Taiwan Talk

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TAIWAN TALK is ICRT\'s weekly interview segment with conversations centered around life in Taiwan. Each week, ICRT\\\'s Sheray Felice invites a new guest on the show to discuss topics that affect your life on the island -- including business, finance, politics, culture, arts and lifestyle.

ICRT


    • Jun 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 988 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Taiwan Talk

    Chthonic's Freddy Lim talks about an unexpected source of inspiration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 15:01


    Former legislator and death metal rocker Freddy Lim can draw on many experiences as inspiration for his music, though nothing prepared him for the discovery which led to the composition of his latest song, Endless Aeons. It's a discovery that was triggered by his time at the Legislative Yuan as a parliamentarian, and which partly led to his decision to step down from elective office. Hosted by I.C.R.T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Singer Chynna Lewis Shares Her Voyage of Self Discovery

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 15:40


    What does it take to go solo as a Pop/R&B singer and songwriter in Canada? Canadian-Taiwanese artist Chynna (pronounced "China") shares the joys and the challenges she encountered on journey as an Asian-American artist. Lewis spoke to us after her first journey back to Taiwan as a performer. She's currently working on her second album, which is slated for release in the Winter of 2025. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. Find Chynna's music by clicking here. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Naomi Fink Helps Make Sense of the NT Dollar's Gyrations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 14:08


    Under normal circumstances, many of us don't think too much about the value of the NT Dollar -- unless we're traveling that is. But that changed at the beginning of May when the value of our currency made a sudden, sharp climb against the US Dollar. Chief Global Strategist for Nikko Asset Management Naomi Fink looks at the impact of that event on Taiwan's financial markets, whether Taiwan experienced that sharp currency phenomenon in isolation, and what is in store for the currency and the economy as a whole. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Beyond Borders: Becoming an International Student in Uncertain Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 14:14


    The Trump administration has backed down on an earlier, hardline attitude towards the visa status of certain international students, even though it is still cracking down on America's top universities. What does this mean for students who have decided to study in America, or who are already there? Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is a global company that provides higher education analytics, insights, and services. It also releases its annual rankings on the world's top universities, available on Topuniversities.com. Vice President, Student Recruitment Kym Nguyen, addresses the questions that students and parents should be asking -- and what they should be looking for. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Seven Days that Rattled Taiwan Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 17:49


    It was on the first day of Taiwan's four day Tomb Sweeping (清明) Festival weekend that businessmen woke up to the news that Taiwan could expect a 32 percent%, on top of a standard 10% tariff on all its exports to the United States. But just hours after it took effect, that immense tariff was suspended for 90 days. How some businesses responded to the first announcement, and what it should do with the grace period is the subject of much discussion. ICRT's Hope Ngo is joined by All Good Gene's Founder Gene Chung, and Jay L Zagorsky, author of The Power of Cash and Associate Professor at Boston University's Questrom School of Business. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    From the Archives: Former KMT lawmaker at large Jason Hsu (許毓仁)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 9:51


    Former KMT lawmaker-at-large Jason Hsu made his mark in office by promoting tech, and embracing the idea of reaching across the aisle and working for the good of Taiwan. He shares the inspiring story of his life before his departure for the United States with Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Taipei's Chifeng Street (赤峰街) is a Historical Treasure. Nadia Lin tells us why

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 10:08


    It's a busy hive of hipster cafes, hair salons, and independent book shops. But there is more to Taipei's Chifeng Street than meets the eye, and it took a tour with Nadia Lin to get to get to know this fascinating neighborhood. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Reset & Rise -- How a Designer, a Process Engineer, and a Singer Changed Careers and Found Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 13:19


    Launching a new career isn't easy. So why would anyone (willingly) do it twice in one lifetime? Three guests -- two from the US and one based in Taiwan-- share their their experiences involving their dramatic mid-career pivots. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Ting Ting Cheng hits the Unmute button on Digital Gender-based Violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 11:06


    Artist Ting Ting Cheng uses a traumatic experience to educate in her recent show "They told me it's not your fault. And I told them everything will be fine." Held at Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab in Taipei, Cheng explores digital gender-based violence which the United Nations Population Fund says is most likely to impact women and girls, minorities and the marginalized. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Berge and Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Leona De Pasquale Explains her Deep Dive into Taiwan's Beverage Landscape

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 10:56


    London-based Taiwanese wine writer, translator, certified WSET wine educator, Leona di Pasquale turned a passion into a profession when she first began learning about, then talking about Taiwan's best loved beverages from tea to wines and spirits. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Taiwan, Ukraine and the Trump White House

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 11:24


    February 24th marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since that time, much has changed, including a major break in US policy following the inauguration of Donald Trump. With a look at the implications for Taiwan, Ukraine, Europe and even Asia, we chat with Jakub Janda… the director of the European Values Center of Security Policy… a non-partisan NGO based in the Czech Republic to defend freedom and national sovereignty. Hosted by Tim Berge. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    How Tiffany Chang Put Taiwan's Culinary Stars in the Spotlight on Netflix's "Crazy Delicious"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 10:57


    From scoring a coveted Golden Apple on the Netflix show "Crazy Delicious" to cooking for Taiwan's de-facto ambassador to the UK, food blogger Tiffany Cheng has made her mark as an unofficial ambassador for popular Taiwan cuisine. How she accomplished that and what she learnt along the way is a story she shares on Taiwan Talk. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Beyond the Headlines: JhuCin Rita Jhang (​張竹芩) on The Status of IVF and Surrogacy in Taiwan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 17:27


    In vitro fertilization or IVF has been practiced around the world for over four decades. Yale Medicine says over 10 million babies have been born via IVF around the world, and over half a million IVF babies are delivered every year. But even though IVF is globally accepted, it remains is highly regulated in Taiwan, and its use is under law remains limited, even as more than 21,000 couples have benefited from government subsidies for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in Taiwan since mid-2021. Academic and IVF advocate JhuCin Rita Jhang addresses the legal and social issues associated with IVF and surrogacy in particular, and fertility as a whole. Hosted by Tim Berge and Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Lost in Translation, Found in Literature: Lin King on the award winning "Taiwan Travelogue"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 14:33


    Lin King is an award-winning writer in her own right. But it was her work on "Taiwan Travelogue" that snagged both her and author Yang Shuang-zi the highly coveted National Book Award 2024 for Translated Literature. Lin discusses her work and what's next. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Fim Salomon Revitalizes a Well-loved Taipei Bakery

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 10:25


    Everyone dreams of owning a business… but few people are honest about the challenges the endeavor can bring. Enter Jean-Trophime "Fim" Salomon; he's a former electronics industry executive and new owner of Taipei's Lutetia bakery. He talks about why -- and how -- he took on the task of rebuilding the decades-old Tienmu establishment. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    From Microphones to Microplanes: Chef L Talks about Life in the Kitchen

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 11:58


    She was in entertainment -- the "family business" -- and with a famous uncle (高凌風)… but it was only a matter of time before Lareine Hsu (徐瑞蓮) decided it was time to make a switch. As the chef of a new and noteworthy Danbi in Los Angeles' Koreatown, Chef L now makes waves with her cooking. She talks swapping careers and what sustains her. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    John Dotson on Telling the Taiwan Story to shapers of U.S. Policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 12:15


    Telling and amplifying Taiwan's story in the US capital is not easy -- but John Dotson does just that through his role as Deputy Director of the Global Taiwan Institute -- a Washington DC-based think-tank dedicated to telling the Taiwan story. Dotson tells us about how he discovered Taiwan, what keeps him drawn to the island to this day, and why the task of helping craft a narrative for Taiwan as it seeks its place in the world is critical, particularly as the world navigates these challenging times. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Moving to the Music of Taiwanese American Conductor Mei-Ann Chen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 10:41


    She made history by becoming the first woman to win to the Malko Competition -- an international competition for young conductors held every three years by the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Taiwan American conductor Mei-Ann Chen talks about her trailblazing journey which took her from Taiwan's music schools to the best-known classical music chambers in the United States and Europe. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Hello Taiwan to the World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 11:35


    People from around the world are joining forces to raise Taiwan's visibility on the global stage. ICRT's Tim Berge talks to Ming Chiang, the president of Hello Taiwan. Founded in 2018, Hello Taiwan is dedicated to helping the world better understand Taiwan, its people and culture, and at the same time — do charity work to demonstrate Taiwan's compassion and goodwill. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Pedaling Progress with YouBike's Vicky Yang

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 11:30


    In this week's episode of Taiwan Talk, ICRT's Tim Berge sits down with YouBike spokesperson Vicky Yang to discuss the evolution of Taiwan's popular bike-sharing system. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Looking back -- and ahead-- to plant-based dining with Herban Kitchen's Marko Henry Lapka

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 10:01


    Vegetarians in Taipei were taken aback and saddened when Herban Kitchen announced it would close in November 2024 after 10 years. Owner Marko Henry Lapka talks about the factors that triggered the end of his popular restaurant, and whether there was still a place for vegetarian dining in Taipei. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Going the "Ron" Way - DJ Ron Stuart on what brought him to Taiwan... and what keeps him here

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 13:25


    Ron Stuart has been an institution at ICRT since the 1990s… far longer than a good number of us have been around. He talks about what drew him to radio, the career opportunity he walked away from, and what eventually brought him to Taiwan. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Through the eyes of an immigrant: Kuangnan Hsiao shares his US experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 9:37


    What was life like for a Taiwan immigrant starting life in the United States in the 1970s? Kunagnan Hsiao talks about what it was like to leave Taiwan at a time when many felt they had no options. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Beyond the Headlines: Lawyer Audrey Lu clarifies the issue of Abortion in Taiwan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 15:09


    On October 29, 2024 the Ministry of Justice issued a set of proposals looking to increase penalties for illegal abortions, much to the consternation of women's rights advocates in the country. One of those amendments would increase fines for pregnant women who have abortions in circumstances outside those listed in the Genetic Health Act from NT$3,000 to NT$80,000. The law took many aback, because there was a general belief that abortion was legal in Taiwan. What is the truth behind the status of abortion in Taiwan? Lawyer Audrey Shih-Wei Lu of Taipei's Ru Shih Quan Law Office takes a deep dive into the issue. Hosted by Tim Berge and Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    What catches the eye of Angel investor Ryan Yang?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 8:53


    Everyone dreams of becoming The Next Big Thing in Tech. But what does it really take to get there? Angel Investor Ryan Yang shares his experiences about what got him started in tech, and what he looks for when he's putting his faith in the future of a company. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Talking preventative medicine and mental health with Deputy Health and Welfare Minister Lin Jing-yi

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 15:15


    Dr Lin Jing-yi discusses Taiwan's public health, and new programs to promote preventative medicine and mental health. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Berge -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Discovering Taiwan Cuisine with Cookinn Taiwan's Chelsea Tsai

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 9:04


    Some cooks dream about opening an award-winning restaurant… but not Cookinn Taiwan's Chelsea Tsai, who says she finds great joy in teaching people how to bring Taiwan cuisine into their homes. She explains how and why teaching students how to cook is more of a passion than cooking for others in a restaurant. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Skits and Giggles do it for the laughs in Taichung

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 10:48


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

    Weightstone Vineyard's Vivian Yang Overcomes Natural Challenges to Discover Taiwan's Terroir

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 10:22


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

    Taipei Looks to Uncover its Hidden Mojo with "Trendy Taipei"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 11:20


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

    Kevin Tai, A Model for Taiwan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 12:39


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

    Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming lays the policy groundwork for a sustainable future

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 19:41


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

    Joy Tajonera Gives Voice to Taiwan's Migrant Workers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 15:54


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

    The Muddy Basin Ramblers Aren't Your Everyday Taiwan Musical Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 10:25


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

    Taiwan Decathlete CK Yang (楊傳廣) Returns to the Spotlight in Mike Chinoy's Documentary "Decathlon"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 13:25


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

    Swapping Dreams: Mack Chen (陳坤成) trades a high-tech dream for life by the sea

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 9:55


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

    Michael Smith Rides the Rails with a Kaohsiung MRT Chief Engineer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 10:20


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

    For the love of Taiwan and its children: TYPA director Mike Brennand

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 11:06


    What does it take to run one of the oldest family-centered activity centers in Taipei? Taipei Youth Program Association (TYPA) Director Mike Brennand tells us about what brought him to Taiwan, his role, and what inspired him to make a unique contribution to Taiwan society during his downtime. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    A Personal View of Taiwan in Transition from English-language journalist Leo Maliksi

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 9:58


    Filipino writer and former journalist Leo Maliksi chose to make Taipei his home more than thirty years ago. Because of this, he had the chance to witness Taiwan as it moved through a time of great transition. He shares his insights in this edition of Taiwan Talk. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Antony Leung reveals the secret of Pizza Hut Taiwan's viral success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 12:04


    It would be fair to say Pizza Hut makes headlines just about every time they release a new special flavor. But what inspires Pizza Hut to move outside the box to reinvent its classic offer a few times a year, and often with eyebrow-raising results? Pizza Hut General Manager Antony Leung tells us his story, and that of Pizza Hut's -- giving us a master class in marketing in the process. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    Kamil Tokarski: The Pianist behind the Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 10:47


    What's the first thing you did when you arrived in Taiwan? No matter what it was, it may not have been as audacious as Polish virtuoso Kamil Tokarski's first investment. He tells Taiwan Talk what brought him here… and he explores the significance and impact of Polish composer Frederick Chopin's music in Taiwan. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

    The Reluctant Diplomat: TECRO Germany Representative Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 13:07


    Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) has served as Taiwan's Representative to Germany and head of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany under two Presidents: Chen Shui-bian and Tsai Ing-wen. The de-facto Ambassador talks about his unlikely journey from academic to diplomat, and how he sees his mission. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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