How to Take Over the World

How to Take Over the World

Author: Ben Wilson Language: English Episodes: 100
What does it take to leave a mark on history? How to Take Over the World, hosted by Ben Wilson, isn't about literal conquest but about decoding the timeless principles behind extraordinary lives. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific figure, from ancient rulers to modern innovators, dissecting the choices and methods that propelled them. You'll hear detailed explorations of their strategies in moments of crisis, the daily habits that sustained their efforts, and the particular mindset that allowed them to see opportunities others missed. This podcast operates on a simple, powerful idea: greatness often learns from what came before. The thread connecting Alexander the Great to Caesar, or Charlemagne to Napoleon, is one of studied emulation and adaptation. By unpacking these historical and biographical narratives, the show provides more than just stories; it offers a practical lens. Listeners gain a clearer understanding of how formidable wills were shaped and how legendary projects were executed, all framed in a way that feels relevant to ambitious projects today. It’s for anyone curious about the mechanics of legacy, who enjoys history not as a series of dates, but as a repository of human potential and actionable insight. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis that connects the past’s most impactful lessons to your own path forward.
Episodes
Cleopatra (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:52
Cleopatra took over a kingdom, expanded it, captured the heart of the world's most powerful man, and lived one of the most iconic and controversial lives of all time. On this episode, we explore how she did it. 00:00 Cae…
Lee Kuan Yew (Video Version) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:39
Lee Kuan Yew took a crowded, dirty, poor port town, and turned it into one of the world's great cities. How was he able to lead such an incredible transformation of Singapore? 00:00 Introduction 03:50 Early Life and Educ…
Zero to One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:22
Thoughts on Peter Thiel's Zero to One. ----- 00:00 Why this episode 05:15 Horizontal vs. Vertical Progress 09:19 The Importance of Startups and Monopolies 23:33 Definite Optimism vs. Indefinite Optimism 37:10 Power Laws…
Nietzsche and Eternal Recurrence (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:50
This episode explores Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy on how to live a life worthy of eternity. It delves into Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence, where one's life would have to be lived over and over again, and…
Nietzsche and the Superhuman (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:03
The second half of Nietzsche's life, and his teachings about the superhuman (ubermensch) the last man, and the will to power. 00:00 Nietzsche's Radical Response to the Death of God02:20 Nietzsche's Life and Career06:00 N…
Nietzsche and the Death of God (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:01
This episode covers the first half of Friedrich Nietzsche's life, his concept "the death of God" and master vs slave morality. 00:00 - Nietzsche's Radical Philosophy 01:20- The Life of Friedrich Nietzsche: Early Years 04…
Arminius: The Man Who Defeated Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:16
For centuries, Rome grew unchecked, until one man was able to reverse their fortunes, and free his country. On this episode, we take a look at the story of Arminius, and what it teaches us about how to overcome an unstop…
Roger Federer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:57
Is Roger Federer the greatest tennis player of all time? Despite not being the winningest player, many people make exactly that argument. What is it about Federer that inspires such admiration, and why can he rightly be…
Lord of the Rings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:29:11
This is an episode of Becoming the Main Character, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts. ---- Sponsors:⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠The Classical Society.com⁠ - ⁠⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7…
Scipio Africanus (with Alex Petkas) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:58
Alex Petkas joins to discuss the great Roman general Scipio Africanus, his relationship with Hannibal, his strategic military victories, and his legacy. 00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement 03:00 Scipio's Backgrou…