In this week's episode, we discuss a man whose reputation isn't just good; It's GRRREAT. In our first interlude, we join Alexander as he uses his genius to take on, and take down the greatest warriors of that time: The Sacred Band of Thebes. Next, Mark walks us through Alexander's impressive childhood and education under the tutelage of Aristotle. We meet a young man who is destined for great things.  Mark then highlights Alexander's military victories and a few of his strategic errors. Lastly, Mark goes over Alexander's final days and theories surrounding his untimely death at the age of ..read more

In this episode, we will look back through time, on the 20th anniversary, at missed signals that led to the unimaginable tragedy of September 11th, 2001. And we will look at the heroes who prevented a greater tragedy on that day.  We first look at Rick Rescorla, who foresaw the attack and led more than 2,600 Morgan Stanley employees to safety, even at the expense of his own life. What If World History looks at the missed signals that would have uncovered the hijacking plot. And we will highlight the heroes who saved lives and comforted survivors. And then we will imagine the success of ..read more

She remains the standard for beauty for more than 2,0000 years, but history's original bombshell was a lot more than a pretty face. In fact, she may have been the most intelligent leader outsmart the Roman empire, twice.  In this episode, we discuss the life and death of Cleopatra. In our first interlude, we witness the boat ride where Cleopatra and Ceaser join forces and join lips...  Next, Mark walks us through the rise and fall of Egypt's last dynasty as we witness Cleopatra's turbulent, vibrant life and tragic end.  In our What If? scenario, Cleopareta uses her political ..read more

In this episode,  we look at the life of a founding father whose name might be ringing in your ears...Alexander Hamiton! In our first interlude, we meet a teenage, business-savvy Alexander, and see how he runs an international shipping empire.  Next, Mark walks us through Hamilton's fascinating and turbulent life. Mark touches on Alexander's soul-crushing struggles as a boy, his friendship with George Washington, and his vision for a strong American financial empire. We then cover the country's first political sex scandal, and of course, his deadly duel with Aaron Burr. In our What I ..read more

In this week's episode, we take to the skies! In our opening diary, we travel to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, where a lifeguard witnesses flight history while helping the Wright brothers. Mark then discusses the brother's strong bond, ingenuity, and obsession with flight. We also witness triumph and tragedy during the world's first aerial exhibitions.  In our What if? scenario, Mark imagines the tragic death of Orville Wright. With the close family devastated, it will be Katharine, their younger sister, who steps up to help Willbur run the family business. She grows the company becomes a s ..read more

In this week's episode, Mark Discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis. Our first interlude involves a Russian staff captain who overrides a nuclear launch order in the heat of battle.   In our historical overview, Mark probes the head of Nikita Khrushchev to learn why he wanted to station nuclear missiles 90 miles off the US coast. Next, He walks us through some of the retaliatory measures that were contemplated by the Kennedy administration. Finally, we hear about the tense negotiations and peaceful resolution of the nuclear standoff. In our What If? scenario, Mark imagines a world in ..read more

In this episode, Mark discusses the Louisiana Purchase.  We start with an interlude and listen as the governor of the Louisiana territory prepares to transfer it to the US.  Next, Mark walks us through the international intrigue, high stakes diplomatic gambles, and plain American luck that lead Napolean to sell the territory to the scrappy, young USA.  In our "what if" scenario, Mark details General Andres Jackson's war with the French, land deals with the Spanish, and rapid westward expansion, which takes unites the country from coast to coast. Pless play, and let's take a tri ..read more

Attila the Hun is perhaps one of History's most ruthless and feared leaders. Apart from his larger-than-life reputation, what do we really know about him? In this episode, Mark discusses Attila's upbringing,  his various battles, and his untimely death at age 47. Next, Mark imagines a world in which Atilla gets to live in his palace, in Rome, well into his golden years. What other lands would have Atilla conquered? How many millions more would have died under his sword? Plus,  we'll hear audio diaries from a Roman foot soldier and an unstoppable (and bougie) Attila the Hun ..read more

In our last episode, we discussed numerous failed attempts to assassinate Hitler and envisioned a world in which he had been successfully disposed of. One book that featured prominently in the episode,was Killing Hitler by Roger Moorhouse. In this BONUS episode, Mark interviews  Killing Hitler author Roger Moorhouse. They discuss the failed assassination plots, Hitler's somewhat lax security, and the possible aftermath of a "successful" assassination. Plus, Moorhouse discusses his approach to finding history's forgotten heroes, villains and events. To buy Killing Hitler, and other compe ..read more

A lot of people tried to kill Hitler. As we already know, none of those people succeeded. In this week's episode, we start with an audio story depicting one of those failed attempts. Next, Mark walks us through some of the many failed plots to kill one of history's greatest villains. And then we ask: What if?  We'll hear a short audio interlude where we meet Hitler's replacement. Finally, Mark gives us a short glimpse into a world in which an assassin successfully kills Hitler! How would this have changed the war? How many lives could have been saved? Press play, and let's take a trip.&n ..read more