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 m...
Nov 08, 2023•20 min
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:...
Nov 01, 2023•20 min
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 ...
Oct 25, 2023•16 min
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?...
Oct 18, 2023•20 min
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 i...
Oct 11, 2023•20 min
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....
Oct 04, 2023•20 min
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, mak...
Sep 27, 2023•24 min
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,...
Sep 20, 2023•24 min
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....
Sep 13, 2023•24 min
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. St...
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
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, Bikenib...
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
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 t...
Sep 06, 2023•22 min
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 .
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
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 ...
Sep 06, 2023•22 min
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...
Sep 06, 2023•18 min
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 ...
Sep 06, 2023•22 min
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!...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min
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.
Sep 06, 2023•21 min
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...
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
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 ...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min
There was an era in the history of Taiwan that every student receiving education here would for sure learn about: the so-called “Dutch Formosa Era” in the 17th century. The Dutch Republic in the 17th century was a global superpower and occupied numerous spots all around the world, Taiwan included. The Dutch left traces of their presence and some still exist in modern day Taiwan, such as Fort Zeelandia in Tainan (southern Taiwan). Those were times of big changes, exchanges, and violence. I’m curi...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min
Hi there, it’s your host Sharon. Let’s see what other activities in the “doing things alone” life have you done before? We’ll also talk about taking care of your mental health and being comfortable with your own company. Honestly, if there’s something you want to do, just do it!
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
Have you ever gone to the movies by yourself? Have you ever gone solo-traveling? What are your thoughts on doing things alone? Some might think it’s a bit “weird” to do things that one usually does other people by yourself, and much of this was due to societal pressure. How did this thought come about? Join Michelle and I (Hey it’s Sharon) today and let’s see what sort of activities we’ve done by ourselves and how it was like. (Spoiler: Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely.)
Sep 06, 2023•23 min
Hey you, Sharon here. Today we’re continuing our chat with Hans about snakes. What should you do when you encounter snakes in the wild? How much have we humans affected the natural habitats of snakes in Taiwan? Also, Hans organizes educational programs where he brings non-venomous snakes to the classroom and talks with school kids about these fascinating creatures and the importance of respecting nature. Find out more on snakesoftaiwan.com.
Sep 06, 2023•23 min
Are you scared of snakes? If so, why? Is it because of how they look? And some are venomous? Snakes are probably one of the most misunderstood animals out there. Sharon sits down with snake expert Hans Breuer. Let’s debunk some misconceptions about snakes and learn more about these mysterious beings. Hans also runs the website Snakes of Taiwan , where you can find plenty of useful information on snakes and learn more about Hans' work. Go check it out!...
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
Hey you, it’s your host, Sharon Lin. Today joining me is my good friend, Kimberly Chang. Have you thought about studying abroad? Have you noticed why some schools in certain countries are more popular among Taiwanese people? What mentality is a healthy one to have when getting higher education in a foreign country? Wouldn’t it be a pity if you only hang out with people who have similar backgrounds with you? Make yourself a cup of tea, or any beverage of your choice, and let’s chat.
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
Hi there, it’s your host Sharon Lin. Welcome back to That’s Debatable.Today, my guest Kimberly and I are continuing our discussion on Taiwan’s education scene especially with the Bilingual 2030 policy taking place. Being an educator is a tough job, needless to say. Yet, what are some of the most rewarding moments being an educator? What is the future like for the younger generation? Kimberly and I are here to chat more, care to join us? (Pouring an imaginary cup of tea.)
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
Have you wondered what English education, and education in general is like in Taiwan? Today, I (This is Sharon writing, hi there.) invited a guest, Kimberly Chang, who has been a teacher in Taiwan and abroad to tell us more. Especially, in light of the Bilingual 2030 policy in Taiwan, how have things changed? What are some pros and cons of such a policy? Who would “benefit” the most? Has this policy made things more challenging for teachers and teachers-to-be? Hit play and let’s dive in. Stay tu...
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
Hello, it’s your host Sharon Lin. Today we’re continuing our discussion on working freelance with our wonderful guest Eilleen. Go listen to part 1 if you haven’t. What kinds of people are cut out for freelance work? Is it only suitable for “young people?” Let’s find out.
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
Have you thought about working freelance? Or do you already have experience working as a freelancer before? Today, host Sharon and guest Eilleen, who has worked freelance for many years, are here to talk about some stereotypes many people might have about working freelance. Such as, hmm, you wake up whenever you want? Workload is lighter than that of a full-time job? Check out this article for some common stereotypes about freelance work discussed on the show today....
Sep 06, 2023•24 min
