The French Revolution is one of the most influential turning points in modern history. But what actually caused it? How did a movement demanding liberty and equality lead to years of violence and political instability? And why does this revolution still matter today?

In this episode, we're heading to France in the late 1700s to explore the growing tensions that led to revolution, the dramatic overthrow of the monarchy, the Reign of Terror, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how the French Revolution transformed France, influenced movements around the world, and raised questions about freedom, equality, and political power that we're still grappling with today.

This is a Pocket History, which means we're covering a big topic in a relatively short amount of time. It isn't meant to be a complete history of the French Revolution, but rather an approachable introduction to the people, events, and ideas that shaped it, and why they still matter today.

Support the podcast and get ad-free episodes + bonus resources at patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast.

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Sources used in this episode.

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The American Revolution changed the course of history, but how did thirteen British colonies end up breaking away from one of the most powerful empires in the world?

In this episode of Wiser World, we're exploring the American Revolution. We look at why the colonists weren't united about independence, how international alliances helped shape the outcome, and why winning the war was only the beginning of building a new country.

This is a Pocket History, which means we're covering a big topic in a relatively short amount of time. It isn't meant to be a complete history of the American Revolution, but rather an approachable introduction to the people, events, and ideas that shaped it, and why they still matter today.

Support the podcast and get ad-free episodes + bonus resources at patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast.

Sources used in this episode.

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These are seven of my favorite books from around the world. They’re the ones that changed how I see history, other cultures and people. Some are funny, some are hopeful, and a few are honestly hard to read. But almost all of them are true stories about ordinary people holding on to their humanity, and to each other, in extraordinary circumstances.

To get links to each book, plus two other books I hope people will read, head to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You'll also get ad-free episodes + extra resources to deepen your understanding of what we study.

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Here's the goal of this episode: to give you a practical framework for recognizing the patterns that can weaken a democracy before the answer becomes obvious.

Because these days, authoritarianism often doesn't arrive with tanks in the streets or a coup. Often it develops gradually, through elections, legal changes, weakened institutions, and leaders who argue that the normal rules are getting in the way. In this episode, we look at warning signs of authoritarianism through stories from Peru, France, the Philippines, Venezuela, and more.

Using a framework from political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, we’ll explore four questions you can ask of any political leader, along with ideas from Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Anne Applebaum, Sergei Guriev, Daniel Treisman, and Timothy Snyder.

Books mentioned:
How Democracies Die — Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt
Strongmen — Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Spin Dictators — Sergei Guriev & Daniel Treisman
Twilight of Democracy — Anne Applebaum
Autocracy, Inc. — Anne Applebaum
On Tyranny — Timothy Snyder

Support the podcast and get ad-free episodes + bonus resources at patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast.

⁠Sources⁠ used in this episode.

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If a country holds elections, does that make it a democracy?

Not necessarily.

In this episode, we look beyond the ballot box and explore seven principles that help make democratic government actually democratic: popular sovereignty, real elections, limits on power, the rule of law, legitimate political opposition, access to independent information, and the peaceful transfer of power.

We’ll also confront one of democracy’s longest-running questions: Who counts as “the people”?

This episode isn’t a complete history of democracy. It’s a practical framework for recognizing what democracy requires—and what to watch for when those principles begin to disappear.

Sources used in this episode.

Support the podcast, get ad-free episodes, and additional resources to deepen your learning at Patreon.

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What is fascism—and how does it actually take hold?

In this episode, we trace the rise of fascism from post–World War I Italy to Hitler’s Germany, looking at the fear, economic instability, political violence, and national humiliation that helped these movements grow. Then we break down how historians define fascism and the warning signs they look for.

This is a foundational primer designed to help you understand fascism as a real historical phenomenon—not just a political insult—and recognize the patterns that made it so dangerous.

Sources used in making this episode

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In this special collaborative episode, Wiser World joins The Women in the Arena and Iron Butterfly Podcast for a conversation about what it means to think like a global citizen. I sit down with Sarah Scully, Megan Jaffer, and Cadie Hopkins to explore how we can broaden our perspectives, better understand the world around us, and become more thoughtful global thinkers.

Want to learn more? Check out The Women in the Arena Podcast and the Iron Butterfly Podcast.

For more resources and ad-free content for Wiser World, head to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast⁠⁠⁠

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For my 100th episode, I'm sharing 5 patterns that I have learned from studying world history. For more resources and ad-free content, head to ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast⁠⁠⁠

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A brief historical and cultural recap of Puerto Rico for those who know little to nothing about it. For more resources and ad-free content, head to ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast⁠⁠

Special thanks for Tiana and Luis for their thoughts in this episode! Here's a little about them, in their own words:

We're Tiana and Luis, a husband-and-wife team sharing our love for Puerto Rico through local tips, cultural insight, and hidden gems. Luis was born and raised in Caguas and Puerto Rico has always been home for him. I studied Spanish Language and Latin American Studies in college, and over the years traveling back and forth to the island turned into something much deeper for both of us. Eventually we moved here full-time to be closer to Luis's family and the culture and lifestyle that matter most to us. Now we help visitors experience Puerto Rico authentically—not just the beaches, but the food, the culture, and the hidden gems that make the island unforgettable.

• Instagram: @Lt.ortizdiaz
• Tiktok: @Lt.ortizdiaz
• Travel Guide Link: Puerto Rico Insider

Transcript for this episode.

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A brief historical and cultural recap of Spain for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this layered, unique country. For more resources and ad-free content, head to ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast⁠⁠

Transcript for this episode.

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A brief historical and cultural recap of Greece for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For more resources and ad-free content, head to ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast⁠

Special thanks to Georgios for his contribution to this episode!

Sources used in making this episode.

Transcript for this episode.

Join us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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