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Taiwan Talk

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Taiwan is patchwork quilt of diverse, motiving personalities. Here, we have politicians who make history, entrepreneurs whose innovations help keep the global economy afloat, and artists who explore creativity in fascinating, inspiring ways. Taiwan Talk shows its listeners the unique perspectives of Taiwan all over the world. From those at home, those abroad, and those who’ve chosen to make this island their home. Taiwan Talk airs on ICRT FM100 at 8am, and in the evening in the 6pm news hour. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Location:

Taipei, Taiwan

Description:

Taiwan is patchwork quilt of diverse, motiving personalities. Here, we have politicians who make history, entrepreneurs whose innovations help keep the global economy afloat, and artists who explore creativity in fascinating, inspiring ways. Taiwan Talk shows its listeners the unique perspectives of Taiwan all over the world. From those at home, those abroad, and those who’ve chosen to make this island their home. Taiwan Talk airs on ICRT FM100 at 8am, and in the evening in the 6pm news hour. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Language:

English


Episodes
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From Microphones to Microplanes: Chef L Talks about Life in the Kitchen

2/3/2025
She was in entertainment -- the "family business" until 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

Duration:00:11:58

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John Dotson on Telling the Taiwan Story to shapers of U.S. Policy

1/20/2025
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 timess. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Duration:00:12:15

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Being Taiwanese-American Conductor Mei-Ann Chen

1/12/2025
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 musical journey which has taken her from Taiwan's music schools and to international music chambers in the United States and Europe. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Duration:00:10:41

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Hello Taiwan to the World

1/7/2025
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

Duration:00:11:35

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Pedaling Progress with YouBike's Vicky Yang

12/29/2024
In this week's episode of Taiwan Talk, ICRT's Tim Berge sits down with YouBike spokesperson Vicky Yang to discuss the evolution of Taiwan's popular bike-sharing system. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Duration:00:11:30

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Looking back -- and ahead-- to plant-based dining with Herban Kitchen's Marko Henry Lapka

12/15/2024
Vegetarians in Taipei were taken aback and saddened when Herban Kitchen announced it would close in November 2024 after 10 years. Owner Marko Henry Lapka talks about the factors that triggered the end of his popular restaurant, and whether there was still a place for vegetarian dining in Taipei. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Duration:00:10:01

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Going the "Ron" Way - DJ Ron Stuart on what brought him to Taiwan... and what keeps him here

12/8/2024
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

Duration:00:13:25

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Through the eyes of an immigrant: Kuangnan Hsiao shares his US experience

12/5/2024
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

Duration:00:09:37

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Beyond the Headlines: Lawyer Audrey Lu clarifies the issue of Abortion in Taiwan

12/1/2024
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

Duration:00:15:09

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What catches the eye of Angel investor Ryan Yang?

12/1/2024
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

Duration:00:08:53

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Taipei Looks to Uncover its Hidden Mojo with "Trendy Taipei"

9/1/2024
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

Duration:00:11:20

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Kevin Tai, A Model for Taiwan

8/27/2024
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

Duration:00:12:39

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Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming lays the policy groundwork for a sustainable future

8/22/2024
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

Duration:00:19:41

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Joy Tajonera Gives Voice to Taiwan's Migrant Workers

8/21/2024
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

Duration:00:15:54

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The Muddy Basin Ramblers Aren't Your Everyday Taiwan Musical Group

8/8/2024
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

Duration:00:10:25

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Taiwan Decathlete CK Yang (楊傳廣) Returns to the Spotlight in Mike Chinoy's Documentary "Decathlon"

8/4/2024
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

Duration:00:13:25

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Swapping Dreams: Mack Chen (陳坤成) trades a high-tech job for life by the sea

7/28/2024
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

Duration:00:09:55

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Michael Smith Rides the Rails with a Kaohsiung MRT Chief Engineer

7/18/2024
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

Duration:00:10:20

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For the love of Taiwan and its children: TYPA director Mike Brennand

7/14/2024
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

Duration:00:11:06

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A Personal View of Taiwan in Transition from English-language journalist Leo Maliksi

7/7/2024
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

Duration:00:09:58