Episodes
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In this short culture episode, we answer the questions: What is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead? How long has this holiday been around and what are its ancient roots? Who participates and why is it important to them? What traditions commonly go along with this holiday? This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about this holiday.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
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This episode is sponsored by Wondery's Even the Royals podcast. Follow Even the Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode, I share about the podcast, Calm History. To give it a listen, head to: https://podfollow.com/calm-history
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
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In this Know Before You Go episode, we answer these questions and many more: What makes Singapore such a unique country? Where is it located and what is the weather like? How has Singapore become a City in a Garden? Why does it have such an open economy? What is the government structure, and what are some laws that are unique to just Singapore? Why is multiculturalism such an integral part of Singapore society? What is the food culture, and what traditions are followed? What is a brief history of Singapore? This episode is designed to be a brief introduction to Singapore for those who would like to travel there.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode, my guest Dheeraj Varanasi and I talk about some of the basic rites, rituals, and traditions involved in a traditional South Indian Hindu wedding. There is no way we could cover everything, but this covers many of the essentials, and is designed for non-Indians who know little to nothing about these weddings and want to learn more.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
This episode is sponsored by Stride K12 Powered Schools. For more information, head to K12.com/wiserworld.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
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Vocabulary from this episode with some links for further information and images:
Jeelakarra-Bellam - cumin and jaggery paste tradition
Mangalsutra - thread tying
Saptapadi - 7 steps
Twin Star System Mythology
Sindoor - sometimes called Vermillion, this red powder is often used in Hindu traditions, and is sometimes placed along the hairline of women to show they are married.
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Bio on Dheeraj
I am Dheeraj Varanasi, hailing from Hyderabad, India. I am a research engineer by profession trying to blend academic research with always short-on-time industry. I am currently working at Leica Biosystems, Germany as Sr. Blade Engineer, in the domain of healthcare and cancer diagnostics.
I moved to Hungary in 2016 to pursue my PhD in Materials Science. I defended my thesis in 2021 (Summa Cum Laude) followed by a post-doctoral position for 2 years at Academy of Sciences Hungary. I published in total 11 scientific papers and have submitted a patent application (submitted, it's a long process :P).
I am an avid traveller, having been across the whole of Europe, Morocco, parts of the USA totaling to about 31 countries to date. I am a sports fanatic especially for football, tennis and field hockey and try to support my favorite teams/athletes by traveling to stadiums across the world.
Besides work, I play tennis on the weekends and am learning Violin. A small pipe dream is to play as a street performer someday and donate whatever I collect for charity.
I read a lot on History, science and politics and am confident to hold conversations in 5 languages.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
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How do we choose our episode topics? How do we find our research material and what is our research process? How do we retain what we learn? How does studying world history affect our relationships? Has our research ever spurred us to take action? What are some of the happiest lessons we’ve learned from making the podcast? In this episode my research assistant Rachel and I answer these questions and give you a little behind-the-scenes look at Wiser World.
For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
Transcript for this episode here.
This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. Go to hellofresh.com/wiserworldapps for free appetizers for life! One appetizer item per box while subscription is active.
This episode is also sponsored by K12 Powered Schools. You can learn more about these tuition-free accredited public schools for Kindergarten through 12th grade at K12.com/wiserworld.
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A transcript for this episode is found here.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
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This is a brief overview history of conflict in Darfur (western Sudan) from the early 1900s to 2024, focusing particularly on 2003-2007. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
This episode is sponsored by HelloFresh. Go to hellofresh.com/wiserworldapps for free appetizers for life! One appetizer item per box while subscription is active.
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A transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used while making this episode found here.
Special thanks to my research assistant Rachel Cox for her research and editing eye on this episode.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from 2005 to 2024, covering the end of the 2nd Sudanese Civil War, South Sudan's independence, South Sudan's civil war, and the current war in Sudan. This episode focuses more on South Sudan than north Sudan. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
A few links to options for helping:
Information on N Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis
International Rescue Committee
IRC's article on South Sudan and how to help
IRC's article on Sudan and how to help
World Food Program Interview on Sudan's current crisis
Civil War in Sudan: Global Conflict Tracker
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WISERWORLD to begin your therapy journey.
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A transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used while making this episode found here.
Special thanks to my research assistant Rachel Cox for her research and editing eye on this episode.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from 1978 - 2005 AD, covering the discovery of oil through the end of the 2nd Sudanese Civil War. This episode focuses in a lot more on South Sudan than north Sudan. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
Edit: I mention the International Rescue Committee in this episode, but called it "Refugee Committee" incorrectly. Here is the link to their website.
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WISERWORLD to begin your therapy journey.
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A transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used while making this episode found here.
Special thanks to my research assistant Rachel Cox for her research and editing eye on this episode.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
This is a brief overview history of Sudan & South Sudan from roughly 800BC to 1978 AD, covering from early civilizations until the end of the First Sudanese Civil War and the discovery of oil. It is designed for people who know little to nothing about this region and want a foundational education to build upon. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon.
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WISERWORLD to begin your therapy journey.
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A transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used while making this episode found here.
Special thanks to my research assistant Rachel Cox for her research and editing eye on this episode.
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This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Over 300 million people around the world celebrate Nowruz—a huge spring holiday that’s also sometimes called Persian New Year—annually on March 20th or 21st. In this episode I explain Nowruz for folks who know little to nothing about it, and if you fit that description I can guarantee you’re going to enjoy learning about the unique and ancient traditions of Nowruz. Some of them are over 4,000 years old! For extra resources to further your study, head to our Patreon.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
Sources used while making this episode found here.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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This is a preview of Wondery's new podcast: Even the Royals.
Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big, and very public. And there are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. Even the Royals is a new podcast from Wondery that takes you inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, disgust, have the power to reshape the world. This is just a preview of Even the Royals. You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or at Wondery.fm/eventheroyals_wiserworld.
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There are countless resources to learn about WWII (and for good reason, it's important!), but what about WWI? Often overshadowed by other wars, this complex war has influenced much of our modern day more than we may realize. This episode covers a brief history of WWI for those who need an overview refresh, focusing mostly on why it began and how it ended. For extra resources to further your study, head to our Patreon.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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In this episode I explain eight common logical fallacies—giving examples and ways to think more critically in today's ever-polarizing political climate. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Transcript for this episode.
Sources for this episode
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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This is a brief overview of the holiday of Diwali for those who know little to nothing about it. I include the stories and traditions included in the holiday, as well as explain the Lakshmi Puja. While I don't go into every detail of the (typically) five-day festival, I hope this is a primer for those who want to learn more about the holiday and can be a springboard for further research. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
Transcript for this episode.
Special thanks to my friend Abhi for his help in making this episode.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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This episode covers the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, European influence in the region, some major historical conflicts from WWII to 2023, and how Middle Eastern countries currently relate to each other, generally. The hope is for those who know little to nothing about the Middle East to have a basic primer that can be used as a springboard for further research. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
*Additions: It is also worth knowing that Nazi Germany played a role in politics in the Middle East before and during WWII. For example, the Ba'ath Party in Iraq was friendly with Nazi ideology. The Soviet Union affected political ideology in parts of the Middle East post-WWII, as well. Likewise, you may note that I don't include a whole lot about terrorism, Jihad, etc. in this particular episode. This is because with the state of the world right now, I was advised not to (by folks who work in counter-terrorism), to avoid becoming a target. Thanks for your understanding.
*Correction: Saddam Hussein became leader of Iraq in 1979 (not 1968 as I stated). When I mentioned 1968, I was talking about the Saddam Hussein's political party coming to power in Iraq (which did happen in 1968).
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Transcript for this episode.
Sources used in making this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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Part 3 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 1967 (Six Day War) to 2023. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
A transcript of this episode is found here.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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Part 2 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 1917 to the beginning of 1967. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
A transcript for this episode is found here.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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Part 1 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 4,000 years ago until 1917 with the Balfour Declaration. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For resources to further your study, head to my Patreon.
A transcription for this episode was made by Emily Kornfein and can be found here. Thank you, Emily!
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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A brief historical and cultural recap of Mexico, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to our Patreon.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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A brief historical and cultural recap of Hawaii, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible place. For additional resources, head to our Patreon.
*Corrections: Despite best efforts, I mispronounced some words in this episode and want to correct them here—most I did not pronounce the glottal stop that comes with the apostrophe: Kaho’olawe = Kah-ho-oh-la-vay; Moloka’i = Mo-lo-ka-ee; Lana’i = La-na-ee; ukulele = oo-koo-lay-lay; song=Mele; chant=oli pronounced oh-lee; Kalākaua = ka-lā-cow-ah (emphasis on lā); Liliʻuokalani=Lee-Lee-ooh-oh-ka-la-nee. My apologies.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.
Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode, the McQuiveys for insights, and Kailea for help with pronunciation.
Transcript for this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
A brief history and cultural recap of Spain, for travelers and non-travelers who want to learn more about this incredible country.
This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon.
Sources for this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode.
Transcript for this episode.
For more information on Wiser World:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/
Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/
To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there.
Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics
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