The Taiwan Take

Taiwanese writer Chi Ta-wei (紀大偉)'s 1996 novel “The Membranes” has seen global success in recent years, with translations in French, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Finnish, Spanish, Danish, and forthcoming editions in Portuguese, Greek, and Vietnamese. “The Membranes” is a dystopian fiction set in the 22nd century. Climate change has devastated Earth, and humans now live at the bottom of the sea. The protagonist is a dermatologist named Momo who can read her clients' memories through their skins. Chi Ta-wei is an important voice in Taiwanese queer literature.  We talk about the year 1994 - the era of Pulp Fiction, Nine Inch Nails, and Nirvana. In Taipei, a bookstore called FemBooks (女書店) was opened. Artists and students wanting international cinema flocked to the Golden Horse Film Festival.  One of Ta-wei's contemporaries is the late author Qiu Miaojin (邱妙津). Ta-wei talks about why he and Qiu shared a fondness for Europe. We also talk about the Australian writer and translator Ari Heinrich who worked on English translations for both Chi Ta-wei and Qiu Miaojin. Chi Ta-Wei also talks about his appreciation for translators, and advice for writers, editors, and publishers who are working on bringing Taiwanese books to the world.  For French listeners, here's our Interview with theater director Cédric Delorme-Bouchard on the stage adaptation that premiered in Montreal 2024: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/france-taiwan/membrane-cedric-delorme-bouchard More on Chi Ta-wei: www.taweichi.com/ Links to the novel “The Membranes”: (In English) “The Membranes” translated by Ari Heinrich (University of Columbia Press, 2021) - https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-membranes/9780231195713 (En français) “Membrane” traduit par Gwennaël Gaffric (L'Asiathèque. 2020) https://www.asiatheque.com/fr/livre/membrane 《膜》繁體中文版 (聯經出版, 1996) https://www.linkingbooks.com.tw/LNB/book/Book.aspx?ID=184182&vs=pc Tag and follow Ghost Island Media on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Support us by donating on Patreon - http://patreon.com/taiwan  EPISODE CREDIT Host / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuEditing / Zack Chiang, Wayne TsaiResearcher / Skylar NguyenA Ghost Island Media production / @ghostislandmeSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was the first Oscar nomination for a documentary from Taiwan. “Island in Between”《金門》was a nominee for Best Documentary Short at the 2024 Academy Awards. In this 19-minute documentary, we see Kinmen (Quemoy) through the lens of filmmaker S. Leo Chiang (江松長) and the diverse cast of characters he meets there. Kinmen - made of a set of islands - is governed by Taiwan but sits just 2 miles across from China. Here Chiang portrays an “uneasy peace on the frontline between Taiwan and China.” We talk about Kinmen, the making of the film, the path to the Oscars, and Chiang's personal journey from being a parachute kid to the U.S., and his evolving identity as a Chinese, Taiwanese, American, and everything in between.  Chiang is co-founder of the Asian American Documentary Network (A-Doc). In 2009, Chiang was nominated for an Emmy for the documentary “A Village Called Versailles.”“Island in Between” is produced by CNEX, and distributed by the New York Times Op-Docs. Producer, Jean Tsien. Watch: https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000009146242/island-in-between.htmlSupport us by donating on Patreon: http://patreon.com/taiwan Follow and tag us on social media:Ghost Island Media | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterEmily Y. Wu | Twitter @emilyywuA Ghost Island Media production: www.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Khomenko is the organizer of Taiwan Stands with Ukraine 台灣烏克蘭陣線. We talk about conducting citizen diplomacy at a time of war, Taiwan's humanitarian aid to Ukraine and public donations that amounted to the sending of power generators and ambulances, Taiwan and Ukraine relations, and the internal politics the Ukrainian government may be facing at home. Ukraine has no representatives based in Taiwan. When the war broke out on February 24, 2022, there were around 250 Ukrainians living in Taiwan. Many have had to do the difficult job of citizen diplomacy at a time of war. They have formed groups to rally support from the Taiwanese public, the Taiwanese government, and foreign offices based in Taiwan. They have held fundraiser events, cultural days, demonstrations near the Moscow office, exhibitions at the National Human Rights Museum, and the two-year anniversary march.They are the best example of citizen diplomacy, but at the worst of times. Ukrainian Food day in Taipei (More info)1-7pm on Sunday, March 10Location: Bar FEST 台北市汀州路三段149號 - (Google Map)For our previous interviews on Ukraine -Olek Shyn on Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - Watch VideoDmytro Burtsev on Five Star Nation (Mandarin) - ListenFollow and tag us on social media:Ghost Island Media | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterEmily Y. Wu | Twitter @emilyywuSupport us by donating on Patreon http://patreon.com/taiwan A Ghost Island Media production: www.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reinhard Bütikofer is a familiar name in Europe and Taiwan relations. He has been an MEP since 2009, where he is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, chairperson of the Delegation for Relations with China, and an alternate member of the Committee on International Trade. Reinhard also co-chairs IPAC, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. (This conversation was recorded prior to the 2024 January 13 election in Taiwan.)We discuss the history of Europe-Taiwan relations, how 2016 and 2019 paved the way for an increased level of engagement with Taiwan, and how Bütikofer stays hopeful (“pessimism of the intellect, and optimism of the will.”)Plus, a quote of hope from Hong Kong pro-democracy politician, Martin Lee.Bütikofer is the organizer of the annual Berlin Taiwan Conference. See archive video here: 2022 - “Opportunities and Challenges in Times of Geopolitical Change” (Dec 5, 6)Day 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDzUT7EpB0Day 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTrFoRWu8ow2023 - “Taiwan before the Presidential Elections” (Nov 13,14)Day 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG4s_6Q_zocDay 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTKynM7SURsSupport us by donating on Patreon http://patreon.com/taiwan Tag and follow us on social media:Ghost Island Media | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterEPISODE CREDITHost / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuEditing / Gerald WilliamsResearcher / Min Chao @wordsfromtaiwanA Ghost Island Media production / @ghostislandmewww.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This 5-episode limited series delves into policy debates within Taiwan that could have implications for the region and beyond. Each episode features Taiwanese local experts and voices weighing in on social, economic and defense issues as they discusses how Taiwanese society is responding to these challenges.From Ghost Island Media in Taipei and the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C, this is "Dispatch from Taiwan." Subscribe -Apple Podcasts: https://gimpod.me/usip-taiwan-appleSpotify: https://gimpod.me/usip-taiwan-spotifyAmazon: https://gimpod.me/usip-taiwan-amazonEpisode 1: Defense — Rising Awareness and PreparationTaiwan elects a new president on January 13, 2024. Peace across the Taiwan Strait is on people's minds, but where the candidates and their political parties differ is how to maintain it. All three presidential candidates have indicated they would continue Taiwan's current foreign policies, though they have different views of what shape relations with China and with the United States should take, as well as different priorities for Taiwan's defense preparedness. As China continues its military aggression in the region, many in Taiwan are thinking of how best to defend their home. In 2024, Taiwan will see a record-high national defense budget of 19.4 billion USD. Military conscription also was extended to one year. In his New Year's speech, Chinese leader Xi Jinping renewed the Chinese Communist Party's threats to take over Taiwan, which China considers its own but has never ruled. This episode includes expert views from Ying-Yu LIN from Tamkang University and CHIEH Chung from the National Policy Foundation, as well as the civilian voices of Robin HSU from the TaiwanADIZ club and Tsung-lin TSAI.Ghost Island Media: https://dispatchfromtaiwan.com/USIP: https://www.usip.org/dispatch-taiwanSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!Prior to moving to Taiwan, Louis Heng had spent time in Singapore, Germany, Malta, and Scotland. Louis' first time in Taiwan was with the Singaporian military. He then worked briefly as an airline pilot before entering a career in life insurance. In this episode, Louis and Emily talk about relocation with your family, managing and navigating multi-cultural teams, and Germany's famous Oktoberfest.This episode is a sponsored collaboration with the Taiwan Gold Card Office.Interested in moving to Taiwan? Find out more about this open work-permit and residency visa at https://goldcard.nat.gov.twEPISODE CREDITHost / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuProject Manager / Serena PaiEditing / Gerald WilliamsSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global attention on Taiwan intensifies, so does the significance of the work undertaken by domestic journalists. Today we speak with Taipei-based journalists as Taiwan gears up for its presidential and legislative election on January 13th, 2024. This is a collaboration with the NüVoices Podcast.  Many thanks to the team at NüVoices partnering with us for this collaborative episode.  Today's guests are: Silva Shih -  Head of data journalism at CommonWealth Magazine (天下雜誌) in Taiwan, where she's also a managing editor. Silva had previously spent five years at the Financial Times Chinese in Beijing where she oversaw data-driven stories, graphics and cross-strait relations coverage. Wen-Yee Lee - A tech reporter with Business Weekly Magazine (商業周刊) in Taiwan, covering Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain. She has been covering the semiconductor industry since 2018.  Afore Hsieh -  A local fixer for the Asia bureau of the French-language network of CBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Prior to being a news assistant, Hsieh was a digital project manager at United Daily News in Taiwan. Taiwan's upcoming election has become one of the most closely monitored events in decades, drawing the attention of foreign press members, international scholars, and think-tanks. This heightened interest is reflected not only in the increased number of books published about Taiwan, spanning countries such as Denmark, Germany, and the U.S., but also in the creation of numerous high-quality newsletters dedicated to Taiwan this year. Links to stories mentioned in the discussion: “The Direst Straits : Why the Chinese Military Has Increased Activity Near Taiwan” by Silva Shih (Commonwealth Magazine, 2021) “Uncovering the US-China Tech War: The Chip Rush in 21st Century America” by Wen-Yee Lee (Business Weekly, 2022) “Un musée pour combattre le tabou des menstruations à Taïwan” by Philippe Leblanc with Afore Hsieh (CBC/Radio-Canada, 2022)Support us by donating on patreon.com/taiwanTag and follow us on social media: Ghost Island Media | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterHost - Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuResearch - Khera GanongoEditing, Music - NüVoicesSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation” includes over 130 recipes and stories of the food in Taiwan, its history, and its people. It's been named a Best Cookbook of Fall 2023 by Bon Appetitit, Forbes, Food & Wine, New York Magazine, Eater, and Tasting Table. It was published by Simon & Schuster in September, 2023.Clarissa Wei has been a food journalist for a decade - writing about Asian cuisine in the L.A Times, about Nicaragua for VICE, on China for Goldthread of the SCMP. Her writings on the intersection of food and politics appear regularly in the New York Times, the Guardian, and The New Yorker. She's based in Taipei.Support the show by donating on patreon.com/taiwanTag and follow us on social media: Ghost Island Media | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterProduced by Ghost Island Media Producer, Host - Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuResearch / Khera GanongoProduction - www.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winner of 2023 Golden Melody Award in Best Arrangement, Jen-Ting Chien 簡任廷 and Jen-Yu Chien 簡任佑 are the two pieces of Twincussion 雙子二重奏. Jen-Ting and Jen-Yu trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. In 2018 they played in Carnegie Hall. In 2023 they were selected for Center Stage, a cultural-exchange program from the U.S. Department of State. The brothers are versatile in Western classical music, Taiwanese folk, and new works by contemporary composers. This episode is fun to listen to, but it's even more fun to watch!This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation on TaiwanPlus - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-twincussion-musicGet in touch with Ghost Island MediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu Associate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearcher - Min Chao Podcast Editor - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan Post-Production Supervisor - Kaley EmersonVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangCopyright by, and First Broadcasted on TaiwanPlusExecutive Producer - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo    Supervisor - Eric Yang    Production Coordinator - Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weining Hung 洪維寧 founded LUCfest, a music showcase festival, with KK Yeh 葉宛青 (White Wabbit Records) in 2017. Taiwanese bands first played there before they went international, bands like Outlet Drift, The Fur, Go Go Machine Orchestra, Lücy, and Trout Fresh. When Weining's not managing the festival, she's managing Asian talents like Phum Viphurit from Thailand. We talk about her love for music, the “it” factor for a superstar-to-be, and how the live music industry is changing post-COVID.Weining's advice for emerging musicians? “Get yourself a manager, a team. Then get yourself an agent, a publicist, some business managers. Organise your team. Then you have a possibility to grow.”This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation on TaiwanPlus - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-weining-hung-music-lucfestGet in touch with Ghost Island MediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu Associate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearcher - Min Chao Podcast Editor - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan Post-Production Supervisor - Kaley EmersonVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangCopyright by, and First Broadcasted on TaiwanPlusExecutive Producer - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo    Supervisor - Eric Yang    Production Coordinator - Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A “21 Women Who Defined 2021” (VOGUE magazine Australia), a “Change Maker” (Australian Women in Music Award), and a “25 Trailblazers Reshaping Australia” (Sydney Morning Herald, 2022), Jaguar Jonze is a rockstar. She is also an advocate for mental health, trauma awareness, and MeToo against sexual harassment. “If I can change one person's life and make it all worthwhile, that's what I'm holding on to,” she said about her decision to speak up against sexual assault.Tickets to Jaguar Jonze's show in Taiwan this week: Nov 1 in Taipei: https://www.indievox.com/activity/detail/23_iv026456f#notice-noteNov 4 in Tainan (LUCfest): https://www.lucfest.com/This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation on TaiwanPlus - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-jaguar-jonze-metooGet in touch with Ghost Island MediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu Associate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearcher - Min Chao Podcast Editor - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan Post-Production Supervisor - Kaley EmersonVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangCopyright by, and First Broadcasted on TaiwanPlusExecutive Producer - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo    Supervisor - Eric Yang    Production Coordinator - Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry Wu's 吳易叡 is a historian of medicine. His book “Mad by the Millions: Mental Disorders and the Early Years of the World Health Organization” was published in 2021 by MIT Press. “Scientific method is actually a cultural process. Studying science is actually studying a society.”From 2013 to 2021 Wu led the humanities programs at the medical schools of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. He's now Associate Professor at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan, Taiwan. His current research is on the transnational histories of mental health. This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders here - the cool, young, hip people who are making a dent in the universe. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-harry-wu-historyTag and follow us on social mediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu - https://twitter.com/emilyywuAssociate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearch - Min Chao https://twitter.com/wordsfromtaiwanPodcast Editing - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan - https://instagram.com/lashfanPost-Production Supervisor - Kaley Emerson - https://instagram.com/kaleyrexVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangExecutives at TaiwanPlus - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo, Eric Yang and Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivian Chen 陳依靖 was a delegate to APEC and a youth representative to UN forums. Now, she heads Girls in Tech in Taiwan, a non-profit that mentors girls and women in technology. She's since founded Hepta Protocol and Da0, a collective for civic engagement in digital innovation using Web3.If we are not a part of international organizations, “it's really possible that our rights will be left behind,” she says.This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders here - the cool, young, hip people who are making a dent in the universe. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-vivian-chen-blockchain-empowermentTag and follow us on social mediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu - https://twitter.com/emilyywuAssociate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearch - Min Chao https://twitter.com/wordsfromtaiwanPodcast Editing - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan - https://instagram.com/lashfanPost-Production Supervisor - Kaley Emerson - https://instagram.com/kaleyrexVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangExecutives at TaiwanPlus - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo, Eric Yang and Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuhi Martukaw 洪簡廷卉 was co-chair of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) from 2010 to 2015. Today, she's a policy advocate, journalist, community organiser, and founder of the Taiwan Indigenous Youth Working Group (LIMA). She's from the Pinuyumayan Nation, one of the 16 recognized indigenous nations in Taiwan.“We should be in the decision-making process, not just to have someone sitting at the table.”Tuhi Martukaw is also known as Jocelyn Ting-Hui Hung Chien.This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders here - the cool, young, hip people who are making a dent in the universe. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-tuh-martukaw-indigenousTag and follow us on social mediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu - https://twitter.com/emilyywuAssociate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearch - Min Chao https://twitter.com/wordsfromtaiwanPodcast Editing - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan - https://instagram.com/lashfanPost-Production Supervisor - Kaley Emerson - https://instagram.com/kaleyrexVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangExecutives at TaiwanPlus - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo, Eric Yang and Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachid Hami's autobiographical film “For My Country” (2023, Pour la France) tells the story of two brothers as they move from Algeria to France, and to Taiwan. When the younger brother passes away suddenly at a military academy, the older sibling spends the next years finding justice.In real life, Rachid Hami's brother Jallal passed away in 2012 at the age of 24 from a hazing incident one month into attending Saint-Cyr Military Academy. Prior to his death, the two brothers had spent their final days together in Taiwan. “For My Country” - shot in Taiwan, Monaco, and France - premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2022. It opens in the theatre in Taiwan on September 28. Support the show by donating on patreon.com/taiwanWe previously spoke to Rachid Hami in our 2022 series with the French Office in Taipei. Links to “Balades Culturelles Franco-Taïwanaises”:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pour-la-france-film-avec-rachid-hami-r%C3%A9alisateur-karim/id1613926039?i=1000562201481Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JKL9JRHpb4eiXJdoa9tPM?si=7f42789ed5804be6Tag and follow us on social media Ghost Island Media | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterProduced by Ghost Island Media Producer, Host - Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuResearch / Khera Ganongo - Min Chao @wordsfromtaiwanProduction - www.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivi Lin is a period equity activist. As a college student she founded the NGO, With Red, to solve period poverty, to raise awareness and boost education for women's health, to bring affordable menstrual products, and to eliminate stigma surrounding menstrual cycles.She's the 2021 recipient of the Diana Legacy Award of the UK - an award for youths aged 9-25 years in recognition of their social action or humanitarian work.“Whenever we talk to people or negotiate with people or lobby with a government, we always try to remove all these obstacles that we already can see right in front of them.” This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders here - the cool, young, hip people who are making a dent in the universe. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-vivi-lin-period-equityGet in touch with Ghost Island MediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu - https://twitter.com/emilyywuAssociate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearcher - Min Chao https://twitter.com/wordsfromtaiwanPodcast Editor - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan - https://instagram.com/lashfanPost-Production Supervisor - Kaley Emerson - https://instagram.com/kaleyrexVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangExecutives at TaiwanPlus - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo, Eric Yang and Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yani Tseng is one of the most talented athletes of our generation. She's the youngest golfer ever to win five major championships. That put her ahead of even Tiger Woods. She was Number 1 in Women's World Golf Rankings for 109 consecutive weeks. In 2012, she was Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World”. By the time she was 24, she was already a living legend. Today, Yani is 34 years old. She's fighting off injuries and making a comeback. “I look at who I was when I was 12 years-old. I want to bring out that kid who loved playing golf, no matter the result.” This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders here - the cool, young, hip people who are making a dent in the universe. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-yani-tseng-golf-sportsGet in touch with Ghost Island MediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu - https://twitter.com/emilyywuAssociate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearcher - Min Chao https://twitter.com/wordsfromtaiwanPodcast Editor - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan - https://instagram.com/lashfanPost-Production Supervisor - Kaley Emerson - https://instagram.com/kaleyrexVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangExecutives at TaiwanPlus - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo, Eric Yang and Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gena Pan is a co-founder of Double Pump, a media site and community for girls and women's basketball. She posts game schedules, highlights, and player profiles, covering high school, college, semi-professional, and our national teams. She's raising the visibility of women through sports."We want to spread the idea that girls can be a better version of herself through playing sports."  This is the podcast edition of Game Changers with Emily Y. Wu - where we speak with emerging leaders here - the cool, young, hip people who are making a dent in the universe. These are the fresh faces of Taiwan you must get to know. Watch the video edit of this conversation - https://gimpod.me/gamechangers-gena-pan-basketballGet in touch with Ghost Island MediaFacebook - https://fb.com/ghostislandmeInstagram - @ghostislandme  Twitter - @ghostislandmeProduced by Ghost Island MediaProducer, Host - Emily Y. Wu - https://twitter.com/emilyywuAssociate Producer, Co-Writer - Ting YehResearcher - Min Chao https://twitter.com/wordsfromtaiwanPodcast Editor - Dino LinProduction Assistance - Teresa Yen, Gerald WilliamsDirector for Video - Laticia Fan - https://instagram.com/lashfanPost-Production Supervisor - Kaley Emerson - https://instagram.com/kaleyrexVideo Editor - Emma Chou, Vivi WangExecutives at TaiwanPlus - Shirley Keng, Kelly Kuo, Eric Yang and Jenny LuoSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annie Ivanova grew up in Bulgaria before moving to Australia. She's an art curator, an advocate of cultural diplomacy, and the founder of the design firms Anibaba Co. and Studio Ivanova.This episode is a sponsored collaboration with the Taiwan Gold Card Office.Ivanova's worked with art institutions like ZKM, Centre Pompidou, Ars Electronica, The Barbican, Centre Pompidou, Aaros Museum, Australian Centre for the Moving Image and Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, and the National Palace Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Taiwan. In 2016 she received an ANZ Chamber of Commerce Business Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the Australia-Taiwan partnership'.Her 2016 book is called “Taiwan by Design: 88 Products for Better Living”.  Interested in moving to Taiwan? Find out more about this open work-permit and residency visa at https://goldcard.nat.gov.twGO4GOLD is the 10% discount code for the Go.Do.Be. LIVE! cards by Ivanova: https://www.godobelive.com/See a cut-down version of this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZI2lm0vJjUEPISODE CREDITHost / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuProject Manager / Serena PaiEditing / Gerald WilliamsSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy lunar new year from all of us at Ghost Island Media! At time of this new years greetings recording, we didn't know yet of the mass shooting in Monterey Park in California that took the lives of 10 people on new years eve, Saturday, January 21, 2023. Our deepest condolences to families affected by the horrific tragedy. Our hearts are with our Asian American community.We have new shows waiting to announce this spring. Meanwhile, our newest partner is AmCham, the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, do check out the podcast we're helping to produce. "Executive Sweet":Search "Executive Sweet" right here where you're listening, or use this link: https://topics.amcham.com.tw/listen/ Happy new year of the rabbit. Hop hop! Other shows we mentioned in the announcement: Waste Not Why Not: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/waste-not-why-not/The Taiwan Take: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/taiwan-take/Metalhead Politics: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/metalhead-politics/In French and Mandarin:Balades Culturelles Franco-Taïwanaises: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/france-taiwan/In Mandarin:Z Green Party: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/green-party/In the Weeds 大麻煩不煩: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/in-the-weeds/Dos Salidas: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/dos-salidas/Five Star Nation: https://ghostisland.media/en/shows/5-star-nation/Support the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last 20 years, a fully professional basketball league simply didn't exist in Taiwan. And as of 2022, there are now two professional leagues at play: The P. League+ (6 teams) and the T-1 League (6 teams).This is great for basketball fans. But the sustainability of the leagues is much more than fanfare. It's about the level of play, the audience, attraction, entertainment, coaching, talent, and funding. “There's no reason why Taiwan basketball can't be as good as Japan or Korea or China, but it comes down to a lot of people investing a lot of time and energy and also resources to help these players improve,” says James Mao, General Manager of the New Taipei Kings, our guest today.James Mao is a former player on Taiwan's national team. His roster at the New Taipei Kings includes Joseph Lin (brother of Jeremy Lin) and Quincy Davis, a L.A. native who's now a Taiwanese citizen. See their website for season schedule: https://www.newtaipeikings.com/Today's host is JR Wu, a former journalist with two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patreon.com/taiwanEPISODE CREDITHost / JR WuProducer / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuResearch & Editing / Gerald WilliamsA Ghost Island Media production / @ghostislandmewww.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As democratic support for Taiwan increases, so has Beijing's message to the world about its “One China principle” and the myth of a global consensus regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan. The truth is, every country - including Taiwan - has its own “One China policy”. And that policy (according to each country) is not the same as the principle (according to the PRC).It can be confusing. In a fight about international discourse on Taiwan, Beijing's diplomats and ambassadors are proactively trying to confuse the world. And this confusion is increasingly challenging for Taiwan's participation in global affairs and organizations. It's also challenging for different countries' own One China policy. Beijing insists that its “principle” should be adhered to by every country in the world. The end goal is for the world to confuse Beijing's' “principle” with an actual international law. The PRC would later use international law to say: exactly, this is our internal affairs and we can do whatever we want to do. No such international law exists. The UN resolution 2758 doesn't say that Taiwan is a part of China (despite what China says in its recent white paper.) The One China principle is PRC's principle only - not international law. And each country has (and should) clarify their own positions on Taiwan's sovereignty. China's “trying to say to the international society, to create a confusion that Taiwan belongs to China. So when China either sends out military aircrafts or flight jets around Taiwan, it's China's international affairs that other countries should not interfere with,” says Dr. Chen Yu-Jie. Dr. CHEN offers a solution. It's very important that all countries, including Taiwan, that don't agree with the One China principle to speak up, says Dr. Chen. “It's important that countries should voice out their different opinions, because international law depends on international practice. So if countries don't object to something that's being said, in the long run when it becomes a practice it might become a norm.” Our guest today is Yu-Jie CHEN, a key legal expert on international law and diplomacy in the context of China-Taiwan relations. CHEN has a JSD from the New York University School of Law. She is an assistant research professor at Taiwan's prestigious Academia Sinica. In addition to publishing and academic journals in the US, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the UK, CHEN also writes op-eds and takes part in public facing discussions.  Articles mentioned in this episode include:  “I'm Taiwanese and I Want to Thank Nancy Pelosi”, op-ed by Yu-Jie CHEN (New York Times, August 5, 2022): https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/opinion/taiwan-china-pelosi-democracy.html““One China” Contention in China–Taiwan Relations: Law, Politics and Identity”, scholarly paper by Yu-Jie CHEN (China Quarterly, September 27, 2022): https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/china-quarterly/article/abs/one-china-contention-in-chinataiwan-relations-law-politics-and-identity/3D4369ACBC0E9062F2FB9462D8961763#“China Is Using a UN Resolution to Further Its Claim Over Taiwan” by Madoka Fukuda (The Diplomat, August 26. 2022): https://thediplomat.com/2022/08/china-is-using-a-un-resolution-to-further-its-claim-over-taiwan/China white paper on Taiwan: https://english.news.cn/20220810/df9d3b8702154b34bbf1d451b99bf64a/c.htmlToday's host is JR Wu, a former journalist with two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patreon.com/taiwanEPISODE CREDITProducer, Host / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywuResearch / Min Chao @wordsfromtaiwanProduction Assistant / Gerald WilliamsA Ghost Island Media production / @ghostislandmewww.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Chen was born in Taiwan in 1978 and moved to the U.S. at age eight. After working at PayPal, he co-founded YouTube in 2005 and sold it to Google next year. Steve moved back to Taiwan in 2019 and lives here now with his wife and two sons.  Today's conversation was a part of the 2022 Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund (TASF) ceremony, a scholarship fund for Taiwanese American students from low-income families. If you are a student in need, please apply: https://tascholarshipfund.org/ Steve Chen was this year's recipient of the Visionary Leadership Award - a recognition of a Taiwanese American with extraordinary achievements. Previous recipients included Patrick Lee, co-founder of Rotten Tomatoes, Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, California Congressman Ted W. Lieu, and philanthropist Joseph Fan. We caught up with Steve Chen over video. We talked about fitting in, quitting school, and setting up YouTube as dating service. We asked him about leadership and teamwork, and what it means to him now to be reconnecting with Taiwan.  Support "The Taiwan Take" by donating on patreon.com/Taiwan EPISODE CREDIT Producer, Host / Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu Production Assistant / Gerald WilliamsIntern / Sophia Zuo A Ghost Island Media production / @ghostislandmewww.ghostisland.mediaSupport the show: https://patreon.com/TaiwanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice and Catherine are two anthropologists whose “jobs” is to write about other people-types… but they can't stop obsessing over their own sociocultural categories - working-class or elite, Chinese American or Taiwanese American - and whether or not you can hear it in the way(s) they talk. Alice was an intern on The Taiwan Take and Metalhead Politics. This episode was originally aired as a part of “In Training 小鬼登島” - our program for and by emerging creators / interns: https://ghostisland.media/#intern.  Writing by: Alice Yeh Production Coordinator: Trevor Liu Supervising Producers: Ghost Island Media Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at Ghost Island Media!! Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/taiwan Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ghostislandme A Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media Support the show: https://patreon.com/Taiwan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PTT is one of the most open social media platforms in the Chinese language. Though it's not more populous than Facebook, it's arguably more impactful than Facebook here in Taiwan. It's a reflection of Taiwan's spirited democracy, and it's used heavily as a source for local journalists. We speak with two INDSR researchers on a year-long project, “A Pilot Study on PTT in the Context of Influence Operations” (批踢踢影響力作戰前導研究）which attempts to identify CCP state actors on the platfor. The researchers are Oddis J.F. Tsai (Policy Analyst at the Division of Defense Strategy and Resources) and Dr. Jui-Ming Hung (Assistant Research Fellow at the Division of Defense Strategy and Resources). The paper lays out mechanics and - through quantitative analysis - identifies types of suspect behavior on the world's largest non-commercial, forum-based, open-source online bulletin board system in the Chinese language. This interview was recorded in January 2021 after the paper was published by INDSR. The paper is available here: https://indsr.org.tw/en/News_detail/2181/A-Year-of-Influence-en Today's host is J.R. Wu - a non-resident advisor at INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones. Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/taiwan Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ghostislandme EPISODE CREDIT | Producer & Editing, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Host, JR Wu | Research, Alice Yeh A Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media Support the show: https://patreon.com/Taiwan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Democracy is a failure” - that's the narrative the Chinese Communist Party has been trying to plant over the past year and hopes to take root in international discourse and in the minds of its 1.4 billion citizens. This disinformation has heavy implications for democracy in Taiwan, and it's never been as serious as it is now. CCP disinformation methods are detailed in a report issued late last year titled “Deafening Whispers” by Doublethink Lab, a Taiwanese organization whose mission is to strengthen democracy through digital defense. The report has just been made available in English. This interview was recorded in January 2021 when the Chinese-version of the report was first published. Online disinformation and influence operations affect offline real-world defense and security. Fake news is a global issue and this is The Taiwan Take. Today's guest is Dr. Puma Shen (沈伯洋), chairman of Doublethink Lab (台灣民主實驗室) and an assistant professor at National Taipei University. Today's episode is hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones. Support us by donating on patron.com/Taiwan Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme EPISODE CREDIT | Producer, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Host, JR Wu | Editing & Research, Alice Yeh A Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media Support the show: https://patreon.com/Taiwan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan's next referendum will soon vote on activating the nation's fourth nuclear plant, as well as constructing a natural gas plant on an algal reef that's critical for Taiwan's biodiversity. These decisions come as governments around the world are scrambling to meet the demands of the Paris Agreement, and as environmental activists fight for a more sustainable planet.  Green Parties propose an alternative voice in politics to tackle our environmental ruin. All over the world, there are 91 Green Parties that believe in committing our governments to environmental stewardship, through electing green movement leaders into office. In Asia, Taiwan is home to the region's oldest Green Party, which won a National Assembly seat in 1996 - their very first election campaign.  Our guest today is Professor Dafydd Fell, a political scientist at SOAS University of London, and Director of the Centre of Taiwan Studies. Dafydd Fell is author of the new book: “Taiwan's Green Parties: Alternative Politics in Taiwan”, published in March 2021 by Routledge. Today's episode is hosted by Nate Maynard - Senior Consultant at Reset Carbon, and host of Waste Not Why Not. You can check out his show for more insights on the world's ocean, energy, and waste issues.  Support us by donating on patron.com/Taiwan Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme EPISODE CREDIT | Executive Producer, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Producer, Yu-Chen Lai @aguavaemoji | Host, Nate Maynard @N8MAY | Assistance from Elise Chan.  A Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media Support the show: https://patreon.com/Taiwan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of cannabis in Taiwan with the country’s only lawyer who only takes on cannabis-related cases. In 2020, she ran for a seat in the parliament on the platform of legalizing medical marijuana. She’s currently deputy secretary general of the Green Party in Taiwan. In March 2021, Ms. LEE won “Best Show Host” at the inaugural KKBOX Podcasts Awards for her podcast on cannabis, “In The Weeds with Lawyer Zoe Lee #大麻煩不煩,” produced by Ghost Island Media.  Marijuana remains a taboo in Taiwan. It’s a Class-2 narcotics. That’s the same class as meth. Possession over 20 grams can get you 5 years to life time in jail.  There is a movement for legalization here in Taiwan, and Ms. Zoe is a key person leading this movement. The global legal marijuana market, by one estimate, is predicted to be at 65 Billion USD by 2027. Cannabis is a global trend, and this is The Taiwan Take. Today’s episode is hosted by Emily Y. Wu, co-founder of Ghost Island Media and producer of The Taiwan Take. Support us by donating on patron.com/Taiwan Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme EPISODE CREDIT | Producer/Host, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Researcher, Alice Yeh | Assistance from Elise Chan.  A Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media Support the show: https://patreon.com/Taiwan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(This interview was recorded in November 2020.) In 2019, according to the Pentagon, China launched more ballistic missiles for testing and training than the rest of the world combined. It did it through its newly minted rocket force, the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force - acronym P-L-A-R-F. PLARF is a critical component of China's nuclear deterrence strategy to deter and counter third-party intervention in regional conflicts. China's current defense minister, General Wei Fenghe, knows missiles. He was previously the commander of the predecessor of PLARF before PLARF was reorganized and given its new name. Mark Stokes is our guest today. He is executive director of the Project 2049 Institute, a think tank based in Washington, DC. Mr. Stokes is a 20-year United States Air Force veteran who served in intelligence planning and policy roles. Today’s episode is hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones. Support us by donating on patron.com/Taiwan Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme EPISODE CREDIT | Producer, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Host, JR Wu | Researchers, Alice Yeh | Editing, Alice Yeh, Emily Y. Wu | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media Support the show: https://patreon.com/Taiwan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Minister and self-taught coding whiz Audrey Tang shares her unconventional life story – from gender identity to hacktivism, why she chose the name “Audrey 唐鳳,” and what conservative anarchism means to her. Having come of age together with Taiwanese democracy and the Internet, Tang relates how she took her education online after dropping out of junior high. Since then, Tang has striven to make knowledge as accessible, transparent, and collaborative as possible. She explains how open data initiatives (e.g. vTaiwan, g0v) can help citizens build consensus, participate in the legislative process, and ultimately, govern themselves.Today’s episode is hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support us by donating on patron.com/TaiwanFollow us on Twitter @ghostislandmeEPISODE CREDIT | Producer, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Host, JR Wu | Researchers, Sam Robbins @helloitisSam, Alice Yeh, Yu-Chen Lai @aGuavaEmojiA Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

The first Taiwanese to receive a Michelin star, Chef Andre (江振誠) closed his 2-star restaurant in Singapore in 2018 to come home. He is the subject of the documentary “Andre and His Olive Tree” on his art, life, and what he calls “original intention”. Chef Andre left Taiwan to learn culinary arts at age 13. A citizen of the world, he was inspired while in Japan, trained in France, and made a name for himself in Singapore. Today, he talks to us about finding perfection and letting go; how he stays connected to home during his 30 years abroad; and his creative philosophy. The documentary is now available worldwide on Netflix.Today’s episode is hosted by Emily Y. Wu - producer of The Taiwan Take. Video of this interview was broadcasted on Dec 12 at Taiwan Fest. Special thanks to Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL) for organizing the interview in collaboration with TAP (Taiwanese American Professionals) chapters Atlanta, Austin, LA, New York, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC. Support us by donating on patreon.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Host/Producer | Claudia Sheng @flaskprodx, Production Assistant | Video by Gazing Element | Special thanks to Blossom Cafe Taipei | Music license MB01LPN9MJK6YHW | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Nearly 40% of the 700,000 migrant workers in Taiwan are from Indonesia. We speak to Nick Calpakdjian, producer of the feature-length documentary “Help Is On The Way” (2020) from Indonesia that explores the nuances of being domestic caregivers workers in Taiwan. Stories of these migrant workers begin at a nanny school in West Java.“Help Is On The Way” won Best Feature Documentary at the 39th Indonesian Film Festival (FFI). It premiered in Taiwan in May on Public Television Station. International labor migration is a global issue, and this is The Taiwan Take. Guest-host today is Katherine Wei, a Taiwan-based journalist with The Strait Times. She is on Twitter @Katherinewei508.Support us by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | Host, Katherine Wei | Producer, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | Editing, Eli Morimoto, Emily Y. Wu | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

We talk to PhD candidate Lev Nachman about the world of Taiwan Studies in academia. He discusses his entry into the field and provides practical advice for students around the world who are interested in studying Taiwan.Lev Nachman is a PhD candidate in the political science department at UC-Irvine studying social movements and political parties in Taiwan and Hong Kong. He is also a Fulbright scholar and is currently based in Taiwan. He tweets (a lot!) at https://twitter.com/lnachman32Today’s episode is hosted by Sam Robbins - a masters student at the department of sociology at National Taiwan University where he researches international data activism. He is also editor at Taiwan Insight, the online magazine from the University of Nottingham. This was Sam’s final episode as a researcher on the Taiwan Take.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | Host/Producer - Sam Robbins | Editor - Claudia Shen, Sam Robbins, Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Gwhyneth Chen (陳毓襄) is a world-renowned classical pianist who's set to open the 2020/21 season for the NTSO (National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra) on August 29 and 30. Born in Taiwan and trained in the U.S., Ms. Chen is a Pride of Taiwan 台灣之光. Ms. Chen recounts performing for the late President Lee Teng-Hui and chats about the value of music, the importance of practice and staying humble, and what she calls “piano kungfu”. Ms. Chen's album - a recording of a 75-minute mission-impossible of “Etudes d’execution transcendante” by Franz Liszt - has just been nominated for a Golden Melody for Traditional Arts and Music. We feature three numbers from this album: No. 10, No. 1, and No. 8. More on Ms. Chen on her website: http://www.gwhynethchen.netToday’s episode is hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

May 24th marked one-year since Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. We talk to life-long LGBT activist, Jennifer Lu, about the development of the LGBT rights movement over the last 30 years in Taiwan. Jennifer is the chief coordinator of Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, and has been championing LGBT rights both in Taiwan and internationally for over 15 years.This interview was recorded in the beginning of January, 2020. Today’s episode is hosted by William Yang, a correspondent for Deutsche Welle based in Taipei, and a regular contributor to The Guardian, Quartz, and The Independent. Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | William Yang @williamyang120, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer | Yu-Chen Lai @aGuavaEmoji | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Assistance | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is seriously reshaping security considerations for governments around the world. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Che-chuan Lee (李哲全) and Dr. Yi-suo Tzeng (曾怡碩) about Taiwan’s national security in an uncertain time when the global world order continues to shift. Dr. Lee is chief of the Division of National Security and Decision-Making at INDSR. Dr. Tzeng is chief of the Division of Cyber Warfare and Information Security at INDSR. Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

On April 12, Taiwan's CPBL (confusingly named, the “Chinese Professional Baseball League” 中華職棒大聯盟) became the first pro baseball league in the world to start its 2020 season. In this episode, we catch up with journalists Jacky Lee and Adam Wang on the innings and outs of the CPBL and on the history of Taiwan baseball. Jacky is a contributor to Fox Sports Taiwan and Eleven Sports. Adam, for the past three years, worked in the U.S. writing about Taiwanese players in the American Major League Baseball. Together, they host “Hito大聯盟”, a Mandarin-language podcast dedicated to the MLB. Here’s how to watch Taiwan baseball in English | Eleven Sports Taiwan | CPBLstats.com - (an excellent fan site). This interview was recorded on April 15, 2020.Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

On March 19, 2017, Taiwanese pro-democracy activist Lee Ming-Che (李明哲) disappeared in China. Ten days later, China admitted to having taken him. Mr. Lee is now serving a five-year sentence for the “subversion of state” in Hunan, China. Evidence against him included social media activities on QQ, WeChat, and Facebook, both when he was physically inside and outside Chinese borders. Today’s guest is E-ling Chiu（邱伊翎）Executive Director of Amnesty International in Taiwan, and former Secretary General of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights. Ms. Chiu has been working closely with Lee’s wife, lobbying for international support and leading the coalition of civic society called “the Lee Ming-Che Rescue Team." Hosted by William Yang, a correspondent for Deutsche Welle based in Taipei. Yang is a regular contributor to The Guardian, Quartz, and The Independent. Here is video from Mr. Lee's trial on Sept 11, 2017. Letters to Lee Ming-Che can be posted to: 赤山監獄 ｜ 413104 中華人民共和國湖南省益陽市沅江市南嘴鎮赤山監獄 | 收件人：獄政管理科 轉 李明哲 先生 | To get in touch and support NGO’s helping the case: Amnesty International, Taiwan | Covenants Watch | Taiwan Association for Human Rights | The Letter-Writing Campaign (Mandarin) Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

It’s two more months until the second inauguration of Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen. This episode, we chat with journalist Chris Horton to recap the general election on January 11 and the race for national legislators. (This interview was recorded in late January, 2020.) Chris Horton is a freelance journalist based in Taipei. He is a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Nikkei Asian Review, and The Atlantic.Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Although many countries have begun to reconsider how to balance what they get in return for trading with China, this question has always been existential in Taiwan. Trade policies have oscillated inconsistently between opening up and restricting access to the Chinese economy. The challenges of doing trade with China is a global issue. And this is The Taiwan take. Our guest is political scientist, Syaru Shirley Lin (林夏如), author of the book “Taiwan’s China Dilemma” (2016) and the forthcoming sequel “High Income Trap in East Asia.”Today, Lin maps out the economic ties between Taiwan and China and what drives policymaking in that area. Lin retired as a partner at Goldman Sachs before becoming an academic. She now teaches world politics at the University of Virginia and global political economy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.*This interview was recorded before the Jan. 11 general election.Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Kent Feng (馮世寬) is a top-gun and twice-appointed Taiwan cabinet minister. He was the Minister of National Defense from 2016-2018 and is currently the Minister of the Veterans Affairs Council. In this holiday special, Feng shares stories of his life and his times. It offers rare insights, in English, from this retired three-star general of the ROC Air Force. Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandmeEPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam and Yu-Chen Lai @aGuavaEmoji, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

When it comes to US and China trade disputes, perhaps no country is feeling the effects quite as acutely as Taiwan. Amidst the uncertainty, how can players trapped in the middle make the most out of the situation they now find themselves in? These are global issues. And this is The Taiwan Take. Our guest is Rupert Hammond-Chambers - president of the US-Taiwan Business Council. We discuss the on-going trade war and its effect on Taiwan. We walk talk high tech, which makes up a large part of the Taiwanese economy, and the difficult decisions this sector is making to adapt to the new business landscape. Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Sylvia Feng (馮賢賢) is the producer of a new political TV drama, “Island Nation 國際橋牌社" - which looks at Taiwan from 1990-94 during its transition to democracy. Sylvia and J.R. discuss the media industry in Taiwan and the challenges media and creative professionals face today. Feng has had over three decades of experience in broadcast journalism, including a long career in Taiwan’s public television network, of which she helped to build and later came a president. The challenge of balancing politics, profit, and creative freedom in an ever-changing, increasingly competitive market is a global issue, and this is The Taiwan Take. Trailers and Facebook to “Island Nation". Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandmeEPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Today, we look at Chinese influence and infiltration. Our guest is Dr. Jeremy Hung - a researcher at INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research). We discuss the role of proxy agents (ie. intermediaries) and how they may be helping China to influence media, impact politics, and strengthen its control over Taiwan.Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones.Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

Welcome to the first episode. Today, we discuss the changing landscape of Asia-Pacific security, its implications on Taiwan, and the role that partners like the U.S. plays. Today's guest is Dr. Kharis Templeman - a political scientist and an advisor on the Taiwan Democracy and Security Project at Stanford University. Hosted by J.R. Wu - Chief of the Secretariat for INDSR (Institute for National Defense and Security Research) in Taiwan. Wu is a former journalist with nearly two decades of media experience in the US and Asia. She has led news bureaus for Reuters and Dow Jones. At INDSR, Wu advises the institute’s leadership, handles international outreach with external stakeholders, and supports project management. Support the show by donating on patron.com/Taiwan | Follow us on Twitter @ghostislandme.EPISODE CREDIT | J.R. Wu, Host | Emily Y. Wu @emilyywu, Producer, Editor | Sam Robbins @helloitissam, Research | Thomas Lee, Brand Design | Music license MB01ZAK7RWFCG4W | a Ghost Island Media production | www.ghostisland.media

We’ve got a new show! The Taiwan Take. It’s a current affairs show where we cover topics critical to Taiwan and the implications for Asia and beyond.In this first season, we will talk national security, China infiltration, video gaming, LGBTQI issues, and more. Every episode we’ll invite a veteran journalist for a conversation with an expert, to get the big picture context of what we need to know. These are global issues, and this is, The Taiwan Take. Twitter: @ghostislandme Support us on Patreon, "The Taiwan Take"