Explore every episode of the podcast The Interlocutor Podcast

Peter Hessler on Living in China: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lAtRzI8b3QR4xrFIgwbKy?si=d7hyYX7JQfymieFSxQ_iig

In this episode, host Tyrel sits down with renowned historian and author Jeff Wasserstrom to discuss the complex history of student movements in China, state memory, and how history is used to shape modern Chinese identity. Jeff shares his firsthand memories of living in Shanghai during the student protests of 1986, the parallels between the 1919 May Fourth Movement and the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations, and why the iconic "Tank Man" photo remains so deeply suppressed by the Chinese government today. They also dive into the political shifts under Xi Jinping, comparisons between modern Communist leadership and Chiang Kai-shek, and the evolving situation in Hong Kong#ChinaHistory #TiananmenSquare #XiJinping #HongKong #ChineseHistory #Podcast Jeff Wasserstrom, Chinese History, Tiananmen Square 1989, Tank Man, May Fourth Movement 1919, Xi Jinping, Mao Zedong, Chiang Kai-shek, Shanghai 1986, Fudan University, Hong Kong Protests, Chinese Communist Party, CCP History, China Surveillance, Everything You Wanted to Know About China but Were Afraid to Ask, Prague 1968

While millions of tourists crowd into Tokyo and Kyoto, there is a vastly different side of Japan waiting in the north.In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson sits down with Quinlan Faris—outdoorsman, guide, and founder of GoNorth Japan. Quinlan reflects on his early days in Tokyo, why he packed his bags for the rugged beauty of Iwate Prefecture, and what makes Japan so deeply magnetic to travelers.We also tackle the pressing realities facing Japan today: the surging wave of overtourism in major cities, essential hiking safety tips, the rising issue of bear encounters in rural regions, nature-based spirituality, and how travelers can experience authentic, off-the-beaten-path Japan.Connect & Book a TourGoNorth Japan Official Site: https://gonorth.jp/Follow Quinlan Faris on YouTube:  @GoNorthJapan  About The Interlocutor PodcastHosted by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, The Interlocutor Podcast features long-form conversations with writers, scholars, adventurers, and cultural observers exploring life across Asia and beyond.Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8H8sJS6iaEaxWyEJV8FVuw Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/033lV6x4Zx8135M1tMPtZqQuinlan Faris, GoNorth Japan, Iwate Japan, Tohoku travel, Japan overtourism, hiking in Japan, bear encounters Japan, bear safety Japan, Japan spirituality, Yamabushi, escape Tokyo, living in rural Japan, travel Japan off the beaten path, The Interlocutor Podcast, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, Japan travel guide, Tohoku hiking, deep Japan, Tohoku nature

KeywordsPeter Hessler, River Town, Other Rivers, Chinese education, Modern China, Teaching in China, American writer in China, China memoir, Cross-cultural communication, Chinese students, Peace Corps China, China nonfiction, Chengdu China, Author interview, Narrative journalismA rare, reflective conversation with Peter Hessler on China’s transformation, education, and the craft of nonfiction storytelling. Join The Interlocutor Podcast host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson with author and journalist Peter Hessler in this in-depth conversation exploring his acclaimed books River Town and Other Rivers: A Chinese Education. We discuss Hessler’s time as a teacher in rural China, his recent return to a transformed nation, and what decades of observation have taught him about culture, change, and communication.Along the way, we talk about:The contrasts between 1990s and 2010s ChinaHow education reveals deeper social dynamicsThe role of a foreign writer in a rapidly evolving countryWhat listening means in nonfiction reportingThe art and ethics of cross-cultural storytellingWhether you're a longtime Hessler reader or new to his work, this is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about China, memory, and meaning.#PeterHessler #OtherRivers #RiverTown #China #Nonfiction #Journalism #EducationInChina #ChineseSociety #Memoir #crossculturalcommunication Overview of Other Rivers: A Chinese Education by Peter HesslerIn Other Rivers, acclaimed journalist and author Peter Hessler returns to China—this time not as a Peace Corps volunteer or foreign correspondent, but as a high school teacher in Chengdu, in the western province of Sichuan. From 2019 to 2021, during a period of deepening political control in China and the global disruption of COVID-19, Hessler taught writing and literature to Chinese students at a private school.The book is both a sequel and a mirror to his earlier work, River Town, where Hessler chronicled his time as a teacher in the late 1990s in a remote Yangtze River town. Now, in Other Rivers, he observes what has—and hasn’t—changed in China over two transformative decades.Core Themes and FocusEducation as a window into society: Hessler uses the classroom to explore Chinese culture, language, politics, and generational change.Individual voices in a controlled system: He highlights the perspectives of his students—curious, cautious, candid—who grow up under a regime that tightly manages expression.Censorship and sensitivity: The book subtly explores the limits of speech, surveillance, and the challenges of intellectual freedom in contemporaryPeter Hessler is an acclaimed American nonfiction writer and journalist best known for his deeply insightful books and reporting on China and, more recently, the Middle East. Born in 1969, Hessler graduated from Princeton University and later earned a Rhodes Scholarship to study English literature at Oxford. After college, he joined the Peace Corps, teaching English in the remote Chinese city of Fuling—a transformative experience that became the subject of his first book, River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (2001).Hessler went on to become The New Yorker’s China correspondent from 2000 to 2007, chronicling the country’s rapid social and economic transformation. His trilogy of books on China—River Town, Oracle Bones (2006), and Country Driving (2010)—is widely regarded as among the most perceptive and human-centered accounts of modern China written in English.In 2011, Hessler moved to Egypt to cover the Arab Spring and its aftermath, later publishing The Buried: An Archaeology of the Egyptian Revolution (2019).In 2019, he returned to China to teach at a private high school in Chengdu, a period that inspired his latest book, Other Rivers: A Chinese Education (2024). The book serves as both a companion and a counterpoint to River Town, reflecting on how China—and Hessler himself—has changed over two decades.

How do you write history about people who were never meant to leave records behind?Pulitzer Prize historian Edda Fields-Black explains the research behind Combee.Edda Fields-Black’s Combee uncovers the lives of enslaved people through extraordinary archival work, linguistic skill, and historical detective work. But how do you write history about people who were rarely allowed to leave records behind?In this full conversation, Edda explains not just the story of Combee, but the research process behind it: working across archives, reading against the grain of plantation records, tracing names, landscapes, and languages, and reconstructing lives that history tried to erase.This is a deep look at how serious historical scholarship happens—and how patient, creative research can recover voices from the past.Hashtags#EddaFieldsBlack #Combee #PulitzerPrize #HistoryResearch #Archives #SlaveryHistory #HistoricalMethod #BlackHistory #UndergroundRailroad #Historiography KeywordsEdda Fields-Black interview, Combee book, Pulitzer history book, how historians do research, researching slavery archives, reading plantation records, historical methodology, writing history of enslaved people, archival research process, Black history scholarship, historiography interview, Underground Railroad scholarship, recovering lost voices in history, historian research workflow, primary sources slavery history

In this episode, we sit down with food historian and associate professor Michelle T. King to discuss her fascinating book, Chop, Fry, Watch, Learn: Fu Pei-mei and the Making of Modern Chinese Food. Fu Pei-mei is a household name for generations of Chinese and Taiwanese families, often referred to as the "Julia Child of Taiwan". But her path to legendary TV status was anything but traditional. She started as a self-described "bad cook" who actually used her wedding dowry and jewelry to pay professional restaurant chefs to teach her how to cook. Whether you are a food lover, a history buff, or interested in the immigrant experience, this conversation offers a beautiful and surprising look at how the food on our plates is shaped by the forces of history.We discuss Michelle's family background and how Fu Pei-mei impacted their home cookingThe Chinese Civil War and what it did to cuisine in TaiwanHow Fu Pei-mei was a traditional wife yet modern womanHow she got her start on televisionWhat she meant to generations of peopleFinally, the signature question on The Interlocutor Podcast, what does the title mean and when did the author come up with it. #FoodHistory #ChineseFood #FuPeimei #TaiwanFood #ChopFryWatchLearn #FoodDocumentary #CulinaryHistory #ImmigrantStories #GenderAndFoodLearn more about Michelle's work at: https://michelletking.com/

What does it take to connect a country as vast as Canada?In this conversation, I sit down with historian and Canadian History Ehx host Craig Baird to explore the incredible story behind the Trans-Canada Highway, what he aptly called Canada’s “Main Street.” From political ambition to geographic challenges, this road didn’t just connect provinces, it helped shape a national identity.We discuss:Why the Trans-Canada Highway took so long to completeThe political and economic forces behind its constructionHow infrastructure shapes national identitySurprising stories from the road itselfCraig’s book Canada’s Main Street: The Epic Story of the Trans-Canada Highway reveals how one road transformed a country, and what it still means today.If you're interested in history, infrastructure, or how nations are built, this is a story worth hearing.Here's a link to Craig's Podcast: https://canadaehx.com/#CanadianHistory #TransCanadaHighway #CraigBaird #HistoryPodcast #Infrastructure #Canada #RoadTrip #HistoryMatters #NationBuilding #PodcastInterviewTrans Canada Highway historyCraig Baird interviewCanada’s Main Street bookCanadian infrastructure historyhow Canada was builtCanadian history podcastnation building Canadahistory of highwaysroad trip Canada historyCanadian identity historytransportation history CanadaTrans Canada Highway facts

Taiwan's story is often told through politics. Emily Y. Wu believes it should also be told through people.In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, Ghost Island Media founder Emily Y. Wu joins host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson for a wide-ranging conversation about Taiwan's evolving identity, growing up abroad and returning home, building an independent media company, the rise of podcasting in Taiwan, and the unique perspectives that come from living between cultures.We discuss:-Taiwan's changing sense of identity-Returning to Taiwan after living overseas-The opportunities and challenges of podcasting in Taiwan-Independent media and storytelling-Life between cultures-Why conversations matter in understanding TaiwanWhether you're interested in Taiwan, East Asia, journalism, podcasting, or questions of identity and belonging, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into one of Asia's most dynamic societies.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share the episode. It helps more people discover long-form conversations about Taiwan, Asia, and the people shaping our understanding of the world.#Taiwan #Podcast #GhostIslandMediaTaiwan, Taiwan podcast, Taiwan identity, Emily Y Wu, Emily Wu, Ghost Island Media, Ghost Island Media podcast, podcasting in Taiwan, Taiwan media, independent media, Taiwan culture, Taiwanese identity, living abroad, returning home, expat Taiwan, Taiwan society, East Asia podcast, Asia podcast, journalism, storytelling, long-form podcast, The Interlocutor Podcast, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, Taiwan politics, Taiwan history, cross-cultural identity, Taiwanese diasporaHashtags#Taiwan #GhostIslandMedia #EmilyYWu #Podcast #TaiwanIdentity #TaiwanCulture #TaiwanMedia #Journalism #Storytelling #EastAsia #Asia #TheInterlocutorPodcast #LongFormPodcast #TaiwanPodcast #Identity

John Boyko on The Devil's Trick: https://youtu.be/aGfM-HUQAAsHow one man’s obsessive mind connected Canada, and then synchronized the entire world. In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed historian and biographer John Boyko to discuss his captivating book, In Pursuit of Tomorrow: The Inventive Life of Sandford Fleming.Most of us know Sandford Fleming as the inventor of Standard Time, but his legacy stretches far deeper into the bedrock of modern global connectivity. From surveying the colossal path of the Canadian Pacific Railway and designing Canada’s very first postage stamp (the three-pence beaver), to advocating for the "All-Red Line" worldwide cable network, Fleming was a relentless futurist who lived his life in pursuit of tomorrow.John Boyko joins us to dissect the triumphs, the tragedies, and the sheer force of will that defined one of the nineteenth century's greatest visionaries.If you love history, biography, invention, and stories of quiet determination that changed the world, this conversation is for you!#SandfordFleming #JohnBoyko #InPursuitOfTomorrow #CanadianHistory #HistoryDocumentary #StandardTime #TimeZones #CanadianPacificRailway #Biography #VictorianEra #Innovators #HistoryPodcast #CanadianAuthors

First Conversation with Kerry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTEbPlJs7-kHow did a highly cultured poet, steeped in thousands of years of classical history, become one of the most ruthless political figures of the 20th century? In this deep-dive conversation, renowned historian and author Kerry Brown unpacks the ultimate contradictions of Mao Zedong’s rule.We sit down with Professor Kerry Brown to discuss his insights into the mechanics of Chinese political power, the tragic ironies of the Cultural Revolution, and how an imported Western ideology (Marxism) was weaponized by a leader who was "Chinese to his fingertips." If you want to understand the psychological and historical forces that built modern China, this interview is essential watching.✨ Support the Channel:If you enjoyed this deep dive into history and political theory, please drop a like, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more full-length academic conversations!#MaoZedong #ChineseHistory #PoliticalHistory #HistoryPodcast #CulturalRevolution #ModernChina #KerryBrown

In this deeply candid conversation, we sit down with Eddy Gonzalez, the mastermind behind the legendary Eddy’s Cantina and host of the EddyLIVE podcast.Moving across the world to build a completely new life isn't just a physical journey; it's a massive psychological test. Eddy opens up about what it truly takes to uproot your life, face the brutal realities of building a successful restaurant from scratch, and why he is profoundly proud to call Taiwan his home.We also dive into the future, exploring how AI is radically reshaping both education and business, and how Eddy managed to turn his own restaurant into a thriving live podcast studio. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an expat looking to make a move, or curious about the changing landscape of global business, this episode is packed with raw, actionable wisdom.Visit Eddy's Cantina: https://www.eddyscantina.com/en/Eddy Gonzales, Eddys Cantina, EddyLIVE, Moving to Taiwan, Living in Taiwan, Expat life in Taiwan, Starting a business in Taiwan, Restaurant entrepreneurship, Taiwan podcast, Taiwan safety, Foreigners in Taiwan, AI in education, AI in business, Expat psychology.Eddy Gonzales Eddys Cantina EddyLIVE Taiwan expat living in Taiwan starting a restaurant how to move abroad life in Taiwan AI business strategy restaurant marketing Taiwan lifestyle building a life abroad entrepreneur mindset#Taiwan #ExpatLife #EddysCantina #EddyLIVE #Entrepreneurship #LivingInTaiwan #AIBusiness #PodcastLife

What happens when you spend 60 years watching a superpower transform from the inside?In this sweeping conversation, legendary China scholar and journalist Orville Schell shares his incredible life journey. From a fateful college class with John King Fairbank that changed his life forever, to living under martial law in 1960s Taiwan—and actually drinking tea with Chiang Kai-shek—Orville has had a front-row seat to history.He recounts being among the very first Americans to enter Mainland China when it opened in 1975, the long decades it took for everyday citizens to finally trust foreigners enough to open up, and the seismic shifts of Deng Xiaoping’s reforms and the tragedy of Tiananmen Square in 1989.Finally, we dive into the structural paradoxes plaguing the modern authoritarian state. Orville explains why China’s current system may prevent it from ever truly surpassing the West, and why a beautiful, reflective "interior life" remains the single most dangerous threat to a totalitarian regime.#ChinaHistory #MaoZedong #EdgarSnow #HistoryBuff #OrvilleSchell #YouTubeShorts #ColdWar History #asia  @asiasociety  Orville Schell, John King Fairbank, China history documentary, Chiang Kai-shek Taiwan, Taiwan Martial Law 1960s, First Americans in China 1975, Deng Xiaoping reforms, Tiananmen Square 1989 witness, Authoritarianism vs West, China economic collapse, Chinese totalitarianism control, Center on U.S.-China Relations, history of modern China interview, China geopolitics 2026.

Many More Taiwan Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOWhat would happen to the global economy if tensions in the Taiwan Strait boiled over? In this deep-dive conversation, we sit down with Dr. Simona Grano, Head of China-Taiwan Relations at the University of Zurich and Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, to map out the staggering realities of a cross-strait conflict.We dissect the catastrophic economic shockwaves of a potential Chinese invasion, the delicate balancing act European nations like Switzerland must maintain between Beijing and Taipei, and whether Taiwan’s open democracy is actually its biggest vulnerability against gray-zone cognitive warfare.Dr. Grano also shares her personal journey into the field of China-Taiwan studies and how Zurich is building a world-class hub to train the next generation of geopolitical analysts.🔔 Subscribe for more expert geopolitical analysis and global strategy breakdowns.✨ ABOUT OUR GUEST:Dr. Simona Grano is a leading expert on cross-strait relations, a Senior Lecturer at UZH, and co-editor of the major volume Changing Dynamics in Geopolitics: Implications for Taiwan. #TaiwanStrait #ChinaTaiwan #Geopolitics #GlobalEconomy #SimonaGrano #ForeignPolicy #TaiwanStudiesSimona Grano, Taiwan Strait tension, China Taiwan invasion, Global economy collapse, Taiwan studies Zurich, Switzerland China relations, Cross strait analysis, Taiwan disinformation, Cognitive warfare Taiwan, Geopolitics Asia, TSMC supply chain crisis, Asia Society Taiwan

Tom Gold: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeWeswBPuywHow did a small island under martial law become a global model for development?In this episode, we sit down with historian Dr. James Lin to discuss his journey into academia and dive deep into his book, "In the Global Vanguard: Agrarian Development and the Making of Modern Taiwan."We explore how Taiwan utilized agricultural science ("Operation Vanguard" / 先鋒案) as a powerful diplomatic tool during the Cold War. Dr. Lin breaks down the fascinating "carrot and stick" dynamic: how the state used economic and rural development as a "sociotechnical imaginary" to unite society behind an authoritarian government.📖 FREE: Get the book "In the Global Vanguard" here: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/in-the-global-vanguard/paper #TaiwanHistory #ColdWar #OperationVanguard #TaiwanModel #PoliticalHistory #HistoryPodcastJames Lin, In the Global Vanguard, Taiwan history, Operation Vanguard, Taiwan model, Kuomintang, martial law Taiwan, agrarian development, Cold War Asia, Taiwanese history podcast, sociotechnical imaginary, green revolution Taiwan

What does it feel like to stand in the exact footsteps of your ancestor, 170 years later?In this episode, we sit down with author Russell Wangersky to discuss his captivating book, "Same Ground: Chasing Family Down the California Gold Rush Trail." Russell takes us on a journey back to 1849, following his 22-year-old ancestor, William Dodge, who left St. Louis with a wagon train bound for California.Using William’s original handwritten diary as his map, Russell retraced the grueling trek across the American West. We dive into what remains of the historic trail today, the surreal experience of matching up landscapes to a centuries-old journal, and how this profound journey gave Russell a deeper, broader sense of belonging to his family.If you love history, genealogy, or stories of epic human journeys, this conversation is for you.Get the book "Same Ground" here: https://www.russellwangersky.com/new-book-title-20xxSubscribe for more author interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TyrelCameronEskelsonRussell Wangersky, Same Ground book, California Gold Rush, California Gold Rush trail, Oregon Trail history, 1849 Gold Rush, American West history, St Louis to California 1849, wagon train historyWilliam Dodge diary, historical diary reading, retracing ancestor footsteps, genealogy journey, family history discovery, old diary secrets, gold rush wagon train, tracing family rootsauthor interview, book discussion, history podcast, historical non fiction books#GoldRush #FamilyHistory #Genealogy #SameGround #AmericanHistory #WagonTrain #RussellWangersky

Why does the letter Q almost always need a U? Why do we spell words the way we do? And how did the alphabet we use today develop over thousands of years?In this conversation, I speak with linguist and author Danny Bate about his book Why Q Needs U: A History of Our Letters and How We Use Them. We explore the surprising history of the alphabet, how letters evolved from ancient writing systems, and why English spelling can feel so inconsistent.Danny explains how letters changed shape, sound, and meaning as they moved through languages like Phoenician, Greek, Latin, and English. Along the way we discuss why certain letters disappeared, why others doubled up on sounds, and how writing systems adapt to cultural and technological change.If you enjoy linguistics, the history of language, etymology, or the strange quirks of English spelling, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the alphabet hiding in plain sight.Topics discussed:• The origins of the alphabet• Why Q is almost always followed by U• How English spelling became so complicated• Letters that disappeared from English• How writing systems evolve across culturesSubscribe for more long-form conversations with historians, writers, and scholars.Danny's personal website: https://dannybate.com/Hashtags#Linguistics#HistoryOfLanguage#Alphabet#EnglishLanguage#Etymology#LanguageHistory#DannyBate#Books#LinguisticsInterview#TheInterlocutorPodcastKeywordsdanny batewhy q needs uhistory of the alphabethistory of lettersenglish language historywhy english spelling is weirdlinguistics interviewalphabet historyetymology of lettershistory of writing systemsenglish spelling explainedlinguistics podcastlanguage history podcasthistory of english languagewhy q is followed by u

Why did Japan embrace Astro Boy right after nuclear destruction, and what drives the deep connection to 2D characters today? Renowned cultural anthropologist Patrick Galbraith joins us to unpack the secret history and evolution of Otaku culture.In this deep-dive conversation, we explore how Japan turned to imagination to heal from wartime trauma, the hidden world of maid cafes, and why the boundary between Salaryman and Otaku is blurring.Patrick shares his personal journey of discovering anime and manga, moving to Japan, and how "caring masculinity" is redefining community for a generation that often prefers 2D over 3D. If you’ve ever wondered what the struggle for human imagination really means in a hyper-modern world, this episode is for you.#OtakuCulture #AnimeHistory #PatrickGalbraith #Akihabara #Manga #JapanCulture #2DVs3DKeywords:Patrick Galbraith, Otaku culture, anime history, manga anthropology, Astro Boy nuclear history, salaryman vs otaku, maid cafe culture, 2d love japan, caring masculinity, Akihabara culture, Japanese subcultures, history of anime, pop culture anthropology

More Taiwan Conversations : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOIn this in-depth conversation, Taiwan scholar Shelly Rigger reflects on her career studying Taiwan, cross-Strait relations, and East Asian politics. Drawing on decades of research, teaching, and writing, Rigger discusses how Taiwan first captured her interest, how the island’s political evolution shaped her scholarship, and why Taiwan remains one of the most important—and misunderstood—places in global politics today.We explore Taiwan’s democratic development, identity debates, relations with China, and the broader international stakes surrounding Taiwan’s future. Rigger also reflects on her influential book Why Taiwan Matters, how her thinking has evolved over time, and what she continues to watch closely as Taiwan navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.This conversation is essential viewing for anyone interested in Taiwan, U.S.–China relations, democracy in Asia, or how scholars build a lifetime of expertise on a single place.Topics includeHow Shelly Rigger became a Taiwan scholarTaiwan’s political transformation and democratic identityWhy Taiwan matters to the United States and the worldCross-Strait relations and China–Taiwan tensionsWhat outsiders misunderstand about TaiwanHow scholarship and lived experience intersectTaiwan’s future in a changing global orderIf you found this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share to help others better understand why Taiwan matters.Hashtags#Taiwan#ShellyRigger#WhyTaiwanMatters#TaiwanPolitics#TaiwanStudies#ChinaTaiwan#CrossStraitRelations#EastAsia#IndoPacific#DemocracyInAsia#USChinaRelations#Geopolitics#AcademicInterview#TaiwanIdentityKeywords Shelly RiggerWhy Taiwan MattersTaiwan scholarTaiwan politicsTaiwan democracyTaiwan China relationscross strait relationsTaiwan identityUS Taiwan relationsChina Taiwan tensionsEast Asian politicsTaiwan studiesIndo Pacific geopoliticsTaiwan futureacademic interview TaiwanTaiwan history and politics

Join me for an inspiring and adventurous conversation with Leo Seewald, better known across Taiwan as The Happy Fisherman. In this episode, Leo shares how he learned Chinese from scratch, what led him to create his hit TV show exploring every harbor in Taiwan, and the unforgettable lessons he’s gathered while navigating Taiwan’s stunning coastline.We talk about the hidden stories behind Taiwan’s fishing communities, the deep cultural connections he’s formed, and how traveling by boat has changed the way he understands Taiwan’s people, landscapes, and identity. Leo also gives us exciting teasers about upcoming episodes: new islands, new harbors, surprising encounters, and insights into the maritime world most viewers never get to see.Whether you're interested in language learning, Taiwanese culture, ocean life, documentary storytelling, or just love a good adventure, this conversation is packed with energy, humor, and heartfelt moments from one of Taiwan’s most recognizable ocean explorers.If you enjoy stories that connect travel, culture, and personal discovery, this episode is for you.Link to Leo's show: https://www.taiwanplus.com/shows/lifestyle/happy-fishermanMany more conversations with Taiwan experts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOKeywordsLeo SeewaldHappy Fisherman TaiwanTaiwan harborsTaiwan travel documentaryTaiwan ocean cultureLearning Chinese storiesForeigners in TaiwanTaiwan fishing villagesTaiwan maritime cultureTaiwan travel interviewTaiwan harbor explorationTaiwan boat lifeTaiwan TV showHarbors of TaiwanTaiwan coastline storiesLanguage learning TaiwanTaiwan cultural insightsAdventure travel TaiwanTaiwan islandsTaiwan podcast interviewHashtags#LeoSeewald#HappyFisherman#TaiwanHarbors#TaiwanTravel#DiscoverTaiwan#TaiwanCulture#LearningChinese#DocumentaryLife#TaiwanPodcast#TaiwanCoastline#BoatLifeTaiwan#IslandStories#ForeignersInTaiwan#TravelTaiwan#AdventureInTaiwan

In this conversation, I speak with Taiwan scholar Niki J. P. Alsford about his book Taiwan Lives: A Social and Political History.Rather than focusing only on major political events, Alsford explores Taiwan’s past through the lives of individuals who shaped the island’s development. By looking at personal stories across different historical periods, the book offers a unique perspective on Taiwan’s social and political transformation.In our discussion, we explore:• Why biography is a powerful way to understand Taiwan• Key individuals who influenced Taiwan’s development• Taiwan’s layered colonial and political history• How personal stories reveal broader historical forces• Why Taiwan’s history remains so complex and fascinatingThis conversation is part of the Taiwan 22 project, a series of discussions about Taiwan’s culture, history, and politics that accompanies my book Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox.If you’re interested in Taiwan, Asian history, politics, or biography as a way of understanding the past, this conversation offers a compelling introduction.Subscribe for more conversations about Taiwan and its many paradoxes.Keywords Taiwan historyNiki AlsfordTaiwan Lives bookTaiwan social historyTaiwan political historyTaiwan studieshistory of TaiwanTaiwan scholarsTaiwan interviewTaiwan biography historyTaiwan culture and politicsTaiwan politics explainedAsian history TaiwanTaiwan colonial historyTaiwan documentary interviewHashtags#Taiwan#TaiwanHistory#NikiAlsford#TaiwanStudies#AsianHistory#TaiwanPolitics#HistoryInterview#TaiwanCulture#TaiwanBooks#Taiwan22

What stories about Taiwan never make it into the history books?In this conversation with Eryk Michael Smith, host of the podcast Formosa Files, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of Taiwan.We talk about how the show uncovers strange, dramatic, and surprising episodes from Taiwan’s past—and what goes on behind the scenes when researching and producing a history podcast.If you’re interested in Taiwan history, storytelling, podcasting, or the unusual stories that shape a place, this conversation offers a glimpse into both the island’s past and the craft of telling its stories.Topics include:• Hidden stories from Taiwan’s history• How Formosa Files researches its episodes• The art of historical storytelling• Behind the scenes of podcast production• Why Taiwan’s history is so globally fascinatingSubscribe for more conversations on history, culture, and ideas.https://www.formosafiles.com/https://www.plumrainpress.com/https://www.kaohsiungtimes.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/the-taiwan-history-podcast-formosa-files/id1588477096#Taiwan#TaiwanHistory#FormosaFiles#Podcast#HistoryPodcast#ErykMichaelSmith#TaiwanCulture#historystories Taiwan historyFormosa Files podcastEryk Michael SmithTaiwan podcastTaiwan historical storiesTaiwan culture historyhistory of Taiwanhidden history TaiwanThe Interlocutor Podcast Taiwan storytellingpodcast about TaiwanTaiwan documentary storiesFormosa Files interviewTaiwan history podcastTaiwan culture and history

More Taiwan Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOTaiwanese food is often described as familiar yet hard to define. In this conversation, food writer and author Cathy Erway joins The Interlocutor Podcast to explore what makes the food of Taiwan distinctive, meaningful, and deeply connected to history, family, and place.Cathy is the author of The Food of Taiwan: Recipes From the Beautiful Island and The Art of Eating In. Drawing on her Taiwanese heritage and years of reporting, she explains how Taiwan’s cuisine reflects Indigenous traditions, Chinese regional influences, Japanese colonial rule, and the island’s modern democratic identity.We discuss night markets, home cooking, comfort foods, and why dishes like beef noodle soup, lu rou fan, and oyster omelets carry such cultural weight. Cathy also talks about how food functions as memory, storytelling, and a way of understanding Taiwan beyond politics and headlines.This conversation is about more than recipes. It’s about how food anchors identity, preserves history, and connects people across generations.Hashtags#CathyErway#FoodOfTaiwan#TaiwaneseCuisine#TaiwanFood#FoodHistory#AsianFood#NightMarkets#FoodCulture#TheInterlocutorPodcastKeywordsCathy ErwayThe Food of TaiwanTaiwanese foodTaiwan cuisineTaiwan food cultureTaiwan night marketsTaiwanese cookingAsian food historyFood and identityTaiwan culture podcastFood writer interviewTaiwan food book

Keywordsnostalgia, travel, photography, cultural exploration, optimism, Asia transformation, life lessons, Kevin KellySummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Kelly reflects on his life experiences, from his childhood in 1962 to his travels across Asia and Japan. He shares insights on the cultural transformations he witnessed, the art of photography, and the importance of optimism in shaping the future. Through personal anecdotes and wisdom, he emphasizes the value of exploration, creativity, and the lessons learned from life and travel.TakeawaysThe peak year of human existence is often tied to childhood memories.Traveling opens up new perspectives and opportunities for learning.Cultural experiences in Taiwan were transformative and eye-opening.Photography serves as a means to capture and document disappearing traditions.Asia has undergone rapid modernization and transformation over the decades.Optimism is essential for envisioning and creating a better future.Leaving behind material possessions can lead to greater freedom in travel.Experiencing remote places first enhances the appreciation of urban life.Engaging with local cultures enriches personal growth and understanding.Long-term perspectives help cultivate optimism and resilience. Sound Bites"I needed something different.""It became my university.""I was hunting for certain scenes."Chapters00:00 Reflecting on the Peak Year of Human History05:12 The Decision to Drop Out of College07:27 Embarking on a Journey to Asia09:58 Experiencing Taiwan in the 1970s15:25 The Evolution of Taiwan's Industry17:05 Cultural Observations in Japan19:20 Visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki21:39 Post-War Japan: A New Era22:43 The Photographer's Mission: Capturing the World27:15 Traditional Culture: A Vanishing Art30:32 Conversations with the Past: Learning from Elders32:50 The Intersection of Science and Art in Photography37:08 Asia's Rapid Transformation: A Historical Perspective42:39 Urban Transformation and Cultural Shifts44:30 Wisdom and Travel: A Family Tradition46:18 Travel Tips and Insights47:54 The Freedom of Minimalism in Travel51:07 Maximizing Travel Experiences53:46 Travel as a Catalyst for Creativity56:17 The Power of Optimism in Shaping the Future#podcast #asia #japan #KevinKelly#advice #history #love #explore #photography #books

What does it mean for a country to exist—and be denied—at the same time?In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, journalist and author Chris Horton joins Tyrel Cameron Eskelson to discuss his book Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival. Horton explores Taiwan’s contested history, the roots of its democratic identity, and why the island’s future sits at the center of global geopolitics.The conversation ranges from Taiwan’s colonial past and Indigenous history to cross-Strait relations, U.S.–China tensions, and the everyday realities of living in a place many powerful countries pretend does not exist.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in Taiwan, East Asian history, democracy, and the international order. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chris Horton and His Journey07:06 First Impressions of Taiwan12:44 Indigenous Influence and Taiwanese Identity13:05 Humanizing Taiwan: The Importance of Indigenous Voices16:24 Taiwan's Political Landscape and Global Recognition19:03 Taiwan's Role in Global Economy and Security24:29 Understanding Taiwan's Internal Political Dynamics27:31 The Political Landscape of Taiwan36:07 Personal Encounters and Historical Perspectives43:43 The Art of Storytelling in Journalism48:16 Cycling Through Taiwan: A Journey of Discovery54:54 Taiwan's Global Significance and FutureTakeawaysChris Horton has been covering Taiwan for over a decade.Taiwan's identity is shaped by both Chinese and indigenous influences.The importance of humanizing Taiwan through local voices in journalism.Taiwan is recognized as the freest country in Asia.Taiwan's political dynamics are complex and often misunderstood.The global economy heavily relies on Taiwan's semiconductor industry.Taiwan's indigenous peoples play a crucial role in its identity.Cycling through Taiwan offers unique insights into its culture.Journalism in Taiwan faces challenges in accurately representing its identity.Taiwan's importance is increasingly recognized on the global stage.Keywords Ghost NationChris HortonTaiwan historyTaiwan China relationsCross-Strait relationsTaiwan politicsChina Taiwan conflictEast Asian historyTaiwan democracyIndigenous TaiwanJournalism TaiwanGeopolitics AsiaU.S. China TaiwanTaiwan identityThe Interlocutor Podcast#GhostNation#ChrisHorton#Taiwan#TaiwanHistory#ChinaTaiwan#Geopolitics#EastAsia#Journalism#Democracy#TheInterlocutor

Brian Hioe is a writer, activist, and founder of New Bloom Magazine. In this conversation, we explore his journey through Taiwan’s activist movements, his work as a journalist and cultural commentator, and his transition into writing fiction.We discuss the intersection of politics and art, how activism shapes identity, and the challenges and responsibilities of documenting social movements. Brian also reflects on Taiwan’s evolving sense of self, generational change, and the role of storytelling in shaping political consciousness.This conversation offers insight into Taiwan’s contemporary culture and the intellectual and emotional experiences of those working at the intersection of activism, literature, and history.Topics discussed include:• Taiwan’s activist movements and political culture• The relationship between art and activism• The founding and mission of New Bloom Magazine• Writing fiction as a political and personal act• Identity, generation, and Taiwan’s futureIf you’re interested in Taiwan, activism, writing, or contemporary political culture, this conversation offers a thoughtful and firsthand perspective.Subscribe for more long-form conversations with writers, historians, and thinkers.

Over a Dozen Taiwan Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOHashtags#BrianHioe#Taiwan#TaiwanPolitics#Activism#WritingLife#Journalism#PoliticalCulture#TaiwanIdentity#NewBloom#AuthorInterview#Podcast#LongformInterview#Taipei#SocialMovements#WritersOfYouTubeKeywords Brian HioeBrian Hioe interviewBrian Hioe TaiwanNew Bloom MagazineTaiwan activismTaiwan politics interviewTaiwan identityTaiwan writersTaiwan political cultureSunflower Movement TaiwanTaiwan journalist interviewactivist interviewwriter interview long formauthor interview podcastTaiwan intellectualsTaiwan culture discussionTaiwan democracyTaipei activistspolitical writingAsian politics interview

What shapes a writer’s voice—place, culture, or identity?In this in-depth conversation, novelist Ed Lin shares his upbringing in New York, how his family talked about Taiwan, and what it was like to finally experience Taiwan for himself.We also dive into his popular Taipei Night Market Mysteries series—exploring how culture, food, and setting shape his storytelling and crime fiction.This episode is perfect for fans of mystery novels, cultural storytelling, and anyone interested in Taiwan, identity, and the writing process.We talk about:How Taiwanese culture was described in his childhoodWhat surprised him most about visiting TaiwanThe energy and meaning of Taipei’s night marketsHow Taiwan shapes his Taipei Night Market Mysteries seriesIf you're curious about Taiwan, Taipei street life, or stories of identity and belonging, this episode offers a unique, personal lens.Hashtags#EdLin #Taiwan #Taipei #MysteryBooks #CrimeFiction #AuthorInterview #Podcast #WritingLife #TaipeiNightMarket #AsianAmerican #storytelling KeywordsEd Lin interview, Taipei Night Market Mysteries, Taiwan culture podcast, Taiwanese American author, New York upbringing immigrant story, mystery writer interview, crime fiction author, books about Taiwan, Taipei night markets, writing process author, Asian American identity podcast, novelist interview long form

In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, I speak with author TC Brown about his memoir Made in Taiwan: A Naive American's Chaotic Journey to Manhood in an Exotic Culture During Radical Times.We explore Brown’s journey from his early life in the United States to his decision to join the Air Force, and what happened when he arrived at Taiwan’s CCK Air Base in the late 1960s.Brown shares vivid stories of life on base, his role as a “sky cop,” and his encounters with fellow servicemen and local communities. Our conversation dives into the realities of military life abroad, including culture shock, relationships, the tropical environment, and the era’s undercurrents of drugs, alcohol, and personal transformation.Some stories come directly from the book, others emerge organically in this wide-ranging, candid discussion.If you're interested in memoir, military history, or cross-cultural experiences in East Asia, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.#Taiwan #USAirForce #MilitaryMemoir #VietnamEra #PodcastInterview #ExpatLife #HistoryPodcast #EastAsia #CulturalExperience #memoir TC Brown interview, Made in Taiwan memoir, US Air Force Taiwan, CCK Air Base history, 1960s Taiwan American military, sky cop Air Force, expat Taiwan history, Vietnam era Asia, military life abroad stories, Interlocutor Podcast, Taiwan cultural history, American in Taiwan memoir

What was it like to enter China just as it was opening to the world—and to build a life in Taiwan during one of its most pivotal eras?In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, I sit down with sociologist and China/Taiwan expert Thomas B. Gold to trace an extraordinary career shaped by timing, language, and immersion.We explore:His path into Chinese and Taiwanese StudiesBeing among the first Americans to study in China in the 1970sLife in Taiwan during the Vietnam War eraWorking under legendary scholar Ezra VogelServing as an interpreter for Henry Kissinger and Jet LiThe role of chance—and preparation—in shaping a careerGold shares vivid, often surprising stories from a moment when China and Taiwan were undergoing profound transformation. His core message is simple but powerful: opportunities come to those who are ready for them. Learn the language. Live the culture. Stay long enough for it to change you.If you’re interested in China, Taiwan, language learning, or how global careers actually unfold, this conversation is for you.🎙️ The Interlocutor Podcast explores ideas, lives, and the forces shaping our world through in-depth conversations.

What built modern Taiwan before semiconductors and global tech dominance?In this conversation, Dafydd Fell reflects on more than 30 years of researching, living in, and traveling across Taiwan. From politics and identity to infrastructure and industrial history, we explore the deeper forces that shaped Taiwan into what it is today.At the center of the discussion is his latest book, The Twilight Years of Taiwan's Sugar Railways, a fascinating account of one of the most unique industrial railway systems in the world, and why it is now disappearing.We discuss:The rise and decline of Taiwan’s sugar railway systemWhy this industry played a key role in Taiwan’s developmentHow Taiwan’s political system differs from EuropeWhat decades of fieldwork reveal about Taiwanese societyWhy documenting disappearing history mattersThis is a conversation about memory, transformation, and the hidden foundations of a modern nation.More Taiwan Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInO#Taiwan #DafyddFell #TaiwanHistory #Railways #TSMC #AsiaPolitics #IndustrialHistory #Podcast #TaiwanCulture #Interviews Dafydd Fell interview, Taiwan history podcast, Taiwan sugar railways, Taiwan miracle economy, Taiwan industrial history, Taiwan politics explained, Taiwan development history, sugar industry Taiwan, Taiwan railway history, Taiwan documentary interview, Taiwan culture and politics, TSMC history Taiwan, Taiwan economic development

What makes Taiwan so unforgettable?In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, I sit down with travel writer and novelist Joshua Samuel Brown  @josambro  to explore his three-decade relationship with Taiwan.We talk about:Growing up in New York and first arriving in Taiwan in 1994How Taiwan became a long-term homeWriting for Lonely Planet and documenting the island’s cultureThe day-to-day reality of travel writingWhy Taiwan continues to surprise him after 30+ yearsHis latest project: a new travel book on TaiwanThis is a conversation about place, curiosity, and what it means to truly live somewhere, not just visit.If you're interested in Taiwan, travel writing, or long-term cultural immersion, this episode is for you.Check out over 20 MORE TAIWAN CONVERSATION: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInO#Taiwan #TravelWriting #JoshuaSamuelBrown #LonelyPlanet #Podcast #TravelPodcast #Taipei #ExpatLife #WritersLife #AsiaTravel Joshua Samuel Brown, Taiwan travel, Taiwan podcast, Lonely Planet writer, travel writing process, living in Taiwan, expat Taiwan, Taipei life, Taiwan culture, travel author interview, writing travel books, Taiwan travel guide, Interlocutor Podcast, Asia travel writing, long term travel experience

Kerry Brown is one of the leading Western scholars of modern China, specializing in Chinese politics, history, and international relations. In this conversation, we discuss his early experiences traveling and teaching in China, the dramatic transformation of the country over the past several decades, and the complicated historical relationship between China and Taiwan.

We explore the roots of Chinese nationalism, the legacy of foreign intervention in China, and the development of Taiwan’s democratic identity since the late twentieth century. The conversation also examines “strategic ambiguity” in United States–Taiwan relations, the leadership of Xi Jinping, and why Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has become one of the most important strategic assets in the global economy.

Topics include Chinese history, geopolitics, democracy, nationalism, semiconductors, cross-strait relations, US foreign policy, and the future of East Asia.

#KerryBrown
#China
#Taiwan
#Geopolitics
#ChineseHistory
#InternationalRelations
#Semiconductors
#USChina
#TaiwanStrait
#Democracy
#XiJinping
#HistoryPodcast
#ChinaStudies
#Politics
#Asia

Kerry Brown, China, Taiwan, Taiwan China relations, strategic ambiguity, US Taiwan relations, Chinese nationalism, Xi Jinping, Taiwan democracy, semiconductors, TSMC, geopolitics, East Asia, Chinese history, Taiwan history, China politics, international relations, cross-strait relations, Taiwan Strait, US China tensions, modern China, Chinese studies, political analysis, Asia podcast, history podcast, Taiwan identity, semiconductor industry, global technology, foreign policy, nationalism in China, Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan politics, democracy in Taiwan, Kerry Brown interview, China expert, Indo-Pacific geopolitics

What draws someone to photograph the night, and stay with it for decades?In this full-length conversation, I sit down with Canadian photographer Greg Girard to explore a life shaped by cities, light, and long-term observation.We begin in Vancouver, where Greg first picked up a camera, and trace his early fascination with the urban night. From there, he recounts taking a freighter across the Pacific, arriving in Hong Kong in the 1970s and encountering, for the first time, a city defined by verticality, density, and neon.We talk about:Building a life as a photojournalist in Hong KongDocumenting the now-legendary Kowloon Walled CityHis time in Tokyo and later ShanghaiThe difference between shooting for magazines and for long-form book projectsAnd what it means to document change, not just over years, but over decadesThis is a conversation about persistence, atmosphere, and what photography can reveal about cities in transition.#GregGirard #StreetPhotography #HongKong #Tokyo #Shanghai #KowloonWalledCity #PhotographyPodcast #UrbanPhotography #NightPhotography #DocumentaryPhotography #Asia #VanishingAsia #Photojournalism #CityLife #VisualStorytelling Greg Girard, Greg Girard interview, Hong Kong photography, Kowloon Walled City photographer, Tokyo street photography 1970s, Shanghai photography documentary, night photography urban, Vancouver photography history, photojournalism vs fine art photography, documentary photography Asia, photographing cities at night, urban change photography, Vanishing Asia, Phantom Shanghai, HK PM Greg GirardGreg's Websiteshttps://www.greggirard.com/books/https://greggirard.bigcartel.com/Instagram @gregforaday PhotosIan Rees's father CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia CommonsSteve Cadman London, U.K. CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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Peter Bellwood has spent more than half a century studying how human beings evolved, adopted farming, and migrated across the globe. Beginning his archaeological career in the 1960s, he became one of the leading scholars of human migration and Austronesian expansion, authoring influential books including First Farmers, First Migrants, First Islanders, and his latest work, The Five Million Year Odyssey: The Human Journey From Ape to Agriculture.

In this conversation, we discuss his upbringing in postwar England, his earliest archaeological digs, and his voyage by sea from England to New Zealand. We also explore the evolution of human beings, early hominin migration out of Africa, the origins of tool use and agriculture, and the evidence behind the “Out of Taiwan” theory explaining the spread of Austronesian culture across the Pacific.

This wide-ranging discussion touches on archaeology, anthropology, migration, prehistory, farming, genetics, language, and the long story of how humanity spread across the planet.

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#Migration
#OutOfAfrica
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#HumanOrigins
#PacificHistory

Peter Bellwood, archaeology, anthropologist, human evolution, human migration, Austronesian expansion, Out of Taiwan theory, archaeology podcast, anthropology podcast, ancient history, prehistory, farming revolution, origins of agriculture, human origins, migration out of Africa, Pacific history, Taiwan history, Austronesian culture, Polynesia, early humans, hominin migration, evolution discussion, science podcast, history conversation, First Farmers, First Migrants, First Islanders, The Five Million Year Odyssey, genetics and migration, archaeology interview, history books, cultural diffusion, Neolithic revolution, origins of civilization

From Apartheid South Africa to Taiwan’s infamous Betel Nut Beauties, filmmaker, photographer, and writer Tobie Openshaw has lived through some extraordinary worlds.

Born in South Africa in the early 1960s, Tobie came of age during Apartheid and later served in an EOD bomb disposal unit that responded to the Church Street Bombing in Pretoria. After military service, his family relocated to what was then Southwest Africa during the turbulent years leading to Namibian independence. It was there that Tobie taught himself photography and filmmaking — skills he later used to document South Africa’s first democratic elections and the Truth and Reconciliation hearings following the rise of Nelson Mandela.

In 1998, Tobie moved to Taiwan, where he would become internationally known for his controversial and widely discussed photographs of Taiwan’s Betel Nut Beauties — young women selling betel nut and cigarettes from neon-lit roadside booths. His work brought global attention to a subculture that many Taiwanese ignored or dismissed.

In recent years, Tobie has turned his attention toward Taiwan’s indigenous cultures and the mystery surrounding the island’s legendary Negrito pygmies, conducting years of research for an upcoming documentary and book project.

This conversation explores memory, identity, Taiwan, South Africa, photography, marginalized communities, cultural change, and the strange paths that shape a life.

Thank you to Tobie Openshaw for a fascinating conversation.

Tobie’s work can be found here:
https://topenshaw.academia.edu