Tyrel Eskelson’s Taiwan 22: Travels in Paradox – S6-E28
Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
RSS Feed 
RadioPublic 
PocketCasts Key Takeaways
- Canadian academic Tyrel Eskelson transformed his curiosity about Taiwan's prominent role in international news into an immersive travel project and book.
- His book, 'Taiwan 22', published by Formosa Files' own Plum Rain Press, chronicles months of travel and hundreds of conversations across the island.
- Tyrel's journey included diverse experiences, from attending an unusual Indigenous festival in the mountains to visiting a Taipei charity for the homeless.
- The travel project also took him to the strategic frontline islands of Matsu and Kinmen to better understand Taiwan's complex geopolitical reality.
What happens when curiosity about Taiwan turns into something of an obsession? Canadian academic Tyrel Eskelson, who lives in Japan, set out to understand an island nation that kept appearing in the international news. The result was months of travel, hundreds of conversations and his book Taiwan 22, published by Formosa Files’ very own Plum Rain Press.
John chats with Tyrel about his travels and his impressions of Taiwan. Along the way, they attend an unusual Indigenous festival in the mountains, visit a Taipei charity helping the homeless, and stand on the frontline islands of Matsu and Kinmen.
Tyrel will be in Kaohsiung October 17 for a Taiwan 22 book event. Stay tuned for details.
Do us a favor and rate/review the show! It really helps. Do it on Apple Podcasts or here on our website.
Write us with questions or ideas at formosafiles@gmail.com
AND THE BIGGEST REQUEST: tell others about this free, not-for-profit resource about Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tyrel Eskelson?
Tyrel Eskelson is a Canadian academic living in Japan who traveled extensively around Taiwan to write his book, 'Taiwan 22'.
What is the book 'Taiwan 22' about?
Published by Plum Rain Press, the book captures Tyrel's months of travel, hundreds of conversations, and deep impressions of Taiwan as an island nation.
Where did Tyrel Eskelson travel during his time in Taiwan?
His travels took him to various locations across the island, including mountain regions for an Indigenous festival, Taipei to visit a charity for the homeless, and the frontline islands of Matsu and Kinmen.