Tyrel Cameron Eskelson

Host of The Interlocutor Podcast and Author of Taiwan 22

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

In this deeply candid conversation, we sit down with Eddy Gonzalez, the mastermind behind the legendary Eddy’s Cantina and host of the EddyLIVE podcast. Moving across the world to build a completely new life isn't just a physical journey; it's a massive psychological test. Eddy opens up about what it truly takes to uproot your life, face the brutal realities of building a successful restaurant from scratch, and why he is profoundly proud to call Taiwan his home. We also dive into the future, exploring how AI is radically reshaping both education and business, and how Eddy managed to turn his own restaurant into a thriving live podcast studio. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, an expat looking to make a move, or curious about the changing landscape of global business, this episode is packed with raw, actionable wisdom.

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

One of the highest honors of my life was spending an hour talking with Kevin Kelly. We discussed what motivated him to travel around Asia as a young man, and what drove him to find the perfect photograph. The result of this great work is Vanishing Asia, and extremely valuable collection of his work.

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

Available on YouTube and Spotify

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

Inside Japan's Real Otaku Culture and the Evolution of Akihabara

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

Walking the Gold Rush Trail: Chasing Family History 170 Years Later - Russell Wangersky

What does it feel like to stand in the exact footsteps of your ancestor, 170 years later? In this episode, we sit down with author Russell Wangersky to discuss his captivating book, "Same Ground: Chasing Family Down the California Gold Rush Trail." Russell takes us on a journey back to 1849, following his 22-year-old ancestor, William Dodge, who left St. Louis with a wagon train bound for California. Using William’s original handwritten diary as his map, Russell retraced the grueling trek across the American West. We dive into what remains of the historic trail today, the surreal experience of matching up landscapes to a centuries-old journal, and how this profound journey gave Russell a deeper, broader sense of belonging to his family. If you love history, genealogy, or stories of epic human journeys, this conversation is for you.

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

Why Japan’s Future Might Be Solitary: Tom Feiling on Travel, Society & “Alone in Japan

What does it mean to be alone in modern Japan and is it a glimpse into the future of global society? In this conversation, I speak with author and journalist Tom Feiling about his new book Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future. We explore singledom vs. loneliness, aging, social isolation, and the quiet transformations reshaping life in Japan. From solo living and declining birthrates to the cultural meaning of independence, this discussion goes beyond stereotypes to uncover what Japan can teach the rest of the world. If you're interested in travel, Japan, sociology, or the future of human connection, this episode is for you.

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

What stories about Taiwan never make it into the history books? In this conversation with Eryk Michael Smith, host of the podcast Formosa Files, we explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of Taiwan. We talk about how the show uncovers strange, dramatic, and surprising episodes from Taiwan’s past—and what goes on behind the scenes when researching and producing a history podcast. If you’re interested in Taiwan history, storytelling, podcasting, or the unusual stories that shape a place, this conversation offers a glimpse into both the island’s past and the craft of telling its stories. Topics include: • Hidden stories from Taiwan’s history • How Formosa Files researches its episodes • The art of historical storytelling • Behind the scenes of podcast production • Why Taiwan’s history is so globally fascinating Subscribe for more conversations on history, culture, and ideas.

[theinterlocutorpodcast]

Writer and longtime Yunnan resident Colin Flahive joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about life, travel, and change in rural China through the lens of his book The Galaxy’s Last Ride: Shifting Gears in Rural China. We discuss Colin’s upbringing in Colorado, his early fascination with Asia, and how his first trip to China in 1998 became a formative turning point in his life. From studying the Three Gorges Dam to building a life in Dali, Yunnan, Colin reflects on more than two decades spent watching China transform at extraordinary speed. We also explore the motorcycle journey behind The Galaxy’s Last Ride, the cultural and geographic diversity of Yunnan, rural-to-urban migration, employing women from remote mountain villages, and the tension between preservation and modernity in China’s countryside. Along the way, Colin shares thoughts on friendship, love, storytelling, hospitality, and what he has learned from the people around him during his years living and working in China.