

"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

8 snips
Aug 16, 2024 • 50min
Stop Coping. Your Life Sucks
The podcast delves into how societal ideals distort self-perception and personal struggles. It questions the notion of modern life being better, highlighting pervasive debt issues and offering solutions for financial distress. The discussion also tackles the paradox of wealth and mental wellness, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from emotional nourishment rather than material success. Additionally, it reflects on the challenges of growing up without a father, shedding light on mental health struggles and the alienation faced by many young adults today.

11 snips
Aug 3, 2024 • 42min
Explaining the Political Triangle
The Political Compass—created by libertarians to separate themselves from fascism—works fine for modern Western politics but COMPLETELY BREAKS when applied to history. Why are Medieval Europe, the Taliban, and Imperial Japan all crammed into "authoritarian right"? This episode introduces the Political Triangle, a superior anthropological model that can accurately map EVERY society in human history, revealing deeper patterns than the simplistic right-left divide dominating our current era.--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/cognitivePDS Debt is offering a free debt analysis. It only takes thirty seconds. Get yours at https://pdsdebt.com/free-debt-assessment/?ref=whatifalthist--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: Curt Doolittle's work. Available on the Propertarian WebsiteThe Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama The Decay of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia by David Christian. 2 volumesThe History of Russia by Orlando FigesEurope by Norman DaviesThe Isles by Norman Davies Al Muqqahdimmah by Ibn KhaldunMan and His Symbols by Carl JungThe Elephant in the Brain by SimlerThe Rise of the West by McNeilBloodlands by Timothy SnyderAtrocities by Matthew WhiteThe True Believer by Eric HofferSex and Power in History by Amaury de RiencourtThe Origins of Ideology by Immanuel ToddThe Moral Animal by Robert WrightSex and Culture by JD UnwinThe Lonely Crowd by David RiesmanVery Beautiful People by Ashley MearsEnvy by Helmut SchoeckThe Righteous Mind by John HaidtSeeing like a State by James ScottWar in Human Civilization by Azar GatConquests and Cultures by Thomas SowellWar and Peace and War by Peter TurchinWhy Nations Fail by Robinson and AcemogluDominion by Tom HollandThe Ancient City by Foustel de CoulangesA History of Civilizations by Fernand Braudel War, What is it Good for by Ian MorrisThe Leviathan and Its Enemies by Samuel FrancisA Conflict of Visions by Thomas SowellThe Great Leveler by Walter Scheidel

21 snips
Aug 3, 2024 • 47min
Was the Unabomber Right?
The podcast dives deep into the legacy of Ted Kaczynski, exploring how his critiques of industrial society resonate today. It examines the influence of CIA experiments on his psyche and the transformation into the Unabomber. Discussions about the emotional isolation catalyzed by industrialization critique the consequences of modern technology on relationships. The motivations behind Kaczynski's manifesto raise ethical questions about ideological violence. Lastly, it highlights the internet's dual nature, praising its freedom while cautioning against rising surveillance.

Jul 11, 2024 • 36min
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

16 snips
Jul 6, 2024 • 49min
The 4 Religions Fighting over America
Dive into the historical view of human nature and its dark corners, compared to today's labels for societal issues. Unpack the fierce competition among four religious factions in contemporary America, exploring the intertwining of ancient beliefs with modern ideologies. Discover the clash between Darwinism and social theories, alongside the moral dilemmas posed by technology. Explore Christianity's waning influence and its potential resurgence in a rapidly changing society. The complexities of belief, morality, and the evolving tech landscape make for a riveting discussion!

Jul 6, 2024 • 39min
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 • 59min
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 • 23min
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 • 37min
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 • 44min
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.