
Wiser World
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 21, 2023 • 45min
29. A Brief History of MEXICO - Know Before You Go
A brief historical and cultural recap of Mexico, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to our Patreon.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 making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode.Transcript for this episode.For more information on Wiser World: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 7, 2023 • 45min
28. A Brief History of HAWAI'I - Know Before You Go
A brief historical and cultural recap of Hawaii, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to our Patreon.*Corrections: Despite best efforts, I mispronounced some words in this episode and want to correct them here—most I did not pronounce the glottal stop that comes with the apostrophe: Kaho’olawe = Kah-ho-oh-la-vay; Moloka’i = Mo-lo-ka-ee; Lana’i = La-na-ee; ukulele = oo-koo-lay-lay; song=Mele; chant=oli pronounced oh-lee; Kalākaua = ka-lā-cow-ah (emphasis on lā); Liliʻuokalani=Lee-Lee-ooh-oh-ka-la-nee. My apologies. 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 making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode, the McQuiveys for insights, and Kailea for help with pronunciation. Transcript for this episode. For more information on Wiser World: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 24, 2023 • 38min
27. A Brief History of SPAIN - Know Before You Go
Discover the vibrant history and culture of Spain, from its Roman roots to the intricate tapestry of its diverse regions. Explore lively traditions like flamenco and festivals such as La Tomatina. Delve into Spain's transformation during the Islamic Golden Age and its rise as a European power through exploration. Uncover the shadows of Franco's dictatorship and the country's path to democracy, highlighting ongoing regional tensions in Catalonia and the Basque Country. A fascinating journey for travelers and history buffs alike!

17 snips
May 3, 2023 • 19min
26. What are Democracy, Autocracy, & Oligarchy? Government Systems 101
This discussion takes a deep dive into various forms of government like democracy, autocracy, and oligarchy. It unpacks what these systems truly mean and how power dynamics shift within each. You'll learn about direct democracy versus constitutional republics, and the impact of monarchy on modern governance. The conversation also addresses the complexities of totalitarian regimes and theocratic rule, illustrating the stark differences between these systems in today’s world.

16 snips
Apr 19, 2023 • 23min
25. What are Communism, Socialism, & Capitalism? Economic Ideologies 101
Dive into the fascinating world of economic ideologies! Learn what it truly means to identify as a communist, socialist, or capitalist. Explore historical contexts that shaped these systems and discover how they influence income inequality. Unpack Marx’s vision of a classless society and the critiques surrounding central planning in communism. Find out how mixed economies blend these ideologies and why a foundational understanding is essential for informed discussions. This enlightening journey makes complex economics accessible!

Apr 5, 2023 • 23min
24. Global Easter Traditions: Europe // Michal Novovesky
This episode covers a few unique religious and nonreligious Easter traditions throughout Europe. Grateful to my friend, Michal Novovesky, for sharing a tradition from his home country of Slovakia. If you learn something from this episode, please consider sharing it, and reviewing the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript for this episode. Links for Visuals: Slovakian Tradition of Water and Whips (Video)Pysanky - Ukrainian Painted Eggs (Article) Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Seville, Spain (Video) Easter Egg Traditions in Europe (Video)Holy Fire - (Live Video) Special thanks to friends Dallin and Whitlie for help with pronunciation and extra tips on Ukrainian Easter, and Emily for help with German pronunciation.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.For more information on Wiser World: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 15, 2023 • 39min
23. What is Ramadan? // Shahnila Ahmad
In this episode, my guest, Shahnila Ahmad (from @bravemuslimparents on Instagram) does a wonderful job of explaining the basics of the holy month of Ramadan. This episode is specifically designed for those who know relatively little about this special month for Muslims around the world. My guest, Shahnila Ahmad, is a Muslim American who grew up in Michigan and moved to California where she has lived for the last 20 years. She has an MBA in Healthcare management as was a Sr. Consultant for the largest HMO in the country. She quit corporate America to focus on family and kids. She is now a homeschool mom of four children, and a Parent Mentor. She has over 15 years of experience with youth. Shahnila is the founder of Brave Muslim Parents where she equips and empowers today’s Muslim parents to raise resilient kids. On her IG page (@bravemuslimparents) she talks about everyday parenting challenges to taboo topics and how to tackle that with a faith mindset. She is a devout American Muslim. Feel free to connect with her on IG @bravemuslimparents. Vocabulary to know: Qur'an: word of God (Allah) & a miracle Iftar: breaking fast meal at sunsetSahoor: Recommended pre-dawn meal Mosque: holy place of worship Shahnila's resources for info on Islam: Visit your local mosque Www.whyislam.orgWww.islamicity.orgYoutube channel: TheDeenShowTV--Transcript for this episode. 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.Wiser World: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 1, 2023 • 13min
22. What is Holi?
This is a brief summary of the Indian holiday of Holi. I share about the origins of the holiday, the traditions and celebrations, and the foods that are often made.*CORRECTION: In this episode I talk about how Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, when in reality the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are actually embodiments of one main god. Thus is appears polytheistic, but the system of Hinduism is monotheistic. Special thanks to Aarti and Aditya for their help in answering some questions for this episode!Here is a short video on the story of Holika.All other resources used in making this episode can be found here. Transcript for this episode.--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.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 16, 2023 • 19min
21. Carnival in Brazil, Italy, & New Orleans (Mardi Gras)
This is a brief history of Carnival—noting in particular the history of Carnival, and some fun details about Carnival in Brazil, Italy, and in New Orleans (where it's called Mardi Gras).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.All other resources used in making this episode can be found here. Transcript for this episode.--Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 1, 2023 • 20min
20. The Global Diamond Mining Industry
This is a brief history of the diamond industry—noting in particular the history of diamonds, what a blood/conflict diamond is, and diamond labor. This industry is very complex and I barely scratch the surface, but here is a starting point for you.Here is the TIME article on blood diamonds: https://time.com/blood-diamonds/.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.All other resources used in making this episode can be found here. Transcript for this episode.--Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices