Taiwan Talk

They first returned to Taiwan to get away from COVID, and they've since found success as Taiwan's English-language, sibling broadcasting duo. Ryan and Taylor Chen talk about what its like to work with siblings, and the audience they're building, one season at a time. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

Section 301 of the U-S Trade Act of 1974 is a broad tool which authorizes the sitting U.S. President to negotiate trade agreements, reduce tariffs, and combat unfair foreign trade practices. In mid-March, the U.S. Trade Representative's office put Taiwan on two 301-related lists: one for failing to take action over structural excess capacity, and the other, for failing to take action over accusations of false labor. International Trade attorney James Ransdell explains the regulation, and how it is being used against traditional U-S allies today. Hosted by I.C.R.T's Hope Ngo.

It takes plenty of courage to go from "I could do this" to "I did it"… but Jane and Alex Denner did that when they launched Empress Hot Sauce. The brand is known for taking Taiwan's well-loved fruits and spicing them up to create Western-style companions to any meal. Hosted by Hope Ngo.

HoChie Tsai was just a toddler when his family moved to the U.S. But unlike many immigrants, Tsai's parents were fleeing political repression under martial law in Taiwan. Tsai talks about that legacy, and how that helped to shape his identity first as an Asian American activist and physician. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

Taiwan is known around the world for its cutting-edge high tech parks as well as its revolutionary health care system. But underneath all this lies a social issue experienced around the world -- one involving the unhoused. This episode we look at the issue of homelessness in Taipei through the eyes of Luke Pigott, Project Manager at Salt Collectiv, which brings together international volunteers working for the interests of the vulnerable and marginalized. We also hear from "Uncle Liang" -- who sheds light on the personal experiences of the unhoused and through the lens of his own experiences. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

Old-timers who have lived here for decades may remember a time when dining options that went beyond Taiwanese cuisine were very limited. But that's changed, thanks in part to the presence of restaurants like MK or Mayur Indian Kitchen. The restaurant chain is a byword for Indian cuisine on the island. ICRT's Hope Ngo speaks with Mayur Srivastava -- whose hard work and determination turned MK into a cuisine powerhouse.

Taiwan's presence on the global stage is often hindered due to international politics. But, the recent visit to Taipei by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego points to a practical solution. As Tamkang Univeristy professor of Diplomacy and International Affairs James Chen explains, urban diplomacy opens diplomacy at the subnational level, and can lead to practical and positive solutions which impact our everyday lives. ICRT's Hope Ngo and Tim Berge tell us more.

Over the next decade Taiwan hopes to add at least one giga-watt of geo-thermal energy to its electrical grid, or the equivalent of one nuclear reactor. This week in Taiwan Talk, ICRT’s Tim Berge speaks to Van Hoang from Sweden’s Baseload Power… which recently signed an agreement in Hualien to develop a geothermal plant in the Hongye community.

Those of us who are happy to see 2025 behind us may be excited for what's ahead. But if we're looking for more quiet times ahead, we may not get our wish. Feng Shui Master Roger Lan tells us how we might be able to take (some) control of what he promises will be a fast-paced year. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo.

"Invisible Nation" is a living account of Tsai’s tightrope walk as she balances the hopes and dreams of her nation between the colossal geopolitical forces of the U.S. and China. Invisible Nation captures Tsai at work in her country’s vibrant democracy, while seeking full international recognition of Taiwan’s right to exist. - from "Invisible Nation"