Tales of Our Time

Today is the second of a four-episode collaboration with recent graduates (and almost graduates) of the Canadian Independent Micro School, where students share with us the books that impacted them the most in their education (so far). This follows a similar format to our regular episodes, but features two books chosen and presented by students.  Today we're hearing about The Wednesday Wars, by Gary D. Schmidt, "Finding yourself, through your own means" as explained by Youcheng. We'll also be hearing about Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel, "Hell is the absence of people you long for" explained by Andrew.

Today is the first of a four-episode collaboration with recent graduates (and two almost graduates) of the Canadian Independent Micro School, where students share with us the books that impacted them the most in their education (so far). This follows a similar format to our regular episodes, but features two books chosen and presented by students.  Today we're hearing about Holes, by Louis Sachar, "The mistaken punishment" as explained by Falicia and Paxon. We'll also be hearing about Looking for Alaska by John Green, "How do we escape the labyrinth of suffering?" explained by Rhea.

This is the FOURTH (and sadly last!) week of our June PRIDE-month special where we're talking with members of our local and global LGBTQ+ community about the stories that made them feel "seen." This week, I'm back with wonderful returning guest Emily to talk about the cultural BOMBSHELL that has been Rachel Reid's "Heated Rivalry." Although it's better known for its TV adaption, it is also the second book in Reid's Game Changers series, so we'll be covering the whole book... and therefore the series in just one episode. Settle in for a summary of the hottest show, and an explanation for why leading man Ilya is such amazing Bi representation. 

This is the THIRD week of our monthly PRIDE-month special where we're talking with members of our local and global LGBTQ+ community about the stories that made them feel "seen." This week I'm talking to Janet, about the book The Honeys, by Ryan La Sala. We talk about how the book, through its gender-fluid lead Mars, invites the reader to examine their relationship with gender, and even ask the deeper questions about other preconceived "hard lines" that may not be as universal as they seem at first. Did we mention this is also a horror novel about bees and a mysterious death?

This is the SECOND week of our monthly PRIDE-month special where we're talking with members of our local and global LGBTQ+ community about the stories that made them feel "seen." This week, I'm talking to returning guest Milo about the BBC series "Merlin." While the show ran from 2008 - 2012, it still maintains an active fanbase, and frequent discussion and revisiting! Milo and I discuss the ways the show can be read as a metaphor for fear of speaking out driving your life, and ultimately costing you the opportunity for deeper relationships-- but how love and compassion win in the end.

It's PRIDE MONTH ALL~~~ This is the FIRST week of our monthly PRIDE-month special where we're talking with members of our local and global LGBTQ+ community about the stories that made them feel "seen." This week, we're interviewing Hayley about Rita Mae Brown's Rubyfruit Jungle, from 1973. We talk about how the book is a standout both today and especially in its time for how it portrays lesbianism front-and-center-- but not as the main "issue" of the book!! Instead, the book is a coming-of-age story for those who don't feel they fit in the boxes society offers them, and choose to pursue their happiness in spite of the expectations of others.

Today's guest Wendy joins us to talk about the memoir-turned-movie "Seven Years in Tibet!" Originally a memoir about the life of Austrian mountain climber Heinrich Harrer, it was adapted into a film in 1997 by director Jean-Jacques Annaud. Wendy walks us through how the events of the film show the long journey to self-discovery, what it means to be a work in progress, and how there's no shame in trying to figure out who you are at any age!

This week, I'm sitting with guest Ariel to discuss the first episode of the TV show (and dark musical comedy) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! We talk about the show's musical fun and skill, and how by embracing the cringe of the moment, the show actually touches on something much more genuine. Oh, and DON'T rely on the Netflix summary!

This week we're talking to Caroline Free about the book "Assassin's Apprentice." Originally published in 1995 by Robin Hobb, it's the first of her Farseer Trilogy, and has just about everything you'd want out of a fantasy novel: an illegitimate heir to the throne, political marriages, raiders from overseas, bloodline magic, and more... but it also has the compelling story of a young boy learning the hard lessons of how much of yourself to give when looking for a place to belong.

This week, we're sitting down with Saree to discuss Mel Brookes' screenplay about the trouble with making a "hit", The Producers! Originally debuted in 1967, and then re-made in 2005, the film explores how hard it is to make a hit, whether quality or outrage is more profitable, all through the lens of two producers doing what they can to work the system.

 This week's guest Heather talks with us about one of the MOST iconic movies from the 1980s, John Hughes' The Breakfast Club! We talk about how this movie set a standard as one of the first movies to focus on dismantling the stereotypes of school, and how that message is relevant way past high school!!

Tales of Our Time is three years old! How nuts is that? However you feel, it's time for the traditional mailbag episode to celebrate! This year's questions span a wide range of topics, from how to be at audio recording, to genres host Amanda avoids, and trends in how people consume media, and more!

This week we're talking to Alex Cailleaux about Dungeon Crawler Carl, and what has made it so, so, so popular recently. Is it the way it almost substitutes video games? How it comments on reality TV? Or perhaps the dark humor and sentient cat Princess Donut? Listen to find out more.

Today we talk with Amanda Sung, the author of How to Break a Girl! We talk about how she turned what was originally a memoir and masters thesis into a fiction novel following the lives of three Asian immigrants navigating life, marriage, friendships, imposter syndrome, and the weight of living in two worlds at once. While never originally intended as a novel, Sung hopes the stories will resonate with readers and give others empathy to look beyond the mask and "perfect eyeliner" of strangers on the streets. 

Today I'm talking with my guest Milène to talk about the scifi novel: Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir. We talk about Weir's other work, his dedication to scientific accuracy, the many, many, many challenges of space travel, and how refreshing it is to read a disaster novel focused on hope!

This week, we're talking about the FRESH new book "Is This a Cry for Help," by Emily Austin. This week's guest Hayley Ware dives into the book and what it shows us about library culture, and the need for safe spaces in society. We also discuss the way in which Austin artfully deals with heavy themes in a way that helps readers feel seen, not burdened.

This week, we're joined by Rti's own Wanson (host of Cinematic Motif and Tâi-gí Made Easy) to discuss the 2024 animated film, Flow! We talk about how the movie defied all odds in it's making and success, what it may mean for small-budget animations or studios that follow, and the surprising depth found in this stylistically stunning film.

This week we're joined by Kathyrn Houg all the way from the Netherlands to discuss the enfuring legacy of the 1990s RTS strategy game: Age of Empires 2! Kathryn takes us through how the fictional retelling real-world heroine Joan of Arc shaped her life, appreciation of history, and even helped her meet her current husband! 

This is the fifth and final episode of a five part series our month-long look at the Disney TV show "Andor".  To guide us through the month, we'll be joined by our two experts: creative writer and art history touchstone Jared Friesen, and writer and literature teacher Cat Trites. In this finale episode, Amanda finally brings in THE NEWS, and Cat and Jared compare how the growing rebellion in ANDOR matches up against real-world counterparts -- including what elements of successful rebellions are present. They also dissect the episode "One Way Out" as the show's proof-of-concept for the power of collective action againt (seemingly) overwheming odds.

This is the fourth episode of a five part series our month-long look at the Disney TV show "Andor".  To guide us through the month, we'll be joined by our two experts: creative writer and art history touchstone Jared Friesen, and writer and literature teacher Cat Trites. In this episode, we discuss role models of the rebellion in the show Andor, but not any of the main characters. We're looking at the characters of Nemik, Cinta, and Bix and how their sacrifices contribute to what the rebellion became, as well as what their arcs (despite being relatively minor) represent about the rebellion and these kind of movements as a whole.

This is the third episode of a five part series our month-long look at the Disney TV show "Andor".  To guide us through the month, we'll be joined by our two experts: creative writer and art history touchstone Jared Friesen, and writer and literature teacher Cat Trites. In this episode, we discuss The Empire. The series Andor breaks from previous film depictions of a single despot on a dark throne, and despicting instead a corporately efficient bureaucracy. We also spend time discussing the two antagonists Syril Karn and Dedra Meero, who serve as the series' surprisingly human look into the system's inner workings from the perspective of willing imperial agents.

This is the second episode in a five-part series.  Cat and Jared detail the different ways people are drawn into the nascent rebellion movement in the show Andor, with special focus on Cassian Andor, "Axis", and Mon Mothma -- as well as why this show feels like a scary reflection of the world around us today, and the hope we find looking back at us.

This is the first episode of our month-long look at the Disney TV show "Andor". A spin-off of a spin-off, the show has been described by many as surprisingly breaking from a typical Star Wars franchise show, even feeling like something that they shouldn't be watching or should watch in secret because of the ways it mirrors our world, and how rebellions begin alongside the empires they seek to crush. To guide us through the month, we'll be joined by our two experts: creative writer and art history touchstone Jared Friesen, and writer and literature teacher Cat Trites. In this episode, we set up what the show is about, and who important characters are to follow for the series, as well as try to address why it is that the show has such a inductive feeling to it.

Today we're back with Rich Mattias discussing the 1997 animated movie Perfect Blue, directed by Satoshi Kon. Rich and I discuss how the movie expanded his ideas of what what animated films could do, and the topics they could address. At the same time, we talk about how another theme, the dynamic of closeness and ownership between fans and an idol, have evolved over the years, and what it means in today's world of parasocial relationships and technology. 

Eloise Phillips and I discuss Richard Powers' the Overstory! This book is an EPIC (though not literally?) that tells the stories of nine different people intertwined with trees, and how their lives intersect and build to a pivotal moment -- ultimately tying our future to that of the giants that loom around us every day-- the trees.

This is a TAKES of Our Time Episode,  a recurring segment where we discuss an ASPECT of storytelling and delve into greater detail to better understand how they shape the stories that shape us.  Following in the thematic footsteps of last week’s episode, we’re going to take a look at one of my favorite genres of stories: fairy tales. But more importantly, I want to spend some time to scrutinize one of the core elements many people associate with fairy tales: the idea of the moral, and how we find meaning in Fairytales. We'll be using "Little Red Riding Hood" as an example throughout, and referencing Donald Haase's essay "YOURS, MINE, OR OURS? PERRAULT, THE BROTHERS GRIMM, AND THE OWNERSHIP OF FAIRY TALES."

Our first episode is... ME (Amanda Stephens) talking with returning guest-host Michelle Chiang about a book I really loved in 2025. After discussing with so many guests about their favorite books, movies, video games, and podcasts from 2025 I couldn't help but share my own: Premee Mohamed's "Butcher of the Forest". This short fiction book exemplifies many of the trappings of fairytales, with a horror undertone which speaks to adults and makes "the woods" a scary place once more. Mohamed's work immediately puts readers in a reactionary position, forcing you to accept the world as it's presented, including all the terrible consequences it may entail... all within a read of a few hours.

This is a special format episode! Whereas last year (and week) we reviewed the stories that touched us the most in 2025, this week we discuss media coming out in the new year that we CAN'T WAIT to get into! I talk with some of the guests who joined us in 2025 including: English Teacher Jared Friesen, ESL teacher Emily Daniel, and Geek Out Host Michelle Chiang! Topics of Discussion include (in order of appearance): 1. Brigerton Season 4 (Show writers: Chris Van Dusen, Julia Quinn), 2. The Broken Cage ( Written by Nora Sakavic), and 3. Devil Wears Prada 2 (directed by David Frankel). ((And surprise recommendation for "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," directed by: Burr Steers! ))

This is a special format episode! On this special TAKES of Our Time episode, I'm joined by my fellow Rti hosts Hanna Bilinski (of Retro Reels), Tristan Hildebrand  (of Formosa Fauna), and new host Eloise Phillips to talk about the media that moved them the most this year!  Topics of discussion include (in order of discusion): Animal Liberation Now: The Definitive Classic Renewed (by: Peter Singer ), Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior* (by: Chögyam Trungpa ), and Yojimbo (directed by Akira Kurosawa) *This is mistakenly called "Shambala Wisdom" in the episode. The correct title is listed above

Today is the last of our three-episode collaboration with two classes from the Canadian Independent Micro School, where students share with us some of the most impactful books they've read, and why they could be meaningful to others. This follows a similar format to our regular episodes, but features two books chosen and presented by student groups.  Today we'll close by hearing about Lois Lowry's Number the Stars: "The importance of friendship could untie and bring people together", as explained by Chris, Laurie, Angela. We'll also hear about Heather Morris' Cilka's Journey: "There is always a light at the end of the tunnel", explained to us by Dora, Eva, Olivia.

Today is the second episode of our three-episode collaboration with two classes from the Canadian Independent Micro School, where students share with us some of the most impactful books they've read, and why they could be meaningful to others. This follows a similar format to our regular episodes, but features two books chosen and presented by student groups.  Today we'll be hearing about Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: "Be grateful for what you have," as explained by Youho, Wayne, Ryan. We'll also learn about Catcher in the Rye  by JD Salinger: "Sometimes, all you need is somebody," as explained by Lara, Hayden, Una.

Today is the first of a three-episode collaboration with two classes from the Canadian Independent Micro School, where students share with us some of the most impactful books they've read, and why they could be meaningful to others. This follows a similar format to our regular episodes, but features two books chosen and presented by student groups.  Today we're hearing about Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee, which they summarized as: "One decision changed four generations of a Korean family living in Japan" as explained by Michelle, Rita, and Daniel. We'll also be hearing about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, which they gave the tagline: "Empowerment Through Education," which will be explained by Peony, Felicia, and Jenna.

Today we're trying something a little different and more experimental with our TAKES episode, and exploring the science fiction stories that inspire big techm or more specificaly, the people behind big tech. We'll talk mostly about X, Google, and Meta and talking inspiration (and more) they may take from 1961's Stranger in a Strange Land, and 1992's Snow Crash. Sources for today's episode: 1. Stranger in a Strange Land (Robert A. Heinlein, 1961), 2. Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson, 1992), 3. Elon Musk And Jeff Bezos Were Inspired By Sci-Fi And So Should You (Christian Stadler, Forbes), 4. Why Does So Much New Technology Feel Inspired by Dystopian Sci-Fi Movies? (Casey Michael Henry, the New York Times), 5. How Elon Musk Is Remaking Grok in His Image (Stuart A. ThompsonTeresa Mondría TerolKate Conger and Dylan Freedman, the New York Times), 6. After a wave of lawsuits, Character.AI will no longer let teens chat with its chatbots (Lisa Eadicicco, CNN), 7. What OpenAI Did When ChatGPT Users Lost Touch With Reality (Kashmir Hill and Jennifer Valentino-DeVries, New York Times)

This week, I'm talking with returning guest Cole Jones about the famous book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. Originally published in Portuguese, the book takes a much more fantatic view of the world than at first blush, offering insights into one's true purpose, and the possiblity to change it or chase it, as well as to enact change in the world at large. We also talk about how reading stories like this can help us better picture our life and the choices theat lead us around it, by putting it into the context of everything else before and after.

Today we welcome returning guest Janet Snow to discuss Ursula K. Le Guin's "A Wizard of Earthsea".  We discuss how, despite being published in 1968, the story still speaks to timeless themes such as finding self-acceptance, how to balance measuring our success with what is best for us, and which voices we should listen to.

This week, I'm talking one last time with Kris St.Amour Denis before she leaves Taiwan about Maggie Su's "Blob: A Love Story". While it may share some elements of horror, the story presents an interpersonal story about a woman struggling to make and maintain relationships, as well as a meditation about what it means to be human, and how we can strive to be better. ... In addition to some monster-adjacent shenanigans. 

This episode has a longer-than-normal summary period. Tigger warnings include: blood, violence, and suicide In our Fall Freakout FINALE episode for 2025, hosts Amanda and Michelle get jumpscared watching and discussing the 2024 Filipino horror film: Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital. We welcome our first NON-TAIWANESE horror film and discuss the bravery of the team for filming on location in Taiwan, and discuss the REAL Xinling Hospital, why you should ALWAYS heed the warnings of multiple supernatural experts, and NEVER pick up weird old body parts lying on the ground. Happy Halloween from us here in Taiwan~!

The podcast episode is longer than usual to allow for a longer summary period. This film has stronger than usual content warnings, including: violence, sexual violence, sexual violence against minors, torture, and graphic depitions of murder. This week hosts Amanda and Michelle are tackling 2016's "The Tenants Downstairs" (樓下的房客). We discuss not only how we have found seemingly the creepiest movies to ever come out of Taiwan, but also the importance of having both an outside opinion, and a backup -- even for a super secret undercover operation.

The podcast episode is longer than usual to allow for a longer summary period. This week hosts Amanda and Michelle are tackling 2020's "Hospital" (杏林醫院) -- a movie about a haunted hospital. We discuss the reasons why running an "Underworld tour guaranteed to see your dead relatives" may be a bad idea, the importance of having balanced yin and yang energy, how mental health days can save lives, and why this movie reminded Amanda of last year's episode on "Abyssal Spider". Don't be fooled by the simple title, we're having a great time.

The podcast episode is longer than usual to allow for a longer summary period. TW: Heavier than usual blood, gore, and upsetting events and imagery. This is not one to look up unless you have a very strong stomach for depravity.  Amanda Stephens and guest co-host Michelle Chiang dive into "The Sadness". Topics of discussion include HOW DID THIS GET MADE, what happens when people have no inhibitions, and how far can (or should) a movie go to get a scare?

The podcast episode is longer than usual to allow for a longer summary period. Amanda Stephens and guest co-host Michelle Chiang dive into the Taiwanese horror flick "The Rope Curse". They discuss bullying, boy drama, and how detrimental a lack of teaching staff can be.

Today we're warming up for our final theme of the year, our Fall Freakout-- where we watch and discuss Taiwanese horror movies, or horror movies that heavily feature Taiwan, that you may have missed on your radar. Today in the studio, I've invited back Retro Reels host Hanna Bilinski to discuss what we can learn about Taiwan, and what Taiwanese society fears, from watching Taiwanese horror films! As someone who just finished her own Ghost Month horror theme and as a movie buff in general, Hanna shares her insight into Taiwan's history of colonial violence, and how Buddhism, and a fear of what wrongs can be perpetrated against you, haunt the genre.

For September, we're talking about different books we think you should know about as summer turns to fall! Today we're speaking with creative Will Buckingham who, besides being a writer in his own right, recenetly co-editied the book "Tâigael". We talk in-depth about the advernterous project, involving four separate short-fiction authors, and five languages!  Tâigael presents stories lovingly created and translated by native speakers into English, Mandarin, Gàidhlig and Tâi-gí (in two separate writing systems), and an opportunity to enjoy stories not only inspired by four different and oddly similar language cultures, but made widely and equally available to speakers of all four!

For September, we're talking about different books we think you should know about as summer turns to fall! This week, I had the extraordinary pleasure of sitting down with Dimko Zhluktenko to discuss his memoir "Ordinary Guy at War". Meant for readers outside of Ukraine, this memoir follows Zhluktenko's life as an ordinary guy fighting for the chance to live freely. We discuss the journey from text notes on a phone to actual published book, the value that Dimko gleaned from the writing process, and the meaning he hopes that everyone can get from reading it. What would you do if you were in his shoes?

For September, we're talking about different books we think you should know about as summer turns to fall! In this episode, we speak to Rti host and author Aurélien Rossanino about his book "80 mots de Taiwan", or Taiwan in 80 Words. Part of a larger project to sum up different countries in just 80 words, Aurélien speaks to us about how he went about choosing words which best represented "Taiwan", the surprising ways the book incorporates fiction and anecdote, and the different ways that he worked to make the book more than just a read.  (Hint-- there's a playlist to listen to as you read!)

"A Marvellous Light: Creating powerful change in liminal spaces" This is the fourth and final episode in our August Spicy Summer series, where we look at one element of the romance genre and put it under the microscope. This year we're looking at the relationship dynamics in different stories, what makes them so unique, and what they contribute to a story. To wrap up our special, we're talking with Milo Bowles about the book "A Marvellous Light" and exploring the "FRIENDS to lovers" archetype, as well as historical romance. We talk about how Freya Marske's surprsingly adventerous and magical book does a great job dealing with the ideas of existing in the liminal parts of society (and what that means), while also delivering a satisfying and happy end.

Things We Never Got Over: Healing takes time, but so does love. This is the third episode in our August Spicy Summer series, where we look at one element of the romance genre and put it under the microscope. This year we're looking at the relationship dynamics in different stories, what makes them so unique, and what they contribute to a story. For the third installment of this series, guest Jun walks us through the slowburn romance in Lucy Score's "Things We Never Got Over". We talk about how the slowburn timing and conventions are exactly what allow the characters to really shine to pull together a story that shines despite the tropes.

"Romeo and Juliette: The Orginal Enemies to Lovers" This is the third episode in our August Spicy Summer series, where we look at one element of the romance genre and put it under the microscope. This year we're looking at the relationship dynamics in different stories, what makes them so unique, and what they contribute to a story. Today we're discussing perhaps the TEXTBOOK example of the "doomed" or "tragic romance" with Shakepeare's infamous: Romeo and Juliette. Here to lead us through the ups and deep, deep downs is literature teacher Hannah Gilbert to explain what we should, and defintely shouldn't, take away from this landmark play.

The Seven Husands of Evelyn Hugo: Not your typical romance This is the second episode in our August Spicy Summer series, where we look at one element of the romance genre and put it under the microscope. This year we're looking at the relationship dynamics in different stories, what makes them so unique, and what they contribute to a story. Today Kris St. Amour Denis is back to lead us through "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." Descried as her favorite book of 2025, this book has a lot of characters, and is a textbook example of the "forbidden love" trope... but perhaps in ways which will surprise you. 

This week, we kick off our return to last year's August theme: Spicy Summer, where we take a microscope to different elements of the romance genre, to try and understand what keeps it so enduringly popular. Last year we investigated the reptation of the romance genre, and to what degree it was earned. This year we'll be taking a look at different romantic archetypes, patterns that characters and storylines tend to fall into, and how they play out across a variety of stories in ways both familiar and surprising. To help us introduce the new month's theme, host Amanda Stephens invites back several guests from last year's Spicy Summer and invites them to discuss what they know about archetypes, their opinions on what romance adds to the stories it's often featured in. Special thanks to Emily Daniels, Jared Friesen, and Olek Shyn for their help with this week's interviews.