Taiwan Talk

She was in entertainment -- the "family business" -- and with a famous uncle (高凌風)… but it was only a matter of time before Lareine Hsu (徐瑞蓮) decided it was time to make a switch. As the chef of a new and noteworthy Danbi in Los Angeles' Koreatown, Chef L now makes waves with her cooking. She talks swapping careers and what sustains her. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Telling and amplifying Taiwan's story in the US capital is not easy -- but John Dotson does just that through his role as Deputy Director of the Global Taiwan Institute -- a Washington DC-based think-tank dedicated to telling the Taiwan story. Dotson tells us about how he discovered Taiwan, what keeps him drawn to the island to this day, and why the task of helping craft a narrative for Taiwan as it seeks its place in the world is critical, particularly as the world navigates these challenging times. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

She made history by becoming the first woman to win to the Malko Competition -- an international competition for young conductors held every three years by the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Taiwan American conductor Mei-Ann Chen talks about her trailblazing journey which took her from Taiwan's music schools to the best-known classical music chambers in the United States and Europe. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

People from around the world are joining forces to raise Taiwan’s visibility on the global stage. ICRT’s Tim Berge talks to Ming Chiang, the president of Hello Taiwan. Founded in 2018, Hello Taiwan is dedicated to helping the world better understand Taiwan, its people and culture, and at the same time — do charity work to demonstrate Taiwan’s compassion and goodwill. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

YouBikes are an economical and easy way to get around Taiwan cities. Join us as we talk to YouBike CEO Vicky Yang and examine how the bright yellow bikes provide eco-friendly transportation and a healthy lifestyle to Taiwan residents — from Keelung to Taitung. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Vegetarians in Taipei were shocked when Herban Kitchen announced it was closing its doors in November 2024, and after 10 successful years in operation. That aside, owner Marco Henry Lapka tells us why he's still optimistic about the future of veggie dining in Taipei. Hosted by ICRT’s Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Ron Stuart has been an institution at ICRT since the 1990s… far longer than a good number of us have been around. He talks about what drew him to radio, the career opportunity he walked away from, and what eventually brought him to Taiwan. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

What was life like for a Taiwan immigrant starting life in the United States in the 1970s? Kunagnan Hsiao talks about what it was like to leave Taiwan at a time when many felt they had no options. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

On October 29, 2024 the Ministry of Justice issued a set of proposals looking to increase penalties for illegal abortions, much to the consternation of women's rights advocates in the country. One of those amendments would increase fines for pregnant women who have abortions in circumstances outside those listed in the Genetic Health Act from NT$3,000 to NT$80,000. The law took many aback, because there was a general belief that abortion was legal in Taiwan. What is the truth behind the status of abortion in Taiwan? Lawyer Audrey Shih-Wei Lu of Taipei's Ru Shih Quan Law Office takes a deep dive into the issue. Hosted by Tim Berge and Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Everyone dreams of becoming The Next Big Thing in Tech. But what does it really take to get there? Angel Investor Ryan Yang shares his experiences about what got him started in tech, and what he looks for when he's putting his faith in the future of a company. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Dr Lin Jing-yi discusses Taiwan’s public health, and new programs to promote preventative medicine and mental health. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Berge -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Some cooks dream about opening an award-winning restaurant… but not Cookinn Taiwan's Chelsea Tsai, who says she finds great joy in teaching people how to bring Taiwan cuisine into their homes. She explains how and why teaching students how to cook is more of a passion than cooking for others in a restaurant. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Matt Bronsil and Taylor Sharp have been making improv audiences in Taichung (and sometimes Taipei) laugh as part of the central Taiwan comedy group Skits and Giggles. In this episode they talk about what first drew them to this popular form of live comedy, and what keeps them coming back for more. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan may be one of the most fertile areas in Asia -- but its warm, humid environment doesn't particularly encourage grape growing. So what does Weightstone Vineyard Estate and Winery do to overcome natural challenges to create wines that have been recognised by both Decanter World Wine Awards and New York International Wine Competition? Estate owner Vivian Yang takes us on a tour of the vineyards… and tells us how. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taipei means different things to different people… but the city is looking to make it as a trendy destination too. Organizers behind this year's "Trendy Tapei" speak to ICRT about what motivated the city government to come up with what they hope will be one of Taiwan's biggest cultural events this year. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

On the occasion of President Lai Ching-te’s first 100-days in office, we’re taking an unconventional look at this milestone. Instead, we’re talking to the unique TV host and model who emceed the official inaugural banquet held in Tainan. Kevin Tai shares with us the excitement of hosting a state dinner, as well as some of the struggles he has faced as a Brazilian-Paraguayan-Taiwanese public figure. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Protecting the environment and promoting circular economy are important issues in Taiwan, particularly with the growing threat of climate change. To address this concern, the government elevated the Environment Protection Agency, making it a ministry… and in May this year, one of Taiwan's most noted weathermen and climate researchers took the helm. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming goes in depth about the challenges facing Taiwan in this special edition of Taiwan Talk. Hosted by Tim Berge. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

He first came to Taiwan to learn Mandarin. But since that time, Catholic priest Joyalito Tajonera aka "Fr Joy" has become an important advocate for migrant worker rights in Taiwan. He talks about developments in Taiwan society that have supported migrant workers here, and addresses work needs to be done to improve living and working conditions for migrant workers here. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Plastic basins, chopsticks, broom handles and traditional American washboards may not be your everyday musical instruments, but that's exactly what jug bands use to create their unique sound. The Muddy Basin Ramblers first formed in 2002, and today they appear at events and music festivals around the island. Band members David Chen, Tim Hogan, TC Lin, and Cristina Paradise were at the ICRT studios to talk about how the band was formed, what their future is -- and to share their unique sound. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

He was a sports hero in the 1960s, with unbroken sports records -- some remaining intact even to this day. But Olympic decathlete Yang Chuan-kwang (楊傳廣) or CK Yang is no longer remembered by many sports fans in Taiwan -- and former CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy is looking to change that with his documentary "Decathlon" The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story" (奧運傳奇：楊傳廣與強森). Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Building a career at one of Taiwan's high-tech firms is a dream for many Taiwan engineers. But for Grouper Su's Mack Chen (陳坤成), choosing between working at the world's largest semiconductor firm and helping his father-in-law reinvigorate their aquaculture business was an easy decision to make. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. To find out more about Chen's project, visit their Facebook page at 新港社合 . -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

A chief engineer at Kaohsiung's Mass Rapid Transit Bureau about the city's plans for more M-R-T lines. Hosted by Michael Smith. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

What does it take to run one of the oldest family-centered activity centers in Taipei? Taipei Youth Program Association (TYPA) Director Mike Brennand tells us about what brought him to Taiwan, his role, and what inspired him to make a unique contribution to Taiwan society during his downtime. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Filipino writer and former journalist Leo Maliksi chose to make Taipei his home more than thirty years ago. Because of this, he had the chance to witness Taiwan as it moved through a time of great transition. He shares his insights in this edition of Taiwan Talk. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It would be fair to say Pizza Hut makes headlines just about every time they release a new special flavor. But what inspires Pizza Hut to move outside the box to reinvent its classic offer a few times a year, and often with eyebrow-raising results? Pizza Hut General Manager Antony Leung tells us his story, and that of Pizza Hut's -- giving us a master class in marketing in the process. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

What's the first thing you did when you arrived in Taiwan? No matter what it was, it may not have been as audacious as Polish virtuoso Kamil Tokarski's first investment. He tells Taiwan Talk what brought him here… and he explores the significance and impact of Polish composer Frederick Chopin's music in Taiwan. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) has served as Taiwan's Representative to Germany and head of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany under two Presidents: Chen Shui-bian and Tsai Ing-wen. The de-facto Ambassador talks about his unlikely journey from academic to diplomat, and how he sees his mission. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) has served as Taiwan's Representative to Germany and head of the Taipei Representative Office in Germany under two Presidents: Chen Shui-bian and Tsai Ing-wen. The de-facto Ambassador talks about his unlikely journey from academic to diplomat, and how he sees his mission. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It's one thing to go to music school -- another to go from there and open a chain of bubble tea shops and cafes. Kai Yun Cheng has done just that with Home Taste Jia and reveals what he wants to do next. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Swapping life in the c-suite for life in a boat isn't a decision many people might make, but it's a move that helped finance executive Leo Seewald learn more about life as a local fisherman. He joins Taiwan Talk to talk about his goal of visiting all of Taiwan's fishing harbors. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Leaving family and friends to live Taiwan is a given for expats and travelers here, as is getting homesick. But what is being here like when home is Ukraine, and loved ones are exposed to fighting on the front lines? Analyst Mariia Makarovych talks about her life in Taiwan today, what she left behind, and what she will take back with her to Ukraine when she returns there. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Pie fans in the know rave about iMomi Pies, although they probably know little about Sandy and Gary Edmonds -- the Christian missionary and his wife who started it all. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

German director Stefan Kaegi likens the production of his play "This is not an Embassy (Made in Taiwan)" to a diplomatic process -- one involving constant negotiation between different protagonists. He speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about what inspired him to write the play, and how he chose to go about telling the story of a country he has not really lived in for an extended period of time, but which he has learned to love. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

History has no better teachers than the eyewitnesses that watch it unfold and are "in the room when it happens." This unaired episode of Taiwan Talk is an eyewitness account presenting former Control Yuan and Foreign Minister Fredrick Chien's memories and insights of what transpired after the U-S announced it was derecognizing the ROC (Taiwan). Chien walks us through some of the negotiations and events that took place; and reintroduces us to key historical figures of the time including the last U.S. Ambassador to the ROC, Leonard S. Unger who was appointed in 1974 and Warren Christopher, who served as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's official emissary who led negotiations between Washington and Taipei. Chien also talks about the roles of ROC Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan who resigned after the U.S. announcement; Victor Wei-Jen Hu who was Private Secretary to the Foreign Minister H.E. Chang-Huan Shen; and GIO director James Soong in the complicated unwinding of diplomatic ties with an important ally. The former diplomat even shares the late President Chiang Ching-kuo's reaction to the events which continues to shape much of Taiwan 's internal and external policies today. This interview is presented as part of I.C.R.T's 45th birthday celebrations. A shorter version which aired on April 15, 2024 is also available to download. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Former Control Yuan President and Foreign Minister Fredrick Chien shares his memories and insights into the hours and days in the aftermath of the US decision to derecognize the Republic of China (Taiwan), in favor of the People's Republic of China. His discourse reintroduces listeners to several key personalities, including the last U.S. Ambassador to the ROC, Leonard S. Unger who was appointed in 1974; ROC Foreign Minister Shen Chang-huan who resigned after the U.S. announcement; Victor Wei-Jen Hu Private Secretary to the Foreign Minister H.E. Chang-Huan Shen; and GIO director James Soong. A longer version of the interview is also available for history buffs who might wish to hear a more complete narrative of what transpired among those who were"in the room where it happened." The interview was done as part of I-C-R-T's 45th birthday celebrations. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Jonathan Lin (林沛祥) comes from a family of politicians. But it took the urging of students involved in the Sunflower Movement to entice him to run for a seat in the Legislative Yuan. He tells I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo how that unfolded, and what it means for him to be a freshman lawmaker representing Keelung as part of the opposition KMT. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

I-C-R-T's John Seaward chats with Oscar-nominated documentary maker, S. Leo Chiang about what inspired him to put his thoughts into a film that caught the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. You can find the documentary short here. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Philippe Grelon is an avid sailor who did much to encourage recreational sailing as a sport in Taiwan. Philippe and his son Cosmas speak to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about the early days of sailing in Taiwan, and their quest to capture the top spot in this year's Rolex China Sea Race, sailing in "A Plastic Ocean" or TPE 003. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Can technology really help you find the partner of your dreams? Coffee Meets Bagel Co-Founder and CEO Arum Kang thinks so. She tells I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo how algorithms could be the 21st century Cupid singletons are looking for. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Lawyer and longtime Taiwan resident John Eastwood's social media now features curated images of some of Taipei's most iconic colonial buildings. He speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about his interest in local architecture: what spurred it and what captures his imagination. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Japan and Italy may sit on different, faraway continents, but Initia's Chef Kunihiro Hagimoto says its easy to catch the similarities between the two cuisines -- and what they are -- during a chat with I-C-R-T 's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan may be a democracy today but it wasn't always this way. Writer and historian Mark O'Neill spent some years in Taipei during the 1980s -- he covers that period in his latest book in a chat with I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

As CEO of Taiwan NextGen Foundation, Chen Kuan Ting dreamt of "empowering the next generation of Taiwan's leaders". Today he has a chance of turning his vision into actionable plans as a member of the incoming Legislative Yuan. He speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about his legislative agenda. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Cynthia Wu is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist who wears many hats. Most recently, she had been at the Legislative Yuan for just over a year before she was asked to be the running mate of TPP Vice-Presidential Candidate Ko Wen-je. Wu tells I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo what drew her to politics, and what she hopes to achieve as she re-enters civilian life. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan's Indigenous languages have gone through centuries of social upheaval and marginalisation, But many of these languages still persist in Indigenous communities - and so do the people determined to save, document and revitalise them. In this episode, guest host Aspen Beilharz talks to Apay Ai-yu Tang, linguist and Associate Professor at National Dong Hwa University, about her work to ensure the survival of her ancestral language Truku Seediq. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Building a successful wedding and event planning company can't be easy, but it's all in a day's work for Lin Ching Ching of Taipei's Chin Chin Weddings. Hear how the self-confessed "farm girl" built a thriving business by doing something young men and women can dream about -- owning a high-end event planning firm with a designer client roster. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The dust has settled and the 2024 Presidential and Legislative Elections are behind us. What can we expect of the incoming administration, and the new Legislative Yuan? I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo speaks to Sara Newland, Assistant Professor of Government at Smith College and a scholar of local politics in China and Taiwan. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

There may not be absentee voting in Taiwan, but that won't keep members of the island's overseas community from weighing in on the elections which happen on January 13. In this special report for ICRT, Keith Menconi reveals how San Francisco-based Taiwanese feel about the polls. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

2023 saw the end of COVID restrictions and new iterations of existing trade ties with Western allies. Stanford University Taiwan specialist KharisTempleman looks at the year that was in the area of foreign relations. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

YouTube Co-Founder Steve Chen rode out most of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. The (literal) move gave him the opportunity to study Taiwan's startup ecosystem up close. Has anything changed since that time? He shared his thoughts with I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo in an interview that took place last summer in this encore presentation. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn