The Islanders: Recent Episodes
Tobin Production
Follow James, Daniel, Minnie, and Yen on their journey into full-fledged adulthood. Through talks on friendship, engineering, and their beloved island, the fresh college graduates explore the world of podcasting and set out to identify themselves in the process.
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In our current queer world that is full of an invisible enemy, traveling seems like a faraway dream, a distant memory, or perhaps a forgotten fantasy. In this episode, we delve into our deepest dreams and talk about the places, be it realistic or imaginary, that we would like to visit.
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Have you ever wondered what your parents were worried about when they were your age? We have! So we interviewed them......again.
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Have you ever wondered what your parents were thinking when they were your age? We have! So we interviewed them......
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Pastimes and hobbies are more than just personal interests. They are sometimes also defining features of a person. In this episode, we look at the various facets of our personality through our recreational activities.
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Notes are one of the most personal things a person can have, and different people approach note-taking differently. What do we write about? What do we write it on? Listen to this episode to find out!
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Life needs a sense of rituality. Like brushing your teeth when waking up, or doing cardio dance before breakfast? In this episode, the hosts share their personal routines and why they are so important.
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What happens when people are forced at home and depressed? Online shopping! And the boys(and girl) are no exception. In this episode, they talk about their purchases of 2020.
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Surprisingly, James, Daniel, Minnie, and Yen all like different movies! In this episode, we talk about our all-time favorite movies, and at the same time, learn more about each other.
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Throughout our teenage ears, there were always some songs that resonated deeply with us at that certain point in time. In this episode, James, Daniel, Minnie, and Yen talk about their adolescent anthems.
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Welcome to the Islanders Podcast! Today we are talking about video games. But more than that. We thought it would be interesting to discuss the psychological factors behind why we play the games we play.
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James recently uncovered some books of his childhood, and in this episode, he shares them with the gang. Are these really what a ten-year-old should be reading?
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Kids, assemble! In this episode, James, Daniel, Yen and Minnie talk about their common school-time experience - morning assembly, which somehow includes some singing.
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Yen went up to the mountains and drank some wine. He then danced with the locals. He drank some more, and danced a lot more. Three days to be exact. Join us this episode to hear his spiritual experiences while attending a traditional festivity with the Say-Siyat tribe.
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A formula one race driver almost died…, while James was watching the race live. In this episode, he unpacks the raw emotions that were triggered during this genuinely horrifying experience.
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Every year, sadly, there are students that choose to end their own life. In light of some recent news, James, Daniel, Minnie and Yen open up about mental health and why it is important to talk about it.
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Taiwan is full of interesting museums that boast old architecture, valuable exhibitions and inspiring art. In this episode, our resident museum-holic Minnie tests the boys’ knowledge in a game show that walks us through the museums of our island.
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College students are always running out of money, and the simple solution to that is…you guessed it. Part-time jobs. Join James, Yen and Minnie today to hear about their part-time experiences, which include being a security guard. What?
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At the end of season 4 of the podcast, the gang gather to talk about anything and everything. If you have a knack for classic literature, be sure to check this one out!
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Join James, Daniel, Yen, & Minnie this week to talk about the horrible traffic of Hsinchu City, including the dangers and beauty of old city streets. And things may get heated!
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We continue our conversation with A-Hua-Sai in this episode, and we talk more about his motivation and methods in restoring Tâigí as a language. What can we do more to protect it? Listen to this episode to hear the fascinating story between a man and his mothertongue.
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A-Hua-Sai is a protector of Taiwan’s mothertongues with Tâigí being his forte. This week we talk to him about his day job as a popricer(What’s that? Listen to find out!), and how our local languages are dying.
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Chinese Valentine’s Day is much more than just another day for other halves worldwide to disappoint. The origin of this festival is a somewhat twisted and beautiful story. Join the boys this episode to hear that story alongside their thoughts on this special date.
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In this episode James, Daniel and Yen talk about the mythical legends of the Taiwanese Aboriginal tribes. It is an important part of Taiwan history, but the stories are simply out of our imagination. Do you have any stories/folklore from your childhood that are also as insane? Share them with us!
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Every year thousands of people carry shackles and parade around the city of Hsinchu…for good luck? Join James, Daniel and Yen in this episode to talk about this interesting and lively celebration.
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In the midst of the night, you can always find a soy milk shop open for you to get your grub on. They’re the diners of Taiwan, and they’re all called Yonghe! Listen to this episode to find out why, and what soy milk has to do with baseball.
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James, Daniel and Yen continue with their story on tutoring in this episode. They also discuss the question of authority, whether it’s breaking it down or building it up - while learning and growing along with their students.
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James, Daniel and Yen have all been tutors during their college days, and today they share some stories related to tutoring and also how they approach teaching another kid.
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In part two of our interview with Bloody Tyrant, we diverge from the deeper topics into more trivial matters, with talks about favorite bands, as well as their influences and inspirations.
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This week we interview a Taiwanese metal band Bloody Tyrant. Being a band from landlocked Nantou, they not only incorporate local instruments into their arrangements, but also employ lyrical themes that tie strongly into Taiwanese society and culture. Listen as James inquire them about their creative processes and also metal in general.
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Today in the news we take a look at 5G technology in Taiwan. With it only recently being implemented by telecom companies, James, Daniel and Yen discuss its potential uses and capabilities. Do you have 5G in your area? Join the discussion!
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Today we venture into the world of Reddit in the form of the Taiwan subreddit. As a Reddit veteran, James shows Daniel and Yen some of the more interesting postings. What’s your favorite subreddit? Share them with us!
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A woman shopping at Costco had an unexpected visitor. Join James, Daniel and Yen today to hear what happened. Spoiler: It’s a spider.
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You cannot talk about 2020 without talking about COVID19. With it spreading across the world, Taiwan also has its fair share of difficulties. In this episode we talk about Taiwan’s defense policies against the disease and various battle preparations. Stay safe out there everyone!
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In today’s news, we talk about a true story that involves choosing between a 3.6 million TWD(12,000 USD) scholarship and getting into a prestigious university. Join the discussion!
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Getting into college is one of the most important aspects of the life of a Taiwanese student. And what stands between a high school student and college is the fearful college entrance exam. Join the boys today to reminisce their exam-taking experiences, talk about the contents of Taiwanese exams, and more!
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Long gone are the days of seeing the words 'Made in Taiwan' on the back of your favorite toy, but Taiwan hasn't disappeared from the global scene. Through innovation and a constant push for quality, Taiwan has some major players in various industries. Follow James, Daniel & Yen to look at these Taiwan manufacturers that make products ranging from computer chips to even bicycles!
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Today we are going to talk about some Taiwanese local brands and some of their iconic products that are widely used by the locals. These homegrown manufacturers are so popular in Taiwan that they have even become part of our culture. Join us to explore these colorful Taiwanese daily goods and the important role they play in our daily life.
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Daniel and the gang are back at it again, trying to find food that is economical and edible in the food desert of Hsinchu. This time, he has a map. Join the Islanders as they follow Daniel's food journey in search of an oasis. Will he be successful in this gastronomical crusade? Let's find out.
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The city that the Islanders have lived in in the past four years, Hsinchu City, has been heralded as the food desert of Taiwan. And today, we shall join James, Daniel & Yen on a detective mission to find out what exactly is the cause of food being generally overpriced and underwhelming in Hsinchu.
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Alcohol is arguably one of the most ingenious discoveries of mankind, and most countries in the world have their own special variety made from local crops with traditional techniques. Taiwan is no different. Kinmen Kaoliang is the spirit of our choosing, and within its sweet and fruity notes we can catch a glimpse of Taiwan's unique climate and distilling process. Join the boys today to get tipsy!
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From bringing an economic miracle to being the Queen's favorite, Taiwan's tea (or Cha in mandarin) has been extremely influential in our history. Nowadays, though it has lost some of its former glory, it is still essential in our daily lives, bringing entertainment and delicious taste. Join us today as resident tea connoisseur Daniel tells the fables of Taiwan tea.
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With its wonderful abundance of fruits, Taiwan sure knows how to make scrumptious desserts out of these sweet nectars of nature. Join James, Daniel and Yen this week to talk about some of their favorites, including hometown memories and classic delicacies.
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As a tropical island, we are blessed with (nearly) all the fruits in the world all year round. Join James, Daniel and Yen today to talk about the fruits in Taiwan! From tabletop staples to exotic produce, this episode is surely going to get you craving for them fruits.
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Following the 311 Great Sendai Earthquake in Japan, Taiwan has been rethinking its energy policies. Being in the same disaster-prone region, Taiwan may not have what it takes to survive a nuclear disaster. However, the environmental and energy benefits of a nuclear reactor are far too lucrative to overlook. Join the boys this week for a storytelling session of the development of Taiwan’s changing energy landscape.
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In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Though victorious, it was not an easy task. Join the boys this week to take a look at the events leading to this achievement, and on the way, think about what this truly means to the Taiwanese people.
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What first comes to mind when you think about art films? Boring long shots? Dull stories? Join Daniel and Yen today as they dig deeper into the Taiwanese art film scene to find out more about the rise and fall of new age art films.
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With classics like 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'Life of Pi', director Ang Lee is certainly a national Taiwanese treasure. Join the boys today to hear some stories about the legend himself and a discussion on some of his films!
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Music is an inseparable element of our lives, and with so many independent bands to choose from, what are some of our favorites? Join James, Daniel and Yen this week as they dig deep into their musical archives and find bands that are worth a recommendation(or two)!
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In the past ten years, independent music in Taiwan has grown tremendously in popularity. But what makes Taiwanese Independent music so special and distinct from other varieties? Join James, Daniel, and Yen this week to find out all about this unique genre, including lyrical themes and the reason of its recent rise.
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If you ever have the chance to visit Taipei City, you don’t want to look like a clueless visitor. Join the boys as Daniel gives them an introduction to transportation in Taipei City. You will travel like an authentic local in no time!
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Welcome to the land of the Dragon People! Follow Daniel and Yen to their hometown to hear some fun facts, stories and history of the mighty capital, Taipei City.
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Join James, Daniel and Yen this week to talk about the many convenient stores that scatter across the island as they also introduce some of their favorite Taiwanese snacks and specialties.
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Welcome to Season Three of the Islanders Podcast! Join James, Daniel, and Yen today to talk about the fabulous night markets of Taiwan and the scrumptious delights that come with it. From delicious fried chicken to one of the world's most repulsive foods (as voted on CNN), Taiwanese night markets have them all. Be sure to follow The Islanders Podcast in the new season as they kick off a full series on their beloved home island.
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Join James, Daniel and Yen this week as they dive into more D&D questions! In part two of this two part episode, their alignments are revealed (spoiler: they’re all different) and they try to categorize famous characters in history or fiction into the nine alignments. They also reminisce season two as it comes to an end.
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Are you good or evil? Find out with James, Daniel and Yen this week as they venture into the world of Dragons & Dungeons. Not the game per se, but their alignment system. Join the boys in part one of this two part episode as they take the test to determine (and learn about) their own moral stance.
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This weekend we welcome the Chinese New Year festivities. Once in a lunar year, we gather round with our families to eat profusely and gamble away all our red envelopes. Join James, Daniel and Yen this week to learn how to survive all those nosy relatives and unending holiday rituals.
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The 2020 Taiwan Presidential Legislative Elections just took place last Saturday! Join James, Daniel, Yen and special guest Brian to talk about the election, its preceding events, and the history of democracy in Taiwan.
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It was a crazy and bizarre year for three of us as we experienced all kinds of adventures and even started our podcast show this summer. For various reasons, 2019 is definitely one of the most memorable year in our college lives. At the beginning of 2020, we decided to have a special episode to reminisce our top 5 events in 2019 respectively and record these precious memories.
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Join James, Daniel and Yen today to explore some science-related fun! Listen to the boys put their college degree to use as they try to solve some engineering problems from the book 'What If?' that are borderline science fiction.
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Merry Christmas! Join James, Daniel, Yen and a special guest Lucifer in this Christmas special to discuss their love stories, or rather, their lack of love stories. Sit back on this festive day with a cup of hot chocolate in one hand, biscuits on another, and enjoy an hour full of spicy tidbits and heart-warming confessions.
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As we grow up, there are bound to be things that disappear into the vast river of memories. It may be a favorite restaurant of yours that went out of business, or it may be a lost photograph that means much to you. Join James, Daniel and Yen today to hear their stories of losing as well as the beautiful memories that stay etched to their hearts.
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Today the boys ask themselves whether their imagination is tethered by their growing knowledge. Join James, Daniel and Yen as they go through fun thought exercises and try to imagine their imaginary spaces, capacity, and the related mechanisms. From a water bottle to the blizzards and birthday parties, their answers are sure to surprise!
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Join James, Daniel and Yen today as they talk about dreams! They share some of their recurring nightmares as well as delve into facts about dreams. Listen to their possible theories about why people dream and what they think dreams might mean in the real world.
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Welcome to Management 101! Join James and Yen today as they explore the many facets of management as well as their past experiences in student management roles, be it head of the student association or organizer of summer camps. They also talk about some of the (many) difficulties and things that they may have done differently.
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Welcome to Season 2 of the Islanders Podcast! Join James, Daniel and Yen back at the studio this week to talk about attending the hackathon event at NTHU. They share some of their experience in hands-on product development, rapid prototyping and even sleep management. Don’t miss this episode if you consider yourself tech-savvy!
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James, Daniel and Yen gather in the studio this week to reminisce season one of The Islanders Podcast. Hear more about the behind the scenes process in making a podcast and the reflections/visions from three novice hosts!
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Join us this week for part two of this two part episode with Minnie as she shares more of her various expeditions. From Paris to the coasts of Spain, listen to see what it takes to conquer the road of Saints.
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Globetrotter Minnie joins James, Daniel and Yen in part one of this two part episode to talk about her adventures in Tanzania and experience as a stage play director's assistant. Tune in this week to hear some fascinating stories as well as heartwarming encounters from lands afar.
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Classmate Tiffany joins James, Daniel and Yen to talk about her experiences as an exchange student at NUS as well as what it takes to be a chair at a Model United Nations event. Tune in this week to learn a little about college life in Singapore and much more!
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James, Daniel and Yen gather in the new studio this week to talk about friendships, relationships and all other ships imaginable. Dim the lights, make popcorn and join the boys in this deeply personal episode that delves into their insecurities and asks some questions worthy of a lifetime's pondering.
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Join Daniel and Yen as they pry open Daniel's brain to see how and where he gets his jokes and comedic writing. Listen to the boys for some clean late-night fun while James is renovating the studio.
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EDM producer Gin joins James, Daniel and Yen this week to talk about music production, life as a DJ, and when is sampling too much.
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Look out! The freshmen are here. And the first thing that welcomes them is orientation. As per tradition in Taiwan, the seniors prepare an orientation camp for them, much like summer camps all around the world. Join James, Daniel, and Yen, all of them both participants and organizers, to hear their views and experiences on this fun and (sometimes awkward) ritual.
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Join James, Daniel, and Yen as they tip toe into the marvelous and dangerous realm of unscripted podcasting. This week they talk about anything (quite literally) and everything. From coffee to fishermen, it is nothing shy of a sonic rabbit hole!
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It’s the end of summer and also the end of ghost month in Taiwan! Join James, Daniel and Yen share their views on the traditional festivities and also learn something about Southern Chinese/Taiwanese culture surrounding mortality.
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Listen as long-time friend and classmate Crystal joins James, Daniel, and Yen on the podcast to talk a little bit about her self-searching journey as well as her experiences in volunteering work in the beautiful continent of Africa.
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…of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it, so the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it. Join James, Daniel, and Yen as they are now at the other end of their vacations and hear some of their interesting summertime chronicles!
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Join James, Daniel and Yen on their first ever journey into the world of podcasting. Find out about their personal experiences in learning English as a second language in Taiwan and the oddities that come with it.
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