Wiser World
Wiser World is a podcast that uses history to explain current global events. Hosted by world history teacher Alli Roper, it breaks down complex historical topics into clear, compact episodes for busy adults. The show explores the people, cultures, and turning points that shaped today's world, providing context often missed in school. It aims to help listeners understand headlines with more nuance and confidence.
Episodes
105. Seven Books From Around the World (And Why You Should Read Them)
These are seven of my favorite books from around the world. They’re the ones that changed how I see history, other cultures and people. Some are funny, some are hopeful, and a few are honestly hard to read. But almost all of them are true stories about ordinary people holding on to their humanity, and to each other, in extraordinary circumstances.
To get links to each book, plus two other books
104. Warning Signs of Authoritarianism
Here's the goal of this episode: to give you a practical framework for recognizing the patterns that can weaken a democracy before the answer becomes obvious.
Because these days, authoritarianism often doesn't arrive with tanks in the streets or a coup. Often it develops gradually, through elections, legal changes, weakened institutions, and leaders who argue that the normal rules are getting in
103. Seven Questions to Ask About Any Democracy
If a country holds elections, does that make it a democracy?
Not necessarily.
In this episode, we look beyond the ballot box and explore seven principles that help make democratic government actually democratic: popular sovereignty, real elections, limits on power, the rule of law, legitimate political opposition, access to independent information, and the peaceful transfer of power.
We’ll also
102. Fascism 101: How it Rises, and Why It Matters
What is fascism—and how does it actually take hold?
In this episode, we trace the rise of fascism from post–World War I Italy to Hitler’s Germany, looking at the fear, economic instability, political violence, and national humiliation that helped these movements grow. Then we break down how historians define fascism and the warning signs they look for.
This is a foundational primer designed to h
101. Becoming a Global Thinker: A Conversation with The Women in the Arena and Iron Butterfly
In this special collaborative episode, Wiser World joins The Women in the Arena and Iron Butterfly Podcast for a conversation about what it means to think like a global citizen. I sit down with Sarah Scully, Megan Jaffer, and Cadie Hopkins to explore how we can broaden our perspectives, better understand the world around us, and become more thoughtful global thinkers.
Want to learn more? Check o
100. Five Patterns from World History We Ignore at Our Peril
For my 100th episode, I'm sharing 5 patterns that I have learned from studying world history. For more resources and ad-free content, head to https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
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99. Puerto Rico: Shaped by Empires, Defined by Its People
A brief historical and cultural recap of Puerto Rico for those who know little to nothing about it. For more resources and ad-free content, head to https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
Special thanks for Tiana and Luis for their thoughts in this episode! Here's a little about them, in their own words:
We're Tiana and Luis, a husband-and-wife team sharing our love for Puerto Rico
98. Spain: Layers of Identity, History, and Memory
A brief historical and cultural recap of Spain for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this layered, unique country. For more resources and ad-free content, head to https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
Transcript for this episode.
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97. Greece: A Modern Nation Built on Ancient Memory
A brief historical and cultural recap of Greece for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For more resources and ad-free content, head to https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
Special thanks to Georgios for his contribution to this episode!
Sources used in making this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
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96. Mexico: A Country of Ancient Roots and Global Influence
A brief historical and cultural recap of Mexico for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For more resources and ad-free content, head to https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks to Paulina Bruce and Adriana Ochoa for their insights in this episode!
Transcript for this episode.
Join us
95. New Zealand: How a Remote Island Became a Modern State
A brief historical and cultural recap of New Zealand for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For more resources and ad-free content, head to https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
Special thanks to Larna Jensen-McCloy and Courtney McNaught for their contributions to this episode! Really appreciate you both.
Sources used in making thi
Introducing: Hidden History with Dr. Harini Bhat | The Mary Celeste: The Ghost Ship of the Atlantic
Dr. Harini Bhat is a clinical pharmacist and storyteller obsessed with the moments in history that still can't be fully explained. Every week she investigates real events that defy easy explanation. Mass hysterias. Vanished civilizations. Medical oddities. Strange signals. Unexplained phenomena that keep repeating across centuries, as if history is trying to tell us something.
Hidden History does
94. Bhutan: Understanding One of the World's Most Unique Countries
A brief historical and cultural recap of Bhutan for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For additional resources, head to Patreon, where you get ad-free episodes and lots of ways to visualize this episode.
Special thanks to Kinley Dorji from Druk Asia and Chencho Lham from soultrips.co for their contribution to this episode! If you're inte
93. Hawai'i: A History Everyone Should Know
A brief historical and cultural recap of Hawai'i for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to Patreon.
*Corrections: Despite best efforts, I mispronounced some words in this episode and want to correct them here—most I did not pronounce the glottal stop that comes with the apostrophe: Kaho’olawe = Kah-ho-oh-la-vay; Moloka’i
92. Understanding Eid Al-Adha: A Primer for Beginners // Shahnila Ahmad
In this episode, my guest, Shahnila Ahmad, explains the holy month of Dhul Hijjah and the holiday of Eid al-Adha to those who know little to nothing about it. You can also watch this conversation on Youtube.
About Shahnila: Shahnila Ahmad is a homeschool mom of four, parent mentor, and ICF-certified coach who is passionate about helping Muslim parents raise emotionally connected, resilient chil
91. Eight Qualities of a Peacemaker: What I've Learned as a Student of Peacemaking
In this episode, I share my final reflections—what I have learned about peacemakers from the last year of studying peacemaking and learning from peacemakers. I share 8 qualities that I believe peacemakers have.
This is the final episode in this peacemaking series.
Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
Introducing: No Such Thing
I'm excited to share a preview of a new podcast we think you’d enjoy: No Such Thing
No Such Thing is a show where three best friends and journalists settle their dumb arguments — and yours — by actually doing the research. Hosts Manny Fidel, Noah Friedman, and Devan Joseph start each episode with an argument using just their gut feelings. Then they go out into the world, investigate, talk to expe
90. Human Dignity: The Bedrock of Cultures of Peace // Brett Scharffs
In this episode, I interview Professor Brett Scharffs, the director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at BYU. His extensive bio is found here. He joins the show fresh from speaking at the UN Human Rights Council — where he was invited to evaluate a landmark unanimous resolution on building cultures of peace. His central argument is that human dignity is the bedrock beneath
89. Lebanon: The History Behind the Headlines
Lebanon has been in the headlines for months — but the real story goes back 3,000 years. In less than an hour, get the context you've been missing: Phoenicians, civil war, Hezbollah, and how all of it leads to today.
This is a brief, approachable history of Lebanon for those who know little to nothing about it. Please keep in mind that this is not comprehensive, just a jumping off point for furth
88. Conflict Avoidance Leads to Conflict: How Skilled Negotiators Build Lasting Peace // Stan Christensen
What does negotiation have to do with peacemaking? Turns out, A LOT. Stan Christensen has spent decades negotiating in over 75 countries — between governments, ethnic groups, and armed factions — and he joins Wiser World to bring that hard-won wisdom down to earth. We talk about why conflict avoidance creates more conflict, how trust is built and broken, what skilled negotiators do differently, an
87. Peacemakers Who Changed History: Part 2
Today we explore the stories of five MORE impactful peacemakers throughout the world: Wangari Maathai, José Ramos-Horta, Mohandas Gandhi, Rigoberta Menchú, and Mairead Corrigan. Their stories are inspiring and very human, and I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as I did.
Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserwor
86. Women at the Peace Table: Why It Works and Why It's Still a Struggle // Sanam Naraghi Anderlini
In this episode, I sit down with Sanam Naraghi Anderlini — peace strategist, founder of the International Civil Society Action Network and one of the architects of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 — to talk about what it actually takes to build lasting peace. We cover the research behind women's inclusion in peace processes, how a scrappy international coalition got a landmark resolution passed
85. Peacemakers Who Changed History: Part 1
Today we explore the stories of five impactful peacemakers throughout the world: Bertha Von Suttner, Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, Óscar Arias, and Leymah Gbowee. Their stories are inspiring and very human, and I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as I did.
Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast
84. The Ambitious Project of Peace: How Humans Built the Infrastructure of Peace
What is the history of peacemaking? In this episode, we trace the origins of diplomacy and international law from the ancient world to the present day. Topics include the Treaty of Kadesh — the world's oldest peace treaty — the Great Law of Peace and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the birth of modern diplomacy at the Peace of Westphalia, the founding of the Red Cross, the Geneva Conventions, the L
83. Peacemaking, Reframed: The Art of Productive Discourse // Steven Collis
Most of us think peacemaking means keeping the peace — avoiding conflict, not ruffling feathers, smoothing things over. But what if that's actually not peacemaking?
In this episode, I sit down with Steven Collis — law professor, First Amendment scholar, and author of Habits of a Peacemaker — to dig into what productive dialogue actually looks like in real life. Not in a boardroom or a courtroom,
82. Lessons from Iran: What Happens When You Suppress a Nation
Five macro-level lessons I have learned from studying Iran's history.
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81. Iran's Unfinished Revolution: A Conversation with Sahar Delijani
Today's guest, Sahar Delijani, is the author of Children of the Jacaranda Tree, an internationally acclaimed novel, translated into 32 languages and published in more than 75 countries. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Literary Hub, LARB, Jewish Currents, BOMB, McSweeney’s and elsewhere. Her second novel, For Every Person You Kill, is forthcoming in Spring 2027.
In this episode, Sa
80. Iran 101 Part 3/3: Theocracy, Conflict, and the Fight for Change (1981-2026)
This is Part 3 of 3 of the Iran 101 series: a foundational history of Iran for those who know little to nothing about it. This episode covers 1981 to early 2026.
Sources used in making this episode.
Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast.
Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
79. Iran 101 Part 2/3: The Pahlavi Era, Revolution, and Iranian Hostage Crisis (1953-1980)
This is Part 2 of 3 of the Iran 101 series: a foundational history of Iran for those who know little to nothing about it. This episode covers 1953 to 1980.
Sources used in making this episode.
Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, PDF timelines, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast.
Join us on Instagram: https://www.insta
78. Iran 101 Part 1/3: Shahs, Oil, and Foreign Powers (1800s-1953)
This is Part 1 of 3 of the Iran 101 series: a foundational history of Iran for those who know little to nothing about Iranian history. This episode covers the 1800s to the 1953 coup.
For a FREE downloadable PDF outline of this episode, go to patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. If you are not a Patreon member, you may have to sign in, but you do not have to pay for this one.
*Correction: When dis
77. Iran 101: Cultural Preface
This is a Cultural Preface to the Iran 101 series. It is not designed to be entirely comprehensive, as no culture or people are the same. The hope is to help listeners meet the Iranian people before they study their history.
Special thanks to Ershiya and Lana Firoozi for their help with this episode; their attention to detail and generosity cannot be overstated.
This episode is sponsored by Fa
76. Greenland: The History Behind the Headlines
A brief, approachable history of Greenland for those who know little to nothing about it. My hope is that this gives some nuance and context to modern headlines about this strategic island and the people who live there. Keep in mind that this is not comprehensive—just a jumping off point for further learning.
This episode is sponsored by Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/wiserworld or u
75. When a Country is Held Hostage: A Conversation with Diego Vicentini
Today's guest, Diego Vicentini, is a Venezuelan film writer, director & editor. His debut feature film “Simón”—which exposes human rights violations committed by the Venezuelan regime—was able to overcome censorship in Venezuela and was nominated for the 38th Goya Awards (Spain’s Academy Awards) in the Best Ibero-American film category in representation of Venezuela and reached the #6 spot on Netf
74. Lessons from Venezuela: Wealth, Power, and the Cost of Ignoring Reality
Five macro-level lessons I learned from studying Venezuela's history that I hope to remember.
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73. Venezuela 101 Part 3/3: Maduro, Hyperinflation, and Migration (2013 - 2026)
This is Part 3 of 3 of the Venezuela 101 series: a foundational history of Venezuela. This episode is a concise history of Venezuela from 2013 - early 2026, designed for those who know little to nothing about Venezuela. This episode covers:
Chávez’s death and Maduro’s fragile rise to power
Oil collapse, hyperinflation, and economic freefall
Daily life under shortages, black marke
72. Venezuela 101 Part 2/3: Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution (1989 - 2013)
This is Part 2 of 3 of the Venezuela 101 series: a foundational history of Venezuela. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Venezuela from 1989 to 2013, designed for those who know little to nothing about Venezuela. This episode covers:
Venezuela before Chávez and the shock of the Caracazo (1989)
The rise of Hugo Chávez (1992–1998)
How Chávez rewrote the political sy
71. Venezuela 101 Part 1/3: Venezuela Before Chávez (1498 to 1988)
This is Part 1 of 3 of the Venezuela 101 series: a foundational history of Venezuela. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Venezuela from 1498 to 1988, designed for those who know little to nothing about Venezuela. This episode covers:
- Venezuela pre-1498 (Columbus)
- Spanish colonization
- How Venezuela gained independence
- The long road to democracy: caudillos, dictatorsh
70. Venezuela 101: Cultural Preface
This is a Cultural Preface to the Venezuela 101 history series. It is not designed to be entirely comprehensive, as no culture or people are all the same. But, it is designed to help listeners meet the people before they study their history, and in it, we cover:
1. Population, Identity & Diversity
2. Social Personality & National Character
3. Family & Social Structure
4. Gender Roles & Expect
69. Common Ground: Birth & Death — Rituals for Life's First & Final Moments
In this episode of the Common Ground series, we're diving into unique rituals from around the world that honor both birth and death, which is something we all share.
We cover:
• Navajo First Laugh Ceremony – United States (American Southwest, Navajo Nation)
• Baek-il (100-day celebration) – South Korea
• Selapan Ceremony (35th day) – Indonesia (Javanese culture)
•
68. A Table For Everyone: One Syrian’s Journey of Resilience and Welcome // Yassin Terou
Today we’re stepping into a story that blends together the last few month’s topics (Syria, Food, Hospitality) with my guest, Yassin Terou.
Yassin Terou is a Syrian-born entrepreneur and American dream enthusiast, best known as the founder of Yassin’s Falafel House, a Knoxville-based restaurant celebrated for its welcoming spirit and message of inclusion. After arriving in the United States, Ya
67. Common Ground: Hospitality — The Universal Language of Welcome
Food may be the universal need, but hospitality is the universale virtue.
In the second episode of the Common Ground series, we're diving into how different cultures practice hospitality, and how there's much more in common than you might think.
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If you'd like ad-free episodes and additional resources, head to t
66. Common Ground: Food — The First Language We All Speak
No matter where you go in the world, everyone needs to eat, and preferably eat together. Eating together is one of our oldest human instincts.
In this first episode of the Common Ground series, we're diving into concepts of food and drink that are cultural universals—things we all share. We talk about grains, fermentation, earth cooking, hot drinks, and more!
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65. What Syria Can Teach Us: Why Voice, Unity, and Agency Matter
This is a personal analysis of takeaways I gained from studying Syria. It is meant to be listened to after completing the Syria 101 series (which is 5 parts).
Nonprofits mentioned in this episode:
SAMS
Karam Foundation
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64. Syria 101 Part 5/5—The Syrian Civil War, Refugee Crisis, & Fall of Assad (2012–2025)
This is Part 5 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 2012 to 2025, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers:
How civilian protests for reform turned into a civil war
What groups got involved and why (it was not a clear tw
63. Syria 101 Part 4/5—Bashar al-Assad, the Arab Spring, & Syrian Civil War Beginnings (2000–2012)
This is Part 4 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 2000 to 2012, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers:
How Bashar al-Assad gained power
How corruption, crony capitalism, drought, and inequality led to unrest
The
62. Syria 101 Part 3/5—Coups, Ba’athism, and the Assads (1946–2000)
This is Part 3 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 1946 to 2000, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers:
How Syria’s new democracy after independence quickly fell into instability
Why the 1948 war with Israel shook Sy
61. Syria 101 Part 2/5: Border Carve-Up & the French Mandate (1900–1946)
This is Part 2 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 1900 to 1946, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers:
Why WWI cracked the Ottoman order in Greater Syria
The Arab Revolt & the Hussein–McMahon letters (this includes
60. Syria 101 Part 1/5—Crossroads of Civilization (Ancient Days to 1900)
This is Part 1 of 5 of the Syria 101 series. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from ancient days to 1900, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers:
The difference between Ancient Syria, Greater Syria, and modern borders
How geography (rivers, cities, trade routes) made Syria a crossroa
59. A Brief Intro to THE NETHERLANDS - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we cover a basic history of the Netherlands, talking about history, culture, economics, politics, geography, and so on.
This episode is sponsored by Quince. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
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58. Recognizing Cognitive Bias: The Hidden Shortcuts in Our Minds
This episode covers eleven common cognitive biases, giving real-life examples and ideas for how to combat them. We talk about anchoring bias, effort bias, egocentric bias, hindsight bias, optimism and pessimism biases, recency bias, confirmation bias, present bias, scarcity bias, and urgency bias.
For extra resources (like a printable PDF) to further your study, head to Patreon.com/w
57. A Brief Intro to SWITZERLAND - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we cover a basic history of Switzerland for those who want to travel there. We answer these questions and many more: What makes Switzerland so unique? Where is it located and what is the weather like? How is the government structure so one-of-a-kind? What foods are famous in Switzerland? What festivals and traditions do they have? What is a brief history of Swit
53. A Brief Intro to PORTUGAL - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we cover a basic history of Portugal for those who want to travel there. We answer these questions and many more: Before you travel to Portugal, what do you need to know? What makes Portugal so unique? Where is it located, what is the weather like? What is the government structure? What is the food culture? What is a brief history of Portugal so you have a basic
52. Becoming a Better Thinker (More Logical Fallacies Everyone Should Know)
In this episode I explain nine common logical fallacies, and give examples so we can thinking more intelligently in this ever-polarized political climate. This is companion to episode 35, "Recognizing Logical Fallacies for Better Critical Thinking" which aired on December 27th, 2023.
This episode is sponsored by Quince. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day r
51. Understanding Passover: History, Traditions, and the Meaning Behind the Meal
This episode explains the basic concepts of the Passover tradition and Seder meal for those who know little to knowing about it and want a foundation of knowledge to build on.
Special thanks for my friends Merav and Debbi for their contributions to this episode!
This episode is sponsored by Quince. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
For extra res
50. Humanizing History: Lessons Learned from Cuba
Three philosophical lessons I've learned from Cuban history and am integrating into my personal life.
This episode is sponsored by Quince. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
The transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used in making this episode found here.
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This podcast is
49. Cuba 101 - Part 3
In this episode we take Cuba's history from 1959 to 2025, giving a high-level look at Cuba for those who know little to nothing about it and would like foundational understanding.
Questions we answer: How did Fidel Castro become the most powerful man in Cuba? What happened to private land and business after the Cuban Revolution? How did the U.S. respond to all the changes? What was the Bay of Pi
48. Cuba 101 - Part 2
In this episode we take Cuba's history from 1902 to 1959, giving a high-level look at Cuba for those who know little to nothing about it and would like foundational understanding.
Questions we answer: How did the US influence Cuba while it was a US Protectorate? What role did the Platt Amendment play? What role did race play in Cuban society during the early 1900s? Who was Gerardo Machado and ho
47. Cuba 101 - Part 1
In this episode we take Cuba's history from pre-1492 (Columbus) to 1902 (Independence), giving a high-level look at Cuba for those who know little to nothing about it and would like foundational understanding.
Questions we answer: Where is Cuba located, and what is it like geographically? What was it like before 1492? What role did Christopher Columbus play in the history of Cuba? How did Spanis
Encore: 30 Minutes to Becoming a Better Critical Thinker (Recognizing Logical Fallacies)
In this episode, I revisit an episode that aired last year, where I explain eight common logical fallacies—giving examples and ways to think more critically in today's ever-polarizing political climate. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon. I'll be back in January with a new 101 series.
This episode is sponsored by Quince. Gift luxury this holiday season without the luxur
46. A Brief Intro to ITALY - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we answer these questions and many more: What makes Italy so unique? Where is it located, what is the weather like, and what are its regions? What is the government structure and the food culture? What is a brief history of Italy? This episode is designed to be a brief introduction to Italy for those who would like to travel there.
Special thanks to my friends E
45. What is Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)?
In this short culture episode, we answer the questions: What is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead? How long has this holiday been around and what are its ancient roots? Who participates and why is it important to them? What traditions commonly go along with this holiday? This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about this holiday.
For extra resources to further your stud
44. A Brief Intro to SINGAPORE - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we answer these questions and many more: What makes Singapore such a unique country? Where is it located and what is the weather like? How has Singapore become a City in a Garden? Why does it have such an open economy? What is the government structure, and what are some laws that are unique to just Singapore? Why is multiculturalism such an integral part of Sing
43. South Indian Weddings // Dheeraj Varanasi
In this episode, my guest Dheeraj Varanasi and I talk about some of the basic rites, rituals, and traditions involved in a traditional South Indian Hindu wedding. There is no way we could cover everything, but this covers many of the essentials, and is designed for non-Indians who know little to nothing about these weddings and want to learn more.
For extra resources to further your study, head to
42. Behind the Scenes of Wiser World // Rachel Cox
How do we choose our episode topics? How do we find our research material and what is our research process? How do we retain what we learn? How does studying world history affect our relationships? Has our research ever spurred us to take action? What are some of the happiest lessons we’ve learned from making the podcast? In this episode my research assistant Rachel and I answer these questions an
41. Darfur Conflict 101
This is a brief overview history of conflict in Darfur (western Sudan) from the early 1900s to 2024, focusing particularly on 2003-2007. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. Go to hellofresh.com/wiserworldapps for
40. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 3
This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from 2005 to 2024, covering the end of the 2nd Sudanese Civil War, South Sudan's independence, South Sudan's civil war, and the current war in Sudan. This episode focuses more on South Sudan than north Sudan. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resou
39. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 2
This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from 1978 - 2005 AD, covering the discovery of oil through the end of the 2nd Sudanese Civil War. This episode focuses in a lot more on South Sudan than north Sudan. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon
38. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 1
This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from roughly 800BC to 1978 AD, covering from early civilizations until the end of the First Sudanese Civil War and the discovery of oil. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
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This episode is sponsor
37. What is Nowruz?
Over 300 million people around the world celebrate Nowruz—a huge spring holiday that’s also sometimes called Persian New Year—annually on March 20th or 21st. In this episode I explain Nowruz for folks who know little to nothing about it, and if you fit that description I can guarantee you’re going to enjoy learning about the unique and ancient traditions of Nowruz. Some of them are over 4,000 year
36. A Brief History of World War I
There are countless resources to learn about WWII (and for good reason, it's important!), but what about WWI? Often overshadowed by other wars, this complex war has influenced much of our modern day more than we may realize. This episode covers a brief history of WWI for those who need an overview refresh, focusing mostly on why it began and how it ended. For extra resources to further your study,
35. Recognizing Logical Fallacies for Better Critical Thinking
In this episode I explain eight common logical fallacies—giving examples and ways to think more critically in today's ever-polarizing political climate. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoug
34. What is Diwali?
This is a brief overview of the holiday of Diwali for those who know little to nothing about it. I include the stories and traditions included in the holiday, as well as explain the Lakshmi Puja. While I don't go into every detail of the (typically) five-day festival, I hope this is a primer for those who want to learn more about the holiday and can be a springboard for further research. For extra
33. The Middle East Today: Must-Know History & Country Relations
This episode covers the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, European influence in the region, some major historical conflicts from WWII to 2023, and how Middle Eastern countries currently relate to each other, generally. The hope is for those who know little to nothing about the Middle East to have a basic primer that can be used as a springboard for further research. For extra resources to further yo
32. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 3
Part 3 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 1967 (Six Day War) to 2023. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
A transcript of this episode is found here.
This podcast is pa
31. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 2
Part 2 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 1917 to the beginning of 1967. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
This podcast i
30. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 1
Part 1 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 4,000 years ago until 1917 with the Balfour Declaration. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
A transcription for this episode was ma
29. A Brief History of MEXICO - Know Before You Go
A brief historical and cultural recap of Mexico, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to our Patreon.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact adverti
27. A Brief History of SPAIN - Know Before You Go
A brief history and cultural recap of Spain, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible country.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advert
26. What are Democracy, Autocracy, & Oligarchy? Government Systems 101
This is a basic foundational view of the government systems, designed for non-experts who need a refresh. *Correction: The United States is more correctly defined as a Constitutional Republic, as the Constitution does serve as the supreme law of the land. While it does have democratic processes, the Constitution plays a more powerful role in the United States than I explained in this episode.
Vo
25. What are Communism, Socialism, & Capitalism? Economic Ideologies 101
This is a basic foundational view of the economic ideologies designed for non-experts who need a refresh. When a person calls themselves a communist, or a socialist, or a capitalist, what does that even mean? What are the basic foundational principles behind each economic ideology? Why does understanding these systems at even just a basic level matter so much? I take these complex economic systems
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