The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Nancy Chen Baldwin's early life – when she was sold by her parents to a bargirl for US$100 – might sound like something out of a novel set in the Middle Ages. But the old practices of selling, “lending,” giving, and unofficial adoption of children persisted in Taiwan until relatively recent times. Nancy, in many ways, was one of the lucky ones; she wasn't sold to a brothel, as some other young girls were back in the post-war years when Taiwan was desperately poor. But her tale of suffering, relocating to the USA, and finally triumphing over her demons deserves to be heard, as it's both educational and inspirational. Nancy released her book One Thousand Layers of Water and Clouds: The Tale of A Taiwanese Daughter in September 2023, and not long after, she spoke with Eryk from her home in the United States.   Visit formosafiles.com for pictures, links, and more.

“Blatant sex capital of Asia, where vice is legal and the price is right,” was how one book described Taipei in 1969. Listen as Taipei-based journalist David Frazier takes us through the history of Taipei’s first foreign-oriented red light district, an area of girlie bars and nightclubs that was, and still is, known as the “Combat Zone.” Frazier explains how this infamous entertainment zone formed around nearby US military bases, the history of prostitution in modern Taiwan, and how a bar zone became a conduit for Western culture. Visit formosafiles.com for pics and more.

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) PhD candidate Angel B. Menéndez came to Taiwan from his native Guatemala on a full scholarship provided by the Taiwan government. For Taiwan, this was a wise financial choice as Menéndez first studied mechanical engineering, then Mandarin, and then became involved in the historic achievement of a Taiwanese space program; not with the official Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), but with a team of researchers at Tainan's NCKU. In 2017, they put a “nanosatellite” into orbit, a model of which is now on public display. They've since put up a few more and, due to Covid, Menéndez has recently been the only expat on the team. Hear Eryk chat with Angel about these remarkable achievements and the team’s plans for the future of Taiwan in space.  Visit formosafiles.com for pics, info, and more.

December 25th. A special day celebrating the birth of... the Constitution of the Republic of China. Once a holiday that rather conveniently overlapped with Christmas, today you don't get the day off in Taiwan. So, to relieve the pain of being forced to work on Christm... um... Constitution Day, John and Eryk bring you some festive cheer by recounting the history of the ROC Constitution, examining each and every amendment, and reading it in the original Mandarin. Just kidding. John gives Eryk an ROC citizenship test. Will Eryk have what it takes to become an ROCian? Will he know the answer to important naturalization questions such as, “Is it permissible to open an emergency door of an airplane in flight?” Find out in this holiday special from Formosa Files. 

Wu Li-pei, a Taiwanese immigrant, shares his journey to the US seeking freedom. Topics include struggles adapting to life in Kansas, job search success in Alaska, involvement in an assassination attempt, and discussions on revolutionary plans with fervent convictions.

Frank C. Chen was the mayor of Kaohsiung from 1960 to 1968. The foundation that bears his name is the reason we have Formosa Files. Paul Chen is one of Frank Chen's sons (b. 1944), and in 1979, he established the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society. Why? Well, he and his dad were once avid hunters, and Paul Chen kept noticing there were fewer and fewer birds, and set out to do something about it. Today, Mr. Lin Kun-hai 林昆海 is the society's General Secretary, and in this bonus episode, we hear from both the founder and the person still leading the charge to SAVE THE BIRDS! Pics, links, and info on formosafiles.com.

Explore the remarkable journey of Wuhli Pei, a Taiwanese immigrant who became a prominent figure in the US banking industry and participated in Taiwanese American politics. From his early years in Taiwan to his struggles in pursuing love and his brush with arrest, Wu Li-pei's experiences offer a unique perspective on Taiwan's history.

Henry Kissinger, a controversial figure in US politics, facilitated the switch in diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. The podcast explores Kissinger's lack of support for Taiwan, his close relationship with China, and the major setback for Taiwan when US President Nixon announced his visit to China. It also covers the secret negotiations, the exchange of gifts between China and the US, and the aftermath of the summit.

The hosts discuss the history and controversy of soy products, including the invention of stinky tofu and the challenges of the imperial examination. They explore the etymology of 'soy' and its connection to soy sauce, as well as the popularity of stinky tofu among Chinese immigrants. The hosts also announce the launch of their publishing house, Plumb Rain Press, focusing on Taiwan history books. They give updates on the significance of the rainy season in Taiwan and tease upcoming episodes for the rest of the season.

Explore Taiwan's reputation as a food paradise, including its diverse ingredients and regional cuisines. Discover the origin of the famous Chiayi turkey rice and the success of the Din Tai Fung restaurant chain. Delve into the secret of sha-long bao dumplings and learn about the journey of Mr. Yang and his acclaimed restaurant chain. Finally, join a discussion on the popular street food, stinky tofu, and debunk misconceptions about Taiwanese cuisine.