A History of the Future

American power today echoes the kingdoms of Europe, the Mongol khans, and even the emperors of Rome.

In this episode, we tell the story of the US. Hear the sounds of the first humans to settle in the vast wilderness of North America. Discover the rise and fall of native civilisations, hear how the Vikings crossed the Atlantic, and learn why the first American powers fell to European expansion. Delve into America’s long history of democracy, of devastating wars, of nuclear weapons, of the long and unstoppable rise of its immense power. And look down the murky paths of the future: the path of a republic, and the path of a terrifying empire.

Why exactly is the US so powerful? What can the empires of the past tell us about how, one day, the US might fall?

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Music used in this episode:

• 'Filaments' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0 (scottbuckley.com.au)
• 'Shadows and Dust' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0 (scottbuckley.com.au)
• 'Borealis' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0 (scottbuckley.com.au)
• 'Bobbing Joe Medley' The Orchard Enterprises - Early American Roots
• 'Vantage' by Avery Alexander - youtube.com/@Avery_Alexander
• Washington's Grand March · Valentino Production Music
• News Tv Cinematic Intro by Infraction Audio
• Stars & Stripes Forever - The US Marine Band (2014)

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A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via [email protected].

Written & Presented by Ewen Levick

Executive Producer: Steve Visscher

Associate Producer: Grant McHerron

Voiceover: Kevin Hillier

Post production by Southern Skies Media

© 2026 Yaffa Media Pty Ltd

In the shadow of the Himalayas, a new​ power ascends.

In this episode, Ewen tells the story of India. From the first humans to cross the mountain passes and enter the deep jungles, to the ancient origins of Indian philosophy and religion, the coming of Alexander, the Maurya and the Mughals, the East India Company, the Raj, and the modern world’s largest democracy: hear the tale of India as never before.

How has India’s ancient past shaped the country today? What are India’s strengths and weaknesses? And will this huge, vibrant country rise to become the world’s next great superpower?

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Musical themes, tracks and elements in this episode are licenced via PremiumBeat, a Shutterstock company. Additional Royalty Free Tracks have been used as per the list below:

1. Shri Rudram (Vedic hymn) - Vidura Barrios
2. Shri Sukta (Vedic hymn) - Priests of Kashi
3. Mantra For Peace And Meditation - Rajshri Soul
4. Cronus (Kronos) - Sebastien Angel (sebastienangel.com)
5. The Rise - Scott Buckley (scottbuckley.com.au)
6. Trap - Soundridemusic

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A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via [email protected].

Host: Ewen Levick

Executive Producer: Steve Visscher

Associate Producer: Grant McHerron

Voiceovers: Kevin Hillier

Yaffa Media - © 2026

The cold, vast plains of Eastern Europe bear witness to a dark and ancient history.

In this episode, Ewen tells the story of Russia. Hear the sounds of ancient contests between settled people of the riverlands and the fierce, horse-riding nomads of the open steppe. Learn of the rise and fall of kingdoms amid the waterways and deep forests of the Russian heartlands. Discover Russia’s long history of imperial triumphs and violent invasions, of kings and revolutions, of war and peace; and enter the eye of the Kremlin, as its gaze looks west.

How has Russia’s geography and ancient past shaped the country today? What motivates Russia’s powerful and often tyrannical leaders? And what will happen when Vladimir Putin falls at last?

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Musical themes, tracks and elements in this episode are licenced via PremiumBeat, a Shutterstock company. Additional Royalty Free Tracks have been used in specific chapters as per the list below:

1. (Introduction - 2026 & Beyond) "Endless" by Lucas King @lucaskingpiano (YouTube)
2. (Antiquities) "You are the Almighty God" - Nikos Politis
3. (Antiquities) "Sons of Mars" - Farya Faraji
4. (The Mongols) Shamanic Ritual - Sacred Soundscapes
5. (The Slavs) "Lost"- Filip Lackovic
6. (Medieval Times) "Orthodox Chat" - Steve Oxen, Fesliyan Studios
7. (Tsars & Soviets) "Varchavianka" performed by the Red Army Choir
8. (2026 & Beyond) "Suspense Rises" by Soundridemusic

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A translation of Vladimir Putin's words in chapter 2026 & Beyond:

1. "With your ambition"
2. "Incompetence and pure greed"
3. "You have held these people hostage"
4. "It is absolutely unacceptable"

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A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via [email protected].

Host: Ewen Levick

Executive Producer: Steve Visscher

Voiceovers: Kevin Hillier

Yaffa Media - © 2026

In the dusty uplands of eastern Asia begins the story of three rivers that became the lifeblood of a superpower.

In this episode, Ewen Levick tells the story of China. He explores how civilisation first arose in the floodplains of three major river deltas, some of the most fertile and abundant lands on Earth. Hear the story of the first dynasties and how they took a sign from the heavens as their mandate to rule. Discover China’s long history of golden ages and violent collapse, of philosophy and invention, of war and tribute; and hear how it all came crashing down in the Industrial Age, only to rise again in the 21st century.

How has China’s ancient past shaped the country we know today? What do China’s leaders fear most of all? And are the US and China destined to go to war?

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A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via [email protected].

Host: Ewen Levick

Executive Producer: Steve Visscher

Yaffa Media - © 2026