Talking Taiwan

Felicia Lin
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Talking Taiwan is a Golden Crane Podcast Award Winner, and has been shortlisted in the 2024 International Women's Podcast Awards "Moment of Visionary Leadership" category. In 2025, it was nominated for the 12th Annual T.O. Webfest Awards in the category of "Best Ensemble Cast in a Podcast". Hosted by Felicia Lin, Talking Taiwan is the longest running, independently produced Taiwan-related podcast that covers political news related to Taiwan and stories connected to Taiwan and Taiwan's global community. To learn more about Talking Taiwan visit: www.talkingtaiwan.com

  1. 4d ago

    Ep 355 | Akito Yaita Outspoken Taiwan Advocate: In Taiwan I Can Make a Bigger Contribution

    While we were at last year's Taiwanese American Conference West Coast in July of 2025 which was hosted in San Francisco Silicon Valley, we sat down with Akio Yaita (矢板明夫), the keynote speaker of the conference. As a senior journalist at Sankei Shimbun Akio has covered Beijing and Taipei. He's been a strong advocate for Taiwan. In 2024 Akio obtained citizenship in Taiwan and founded the Indo-Pacific Strategy Thinktank. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/akio-yaita-%e7%9f%a2%e6%9d%bf%e6%98%8e%e5%a4%ab-outspoken-taiwan-advocate-in-taiwan-i-can-make-a-bigger-contribution-ep-355/ As we were working on translating and editing our interview with Akio we were disturbed to learn that on July 6th Akio was assaulted after a speaking engagement in Taichung. While Akio was in the lobby of a hotel, a Chinese man approached him and punched him in the face. The man, surnamed Liao (廖) was later arrested at the Taichung International Airport. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council described the attack as the "first case of transnational repression" in Taiwan since China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law took effect on July 1. After the attack Akio has said that he will not be intimidated.   What timing it's turned out to be for us to be sharing our interview with Akio Yaita now. You'll get know about his backstory and how you can follow him and his work.   This episode is sponsored in part by the Pacific Times.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/akio-yaita-%e7%9f%a2%e6%9d%bf%e6%98%8e%e5%a4%ab-outspoken-taiwan-advocate-in-taiwan-i-can-make-a-bigger-contribution-ep-355/

    Ep 355 | Akito Yaita Outspoken Taiwan Advocate: In Taiwan I Can Make a Bigger Contribution

  2. Jul 23

    Ep 354 | Celebrating TAAC's 10th Anniversary: Island Reverence on Governors Island House 17

    The Taiwanese American Arts Council is celebrating its 10th anniversary and third year as an organization in residence on Governors Island. Island Reverence is the theme of this year's residency. I recently sat down to interview three of the artists in residence at TAAC's house 17 on Governors Island: Chia-Che Tsou, Dena Paige-Fischer, and Leon Chuang. Chia-Che has a fascinating story about how he ended up becoming an artist. Dena and Leon both coincidentally grew up with parents who are artists. Dena and Leon's artwork are currently on view at TAAC house 17 on Governors Island until August 2. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/celebrating-taacs-10th-anniversary-island-reverence-on-governors-island-house-17-ep-354/ We will be releasing a YouTube video of my interview with Chia-Che, Dena, and Leon for listeners who'd like to see some of the visuals referred to in this episode. You can find it soon on Talking Taiwan's YouTube channel.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/celebrating-taacs-10th-anniversary-island-reverence-on-governors-island-house-17-ep-354/

    Ep 354 | Celebrating TAAC's 10th Anniversary: Island Reverence on Governors Island House 17

  3. Jul 17

    Ep 353 | Birdy Explores Universal Themes of Freedom, Limitation and Identity Relevant to Taiwan

    We were at the dress rehearsal of BIRDY, one Hung Dance's most critically acclaimed productions, which will be premiering in New York at NYU Skirball on July 17 & 18th. BIRDY explores the relationship between freedom, limitation, and identity through a distinctive movement language inspired by Tai Chi, traditional Peking opera and contemporary dance. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/birdy-explores-universal-themes-of-freedom-limitation-and-identity-relevant-to-taiwan-ep-353/ We sat down to speak with Lai Hung-Chung, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Hung Dance about his artistic vision for BIRDY and Wei-Ping Chen the dance company's Operations Director. Lai told us that the themes of freedom, limitation, and identity not only reflect his personal struggles but also relate to Taiwan's situation.   Hung Dance is an award-winning Taiwanese contemporary dance company founded in 2017. The troupe's name comes from the Chinese character 翃 (Hóng), meaning to fly.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/birdy-explores-universal-themes-of-freedom-limitation-and-identity-relevant-to-taiwan-ep-353/

    Ep 353 | Birdy Explores Universal Themes of Freedom, Limitation and Identity Relevant to Taiwan

  4. Jul 14

    Ep 352 | Claire Wang (王婉諭) Chairwoman of the New Power Party Talks About Relaunching the Party

    We sat down to speak with Claire Wang (王婉諭), chairwoman of the New Power Party, one of Taiwan political parties, that emerged from the Sunflower Movement. While she never imagined herself going into politics, personal circumstances changed that. She's a powerful example of transforming personal tragedy into action. Wang is a passionate advocate for progressive values and local democracy, from judicial reform and child protection to housing justice. Now she's leading a new chapter for the New Power Party. Last July we brought Talking Taiwan to TAC-WC, the Taiwanese American Conference West Coast hosted in San Francisco/Silicon Valley. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/claire-wang-%e7%8e%8b%e5%a9%89%e8%ab%ad-chairwoman-of-the-new-power-party-talks-about-relaunching-the-party-ep-352/ It was just weeks before the historic July 26th vote to recall 24 Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang lawmakers. At the time it was the largest recall effort attempted by the citizens of a democracy. As a result of what was called the Great Recall Movement, a total of 31 KMT legislators were put up for a recall vote. Another 7 KMT legislators in addition to the first 24 would be up for a recall vote on August 23. Last July Talking Taiwan traveled back to witness the first recall vote on July 26th. To learn more about the Great Recall movement we encourage you to listen to our past episodes 316 with recall campaigners Carol, Acho and Eric, and 317 with Courtney Donovan Smith. This episode is sponsored in part by the Pacific Times (太平洋時報).   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/claire-wang-%e7%8e%8b%e5%a9%89%e8%ab%ad-chairwoman-of-the-new-power-party-talks-about-relaunching-the-party-ep-352/

    Ep 352 | Claire Wang (王婉諭) Chairwoman of the New Power Party Talks About Relaunching the Party

  5. Jul 7

    Ep 351 | Dr Hsing-Huan Wang Chairman of the Taiwan State Building Party an Unwavering Voice for Taiwan's independence

    Dr. Hsing-Huan Wang is Chairman of the Taiwan Statebuilding party. Last July we sat down to speak with him at TAC-WC, the Taiwanese American Conference West Coast hosted in San Francisco/Silicon Valley.  We talked about how he went from studying Buddhist philosophy and aspirations to pursue academic research as a professor, to accidentally becoming a politician. The Taiwan Statebuilding has a clear vision for an independent Taiwan and a Taiwanese Republic. The party also takes a hard line on China as an enemy state. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/dr-hsing-huan-wang-chairman-of-the-taiwan-statebuilding-party-an-unwavering-voice-for-taiwans-independence-ep-351/ This interview was recorded just weeks before the historic July 26th vote in 2025 to recall 24 Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang lawmakers. At the time it was the largest recall effort attempted by the citizens of a democracy. As a result of what was called the Great Recall Movement, a total of 31 KMT legislators were put up for a recall vote. Another 7 KMT legislators in addition to the first 24 would be up for a recall vote on August 23. Last July Talking Taiwan traveled back to witness the first recall vote on July 26th. To learn more about the Great Recall movement we encourage you to listen to our past episodes 316 with recall campaigners Carol, Acho and Eric, and 317 with Courtney Donovan Smith. This episode is sponsored in part by the Pacific Times (太平洋時報).   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/dr-hsing-huan-wang-chairman-of-the-taiwan-statebuilding-party-an-unwavering-voice-for-taiwans-independence-ep-351/

    Ep 351 | Dr Hsing-Huan Wang Chairman of the Taiwan State Building Party an Unwavering Voice for Taiwan's independence

  6. Jul 1

    Ep 350 | Cony Hsieh Kaohsiung Pride President Focuses on LGBTQ+ Issues and Reforming Taiwan's Military

    Happy Pride month! Cony Hsieh is President of the Kaohsiung Pride Parade Association. We recently spoke with Cony about her experience as a lesbian woman serving in Taiwan's military, and how she hopes her research on gender issues in the military can help push for reform in Taiwan's military. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/cony-hsieh-kaohsiung-pride-president-focuses-on-lgbtq-issues-and-reforming-taiwans-military-ep-350/ She's also a podcaster and her podcast 微叛逆ê副駕 (which has been translated as "The Slightly Rebellious Co-pilot") is about LGBTQ+ life experiences and gender issues in the military. She once created 28 days of podcast episodes covering a range of LGBTQ+ experiences for Pride Month!   Cony has a master's degree from the Graduate Institute of Gender Education at National Kaohsiung Normal University.   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/cony-hsieh-kaohsiung-pride-president-focuses-on-lgbtq-issues-and-reforming-taiwans-military-ep-350/

    Ep 350 | Cony Hsieh Kaohsiung Pride President Focuses on LGBTQ+ Issues and Reforming Taiwan's Military

  7. Jun 29

    Ep 349 | Nymphia Wind Brings Taiwan's Betel Nut Beauty Culture to the New York Pride March

    This year's Taiwan Pride Float at the New York City Pride March was inspired by Taiwan's Betel Nut Beauty culture. The concept and design was conceived by Nymphia Wind, who was already an established drag queen in Taiwan when she won RuPaul's Drag Race season 16 in 2024. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/nymphia-wind-brings-taiwans-betel-nut-beauty-culture-to-the-new-york-pride-march-ep-349/ Nymphia dedicated her win to Taiwan and that same year Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Nymphia and invited her to perform at the presidential office. In 2024 Nymphia also appeared on the Taiwan Pride Float at the New York City Pride March. In 2025 Nymphia performed at the Paris Cultural Olympiad. Right before the New York City Pride March on Sunday, June 28th, we were invited to an event where Nymphia shared her creative vision behind this year's Taiwan Pride float. We also had a chance to meet the other betel nut beauties Yolanda Mesula and Tina Banana, who would be joining Nymphia on the float. After Nymphia's initial comments, I did have a chance to ask her a question and to get some other soundbites. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/nymphia-wind-brings-taiwans-betel-nut-beauty-culture-to-the-new-york-pride-march-ep-349/

    Ep 349 | Nymphia Wind Brings Taiwan's Betel Nut Beauty Culture to the New York Pride March

  8. Jun 23

    Ep 348 | Jotham Hung Ceramic Artist and Educator on Finding Meaning and Fulfillment in Living a Creative Life TUF Part 3

    Jotham Hung is a ceramic artist and educator based in Southern California reflecting on his early experiences with art. Late last year I sat down to speak with Jotham about his evolution and journey to becoming a full-time educator artist and he shared the dark moment that led to his creative process which has resulted in pieces that reflect the themes of deconstruction & reconstruction, damage & repair.   If you think you're not creative, don't write yourself off. Jotham believes everyone is an artist and has the potential to be creative.     This episode is sponsored by the Taiwanese United Fund (TUF). TUF is an arts and culture foundation that celebrates the cultural heritages of Taiwanese Americans. Established in 1986, the foundation's mission is to facilitate cultural exchange between the Taiwanese American community and other American cultural communities, hoping to enrich and expand our cultural experiences.   Related Links:

    Ep 348 | Jotham Hung Ceramic Artist and Educator on Finding Meaning and Fulfillment in Living a Creative Life TUF Part 3
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Talking Taiwan is a Golden Crane Podcast Award Winner, and has been shortlisted in the 2024 International Women's Podcast Awards "Moment of Visionary Leadership" category. In 2025, it was nominated for the 12th Annual T.O. Webfest Awards in the category of "Best Ensemble Cast in a Podcast". Hosted by Felicia Lin, Talking Taiwan is the longest running, independently produced Taiwan-related podcast that covers political news related to Taiwan and stories connected to Taiwan and Taiwan's global community. To learn more about Talking Taiwan visit: www.talkingtaiwan.com

Information

  • Creator
    Felicia Lin
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    327
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2013-2025
  • Show Website
    Talking Taiwan

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