Best TaiwanPlus Podcasts (2024)

1
25: Eating Less Meat to Save the World 21:10

2d ago21:10

21:10

Trying out a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can come with a few initial hurdles, including your proximity to vegan options, your resources, and your eating habits. But the results have undeniably healthy effects on the environment, economies, and people. Joey and Trevor look into the world's most vegetarian countries, the roots of different kinds of…

1
24: Racing through the history of Dragon Boat Festival 23:22

9d ago23:22

23:22

Every year around late May or early June, we celebrate Dragon Boat Festival, a holiday with thousands of years of history, traditional foods, and competitive dragon boat races. Joey and Trevor look into the history behind the holiday, how it's celebrated, and its growing popularity in countries around the world.…

1
23: How much of our coral reefs can still be saved? 24:38

16d ago24:38

24:38

As global average temperatures rise, many coral reefs are experiencing a phenomenon called "bleaching", leaving behind brittle structures which often stand very little chance of recovery. Coral reefs, sometimes called "the rainforests of the ocean", are highly sensitive underwater ecosystems. So how many of them can still be saved? Trevor and Joey …

1
22: Is the rise of Asia's standup comedy at odds with freedom of speech? 27:02

23d ago27:02

27:02

Comedians are often encouraged to "punch up", or criticize those in positions of power, rather than "punching down", or ridiculing those less fortunate. So in countries where criticizing the government is dangerous, how does standup comedy fare as a political voice? Trevor and Joey look into the growth of standup comedy scenes around Asia, comedy's…

1
21: How do we define obesity, and what is it doing to us? 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1990, while obesity in adolescents has quadrupled in the same amount of time. In Taiwan, more than half of adults and a third of schoolchildren are either overweight or obese, giving it one of the highest rates in Southeast Asia. Joey and Trevor look into how …

1
20: How do our clothes affect the environment? 24:07

1M ago24:07

24:07

While you may be paying a low price for clothes produced as "fast fashion", the real price falls upon textile workers and our environment. Joey and Trevor chat about the advantages of a circular textile economy, the waste produced by major international brands, and where old clothes should go when we're done with them. In this episode, we spoke to …

1
19: How fast can a country learn English? 24:34

1M ago24:34

24:34

Taiwan's "Bilingual by 2030" policy, set in motion in 2017, aims to achieve a Taiwanese society fluent in both Chinese and English by the end of the decade. With this ambitious undertaking, the government hopes to more deeply connect Taiwan's workforce with the world, and to attract more international businesses to Taiwan. Now that we're around sev…

1
18: Cicada Season Begins: What can we do about the world's loudest insect? 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

Around the end of April and the beginning of May, parts of North America are set to see two different broods of cicadas wake up at once. It's a dual emergence between groups that meet only once every 221 years. Trevor and Joey chat about the upcoming emergence event, why cicadas sleep for such exact amounts of time, and how the harmless insect has …

1
17: How big is the audience for Chinese-language music? 21:52

2M ago21:52

21:52

Mandarin pop music, or "Mandopop," is seeing increased listening in Taiwan, as one of the country's most famous musicians recently made history with global album sales. So, how does this affect the wider acceptance of music in Chinese, and how willing are people to listen to music in languages they don't understand?…

1
16: Are we really prepared for earthquakes? 24:11

2M ago24:11

24:11

The earthquake that hit Taiwan in 1999 caused a staggering 2,400 deaths, while this month's earthquake of almost the same magnitude killed 13. While we strive to avoid any number of casualties at all, the difference in casualties is still remarkable. What changed, and are we really prepared for more?…

1
15: What does geothermal power have to do with earthquakes? 21:14

2M ago21:14

21:14

Geothermal power is the second form of renewable energy we're looking into, and comes with its own set of merits and challenges. Getting green energy from kilometers underground is no easy feat, but more and more countries are doing it. Trevor and Joey go over a bit of the science behind geothermal power stations, why geothermal energy is strongest…

1
14: Do some traditions need to change? 27:14

3M ago27:14

27:14

With cultural origins dating back thousands of years, Tomb Sweeping Day is a time for families to gather and pay respects to their ancestors. But could some traditions have a negative impact on the environment? Joey and Trevor chat about honoring ancestors across different cultures, how the accompanying practices have changed with time, and what pe…

1
13: Are we pushing students too hard? 22:41

3M ago22:41

22:41

A growing number of students around the world are reporting feelings of exhaustion in school, but just how tired does a student have to be before they can take a mental health day? Joey and Trevor look into which countries have the toughest education systems, how overdigitalization in the classroom can adversely affect student performance, and how …

1
12: How long can good healthcare last? 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

It's no secret that some healthcare systems seem to function more effectively than others, but even some of the world's most-praised systems face their own share of obstacles. This week, Joey and Trevor compare their experiences with healthcare in Asia and North America, share some insight into the price of health, and look into the cost of moving …

1
11: Migrant Workers' Rights: What makes a better life for everyone? 20:40

3M ago20:40

20:40

Every year, millions of people from Southeast Asia brave harsh working conditions and exploitative systems in search of stable work and better lives. Trevor and Joey look into where most of the region's migrant workers are coming from, where they're going, and the changes they're struggling to achieve.…

1
10: What does labor shortage mean for an economy? 19:16

4M ago19:16

19:16

Like many countries, Taiwan is facing a labor shortage, a complicated problem that is also inextricably linked to the topics covered in our previous and next episodes: birth rates and working conditions. Joey and Trevor look at what labor shortage means for an economy, and which courses of action are still available moving forward.…

1
09: Why are birth rates going down? 21:00

4M ago21:00

21:00

An increasing number of countries are seeing less and less people born each year, with many concerned about the economic and cultural impact of steadily aging populations. Joey and Trevor take a look at the myriad reasons behind falling birth rates, with some personal insight into the economic and medical obstacles to parenthood.…

1
08: How does a game become an Esport? 22:41

4M ago22:41

22:41

What does it take for a game to become competitive? Anyone can be a gamer, but competing in Esports is reserved for those who are willing to analyze, strategize, and train for hours on end. In today's episode, Joey and Trevor look into the rise of Esports in Taiwan and around the world, and learn just how much is required of its athletes.…

1
07: How many versions of Lunar New Year are there? 26:20

5M ago26:20

26:20

Lunar New Year has deep roots in countries all across East Asia. So how do its massive and wide-reaching celebrations manifest in each culture? Trevor and Joey dive into the history behind Lunar New Year, with first-hand perspectives and stories shared by people from Taiwan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia.…

1
06: Where does all the wind power wind up? 18:45

5M ago18:45

18:45

Countries all over the world are setting ambitious goals for green energy transitions, but building the infrastructure for it is easier said than done. Trevor and Joey kick off a series of episodes on the elements with a focus on wind power, how we harness it, and where it's at its strongest.By TaiwanPlus

1
05: Can we still save the pangolin? 20:42

5M ago20:42

20:42

The pangolin's protective scales are one of its most unique features, but a black market demand for these scales has made pangolins the target of illegal trafficking operations in many countries. Trevor and Joey take a closer look at pangolins themselves, their lives in the wild, and what the world is doing to save them.…

1
04: Trans Rights: Citizens, not patients 23:43

5M ago23:43

23:43

The worldwide struggle for LGBTQ+ rights faces its own set of legal and cultural obstacles in each country, but even small victories can raise awareness and spearhead wider progressive change. Trevor and Joey take a look at the current state of LGBTQ+ rights around the world, with a focus on gender identity in Taiwan, and the fight for people's pre…

1
03: What is the real cost of carbon emissions? 18:09

5M ago18:09

18:09

As the world moves to address climate change, each country is being forced to assess the cost of carbon emissions, both environmental and financial. Joey and Trevor take a look at the state of industrial and individual emissions around the world, and hear from industry experts who are attempting to control the problem.…

1
02: How to survive a Pedestrian Limbo 26:12

6M ago26:12

26:12

After some on the internet deemed Taiwan's streets a "pedestrian hell", the otherwise famously safe country has been forced to reckon with the reality of its roads. Trevor and Joey look into the recent origins of this challenging phrase, talk about the current state of traffic, and ask their GPS if there's still a road to pedestrian heaven.…

1
01: Has A.I. passed the Turing Test of music? 21:58

6M ago21:58

21:58

As artificial intelligence learns to mimic our words and pictures, we find ourselves wondering if, or when, it will replace our sounds. In our first episode, Joey and Trevor dive into recent trends in the world of A.I., focusing on its increasing utility in the music industry, and the shrinking gap between its reach and its grasp.…

1
00: Getting Ready 0:57

7M ago0:57

0:57

TaiwanPlus is Getting Pacific! That's the name of our debut podcast, which is coming soon. Join us every Tuesday for chats with experts and activists about trending topics in Taiwan and around the world!By TaiwanPlus

1
COVID-19 update; Heavy rain alert 10:51

2y ago10:51

10:51

The first case of severe inflammatory syndrome in children has appeared, and the teenage boy who displayed the syndrome one month after tested positive for COVID-19 is now recovering.Weather forecasters say western cities in Taiwan can expect a wet week ahead with torrential rain mainly from today until Thursday.…

1
A dip in Taiwan¡¦s COVID-19 case number; Daja Mazu¡¦s many challenges 11:09

2y ago11:09

11:09

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has continued to drop and now the government is focused on child death of COVID and hospital capacity.The faith of Daja Mazu Temple is encountering a lot of challenge and creativity, with the help of technology like GPS, is giving a new face to an old tradition.…

1
Taiwan Celebrates Dragon Boat Festival; several trade breakthroughs announced 12:13

2y ago12:13

12:13

Taiwan celebrated Dragon Boat Festival today, and Taiwan Plus was there to witness the action on the water and off it.Also in the news today¡Xadvances in talks between Taiwan and its top trade allies, the United States and European Union.By ICRT News

1
US and Taiwan hold Trade Talks; Taiwan revives tourism 13:15

2y ago13:15

13:15

Taiwan and US ties have grown deeper over the years, but a trade deal remains a sticking point in the relationship. A stimulus program for the tourism industry will revive travel to the island.By ICRT News

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 26: Dawen Wang 12:06

2y ago12:06

12:06

As we come to the end of this interview series, it's time to reconnect with an old friend. Joey calls up his pal and foremer ICRT colleague, Dawen Wang, to find out how life is Shanghai. The two chat about the singer-songwriter's new-found skillset, music director for a concert series, and what it's like for a performer to traverse the age of new m…

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 25: Lukas Engstrom 12:42

2y ago12:42

12:42

There are many people working hard to introduce Taiwan's splendor to the rest of the world... And one of those people is Lukas Engstrom, a Swedish YouTuber here in Taiwan, who has collaborated with various content creators all over the island. In Trevor's final interview, he chats with Lukas about his prolific video production strategies, and what …

1
COVID-19 rules relaxed; Military attributes AT-3 crash to pilot inexperience 11:47

2y ago11:47

11:47

Health authorities have eased rules for new arrivals at international airports and discharge rules for hospitalized coronavirus patients.The military has attributed the cause of the fatal AT-3 crash to pilot¡¦s inexperience and the plane¡¦s old age.By ICRT News

1
AT-3 trainer jet crash killed pilot; one out of 5 adults suffer long COVID 11:36

2y ago11:36

11:36

A military AT-3 trainer jet crashed today in Kaohsiung, killing the 23-year-old pilot, and investigations are ongoing to look for the cause.One in 5 adult patients of COVID-19 experienced lingering effects of the disease for weeks.By ICRT News

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 24: Jaguar Jonze 11:31

2y ago11:31

11:31

What's it like to be born in Japan, raised in Australia, but with roots in Taiwan? As a child of multicultural backgrounds, Jaguar Jonze was almost chosen to represent Australia in 2022's Eurovision Song Contest. This week, Joey speaks with the Australian-Taiwanese singer-songwriter about what it's like to be a stinky tofu lover growing up in vegem…

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 23: Rifat §d»ñ 13:47

2y ago13:47

13:47

How has Taiwan's media landscape grown together with international culture? Rifat, also known as §d»ñ (Wu Feng), is a veteran host, comedian, and TV personality in Taiwan, and the first foreigner to win the coveted Golden Bell Award, in 2012. In this episode, Trevor chats with Rifat about his experiences as a bridge between Taiwan and his home coun…

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 22: Jason Wang 15:59

2y ago15:59

15:59

Do you like your dinner aromatic and delicious, or shocking and surprising? Before you answer, let Master Chef contestant, Jason Wang, tell you all about the story behind each dish in his new Taiwanese culinary show "Jason's Table". This week, the former opera singer and music teacher shares his passion for connecting with over traditional foods.…

1
COVID-19 update; Legislative Yuan passes controversial bill 10:42

2y ago10:42

10:42

The increase in child COVID deaths with complications of encephalitis has caused grave concern.The Legislative Yuan has passed a controversial bill that would acquit former President Chen Shui-bian of misuse of the state affairs funds.By ICRT News

1
Computex showcases Metaverse; COVID-19 saw record death toll 10:44

2y ago10:44

10:44

The 2022 Computex Taipei trade show highlights what Metaverse can do and post-pandemic technology.The rising death toll of COVID-19 is a worrying sign as the number of deaths stood at a record high of 126 today.By ICRT News

1
Nurses overwhelmed amid COVID-19 outbreak; Significance of Taiwan¡¦s exclusion from IPEF 12:22

2y ago12:22

12:22

Nurses are overwhelmed amid the recent COVID-19 outbreak, and they\'re skeptical about the MOHW putting a cap on patient numbers.Yun Hai Pantry, an online food seller, is introducing Taiwanese cuisine and food products to the United States.By ICRT News

1
Jiang Wan-an nominated to run for Taipei Mayor; Saving giant clams 10:45

2y ago10:45

10:45

The opposition KMT has officially nominated Jiang Wan-an for the Taipei Mayoral election on November 26th.The government has banned the trade in the giant clam as part of the conservation efforts to revive this species.By ICRT News

1
Vaccines for younger children; US-Taiwan arms sales 10:47

2y ago10:47

10:47

Health authorities consider offering COVID-19 vaccines for children under the age of 6, but it probably won¡¦t happen until July.The United States will change the types of weapons it¡¦s selling to Taiwan to put more emphasis on ¡§asymmetric war.¡¨By ICRT News

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 21: Sam Yarbs 17:21

2y ago17:21

17:21

Where did the sudden explosion of standup comedy culture in Taiwan come from, and where is it going? This week, Trevor chats with Sam Yarbs, the cofounder of Taipei's popular Two Three Comedy Club, about his work on The Night Night Show (³Õ®¦©]©]¨q), comedy across the language barrier, and the future of standup in Taiwan.…

1
Nurses under tremendous pressure; Taiwan excluded from IPEF 11:23

2y ago11:23

11:23

Nurses under a lot of pressure amid the COVID-19 outbreak with many complaining that health authorities have kept ignoring them.Taiwan is excluded from the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, an initiative that President Joe Biden will propose when visiting Japan.By ICRT News

1
COVID-19 outbreak; President Tsai Ingwen¡¦s approval rating dropped 11:03

2y ago11:03

11:03

The number of children tested positive for COVID-19 is on the rise, and so far three have died from the disease.A poll shows that 49.2% of the respondents said they didn¡¦t think the government is prepared for the latest COVID outbreak.By ICRT News

1
COVID-19 outbreak hits schools nationwide; Other countries support Taiwan for WHA 11:19

2y ago11:19

11:19

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has driven city governments of Taipei, New Taipei and Kaohsiung to suspend in-person learning.Lawmakers from 33 countries are calling for Taiwan¡¦s inclusion in the World Health Assembly in Geneva.By ICRT News

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 20: Janice Yen 14:09

2y ago14:09

14:09

What does an opera singer sound like when she goes pop? What if she also has her own podcast? If you are intrigued, meet Janice Yen, a classically-trained singer raised by composers and traditional instrumentalists who wow'ed Taiwan's Mandopop industry when she appeared on the singing competition show "Top Million Star".…

1
TaiwanPlus x ICRT Episode 19: Victor Lau 14:41

2y ago14:41

14:41

Where is the "old capital" of Mandopop? What are some of the new chanllenges facing aritst and record labels today? This week, Joey catches up with singer-turned-label-manager and father-of-two, Victor Lau, to talk about the how Taiwan's music industry has changed over the years and how to allow room for creativity in the presence of big-data.…

1
Church shooting in California; Taiwan tests newest military drone 11:02

2y ago11:02

11:02

The community of Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church is still reeling from the Sunday shooting that left one dead and 5 injured.Taiwan tested newest military drone that¡¦s expected to play a valuable role in monitoring People¡¦s Liberation Army¡¦s movements.By ICRT News

1
Taiwanese church shooting in California; COVID-19 updates 11:07

2y ago11:07

11:07

U.S. police say the suspect of fatal shootings at a Taiwanese church in California is believed to have political motivations.Taiwan¡¦s health authorities have relaxed the rules for home isolation, saying it¡¦s for the sake of maintaining medical capacity.By ICRT News

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