Wiser World Podcast makes world history accessible and approachable. Hosted by world history teacher and storyteller Alli Roper, the show turns complex global history into clear, compact, easy-to-understand episodes for busy people who want real understanding. Wiser World explores the countries, peoples, cultures, and turning points that shaped today’s global events, giving you the context you wish you’d learned in school. If you’ve ever read a headline and thought, “Wait… how did we get here?” this podcast helps you answer that — with more nuance, empathy, and confidence.
Latest episodes
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23 min
105. Seven Books From Around the World (And Why You Should Read Them)
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…
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47 min
104. Warning Signs of Authoritarianism
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, a…
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50 min
103. Seven Questions to Ask About Any Democracy
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…
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1 h 16
102. Fascism 101: How it Rises, and Why It Matters
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 ins…
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1 h 23
101. Becoming a Global Thinker: A Conversation with The Women in the Arena and Iron Butterfly
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…
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45 min
100. Five Patterns from World History We Ignore at Our Peril
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/wiserworldp…
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1 h 02
99. Puerto Rico: Shaped by Empires, Defined by Its People
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/wiserw…
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60 min
98. Spain: Layers of Identity, History, and Memory
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, he…
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1 h 00
97. Greece: A Modern Nation Built on Ancient Memory
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 con…
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1 h 07
96. Mexico: A Country of Ancient Roots and Global Influence
A brief historical and cultural recap of Mexico for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For more resources and ad-free con…
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1 h 05
95. New Zealand: How a Remote Island Became a Modern State
A brief historical and cultural recap of New Zealand for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For more resources and ad-fre…
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9 min
Introducing: Hidden History with Dr. Harini Bhat | The Mary Celeste: The Ghost Ship of the Atlantic
Dr. Harini Bhat is a clinical pharmacist and storyteller obsessed with the moments in history that still can't be fully explained. Every week she investigates real events that defy…
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59 min
94. Bhutan: Understanding One of the World's Most Unique Countries
A brief historical and cultural recap of Bhutan for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this fascinating and unique country. For additional resources, head to…
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49 min
93. Hawai'i: A History Everyone Should Know
A brief historical and cultural recap of Hawai'i for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to Patreon. *Cor…
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50 min
92. Understanding Eid Al-Adha: A Primer for Beginners // Shahnila Ahmad
In this episode, my guest, Shahnila Ahmad, explains the holy month of Dhul Hijjah and the holiday of Eid al-Adha to those who know little to nothing about it. You can also watch th…
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37 min
91. Eight Qualities of a Peacemaker: What I've Learned as a Student of Peacemaking
In this episode, I share my final reflections—what I have learned about peacemakers from the last year of studying peacemaking and learning from peacemakers. I share 8 qualities th…
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14 min
Introducing: No Such Thing
I'm excited to share a preview of a new podcast we think you’d enjoy: No Such Thing No Such Thing is a show where three best friends and journalists settle their dumb arguments — a…
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1 h 14
90. Human Dignity: The Bedrock of Cultures of Peace // Brett Scharffs
In this episode, I interview Professor Brett Scharffs, the director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at BYU. His extensive bio is found here. He joins the s…
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52 min
89. Lebanon: The History Behind the Headlines
Lebanon has been in the headlines for months — but the real story goes back 3,000 years. In less than an hour, get the context you've been missing: Phoenicians, civil war, Hezbolla…
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1 h 13
88. Conflict Avoidance Leads to Conflict: How Skilled Negotiators Build Lasting Peace // Stan Christensen
What does negotiation have to do with peacemaking? Turns out, A LOT. Stan Christensen has spent decades negotiating in over 75 countries — between governments, ethnic groups, and a…