Taiwan Talk

There's never been a better time to experience gourmet dining in Taiwan. During this year's Michelin awards, the storied guide recognized 321 establishments, 148 in Taipei, 64 in Taichung, 56 in Tainan, and 53 in Kaohsiung. The group was made up of a range of mouthwatering dining options from the street eats that Taiwan is best known for (aka "Bib Gourmands") to high-end dining choices -- including two newly minted three-star options. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides joined ICRT's Hope Ngo to talk about how the selections were made, and why the storied international gourmet guide is captivated by Taiwan's dining scene as a whole. To hear Hope's conversation with Tairroir chef Kai Ho, whose restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars, click here. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Carrie Kellenberger is no ordinary expatriate. The courageous businesswoman is an advocate for the rights of disabled members of the foreign community in Taiwan. She speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about a day in her life and what it is like to live in the fringes of a much-lauded successful healthcare system that has left her -- and others like her -- behind. You can find Carrie online at My Several Worlds. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Henry Gerard, Taichung cheesemaker of Dida Creamery, talks about Taiwan's changing cheese market, the quality of milk, and the success of their cheesemaking business during the COVID lockdowns.

He's known to his fans as Taiwan's answer to Kenny G. At the height of his musical career, saxophone player Corbett Wall was a transformative force in Taiwan's music scene, which was once dominated by mando-pop and folk music. He speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about the forces that shaped his sound, and whether he still plays the instrument that altered his life today. To hear Corbett talk about his most recent venture working with the Tsou (Cou) people of Alishan, click here -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Ray Ko is a freediving instructor based on Taiwan's Xiaoliuqiu Island, and an enthusiastic advocate of the sport and its benefits. ICRT's Trevor Tortomasi chats with Ray about the benefits of spending time under the sea, the kinds of animals you can see while diving, how he holds his breath for four minutes, the rising popularity of freediving in Taiwan and around the world, and an upcoming freediving event in November 2023 called "Deep Week". You can find more info on Deep Week here: https://freedivingfamily.com/deep-week-taiwan And you can find Ray on Instagram: @freedivenomad Thanks for listening! -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

What does it take to modernize a cultural icon? The National Theater and Concert Hall's Director of Programming and International Development Ting-Chun Lin talks to ICRT's Hope Ngo about the theatre's digital projects and how lessons learnt during the COVID-19 has given rise to a new theatre experience. This episode was produced and is presented by Aspen Beilharz. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Ill Mo (老莫) is a Taiwanese rapper and hip hop artist, and teaches English as an assistant professor at Chihlee University (致理科技大學). ICRT's Trevor Tortomasi chats with Ill Mo about how he became a part of Taiwan's hip hop history, writing lyrics on both sides of the language barrier, and the hardest things to teach today's students. You can find Ill Mo's new album "Becoming" on Spotify or wherever you find music: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Fx0ZE76LMrLhhiHRIA7yJ And you can find Ill Mo on Instagram: @ill_mo Thanks so much for listening! -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Kevin Magee is the former Australian Representative in Taipei, having effectively served as an Australian ambassador, but under the complicated dynamics of the "One China Policy". ICRT's Trevor Tortomasi chats with Mr. Magee about his work as an Australian diplomat in Taiwan, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, and the fascinating situations and people he has encountered in his decades in the foreign service. Thanks for listening! -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Barry Martinson is known for his books, his music, and his work with stained glass. Even with his accomplishments, it is difficult to quantify how much Jesuit priest Barry Martinson and his brother Jerry (aka KPS' "Uncle Jerry") have done for the lives they touched. Martinson reminisces about his brother Jerry, and the brothers' legacy of service for the benefit of Taiwan. Note: the interview was recorded at Fr Barry's parish in Qingquan, Hsinchu County -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

How do Taiwan's white-collar workers compare with other labor pools in other markets? What can you do to get ahead -- whether you're new to the job market, or looking for work? John Winter, Taiwan Country Manager for global recruitment specialist Robert Walters gives us his take on what makes Taiwan's labor force stand out, and whether there are areas it can improve. * -- Hosting provided by SoundOn