
How to Take Over the World
Anyone who has achieved greatness has, in part, patterned themselves after those who came before. Napoleon learned from Charlemagne, Charlemagne learned from Caesar, and Caesar learned from Alexander the Great. This podcast analyzes the lives of some of the greatest men and women to ever live. By examining their strategies, tactics, mindset, and work habits, How to Take Over the World helps you understand the great ones, so that you can follow in their footsteps.
Latest episodes

106 snips
May 3, 2024 • 1h 12min
The Making of George Washington
Explore the remarkable journey of George Washington from his humble beginnings to becoming a revered leader of the American Revolution. Delve into his early military exploits that ignited his leadership skills and discover how he navigated the complexities of war and agriculture. Learn about the economic struggles faced by Virginia tobacco farmers and Washington's analytical approaches to these challenges. Finally, uncover the lasting lessons from his legacy, emphasizing sincerity, decisiveness, and the importance of building connections.

8 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 11min
The Shackleton Guide to Taking Over the World (Free Preview)
Discover the incredible leadership lessons from Ernest Shackleton, hailed as one of history’s greatest leaders. Delve into his unique mix of ambition and meticulous planning that paved the way for success. Explore themes of resilience as his crew faced daunting challenges after losing their ship. Learn how disciplined leadership and teamwork can help overcome even the toughest obstacles, drawing powerful parallels to historical events like the Battle of Trafalgar. This journey offers practical insights for aspiring leaders.

70 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ernest Shackleton: Enduring The Impossible
The gripping saga of the Endurance reveals the perilous plight of Ernest Shackleton's crew trapped in Antarctic ice. Leadership lessons abound as Shackleton's unyielding hope and innovative crew selection methods come to light. His rapid-fire interviewing strategy and emphasis on interpersonal dynamics forged a resilient team amidst chaos. The initial challenges of their journey illustrate not only the physical dangers but also the relentless spirit of adventure that drives humanity to confront the impossible.

Apr 5, 2024 • 14min
Ask Me Anything + Dune 2 Review (Free Preview)
Engage in a lively Ask Me Anything session, exploring the fine line between obsession and discipline. Discover the origins of the podcast's intro music and delve into the challenges of balancing diverse interests. The discussion highlights the journey to success, emphasizing joy in the process over mere outcomes. Dive into the notion of productive obsession through experimentation and focus, uncovering how even routine tasks can fuel creativity. Plus, catch an intriguing critique of Dune 2 and its direction from Denis Villeneuve!

71 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Caesar Guide to Taking Over the World
Discover why Julius Caesar is hailed as one of history's greatest figures. Explore the fierce power struggles of Ancient Rome, and how they shaped his rise. Delve into his military conquests in Gaul and the political maneuvers that defined his legacy. Learn about the surprising link between shaving history and societal views—yes, facial hair matters! The podcast also draws parallels between Caesar's vulnerabilities and modern data privacy, showcasing the risks we face today. His vision for a united Rome offers lessons still relevant in our world.

Mar 27, 2024 • 10min
Arnold Schwarzenegger Endnotes (Free Preview)
Discover Arnold Schwarzenegger's unique training philosophy that emphasizes intense focus and positive thinking. Learn how he turned obstacles into opportunities and embraced failure as a stepping stone to success. His unconventional approach during interviews reveals a creative side, demonstrating that sometimes, improvisation can lead to unexpected insights. This deep dive into his mindset offers inspiring lessons on discipline and growth from one of the most iconic figures in fitness and entertainment.

68 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Discover how Arnold Schwarzenegger transformed from a determined Austrian youth into a legendary bodybuilder, actor, and governor. Dive into his early struggles, discipline, and the importance of community support. Explore his unique approach to sleep for peak performance and the innovative tools that fueled his success. Learn how he overcame Hollywood challenges and leveraged resilience to achieve greatness in multiple fields, showcasing the power of vision and relentless ambition.

5 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 26min
How to Start a Country (Network State Review)
Dive into the intriguing concept of a 'network state,' where online communities unite to form physical entities. Discover how historical visionaries inspired this idea, and explore the potential for collective negotiation with governments. The discussion highlights the importance of actively participating in community ownership, contrasting it with the dangers of disengagement. Finally, envision a future where citizenship revives civic engagement through shared values, merging ancient ideals with modern networking.

Mar 1, 2024 • 11min
John D Rockefeller - Endnotes (Free Preview)
Was John D. Rockefeller a hero or a villain? This captivating discussion dives into his controversial legacy, blending ambition with morality. It explores how his remarkable strategies in the oil industry shaped modern business practices. The impact of his philanthropic endeavors is also examined, revealing ongoing effects today. Listeners will discover a man driven by both determination and compassion, challenging the simple labels of good and bad.

108 snips
Feb 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
John D Rockefeller
Discover the rise of John D. Rockefeller, the richest man in history, and his cunning tactics in the turbulent oil refining market of the late 19th century. Explore his innovative approaches that shaped the industry and learn how he built the formidable Standard Oil through aggressive monopolistic strategies. Uncover his personal qualities, including perfectionism and unwavering ambition, that propelled him to success and influenced American business and philanthropy for generations to come.