A History of the Future

Yaffa Digital

History meets geopolitics in this podcast as we go behind today’s headlines and learn about the strengths and weaknesses of modern nations. Why do certain countries behave the way they do? What do they fear the most? And what does their history mean for our future?

Episodes

  1. Sep 28

    USA - American Empire

    American power today echoes the kingdoms of Europe, the Mongol khans, and even the emperors of Rome. In this episode, we tell the story of the US. Hear the sounds of the first humans to settle in the vast wilderness of North America. Discover the rise and fall of native civilisations, hear how the Vikings crossed the Atlantic, and learn why the first American powers fell to European expansion. Delve into America’s long history of democracy, of devastating wars, of nuclear weapons, of the long and unstoppable rise of its immense power. And look down the murky paths of the future: the path of a republic, and the path of a terrifying empire. Why exactly is the US so powerful? What can the empires of the past tell us about how, one day, the US might fall? ------------------ Music used in this episode: 'Filaments' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0 (scottbuckley.com.au)'Shadows and Dust' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0 (scottbuckley.com.au)'Borealis' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0 (scottbuckley.com.au)'Bobbing Joe Medley' The Orchard Enterprises - Early American Roots'Vantage' by Avery Alexander - youtube.com/@Avery_AlexanderWashington's Grand March · Valentino Production MusicNews Tv Cinematic Intro by Infraction AudioStars & Stripes Forever - The US Marine Band (2014) ------------------ A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via digitalmanager@yaffa.com.au. Written & Presented by Ewen Levick Executive Producer: Steve Visscher Associate Producer: Grant McHerron Voiceover: Kevin Hillier Post production by Southern Skies Media © 2026 Yaffa Media Pty Ltd

  2. Feb 24

    Russia - The Dying Empire

    The cold, vast plains of Eastern Europe bear witness to a dark and ancient history. In this episode, Ewen tells the story of Russia. Hear the sounds of ancient contests between settled people of the riverlands and the fierce, horse-riding nomads of the open steppe. Learn of the rise and fall of kingdoms amid the waterways and deep forests of the Russian heartlands. Discover Russia’s long history of imperial triumphs and violent invasions, of kings and revolutions, of war and peace; and enter the eye of the Kremlin, as its gaze looks west. How has Russia’s geography and ancient past shaped the country today? What motivates Russia’s powerful and often tyrannical leaders? And what will happen when Vladimir Putin falls at last? ------------------ Musical themes, tracks and elements in this episode are licenced via PremiumBeat, a Shutterstock company. Additional Royalty Free Tracks have been used in specific chapters as per the list below: (Introduction - 2026 & Beyond) "Endless" by Lucas King @lucaskingpiano (YouTube)(Antiquities) "You are the Almighty God" - Nikos Politis(Antiquities) "Sons of Mars" - Farya Faraji(The Mongols) Shamanic Ritual - Sacred Soundscapes(The Slavs) "Lost"- Filip Lackovic(Medieval Times) "Orthodox Chat" - Steve Oxen, Fesliyan Studios(Tsars & Soviets) "Varchavianka" performed by the Red Army Choir(2026 & Beyond) "Suspense Rises" by Soundridemusic ------------------ A translation of Vladimir Putin's words in chapter 2026 & Beyond: "With your ambition""Incompetence and pure greed""You have held these people hostage""It is absolutely unacceptable" ------------------ A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via digitalmanager@yaffa.com.au. Host: Ewen Levick Executive Producer: Steve Visscher Voiceovers: Kevin Hillier Yaffa Media - © 2026

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History meets geopolitics in this podcast as we go behind today’s headlines and learn about the strengths and weaknesses of modern nations. Why do certain countries behave the way they do? What do they fear the most? And what does their history mean for our future?