22 episodes
"History 102" with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg Turpentine
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- History
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4.2 • 49 Ratings
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Rudyard Lynch, creator of the enormously popular YouTube channel WhatifAltHist joins Erik Torenberg every week to offer a deeper understanding of critical moments in history. Together they identify patterns in order to predict the future and understand the dynamics that result in civilizations rising and falling.
On this season we'll cover WW1, WW2, Classical Greece, Medieval Islam, the rise of Communism, and more.
History 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
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Byzantine Empire
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the story of the Byzantine Empire, Rome's eastern successor, and how it thrived while the West crumbled. They also discuss on the Byzantine Empire's constant battles against invaders and how it defied expectations to survive for a millennium.
Why is the Byzantine Empire largely ignored? Explore its rich history, intriguing culture, and its impact on Eastern Europe and Russia.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
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RELATED EPISODE:
Fall of Rome
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fall-of-rome/id1730633913?i=1000647197583
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/57r8lT5fiO8W9igWZRwm59?si=rODTidJ3RnmYXW0TsgymMw
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
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SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction to History 102
(00:22) The Byzantine Empire: An Overview
(04:10) The Fall of Rome and the Rise of Byzantium
(06:37) Constantinople: The Heart of Byzantium
(10:17) Byzantine Military and Cultural Identity
(14:40) Sponsors: beehiiv | Babbel
(28:48) Justinian's Ambitious Reign
(40:16) The Impact of the Muslim Conquests
(51:38) Byzantine Decline and the Rise of the Turks
(59:38) The Final Days of Byzantium
(1:03:56) Conclusion and Legacy
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Byzantium: The Empire of New Rome by Cyril Mango
The World of Late Antiquity: AD 150-750 (Library of World Civilization) by Peter Brown
The Age of Faith by Will Durant -
Christianity
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg explore the surprising origins of Christianity.
From a carpenter's son's teachings to its unexpected rise to global dominance, discover how this religion, appealing to the marginalized, provided a sense of community and purpose in a brutal world. Learn how this religion, once seen as a radical threat, became a defining force in Western history.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
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SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:16) The Rise of Christianity
(02:04) Roman Empire and Social Dynamics
(04:35) Jesus of Nazareth and His Impact
(15:06) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel
(16:10) Christianity's Appeal and Spread
(33:16) Persecution and Triumph
(38:16) The Evolution of Christianity
(50:59) Christianity's Cultural Adaptations
(57:45) Conclusion and Book Recommendations
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name by Brian C. Muraresku
Apollodorus of Tyana
Household Gods by Harry Turtledove
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards
The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures Kindle Edition by Jayson Georges
Dominion by Tom Holland
Through the Eye of a Needle: Wealth, the Fall of Rome, and the Making of Christianity in the West, 350-550 AD by Peter Brown
The World of Late Antiquity by Peter Brown
Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years by Diarmaid MacCulloch
The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark -
The Slave Trade
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the history of the Muslim slave trade, a forgotten tragedy that predates and rivals the Atlantic slave trade in both scale and brutality.
Dive into the complex dynamics and enduring impact of this dark chapter in African history, and explore the Muslim and internal slave trades while also challenging the 1619 Project's narrative. Learn about the broader context of global slavery, the complex origins of racial inequality, and the global network that fueled the transatlantic slave trade.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
–
SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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RELATED EPISODE/S:
Rise of Islam: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-of-islam/id1730633913?i=1000659000133
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:42) African Slave Trade Basics
(01:42) Misconceptions and Context
(03:20) Different African Slave Trades
(03:25) Muslim Slave Trade
(14:19) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel
(20:49) Comparisons with the Atlantic Slave Trade
(41:34) Impact of Slavery on America
(55:09) Slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean
(58:30) Book Recommendations
(59:10) Wrap
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
African Founders by David Hackett Fisher
Conquests and Cultures by Thomas Sowell
Africa by John Reeder
Africa and the Africans by John Thornton -
Axial Age: History's Turning Point
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the Axial Age, a transformative time that birthed new philosophies and religions. Uncover the surprising link between the invention of coinage, explore the decline of traditional religions, and discover the reasons why people sought new spiritual paths in 500 BC.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
–
SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
RELATED EPISODES:
Ancient India: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-india/id1730633913?i=1000656237395
Ancient China: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-china/id1730633913?i=1000657394929
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction & Overview
(01:06) The Axial Age & Strange Parallels
(03:31) The Role of Urbanization & Coinage
(04:49) Theocracies & Devolving Religion
(06:09) Atheism, Agnosticism, & Nihilism
(08:15) The Rise of Universal Religions
(11:18) Religious Revival & Modern Science
(13:00) Communism as a Religion & String Theory
(14:58) The Impact of Coinage & Breakdown of Social Relationships
(15:02) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel
(18:53) Social Instability & Moral Dilemma
(22:05) Innovation & Renewal
(23:51) Greece: Frogs Around a Pond & The Milesian Philosophers
(25:10) Pythagoras, Orphism, and the State Religion
(27:49) Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: The Search for Spiritual Truth
(29:42)Greek Philosophy & the Cosmic Order
(32:00) The Rise of Christianity and the Legacy of Greek Thought
(33:52) The Missing Indian Socrates
(35:07) The Importance of Math and the Western Mystical Tradition
(37:24) India: The Rise of Jainism and Buddhism
(39:00) The Middle East: Zoroaster and the Dualistic Religion
(41:40) China: Confucianism and Daoism
(44:00) Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Transformation of Religion
(47:00) Confucius, Taoism, and the Stability of China
(49:00) The Axial Age and the Moralization of Religion
(52:00) The Spiritual Bank Account
(57:10) Misunderstandings and the Importance of Understanding the Axial Age
(58:33) Book Recommendations
(59:35) Wrap
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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Religions of the World by Huston Smith: A comprehensive overview of major world religions
Philosophic Teachings That All World Religions Share by Huston Smith: Explores common themes across religions
Debt by David Graeber: Discusses the economic history of credit and coinage
History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell: Provides a detailed account of Greek philosophy
The Great Transformation by Karen Armstrong: A comprehensive study of the Axial -
Communism
In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the brutal cost of communist ideology, from mass killings to cultural destruction, and the psychological motivations driving its appeal. From Marx to Mao, explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of communism, its impact on history, and its surprising influence today.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
–
SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
Recommended Podcast: The Riff with Byrne Hobart
Byrne Hobart, the writer of The Diff, is revered in Silicon Valley. You can get an hour with him each week. See for yourself how his thinking can upgrade yours.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rANlV54GCARLgMOtpkzKt
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-riff-with-byrne-hobart-and-erik-torenberg/id1716646486
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:15) Introduction and Communism as a Moral Lesson
(02:32) Marxism's Influence
(05:37) Origins of the Modern Left
(09:33) Saint Simon and the Roots of Leftism
(12:37) Pre-Marxist Socialist Thinkers
(13:38) Karl Marx and the 1848 Revolutions
(16:36) Marx's Intellectual Ability and Hegelianism
(17:49) The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Communism
(19:43) The Psychology of Leftism and Power
(25:52) The Russian Revolution and Lenin
(28:05) The Nature of Communist Revolutions
(29:10) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel
(30:25) Stalin and the Purges
(33:33) The Soviet Union and the Iron Curtain
(35:37) The Decline of Communism
(38:01) Communism's Death Toll and the Need for Reassessment
(40:05) Communism and Social Justice
(41:35) Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party
(46:26) Cambodian Communism and the Khmer Rouge
(48:24) The Geographic Apex and Decline of Communism
(51:15) Post-Communist Transition
(53:34) The Need for a Psychological Revolution
(56:10) Conclusion + Wrap
Books Mentioned:
The Decline and Fall of Socialism
Fire in the Minds of Men by James Billington
Les Miserables
The 100 Greatest Atrocities of the Twentieth Century by Matthew White -
Rise of Islam
This episode of History 102 explores the fascinating rise of Islam, its Golden Age, and its decline, unpacking the cultural, political, and economic factors that shaped this pivotal period in history.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the cultural and scientific achievements of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliph - a period of unprecedented growth and innovation in the Islamic world. Then, uncover the reasons behind the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate, from internal conflicts and moral decay to the rise of the Turks and the shift from scientific progress to religious conservatism.
Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
–
SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812https://podcasts.apple.com/id1753399812
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:45) The Enigma of Muhammad
(03:14) The World Before Islam
(04:42) Internal Conflicts
(07:30) Sponsor: beehiiv | Babbel
(09:00) The Umayyad Caliphate
(33:12) The Abbasid Caliphate
(34:56) Misconceptions About Islam
(37:00) The Decline of the Abbasids
(39:15) Internal Conflicts and Barbarian Mercenaries
(42:00) The Rise of Al Ghazali and the End of Science
(45:17) The Decline of Capitalism
(46:41) The Loss of the Mediterranean
(48:42) The First Crusade and Societal Choices
(50:10) Wrap
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Books mentioned:
In the Shadow of the Sword: The Rise and Fall of Islam by Tom Holland
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary
The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization by Marshall Hodgson (3-volume set)
Islam and the Arab World
The Myth of a Tolerant Muslim Spain
Customer Reviews
Great content, gists getting used to each other
This pod is so good. Erik style is more relaxed, awe shucks, questioning (he is in the host role this makes sense); Rudyard is more direct, literal, dry-wit. Listening to them sort each other out is as endearing as the content is fascinating.
The topics are great, Rudyards command of the context and content of these eras is impressive, Erik nicely opens him up and the range of conversation is terrific. It seems (because he said so) that Rudyard has biases - like the degeneration of societal norms leads to the downfall of (Rome) society. I haven’t explored his other content to know whether he is making a current political statement or not. Either way I tend to agree with this, so not a problem for me but I’m sure there are other perspectives that would dispute. Rudyard’s love for history is infectious.
Lost me with Rudyard’s alt-right lies
Big fan of Econ 102 and was excited to see what I could learn here. Rudyard’s a compelling narrator and I enjoyed his historical discussion of the slave trade. And then he said that black people don’t care about slavery and also who cares because they’re only 12% of the population. He’s free to feel the latter but was the former true? Nope, quick google search and recent Pew survey shows 85% say the legacy of slavery affects the position of Black people in the U.S. today. He also stated as fact that housing costs have increased 80% since Covid, it’s true they rose significantly but 80%? Come on, another huge and easily disproven lie. And of course he stated as fact the tired, age-old trope that white men are no longer getting hired. There was more but I have limited space and patience. Knowing Rudyard’s propensity to spew straight-up alt-right lies made me question everything else he said about an interesting historical topic. Was anything he said about the slave trade true? That’s the problem with being a blatantly dishonest partisan hack, it might get you clicks but you lose any credibility and risk being taken seriously. Also makes me question the judgement of Turpentine and Erik in particular, who gives zero pushback. It’s a bad look, guys!
Lynch is great and Erik is unprepared and uninterested
Lynch is great to listen to
Erik appears to be sleeping thru the podcast and wakes up to say idiotic things like “fascinating” and “let’s dive in” and “uh-huh let me read the next title chapter of this outline”
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