Religion & Spirituality
15 episodes tagged religion & spirituality.
84. The Ambitious Project of Peace: How Humans Built the Infrastructure of Peace
What is the history of peacemaking? In this episode, we trace the origins of diplomacy and international law from the ancient world to the present day. Topics include the Treaty of Kadesh — the world's oldest peace treaty — the Great Law of Peace and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the birth of modern diplomacy at the Peace of Westphalia, the founding of the Red Cross, the Geneva Conventions, the League of Nations, the United Nations, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also explore what different traditions — Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Confucianism — have taught about peace throughout history. 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
81. Iran's Unfinished Revolution: A Conversation with Sahar Delijani
Today's guest, Sahar Delijani, is the author of Children of the Jacaranda Tree, an internationally acclaimed novel, translated into 32 languages and published in more than 75 countries. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Literary Hub, LARB, Jewish Currents, BOMB, McSweeney’s and elsewhere. Her second novel, For Every Person You Kill, is forthcoming in Spring 2027. In this episode, Sahar shares her family’s story — including being born in Evin Prison — and reflects on Iranian identity, cultural resilience, and the role of joy, history, and women in today’s movement for freedom. We also discuss what solidarity can look like from the international community, and how stories and literature can help humanize a struggle that’s often reduced to geopolitics. 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
77. Iran 101: Cultural Preface
This is a Cultural Preface to the Iran 101 series. It is not designed to be entirely comprehensive, as no culture or people are the same. The hope is to help listeners meet the Iranian people before they study their history. Special thanks to Ershiya and Lana Firoozi for their help with this episode; their attention to detail and generosity cannot be overstated. This episode is sponsored by Factor. Head to factormeals.com/WISERWORLD50OFF and use code WISERWORLD50OFF to get 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. Eat like a pro this month with Factor. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. 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
70. Venezuela 101: Cultural Preface
This is a Cultural Preface to the Venezuela 101 history series. It is not designed to be entirely comprehensive, as no culture or people are all the same. But, it is designed to help listeners meet the people before they study their history, and in it, we cover: 1. Population, Identity & Diversity 2. Social Personality & National Character 3. Family & Social Structure 4. Gender Roles & Expectations 5. Language, Accents & Slang 6. Food as Cultural Identity 7. Music, Dance & Artistic Expression 8. Beauty, Spirituality & Belief 9. Race, Class & Urban Life 10. Humor, Survival & Street Smarts 11. Friendliness & Foreigners 12. Daily Life & Leisure 13. Marriage, Names & Social Bonds If you'd like to learn more, please head to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast, where you can support the podcast and learn more along the way! The main source of information for this episode was this book, as well as Venezuelan friends. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for free weekly email newsletter here: https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
69. Common Ground: Birth & Death — Rituals for Life's First & Final Moments
In this episode of the Common Ground series, we're diving into unique rituals from around the world that honor both birth and death, which is something we all share. We cover: • Navajo First Laugh Ceremony – United States (American Southwest, Navajo Nation) • Baek-il (100-day celebration) – South Korea • Selapan Ceremony (35th day) – Indonesia (Javanese culture) • Jatakarma (Samskara birth ritual) – India (Hindu communities) • Newborn Singing Traditions – West Africa (e.g., Yoruba, Akan, Ewe, Fulani, etc.) • Oríkì (praise poetry for babies) – Nigeria (Yoruba culture) • Aqiqah (naming and sacrifice ceremony) – Islamic tradition • Whenua (placenta burial) – New Zealand (Māori culture) • Miyamairi (shrine visit) – Japan (Shinto tradition) • Traditional Christian European Funerals — Europe • Ghanaian Fantasy Coffins & Celebratory Funerals – Ghana (Ga culture, especially near Accra) • Torajan “Death Feasts” & Body Preservation – Indonesia (Sulawesi, Toraja people) • Pacific Islander Vigil & Communal Mourning – Various Pacific Islands • Jewish Shiva & Chevra Kadisha with Tahara – Jewish communities globally • Japanese Family Body Preparation – Japan • Hindu Cremation (especially along the Ganges) – India • Sky Burial & Miniature Yurt Graves – Mongolia & Himalayan Buddhist regions • Obon Festival & Lantern Floating (Tōrō Nagashi) – Japan • Famadihana (“Turning of the Bones”) – Madagascar • Islamic Burial & 3-Day Mourning Visits – Many Muslim-majority countries (especially Arab nations) • Chehelom (40th Day Mourning Ceremony) – Iran (blend of Islamic and Persian traditions) Sign up for my free weekly newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ If you'd like ad-free episodes and additional resources, head to to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. 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
63. Syria 101 Part 4/5—Bashar al-Assad, the Arab Spring, & Syrian Civil War Beginnings (2000–2012)
This is Part 4 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 2000 to 2012, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers: How Bashar al-Assad gained power How corruption, crony capitalism, drought, and inequality led to unrest The Arab Spring and how it came to Syria How civilian protests for reform turned into a civil war Why extremist Islamist and Jihadist groups got involved How the civil war splintered into a multi-faceted war 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, 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 making this episode. Transcript of this episode. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website (sign up for email newsletter): 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
51. Understanding Passover: History, Traditions, and the Meaning Behind the Meal
This episode explains the basic concepts of the Passover tradition and Seder meal for those who know little to knowing about it and want a foundation of knowledge to build on. Special thanks for my friends Merav and Debbi for their contributions to this episode! 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. The transcript for this episode is found here. Sources used in making this episode 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
45. What is Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)?
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. ---- 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 ---- 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
43. South Indian Weddings // Dheeraj Varanasi
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. ---- 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. ---- 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. ---- 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
34. What is Diwali?
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 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
30. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 1
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 advertising@airwavemedia.com 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 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
23. What is Ramadan? // Shahnila Ahmad
In this episode, my guest, Shahnila Ahmad (from @bravemuslimparents on Instagram) does a wonderful job of explaining the basics of the holy month of Ramadan. This episode is specifically designed for those who know relatively little about this special month for Muslims around the world. My guest, Shahnila Ahmad, is a Muslim American who grew up in Michigan and moved to California where she has lived for the last 20 years. She has an MBA in Healthcare management as was a Sr. Consultant for the largest HMO in the country. She quit corporate America to focus on family and kids. She is now a homeschool mom of four children, and a Parent Mentor. She has over 15 years of experience with youth. Shahnila is the founder of Brave Muslim Parents where she equips and empowers today’s Muslim parents to raise resilient kids. On her IG page (@bravemuslimparents) she talks about everyday parenting challenges to taboo topics and how to tackle that with a faith mindset. She is a devout American Muslim. Feel free to connect with her on IG @bravemuslimparents. Vocabulary to know: Qur'an: word of God (Allah) & a miracle Iftar: breaking fast meal at sunset Sahoor: Recommended pre-dawn meal Mosque: holy place of worship Shahnila's resources for info on Islam: Visit your local mosque Www.whyislam.org Www.islamicity.org Youtube channel: TheDeenShowTV -- Transcript for 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. 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
22. What is Holi?
This is a brief summary of the Indian holiday of Holi. I share about the origins of the holiday, the traditions and celebrations, and the foods that are often made. *CORRECTION: In this episode I talk about how Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, when in reality the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are actually embodiments of one main god. Thus is appears polytheistic, but the system of Hinduism is monotheistic. Special thanks to Aarti and Aditya for their help in answering some questions for this episode! Here is a short video on the story of Holika. All other resources used in making this episode can be found here. Transcript for 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 advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. 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