In this episode of Strait Talk, I sit down with Mario Cavolo, a multifaceted writer and actor residing in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. Mario shares his experiences portraying General Douglas MacArthur in the Chinese historical series Crossing the Yalu River, and we discuss how his character's role in the Korean War connects with my family's history, which led to my relatives living in Shenyang today. Our conversation spans various topics, including the impact of historical events on personal lives and the increasing vilification of China in western media. Mario offers his unique insights into these complex issues, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in history, media, and cross-cultural experiences. Join us for a candid and thought-provoking discussion that bridges past and present, personal and global narratives.

Follow Mario Cavolo on X

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links

During my recent trip to Beijing, I had the opportunity to sit down with Li Jingjing, a renowned journalist and vlogger known for her insightful reporting on current events and her engaging portrayal of everyday life in China for an international audience. In this episode, we touch upon a wide a range of topics, including mainland Chinese perspectives on Taiwan, practical ways to foster mutual understanding between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the broader significance of our work in building bridges between China and the rest of the world. Join us for this insightful conversation aimed at helping you grasp these complex issues and emphasizing the importance of dialogue in today's world.

Follow Li Jingjing on X

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links

Conversations about Chinese hip-hop are incomplete without recognizing the contributions from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The discussion also needs to address the connections to American hip-hop, the origin of the genre. Our guest, Detroit Showtyme, a hip-hop enthusiast from Detroit who moved to Shanghai in 1999, played a significant role in nurturing authentic Chinese hip-hop culture over the last quarter century. We delve into the history and evolution of Chinese hip-hop and tackle intriguing topics, including the debated issue of cultural appropriation within the genre. Whether you're interested in China, cross-strait dynamics, hip-hop, or Detroit, you're in for a very special treat.

Follow Detroit Showtyme on X

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links

In this episode of Strait Talk, I invited Leo, a fellow conscript from our time in Substitute Service at the Training Center of the National Fire Agency, to discuss our experiences there. What is the Fire A I also give a brief introduction to the history of conscription in Taiwan and summarize how the laws governing it have evolved over the years. What is Substitute Service? How is it different from military service? What is the Training Center? Tune in to find out!

Jump to 00:10:05 to skip the history lesson

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links

In this episode, we're joined by Zoe Discovers, a prominent voice on north Korea with firsthand experience living on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. We delve into her perspectives as a foreigner in China on the similarities and differences between Taiwan and mainland. Additionally, we touch on the parallels and distinctions between the offshore islands of Fujian Province under Taipei's control and Korea's DMZ.

Follow Zoe on Instagram (Korea-related, all other) and YouTube

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links

Joining us for this episode is Jackson Hinkle, one of the most sanctioned political commentators, a people's ambassador of the United States, and a very divisive figure among American netizens described by right-wing detractors as a communist traitor, and by baizuo detractors as a fascist national chauvinistic bigot. Together, we delve into the shared concerns of ordinary people both in Taiwan and the United States, highlighting how their interests often clash with the agendas of the elites on Wall Street and in Washington. We also discuss how U.S. foreign policies go against the interests of the vast majority of the world's population, including Americans.

Follow Jackson Hinkle on X and Rumble

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links

History of Taiwan series (Silk and Steel Podcast)

Taiwan's history does not begin in 1949. In this introductory episode, we're joined by Carl Zha from the Silk and Steel Podcast to begin uncovering Taiwan's rich and complex history, as well as unravel common misconceptions about the island, explore its intricate cross-strait relations with the Chinese mainland, and understand why this island has emerged as a crucial battleground in global politics. Consider this episode the tip of an iceberg ahead of a deeper exploration of Taiwan and beyond, with new episodes airing every other Tuesday.

Support Strait Talk on Patreon

Make a one-time donation to Strait Talk through Buy Me a Coffee, CashApp, or Venmo

Follow Carl Zha on X and YouTube

History of Taiwan series (Silk and Steel Podcast)

Follow Xiangyu on X and more

Subscribe on YouTube and Telegram

All Strait Talk links