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© 2024 Alli Roper
Description
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.
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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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I quote Wendy Pearlman from "The Home I Worked to Make" and Alia Malek from "The Home that was Our Country" in this episode.
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 advertise on our podcast.
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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 two-sided war)
The rise of ISIS
The internationalization of the war
The Syrian refugee crisis
The fall of Assad and the current transitional government
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, 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 episodes.
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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in the making of this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
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Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
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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 Arab Spring and how it came to Syria
How civilian protests for reform turned into a civil war
Why extremist Islamist and Jihadist groups got involved
How the civil war splintered into a multi-faceted war
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, 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 episodes.
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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in making this episode.
Transcript of this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
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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 Syria and triggered its first coup
The cycle of military coups (1949–1963) and Cold War involvement
The rise of Pan-Arabism and Ba’athism, including Syria’s union with Egypt
How Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1970 and built an authoritarian state
What daily life looked like under Assad — security, repression, minorities, economy, and foreign
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, 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 episodes.
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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in the making of this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 "Lawrence of Arabia")
The Sykes–Picot Agreement (the secret deal that carved up the region)
What World War I was like in Syria
The French Mandate: How the French ruled Syria and why it upset so many
The road to independence (1920–1946)
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, 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 episodes.
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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in the making of this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 crossroads of civilization
The rise of Ebla, the Arameans, and the spread of Aramaic
How empires from Rome to the Ottomans shaped Syrian culture and cities
Why Syria was so religiously and ethnically diverse under Ottoman rule
How Ottoman decline + European involvement + Arab nationalism set the stage for modern Syria
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 episodes.
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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in the making of this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
The transcript for this episode is found here.
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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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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/wiserworldpocast.
Sign up for my free email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
Transcript for this episode.
This episode is sponsored by Quince and K12 Powered Schools. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Go to K12.com/WISERWORLD to learn more about K-12 Powered Schools.
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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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 overview? What are some cultural norms and rules to follow? What are some tips and tricks for tourists to know before traveling to Switzerland? We’ll dive into these questions and many more in today’s Know Before You Go episode, A Brief Intro to Switzerland.
This episode is sponsored by Quince and K12 Powered Schools. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Go to K12.com/WISERWORLD to learn more about K-12 Powered Schools.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
The transcript for this episode is found here.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
----
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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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-free episodes for all Wiser World episodes!
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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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in the making of this episode: Source List
Transcript for this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 episodes.
*Note: I make an error in stating that there are 10,000 Jews that whittle down to 9,000. The actual number is 100,000 (not 10,000).* Additionally, I mention that the Quran is the works and sayings of the Prophet Muhammed, but Muslims believe the Quran to be the word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammed.
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 advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in the making of this episode: Source List
Transcript for this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1A 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, but I what I meant is 40 million euros.
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 advertise on our podcast.
You can also support the podcast through Patreon.
Sources used in the making of this episode: Source List
Transcript for this episode.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 are some cultural norms? What are some tips and tricks for tourists to know when traveling to Portugal?
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.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
The transcript for this episode is found here.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
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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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 further your study, head to Patreon.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
----
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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 to Patreon.
The transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used in making this episode found here.
Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/
----
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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
----
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 advertise on our podcast.
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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? What was the Cuban Missile Crisis, and why was it important? What were the different waves of Cuban exile migrations? How did Cuba respond to the fall of the Soviet Union? What is the Special Period in Cuba, and how did ordinary Cubans adapt to survive? How did people flee Cuba in the 1990s? What was the Wet Foot, Dry Foot policy, and how did it affect Cuban migration? Who took over after Fidel Castro? How did President Obama change relations between the US and Cuba? How do President Trump’s policies affect Cuba? How did the Covid-19 Pandemic affect Cuba and what is Cuba like today? We’ll answer these questions and many more in today’s episode Cuba 101: part 3 of 3.
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 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 advertise on our podcast.
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 dictator? How did Cuban citizens fight back? How was the mafia involved in Cuba? Who was Fulgencio Batista and how did he influence Cuban politics? Who is Fidel Castro and how did he and his fellow rebels launch a revolution that would change Cuba forever?
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.
----
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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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? What role did the transatlantic slave trade play in the sugar industry, and how was Cuba involved? What role did Great Britain and United States play in Cuba during the 1800s? Who was José Martí and how did he influence Cubans? How did Cuba eventually gain its independence from Spain?
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.
----
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 advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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/wiserworld for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order!
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 advertise on our podcast.
Transcript for this episode.
Sources for this episode
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Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Marvelous ceremony indeed
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Love this podcast! Just what I've been looking for to help me understand current events.