In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explores how the Silk Road shaped global civilization through expansive trade networks, cultural exchange, and power dynamics between Europe, the Middle East, India, and China.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

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HIGHLIGHTS:

From Authoritarianism to Trade Routes: Setting the Stage

China's First Contact: The Quest for Blood-Sweating Horses

Disease, Death, and Trade: The Dark Side of Connection

The Maritime Silk Road: An Ocean of Wealth

Rise and Fall of Trade Empires

The Mongol Factor: Building an Empire on Skulls

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explore the fascinating world of Ancient Europe, from the mysterious megalith builders to the warring Celtic tribes. Listen as they uncover how waves of migration, technological advances, and cultural shifts shaped the continent. Learn how archaeology, genetics, and mythology reveal stories of ancient battles, complex trade networks, and forgotten civilizations that laid the foundation for modern European society.

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Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102

Finding the right life insurance shouldn't be another task you put off. SelectQuote compares top-rated policies to get you the best coverage at the right price. Even in our AI-driven world, protecting your family's future remains essential. Get your personalized quote at https://selectquote.com/cognitive

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

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FOLLOW ON X:

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:19) Mesopotamians and indigenous Europeans

(06:20) Negative psychological pins from the 20th century

(10:51) Hunter gatherer confederacy and the spread of agriculture

(14:57) Hunter gatherers vs farmers lifestyle

(19:45) Threats to modern populations: Supply chain issues, disease, war

(20:18) Population fluctuations in ancient Europe

(24:28) Social contracts vs theocracies

(32:44) Ancient Europe during the last ice age

(40:11) Genetic differences across Europe

(46:25) The transition from bronze age to iron age culture

(53:15) Europe in 500 BC and the dominance of the Celts

(56:00) The Celtic military strategy and its limitations

(1:00:09) The Roman conquest of Gaul and the German migrations

(1:06:55) The Baltic Origins of Homer's Tales

(1:11:42) The Roman Empire and the Germanic peoples

(14:56) The Slavic expansion into Eastern Europe

(17:11) The importance of paternity protection in societal cohesion

(1:18:07) Book recommendations

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett do a fascinating deep dive into Medieval Britain.

They explore how a tiny population in northwest Europe shaped the modern world. From the fall of Roman Britain to the Norman Conquest, they unpack how the English created their cultural identity, legal code, and political system – innovations that still influence us today. Through Viking invasions, peasant revolts, and epic battles, they reveal how England emerged as one of history's most consequential nations despite its modest size.

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Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102

GiveWell spends 50,000 hours every year doing deep-dives into different charitable programs to try to find the ways to do the most good for your dollar. GiveWell has now spent over 17 years researching charitable organizations and only directs funding to a few of the HIGHEST-IMPACT opportunities they’ve found. Visit https://www.givewell.org to find out more or make a donation. Select PODCAST and enter Econ 102 at checkout to make sure they know you heard about them from us.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

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FOLLOW ON X:

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@LudwigNverMises (Austin)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:16) Introduction: Three Models of History & Medieval England's Significance

(05:10) Fall of Roman Britain & The Anglo-Saxon Invasions

(13:56) King Arthur and the Anglo-Saxon Myth

(20:00) Anglo-Saxon Conquest: Genetics & Language

(22:40) Christianity's Role in Medieval Britain

(30:50) Viking Invasions and the Unification of England

(44:50) The Norman Conquest & the Rise of Feudalism

(1:01:40) The Hundred Years War: England vs. France

(1:09:50) The Wars of the Roses & the Tudor Monarchy

(1:10:55) Technological and Economic Advancements in Medieval Britain

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett talk about the French Revolution and the fascinating parallels between 18th-century French social dynamics and today's political landscape.

From bureaucratic upheaval to radical terror, journey through the chaos that transformed France and birthed modern political divisions. Learn how a centralized monarchy crumbled into revolutionary fervor, spawning new ideas of nationalism, secularism, and total war that would reshape Europe.

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SPONSOR: INCOGNI | GIVEWELL

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102

GiveWell spends 50,000 hours every year doing deep-dives into different charitable programs to try to find the ways to do the most good for your dollar. GiveWell has now spent over 17 years researching charitable organizations and only directs funding to a few of the HIGHEST-IMPACT opportunities they’ve found. Visit https://www.givewell.org to find out more or make a donation. Select PODCAST and enter Econ 102 at checkout to make sure they know you heard about them from us.

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

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FOLLOW ON X:

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:15) Intro and Personal Anecdotes

(04:13) Introduction to the French Revolution and Secular Cycles

(08:40) Open and Closed Societies

(15:47) Sponsor Message 1

(17:33) Sponsor Message 2

(18:44) The French Monarchy and its Attempt to Protect Freedom

(25:50) The French Enlightenment and Modernity

(30:52) Causes of the French Revolution

(37:00) The Internal Conflicts and Instability of the Revolution

(46:50) The Reign of Terror and the Jacobins

(52:40) The Napoleonic Wars and their Impact on Europe

(1:00:00) The Left and Right in French Politics

(1:03:40) Counterfactual History: What if the Fronde had succeeded?

(1:04:20) The French Army and National Identity

(1:07:12) Outro

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"Fire in the Minds of Men" by James Hadley Billington

"The Old Regime and the French Revolution" by Alexis Henri C M Clerel Tocqueville

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explore pivotal historical moments about the English Civil War.

They masterfully weave together religious conflict, economic transformation, and cultural dynamics to explain how this crucial conflict shaped modern capitalism, the Industrial Revolution, and even contemporary progressive politics.

Their engaging conversation style makes complex history accessible and relevant.

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SPONSOR: INCOGNI | GIVEWELL | NOTION

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102

GiveWell spends 50,000 hours every year doing deep-dives into different charitable programs to try to find the ways to do the most good for your dollar. GiveWell has now spent over 17 years researching charitable organizations and only directs funding to a few of the HIGHEST-IMPACT opportunities they’ve found. Visit https://www.givewell.org to find out more or make a donation. Select PODCAST and enter Econ 102 at checkout to make sure they know you heard about them from us.

Notion offers powerful workflow and automation templates, perfect for streamlining processes and laying the groundwork for AI-driven automation. With Notion AI, you can search across thousands of documents from various platforms, generating highly relevant analysis and content tailored just for you - try it for free at notion.com/cognitiverevolution.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

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FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@LudwigNverMises (Austin)

@TurpentineMedia

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction and Significance of the English Civil War

(03:15) The Importance of Engaging with Politics

(04:43) The English Civil War and its Long-Term Effects

(07:21) Context: The 16th Century and the Seeds of Conflict

(08:09) Economic and Religious Factors

(12:32) Underlying Issues and Symbolism in Conflict

(14:13) Sponsor: Incogni | Givewell

(17:22) The English Civil War: A Seesaw Conflict

(20:26) Social Conservatism and the Secular Cycle

(21:33) The Secular Cycle and its Parallels to Modernity

(24:10) Escaping Malthusian Traps

(27:14) The Agricultural Revolution and Property Rights

(29:08) Trade Restrictions and the Industrial Revolution

(30:18) The Anglo Diaspora

(31:00) The Cousin's War and Genetic Factors

(33:13) Sponsor: Notion

(34:27) Cultural Homogeneity and Genetic Markers

(36:00) The Role of Monopolies and Religious Divisions

(41:20) The Spark of the English Civil War

(44:50) The Course of the War

(48:07) The Rise of Cromwell and the Interregnum

(51:18) Cromwell's Rule and Religious Tolerance

(53:00) The Conquest of Ireland and the British Navy

(57:10) Anglo-Dutch Wars

(1:00:00) The Role of Cambridge and Saxony

(1:01:20) Puritanism and Modern Progressivism

(1:02:40) Puritanism and Modern Social Justice

(1:03:50) The Death of Cromwell and the Restoration

(1:07:00) The Glorious Revolution and England's Long Period of Stability

(1:08:01) Conclusion and Book Recommendations

--

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"History of Western Warfare" (Volume 2) by JFC Fuller

"History of the English Speaking Peoples" (Volume 2) by Winston Churchill

"The Age of Reason Begins" by Will Durant

"Protestants: The Faith That Made the Modern World" by Alec Ryrie

"Albion's Seed" by David Hackett Fischer

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett talk about the Protestant Reformation, masterfully drawing parallels between historical information technology revolutions (like the printing press) and our current internet age, exploring how such advances fundamentally alter how societies process information and relate to authority.

They offer fresh perspectives on well-worn historical territory, suggesting for instance that the Reformation wasn't just about religious doctrine, but represented a quantum leap in human agency and individualism that helped birth the modern world.

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GiveWell spends 50,000 hours every year doing deep-dives into different charitable programs to try to find the ways to do the most good for your dollar. GiveWell has now spent over 17 years researching charitable organizations and only directs funding to a few of the HIGHEST-IMPACT opportunities they’ve found. Visit https://www.givewell.org to find out more or make a donation. Select PODCAST and enter Econ 102 at checkout to make sure they know you heard about them from us.

Notion offers powerful workflow and automation templates, perfect for streamlining processes and laying the groundwork for AI-driven automation. With Notion AI, you can search across thousands of documents from various platforms, generating highly relevant analysis and content tailored just for you - try it for free at notion.com/cognitiverevolution.

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

--

FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@LudwigNverMises (Austin)

@TurpentineMedia

--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:10) History as psychological/biological process

(01:50) Importance of psychological shifts in Reformation

(02:10) Two modern parallels to Reformation

(02:50) Warhammer Fantasy analogy

(03:10) Catholic Church's medieval dominance

(05:39) Carl Jung's analysis of Catholicism

(10:11) Information technology breakthrough comparison

(10:35) Gutenberg's printing press invention

(11:24) Media control in 20th century

(12:29) Sponsors: GiveWell | Notion

(15:20) Catholic Church's role in literacy

(18:26) Catholic Church as science investor

(19:00) Discussion of Cathars and early heresies

(20:01) Impact of Black Death

(21:30) Italian Renaissance discussion

(31:30) Martin Luther's background

(35:40) Luther's 95 Theses

(43:40) Introduction of Calvinism

(46:06) Calvinism and totalitarianism

(49:52) Spanish attempts to destroy Protestantism

(51:20) Germanic and English Protestant adoption

(52:34) Modern elite's Protestant/French Revolution roots

(54:40) Harvard's Calvinist origins

(56:02) Left's appropriation of Protestant ideas

(57:30) Modern rejection of rational inquiry

(58:41) Elite perspectives on population control

(1:00:07) Book recommendations begin

(101:09) Show outro and network information

--

BOOKS RECOMMENDED:

"The Reformation" by Will Durant"

"Protestants: The Faith That Made the Modern World" by Alec Ryrie

"Doubt" by Alec Ryrie

"A Secular Age" by Charles Taylor

"Rise of the West" by William H. McNeill

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch is joined by business development executive and agriculture technology industry entrepreneur Austin Padgett and explore 17th century Western Europe's pivotal transformation. They examine how the Protestant-Catholic divide, parallel to modern political polarization, shaped warfare, science, and economics.

The conversation reveals how the Dutch and English success in breaking monopolies and embracing agricultural innovation set the stage for the Industrial Revolution and modern capitalism.

,

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

--

SPONSOR: GIVEWELL

GiveWell spends 50,000 hours every year doing deep-dives into different charitable programs to try to find the ways to do the most good for your dollar. GiveWell has now spent over 17 years researching charitable organizations and only directs funding to a few of the HIGHEST-IMPACT opportunities they’ve found. Visit https://www.givewell.org to find out more or make a donation. Select PODCAST and enter Econ 102 at checkout to make sure they know you heard about them from us.

FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

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--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) The 17th Century: On the Edge of Modernity

(03:52) The Pike and Shot Era & Military Transitions

(06:58) Mercenaries and Defensive Warfare

(09:50) The French Revolution and Mass Conscription

(10:40) Libertarian Perspective & The Shifting Political Compass

(13:40) North Europe's Victory Over South Europe

(17:26) Economic Factors and the Weakening of Monarchies

(20:08) The Elizabethan Golden Age and the Secular Cycle

(22:41) The Protestant Reformation and its Impact

(26:47) Lessons from the 17th Century

(28:04) The Thirty Years War and its Impact on Europe

(30:00) Spain's Economic Failures as a Lesson

(35:30) England and the Netherlands' Breakthroughs

(36:24) The Scientific, Agricultural, and Social Revolutions

(44:48) The Political Context of the 17th Century

(49:51) The Enlightenment and the Thirty Years War's Legacy

(1:00:54) Louis XIV's Reign and the Cultural High Point of France

(1:02:08) Conclusion and U.S. Political Implications

(1:02:50) Book Recommendations

(1:03:46) The Importance of Agriculture

(1:04:19) Wrap

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"The Global Crisis" by Geoffrey Parker

"The Military Revolution" by Geoffrey Parker

"The Age of Reason Begins" by Will Durant

"The Age of Louis XIV"by Will Durant

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the fascinating yet often overlooked realm of 17th century Eastern Europe.

Join Rudyard and Erik as they bring this pivotal era to life: unravel the rise and fall of Poland-Lithuania, Russia's emergence as a great power, and Sweden's surprising dominance, and discover how Cossacks, Ottoman Turks, and visionary leaders shaped the region's destiny.

With a blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling, Rudyard uncovers the absurdities, triumphs, and tragedies that defined this transformative century

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/

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SPONSOR: GIVEWELL

GiveWell spends 50,000 hours every year doing deep-dives into different charitable programs to try to find the ways to do the most good for your dollar. GiveWell has now spent over 17 years researching charitable organizations and only directs funding to a few of the HIGHEST-IMPACT opportunities they’ve found. Visit https://www.givewell.org to find out more or make a donation. Select PODCAST and enter Econ 102 at checkout to make sure they know you heard about them from us.

-

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ Unpack Pricing - Dive into the dark arts of SaaS pricing with Metronome CEO Scott Woody and tech leaders. Learn how strategic pricing drives explosive revenue growth in today's biggest companies like Snowflake, Cockroach Labs, Dropbox and more.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765716600

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38DK3W1Fq1xxQalhDSueFg

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FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@SamoBurja (Samo)

@TurpentineMedia

-

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:39) Rudyard's Personal Connection to 17th Century Eastern Europe

(03:15) The Three Great Frontiers of Western Civilization

(06:18) Eastern Europe as a Frontier

(08:18) Serfdom and the Role of the Church in Eastern Europe

(13:44) Sponsor: Givewell

(17:56) The Time of Troubles in Russia

(22:10) The Rise and Fall of Poland-Lithuania

(28:51) The Cossacks and the Deluge

(34:41) The Rise of the Romanovs and the Conquest of Siberia

(42:11) Sweden and the Rise of Gustavus Adolphus

(49:56) The Turkish Empire and the Siege of Vienna

(56:41) The Khanate of Crimea and the Saratov Line

(59:56) Peter the Great, Charles XII, and the Great Northern War

(1:04:41) Conclusion and Book Recommendations

-

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"Europe's Steppe Frontier: 1500-1800" by William H. McNeill

"The Rise of the West" by William H. McNeill

"Poland: A History" by Adam Zamoyski

"Russia: A History" by Olli Vares

"The Age of Reason Begins" by Will Durant

"The Age of Louis XIV" by Will Durant

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch is joined again by Bismarck Analysis's Samo Burja (podcast host: Live Players) for a mind-bending discussion and deep dive into the concept of "long ripples" — how ideas and events from the distant past continue to shape our present and future in unexpected ways. From Plato's influence on modern political movements to the unforeseen consequences of the Industrial Revolution, this conversation challenges our understanding of historical cause and effect.

Are we truly progressing, or are we caught in cycles we fail to recognize? Can we learn from the past, or are we doomed to repeat it in new, technologically-amplified ways? This episode is a rollercoaster ride through time, technology, and human nature, forcing us to reconsider our place in the grand sweep of history. 

--

🎙️ Dealcraft: Insights from Great Negotiators is the brand new weekly podcast that features interviews with world’s greatest dealmakers and diplomats, including Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, and music industry super-lawyer John Branca, on their most challenging negotiations. Each episode, host Jim Sebenius (Harvard Business School professor and renowned negotiation expert) relates fascinating deal stories and distills useful insights for listeners to apply in their toughest deals and disputes.

Apple: https://link.chtbl.com/3CG3TbHY?sid=Turpentine

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SPONSORS: Fundrise | WorkOS | Dealcraft

💡 Level up your portfolio with access to pre-IPO companies via the Fundrise Innovation Fund. Access a $125M+ fund of cutting edge tech companies including AI frontrunners, now available to individual investors. Start your journey at Fundrise.com/upstream.

💻 Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at https://bit.ly/WorkOS-Turpentine-Network

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

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FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@SamoBurja (Samo)

@TurpentineMedia

--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:15) Exploring Plato's Influence

(05:10) Historical Ripples and Convergent Evolution

(06:45) The Fall of Civilizations

(12:43) Comparing Civilizational Cycles

(17:42) The Future of Human Civilization

(23:30) Sponsor: Dealcraft | Fundrise

(29:02) AI and Genetic Engineering: Potential and Pitfalls

(33:30) Pandemic Era Reflections

(34:04) Genetic Engineering and Society

(34:49) Sponsor: WorkOS

(35:43) 19th Century Misconceptions

(38:23) Cycles of Societal Transformation

(40:54) Intellectual Decay and Historical Rewriting

(43:13) Anthropology and Cultural Studies

(45:34) Decline of Western Institutions

(52:12) Space Exploration and Technological Decline

(1:00:15) Hypernormalization and Social Reality

(1:01:39) Wrap

BOOKS MENTIONED:

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg explore the origins, impacts, and global spread of the Industrial Revolution, from 18th century Britain to modern challenges.

Unleashing progress or Pandora's box? This episode presents a unique perspective, framing the Industrial Revolution as "the magic of kings" - a transformative force that granted humanity godlike powers while leaving our fundamental nature unchanged.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://www.turpentinenetwork.co/

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RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️ 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/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

--

SPONSOR: FUNDRISE | WorkOS

💡 Level up your portfolio with access to pre-IPO companies via the Fundrise Innovation Fund. Access a $125M+ fund of cutting edge tech companies including AI frontrunners, now available to individual investors. Start your journey at Fundrise.com/upstream.

💻 Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at https://bit.ly/WorkOS-Turpentine-Network

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

-

FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@SamoBurja (Samo)

@TurpentineMedia

-

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:23) Change of topic to Industrial Revolution

(01:16) Magic of kings vs magic of priests

(03:23) Pre-industrial vs post-industrial life

(06:16) The Unabomber's critique of industrial society

(09:58) Oversocialization and leftism

(15:55) Sponsor: Fundrise | WorkOS

(16:58) Historical origins of the Industrial Revolution

(21:23) Agricultural Revolution and its impacts

(25:58) Different models of industrialization

(30:23) Industrialization and European colonialism

(34:58) Post-industrial societies and their challenges

(38:23) Global spread of industrialization

(42:58) Positives and negatives of the Industrial Revolution

(47:01) Recommended books on the Industrial Revolution

(48:48) Wrap

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"Why Nations Fail" by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson 

"Tragedy and Hope" by Carroll Quigley

"Bloodlands" by Timothy Snyder

"Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker