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Wiser World

History Podcasts

Did you forget your world history, and now feel lost when world topics come up in current events? Designed for busy people who forgot (or never learned it in the first place) and need a quick refresh, Wiser World takes foundational world history and makes it approachable and concise. As a former teacher, Alli Roper wants to remind us of the world's foundational, basic history so we can have the context we need think historically about current events, travel, and global topics. Episodes are published once or twice a month, and consist of 101 episodes (100-ish year deep dives into various countries), Know Before You Go episodes (brief histories for highly-traveled spots), and pretty much any other world-related topic that you wish you'd been taught in history class.

Location:

United States

Description:

Did you forget your world history, and now feel lost when world topics come up in current events? Designed for busy people who forgot (or never learned it in the first place) and need a quick refresh, Wiser World takes foundational world history and makes it approachable and concise. As a former teacher, Alli Roper wants to remind us of the world's foundational, basic history so we can have the context we need think historically about current events, travel, and global topics. Episodes are published once or twice a month, and consist of 101 episodes (100-ish year deep dives into various countries), Know Before You Go episodes (brief histories for highly-traveled spots), and pretty much any other world-related topic that you wish you'd been taught in history class.

Language:

English


Episodes
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40. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 3

4/24/2024
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 --- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WISERWORLD to begin your therapy journey. ---- 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. ---- 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

Duration:01:10:56

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39. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 2

4/10/2024
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. --- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WISERWORLD to begin your therapy journey. ---- 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. ---- 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

Duration:00:59:31

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38. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 1

3/27/2024
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. --- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/WISERWORLD to begin your therapy journey. ---- 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. ---- 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

Duration:00:57:15

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37. What is Nowruz?

2/28/2024
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 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

Duration:00:24:02

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Introducing: Even the Royals [Podcast Preview]

2/22/2024
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:07:08

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36. A Brief History of World War I

1/31/2024
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

Duration:00:45:35

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35. Recognizing Logical Fallacies for Better Critical Thinking

12/27/2023
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 advertising@airwavemedia.com 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:25:15

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34. What is Diwali?

11/28/2023
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

Duration:00:15:46

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33. The Middle East Today: Must-Know History & Country Relations

10/31/2023
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 advertising@airwavemedia.com 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:34:29

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32. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 3

9/20/2023
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 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

Duration:00:47:31

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31. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 2

8/31/2023
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 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

Duration:00:49:34

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30. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 1

8/16/2023
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

Duration:00:39:44

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29. A Brief History of MEXICO - Know Before You Go

6/21/2023
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 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. 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

Duration:00:42:11

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28. A Brief History of HAWAI'I - Know Before You Go

6/7/2023
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 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, 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

Duration:00:42:37

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27. A Brief History of SPAIN - Know Before You Go

5/24/2023
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

Duration:00:35:30

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26. What are Democracy, Autocracy, & Oligarchy? Government Systems 101

5/3/2023
This is a basic foundational view of the government systems, designed for non-experts who need a refresh. Vocab words explained in this episode: - Anarchy - Democracy: Direct Democracy, Republic, Constitutional Monarchy - Autocracy: Absolute Monarchy, Dictatorship, Totalitarian Dictatorship - Oligarchy - Theocracy 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. 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

Duration:00:17:46

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25. What are Communism, Socialism, & Capitalism? Economic Ideologies 101

4/19/2023
This is a basic foundational view of the economic ideologies designed for non-experts who need a refresh. When a person calls themselves a communist, or a socialist, or a capitalist, what does that even mean? What are the basic foundational principles behind each economic ideology? Why does understanding these systems at even just a basic level matter so much? I take these complex economic systems and make them approachable in this episode on Communism, Socialism, and Capitalism. 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. 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

Duration:00:21:21

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24. Global Easter Traditions: Europe // Michal Novovesky

4/5/2023
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

Duration:00:21:29

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23. What is Ramadan? // Shahnila Ahmad

3/15/2023
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

Duration:00:37:55

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22. What is Holi?

3/1/2023
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

Duration:00:12:39