Europe
13 episodes covering the history, culture, and stories of Europe.
76. Greenland: The History Behind the Headlines
A brief, approachable history of Greenland for those who know little to nothing about it. My hope is that this gives some nuance and context to modern headlines about this strategic island and the people who live there. Keep in mind that this is not comprehensive—just a jumping off point for further learning. This episode is sponsored by Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/wiserworld or use code WISERWORLD at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Sources used in making this episode. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
60. Syria 101 Part 1/5—Crossroads of Civilization (Ancient Days to 1900)
This is Part 1 of 5 of the Syria 101 series. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from ancient days to 1900, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers: The difference between Ancient Syria, Greater Syria, and modern borders How geography (rivers, cities, trade routes) made Syria a crossroads of civilization The rise of Ebla, the Arameans, and the spread of Aramaic How empires from Rome to the Ottomans shaped Syrian culture and cities Why Syria was so religiously and ethnically diverse under Ottoman rule How Ottoman decline + European involvement + Arab nationalism set the stage for modern Syria If you'd like a downloadable PDF with a timeline/outline of this episode, go to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You can pay for it a la carte for $3, or sign up to be a $5 or $10 Patreon supporter and receive the PDF, more resources, and ad-free episodes for all Wiser World episodes. 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Sources used in the making of this episode. Transcript for this episode. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/ Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
59. A Brief Intro to THE NETHERLANDS - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we cover a basic history of the Netherlands, talking about history, culture, economics, politics, geography, and so on. This episode is sponsored by Quince. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon. Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ The 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
57. A Brief Intro to SWITZERLAND - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we cover a basic history of Switzerland for those who want to travel there. We answer these questions and many more: What makes Switzerland so unique? Where is it located and what is the weather like? How is the government structure so one-of-a-kind? What foods are famous in Switzerland? What festivals and traditions do they have? What is a brief history of Switzerland for those who want an overview? What are some cultural norms and rules to follow? What are some tips and tricks for tourists to know before traveling to Switzerland? We’ll dive into these questions and many more in today’s Know Before You Go episode, A Brief Intro to Switzerland. This episode is sponsored by Quince and K12 Powered Schools. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Go to K12.com/WISERWORLD to learn more about K-12 Powered Schools. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon. Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ The transcript for this episode is found here. Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ ---- 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53. A Brief Intro to PORTUGAL - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we cover a basic history of Portugal for those who want to travel there. We answer these questions and many more: Before you travel to Portugal, what do you need to know? What makes Portugal so unique? Where is it located, what is the weather like? What is the government structure? What is the food culture? What is a brief history of Portugal so you have a basic understanding before you go? What are some cultural norms? What are some tips and tricks for tourists to know when traveling to Portugal? This episode is sponsored by Quince. Go to quince.com/wiserworld for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. For extra resources to further your study, head to Patreon. Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ The transcript for this episode is found here. Sign up for my email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ ---- 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
46. A Brief Intro to ITALY - Know Before You Go
In this Know Before You Go episode, we answer these questions and many more: What makes Italy so unique? Where is it located, what is the weather like, and what are its regions? What is the government structure and the food culture? What is a brief history of Italy? This episode is designed to be a brief introduction to Italy for those who would like to travel there. Special thanks to my friends Edoardo, Holly, and Daniele for lending an Italian perspective to this episode. Thank you, thank you! For extra resources to further your study, head to 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com 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
36. A Brief History of World War I
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 advertising@airwavemedia.com 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27. A Brief History of SPAIN - Know Before You Go
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 advertising@airwavemedia.com 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24. Global Easter Traditions: Europe // Michal Novovesky
This episode covers a few unique religious and nonreligious Easter traditions throughout Europe. Grateful to my friend, Michal Novovesky, for sharing a tradition from his home country of Slovakia. If you learn something from this episode, please consider sharing it, and reviewing the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript for this episode. Links for Visuals: Slovakian Tradition of Water and Whips (Video) Pysanky - Ukrainian Painted Eggs (Article) Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Seville, Spain (Video) Easter Egg Traditions in Europe (Video) Holy Fire - (Live Video) Special thanks to friends Dallin and Whitlie for help with pronunciation and extra tips on Ukrainian Easter, and Emily for help with German pronunciation. 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. 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
6. Ukraine 101 (The Last 100 Years in Ukraine) - Part 2
This episode is a very concise and basic review of Ukraine’s history in the past 100-ish years: Part 1 covers the late 1800s to 1945, and Part 2 covers 1945 - early 2022. In the U.S., we aren’t taught much at all about Eastern European countries, like Ukraine, in school. They are largely mysteries. My hope is that these episodes change that. A transcript for this episode can be 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Sources 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
5. Ukraine 101 (The Last 100 Years in Ukraine) - Part 1
This episode is a very concise and basic review of Ukraine’s history in the past 100-ish years: Part 1 covers the late 1800s to 1945, and Part 2 covers 1945 - early 2022. In the U.S., we aren’t taught much at all about Eastern European countries, like Ukraine, in school. They are largely mysteries. My hope is that these episodes change that. 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Sources Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website: 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
4. Russia 101 (The Last 100 Years in Russia) - Part 2
This episode is a VERY concise and basic review of Russia’s history in the past 100-ish years: Part 1 covers pre-1917 to 1949, and Part 2 covers 1949 - early 2022. Albert Einstein said, “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” I am no genius, but I definitely tried to do the genius thing here. It was a challenge, for sure. Obviously, I leave a LOT out and I gloss over tons of things we could spend days and weeks learning about. But I did my best to share historical facts as we know them currently. A transcript for this episode can be 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Sources Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website: 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
3. Russia 101 (The Last 100 Years In Russia) - Part 1
This episode is a very concise and basic review of Russia’s history in the past 100-ish years: Part 1 covers pre-1917 to 1949, and Part 2 covers 1949 - early 2022. Albert Einstein said, “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” I am no genius, but I definitely tried to do the genius thing here. It was a challenge, for sure. Obviously, I leave a LOT out and I gloss over tons of things we could spend days and weeks learning about. But I did my best to share historical facts as we know them currently. A transcript for 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Sources Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website: 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