The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

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I backpacked around Taiwan for a month and this show was great in helping me learn about Taiwan before my trip. The fact that it is in both English and mandarin is so great. I really appreciate this program and its hosts.

Hosts Erik Michael Smith and John Ross are longtime residents of Taiwan. Although Taiwan is often in the headlines, especially now, few Americans know much about its history and its relationship to mainland China. Smith and Ross deliver entertaining and informative stories from centuries ago up to modern times. No knowledge of Chinese history is required as they always help the listener understand the context of their weekly stories. This is by far one of my favorite podcasts. Although I have visited Taiwan a number of times, I am always learning new pieces of its history from the hosts. They have also mastered the skill of balancing banter with covering the topic at hand. Too many podcasts are just vehicles for self-indulgent hosts, not this one. Tune in and discover loads about the fascinating subject of Taiwanese history.

Just listened to show number CH14 on “numbers in Taiwan”. I haven’t verified this but your query on why 119 is used in Taiwan instead of 911 like in the US. As your show had pointed out on many occasions, decades of Japanese colonial rule has left behind many influences and practices in Taiwan. Politicians wear banners and colored vests, take it lunch boxes are called “便當” (bento in Japanese 弁当, etc. well, in Japan, 119 is also the emergency number! So likely another legacy of Japanese colonial rule. Please check and confirm. (Btw, South Korea also uses 119 😉). Great show. Keep it going. Viva Taiwan! Viva freedom and democracy!