Taiwan Talk

Launching a new career isn't easy. So why would anyone (willingly) do it twice in one lifetime? Three guests -- two from the US and one based in Taiwan-- share their their experiences involving their dramatic mid-career pivots. Hosted by Hope Ngo.

Artist Ting Ting Cheng uses a traumatic experience to educate in her recent show "They told me it's not your fault. And I told them everything will be fine." Held at Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab in Taipei, Cheng explores digital gender-based violence which the United Nations Population Fund says is most likely to impact women and girls, minorities and the marginalized. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Berge and Hope Ngo.

London-based Taiwanese wine writer, translator, certified WSET wine educator, Leona di Pasquale turned a passion into a profession when she first began learning about, then talking about Taiwan's best loved beverages from tea to wines and spirits. Hosted by Hope Ngo.

February 24th marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since that time, much has changed, including a major break in US policy following the inauguration of Donald Trump. With a look at the implications for Taiwan, Ukraine, Europe and even Asia, we chat with Jakub Janda… the director of the European Values Center of Security Policy… a non-partisan NGO based in the Czech Republic to defend freedom and national sovereignty. Hosted by Tim Berge.

From scoring a coveted Golden Apple on the Netflix show "Crazy Delicious" to cooking for Taiwan's de-facto ambassador to the UK, food blogger Tiffany Cheng has made her mark as an unofficial ambassador for popular Taiwan cuisine. How she accomplished that and what she learnt along the way is a story she shares on Taiwan Talk. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo.

In vitro fertilization or IVF has been practiced around the world for over four decades. Yale Medicine says over 10 million babies have been born via IVF around the world, and over half a million IVF babies are delivered every year.

Everyone dreams of owning a business… but few people are honest about the challenges the endeavor can bring. Enter Jean-Trophime "Fim" Salomon; he's a former electronics industry executive and new owner of Taipei's Lutetia bakery. He talks about why -- and how -- he took on the task of rebuilding the decades-old Tienmu establishment. Hosted by Hope Ngo.

She was in entertainment -- the "family business" -- and with a famous uncle (高凌風)… but it was only a matter of time before Lareine Hsu (徐瑞蓮) decided it was time to make a switch. As the chef of a new and noteworthy Danbi in Los Angeles' Koreatown, Chef L now makes waves with her cooking. She talks swapping careers and what sustains her. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo.

Telling and amplifying Taiwan's story in the US capital is not easy -- but John Dotson does just that through his role as Deputy Director of the Global Taiwan Institute -- a Washington DC-based think-tank dedicated to telling the Taiwan story. Dotson tells us about how he discovered Taiwan, what keeps him drawn to the island to this day, and why the task of helping craft a narrative for Taiwan as it seeks its place in the world is critical, particularly as the world navigates these challenging times. Hosted by Hope Ngo.

She made history by becoming the first woman to win to the Malko Competition -- an international competition for young conductors held every three years by the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Taiwan American conductor Mei-Ann Chen talks about her trailblazing journey which took her from Taiwan's music schools to the best-known classical music chambers in the United States and Europe. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo.