21 episodes

“沒有為什麼” means “there’s no why, it just is.” Taiwan No Why explores Taiwan’s overlooked cultural behaviours and traditions. This podcast brings to light everyday phenomena that residents, both foreign and local, may wonder about. Listen in as we discover the reasons behind the why. New episodes released on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Taiwan No Why 台灣,沒有為什‪麼‬ Mark Paas & Dr. Dr. Max Lo

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 4 Ratings

“沒有為什麼” means “there’s no why, it just is.” Taiwan No Why explores Taiwan’s overlooked cultural behaviours and traditions. This podcast brings to light everyday phenomena that residents, both foreign and local, may wonder about. Listen in as we discover the reasons behind the why. New episodes released on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

    019 Christmas in Taiwan

    019 Christmas in Taiwan

    [Children who believe in Santa should not listen!] Mark and Dr. Dr. Max discuss how the Christmas season in Taiwan is viewed by foreign residents living in Taiwan, many of whom took the time to share their own experiences in a survey we sent out prior to the taping of the episode. The hosts also travel a little down nostalgia lane to talk about what Christmas means to them, and how it could be more thoughtfully celebrated in Taiwan. Recorded Nov. 25, 2022.

    • 40 min
    018 Run, Anya, Run!

    018 Run, Anya, Run!

    Why does it seem like at any time in Taiwan, you can always find people running up busy side streets or down steep mountain roads? Mark and Dr. Dr. Max chat about the rise of marathons in Taiwan and discuss their interview with Anya Tsai (蔡文雅), an incredible long-distance athlete who only picked up running later in life. Recorded Nov. 13, 2022.

    • 33 min
    017 I Did It My Way

    017 I Did It My Way

    Mark and Dr. Dr. Max sit down for a chat with Ensou Tien, who is currently living in Belgium and working for Stellantis, a joint venture automotive corporation. These long-time friends chat about how Ensou found his path to success despite poor academics, cultural differences in the European workplace, and why he believes in his choice to move his young Taiwanese family across the world. Recorded Jul. 20, 2022.

    • 53 min
    016 License and Registration, Please

    016 License and Registration, Please

    (Listen until the end for some living-in-Taiwan-wisdom that most Taiwanese are wrong about!) Whether you're living in or visiting Taiwan, it's impossible to miss the siren-less lights that patrol the road. Do I need to pull over? Are they chasing someone else? Why are the lights even on? Join Mark and Dr. Dr. Max as they answer some of the why's behind policing in Taiwan, based on knowledge shared during their interview with Police Chief Huang and a local village politician, Representative Ch...

    • 56 min
    015 BTS: Blue Truck Special

    015 BTS: Blue Truck Special

    Aaand, we're back! Starting off Season 2 is a topic that inspired the start of Taiwan No Why. Mark and Dr. Dr. Max discuss the iconic Taiwanese Blue Trucks - arguably one of the most symbolic items of Taiwan. Listen in as they discuss their interview with Mr. Lee, a sales specialist at CMC who has been in the automative industry for over 35 years. Recorded Sep. 19, 2022.

    • 39 min
    014 Batter Up!

    014 Batter Up!

    Sit back, grab a hot dog and some beer, and listen in as Mark and Dr. Dr. Max discuss their interview with Joe Hsu (徐志維). The former MLB player and the guys share their thoughts on baseball in Taiwan and how it reflects the greater Taiwanese mindset. Listen as they hit topics like national teams, coaching, little league training, and the makeup of rosters in the CPBL. It’s summertime - let's play ball! Recorded Jul. 16, 2022.

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
4 Ratings

4 Ratings

yetirlz ,

Great perspective and Context of Taiwan Culture

This podcast makes me laugh and the connection between the two hosts is great. They both bring their own perspective and experiences to the show. It seems they try to go out into the community to do some good research and share their findings. A great podcast for those who’ve been here for a while or just arriving, it’s entertaining for all.

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