PODCAST · society
The Interlocutor Podcast
by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson
The Interlocutor Podcast is a series of long-form conversations about people shaped by place. Through discussions of upbringing, travel, identity, memory, history, and cultural change, guests reflect on the experiences that formed them and altered the way they see the world. Conversations feature writers, historians, travelers, journalists, and cultural voices from around the world, with a particular interest in Taiwan and East Asia. Past guests include Kevin Kelly, Emily Wu, Shelly Rigger, and Eryk Michael Smith.Hosted by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, author of Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox
Episodes
-
Japan's #1 Reason For Attacking Pearl Harbor - Hans van de Ven - The Interlocutor Podcast
Did Japan attack Pearl Harbor strictly to challenge the US Navy, or was it actually part of a much larger "Strike South" strategy to secure Indonesian oil? In this episode, Cambridge historian Professor Hans van de Ven (author of Blood Dawn) reframes the Second World War in Asia from a regional,...
-
Living in Taiwan for nearly 40 Years: Martial Law, Progress, & Immigration Michael Fahey
In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson sits down with lawyer, translator, and long-time advocate Michael Fahey. Having lived in Taiwan since 1988, Michael shares his unique perspective on witnessing nearly four decades of political, social, and cultural...
-
Understanding Taiwan: Supply Chains, Regional Security, and Global Power
In this episode, Taiwanese journalist and host of Taiwanology, Kwangyin Liu, breaks down Taiwan's strategic position in the global economy, regional security challenges, and internal dynamics.Beyond headline narratives, Kwangyin explores the realities of China’s gray zone tactics in the Taiwan...
-
Translating Power: Director Iris Shaw on Journalism, D.C. Mechanics, and Preserving Peace
What does it actually take to build lasting trust on Capitol Hill? In this in-depth interview, we sit down with Iris Shaw, Director of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) U.S. Mission in Washington, D.C.With over two decades of experience spanning journalism, TECRO (Taipei Economic and…
more -
The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity - Timothy C Winegard - The Interlocutor Podcast
Opening MonologueQuotation from The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity by Timothy C. Winegard. KeywordsMilitary history, mosquitoes, horses, human civilization, Indo-European, warfare, mechanization, cultural spread, historySummaryIn this conversation, Tim discusses his journey from a...
-
The Adventures of a Poet and Traveler - Mark Abley - The Interlocutor Podcast
KeywordsStrange Bewildering Time, Mark Abley, travel writing, hippie trail, cultural exploration, literature, personal journey, language, Iran, Afghanistan, Japan, memoir, Beatles, music TakeawaysMark Abley's diverse background influences his writing.Literature played a crucial role in Abley's...
-
Kent State: An American Tragedy - Brian VanDeMark - The Interlocutor Podcast
KeywordsBrian VanDeMark, Vietnam War, Kent State, American history, teaching, cultural insights, Robert McNamara, literature, Larry McMurtry, tragedySummaryIn this conversation, Brian VanDeMark discusses his upbringing in Texas, his passion for history, and his experiences as a teacher and…
more -
"I’m Not a Historian, I’m a History Writer" — John Keay on Asia, Empire & Storytelling
In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson speaks with renowned author John Keay. With over 20 books spanning India, China, the Himalayas, and the East India Company, Keay reflects on his 60-year career writing narrative history.From studying at Oxford under A.J.P....
-
The Shortest History of Japan - Lesley Downer - The Interlocutor Podcast
KeywordsJapan, Tokugawa period, cultural exchange, Japan English Teachers (JET) Program, Jomon, Yayoi, Queen Himiko, Shintoism, Buddhism, Heian period, Emperor, Shogunate, Daimyo, Geisha, Commodore Perry, post-war JapanSummaryThis is a conversation about Lesley Downer's career as a writer about...
-
The Fearless Explorer: Christina Dodwell's Journeys - The Interlocutor Podcast
KeywordsChristina Dodwell, travel literature, adventure, Africa, Madagascar, exploration, cultural exchange, solo travel, writing, legacySummaryIn this conversation, Christina Dodwell shares her remarkable journeys as a travel writer and explorer. From her adventurous beginnings in Africa, Papua...
-
Patrick Leigh Fermor: An Adventure - Artemis Cooper - The Interlocutor Podcast
KeywordsArtemis Cooper, Patrick Leigh Fermor, biography, travel literature, World War II, Greece, adventure, writing process, identity, EgyptSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson interviews Artemis Cooper about her biography of Patrick Leigh Fermor, exploring his life,...
-
He Returned to Taiwan After 53 Years, And Found His Old Apartment
What does it feel like to return to a place that helped shape you, after more than half a century away?In 1973, TC Brown left Taiwan. He had arrived as a young American serviceman during a radically different era, lived through the final years of martial law, and experienced a country that was...
-
Taiwan's Hidden Human Rights Problem & Cross-Strait Tensions - Kristina Kironska
Kristina Kironska joins The Interlocutor Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about Taiwan, human rights, refugees, statelessness, cross-strait relations, Myanmar, and the complicated relationship between democracy and human rights.Taiwan is often celebrated as a beacon of democracy and human...
-
The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper - Roland Allen
SummaryIn this episode of the Interlocutor Podcast, host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson speaks with Roland Allen about his book, 'The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper.' They explore the significance of diaries, the evolution of notebooks, and the impact of double entry bookkeeping on commerce.…
more -
An American’s Life in Taiwan Since the 1980s: ICRT Station Manager Tim Berge
In this episode of the Interlocutor Podcast, host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson sits down with Tim Berge, longtime resident of Taiwan and key figure at ICRT (International Community Radio Taipei).Tim shares fascinating stories from hischildhood growing up as classmates with music icon Prince in…
more -
Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers - Frank Figliuzzi
KeywordsHighway Serial Killers, Frank Figliuzzi, trucking industry, long-haul truckers, sex trafficking, crime analysis, pre-victimization, data collection, VICAP, Starfish Place, true crime, The FBI WaySummaryIn this conversation, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson interviews Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI...
-
Lonely Planet Founder Tony Wheeler on Travel and Adventure
Sound Bites"We were pioneers in Southeast Asia.""I still get a kick out of what we did.""I don't plan to go everywhere."Join host of The Interlocutor Podcast Tyrel Cameron Eskelson for an in-depth interview with Tony Wheeler, the visionary founder of Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel…
more -
To See Ourselves: A Memoir by Alistair Moffat
In this engaging conversation, historian Alistair Moffat discusses the intricate relationship between geography and history in Scotland, tracing the impact of early tribes like the Caledonians and Picts. He shares personal anecdotes about his ancestry, the significance of learning Gaelic, and the...
-
Memory, Conviction, and Karma: The Life of Robert W. Norris
In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson speaks with California-born author and professor emeritus Robert W. Norris. Robert shares his journey from growing up near the redwood forests of Northern California to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the peak of the...
-
How China Controls Its History: Tiananmen Square, Tank Man, & Xi Jinping | Jeff Wasserstrom
Peter Hessler on Living in China: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lAtRzI8b3QR4xrFIgwbKy?si=d7hyYX7JQfymieFSxQ_iig In this episode, host Tyrel sits down with renowned historian and author Jeff Wasserstrom to discuss the complex history of student movements in China, state memory, and how history...
-
Why He Left Tokyo for Rural Japan: Bears, Overtourism & Deep Tohoku | Quinlan Faris
While millions of tourists crowd into Tokyo and Kyoto, there is a vastly different side of Japan waiting in the north.In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, Tyrel Cameron Eskelson sits down with Quinlan Faris—outdoorsman, guide, and founder of GoNorth Japan. Quinlan reflects on his early…
more -
From River Town to Other Rivers: Peter Hessler on the Education of China and Himself
KeywordsPeter Hessler, River Town, Other Rivers, Chinese education, Modern China, Teaching in China, American writer in China, China memoir, Cross-cultural communication, Chinese students, Peace Corps China, China nonfiction, Chengdu China, Author interview, Narrative journalismA rare, reflective...
-
From Archives to Narrative: Edda Fields-Black on Writing Combee
How do you write history about people who were never meant to leave records behind?Pulitzer Prize historian Edda Fields-Black explains the research behind Combee.Edda Fields-Black’s Combee uncovers the lives of enslaved people through extraordinary archival work, linguistic skill, and historical...
-
Chop, Fry, Watch, Learn: Food, Gender, and Cold War History with Michelle T. King
In this episode, we sit down with food historian and associate professor Michelle T. King to discuss her fascinating book, Chop, Fry, Watch, Learn: Fu Pei-mei and the Making of Modern Chinese Food. Fu Pei-mei is a household name for generations of Chinese and Taiwanese families, often referred to...
-
One Highway, One Nation: The Epic Story of Canada’s Main Street with Craig Baird
What does it take to connect a country as vast as Canada?In this conversation, I sit down with historian and Canadian History Ehx host Craig Baird to explore the incredible story behind the Trans-Canada Highway, what he aptly called Canada’s “Main Street.” From political ambition to geographic...
-
Ghost Island Media Founder Emily Y. Wu on Taiwan's Identity and Podcast Revolution
Taiwan's story is often told through politics. Emily Y. Wu believes it should also be told through people.In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, Ghost Island Media founder Emily Y. Wu joins host Tyrel Cameron Eskelson for a wide-ranging conversation about Taiwan's evolving identity, growing...
-
In Pursuit of Tomorrow: Canadian Historian John Boyko on The Genius of Sandford Fleming
John Boyko on The Devil's Trick: https://youtu.be/aGfM-HUQAAsHow one man’s obsessive mind connected Canada, and then synchronized the entire world. In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed historian and biographer John Boyko to discuss his captivating book, In Pursuit of Tomorrow: The…
more -
Understanding Mao Zedong: The Brutal Poet Who Shaped Modern China
First Conversation with Kerry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTEbPlJs7-kHow did a highly cultured poet, steeped in thousands of years of classical history, become one of the most ruthless political figures of the 20th century? In this deep-dive conversation, renowned historian and author Kerry...
-
What It Actually Takes to Leave Everything Behind and Build a Life in Taiwan: Eddy Gonzalez
In this deeply candid conversation, we sit down with Eddy Gonzalez, the mastermind behind the legendary Eddy’s Cantina and host of the EddyLIVE podcast.Moving across the world to build a completely new life isn't just a physical journey; it's a massive psychological test. Eddy opens up about what...
-
The Paradox of China: Why the State Fears the "Interior Life" | Orville Schell
What happens when you spend 60 years watching a superpower transform from the inside?In this sweeping conversation, legendary China scholar and journalist Orville Schell shares his incredible life journey. From a fateful college class with John King Fairbank that changed his life forever, to…
more -
The $2 Trillion Disaster: What If China Invades Taiwan? with Dr. Simona Grano
Many More Taiwan Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOWhat would happen to the global economy if tensions in the Taiwan Strait boiled over? In this deep-dive conversation, we sit down with Dr. Simona Grano, Head of China-Taiwan Relations at the...
-
Authoritarianism, Agriculture, & The Rise of Modern Taiwan | In the Global Vanguard
Tom Gold: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeWeswBPuywHow did a small island under martial law become a global model for development?In this episode, we sit down with historian Dr. James Lin to discuss his journey into academia and dive deep into his book, "In the Global Vanguard: Agrarian...
-
Walking the Gold Rush Trail: Chasing Family History 170 Years Later
What does it feel like to stand in the exact footsteps of your ancestor, 170 years later?In this episode, we sit down with author Russell Wangersky to discuss his captivating book, "Same Ground: Chasing Family Down the California Gold Rush Trail." Russell takes us on a journey back to 1849,...
-
The Secret History of the Alphabet: With Linguist Danny Bate
Why does the letter Q almost always need a U? Why do we spell words the way we do? And how did the alphabet we use today develop over thousands of years?In this conversation, I speak with linguist and author Danny Bate about his book Why Q Needs U: A History of Our Letters and How We Use Them. We...
-
Inside Akihabara and Otaku Culture
Why did Japan embrace Astro Boy right after nuclear destruction, and what drives the deep connection to 2D characters today? Renowned cultural anthropologist Patrick Galbraith joins us to unpack the secret history and evolution of Otaku culture.In this deep-dive conversation, we explore how Japan...
-
A Scholar’s Journey into Taiwan Studies: Professor Shelly Rigger
More Taiwan Conversations : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOIn this in-depth conversation, Taiwan scholar Shelly Rigger reflects on her career studying Taiwan, cross-Strait relations, and East Asian politics. Drawing on decades of research, teaching, and...
-
The Happy Fisherman Shows Me a Side of Taiwan I’ve Never Seen - Leo Seewald
Join me for an inspiring and adventurous conversation with Leo Seewald, better known across Taiwan as The Happy Fisherman. In this episode, Leo shares how he learned Chinese from scratch, what led him to create his hit TV show exploring every harbor in Taiwan, and the unforgettable lessons he’s...
-
Taiwan’s Social and Political History: A Conversation with Niki Alsford
In this conversation, I speak with Taiwan scholar Niki J. P. Alsford about his book Taiwan Lives: A Social and Political History.Rather than focusing only on major political events, Alsford explores Taiwan’s past through the lives of individuals who shaped the island’s development. By looking at...
-
Inside Formosa Files: Taiwan’s Hidden History with Eryk Michael Smith
What stories about Taiwan never make it into the history books?In this conversation with Eryk Michael Smith, host of the podcast Formosa Files, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of Taiwan.We talk about how the show uncovers strange, dramatic, and surprising episodes from...
-
The Food of Taiwan: Cathy Erway on History, Identity, and What Makes Taiwanese Cuisine Unique.
More Taiwan Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1myyPDmPgIbR14nXwCHofvw-LtJ5IInOTaiwanese food is often described as familiar yet hard to define. In this conversation, food writer and author Cathy Erway joins The Interlocutor Podcast to explore what makes the food of Taiwan...
-
Kevin Kelly on Travel in Taiwan and Japan in the 1970s
Keywordsnostalgia, travel, photography, cultural exploration, optimism, Asia transformation, life lessons, Kevin KellySummaryIn this conversation, Kevin Kelly reflects on his life experiences, from his childhood in 1962 to his travels across Asia and Japan. He shares insights on the cultural...
-
Ghost Nation: Taiwan’s Fight for Survival | Chris Horton on History, Identity, and China
What does it mean for a country to exist—and be denied—at the same time?In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, journalist and author Chris Horton joins Tyrel Cameron Eskelson to discuss his book Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival. Horton explores Taiwan’s...
-
Inside Taiwan’s Activist Culture: A Conversation with Brian Hioe About Occupy Wall Street, Fukushima, and the Sunflower Movement
Brian Hioe is a writer, activist, and founder of New Bloom Magazine. In this conversation, we explore his journey through Taiwan’s activist movements, his work as a journalist and cultural commentator, and his transition into writing fiction.We discuss the intersection of politics and art, how...
-
Inside Taiwan, Identity & Crime Fiction: Ed Lin on Taipei Night Market Mysteries
What shapes a writer’s voice—place, culture, or identity?In this in-depth conversation, novelist Ed Lin shares his upbringing in New York, how his family talked about Taiwan, and what it was like to finally experience Taiwan for himself.We also dive into his popular Taipei Night Market Mysteries...
-
Drugs, Love & Air Force Life in 1960s Taiwan: TC Brown Interview - The Interlocutor Podcast
In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, I speak with author TC Brown about his memoir Made in Taiwan: A Naive American's Chaotic Journey to Manhood in an Exotic Culture During Radical Times.We explore Brown’s journey from his early life in the United States to his decision to join the Air...
-
How Thomas Gold Helped Create Taiwan Studies
What was it like to enter China just as it was opening to the world—and to build a life in Taiwan during one of its most pivotal eras?In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, I sit down with sociologist and China/Taiwan expert Thomas B. Gold to trace an extraordinary career shaped by timing,...
-
How Dafydd Fell Became a Leading Taiwan Scholar & Taiwan's Sugar Railways
What built modern Taiwan before semiconductors and global tech dominance?In this conversation, Dafydd Fell reflects on more than 30 years of researching, living in, and traveling across Taiwan. From politics and identity to infrastructure and industrial history, we explore the deeper forces that...
-
Inside Rural China’s Transformation: Colin Flahive on Yunnan, Travel & The Galaxy’s Last Ride
Writer and longtime Yunnan resident Colin Flahive joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about life, travel, and change in rural China through the lens of his book The Galaxy’s Last Ride: Shifting Gears in Rural China.We discuss Colin’s upbringing in Colorado, his early fascination with Asia…
more -
How Joshua Samuel Brown Became a Taiwan Travel Writer
What makes Taiwan so unforgettable?In this episode of The Interlocutor Podcast, I sit down with travel writer and novelist Joshua Samuel Brown @josambro to explore his three-decade relationship with Taiwan.We talk about:Growing up in New York and first arriving in Taiwan in 1994How Taiwan became…
more -
Diplomat Kerry Brown's Early Experiences in China and Writing Why Taiwan Matters
Kerry Brown is one of the leading Western scholars of modern China, specializing in Chinese politics, history, and international relations. In this conversation, we discuss his early experiences traveling and teaching in China, the dramatic transformation of the country over the past several...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Interlocutor Podcast is a series of long-form conversations about people shaped by place. Through discussions of upbringing, travel, identity, memory, history, and cultural change, guests reflect on the experiences that formed them and altered the way they see the world. Conversations feature writers, historians, travelers, journalists, and cultural voices from around the world, with a particular interest in Taiwan and East Asia. Past guests include Kevin Kelly, Emily Wu, Shelly Rigger, and Eryk Michael Smith.Hosted by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson, author of Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox
HOSTED BY
Tyrel Cameron Eskelson
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Interlocutor Podcast have?
The Interlocutor Podcast currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Interlocutor Podcast about?
The Interlocutor Podcast is a series of long-form conversations about people shaped by place. Through discussions of upbringing, travel, identity, memory, history, and cultural change, guests reflect on the experiences that formed them and altered the way they see the world. Conversations feature...
How often does The Interlocutor Podcast release new episodes?
The Interlocutor Podcast has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Interlocutor Podcast?
You can listen to The Interlocutor Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Interlocutor Podcast?
The Interlocutor Podcast is created and hosted by Tyrel Cameron Eskelson.
URL copied to clipboard!