing-era Taiwan, two men sometimes SHARED a wife!
3. John has done 10 episodes of our other podcast, “Bookish Asia.”
4. Plum Rain Press, the new publishing arm of Formosa Files, is about to release an epic historical novel by Dr. Chen Yao-chang 陳耀昌, the man behind the Netflix series Seqalu.
This week John and Eryk wander around a bit, give you some info, tell a few cool stories, and have a laugh or two in one of Formosa Files’...2024-10-1026 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH26-聖母峰上的生存奇蹟—臺灣登山家高銘和攀登世界第一高峰聖母峰（珠穆朗瑪峰、Mount Everest）是全世界登山家的夢想。臺灣自1990年代起，也開始陸續有登山家成功登上這座高峰。然而1996年在聖母峰發生了一場悲劇性的山難，當時台灣隊的高銘和也被捲入其中，卻奇蹟似的存活下來。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊這位臺灣登山家的故事。
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。2024-10-0811 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH25-賭性堅強的臺灣人—彩券、賭博在臺灣的故事自從國民政府遷臺後，政府急需資金填補預算的黑洞；此外，臺灣自1970、1980年代經濟起飛後，人民財富迅速累積，一些人就開始追求「一擲千金」的刺激感，或是追尋一夜致富的手段。再加上或許臺灣人有種「賭性堅強」的性格，造就了臺灣歷史長久的賭博文化。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，彩券與賭博在臺灣的故事。
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。2024-10-0112 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH24-PLAY BALL! 臺灣的「 國球」—棒球在臺灣的故事說到臺灣的「國球」，雖然也有人自嘲是「贏球」，但大部分的人應該都會說是棒球。臺灣的棒球從日治時期開始發展至今，已是相對成熟的運動，從少棒開始為臺灣培養了許許多多的運動人才，也有選手去到國外發光發熱。然而臺灣棒球雖然有輝煌的一面，卻也有黑暗的一刻。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊棒球在臺灣的故事。
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。
2024-09-2408 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH23-在臺灣的「外國人」—可能比你還臺灣的外國人臺灣是個與全球接軌的島嶼，從過去到現在，都有許多「外國人」來到這個地方。有些人就只是短暫的過客，但也有許多人就此留在臺灣生活，融入臺灣的社會。然而這些甚至可能比你我都還臺灣的「外國人」，又真的成為「臺灣人」了嗎？就讓 Formosa Files 中文版的兩位主持人來與大家聊聊。
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。2024-09-1708 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH22-百家爭鳴的手搖飲—臺灣手搖茶飲文化臺灣的珍珠奶茶國際知名，但臺灣的手搖飲文化其實起源意外的早。自日治時期、美援時期為臺灣引入調酒用的雪克杯之後，泡沫紅茶店開始興起，逐漸發展成專門外帶的茶飲店，如今臺灣的手搖茶飲店家數甚至比便利商店還多。臺灣的手搖飲文化以及茶飲文化，又有些什麼故事在裡面呢？就讓 Formosa Files 中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。
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。2024-09-1010 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH21-來臺一定要吃的臭豆腐？—臺灣夜市與特色食物網路上討論最熱烈的臺灣夜市特色食物，大概莫過於「臭豆腐」。雖然贊否兩論，但外國人來臺灣時，只要問臺灣人「推薦吃什麼」，大概都會被推薦去夜市吃臭豆腐。這集Formosa Files 的中文版 podcast，就由兩位主持人來聊聊臭豆腐、夜市與一些特色食物。
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。2024-09-0309 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH20-世界No.1的臺灣機車—臺灣人最愛的交通工具臺灣雖然只是個小島，但是機車密度卻是世界第一，幾乎到了平均每個成年人都擁有一部機車的程度。對很多人來說，機車也似乎就像是從青少年「登大人」的象徵，有了第一部機車，就像是可以開始脫離家裡的掌控一樣。這個與臺灣人有許多因緣的交通工具，究竟有些什麼歷史故事呢？這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 podcast 中，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。
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。2024-08-2713 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E19 - Taiwan's Olympic GOAT? Mike Chinoy's New Documentary "Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story"The incredible story of Amis Taiwanese Olympic decathlete Maysang Kalimud, better known as CK Yang (楊傳廣), was one of the first stories featured in the first season of Formosa Files (December 2021).
At that time, John and Eryk bemoaned how little-known this amazing Indigenous Taiwanese athlete is and expressed hopes a movie about him might get made.
Well, we got the next best thing: a riveting documentary about the man who is arguably Taiwan's Olympic "greatest of all time" (GOAT) by CNN legend Mike Chinoy: Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story.
2024-08-1631 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH18-「好兄弟」們的放風假期—臺灣的「鬼月」每年的農曆七月，就是臺灣民俗的「鬼月」。傳說在這個月裡，「好兄弟」們會回返陽間，人們也會準備各式供品讓祂們享用。而這個特別的月裡，也有非常多的禁忌；雖然現代人不一定願意再遵守這些禁忌，但一定都曾聽過身邊的人談論這些奇妙的規矩。不過「鬼月」真的是中華文化傳統當中的習俗嗎？這集podcast就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊「鬼月」的一些歷史小故事與禁忌。
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。2024-08-1311 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH15-歷史這個東西好無聊？！—那就來聊聊歷史吧！一講到「歷史」，很多人就覺得是好無聊的東西。從小到大的都被老師吩咐要「背起來」，然後又都是跟自己八竿子打不著的「歷史事件」、「歷史人物」。你也覺得是這樣嗎？來聽聽兩位主持人聊聊「歷史」吧！
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。2024-07-2308 minBOOKISH ASIA with Plum Rain PressE5 - THE LAST TIGERS OF HONG KONG: TRUE STORIES OF BIG CATS THAT STALKED BRITAIN'S CHINESE COLONY by John Saeki (2022, Blacksmith Books)John Ross talks with John Saeki about tigers in Hong Kong. The big cats once made frequent and sometimes deadly forays into the territory, even reaching islands such as Lamma and Lantau.
Listen and learn about the 1911 Stanley Tiger, the Sheung Shui Tiger of 1915 which left two British policemen dead, and the Shing Mun Rambler of 1965, possibly the last tiger to stalk the hills of Hong Kong. They also discuss the fabled “Blue Tiger” of Fujian Province.
The Last Tigers of Hong Kong: True Stories of Big Cats that Stalked...2024-07-2023 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH14-數字居然也有故事？—日常生活裡的數字故事細心一點的聽眾朋友可能會在日常當中發現，「4」這個數字在生活中很容易被「消失」，尤其在樓層數和車牌號碼裡，很多時候都看不見「4」；但在國外，不見的卻常常是「13」這個數字。除此之外，在我們的生活裡還有許多數字，當然就又有許許多多的疑問。例如說，大家有沒有想過，為什麼臺灣電話的區碼是從臺北的「02」開始，沒有「01」？在這集裡，就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家簡單聊聊一些數字的小故事。
ps. 因為天氣太熱，請原諒兩位主持人被曬昏的瘋言瘋語；若有得罪，敬請見諒！
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。2024-07-1609 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4 - Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Summer 2024 Musings and AnnouncementsIn this short segment, John and Eryk first make the stunning observation that summer in subtropical Taiwan is hot. They then reflect on the "Pacific Story," an NBC radio docu-drama from 1944, an episode that was a hit with listeners. Moving along, they talk about a new podcast for book lovers: Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press, and give more details on Plum Rain Press, a name to remember as it may soon become a big part of many readers’ lives. Enjoy the summer and catch you next Thursday!
2024-07-1117 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH13-引領風潮的速食餐廳—麥當勞與臺灣速食的故事今年（2024）年是麥當勞來臺40週年（1984-2024）。當初麥當勞準備要進來臺灣時，並不如預想般順遂，甚至對臺灣的農業造成衝擊。然而繼麥當勞之後，臺灣的速食餐廳開始蔚為風潮，各家連鎖品牌開始湧現，甚至還出現了臺灣本土品牌的速食。究竟麥當勞與速食，在臺灣有些什麼故事呢？就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。重要單字：ransom、obese、globalization
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。2024-07-0913 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH12-有借有還（？）的外來語—貿易、殖民與語言「借用」LISTEN TO THE STORY OF LOCAL LANGUAGE LOANWORDS IN CHINESE!
若要說到全世界最知名的外來語，那大概就是「茶」這個字，無論「Cha」或「Tea」，都是隨著陸海貿易流傳世界。而臺灣以及鄰近的中國東南沿海，也因為頻繁的與外國商人貿易或甚至被殖民，而借用、借出了許多字彙，甚至還曾經發展出用於貿易的奇妙語言。
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。2024-07-0212 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH10-CIA vs. 臺灣核彈—臺灣核武與張憲義事件LISTEN TO THE STORY OF CIA VS. MADE IN TAIWAN NUKES IN CHINESE!
1945年，美國在日本廣島、長崎投下兩顆原子彈，雖然結束了戰爭，卻為全世界帶來核武的衝突與創傷。而在中華民國，蔣介石也迫不及待的想要加入核武俱樂部。尤其在國府於1949年撤退來臺、1964年共產中國核試成功後，蔣介石對核武的焦慮更加深刻。從1965年起，臺灣在水面下祕密進行核武的實驗及武器級原料的製備，卻在1988年因為張憲義叛逃到美國而被全面終止……
重要單字：monitor、hardline、blackmail、honey trap
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。2024-06-1814 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH09-在臺灣成神的飛行員—臺南海尾寮飛虎將軍LISTEN TO THE STORY OF GHOST PLANES AND THE JAPANESE FIGHTER PILOT WHO BECAME A GOD IN CHINESE!
1944年10月12日，臺灣沖航空戰首日，一位年輕的日本海軍飛行員被擊墜，喪生在臺南海尾寮附近。但在戰後，這位飛行員卻被在地居民建祠崇奉，也被當地大廟的神明收為徒弟，受賜「飛虎將軍」的名號。究竟這位飛行員是誰，又為什麼在地居民要奉祀祂呢？就由Formosa Files的兩位主持人來為您說分曉。
重要單字：venerate, ritual, ejector seat
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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。2024-06-1112 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH08-中華民國海軍封鎖中國（？）—領海封閉政策與海盜傳奇LISTEN TO THE STORY OF WHEN TAIWAN (ROC) BLOCKADED CHINA (PRC) IN CHINESE!
隨著海空軍實力加強，中國近年一直威脅要封鎖臺灣。然而在國民政府遷臺的至少十年之間，卻一直是中華民國在封鎖共產黨中國，而且還搞出相當嚴重的外交危機，差一點點就讓中華民國海軍在國際法上成為名實相符的海盜團體。到底當時發生什麼事呢？就讓我們來一起聊聊當時中華民國的領海關閉政策。重要單字：asylum, fascist, imperialism, guerrilla
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。2024-06-0414 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH07-被刻意遺忘的暴動事件—524美國大使館暴動LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE RIOTERS RANSACK THE TAIPEI US EMBASSY IN CHINESE!
1957年（民國46年）5月24日，發生了一起令人匪夷所思的暴動事件。數千名群眾在持續一個下午的抗議示威後，侵入當時在臺北的美國大使館，破壞使館設施、毆打使館人員。究竟為什麼在戒嚴時期會有這麼大規模的暴動？又為何發生在當時的美國大使館？請聽Formosa Files中文版podcast為您一一道來。
重要單字：allow to, widow, martial law
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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。2024-05-2814 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E12 - The Dalai Lama Visits Taiwan (1997)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.com2024-05-2324 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH06-最低調沉默的第一夫人—前第一夫人蔣方良女士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。2024-05-2112 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4-E11 - Bird Droppings on Rocks: the surprising history of hotly contested South China Sea islandsOn Saturday May 18th, 2024, a group of local lawmakers will visit Taiping Island 太平島, a tiny strip of coral and sand in the Spratly Islands more than 1,500 km away from the southern tip of Taiwan. As anyone who reads the news knows, numerous islands, reefs, shoals, and even barely visible rocks scattered across the vast South China Sea are considered flashpoints for World War III, as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and even tiny Brunei each claim some degree of sovereignty. So, which claimant really owns the Paracels? Who do the Spratly Islands really belong to? In this week's island...2024-05-1626 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH05-經濟奇蹟背後的重大事故—高雄港高中六號事故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。
2024-05-1413 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH04-芭比娃娃 M.I.T.—臺灣製造的世界傳奇LISTEN TO THE STORY OF BARBIE: MADE IN TAIWAN IN CHINESE!
芭比娃娃是陪伴許多人童年的娃娃，2023年甚至還有一部以芭比娃娃為題材的電影發行，也再一次讓這個世界級的娃娃成為熱門話題。然而有許多人不知道，從1960年代起一直到1980年代，全世界有超過一半以上的芭比娃娃都是在臺灣生產製造。當時芭比娃娃的美泰兒公司（Mattel, Inc.）與臺灣的華夏塑膠策略聯盟，在臺灣臺北縣泰山鄉（現在的新北市泰山區）設立「美寧工廠」，生產芭比娃娃並外銷到世界各地。如果是年紀稍大一點的聽眾朋友，搞不好您以前的芭比娃娃就是M.I.T.的喔！重要單字：icon、packaging
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。2024-05-0713 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH03-臺灣街頭巷口的洗腦名曲—臺灣垃圾車音樂文化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。
2024-04-3011 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH02-臺灣養豬業的最慘一「疫」—1997年豬口蹄疫LISTEN TO THE STORY OF TAIWAN'S GREAT PORK APOCALYPSE (1997) IN CHINESE!
你知道嗎？臺灣曾經是全球第二大的豬肉出口國，更是日本最重要的豬肉來源地。然而在1997年，豬口蹄疫情在新竹被發現，爆發性地席捲全臺，使得臺灣養豬產業蒙受極為重大的打擊。一直到二十幾年後的今天，臺灣才真正擺脫當年口蹄疫帶來的影響，重新要把臺灣豬肉推向國際。
重要單字：smuggle、outbreak、hoof
相關書籍：
T. C. Locke。Barbarian at the Gate: From the American Suburbs to the Taiwanese Army。
（中文版：《台灣饅頭美國兵》，林道明著）
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。2024-04-2312 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesFORMOSA FILES IN CHINESE! CH01-史上「最好」的劫機事件？—華航334航班劫機事件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。
2024-04-1718 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4 - Special Episode - Remembering 921 in the Wake of 403Taiwan is in mourning for those lost or injured by the huge earthquake that happened on the morning of April 3rd, 2024. In this short special episode, we hear John Ross' feelings about the earthquake which this latest one is being compared to: 921, or, the quake of September 21st, 1999, which claimed the lives of several thousand people. In our sadness for those affected, it's good to remember that we've been here before, and came out stronger. The 921 earthquake taught many lessons that very likely saved lives on April 3rd, 2024. We are Taiwan. We will rebuild and we will learn lessons for...2024-04-0316 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS4 - [ENCORE] Happy Holidays? (And: 新年快樂!)Welcome in the Year of the Dragon with this encore of a classic episode from Season Two. Eryk claims all Taiwanese/Chinese holidays are based on sad stories filled with misery, terror, and death. John disagrees. And so the two go over the major holidays celebrated here, and, well, you be the judge of who wins this argument. Also, we cover holidays that used to be part of our calendar, until we had to give them up in exchange for two-day weekends.
AND, a very Happy New Year from Formosa Files and the Frank C. Chen Foundation. Chec...2024-02-0826 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E42 - Taiwan in 19581958. Just 66 years ago, yet Taiwan back then was like a completely different country. There was no television, but there were Russian-language radio broadcasts to Siberia. Eryk and John share nuggets from a 1959 ROC booklet, “101 Questions about Taiwan,” which proves to be both a humorous and fascinating time capsule of facts and stats. Enjoy this journey back to the year 1958, when sugar dominated exports, and Taiwan manufactured 93 jeeps!
Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics, and more.
2024-01-2525 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E38 - Merry Constitution Day! (and a Happy New Year)December 25th. A special day celebrating the birth of... the Constitution of the Republic of China. Once a holiday that rather conveniently overlapped with Christmas, today you don't get the day off in Taiwan. So, to relieve the pain of being forced to work on Christm... um... Constitution Day, John and Eryk bring you some festive cheer by recounting the history of the ROC Constitution, examining each and every amendment, and reading it in the original Mandarin. Just kidding. John gives Eryk an ROC citizenship test. Will Eryk have what it takes to become an ROCian? Will he know the...2023-12-2129 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E35 - Bits and Pieces (of Stinky Tofu 臭豆腐) and a Pre-Announcement AnnouncementAlthough Eryk is as sick as a dog, both he and John are in very high spirits, and not just because, once again, they get to chat about stinky tofu. In this "bits and pieces" episode there's some jumping around, a look back and a look ahead. But most importantly, we tease an exciting new development! No, Formosa Files isn't going into the Chou Doufu business, but rather... Well, find out by listening to the show.
We hope by now you know that formosafiles.com is a must-visit for extras: book links, pics, images, maps, videos and mo...2023-11-2423 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E34 - Fabulous Foods of Formosa (and Stinky Tofu 臭豆腐)Taiwan is a food-lover's paradise, with tasty treats, delicious dishes, scrumptious suppers, marvelous morsels... a versatile, vast variety of fabulous foods. John and Eryk aren't really down with the whole clichéd, “let's make stuff about foreigners eating stinky tofu” phenomenon, but we decided to do a food episode, topped with some yummy yarns from yesteryear. Hear the origin story of the locally globally-famous Chiayi turkey rice, the 15-star gourmet Din Tai Fung restaurant chain, and finally, yes, we'll sniff out some feelings on chou doufu 臭豆腐, the smelly snack that seems to somehow always steal the show.
Visit formosafiles...2023-11-1625 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesA Formosa Files INTERVIEW: Manga Artist Mark Crilley Talks About His New Book - LOST IN TAIWANMark Crilley is one of the top 10 American manga artists, and he has a new graphic novel out called LOST IN TAIWAN (2023). Formosa Files caught up with Mark, who spilled the beans on why he was here in the late 1980s and early 1990s, what he loved (and what he loved a bit less) about Taiwan. After listening to this fun interview with Eryk and Mark Crilley, you’ll want to get a copy of LOST IN TAIWAN; it'll make you laugh, could be used as ESL material, and, like for Eryk, might just reignite some affection for things in Taiwan so...2023-10-2621 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E30 - When the Russians Bombed Taipei (and other aviation stories)Here's something we bet you didn't know: in 1938, Soviet pilots in Soviet planes (disguised to look like ROC Air Force planes) bombed the main airfield in Taihoku (now the Songshan Airport
臺北松山機場 in Taipei City). We've got that story and more as this week John and Eryk get a bit geeky and delve into some of the stories behind the planes we saw during recent visits to the Gangshan Aviation Education Exhibition Hall (航空教育展示館).
Visit formosafiles.com for lots of great pics, links and more.
2023-10-0626 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E26 - Taiwan as part of the Philippines? Or a British or German colony? “What Ifs” of Formosan History -- With Michael TurtonTaiwanese history would have been very different except for a few pivotal moments. “Sure,” you might be thinking, “that's true everywhere.” However, the “what ifs” Michael Turton and Eryk Michael Smith talk about today are especially fascinating because of Taiwan’s strategic location. The Spanish and Dutch had short-lived settlements here in the 17th century, but either could easily have lasted for centuries. Later would-be colonizers included the UK (they considered using the east coast as a penal colony à la Australia), the US, and Germany. Turton lays out an interesting list of “what ifs” to support his argument that Taiwan being in the sp...2023-09-0729 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E25 - The Free China Junk Story - Part 3: Victory!Today John Ross and Chris Stowers (a man who has first-hand knowledge of what it's like to sail on an old-fashioned sailing boat) end our three-part series on the amazing voyage of the Chinese junk (built possibly in the 1890s) that made it -- not without overcoming considerable difficulties -- from Keelung to San Francisco in 1955. We discover the fates of the two chickens brought along for the long sea trip (Mildred 1 and Mildred 2), and, of course, learn what happened to our adventurous crew. We won't give away any spoilers, but let's just say there's also a nice twist on wh...2023-09-0127 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS2-E23 - Across the Pacific in the Free China Junk (1955) - Part OneIn 1954, a man living in Keelung 基隆 asked himself, “Could an old-fashioned Chinese junk beat modern yachts in a race on the high seas?” The answer? -- An almost unbelievable tale involving a boat that would become world-famous: the “Free China” junk (自由中國號). This week, John Ross and Chris Stowers (Stowers was part of a crew that also sailed on a wind-powered junk-like ship), tell the first part of this incredible story of bravery, perseverance, and a more than a little luck.
Don't forget to visit formosafiles.com for videos, links, maps, pics and info.
2023-08-2426 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E22 - Barbie: Made in TaiwanSeen the Barbie movie? No worries... Eryk saw it for you, and he noticed one thing they didn't mention in the film: from 1967-1987, most of the world's Barbie dolls were made in Taiwan. Factories in the tiny town of Taishan 泰山 (now a district of New Taipei City) churned out millions of these well-made toys before Mattel moved operations to cheaper manufacturing locations. Plus, we've got info on traditional Taiwanese toys and John ends this week's episode with a strange tale of "possessed" paper dolls.
Go to our website formosafiles.com for pics, links, and other extras.
2023-08-1727 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: 2-28: A Bad BeginningIn this special episode, we hear Eryk reading from chapter five of John’s “Taiwan in 100 Books.” The topic is 2-28, an event named after a date: February 28, 1947. It’s usually referred to as the February 28 incident, but sometimes called the 2-28 Massacre. American vice-consul at the time George Kerr used the term “the March massacres,” which gives a more accurate impression of what happened; the brutal suppression of uprisings and protests throughout the country, which left perhaps 20,000 dead. It was a bad beginning to ROC rule on Formosa, a dark stain that was a taboo topic until the early 1990s. Listen...2023-08-0320 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E20 - John Groot and John Ross Walk and Talk Historic Tamsui 淡水 - Part TwoTamsui (Danshui) native John Groot and Formosa Files' John Ross continue their walk and talk around the old town. They’re on the trail of the 1884 Battle of Tamsui between French and Taiwanese forces, a battle which was a rare victory for the beleaguered Qing dynasty. As well as military matters, the two Johns chat about the wider history of Tamsui. It’s a fun mix of travel and history.
Visit formosafiles.com for links to videos, maps, images, info and more. 2023-07-2122 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E19 - Two Johns Take a "Walking Tour" in Historic Tamsui 淡水 - Part OneStrategically located near the mouth of the Tamsui (Danshui) River, the port town of Tamsui has a long, rich history. The Spanish built a fort here in the 1600s, as did the Dutch, and numerous European traders came here in the nineteenth century when it was a treaty port. But perhaps the most surprising foreign presence was the brief and bloody stay of the French military. This was the Battle of Tamsui of October 1884, which was a part of the Sino-French War. John Groot, the author of “Taiwanese Feet: My walk around Taiwan,” takes John Ross on a walking tour of...2023-07-2020 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E18 - Getting Arrested in Taiwan - With Lawyer Ross D. FeingoldFormosa Files and Taipei-based lawyer Ross Feingold very much hope you never get arrested in Taiwan, or anywhere else for that matter. But should this unfortunate event occur, what are your rights? Does Taiwan require search warrants? Are there "Miranda Rights"? Is it really true that you can get in legal trouble for swearing at someone? Are cops allowed to parade suspects in front of the media in what Americans call a "perp walk"? Listen as Eryk gets some free legal advice* from an expert in local law. (*Disclaimer: None of the commentaries in this episode should be taken a...2023-07-1330 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E17 – The Wrongful Execution of Chiang Kuo-ching (江國慶) and the Death Penalty in TaiwanAmong the too many killings committed in the lawless year of 1997 was the execution of 21-year-old Chiang Kuo-ching (江國慶), a soldier convicted of a horrific crime after a forced confession. Chiang went to his death maintaining his innocence, and 14 years later in 2011, he was posthumously cleared of all wrongdoing. John and Eryk tell this harrowing story, disagree on capital punishment, and discuss the death penalty in Taiwan. They end with a case John brings up of a serial killer from the 1970s-80s who certainly "deserved" his fate.
For images, links, and more, visit www.formosafiles.com
2023-07-0627 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E16 – Kaohsiung and Taiwan Celebrate Five Years of Weiwuying 衛武營國家藝術文化中心 – Part 2: Struggles & Victories!John and Eryk have been commissioned to tell the tale of Weiwuying as this new Kaohsiung landmark turns five: in part two, we've got challenges galore to overcome, disputes to settle, and finally, a glorious ending as, more than arguably, one of the world's finest performing arts venues opens in 2018. Happy Birthday, Weiwuying!
2023-06-3028 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E15 – Kaohsiung and Taiwan Celebrate Five Years of Weiwuying 衛武營國家藝術文化中心 – Part 1: The Land & the PlanAs this already-iconic structure and performance center turns five, John and Eryk have been commissioned to tell its tale: it's a 40-year saga of a century-old military base becoming a park and home to, more than arguably, one of the world's finest performing arts venues. It's 2023, and Happy 5th Birthday, Weiwuying!
2023-06-2930 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: Eryk Calls John for a Meanderingly Interesting ChatNow that we're well into Formosa Files season three, your co-hosts add some background to stories we've told, try to clear up misconceptions about the ROC’s exit from the United Nations, make some “controversial” comments on Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and finally, we agree that Mongolia is an independent country, which the Republic of China (Taiwan) also agreed is a fact, in 2002.
2023-06-2226 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: Answering the MailJoin us as we try to answer some questions we've gotten, such as "What is Whisby and... just why?" You'll also discover Eryk's shameful secret (he loves betel nuts!), and hear John's opinion on re-introducing the extinct clouded leopard.
2023-04-2021 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E8 - Early Photos of Taiwan - by John Thomson - 1871Some of the earliest photos we have of Taiwan were taken by a British photographer who visited the southwest of the island in 1871. Taking pics back then was far from “point and shoot.” It was "get inside portable darkroom, grab delicate glass plate, cover with chemical A, then B, then C, then expose the plate to light, then more...” and on and on. We owe John Thomson a debt of gratitude for his short but significant expedition to
“photograph wild Formosa!” In particular, his images of the “Pingpu” (Plains) Indigenous peoples of the Tainan and Kaohsiung hinterlands captured the twilight of their old ways.2023-04-0626 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS3-E5 - Local Language Loanwords: A Lovely Hot Pot of Fujianese, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, English, and MoreAll languages borrow words from other languages. These “loanwords” often come with fascinating historical backstories, their adoption the result of encounters by traders, scholars, and adventurers; and the result of colonialization, as was the case with Taiwan, 1895 to 1945, when many Japanese words came into the Taiwanese language. And because the Japanese are themselves such prodigious borrowers, many of these words were originally from other languages. Find out why English owes such a debt to Cantonese, why John loves “tea,” and why Eryk doesn’t want to “kowtow.” Whether you’re an “obasan” or a “joss-pidgin-man,” we think you’ll enjoy our look at lovely l2023-03-1626 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesRage Against the Machine – Formosa Files VS. ChatGPTIn this fun Season Two finale, John Ross and Eryk Michael Smith battle with the AI phenomenon ChatGPT. Who knows more about Taiwanese history, John or the scarily omnipotent AI chatbot which may soon render humans obsolete? Does Eryk know more about Kaohsiung’s Nanzih District than the smartest machine-learning programs on earth? It’s time to pick a side – a couple of nerdy amateur historians or the finest in 21st-century computing power? It’s Man vs. Machine! This somewhat silly and hopefully entertaining super bonus episode is our sign-off to Formosa Files’ Season Two. See you next week for S3-E1!2023-02-0929 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: Among the Headhunters of Formosa - From Taiwan in 100 Books, by John RossThis week we have another snippet from the audiobook of John's 2020 book, Taiwan in 100 Books. This extract tells the tale of Janet Montgomery McGovern, a feisty anthropologist who managed to cut through the red tape and official disapproval from Japanese colonial authorities in Formosa during her residence from 1916 to 1918, and headed up into the hills to learn about Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples -- most of whom had already given up headhunting by then. We'll also hear a "rose-colored glasses" 1921 travel account of a very brief visit to Taiwan by Englishman Owen Rutter. Enjoy!2023-01-0515 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: The Forgotten President 嚴家淦Eryk calls John for a chat about Yen Chia-kan (嚴家淦, Yan Jiagan) the president of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for three years following the death of Chiang Kai-shek in 1975. Who was C.K. Yen, and why isn’t he better known? Here’s the story.2022-12-2222 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: A Look Back and a Peek ForwardAs Formosa Files gets ready to end Season 2 and move into Season 3 (fingers crossed), John and Eryk pick season highlights, answer listener questions, talk about topics for upcoming episodes, and discuss those less-than-tidy "footnotes of history."2022-10-0619 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS2-E28 - (Not So) Happy HolidaysEryk said to John, "All the traditional festivals celebrated in Taiwan have sad -- or even horrific -- backstories!" John said, "Really? Hmm... I doubt that." And so we recorded this episode, in which we tell the tales behind traditional festivals from Moon Festival to Tomb-Sweeping Day... and we'll let you be the judge, but it seems like Eryk won the debate.Plus: John quizzes Eryk on forgotten or lost holidays that were once part of the ROC calendar2022-09-2926 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: "Taiwan in 100 Books" -- A Priest on Orchid Island Meets Sanmao (三毛)In this special episode, we thank listeners and talk briefly about season two (We are now being listened to in 90 countries/regions!!), and share an excerpt from the audiobook of John Ross' 2020 "Taiwan in 100 Books" related to Father Barry Martinson and the famous globetrotting Taiwanese author Sanmao (三毛).2022-08-1819 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Episode: "Taiwan in 100 Books" - A Martial Arts HoaxIn this special episode, we talk about where the inspiration for the Formosa Files podcast came from, and share an excerpt from the podcast's origin source: John Ross' 2020 book "Taiwan in 100 Books." After our quick chat, enjoy a segment from chapter one of the audiobook of "Taiwan in 100 Books" read by Eryk2022-07-2016 min
The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesS2-E12 - "The National Game" -- Taiwan Falls in and out of Love with BaseballAfter the Americans introduced baseball to Japan in the late 19th century, Japan took the game John Ross might call "a corruption of cricket" to their new colonial possession, where it became a hit. Surviving -- somewhat surprisingly -- the arrival of the Nationalists in 1949, baseball was officially ignored for the most part, which helped usher in a "Golden Age'' for the game and its rise to the status of "national game." But harnessed for political and material gain, baseball would be tarnished by a series of scandals that left fans unhappy and out of the stands. In the 2020...2022-05-1927 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesA Formosa Files INTERVIEW: ICRT General Manager Tim BergeTaiwan's only English radio station, International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) has been a part of millions of Taiwanese -- and many an expat in Taiwan's -- lives since it took over from the US military in 1979. Tim Berge, a 30+ year Taiwan resident, has spent most of his years here working for ICRT, and is today the station's GM. In this new Formosa Files interview feature, Tim Berge talks to Eryk about where ICRT came from, waxes nostalgic over the 'golden era' of the 1980s-90s, give info on how ICRT is funded, tells a few lesser-known stories and answers...2022-05-1514 minThe Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa FilesBonus Mini-Episode: Eryk Calls John for a Chat About Taiwan's Indigenous PeoplesWhen did people first get to Taiwan? Was there a land bridge? Plus... a few interesting legends. A short phone call that's a fun intro to Taiwan’s prehistory.2022-02-2409 min