
"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture
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
Latest episodes

Jul 11, 2024 • 38min
Are we a New Weimar?
Germany's bizarre 1919-1933 "psychedelic trip" between conservative militarism periods offers disturbing parallels to America today. While surrounding decades were prudish and structured, Weimar exploded with sexual degeneracy and cultural chaos—exactly like our current era. This strange historical anomaly wasn't just a random blip—it was the unheeded warning before catastrophe. The similarities are far more extensive and influential than most realize.--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/cognitiveTry Turkesterone with Tongkat Ali (Feminization Killer): (Buy Two Get OneFree 48HR Promo) https://blackforestsupplements.com/WHAT--LINKS:Link to my second podcast on world history and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5ojLink to my cancellation insurance: https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my Twitter- https://x.com/whatifalthistLink to my Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlynch/?hl=en--RECOMMENDED PODCAST:🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSzYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast--Bibliography: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William ShirerTragedy and Hope by Carroll QuiggleySexual Personae by Camille PagliaThe Righteous Mind by Jon HaidtEurope by Norman DaviesAtrocities by Matthew White Sex and Power in History by Amaury de RiencourtPolitical Order and its Decay by Francis FukuyamaCynical Theories by James Lindsay and Helen PluckroseThe Perversion of Normality by BoltonThe Coming Storm by Winston ChurchillThe First World War by John KeeganThe Road to Serfdom by HayekThe Human Tide by Paul MorlandModern Times by Paul JohnsonThe Geography of Nowhere by KunstleyThe Decline of the West by Oswald SpenglerMan and His Symbols by Carl Jung

Jul 6, 2024 • 51min
The 4 Religions Fighting over America
The Middle Ages didn't apologize for human nature—barbarian invasions, heretic burnings, and noble oppression were called what they were. Today we do EXACTLY the same things (often worse) but hide behind modern labels: Taliban becomes "insurgents," cancel culture replaces witch hunts, and poverty-inducing policies become "economic reality." America is currently experiencing a four-faction religious war that will determine history's course, yet we refuse to recognize it because "that doesn't happen anymore."--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/cognitiveSecure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code WHATDEAL for an extra 4 months free at https://surfshark.deals/whatdeal--LINKS:Link to my second podcast on world history and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5ojLink to my cancellation insurance: https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my Twitter- https://x.com/whatifalthistLink to my Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlynch/?hl=en--Bibliography:A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand RussellThe Decline of the West by Oswald SpenglerEvil by BaumeisterThe Master and His Emissary by Ian McGhilchristThe Blank Slate by Steven PinkerThe World after Liberalism by Matthew RoseReason, Faith and the Struggle for Western Civilization by Samuel GreggA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellCynical Theories by James Lindsay and Helen PluckroseThe Madness of Crowds by Douglas MurrayThe Elephant in the Brain by SimlerA Secular Society by Charles TaylorDominion by Tom HollandWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatMere Christianity by CS LewisCaesar and Christ by Will DurantThe Age of Faith by Will DurantRecapture the Rapture by WhealFire in the Minds of Men by Billington

Jul 6, 2024 • 41min
WTF is Wrong with the Economy?
The discussion dives into the disconnect between academic economic theories and everyday realities, highlighting how data manipulation clouds true economic understanding. Critics slam modern measurements like GDP for misrepresenting actual living conditions. Personal stories from the Rust Belt illuminate how statistical trends often ignore declining life quality. The conversation reveals damaging cycles of inequality and warns of possible societal upheaval if the growing divide isn't addressed, intertwining deep critiques with urgent calls for awareness.

5 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
Explaining Ancient Forbidden Teachings
Explore ancient forbidden teachings and consciousness, from the perspectives of historical figures like Buddha and Confucius. Learn about materialism vs. idealism, secret societies influence on history, and symbolism in ancient traditions. Delve into the intersection of ancient teachings, science, and magic for societal well-being.

May 31, 2024 • 25min
Top 10 Potential Future Wars
Delving into future scenarios, the podcast explores potential wars like a second Korean War and the Chinese-Taiwan conflict. It also discusses social collapse in China and Russia, future Turkish empire, US-Iran conflict, and Iran's unifying war. The analysis emphasizes the importance of violence in addressing unsustainable political systems.

8 snips
May 25, 2024 • 39min
Explaining Japanese Civilization
Dive into the fascinating journey of Japanese civilization, tracing its unique balance of cultural isolation and global influence. Explore Japan's intriguing political history, comparing it with Germany's reunification and industrialization. Discover how rice farming shaped a collectivist mindset and impacted Japan's social fabric. Uncover the intricacies of Japan's distinct structures that foster creativity, while also addressing pressing demographic challenges like aging populations and declining birth rates. A captivating look at a culture that champions both tradition and adaptation!

36 snips
May 24, 2024 • 46min
The Anthropology of Karens
Explore the anthropological roots of the 'Karen' archetype and its implications in today's society. The discussion reveals how historical shifts and bureaucratic structures contribute to troubling social trends. Hear about the challenges posed by bureaucracy and predictions of civilizational decline from influential thinkers. Delve into the dynamics of managerial accountability and gender misconceptions, alongside a critical examination of toxic femininity. This engaging analysis encourages a deeper understanding of cultural behaviors and their impactful consequences.

7 snips
May 15, 2024 • 43min
The Coming Population Crash
We've isolated ourselves from history, limiting our vocabulary to understand coming catastrophes. While we worship "progress," Earth has always been a blood-soaked video game map—with tribal warfare regularly killing 40% of males per generation. Population collapses occur roughly every 300 years, but the impending 21st century demographic crash will dwarf all previous ones. It's PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE to avoid a world population at least 50% smaller by 2100.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj--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/cognitiveFight corruption today with Mystick: https://www.mystick.dk/login/--LINKS:Link to my second podcast on world history and interviews: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0NCSdGglnmdWg-qHALhu1wLink to my cancellation insurance: https://becomepluribus.com/creators/20Link to my Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatifalthistLink to my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlynch/?hl=en--RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHistEvery week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihmApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj--Goodreads:Disunited Nations by Peter ZeihanThe End of the World is Just the Beginning by Peter ZeihanEmpty Planet by Ibbitson and BrickerUniverse 25 by CalhounThe History of the Arabs by Sir John GlubbDestiny Disrupted by Tamim AnsaryThe Life of Greece by Will DurantCaesar and Christ by Will DurantThe Next 100 Years by George FriedmanThe Tree of Culture by Ralph LintonWho We Are and How we Got Here by David ReichSecular Cycles by Peter TurchinThe Unabomber's ManifestoThe Fate of Empires by HubbardThe Age of Faith by Will DurantThe Renaissance by Will DurantRome by Greg WoolfeThe Human Tide by Paul MorlandThe Rise of the West by Oswald SpenglerCynical Theories by James LindsayA Guide to Late Antiquity by Peter BrownPlagues and Peoples by McNeil

May 13, 2024 • 41min
A Manifesto for the New Right
Our society believes in NOTHING—it's a soggy cardboard box that most prefer hiding inside rather than facing reality. As one of the few influencers shaping the emerging digital right's ideology, I'm offering principles for what I call the "not left" coalition. This 2.5-year project aims to give men something worth dying for as our meaningless, suicidally depressed culture continues melting down around us.🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj--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/cognitiveStep into the future with Boltzmann. Join our Telegram at https://t.me/Boltzmann_Net to experience the future of crypto and AI where privacy meets unlimited potentialLINKS:Link to my second podcast History 102: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0NCSdGglnmdWg-qHALhu1wFOLLOW ON X:@whatifalthist (Rudyard)@TurpentineMediaBibliography:The Eye of Shiva by Amaury de RiencourtThe Happiness Hypothesis by John HaidtThe True Believer by Eric HofferThe WEIRDest people in the World by Joseph HeinrichThe Body Keeps the Score by Van Der KolkLost Connections by Johann HariTrauma and the Soul by KalschedThe Inner World of Trauma by KalschedThe Seven Types of Atheism by GraySecularity by ZahlUltimate Journey by MonroeFar Journeys by MonroeJourneys out of the Body by MonroeThe Sacred History by Mark BoothRecapture the Rapture by Jamie WhealBeyond Order by Jordan PetersonBehave by SapolskyOn Grand Strategy by John Lewis GaddisDominion by Tom HollandThe Road to Serfdom by HayekWhy Nations Fail by Robinson and AcemogluThe Origins of Political Order by Francis FukuyamaRegime Change by DeneenA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellHonor by BowmanMeditations by Marcus AureliusThe Writings of EpictetusHoe God Becomes Real by LuhrmannNihilism by Seraphim RoseThe Immortality Key by Brian MurareskuThe Secret of our Success by Joseph HeinrichSeeing like a State by James ScottWar, What is it Good for by Ian MorrisThe Soul of India by Amaury de RiencourtThe Soul of China by Amaury de RiencourtThe Coming Caesars by Amaury de RiencourtWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatWar, Peace and War by Peter Turchin Maps of Meaning by Jordan PetersonMan and His Symbols by Carl JungThe World After Liberalism by Matthew RoseThe Ascent of Humanity by EisensteinThe Knowledge Machine by Michael StrevensThe Infinite Staircase by MooreThe Invention of Yesterday by Tamim AnsaryEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Fate of Empires by HubbardThe Righteous Mind by John HaidtCynical Theories by James LindsayForagers, Farmers and Fossil Fuels by Ian MorrisThe Philosophy of History by HegelA History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand RusselThe Web of Existence by Jeremy LentTrump and the Post Truth World by Ken WilburSpiral Dynamics by Ken WilburThe Laws of Human Nature by Robert GreeneSapiens by Yuval Noah HarariHomo Deus by Yuval Noah HarariThe Rise of the West by William McNeilMere Christianity by CS LewisThe Blank Slate by Steven PinkerThe Unabomber's ManifestoThe Decline of the West by Oswald SpenglerA Secret History of the World by Mark BoothForgotten Truth by Houston SmithReligions of the World by Houston SmithHermeticism by Evola

May 2, 2024 • 40min
A Message to Young Men
The podcast explores threats to masculinity and the use of Turkestrone supplements. It delves into societal divisions, generational differences, and elite manipulation. Additionally, it discusses power dynamics, challenges faced by young men, and the importance of self-love in entrepreneurship. The episode touches on building solidarity and tapping into one's inner strength to navigate societal challenges.