

"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture
Rudyard Lynch
WhatifAltHist is a podcast from Rudyard Lynch that looks to try to find the patterns in history and anthropology so as to predict the future and understand the dynamics that result in civilizations rising and falling. It began as an enormously popular alternate history channel with nearly 600K listeners and more than 100M views on YouTube. Rudyard Lynch also hosts the podcast History 102 with Erik Torenberg, which attempts to solidly explain pivotal historical events in depth in under an hour.Topics covered: World History, Philosophy, Civilization, Culture WhatifAlthist is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Episodes
Mentioned books

28 snips
May 17, 2025 • 53min
Explaining Jewish Civilization
Explore how a small group with a population less than 1% has dramatically shaped world history. Discover the striking achievements of Jewish civilization, from producing a third of Nobel laureates to influencing major world religions. Delve into cultural parallels with groups like the Mormons, and examine the psychological insights of the Ten Commandments amidst ancient challenges. The conversation highlights the evolution of Jewish identity, its resilience through adversity, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary society.

27 snips
May 13, 2025 • 47min
Explaining Every Jewish Migration | Expulsion
Dive into the rich tapestry of Jewish civilization, tracing its storied migrations from ancient Mesopotamia through turbulent history. Unpack the complexities of modern misinformation and anti-Semitism while understanding the historical context of Jewish struggles. Discover how pivotal events like the Babylonian exile, the Spanish Inquisition, and the role of the Holocaust shaped contemporary dynamics in Palestine. This exploration reveals the paradoxes of a culture deeply intertwined with resilience and transformation.

May 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
Explaining Native Mexican Civilization
Dive into the dramatic rise and fall of the Maya civilization, once thriving in the Yucatan with populations surpassing today’s numbers. Experience a chilling narrative of their apocalyptic collapse, driven by relentless drought and extreme blood sacrifices. Discover how desperate nobles faced brutal conflicts while priests, armed with prophetic calendars, helplessly observed the unraveling of their world. It’s a gripping look at the complexities of societal decline and the haunting lessons of history.

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Was Churchill a Villain?
World events keep derailing my civilization series! As a professional historian, I felt compelled to address the recent Rogan/Cooper podcast pushing the revisionist claim that Churchill was the villain of WWII who caused millions of deaths by refusing Hitler's peace offer. Let's examine what the historical evidence actually shows about this controversial take.--SPONSORS:NetSuite: More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at https://shopify.com/cognitiveClick here to make some cash for giving your opinion with YouGov: https://www.inflcr.co/SHLClThanks, YouGov, for sponsoring this video!--LINKS:Link to my second podcast on world history and interviews: / @history102-qg5oj Link to my Twitter-https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...Link to my Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...--Bibliography:Liddle Hart's the Second World War 2Bloodlands by Timothy SnyderThe Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by ShirerWorld War 2 by ChildersMy Early Life by Winston ChurchillA History of the English Speaking Peoples after 1900 by Andrew RobertsA Military History of the Western World by JFC FullerThe Dictators by Richard OveryThe Rule of Empires by ParsonsTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleyWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatThe World at War by ForsterIf the Allies had Fallen by ShowalterHistory's Greatest Wars by CumminsA History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia by David ChristianHonor by BowmanCynical Theories by James LindsayFire in the Minds of Men by BillingtonAtrocities by Matthew WhiteThe First World War 1 by John KeeganThe Second World War by John KeeganThe History of the English Speakings Peoples by Winston ChurchillAlbion's Seed by David Hackett Fischer15 Battles of History by Creasy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 58min
WTF is the Left Even Doing?
Explore the disarray within the left's political strategy amid rising tensions in the U.S. and the looming threat of violence. Discover the historical roots of leftist ideology and its emotional upheaval, especially in the wake of recent political shifts. The podcast dives into youth protests, critiquing their tactics and the suppression of dissent. It also examines the decline of leftist thought, focusing on mental health challenges among adherents. Ultimately, it reflects on creativity and resilience in the face of societal turmoil.

Mar 4, 2025 • 37min
Explaining Steppe Anti-Civilization
Explore the fascinating paradox of the steppe as an anti-civilization that influenced world history without cities or formal religions. Discover how nomadic warriors, despite their smaller population, toppled vast empires like China. Delve into the rugged environment that fostered their martial culture, and learn about key figures like Genghis Khan, who transformed tribal societies into meritocratic forces. Uncover the cultural continuity in their lifestyle, the brutal views on agriculture, and the complex legacy left by these formidable nomads.

23 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 50min
We live in a Totalitarian Society
Dive into a thought-provoking analysis of how 20th-century philosophies shape today’s beliefs about democracy and totalitarianism. Discover the intriguing connection between aging genes and societal structures, contrasting authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. Explore how democracy can breed mob mentality, while also investigating wokeness as a new form of emotional control. Historical insights on political systems reveal the hidden totalitarian traits lurking within modern democracies, drawing surprising parallels to the chaos of the past.

Feb 8, 2025 • 49min
The Politics of Dehumanization
Explore the intricate dance of perception and reality in political contexts, where flaws are projected onto others. Delve into how industrial society erodes individuality despite the facade of human rights. Discuss the cultural shifts globalization initiates, often at the cost of deeper life meanings. Examine the prevalent isolation and emotional disconnection in modern life, along with a critique of contemporary moral codes. Finally, reflect on the contradictions of modernity and the existential despair it fosters, encouraging a return to authentic human experiences.

26 snips
Dec 29, 2024 • 50min
Shatter the Glass of Modernity
Explore how modern ambition intertwines with technology and personal evolution. Dive into the pervasive unhappiness gripping society and the quest for meaning amid cultural identity crises. Analyze how myths shape self-perception and challenge ingrained ideologies for true psychological freedom. Reassess the roots of depression, exposing societal influences over chemical imbalances. Confront the identity crisis and rising nihilism, urging a deeper understanding of societal changes and their implications for all.

Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
A Live Conversation with Samo Burja
Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis and Palladium Magazine, discusses current political landscapes and their emotional nuances. He highlights how technology reshapes governance and free speech, drawing parallels to historical power dynamics. The conversation explores cultural shifts from the 2000s to today's dystopian atmosphere and examines the geopolitical echoes of the 1600s in modern crises. Burja also delves into societal disparities in major cities and the complex relationship between genetics and racism, revealing deeper insights into our present dynamics.


