Best Alli Roper Podcasts (2024)

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41. Darfur Conflict 101 49:33

13d ago49:33

49:33

This is a brief overview history of conflict in Darfur (western Sudan) from the early 1900s to 2024, focusing particularly on 2003-2007. 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 Hell…

1
40. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 3 1:10:56

2M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

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 fou…

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39. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 2 59:31

2M ago59:31

59:31

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 extr…

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38. Sudan & South Sudan 101 - Part 1 57:15

3M ago57:15

57:15

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 s…

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37. What is Nowruz? 24:02

3M ago24:02

24:02

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 trad…

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Introducing: Even the Royals [Podcast Preview] 7:08

4M ago7:08

7:08

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 b…

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36. A Brief History of World War I 45:35

4M ago45:35

45:35

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…

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35. Recognizing Logical Fallacies for Better Critical Thinking 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

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…

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34. What is Diwali? 16:33

7M ago16:33

16:33

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 ca…

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33. The Middle East Today: Must-Know History & Country Relations 36:00

8M ago36:00

36:00

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 f…

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32. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 3 50:02

9M ago50:02

50:02

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…

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31. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 2 52:05

10M ago52:05

52:05

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 transcr…

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30. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 1 42:15

10M ago42:15

42:15

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 m…

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29. A Brief History of MEXICO - Know Before You Go 44:42

12M ago44:42

44:42

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 …

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28. A Brief History of HAWAI'I - Know Before You Go 45:08

1y ago45:08

45:08

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…

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27. A Brief History of SPAIN - Know Before You Go 38:02

1y ago38:02

38:02

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 advert…

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26. What are Democracy, Autocracy, & Oligarchy? Government Systems 101 19:18

1y ago19:18

19:18

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 …

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25. What are Communism, Socialism, & Capitalism? Economic Ideologies 101 22:53

1y ago22:53

22:53

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 mat…

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24. Global Easter Traditions: Europe // Michal Novovesky 23:01

1y ago23:01

23:01

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…

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23. What is Ramadan? // Shahnila Ahmad 39:27

1+ y ago39:27

39:27

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 …

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22. What is Holi? 13:25

1+ y ago13:25

13:25

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 a…

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21. Carnival in Brazil, Italy, & New Orleans (Mardi Gras) 18:31

1+ y ago18:31

18:31

This is a brief history of Carnival—noting in particular the history of Carnival, and some fun details about Carnival in Brazil, Italy, and in New Orleans (where it's called Mardi Gras). 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 creat…

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20. The Global Diamond Mining Industry 19:41

1+ y ago19:41

19:41

This is a brief history of the diamond industry—noting in particular the history of diamonds, what a blood/conflict diamond is, and diamond labor. This industry is very complex and I barely scratch the surface, but here is a starting point for you. Here is the TIME article on blood diamonds: https://time.com/blood-diamonds/. This podcast is part of…

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19. What is Lunar New Year? 12:59

1+ y ago12:59

12:59

Have you ever wondered about Lunar New Year? Roughly 1.5 billion people celebrate it annually! This episode covers the very basics of the holiday to give us a little more understanding and clarity on this important holiday. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and e…

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18. Iran 101 (The Last 100 Years in Iran) - Part 3 42:31

1+ y ago42:31

42:31

A concise, foundational history of Iran from 1980 to 2022. What are the rights given to women in Iran? How is the government set up? What happened during the Iran-Iraq War? Why is the Iran Nuclear Deal so controversial? How do Iranians express discontent with the government, and what happens when they do? What is life like in Iran today and what ar…

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17. Iran 101 (The Last 100 Years in Iran) - Part 2 44:01

1+ y ago44:01

44:01

A concise, foundational history of Iran from 1950s through the 1979/1980 Revolution. How did Iran change under the rule of Mohammed Reza Shah? Who is Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and how did he change Iran? What happened during the Revolution in Iran in 1978 to 1979, and how did Iran become an Islamic Republic? How did this change the lives of Irani…

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16. Iran 101 (The Last 100 Years in Iran) - Part 1 44:47

1+ y ago44:47

44:47

A concise, foundational history of Iran from the late 1800s to mid-1950s. What is the difference between Persia and Iran? What is a shah? Who were the major leaders from the late 1800s until 1953? When was oil discovered in Iran? How did the British and Russians influence Iran? Who was Mohammed Mossadegh and how did he affect the Iran we know today…

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15. North Korea 101 (The Last 100 Years in N Korea) - Part 3 39:27

2y ago39:27

39:27

A concise, foundational history of North Korea from the the 1990s to present day (2022). What was life like in North Korea during the 1990s for the average person? How do people defect from North Korea and where do they go? How did the current leader, Kim Jong-Un rise to power? How does North Korea’s nuclear weapons program affect the future of the…

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14. North Korea 101 (The Last 100 Years in N Korea) - Part 2 36:47

2y ago36:47

36:47

A concise, foundational history of North Korea from the the 1950s to 1990s. What kind of lifestyle have the Kim leaders lived, and how do they pull it off? How did North Korea do economically after the Korean War? What is the Songbun caste system and how did it affect all lives in North Korea? What is Juche and why did Kim Il Sung believe in it? Wh…

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13. North Korea 101 (The Last 100 Years in N Korea) - Part 1 32:42

2y ago32:42

32:42

A concise, foundational history of North Korea from the early 1900s to mid-1950s. What was the Korean peninsula like before it split into two countries? How did Japan rule Korea from 1910 to 1945? How do many Koreans feel about Japan as a result? How did Korea become divided, and how did the United States and the Soviet Union play into that? What h…

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12. Perspectives from Taiwan // Jessica Lu and Cassia 36:06

2y ago36:06

36:06

How do some Taiwanese feel about reunifying with China? Do they live in fear of an invasion? What is filial piety and how does it affect the young people of Taiwan today? What is it like to get an education in Taiwan? How do Taiwanese treat outsiders? Today I have two guests living in Taiwan answering all these questions and more. Thank you to my f…

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11. Taiwan 101 (The Last 100 Years in Taiwan) - Part 2 43:41

2y ago43:41

43:41

A brief, concise history of Taiwan from 1970 to 2022. This episode covers: Chinese/Taiwanese/US relations from 1970 to 2022 The end of martial law and transition to a multi-party democratic system The transfer of power from a mainlander (Chiang Ching-kuo) to a native islander (Lee Teng-hui) The first free elections and subsequent back and forth bet…

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10. Taiwan 101 (The Last 100 Years in Taiwan) - Part 1 45:45

2y ago45:45

45:45

A brief, concise history of Taiwan from the late 1800s to 1970. This episode covers: Colonial rule in Taiwan (Portuguese & Dutch, Chinese, Japanese... etc) Sub-ethnicities within the Taiwanese people — Native Indigenous (many tribes), Hokkien, Hakka, and mainlander Japanese rule of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. Post-WII change from Japanese rule back t…

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9. China 101 (The Last 100 Years in China) - Part 3 43:05

2y ago43:05

43:05

A brief, concise history of China from 1972 to 2022. Deng Xiaoping leadership, Four Modernizations Economic reform, Special Economic Zones Tiananmen Square, 1989 Hong Kong returns to China 90s - 2010s general basics 2014 Umbrella Revolution Uyghur Genocide Censorship Chinese militarization of man made islands, military potential Disappearances Chin…

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8. China 101 (The Last 100 Years in China) - Part 2 41:01

2y ago41:01

41:01

A brief, concise history of China from 1949 to 1976. Covers: First steps of CCP/Mao Zedong consolidating power in PRC Purges Great Leap Forward (Mao’s Great Famine) Cultural Revolution (Red guards, little red book, propaganda, violence, Cult of Mao) Mao Zedong leadership, legacy, opinions Beginning of Deng Xiaoping leadership A transcript for this …

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7. China 101 (The Last 100 Years in China) - Part 1 38:24

2y ago38:24

38:24

A brief, concise history of China from the 1850s to 1949. Covers: Qing Dynasty Opium Wars / Relationships with Western nations in late 1800s-early 1900s Sino-Japanese Wars Establishment of ROC (Republic of China), Sun Yat-sen, Nationalist Party, Chiang Kai-shek WWI, Warlord Era, WWII Rise of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) Mao Zedong, Long March Civi…

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6. Ukraine 101 (The Last 100 Years in Ukraine) - Part 2 30:14

2+ y ago30:14

30:14

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 tran…

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5. Ukraine 101 (The Last 100 Years in Ukraine) - Part 1 38:33

2+ y ago38:33

38:33

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 tran…

1
4. Russia 101 (The Last 100 Years in Russia) - Part 2 28:16

2+ y ago28:16

28:16

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 s…

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3. Russia 101 (The Last 100 Years In Russia) - Part 1 25:12

2+ y ago25:12

25:12

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 s…

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2. Four Reasons We Need More of the World in our Lives 20:18

2+ y ago20:18

20:18

Why do we need to know about countries, culture, governments, economies different from our own? In this episode I give you four reasons for why having a regular diet of world material in your life benefits not just you, but everyone. *CORRECTION: At the end of this episode, I say I will launch in Season 1 on the Middle East in Episode 3. This did n…

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1. Wiser World Podcast - Trailer 19:56

2+ y ago19:56

19:56

Everything you need to know about the podcast! How it came to be, how episodes will work, and what you need to know before you start listening. *Correction: I never did go with a seasonal approach. I ended up pivoting with the current events of the day! This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about…

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