That's Debatable

This is part 2 of my conversation with Wanda Diao. In this 2-part interview, Wanda shares with us how she found her way to doing Olympic weightlifting as a hobby and her experience as a vegetarian weightlifter. In this episode, Wanda and I talk about how beauty standards have evolved in Taiwan, Wanda’s experience on running a public Instagram account, and what’s next for her. This is also the final episode of That’s Debatable as I’ll be leaving the team, and I’ll spend some time towards the end to say goodbye. Follow Wanda on Instagram @wanda_wanerh

Growing up in Taiwan as a kid, I seldom felt that women were encouraged to be strong and do weight lifting. Beauty standards back in the day, and honestly, in current times have been disappointing to say the least. Nowadays, it’s wonderful to see more women working out, staying strong, and doing weightlifting. In this episode, you’ll hear from Wanda Diao, who’s been doing Olympic weightlifting as a hobby for around 5 years. Wanda is also vegetarian. What was the spark for Wanda to step into the world of weightlifting? What are some misconceptions about being vegetarian while aiming to stay strong? My guest is not a professional athlete or a nutritionist and will be sharing from her personal experience. Let’s get started. Follow Wanda on Instagram @wanda_wanerh

In this extended episode, you’ll hear from Laura Moye, Country Specialist of Amnesty International Taiwan. We will focus on 2 reports published by Amnesty International: "Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel system of domination and crime against humanity" and “Unlawful Use of US-made Munitions and Violations of International Law by Israel Since January 2023.” Based on the 2 reports, Laura shares with us what actions of the state of Israel constitute apartheid against Palestinians, and the U.S. government’s complicity in the Israeli state’s ongoing aggression against Palestinians in Gaza. Laura also touches on what it means for Taiwan to be a country that prides itself as supportive of universal human rights yet staying silent while the Israeli army continues their aggression in Gaza.  Amnesty International's report "Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel system of domination and crime against humanity” Amnesty International’s April 2024 report on US military aid Cover photo: The separation wall built by Israel in the West Bank. (Photo: Shirin Yaseen/United Nations)

This is part 2 of my conversation with artist Nafis White. In this episode, Nafis shares with us how she approaches her role as an artist, educator, and as a human. We talked about the Black Lives Matter movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how an artist could utilize their skills to mobilize communities to fight against injustices. Nafis also shares what improvisation and pivot mean to her. Without further ado, let’s dive right black in. Check out Nafis' website: http://www.nafiswhite.com/ Follow Nafis' work on Instagram @nafis_m_white Photo: Nafis’ performance work titled Elevation. Large pieces of brown paper line the wall, broken down into individual manifestos, written through deep meditation and intuitive practice, painted as a stream of consciousness. (Photo: Nafis White)

Hair, Embodied Knowledge, Ancestral Recall, Audacity of Survival, Bobby Pins. These are the materials of the sculptural work Oculus by artist Nafis M. White, whom you’ll get to know in this episode. In the midst of injustice, racism, and double standards in the current state of the world, how could we show up for ourselves and for others, with care, empathy, and solidarity? Today’s guest, Nafis, is one of the people I would turn to. Stemming from Nafis’ work: Strand (2019), A Burst of Light (2018), and Oculus (2021), we reflect on BIPOC bodies in spaces, institutional racism, honoring African and African American traditions, and so much more. I hope you feel the positive energy and the abundance of wisdom of my guest today, and find the strength in yourself to continue to show up for you and for people in need. Nafis M. White is an interdisciplinary artist based in Providence, RI, USA. White draws inspiration from the rich Diaspora of experiences and traditions of Black beauty and self care built upon centuries old histories of embodied knowledge that honors, celebrates, and values the innovation, technology and imagination carried through and passed on by the fingertips of Black people. Through play and continuous exploration, White employs her research on the intricate customs of Victorian Hair Weaving and mourning traditions and appropriates them using Black hair, beauty products, and hairstyling techniques where they were never imagined to take up space and esteem. White’s work has been shown at the RISD Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, University of New Mexico Art Museum, National Queer Arts Festival San Francisco, and many more. Check out the website of Nafis M. White: https://www.nafiswhite.com/

Dog breeding is a topic that often triggers strong reactions from people. In this episode, we’re not here to change or challenge anyone’s point of view. We’re here to expand our understanding of the topic from some personal stories from my guest/colleague today. Let’s get started.

This is part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Mikki Stelder. Mikki is originally from the Netherlands and has over 10 years of experience in Palestinian Solidarity organizing, especially reflecting on anti-colonial queer politics. Make sure to listen to part 1 of our conversation where we talked about Pinkwashing in the context of Zionist settler colonialism of the current state of Israel. In this episode, Mikki shares with us how oftentimes issues of gender and sexuality become weapons of warfare, and helpful tools and informative content people could read about to acquire knowledge to stay better informed. Also, Mikki shares the importance of cultivating openness - to learn and unlearn, and to center and be attentive to narratives and insights of indigenous communities because they bring us to think outside of the framework that we learned in our educational systems. For example, reading content by Palestinian writers and organizers.  We also reflected on the history of Dutch colonialism in Taiwan. Let’s start. Mikki points out several informative articles on alQaws' website

Today we’ll talk about Pinkwashing, especially when it’s coupled with the Zionist settler colonialism of the current State of Israel. In brief, the Pinkwashing propaganda strategy of the current state of Israel presents a facade of queer rights to cover up their oppression of Palestinians. In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Mikki Stelder. Mikki is originally from the Netherlands and has over 10 years of experience in Palestinian Solidarity organizing, especially reflecting on anti-colonial queer politics. In 2010, Mikki went to Nablus in the Occupied West Bank as an exchange student at An-Najah National University, where they worked closely with local Palestinian comrades and also taught at an UNWAR school. In our conversation, Mikki also points us to alQAWs, a Palestinian civil society organization for Sexual & Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society. Stemming from alQAWs and insights from Palestinians on the ground, Mikki also shares with us the importance of not falling into the narrow view of identity politics. Learn more about alQAWs

In this episode, we’ll hear from Sharaf DarZaid, Palestinian artist, dancer, and program coordinator at the Popular Art Center in Ramallah. Sharaf is also a dancer and choreographer for the Palestinian Dance Troupe El-Funoun. In this episode, we will learn more about the Palestinian Dabke dance, Palestinian music, and the music El-Funoun produces which is deeply rooted in Palestinian folklore music, such as the Shamali. The history and stories of this powerful form of art shows the deep connection of the Palestinian people with their land. We’ll also learn about what life is like for Palestinians in the West Bank, under the brutal occupation of the state of Israel. Sharaf also shares with us what the spirit of resistance means to him as a Palestinian and as a Palestinian artist. Follow El-Funoun: https://www.el-funoun.org/

Today we're back with Grzegorz Sienkiewicz to break down some of the chess scenes in the hit TV show The Queen's Gambit. In The Queen's Gambit, we've seen some unforgettable portrayals of chess playing but how realistic are they? Do players go over games in their heads? When do you resign? What was the chess scene like during the period of the Cold War? Also, a common debate: Is chess a sport? We actually had a chessboard set up in the studio during recording. Head to @rtienglish on Instagram to check out video highlights! Without further ado, let's dive right back into the world of chess. This is part 2 of our conversation so make sure to listen to part 1 if you haven't. Follow Grzegorz’s work here: https://m.facebook.com/people/Rosetta-%E8%A5%BF%E6%B4%8B%E6%A3%8B/61552688285075/

The 2020 TV series The Queen’s Gambit is definitely one of the most popular shows of late. The show is adapted from the 1983 novel of the same name. Since the show came out, people often debate on how good the portrayal of chess is in the show. Do the steps make sense? What significance is there for Beth Harmon to learn the Sicilian Defense at a young age? For today, my guest Grzegorz Sienkiewicz, is here to break it down for us. Head to @rtienglish on Instagram for video highlights as we did set up a chessboard in the studio during recording. Stay tuned for part 2 coming up next week. Grzegorz is originally from Poland, and has been playing chess since he was around 8. He also teaches chess in Taipei. Follow his work here

Today, my guest is Yang, host of the podcast Sex Chat. Yes, in this episode we'll talk about sex education, intimacy, and related topics people might feel too shy to talk about. Sex Chat is a Mandarin Chinese podcast where host Yang, born and raised in Taiwan, shares her journey of learning about sex, sex education, relationships, and more. Listeners also write in to ask questions and discuss related topics. Sex Chat is filled with empathy and fun, and has over 8 million accumulated listens since Yang started the podcast in 2019. Let's talk more with Yang. Website of Sex Chat: https://portaly.cc/sexchatpodcast Instagram: @sexchatpodcast10

This is part 2 of my interview with Annie, dancer and researcher from London. Annie is studying and doing research on the Palestinian Dabke dance, and is working closely with the Palestinian dance group El-Funoun. El-Funoun is based in Ramallah in the West Bank. In part 1, we talked about the history of Dabke, on what occasions would you see the dance, and the incredibly innovative and beautiful choreography of El-Funoun. In this episode, Annie and I talked about what we learned from our Palestinian friends from Palestinian, the solidarity scene in London, the BDS movement, and the fact that there is so much more we could learn about Palestinian culture: food, music, dance, and so much more. We will continue to talk about Palestine. Check out El-Funoun’s website: https://www.el-funoun.org/ Follow El-Funoun on Instagram @elfunoun_troupe

We will continue to talk about Palestine. Today, let’s talk about Dabke, a dance that plays an important role in Palestinian culture. Dabke is a Levantine folk dance dating back to hundreds or even thousands of years ago. In this episode, I had the pleasure to chat with dancer and researcher, Annie, who’s currently based in London. A couple of years ago, Annie had the honor of learning and doing research on Dabke, with the powerful Palestinian dance group, El-Funoun, in Ramallah in the West Bank. Dabke is not only a powerful, beautiful dance, but also a symbol of Palestinian resistance. With this episode, we’re sending solidarity and love to all the dancers of El-Funoun, and to the people of Palestine. Huge shoutout to the dancers working closely with Annie. Please take good care of yourselves, and I hope to chat with you sometime soon. Check out the website of El-Funoun: https://www.el-funoun.org/ Instagram: @elfunoun_troupe

This is part 2 of the chat with my colleague, or former colleague, Chris Gorin, who recently left Rti. Today we touched on more of what we hope Taiwan could improve on, including poorly-designed sidewalks, images people have when it comes to “foreigners,” racism in Taiwan, and so on. What we talked about is informed by our personal experiences, and people would likely have different experiences with living in Taiwan. Without further ado, let’s continue our chat.

Join Chris and Sharon today on That’s Debatable as we chat about improvements we hope to see regarding life in Taiwan. Today we’ll chat about voting, taxes, and road safety. Feel free to check out episodes on Chris’ show The Strait Up Podcast where he dives deeper into topics like wages in Taiwan and road safety, as well as the 2 previous episodes of That’s Debatable where we talked more about what voting is like in Taiwan.

This is part 2 where Amanda and Michelle joined me in the studio to talk about sex education and our personal experiences going to an obgyn. We need to normalize talking about these topics. Last week, I shared my horrible experience at an obgyn, and today, we’ll hear from Michelle and Amanda. (Deep breaths.) With this episode, we’re also thinking of all who are pregnant seeking refuge in Rafah, the last standing city in Gaza, which previously was declared a “safe zone” by the Israeli government. Yet, the Israeli army has been bombing Rafah. In Gaza right now, many people have to give birth, including going through a C-section, without any anesthesia. This is a crime against humanity. I’m sending love, strength, and support to the people of Palestine. Photo caption: For real, some doctors should not be practicing. (Left to right: Michelle, Sharon, and Amanda)

For today’s episode I was joined by our wonderful fellow hosts, Amanda and Michelle, to talk about sex education and our experiences going to the gynecologist. Get yourself a nice cup of tea, and feel the support, the anger, and stories in this conversation. We hope you feel supported and seen, and you’re not alone. We need to normalize talking about these topics more.

The sound of ocean waves, gusts of wind that bring the smell of sea salt – a scene for most people, means vacation. For many of the political victims of the White Terror era in Taiwan, this was the last taste of freedom before entering the jail cells of Green Island. My guest Fred Him-San Chin (陳欽生) detailed his story of being one of the many political victims during the White Terror era in Taiwan brought about by the KMT regime in his powerful book, Facing the Calamity. This is part 2 of our interview, where we follow Fred’s memory back to the cells on Green Island, and how he transformed all of the darkness into light when freedom finally found him after his 12 years in prison. Make sure to check out⁠ the previous episode⁠ and head to @rtienglish on Instagram for more video highlights. Cover image: Fred and Sharon at the press conference of Fred’s latest book, Facing the Calamity, at the National Human Rights Museum in December, 2023.

Just imagine, you, at the age of 18, getting tricked and abducted, tortured, and then sentenced to 12 years in jail for being innocent. This is the true story of my guest today, Fred Him-San Chin (陳欽生). Fred's one of the many political victims of the White Terror period in Taiwan. You have to know Fred's story. In 2023, Fred published his book Facing the calamity：a step through hurts and hardship and look beyond for generations to come where he details his real-life experiences during the White Terror. I got to know more of Fred through this book and I highly recommend the book to you. Also, I highly recommend you to go listen to a previous episode on my other show, Come Along, where I introduced Taiwan's National Human Rights Museum to learn more of the historic background.

World, you should not only care about Taiwan because we’re viewed as a “potential flash point for World War III.” This is also emphasized by my guest Venessa Hope, director and producer of Invisible Nation, a powerful documentary about Taiwan, featuring Taiwan’s first ever female president, Tsai Ing-wen. This is part 2 of my interview with Vanessa. How did Taiwan get rid of its authoritarian rule led by Chiang Kai-shek, whose regime brought about a 38-year long martial law in Taiwan? How has Taiwan transformed from all of that with the past 4 decades? Invisible Nation is also a documentary with a humorous and human touch to it – it teared me up twice. Also, how the documentary ended is also a strong message to the audience and to the world: Taiwan should have the final say of who we are and what we want. Hit play and let’s get back to it!  Follow the latest updates of Invisible Nation on Instagram @invisiblenationtw and head to the next screening near you!

If I ask you to think of an invisible nation, what answer would you give? For many, and for our people, it’s Taiwan. For today’s show, I was joined by Vanessa Hope, director and producer of the 2023 documentary, Invisible Nation. Invisible Nation is a powerful documentary about Taiwan, featuring Taiwan’s first female president Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan is a progressive democratic nation in East Asia, that’s also the first one to legalize same sex marriage in this region, has regular and fair direct elections, and our own ways of living, culture, among many thing else. Yet, Taiwan’s presence is often made invisible from the international stage due to the continuous oppression from the Chinese government. Invisible Nation tackles these issues head on in a nuanced and I think beautiful way. It has been screened in many major international film festivals and in Taiwan, and more to come. What was the spark for Vanessa and her team to make this documentary? Why should we all care about the story of Taiwan? Let’s hear from director Vanessa Hope. You can follow latest news of Invisible Nation on Instagram as well @invisiblenationtw Stay tuned for part 2 of the interview coming up next Wednesday!

Today, we’re bringing you part 2 of my interview with Dr. Hazem Almassry, who’s born and raised in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Make sure to check out the previous episode if you haven’t. In this episode, Hazem shares with us more historic context and what life is like as a Palestinian living under Israeli occupation, including: a key year 1917 and the Balfour Declaration, the emergence of Zionism, military checkpoints, the expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the Gaza Division in the Israeli army, and the current, dire situation with the Israeli state’s ongoing aggression against Palestinians. Hazem just lost his mother very recently due to an Israeli airstrike. When we had this interview, I wanted Hazem to feel seen and supported throughout our conversation. If you've never heard of most of the things Hazem shared, look upon this as new input to read more and search for what you think is your truth. Make sure to also check our @rtienglish on Instagram and our YouTube for video highlights and extended cut of our interviews.

For today’s show, I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Hazem Almassry, who’s born and raised in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. Palestine is his home. What is daily life like as a Palestinian living under Israeli occupation? How can you travel to other places? Or are you even allowed? How did Hazem’s family lose their ancestral farmland, like many other Palestinians? In this episode, we started our chat with the Great March of Return, a series of peaceful demonstrations organized by independent Palestinian activists in 2018-2019. Hazem also shared with us his family’s home in Khan Yunis, which was destroyed in recent Israeli airstrikes. Hazem experienced what it was like inhaling teargas thrown by the Israeli army when he was 6 years old. Hazem just lost his mother very recently. She was killed by an Israeli airstrike. When we had this interview, I wanted Hazem to feel seen and supported throughout our conversation. If you've never heard of most of the things Hazem shared, look upon this as new input, new key words, and stories to go read more and search for what you think is your truth. Some key words for you: The Great March of Return, 1948 The Nakba, 1987 The First Intifada, Gaza Division, Blockade of the Gaza Strip. Photo caption: Left: Hazem and his mother, who was killed in a recent Israeli airstrike. Right: Hazem’s family home destroyed in recent Israeli airstrikes. (Photo: Dr. Hazem Almassry)

Today, we’re continuing our conversation with Sasha Dees on AI’s application in the arts, as well as applications of VR and AR technology. Sasha Dees is an independent writer, curator, and researcher from the Netherlands. Make sure to listen to the previous episode if you haven’t. Quoting curator Brian Kuan Wood, whom I had the pleasure to interview before for the Taipei Biennial, what these cutting edge tools could bring is both “a promise and a threat.” As of today, what are some key differences between AI and humans? Sasha and I talked about social interactions, intent and meaning making, and the balance between tech application and traditional ways of art creation. Also, if asked you’re the question “What is the greatest technology of all time?” What would you say? Have you thought of the answer “nature?” In this episode we reflect a lot on cutting-edge technology vs being human. Towards the end, Sasha also shared with us a hopeful note for the future.  Without further ado, hit play and let’s jump back in with our guest, Sasha Dees. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @rtienglish for video highlights!

There are endless debates and discussions on AI (artificial intelligence) tools, AR and VR technology and their application. In this episode, we’re welcoming back a wonderful returning guest, Sasha Dees to discuss more with us. Sasha Dees is an independent writer, curator, and researcher from the Netherlands. Her work touches on decolonization, art of Indigenous communities all around the world, and technological application in the arts, and more. She is the curator of “NEXUS-Video and New Media Art from the Caribbean” at MoCA Taipei, and author of “Entangled Species. Conversations on Contemporary Art in the Caribbean.” Sasha was here in Taiwan again, with artist Jorge González Santos from Borikén (Puerto Rico), invited by Tainan National University of the Arts. This episode is part 1 of our conversation, touching on AI’s application in the arts and humanities, and what the discussions are like among people in fields of the arts. Are we catching up on how fast AI is developing? Especially thinking about ethics? Could we differentiate artworks by human vs by AI? How to deal with copyright issues? Is AI “objective?” With the rise of technological tools, what’s the scene like among artists working with traditional techniques? Sasha will share with us discussions among artists around the world and her observation as a curator. Neither of us are experts in AI or machine learning (as you could probably tell) but that’s not the point. If you also have endless questions about AI, VR, AR and how these cutting edge tools are informing our lives, welcome to our chat. Don’t forget to head to our Instagram @rtienglish for video highlights. See you there! You can check out my previous interviews with Sasha here: “Learning about your country’s colonial past and present” and “NEXUS-Video and New Media Art from the Caribbean”

Today’s episode is the final part of my conversation with Omar Alshogre. Make sure to listen to the previous 2 episodes. Omar is among the few people who survived Syria's prisons after being arrested for participating in anti-government protests against the authoritarian Bashar al Assad regime. In this episode, he’ll share with us his “execution,” how he got out out of prison, and messages of hope. Towards the end, we had a warm conversation about Taiwan and his work at the Syrian Emergency Task Force, and as a pubic speaker. We shared hopeful notes with the phrase "Mit warde," one hundred flowers, to each other to mark the end of our conversation.  Omar was very sick, weighing at only 34 kg, suffering from tuberculous when he got out of prison. He made his way to Sweden for treatment and it led him to finding a family. Highly recommend you to check out the interview on Sarde, a podcast from Lebanon, featuring Omar to learn more of his story. Here's another video of Omar speaking at The United Nations Security Council. You can also listen to my interview with Omar in full (all 3 parts) on Spotify.  Omar is now the Director for Detainee Affairs at the Syrian Emergency Task Force. He is also a public speaker, actively and openly sharing his voice to enact change, to uphold human rights and justice, and to give hope. Omar has spoken at the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Foundation’s Oslo Freedom Forum, and several TED talks around the world. You can learn more of his work on Instagram @omaralshogre and Twitter @omarAlshogre.

Hey you, this is the full version, all 3 parts, of my interview with Omar Alshogre. Thank you for tuning in! Omar is among the few people who survived Syria's prisons after being arrested for participating in anti-government protests against the authoritarian Bashar al Assad regime. Omar is now the Director for Detainee Affairs at the Syrian Emergency Task Force. He is also a public speaker, actively and openly sharing his voice to enact change, to uphold human rights and justice, and to give hope. Omar has spoken at the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Foundation’s Oslo Freedom Forum, and several TED talks around the world. You can learn more of his work on Instagram @omaralshogre and Twitter @omarAlshogre.

Today, we are continuing our conversation with Omar Alshogre. Make sure to check out the previous episode if you haven’t.  Omar is among the few people who survived Syria's prisons after being arrested for participating in anti-government protests. In today’s episode, Omar shares with us the brutality, injustice, and darkness of his time in prison, in total of 3 years, where he lost his loved ones, including the cousin he loved the most, Bashir. Consider this a trigger warning, as we will be talking about death and gore in this episode, a brutal reality many Syrians are still suffering from under the authoritarian Bashar al Assad regime. Yet, there is a strong bond and solidarity formed among Omar and his fellow prisoners, they formed a University of Whispers. And… while…hope dies, it is also revivable. You have to follow Omar's story. Let’s start.  Omar is now the Director for Detainee Affairs at the Syrian Emergency Task Force. He is also a public speaker, actively and openly sharing his voice to enact change, to uphold human rights and justice, and to give hope. Omar has spoken at the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Foundation’s Oslo Freedom Forum, and several TED talks around the world. You can learn more of his work on Instagram @omaralshogre and Twitter @omarAlshogre. Photo caption: While there is darkness, there will also be light. This is a beautiful photo of Omar and his family from Sweden. Stay tuned to know how and why he made his way there

Do you remember the beginning of the Arab Spring (I certainly hope you do!)? A wave of pro-democracy uprisings that began in 2010-2011 in the Middle East and North Africa, challenging their authoritarian regimes. When the Arab Spring started, I was 15 years old, exactly the same as my guest today, Omar Alshogre. He was born in al-Bayda, Syria in 1995. Omar is among the few people who survived Syria's prisons after being arrested for participating in anti-government protests. Omar was transferred to Sednaya Prison, nicknamed the "Human Slaughterhouse,'' operated by the Syrian regime, in 2014. During his total of 3 years in prison, Omar went through what I’d say none of us could ever imagine…brutal torture, starvation, mental abuse, and losing your loved ones in your arms... You have to know his story. Omar is now the Director for Detainee Affairs at the Syrian Emergency Task Force. He is also a public speaker, actively and openly sharing his voice to enact change, to uphold human rights and justice, and to give hope. Omar has spoken at the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Foundation’s Oslo Freedom Forum, and several TED talks around the world. You can learn more of his work on Instagram @omaralshogre and Twitter @omarAlshogre. This is only part 1 of our interview. Make sure to tune in next Wednesday as we’ll continue our conversation with Omar. In upcoming posts, I’ll also share with you some interviews and talks of Omar that are truly life-changing. See you then.

Today, we’re picking up where we left off with dress historian Kenna Libes. Make sure to check out the previous episode “Corsets are not what you think”if you haven't. Alright, have you heard of another term “stays?” Which one comes first, corsets or stays? We’re kicking off today's episode with this question and talk more about why wearing the right undergarments in portrayals of specific historic eras in movies and shows matter. Is it all about achieving a tiny waist? What do you mean it’s more about the “silhouette?” Also, have you wondered why most of the historic clothing you see in museums look so small? Was this because people were “built differently” back then? (Hint: nope!)  Are there movies and dramas out there that have good portrayals of historic dress? Hit play and let’s find out with Kenna. Remember to check out @rtienglish on Instagram and our YouTube for more interview highlights. See you there! You can follow Kenna's work on Instagram @kenna.sews and/or @stoutstylehistory

Have you ever wondered how “accurate” the portrayal of historic dress is in movies and TV shows? For example, in well-known shows and films like Bridgerton and different Jane Austen adaptations, do they show a good portrayal of historic dress? One piece of garment – the corset, with the way it’s usually portrayed in movies and shows, has gathered an infamous reputation of being a piece of “torturous” undergarment. How factual are those claims? How should corsets in historic dress be worn? (Hint: NOT directly on your bare skin.) How has dress history evolved throughout the centuries? For today’s show, I sat down with dress historian and PhD candidate at Bard Graduate Center in New York City in the United States, Kenna Libes to bust some myths about corsets and historic dress. In our conversation, we focused mostly on historic dress in Europe and North America. If you enjoy nerding out and learning about history, hit play and join our chat! Stay tuned for part 2 coming out next week. You can follow Kenna's work on Instagram @kenna.sews and/or @stoutstylehistory

Hello there, it’s your host Sharon. Welcome back to That’s Debatable. Today’s episode is part 2 of my interview with Dr. Anna Kaminsky, the director of The Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Eastern Germany. Go check out part 1 if you haven’t. Today, we’re picking up where we left off. What are some ways students in Germany learn about the history of East Germany outside of classrooms? What are some methods their Foundation uses for educational programs to make it more welcoming to the public? Dr. Kaminsky would also share with us her delegation’s visit to the National Human Rights Museum in Taiwan, and what she looks forward to collaborating with Taiwan in the future. Hit play and join our chat. You can learn more about their foundation’s work on their official website.

Hi there, welcome to another episode of That’s Debatable. For today’s show, I sat down with Dr. Anna Kaminsky, the director of The Federal Foundation for the Study of the Communist Dictatorship in Eastern Germany. Dr. Kaminsky led a delegation from Germany to Taiwan during early October this year for an exchange on approaching transitional justice. How much do you know about the history of the Communist Dictatorship in Eastern Germany? Have you learned about it in your history classes at school? How do students in Germany learn about this history? Let’s find out more with Dr. Kaminsky. You can learn more about their foundation’s work on their official website.

Do you have something you’re passionate about that you’ll spend time doing because it brings you so much joy? On your path, have you encountered doubts, questions, judgements from people (but you still love what you do)? This episode is for you. Today I sat down with jazz musician Roger Lin, to chat about our experiences being creative people and surrounding the themes “How to stay true to yourself?” and “Don’t be afraid to be different.” We will also touch on how music streaming platforms are impacting musicians. Let’s have a cozy chat together. Follow Roger Lin’s work: https://www.rogerlinmusic.com/

Hi there, welcome to another episode of That’s Debatable. Have you wondered what it is like attending a vocational school in Taiwan? What are some differences between the experience to that of attending a high school? What are some stereotypes people in Taiwan have about students going to vocational schools? Today, I’m joined by Jim who attended a vocational school in Taiwan for a chat. Also, what are some improvements we hope to see in education in Taiwan? Let’s hop right in. 

For today’s show, I sat down with my friend Jim Shih, who’s been living in Germany for nearly 6 years. While I used to live on the east coast of the United States for 3 years. Today, we’re chatting about our experiences living abroad as young adults from Taiwan.What was our impression of Germany and the U.S. respectively before and after we spent some time there? How to introduce ourselves and our homeland, Taiwan, to foreign friends? We will touch on how we approach introducing our country, making friends, and the big topic: Taiwan vs the ROC (The Republic of China). Are they the same? How do we make this complex history approachable for our foreign friends (or at least try to)? And of course, a thorough discussion is outside of the scope of this show. What we shared on the show is from our personal experiences and points of view. Make yourself a nice beverage of your choice, and hit play.

In case you didn’t know, human activities have a great impact on the ocean. Furthermore, many aspects of our lives and well being depend on the ocean. Today, I sat down with marine biologist, Dr. Aziz J. Mulla to learn more about how we are affecting the ocean and how we could help protect it. Dr. Aziz J. Mulla has been a postdoctoral scholar at Academia Sinica and is currently working at National Taiwan University. He’s also been a scientific diver for many years. From what we buy, what we eat, to impacts of big corporations and climate change, to the recent debate on Japan’s releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, we are here to talk more. We’ll also learn from Dr. Aziz J. Mulla, who specializes in corals, about how observing corals could inform us about the ocean. We will also touch on “ecological grief” and mental health. Let’s dive in. Follow Dr. Aziz J. Mulla's work: Twitter @AzizJMulla and Instagram @zeezymulla

We’re back with Sophie Don, the Associate Director of the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation (PHRF) to talk more about Holocaust education in the United States. Make sure to listen to part 1 of the interview in case you missed it. Why does learning about history in a physical space, like a memorial plaza, matter? What role could art, especially public art, play in the education of important historical events? How could we make space for hope and healing? Let’s hop right in.

How could we approach dark historic events, for example, the Holocaust? How could we approach education in nuanced ways? Today, I sat down with Sophie Don, the Associate Director of the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation (PHRF) to talk more about Holocaust education in the United States. The PHRF maintains, operates, and organizes educational programs for the first public Holocaust monument in the U.S. Sophie also shared stories of her grandparents who are both Holocaust survivors. Stay tuned for part 2 coming out next week! Thank you for stopping by, Sophie.

A world heavily impacted by climate change is not a distant future, it’s impacting us right now. Tuvalu is at the forefront of climate change. It is disappearing because of rising sea levels. What are some measures Tuvalu has been taking and plans to take to preserve its culture and way of life? What about actions from the international community? How do young people in Tuvalu approach the impact of climate change to their homeland? Let’s sit down with the Ambassador of Tuvalu to Taiwan, Bikenibeu Paeniu, who has been an important figure calling for action in light of climate change, and learn more about the grave impact of climate change on Tuvalu and many Pacific island communities.  Bikenibeu Paeniu was the first Tuvalu Prime Minister to sign the The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rio in 1992.

You might have heard people saying that “Why go see a play when you can see a movie?” When was the last time you stepped into a theater and watched a play? Or perhaps you’ve never done it before? What about movies? Are you a movie-goer? In general, going to the movies has been significantly more popular among people. Why do people often compare the two? Today, I’m joined by actor Ruei-Siang Chen to talk about the differences between these two art forms. Moreover, the very different experiences these two bring you. Turn your electronic devices into silent mode, and let’s make our way to the theater.

Hello there, it’s your host Sharon. Today I’m back with Chris to talk more about voting in Taiwan. How plausible is it to set up remote voting in Taiwan? Who benefits from the current in-person voting system? Make sure to check out part 1 of the show if you haven’t. This is a topic I’d love to revisit. Any researchers, professors, experts on voting systems in Taiwan, feel free to reach out. You can find my email on my host bio. 

Hey you, it’s Sharon Lin. Today we will be discussing voting in Taiwan. Do you know what a typical voting day is like in Taiwan, and what you have to bring with you? A big debate that has been going on is: Why couldn’t we vote remotely? This topic has raised so many other questions, such as Taiwan’s Household Registration system. Today, I’m joined by my colleague Chris Gorin to chat more, and raise questions we have about Taiwan’s current voting system. Stay tuned as there will be part 2 coming out next week!

Hey you, it’s your host, Sharon Lin. Today, we’re continuing our chat with Allen and Elyse about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Make sure to check out part 1 of our interview if you haven’t! What is the spark for Allen and Elyse to share their journeys with ADHD? How important is it to build a community and find your support system? And, why is it important that all of us know something about ADHD? Let's hop right back in. Here are links to Allen’s and Elyse’s platform if you’d like to learn more about ADHD and its wonderful community:Elyse’s YouTube “ADHD大孩子"https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDBIGKID Allen’s Facebook platform “ADHD知識家": https://zh-tw.facebook.com/hiweareadhdtw/

Hey, it’s your host Sharon. On today’s That’s Debatable, I’m joined by Allen and Elyse to talk about ADHD. Have you heard of ADHD before? ADHD stands for “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” Allen and Elyse both have ADHD themselves, and they’ve also been advocates of ADHD awareness. What are some challenges you would likely face in school, at work, and in your daily life if you have ADHD? What are some misconceptions people often have about ADHD? In many places around the world, there’s still so much stigma around ADHD. What are some reasons why people shy away from talking about it? Let’s dive in and get to know more about ADHD. Stay tuned for part 2 of our conversation coming out next week!

When thinking about Australia, what comes to mind? Kangaroos, koalas, giant spiders, or the Sydney Opera House? What is daily life like there? Do one state differ from another? Has the makeup of residents in Australia changed? Today, we’re chatting with Eric Wang, an old friend of mine who’s been living in Australia for almost 20 years, to see how much of these are myths, and how much are actually not too far from the truth, from Eric's experience. Let's get to know more about life down under!

Hey, Sharon here. Today we’re continuing our chat on all things travel planning. Also, have you solo traveled before? (I have!) Why or why not? Why do we enjoy traveling? Today, both Issy and I will share more with you, and places we hope to travel to in the future. Make a cup of tea, or any beverage of your choice. Let’s chat. 

Window seat, or aisle seat? Check out a vibrant city, or go on a tranquil hike? Meet up later, or stick together? Yes, of course you can do both and find a balance. Yet, how to communicate your needs with your travel companions? Travel planning is a lot of work, especially if you’re traveling with others. There are countless items on the list that could potentially spark arguments since everyone has different priorities when traveling. When solo-traveling, you would likely also encounter moments that make you engage in “inner debates” with yourself. Traveling together could make or break a relationship, whether it’s friends, partners, colleagues, families, and so on. What's more, you also get to know more about yourself. Join Sharon and Issy now. Let’s hop right in.

The current scene of the art world is still predominantly White. From educational spaces, museums, to research institutions, and more, there is still much to be desired when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Today, my guest and friend, Emily, and I, are here to share with you our experiences navigating in the art world as international students and young professionals. What are some common discriminatory behaviors people of color experience in educational spaces, from faculty members who are supposed to have a good enough awareness of culture and diversity? How can we help make the space more welcoming for people of diverse backgrounds? There is so much to talk about under today's theme and obviously we couldn't cover it all. I certainly look forward to diving in more in the future. Now, buckle up, and let’s chat.