In this week's episode, we discuss a man whose reputation isn't just good; It's GRRREAT. In our first interlude, we join Alexander as he uses his genius to take on, and take down the greatest warriors of that time: The Sacred Band of Thebes.

Next, Mark walks us through Alexander's impressive childhood and education under the tutelage of Aristotle. We meet a young man who is destined for great things.  Mark then highlights Alexander's military victories and a few of his strategic errors. Lastly, Mark goes over Alexander's final days and theories surrounding his untimely death at the age of 33.

In the second interlude, we tag along as a soldier battles against Alexander's siege towers and war elephants to protect the Mediterranean capital of Carthage. The global economy hangs in the balance.

In our What if? scenario, Alexander beats a lethal bout of malaria and lives into old age. What other worlds would he have conquered? What other things would he have achieved?

Let's take a trip

In this episode, we will look back through time, on the 20th anniversary, at missed signals that led to the unimaginable tragedy of September 11th, 2001. And we will look at the heroes who prevented a greater tragedy on that day. 

We first look at Rick Rescorla, who foresaw the attack and led more than 2,600 Morgan Stanley employees to safety, even at the expense of his own life.

What If World History looks at the missed signals that would have uncovered the hijacking plot. And we will highlight the heroes who saved lives and comforted survivors.

And then we will imagine the success of Operation Trident, which will disrupt the plot and assassinate the leadership of Al Qaeda, including Osama Bin Laden. This will enable us to ponder a history in which the lives of millions of men, women, and children in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia are altered forever.

In this episode,  we look at the life of a founding father whose name might be ringing in your ears...Alexander Hamiton!

In our first interlude, we meet a teenage, business-savvy Alexander, and see how he runs an international shipping empire. 

Next, Mark walks us through Hamilton's fascinating and turbulent life. Mark touches on Alexander's soul-crushing struggles as a boy, his friendship with George Washington, and his vision for a strong American financial empire. We then cover the country's first political sex scandal, and of course, his deadly duel with Aaron Burr.

In our What If? scenario, Mark envisions a world in which Burr shoots the air, not Alexander.  With a new lease on life, Hamilton manages to take down Thomas Jefferson, and become the 4th president of the United States. He uses his political skills to grow the country's territory, elevate its currency, and become an international military power.

In our final interlude, we attend the first-ever state dinner. First Lady Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton dishes up a great meal, and some crucial information to President Hamilton that will reshape American history.

Don't miss your shot to listen to this great episode!

In this week's episode, we take to the skies! In our opening diary, we travel to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where a lifeguard witnesses flight history while helping the Wright brothers. Mark then discusses the brother's strong bond, ingenuity, and obsession with flight. We also witness triumph and tragedy during the world's first aerial exhibitions. 

In our What if? scenario, Mark imagines the tragic death of Orville Wright. With the close family devastated, it will be Katharine, their younger sister, who steps up to help Willbur run the family business. She grows the company becomes a super pilot in her own right and even helps train the next crop of American pilots. 

In our final diary, we will be Katharine's co-pilot on one of her flights over New York.

Hit play, and get ready to soar.

In this week's episode, Mark Discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Our first interlude involves a Russian staff captain who overrides a nuclear launch order in the heat of battle. 

 In our historical overview, Mark probes the head of Nikita Khrushchev to learn why he wanted to station nuclear missiles 90 miles off the US coast. Next, He walks us through some of the retaliatory measures that were contemplated by the Kennedy administration. Finally, we hear about the tense negotiations and peaceful resolution of the nuclear standoff.

In our What If? scenario, Mark imagines a world in which Russian missiles are stationed deep in the Cuban jungle. Wanting to ensure American safety, the Kennedy administration sends a team of Green Berets to sabotage the missiles and remove Khruschev's leverage. 

Finally, we look at the What If? aftermath that delivers Kennedy a Nobel Peace Prize and well-deserved retirement.

In this episode, Mark discusses the Louisiana Purchase.  We start with an interlude and listen as the governor of the Louisiana territory prepares to transfer it to the US.  Next, Mark walks us through the international intrigue, high stakes diplomatic gambles, and plain American luck that lead Napolean to sell the territory to the scrappy, young USA. 

In our "what if" scenario, Mark details General Andres Jackson's war with the French, land deals with the Spanish, and rapid westward expansion, which takes unites the country from coast to coast.

Pless play, and let's take a trip. 

Attila the Hun is perhaps one of History's most ruthless and feared leaders. Apart from his larger-than-life reputation, what do we really know about him?

In this episode, Mark discusses Attila's upbringing,  his various battles, and his untimely death at age 47. Next, Mark imagines a world in which Atilla gets to live in his palace, in Rome, well into his golden years. What other lands would have Atilla conquered? How many millions more would have died under his sword?

Plus,  we'll hear audio diaries from a Roman foot soldier and an unstoppable (and bougie) Attila the Hun.

• Killing Hitler: The Plots, The Assassins, and the Dictator Who Cheated Death
• Poland 1939: The Outbreak of World War 2
• The Devils' Alliance: Hitler's Pact with Stalin, 1939-1941
• First to Fight: The Polish War 1939
• Berlin at War
• Hitler's Third Reich in 100 Objects: A Material History of Nazi Germany

A lot of people tried to kill Hitler. As we already know, none of those people succeeded. In this week's episode, we start with an audio story depicting one of those failed attempts. Next, Mark walks us through some of the many failed plots to kill one of history's greatest villains. And then we ask: What if? 

We'll hear a short audio interlude where we meet Hitler's replacement. Finally, Mark gives us a short glimpse into a world in which an assassin successfully kills Hitler! How would this have changed the war? How many lives could have been saved? Press play, and let's take a trip.