The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Available Episodes

5 of 295

Altars and Outlaws: Ben Sando on Taiwan’s Underworld – Gangs, Temples, and Political Influence – S5-E35
We’ll let Benjamin Sando, research fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute, and our guest for this week’s episode, describe the topic: “From the early days of Han Taiwanese society, through the period of Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) martial law and on to the era of democratization, the influence of Taiwan’s gangs has evolved. The activity of some gangs (but not all) has spread beyond extracting profit from local territory – through extortion, prostitution, and gambling – to international transactions involving drug, arms, and human trafficking. This has sowed connections between certain Taiwanese gangs and foreign actors, such as Chinese triads and government officials engaging in united front work for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). As elections become more competitive in Taiwan, gangs have leveraged their control of prominent Taiwanese temples to influence politicians seeking support from religious communities. Such deep-rooted connections between gangs and local communities obstruct democratic development based on transparency and open debate, especially in Taiwan’s rural areas.”NOTE: This episode has been significantly edited to attempt to adhere to the mostly non-political official stance of the Formosa Files podcast. To hear/watch the full one-hour, almost unedited version, visit Kaohsiung Times → “Long-Form” → “Formosa Files.”
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“The Eleventh Commandment” – the First Western Movie Shot in Taiwan – S5-E34
This wonderfully weird story is part of our “almost-no-one’s-ever-hear-of-Taiwan-trivia” collection, and man… it’s wild. Plot synopsis: A Cold War warrior movie director makes the first Western film in Taiwan in the winter of 1959/1960. In the film, the characters come to Taiwan from Iowa to learn about the evils of communism (?). Next week, we’ll get back to some “real” history, but today, enjoy 30 minutes of almost pure insanity from Formosa Files.Help us out! Follow, like, subscribe, share and leave a review on our website or Apple podcasts.
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Bits & Pieces: “Women of the Orient” and Around the World in a “Half-Safe” Amphibious Jeep (1956) – S5-E33
In this Bits & Pieces episode, John makes Eryk read some cringe-inducing lines from a guide to “the women of the Orient.” Then, they set off on one of history’s strangest adventures: the world-spanning voyage of “Half-Safe,” an amphibious jeep that drove and floated its way to Kaohsiung in 1958.Do us a favor: rate the show, leave a review on our website or Apple podcasts, and/or follow us on social media. Thanks.
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28:23
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From Ashes to Innovation: Japan, Taiwan, and the Spirit of the Osaka Expo of 1970 – S5-E32
In 1968, just 23 years after the end of WWII, Japan became the world’s second-largest economy (and would remain so until 2011, when it was overtaken by China). In 1970, Japan highlighted its rise from the ashes by holding the Osaka Expo, a showcase of technology, culture, and confidence — from a monorail to moving walkways to videophones. It was the first World’s Fair held in Japan, and also in Asia. For the Republic of China (Taiwan), however, it would turn out to be something of a swan song on the international stage; in 1971, Taiwan lost its seat at the United Nations, and in the following years numerous countries switched diplomatic recognition to the PRC. But join Formosa Files as we visit Osaka in those happy days of 1970, when the future looked bright; astronauts had just landed on the Moon, Japan’s miracle was in full swing, and the world gathered to imagine tomorrow. Take a tour around the ROC’s futuristic pavilion, designed by I.M. Pei, which was a break from the classic Chinese palace architecture favored by the government. And learn about a remarkable forgotten Taiwanese travelogue-thriller film, Tracing to EXPO ’70.Follow, like, comment and share. Thank you!
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Swearing with Chickens, and other Taiwan Bird Adventures – S5-E31
Inspired by Taichung’s recent hosting of the World Bird Fair, Eryk and John explore Taiwan’s rich avian diversity and look at bird omens, bird gambling, and bird superstitions. Star species make cameo appearances, but it’s the humble chicken that gets the spotlight in this episode… and the chopping board! (Apologies for Eryk’s fondness for certain sound effects). The beheading of chickens at temples was once a common folk judicial ritual – yes, oaths of legal innocence were sworn before temple gods with the aid of feathered sacrifices. Sounds a bit gruesome, but trust us; it’s a fun episode. We swear it before the City God (whack!). Follow, comment, like, share - let others know about the program. Thanks!
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About The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Formosa Files is the world's biggest and highest-rated Taiwan history podcast. We use an engaging storytelling format and are non-chronological, meaning every week is a new adventure - and, you can just find a topic that interests you and check out that episode...skip stuff that isn't your thing. The hosts are John Ross, an author and publisher of works on Taiwan and China, and Eryk Michael Smith, a journalist for local and global media outlets. Both Ross and Smith have lived in Taiwan for over two decades and call the island home. Email: [email protected]

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