The Taiwan Take

Ghost Island Media 鬼島之音

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In their own words

A current affairs podcast on Taiwan and the world. Every episode, we invite a journalist to a conversation with an expert to get the big picture context of what we need to know. These are global issues, and this is The Taiwan Take. Nominated for Best News Podcast at 2020 Excellent Journalism Award in Taiwan. Produced by Ghost Island Media in Taipei, Taiwan. 2020年台灣卓越新聞獎 Podcast 新聞獎入圍者.這是一個專門討論臺灣時事的訪談性英文節目, 以「縱觀世界議題,以臺灣觀點論述」為主軸,由記者採訪跨領域專家、名人與來賓等,第一手將臺灣的故事推向國際. 鬼島之音製作播出.

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Episodes

  1. 1

    "Game Changers" series: Emerging musicians Twincussion

    This episode features an interview with the emerging Taiwanese musical duo Twincussion, discussing their international performances, awards, and cultural impact.

    ·25m
  2. 2

    “For My Country”: a TW/FR co-production by Rachid Hami (Film director)

    This episode features an interview with French film director Rachid Hami about his autobiographical film 'For My Country', which explores the story of two brothers moving from Algeria to France and Taiwan, and the tragic hazing death of his brother at a military academy.

    ·39m
  3. 3

    Jimmy Lai is China's most feared critic: Mark L. Clifford (author of "The Troublemaker")

    This episode features an interview with author Mark Clifford discussing Jimmy Lai, a billionaire dissident in Hong Kong who became China's most feared critic due to his wealth, media influence, and unwavering principles.

    ·51m
  4. 4

    Taiwan Studies: Lev Nachman (UC-Irvine)

    This episode features an interview with PhD student and Fulbright scholar Lev Nachman discussing the intricacies of Taiwan, hosted by Sam Robbins as his final contribution to the Taiwan Take podcast.

    ·35m
  5. 5

    One China Policy? One China Principle? Dr. Yu-Jie Chen (Academia Sinica)

    This episode discusses China's coordinated diplomatic campaign in August, where multiple ambassadors worldwide publicly messaged China's policy on Taiwan following U.S.

    ·42m
  6. 6

    Ukraine War, 3 years: Mariia Makarovych (Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine)

    This episode features an interview with Maria Makarovic, head of the East Asian Office of the Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine, discussing parallels between the Ukraine war and potential threats to Taiwan, her work on democracy and propaganda, and her background in China.

    ·59m
  7. 7

    Steve Chen (Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund 2022)

    This episode features an interview with Steve Chen, co-founder of YouTube, discussing his background and the context of the Taiwanese-American Scholarship Fund ceremony, highlighting student debt issues in the U.S.

    ·43m
  8. 8

    “The Battle for Taiwan” by Jonas Parello-Plesner (Live on Feb 19, 2025)

    This episode features an interview with Jonas Parello-Plesner about his book 'The Battle for Taiwan,' discussing its timing, updates for English translation, and Europe-Taiwan-U.S.

    ·1h 2m
  9. 9

    That Way You Talk: Alice Yeh (PhD candidate, U Chicago)

    This episode previews an interview with Alice Yeh, a former intern, discussing her experiences and advertising for her new show, set against the backdrop of Lunar New Year and updates from Ghost Island Media.

    ·24m
  10. 10

    Alejandro Mayoral Baños on RightsCon 2025 (Access Now)

    This episode features an interview with Alejandro Mayoral Baños, Executive Director of Access Now, discussing his work as an indigenous activist, the upcoming RightsCon 2025 digital human rights conference in Taipei, and human rights in the digital age.

    ·55m
  11. 11

    Rafer Johnson and Taiwanese Olympian C.K. Yang in 1960: journalist Mike Chinoy and filmmaker Frank W. Chen

    ·40m
  12. 12

    "Game Changers" series: Former World No. 1 Yani Tseng (LGPA)

    This episode features an interview with former world No.

    ·25m
  13. 13

    Security 3 - Influence Operations on PTT: Oddis J.F. Tsai + J.M. Hung (INDSR)

    This episode discusses a report on influence operations targeting Taiwan's PTT bulletin board system as part of cognitive warfare strategies.

    ·36m
  14. 14

    Taiwan-Europe Relations 2026: Matej Šimalčík (CEIAS)

    This episode features an interview with Matej Šimalčík, Executive Director of CEIAS, discussing Taiwan-Europe relations, recent diplomatic developments, and predictions for 2026 based on his think tank's research.

    ·57m
  15. 15

    “Made in Taiwan” cookbook: Clarissa Wei (Journalist)

    This episode features an interview with journalist Clarissa Wei about her cookbook 'Made in Taiwan,' which combines over 100 recipes with cultural stories from Taiwan.

    ·39m
  16. 16

    Security 2 - Disinformation: Puma Shen (Doublethink Lab)

    This episode features an interview with Dr.

    ·46m
  17. 17

    Former Prime Minister of Denmark, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, on collective weakness and a new world order

    ·24m
  18. 18

    COVID-19 and National Security: Dr. Lee and Dr. Tzeng (INDSR)

    This episode explores the impact of COVID-19 on national security, including the military's role, effectiveness of travel bans and lockdowns, and geopolitical shifts involving China.

    ·39m
  19. 19

    "Game Changers" series: The humanities of medicine with Harry Wu (Historian)

    This episode features an interview with Harry Wu, a medical doctor and historian who discusses his work in medical humanities, his research on mental health history, and his role in developing humanities programs at medical schools in Asia.

    ·24m
  20. 20

    "Game Changers" series: Youth rep to the UN, APEC, with Vivian Chen

    This episode features an interview with Vivian Chen, a youth leader who shares her journey from being a UN and APEC delegate to leading Girls in Tech Taiwan and exploring how technologies like Web3 can drive social impact and democracy.

    ·24m
  21. 21

    Academy Awards nominated documentary about Taiwan: S. Leo Chiang (director of “Island in Between”)

    This episode features an interview with filmmaker S.

    ·43m
  22. 22

    "Game Changers" series: Indigenous affairs with Tuhi Martukaw

    This episode features an interview with Tuhi Martukaw, an Indigenous youth leader from Taiwan, discussing her work at the UN, advocacy for Indigenous rights, and cultural initiatives like translating music.

    ·24m
  23. 23

    “Zero Day Attack”: a TV show on Chinese invasion of Taiwan

    This episode features an interview with screenwriter Xingmei Zheng about her TV show 'Zero Day Attack' that explores a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, discussing its development, societal anxieties, and challenges with censorship in Taiwan's creative industry.

    ·35m
  24. 24

    Taiwan’s Green Parties: Dafydd Fell (SOAS University of London)

    This episode explores the rise and challenges of Green Parties globally, with a focus on Taiwan's Green Party and its mixed electoral results compared to European counterparts.

    ·32m
  25. 25

    Ukraine War, 2 Years - Citizen Diplomacy with Alex Khomenko (Taiwan Stands with Ukraine)

    This episode discusses the role of Ukrainian citizens in Taiwan, led by Alex Khomenko, in conducting citizen diplomacy through fundraising, cultural events, and advocacy to support Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia.

    ·31m
  26. 26

    "Game Changers" series: Period equity with Vivi Lin (Health advocate)

    This episode features an interview with Vivi Lin, a 24-year-old period equity activist from Taiwan who founded the NGO With Red to address women's health issues, eliminate stigma around menstruation, and work on global policy.

    ·24m
  27. 27

    The Great Recall of 2025: Nathan Batto “Frozen Garlic” (Academia Sinica)

    This episode discusses the unprecedented 2025 recall referendum in Taiwan targeting 24 KMT legislators, featuring political scientist Dr.

    ·35m
  28. 28

    Countering FIMI and Election Interference in Taiwan: Ben Graham Jones (“Taiwan P.O.W.E.R”)

    This episode features an interview with election observer Ben Graham-Jones about his report on Taiwan's resilience against foreign information manipulation and interference during its 2024 presidential elections.

    ·44m
  29. 29

    Science Fiction & Queer Literature: Chi Ta-wei (“The Membranes”)

    This episode features an interview with Taiwanese science fiction writer Ji Dawei about his globally successful novel 'The Membranes', its themes of dystopia and queer literature, and its cultural context in 1990s Taiwan.

    ·48m
  30. 30

    2024 Elections: Covering Taiwan, centering local perspective (with NüVoices)

    This episode discusses the 2024 Taiwanese presidential election and the increasing international media coverage of Taiwan, including insights on journalism, semiconductor industry reporting, and gender dynamics in sourcing.

    ·40m
  31. 31

    Security 1 - PLA Rocket Force “PLARF”: Mark Stokes (Project 2049)

    This episode features an interview with Mark Stokes from Project 2049 Institute discussing China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) and its missile capabilities as part of a series on security issues related to Taiwan.

    ·45m
  32. 32

    Europe and Taiwan: Reinhard Bütikofer (MEP, European Parliament)

    This episode features an interview with German MEP Reinhard Bütikofer discussing Europe-Taiwan relations, European Parliament delegations, and democratic solidarity.

    ·48m
  33. 33

    How China's reshaping the global cybersecurity and digital norms (Article 19)

    This episode explores China's influence on global cybersecurity norms and digital governance through infrastructure projects and policy adoption in countries across the INDOPAC region, featuring insights from researchers at Article 19.

    ·39m
  34. 34

    Life & Times of: Audrey Tang (Digital Minister @ Taiwan)

    This episode features an interview with Audrey Tang, Taiwan's first digital and transgender minister, discussing her life, activism, and Taiwan's intersection with internet politics and LGBTQ issues.

    ·56m
  35. 35

    "Game Changers" series: Growing women's basketball, Gena Pan (Double Pump)

    This episode of Game Changers features host Emily Wai Wu introducing Gina Pan, who is building a media site and community dedicated to women's and girls' basketball in Taiwan, as part of a broader discussion on the growth of women's sports globally.

    ·25m
  36. 36

    Introducing "Dispatch from Taiwan" podcast (with USIP)

    This episode introduces the 'Dispatch from Taiwan' podcast, a collaboration with the U.S.

    ·25m
  37. 37

    On classical music and healing: Mimi Yu (cellist, author of “The Unforgetting Body”)

    This episode features an interview with cellist Mimi Yu discussing her journey from child prodigy in Taiwan to studying at prestigious institutions and pursuing a career in classical music, touching on themes of healing and artistic life.

    ·43m
  38. 38

    Chef Andre Chiang 江振誠 ("Andre and His Olive Tree")

    This episode discusses Chef Andre Chiang's decision to close his Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore, his documentary 'Andre and His Olive Tree' on Netflix, and his reflections on art, home, and career purpose.

    ·32m
  39. 39

    Gold Card series: Annie Ivanova (Founder, Anibaba + Studio Ivanova)

    This episode features an interview with Annie Ivanova, a multimedia artist and Gold Card holder in Taiwan, discussing her background, career in digital art, and her work curating shows and writing about Taiwanese design.

    ·36m
  40. 40

    “Help Is On The Way”: Nick Calpakdjian (documentary on migrant labor 助守在異鄉)

    This episode interviews Nick Kalpakjan, producer of the documentary 'Help Is On The Way', which explores the lives and roles of migrant workers in Taiwan, particularly in supporting the aging population.

    ·34m
  41. 41

    Gold Card series: Louis Heng (President, Taishin Life Insurance)

    This episode features an interview with Louis Heng, President of Taishin Life Insurance in Taiwan, discussing his relocation from Singapore, career in life insurance across multiple countries, and experiences with multicultural teams.

    ·39m
  42. 42

    Borders, politics, and identity through nature writing: Jessica J. Lee (author of "Dispersals") (Live on April 11, 2025)

    This live conversation with author Jessica J.

    ·51m
  43. 43

    P. League+ Basketball: James Mao (GM, New Taipei Kings)

    This interview with James Mao, GM of the New Taipei Kings, explores the resurgence of professional basketball in Taiwan, including the formation of the P.

    ·41m
  44. 44

    Classical Pianist: Gwhyneth Chen (Pride of Taiwan)

    This episode highlights classical pianist Gwyneth Chen as a 'Pride of Taiwan' alongside other notable Taiwanese figures, detailing her achievements including performing at the 2008 Olympics and winning major piano competitions.

    ·45m
  45. 45

    Lunar New Year updates from Ghost Island Media

    Ghost Island Media's host Emily Wai Wu shares Lunar New Year greetings and announces upcoming spring podcast launches, including a collaboration with AmChem Taiwan featuring interviews with business leaders.

    ·3m
  46. 46

    "Game Changers" series: Indie music with Weining Hung (LUCfest)

    This episode features an interview with Weining Hung, founder of the LUCfest indie music festival in Taiwan, discussing the festival's role in showcasing emerging artists and the evolving live music industry post-COVID.

    ·25m
  47. 47

    "Game Changers" series: #MeToo in Australia with Jaguar Jonze (Musician)

    This episode features an interview with musician Jaguar Jonze about her role in the Me Too movement in Australia's music industry, her advocacy work, and her background growing up in Australia with Taiwanese heritage.

    ·24m
  48. 48

    Introducing: Metalhead Politics - Ep 2: Systematic Oppression

    This episode introduces Metalhead Politics, a podcast hosted by Freddie Lim and Emily Wai Wu that explores music, politics, and Taiwan, with Freddie addressing his band Thonic's fans.

    ·49m
  49. 49

    Cannabis in Taiwan: Zoe Lee (Lawyer)

    This episode discusses cannabis legalization in Taiwan with lawyer Zoe Lee, who leads the movement and hosts a related podcast.

    ·30m
  50. 50

    LGBT + Equality: Jennifer Lu (Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan)

    This episode marks the one-year anniversary of Taiwan's same-sex marriage law, featuring an interview with Jennifer Liu, Chief Coordinator of the Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan.

    ·35m·3 clips
  51. 51

    Taiwan Baseball: Jacky Lee + Adam Wang (“Hito 大聯盟”)

    Apr 27, 2020·42m
  52. 52

    Lee Ming-Che 3rd anniversary: E-ling Chiu (Amnesty International, Taiwan)

    Mar 18, 2020·36m
  53. 53

    Taiwan Election 2020: Chris Horton (Journalist)

    Mar 4, 2020·34m
  54. 54

    Trade Policy and National Identity: Syaru Shirley Lin (“Taiwan’s China Dilemma”)

    Jan 20, 2020·48m
  55. 55

    Life and Times of: Kent Feng (former Minister of National Defense)

    Dec 31, 2019·46m
  56. 56

    US-China Trade and Taiwan: Rupert Hammond-Chambers (US-Taiwan Business Council)

    Dec 20, 2019·34m
  57. 57

    Making a Political Drama: Sylvia Feng (“Island Nation”)

    Dec 12, 2019·41m
  58. 58

    China Information Warefare: Jeremy Hung (INDSR)

    Dec 3, 2019·30m
  59. 59

    National Security: Kharis Templeman (Stanford University)

    Nov 26, 2019·35m