The Interlocutor Podcast

Tyrel Cameron Eskelson
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The Interlocutor Podcast is a series of long-form conversations about people shaped by place. Through discussions of upbringing, travel, identity, memory, history, and cultural change, guests reflect on the experiences that formed them and altered the way they see the world. Conversations feature writers, historians, travelers, journalists, and cultural voices from around the world, with a particular interest in Taiwan and East Asia. Past guests include Kevin Kelly, Emily Wu, Shelly Rigger, and Eryk Michael Smith. Hosted by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, author of Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox

  1. 6d ago

    Understanding Taiwan: Supply Chains, Regional Security, and Global Power

    In this episode, Taiwanese journalist and host of Taiwanology, Kwangyin Liu, breaks down Taiwan's strategic position in the global economy, regional security challenges, and internal dynamics.Beyond headline narratives, Kwangyin explores the realities of China’s gray zone tactics in the Taiwan Strait, the trade-offs of the clean energy transition, labor rights, and Taiwan’s historical ties with Japan.Hashtags#Taiwan #Geopolitics #Taiwanology #SupplyChain #GlobalPolitics #InternationalRelations #China #Tech #SemiconductorsKeywordsTaiwan geopolitics, Kwangyin Liu, Taiwanology, Taiwan supply chain, Taiwan Strait gray zone tactics, Taiwan tech manufacturing, clean energy trade-offs, Taiwan Japan relations, Taiwan labor rights, regional security Asia, global power dynamics

    Understanding Taiwan: Supply Chains, Regional Security, and Global Power

  2. Sep 9

    Translating Power: Director Iris Shaw on Journalism, D.C. Mechanics, and Preserving Peace

    What does it actually take to build lasting trust on Capitol Hill? In this in-depth interview, we sit down with Iris Shaw, Director of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) U.S. Mission in Washington, D.C.With over two decades of experience spanning journalism, TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office), and party diplomacy, Iris offers an insider’s look into how Taiwan navigates Washington mechanics, counters global misinformation, and bridges generational perspectives in foreign affairs.Hashtags#Taiwan #USTaiwan #Geopolitics #Diplomacy #IrisShaw #DPP #WashingtonDC #ForeignPolicy #TaiwanStraits #DemocracyTarget KeywordsIris Shaw, DPP US Mission, Taiwan diplomacy, US Taiwan relations, TECRO, Washington DC lobbying, Taiwan geopolitical strategy, Tsai Ing-wen inaugural address translation, Taiwan youth diplomacy, party diplomacy vs official diplomacy, Taiwan civil society, Taiwan semiconductor politics.

    Translating Power: Director Iris Shaw on Journalism, D.C. Mechanics, and Preserving Peace

  3. Sep 7

    The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity - Timothy C Winegard - The Interlocutor Podcast

    Opening MonologueQuotation from The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity by Timothy C. Winegard. KeywordsMilitary history, mosquitoes, horses, human civilization, Indo-European, warfare, mechanization, cultural spread, historySummaryIn this conversation, Tim discusses his journey from a fascination with military history to writing about the impact of mosquitoes and horses on human civilization. He explores how these creatures have shaped history, culture, and society, emphasizing the importance of understanding their roles in our past and present. Tim also reflects on the transition from horses to mechanization and the future of our relationship with these animals.TakeawaysTim's fascination with military history began in childhood.The mosquito has had a profound impact on human history.Horses played a crucial role in the development of civilizations.Domestication of horses was a pivotal moment in history.The Indo-European culture spread significantly due to horse domestication.Horses were essential in warfare, especially in the First World War.The transition to mechanization changed the role of horses in society.Horses were often treated as machines in urban settings.The future of horses includes roles in therapy and green farming.Horse meat is a nutritious food source, gaining popularity in some cultures.Sound Bites"Imagine a world without horses.""The horse is a living machine.""Horse meat is extremely healthy."

    The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity - Timothy C Winegard - The Interlocutor Podcast

  4. Sep 6

    The Adventures of a Poet and Traveler - Mark Abley - The Interlocutor Podcast

    KeywordsStrange Bewildering Time, Mark Abley, travel writing, hippie trail, cultural exploration, literature, personal journey, language, Iran, Afghanistan, Japan, memoir, Beatles, music TakeawaysMark Abley's diverse background influences his writing.Literature played a crucial role in Abley's childhood.Travel writing allows for a blend of genres and styles.The hippie trail was a significant cultural phenomenon in the 60s and 70s.Abley's journey was as much about self-discovery as it was about travel.The importance of personal connections while traveling.Traveling without guidebooks fosters a sense of adventure.Abley's journals served as a psychological necessity during his travels.The impact of the Beatles on the popularity of the hippie trail.Reflections on privilege and cultural understanding in travel.SummaryIn this conversation, Mark Abley shares his experiences as a poet, journalist, and traveler, discussing his early life, the influence of literature, and his journey along the hippie trail. He talks about his 2023 book Strange Bewildering Time. He reflects on the cultural significance of travel writing, the importance of personal connections, and the impact of historical events on his travels. Abley also delves into the role of journals in capturing memories and the diverse motivations of fellow travelers he encountered along the way.

    The Adventures of a Poet and Traveler - Mark Abley - The Interlocutor Podcast

  5. Sep 6

    Kent State: An American Tragedy - Brian VanDeMark - The Interlocutor Podcast

    KeywordsBrian VanDeMark, Vietnam War, Kent State, American history, teaching, cultural insights, Robert McNamara, literature, Larry McMurtry, tragedySummaryIn this conversation, Brian VanDeMark discusses his upbringing in Texas, his passion for history, and his experiences as a teacher and author. He reflects on the impact of literature, particularly the works of Larry McMurtry, and shares insights from his collaboration with Robert McNamara on the Vietnam War memoir. VanDeMark delves into the Kent State incident, exploring the cultural and political atmosphere of the time, the role of the National Guard, and the tragic consequences of violence. He emphasizes the importance of understanding shared humanity amidst political divides and the lasting lessons from historical events.TakeawaysBrian Vandemark grew up in Houston, Texas, during the 60s and 70s.Larry McMurtry's literature captures the essence of Texas culture.Vandemark's passion for history began in elementary school.He had a significant mentorship relationship with Robert Dalek.Teaching in China provided Vandemark with unique cultural insights.The Vietnam War remains a defining tragedy in American history.The Kent State incident exemplifies the consequences of political unrest.Vandemark emphasizes the importance of understanding shared humanity.The emotional impact of the Vietnam War is still felt today.Lessons from Kent State are relevant in today's divided America.Sound Bites"It's an all-encompassing tragedy for everyone.""The lasting human consequences of political disputes.""Thank you for taking so much time to join me."

    Kent State: An American Tragedy - Brian VanDeMark - The Interlocutor Podcast

  6. Sep 5

    "I’m Not a Historian, I’m a History Writer" — John Keay on Asia, Empire & Storytelling

    In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson speaks with renowned author John Keay. With over 20 books spanning India, China, the Himalayas, and the East India Company, Keay reflects on his 60-year career writing narrative history.From studying at Oxford under A.J.P. Taylor and Alan Bennett to living on a houseboat in Kashmir and documenting fragile mountain ecosystems, Keay shares his perspective on why history should be written as discovery rather than rigid academic study.Hashtags#JohnKeay #HistoryWriting #AsianHistory #TheInterlocutorPodcast #IndiaHistory #ChinaHistory #Himalaya #PodcastInterviewKeywords / TagsJohn Keay, John Keay interview, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, The Interlocutor Podcast, India A History, China A History, Himalaya Exploring the Roof of the World, The Honorable Company, East India Company history, AJP Taylor, Alan Bennett Oxford, writing narrative history, history writing tips, Kashmir history, comparative history

    "I’m Not a Historian, I’m a History Writer" — John Keay on Asia, Empire & Storytelling

  7. Sep 5

    The Shortest History of Japan - Lesley Downer - The Interlocutor Podcast

    KeywordsJapan, Tokugawa period, cultural exchange, Japan English Teachers (JET) Program, Jomon, Yayoi, Queen Himiko, Shintoism, Buddhism, Heian period, Emperor, Shogunate, Daimyo, Geisha, Commodore Perry, post-war JapanSummaryThis is a conversation about Lesley Downer's career as a writer about Japan. It begins with her background and how she first went to Japan as part of the first group of Japanese English Teachers (JET) Program. We also talked about how she came to write her first book about Matsuo Basho's Narrow Road to the Deep North. Two-thirds of the remaining conversation is about the themes of Lesley's book The Shortest History of Japan. We did about as good a job as we could have to cover 16000 years of history in 35 minutes. I enjoyed every minute of this conversation, but my favorite moment I wrote into the first Sound Bite, below. Sound Bites"Lesley Downer forced me to eat raw fish. It was disgusting!" "Japan has a rapid period of modernization.""I became a potter, I made pottery.""I wanted to write a book about real Japan."

    The Shortest History of Japan - Lesley Downer - The Interlocutor Podcast

  8. Sep 3

    The Fearless Explorer: Christina Dodwell's Journeys - The Interlocutor Podcast

    KeywordsChristina Dodwell, travel literature, adventure, Africa, Madagascar, exploration, cultural exchange, solo travel, writing, legacySummaryIn this conversation, Christina Dodwell shares her remarkable journeys as a travel writer and explorer. From her adventurous beginnings in Africa, Papua New Guinea, Siberia, and China, to her impactful work in Madagascar, Christina discusses the challenges and joys of solo travel, the importance of cultural exchange, and her legacy as an inspiration for future generations of explorers. Her stories highlight the beauty of the world and the connections we can make through travel and understanding different cultures.TakeawaysChristina Dodwell's journey began with a spontaneous trip across Africa.She faced unexpected challenges, including losing her vehicle in Nigeria.Traveling on horseback allowed her to connect deeply with local cultures.Writing was a natural progression after her extensive travels.Madagascar became a focus for her charitable work and cultural projects.Her grandmother's adventurous spirit influenced her own wanderlust.Christina emphasizes the importance of giving back to the communities she visits.She believes in empowering local people through her projects.Her creative ventures include making videos and art during the pandemic.Christina's legacy is one of inspiration for future explorers.Sound Bites"I found freedom on horseback.""She epitomizes wanderlust.""I set my reindeer off on adventures."

    The Fearless Explorer: Christina Dodwell's Journeys - The Interlocutor Podcast
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About

The Interlocutor Podcast is a series of long-form conversations about people shaped by place. Through discussions of upbringing, travel, identity, memory, history, and cultural change, guests reflect on the experiences that formed them and altered the way they see the world. Conversations feature writers, historians, travelers, journalists, and cultural voices from around the world, with a particular interest in Taiwan and East Asia. Past guests include Kevin Kelly, Emily Wu, Shelly Rigger, and Eryk Michael Smith. Hosted by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, author of Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox

Information

  • Creator
    Tyrel Cameron Eskelson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tyrel Cameron Eskelson
  • Show Website
    The Interlocutor Podcast

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