Wiser World
Alli Roper
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 18, 2025 • 28min
61. Syria 101 Part 2/5: Border Carve-Up & the French Mandate (1900–1946)
This is Part 2 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of 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 for $5, 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
Sep 16, 2025 • 29min
60. Syria 101 Part 1/5—Crossroads of Civilization (Ancient Days to 1900)
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
Aug 28, 2025 • 56min
59. A Brief Intro to THE NETHERLANDS - Know Before You Go
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
Aug 13, 2025 • 33min
58. Recognizing Cognitive Bias: The Hidden Shortcuts in Our Minds
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
Jul 15, 2025 • 53min
57. A Brief Intro to SWITZERLAND - Know Before You Go
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/
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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
Jun 25, 2025 • 58min
56. Updated: Iran 101 - Part 3
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
Jun 23, 2025 • 47min
55. Encore: Iran 101 - Part 2
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
Jun 19, 2025 • 47min
54. Encore: Iran 101 - Part 1
A 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
May 28, 2025 • 45min
53. A Brief Intro to PORTUGAL - Know Before You Go
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/
----
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
9 snips
May 27, 2025 • 24min
52. Becoming a Better Thinker (More Logical Fallacies Everyone Should Know)
Dive into the world of logical fallacies and discover how they can deceive even the sharpest minds. Explore nine key fallacies that undermine arguments with real-world examples, perfect for enhancing your critical thinking skills. Learn about loaded questions that slyly embed assumptions, and see how false analogies can skew discussions. This engaging conversation equips you to spot errors in reasoning, fostering clearer communication and more rational debates in today's polarized climate.
