Wiser World
Did you forget your world history, and now feel lost when world topics come up in current events? Designed for busy people who forgot (or never learned it in the first place) and need a quick refresh, Wiser World takes foundational world history and makes it approachable and concise. As a former teacher, Alli Roper wants to remind us of the world's foundational, basic history so we can have the context we need think historically about current events, travel, and global topics. Episodes are published once or twice a month, and consist of 101 episodes (100-ish year deep dives into various countries), Know Before You Go episodes (brief histories for highly-traveled spots), and pretty much any other world-related topic that you wish you'd been taught in history class.
Episodes
July 15, 2025 • 53 mins
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 Switzerland for those who want an overv...
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June 25, 2025 • 58 mins
A concise, foundational history of Iran from 1980 to 2025, designed for those who know little to nothing about Iran. This addition has been updated and improved heavily from the 2022 edition.
If you'd like a downloadable PDF with a timeline/outline of this episode, go to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You can pay for it a la carte for $3, or sign up to be a $5 or $10 Patreon supporter and receive the PDF, more resources, and ad-f...
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June 23, 2025 • 46 mins
A concise, foundational history of Iran from 1950s through the 1979/1980 Revolution, designed for those who know little to nothing about Iran's history.
If you'd like a downloadable PDF with a timeline/outline of this episode, go to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You can pay for it a la carte for $3, or sign up to be a $5 or $10 Patreon supporter and receive the PDF, more resources, and ad-free episodes for all Wiser World episod...
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June 19, 2025 • 46 mins
A concise, foundational history of Iran from the late 1800s to mid-1950s made for those who know little to nothing about Iranian history.
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 discussing the AIOC (Anglo Iranian Oil Company)'s revenue, I say 40 million dollars, bu...
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May 28, 2025 • 45 mins
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 understanding before you go? What ...
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May 27, 2025 • 23 mins
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 returns.
For extra resources to ...
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April 10, 2025 • 31 mins
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 resources to further your study, head ...
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April 3, 2025 • 24 mins
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 part of the Airwave Media podcast ...
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March 20, 2025 • 66 mins
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 Pigs Invasion, and why did it fail? W...
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February 17, 2025 • 49 mins
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 how did he become Cuba’s first dictat...
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January 29, 2025 • 46 mins
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 Spanish colonization influence the island...
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December 1, 2024 • 27 mins
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 luxury price tag. Go to quince.com/wiser...
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October 31, 2024 • 55 mins
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 Edoardo, Holly, and Daniele for lend...
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September 29, 2024 • 19 mins
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 study, head to Patreon.
A transcript fo...
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August 30, 2024 • 37 mins
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 Singapore society? What is the food cul...
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July 31, 2024 • 39 mins
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 Patreon.
This episode is sponsored...
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June 26, 2024 • 53 mins
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 and give you a little behind-the-scen...
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May 29, 2024 • 49 mins
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 free appetizers for life! One appet...
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April 24, 2024 • 70 mins
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 resources to further your study, head to...
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April 10, 2024 • 59 mins
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.
Edit: I mention the Internationa...
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