Silver Podcast Network

What if a map could justify the conquest of a nation? In 1895, as China and Japan negotiated the end of the First Sino-Japanese War (1894 - 1895), Japanese publisher Nakamura Yoshimatsu issued a remarkable map of Taiwan. Disguised as the work of a British naval officer, it subtly redrew the island to exaggerate vast 'ungoverned' tribal regions and diminish Qing authority. The result was one of the most consequential examples of persuasive cartography, a map that may have helped shape the negotiations leading to Japan's acquisition of Taiwan. Today, we explore the map, the politics behind it, and the extraordinary role cartography played in the transfer of an empire.

Take a listen as Chris Platt talks about war, leadership, and the disconnect between decision-makers and the people affected by their choices.

Written by and Featuring Chris Platt

Produced by Cory Choy and Christian Cuciniello

Sound by Silver Sound

We're back with another finalist spotlight for the Winter 2026 Sonic Dash. Today we will be highlighting a piece entitled "Meddling Kids of NYC" by Amanda Kari McHugh and Kyle Studstill.

Technical Director: Tom Fama

Produced by Christian Cuciniello and Cory Choy

Festival Directors: Mark Blumberg, Cory Choy, Emily Reeves

Take a listen as filmmaker Colin Colfer tells us about his animation process, the challenges of the craft, and what he’s working on now in the world of stop motion.

Featuring Colin Colfer

Produced by Cory Choy, Christian Cuciniello, and Ivan Bronson

Music by Ivan Bronson

Sound by Silver Sound

Take a listen as Saul Austerlitz tells us about the origin of the Brooklyn Resisters, the important work that they do, and his book entitled "How to Assemble an Activist"

Featuring Saul Austerlitz and Cory Choy

Produced by Cory Choy, Christian Cuciniello, and Ivan Bronson

Sound by Silver Sound

Take a listen as Amy Ernst tells us about how she uses her art as a creative outlet and a way to visualize a more loving world.

Featuring Amy Ernst

Produced by Cory Choy, Ivan Bronson, and Christian Cuciniello

Music by Ivan Bronson

Sound by Silver Sound

We're back with another finalist spotlight for the Winter 2026 Sonic Dash. Today we will be highlighting a piece entitled"Bo Ricky Banjo's Spiral to Hell" by Richard Kušan, Evan Sidio, and Ronnie Brown.

Technical Director: Tom Fama

Produced by Christian Cuciniello and Cory Choy

Festival Directors: Mark Blumberg, Cory Choy, Emily Reeves

We're back with another finalist spotlight for the Winter 2026 Sonic Dash. Today we will be highlighting a piece entitled "Like hot sauce, it burns" by Paloma Moreno Jiménez, Sara Schleede, Luci Jones, and Vanessa Handy.

Technical Director: Tom Fama

Produced by Christian Cuciniello and Cory Choy

Festival Directors: Mark Blumberg, Cory Choy, Emily Reeves

We're back with another finalist spotlight for the Winter 2026 Sonic Dash. Today we will be highlighting a piece entitled "Roll Play" by Tessa Zitter and Itai Rekem.

Technical Director: Tom Fama

Produced by Christian Cuciniello and Cory Choy

Festival Directors: Mark Blumberg, Cory Choy, Emily Reeves

Take a listen to our adaptation of Robert Reich's writings on our Current Political Climate.

Script adapted from the writings of Robert Reich

Produced by Cory Choy and Christian Cuciniello

Music by Ivan Bronson

Sound by Silver Sound