The work of TaiwanPlus news relies heavily on interviews – with experts, analysts and the people of Taiwan. In the Friday, November 14 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take a closer look at what it takes to craft a smart interview. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier takes us through the day’s top stories, including welcome news for Taiwan from the US and Europe…  In Reporter’s Notebook, producer Alec MacDonald talks about how he built a database of contacts for one of our longest-running interview programs – Zoom in Zoom Out.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which countries came out top and bottom in the latest Freedom on the Net report by Freedom House?  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Typhoon Fung Wong has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but in the Wednesday, Nov. 12 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan are still following it’s trajectory. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu explains how we choose where to send reporters during a typhoon.  A look at the development of Taiwan’s cultural and business ties with Malaysia with reporter Tiffany Wong.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Was the biggest typhoon on the record books large enough to cover all of Taiwan?  Watch one of Tiffany’s reports from Malaysia: Taiwanese Businesses Enter the Halal Market Via Malaysia -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In the Monday, November 10 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look at the top stories of the day, including the imminent arrival of Typhoon Fung Wong, and get to grips with Taiwan’s fledgling pro wrestling scene. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu takes us through the top stories including the government’s outreach to Europe and the approach of Typhoon Fung Wong.  In Reporter’s Notebook, Bryn Thomas talks about his reporting trips to the pro-wrestling ring to see how Taiwan’s up-and-coming scene blends athleticism, theater and a whole lot of passion.  Taiwan Trivia Q: With Typhoon Fung Wong projected to make landfall on Taiwan’s west coast, how common it is for typhoons to approach from that direction?  Watch two of Bryn’s wrestling pieces: Taiwan Enters the Ring: NTW Brings Unique Local Flavor to Pro Wrestling  >) Japan's World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana and Jaguar Yokota Debut in Taiwan  >) -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In the Friday, November 7 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take stock of an eventful week. Plus: Fresh from running the Friday newsroom, assignment editor Stacy Hsu brings us the stories of the day.  Reporter’s Notebook: Veteran journalist David Santos shares his tips for speaking on camera — and recalls a favorite on-air moment aboard a Philippine Coast Guard ship.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What percentage of Taiwan is covered in forested land? -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It’s not often that crime takes the top billing in TaiwanPlus newscasts – usually we focus on issues like geopolitics or the economy. In the Wednesday, November 5 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan hear about the case that’s captured attention in Taiwan and Malaysia. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang takes us through other top stories of the day from the TaiwanPlus newsroom.  Producer David Santos revisits his early years reporting in the Philippines — from military frontlines to disaster zones and the long pursuit of peace in Mindanao.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many super typhoons have there been since meteorologists began using the category in 1947?  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

US President Donald Trump made new comments about Taiwan in an interview that aired on the CBS program “60 Minutes” on Sunday. In the Monday, Nov. 3 edition of our show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan find out what they mean for Taiwan. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang talks about the challenges of reporting on news released by other outlets.  A look at innovation driving development in Taiwan’s textile sector with reporter Ai Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Taiwanese companies account for what percentage of the US$200 billion functional textile industry?  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Leaders from 21 member economies have gathered in South Korea for the APEC summit — and TaiwanPlus is there. In the Friday, October 31 edition of the show, we talk about a high-profile Trump-Xi meeting, Taiwan's representative at APEC and the surprise appearance of Taiwan’s flag at the summit. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang talks about what the newsroom is keeping an eye on this weekend at APEC.  Reporter’s Notebook: John Van Trieste talks about a visit to an activity center to find out how they are serving the mental health needs of seniors.  Taiwan Trivia Q: To mark Halloween, we talk about a temple in central Taiwan that features dioramas of the 18 layers of hell. What is the punishment for stealing, extortion, corruption, and drug trafficking? Stay tuned for the answer!  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

What does it take to handle a reporter on the ground at APEC? In the Oct. 25 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan get the inside story from the assignment desk. Plus: Beijing has launched a criminal case against a Taiwanese lawmaker. Assignment Editor Laurel Stewart tells us about the ruling party’s response.  Reporter's Notebook: Isabel Wang talks about her trip to Singapore to learn how Taiwanese are making their mark on the local startup and business scene.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What percentage of Taipei residents over 60 live in a three-generational household? Hint: the number has dropped considerably in five years.  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The world is focusing on APEC this week – with world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping – set to meet in Gyongju, South Korea. In the Monday, Oct. 27 edition of our show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan offer a preview of what that means for Taiwan, and how the TaiwanPlus newsroom plans to cover it. Plus: On the 80th anniversary of Japan’s handover of Taiwan, Bryn Thomas discusses the provenance and ongoing importance of Retrocession Day.  Our assignment desk weighs in on today’s top stories.  And today’s Trivia Q: How many security personnel are expected to be on hand at this year’s APEC summit?  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Defense stories were top of the coverage again today on TaiwanPlus, with next year’s budget in the crosshairs. In the Wednesday Oct. 22 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan offer a closer look at what’s at stake. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier discusses the top stories of the day, including a proposed special defense budget, Japan’s new prime minister and a suspected outbreak of African swine fever.  A preview of Taipei Pride, with our former human rights lead reporter Reece Ayers, who charted our last two years of LGBTQ+ coverage.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What deity presides over the Taoist temple in Taipei that’s related to the LGBTQ+ community? Hint: It’s an animal in the Chinese zodiac.  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

We kick off the Monday, Oct. 20 show with a look at our top story, which involves five Taiwan companies that China says are linked to officers with bounties. Taiwan’s top government agency in charge of China affairs is pushing back. This episode: Assignment editor Chia Chang explains how she builds the Monday rundown after a lean weekend. Also: Catching up on the KMT chair election and planning fair, expert-led analysis for later shows.  Anchor Yvonne Yang talks about staying calm when the prompter misbehaves and how she “reads to persuade,” not just to read.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Where does the term “news anchor” come from? (Hint: The answer does not involve a boat.)  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

From a proposed universal cash handout to Taiwan’s own “Emmys,” the Friday Oct. 17 show celebrates both breaking news and broadcasting heritage. Hosts Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan guide you through the week’s headlines and one reporter’s personal link to a Golden Bell legend. This episode: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier explains how he builds the daily rundown—from an NT$18 billion special budget bill and cash handouts to a spike in PLA warplane incursions and a homegrown OSINT project tracking China’s military.  Culture reporter Sandy Chi tells us about the 60th anniversary exhibition of the Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan’s top honors for radio and TV. She shares how her grandmother once took one home.  Taiwan Trivia Q: The Golden Bells are celebrating a milestone year. What year did they begin—and why a bell?  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Millions of daily cyberattacks from China and a look back at Taiwan’s role in World War II. Hosts Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan guide you through hump day coverage in the TaiwanPlus newsroom. This episode: Assignment Desk: Jeremy Olivier reports on the sharp rise in Chinese hacking attempts, now averaging 2.8 million a day—double last year’s figure—as Taiwan braces for digital warfare that’s harder to see but just as serious.  Reporter’s Notebook: Bryn Thomas uncovers the long-forgotten story of Taiwanese soldiers who fought for Japan at the Battle of Okinawa, as part of TaiwanPlus’s coverage commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which major Taipei landmark was damaged in a US air raid during WWII? It was the tallest building in the city. (Extra credit for naming additional buildings.)  Listen to Bryn's report "Taiwan's WWII Soldiers Still Missing 80 Years after Battle of Okinawa". https://www.taiwanplus.com/news/taiwan-news/special-report/250623017/taiwans-wwii-soldiers-still-mi… -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Two of the biggest challenges in Taiwan news are political fairness and natural disasters. Hosts Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan kick off the week of Monday, Oct. 13 with two challenging topics. This week: Assignment Desk – Editor Chia Chang reveals how TaiwanPlus works to keep domestic political coverage fair, from vetting sources on Chinese interference to labeling AI-generated content during the Kuomintang’s party chair election. Reporter’s Notebook – Irene Lin recounts her journey to Guangfu Township, where she waded through floodwaters and heartbreak after Typhoon Ragasa, witnessing both devastation and resilience. Taiwan Trivia – Typhoon season usually runs from June to October. Question: What’s the latest date a typhoon has ever made landfall in Taiwan? Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for Taiwan’s top stories, newsroom insights, and features from TaiwanPlus journalists. Find more from Taiwan and around the world at www.taiwanplus.com -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It’s Friday, October 10 — National Day — and Taiwan News Junkie is coming to you from the TaiwanPlus newsroom. Hosts Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take you behind the scenes to learn why our reporters were at the Presidential Office before sunrise, and how we prepped for wall-to-wall live coverage of the parade, performances, and speeches. This week: - Assignment Editor Stacy Hsu talks about running a fully staffed newsroom on a holiday, balancing live coverage with the day’s other big stories, and what goes into a perfect news “donut”. - Reporter’s Notebook – Leslie Liao tells us how he prepares to co-host three hours of live National Day programming, plus details from his Double Ten feature: “The History of Taiwan’s National Day.” - Taiwan Fun Fact – Taiwan’s biggest flag flies over Taipei on National Day. How big? How heavy? How many people to fold? Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for Taiwan’s top stories, newsroom insights, and features from TaiwanPlus journalists. For more, visit taiwanplus.com and follow TaiwanPlus News on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Welcome to the first episode of Taiwan News Junkie, coming to you from the TaiwanPlus newsroom. Hosts Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan kick things off with a behind-the-scenes look at how we put the news together, plus conversations with reporters on the ground. This week: Assignment Editor Chia Chang walks us through how stories move from idea to air.  Reporter’s Notebook – Cadence Quaranta takes us inside a “dementia village” in Taiwan, where residents are aging locally with dignity and community.  Taiwan Fun Fact – Why do Taiwanese celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with barbecues? Hint: it involves a 1980s TV ad and a surplus of grills.  Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for Taiwan’s top stories, newsroom insights, and features from TaiwanPlus journalists. You’ll find more from Taiwan and around the world at www.taiwanplus.com -- Hosting provided by SoundOn