How to Take Over the World

Andrew Carnegie names his price. J.P. Morgan accepts. In a single moment, a poor Scottish immigrant becomes the richest man in the world. But that is just the beginning of Andrew Carnegie's story.

00:00 The Historic Deal: Carnegie and Morgan

02:50 Introduction to Part Two: Carnegie's Early Success

08:00 Navigating Recessions and Strategic Acquisitions

14:28 Labor Relations and Strikes

22:32 Carnegie's Reputation and Industry Dominance

30:39 Carnegie's Philanthropic Beginnings

31:45 The Sale to JP Morgan and US Steel Formation

40:54 Carnegie's Efforts for Peace and Anti-Colonialism

The rise of Andrew Carnegie from a poor Scottish weaver's boy to becoming an American millionaire.
00:00 Introduction

03:00 Carnegie's Early Life and Inspirations

07:50 Coming to America

12:00 The Power of Self-Education

28:15 Becoming a Capitalist: The Adams Express Investment

36:30 Rapid Rise in the Railroad Industry

42:15 Carnegie's Role in the Civil War

50:30 Carnegie's Business Philosophy and Networking

56:15 Final Reflections and Takeaways
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Description

This episode explores the extraordinary life of Ernest Shackleton and the impossible challenges he faced at the edge of the world. Through his failures, decisions, and unbreakable resolve, we uncover timeless lessons on leadership under extreme pressure.

00:00 The Endurance's Final Moments
02:19 Introduction to Ernest Shackleton
05:32 The Nimrod Expedition and Beyond
14:15 Setting Sail and Early Challenges
24:27 The Endurance is Crushed
35:10 Shackleton's Leadership and Shared Hardships
39:01 Launching the Boats to Elephant Island
47:17 Reaching Elephant Island
52:47 The Treacherous Voyage to South Georgia
01:05:27 Rescue and Return
01:07:05 Lessons...

The latter half of Cleopatra's life, from the death of Caesar until her own death.
00:00 Cleopatra's Fall from Power
04:15 Meeting Mark Antony
11:00 Cleopatra and Antony's Alliance
21:40 The Birth of a New Dynasty
29:00 The Donations of Alexandria
35:00 The Final Civil War of the Roman Republic
38:00 The Battle of Actium
43:00 The Aftermath of Actium and Antony's Despair
47:38 The Tragic Deaths of Antony and Cleopatra
56:30 Cleopatra's Legacy and Final Reflections
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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 Caesar's Egyptian Dilemma

02:40 Introduction to Cleopatra

04:30 Cleopatra's Early Life and Education

14:40 Cleopatra's Rise to Power

24:00 The Encounter with Julius Caesar

31:00 The Siege of Alexandria

34:00 Cleopatra's Strategic Moves

49:00 Cleopatra's Public Relations in Rome

54:00 Key Takeaways from Cleopatra's Story

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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 Education

12:00 The Japanese Occupation and Its Impact

17:30 Post-War Singapore and the Road to Independence

24:45 The People's Action Party and Early Governance

37:30 Operation Coldstore and the Fight Against Communism

40:00 Ethnic Tensions and Operation Cold Store

41:15 Formation of Malaysia and Rising Tensions

42:30 Singapore's Expulsion and Independence

43:50 L...

Thoughts on Peter Thiel's Zero to One.

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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 and Their Impact

45:58 The Importance of Company Foundations

46:51 Building a Strong Company Culture

50:47 The Role of Vision

51:47 The Cult-Like Nature of Successful Startups

53:21 The Necessity of Sales and Marketing

55:25 The Paradox of Founders

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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 asks if such a life would be fulfilling and self-justifying.
00:00 Introduction: Measuring a Good Life
03:30 Eternal Recurrence: Thought Experiment or Truth?
08:30 Nietzsche's Moment of Affirmation
13:00 Instinct vs. Reason: Nietzsche's Perspective
17:00 The Singular Vision: Striving for Greatness
21:15 Understanding the Higher Self
22:00 Defining Yourself by Your Best Moments
22:40 The Importance of Mastering a Craft
26:45 The Metaphor...

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 God
02:20 Nietzsche's Life and Career
06:00 Nietzsche's Views on Nationalism and Antisemitism
17:00 Nietzsche's Personal Struggles and Relationships
19:00 Nietzsche's Major Works and Philosophical Contributions
33:00 Debating the Cause of Nietzsche's Death
38:00 The Philosophy of the Superhuman
51:00 The Aristocratic Society
57:30 Will to Power: Nietzsche's Core Doctrine
01:07:30 Nietzsche's Philosophy Summarized
01:15:00 Nietzsche's Popularity and Misinterpretations

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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

04:00 - Nietzsche's Academic Journey

08:30 - The Influence of Schopenhauer and Wagner

18:30 - Nietzsche's First Major Work: The Birth of Tragedy

25:39 - The Controversy and Criticism

30:00 - Nietzsche's Non-Systematic Approach

32:10 - The Death of God

37:30 - The Origins of Morality

40:45 - Christianity and Slave Morality

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 unstoppable force.

00:00 Battle of the Teutoburg Forest

03:00 Introduction to Arminius

05:40 Understanding the Germanic Tribes

13:00 Arminius' Early Life and Roman Service

21:00 The Rebellion Begins

25:00 Varus's Leadership in Germany

27:23 The Battle of Teutoburg Forest Revisited

31:30 Aftermath and Roman Reaction

34:20 Arminius' Legacy and Influence<...

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 called the greatest of all time?

00:00 Introduction: The Enigma of Roger Federer

01:00 Federer's Unique Playfulness

03:45 Early Life and Childhood

05:00 Adolescence and Early Tennis Career

07:30 Struggles and Triumphs in Junior Tennis

22:00 The Turning Point: Peter Carter's Influence

33:00 The Federer Era

40:00 The Rise of Rafael Nadal

50:00 Federer...

This is an episode of Becoming the Main Character, which you can find wherever you get your podcasts.

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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 Background

12:30 The Capture of New Carthage

19:30 Political Maneuvering and the Road to Consul

26:30 The North African Campaign

37:30 The Meeting of Hannibal and Scipio

43:00 Scipio's Political Career and Rivalry with Cato

50:00 Scipio's Legacy

56:50 Introduction to the Classical Society

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How Joan of Arc went from a small peasant girl to determining the fate of nations, and what it tells us about the power of belief.

0:00 Was Joan a visionary of a schizophrenic?

03:00 Setting the Stage: France in Turmoil

07:00 The English Invasion and the Battle of Agincourt

21: The Siege of Orleans

28:16 Joan's Audacious Letter to the King of England

33:51 Joan's First Victory

40:00 The Turning Point

42:15 March to Reims and the Anointing of Charles

47:00 The Siege of Paris and Joan's C...

Jefferson rebounds from his disastrous and governorship and personal loss to create a political legacy that would define a nation.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

02:30 Jefferson's Role as Ambassador to France

08:00 Jefferson's Return and Political Feuds

15:50 The Formation of Political Parties

23:55 Jefferson's Vice Presidency and Media Strategy

27:45 Jefferson's Election and Hamilton's Influence

30:00 The Evolution of the Democratic-Republican Party

32:30 Jefferson's Inauguration and Early Presidency

38:00 The Louisiana Purchase

42:00 Jefferson's Second Term Troubles

47:15 Post-Presidency and Founding the University of Virginia

50:00 Jefferson's...

How did Thomas Jefferson overcome failure after failure to become the most significant politician of the early American Republic? On this episode we examine his habits, tactics, approach, and life up until his service in the Washington administration.

00:00 The Misunderstood President: Thomas Jefferson's Early Failures

02:15 Introduction

04:45 Jefferson's Early Life and Education

09:35 Jefferson's Personal Habits and Philosophies

12:30 Jefferson's Political Beginnings and the Fight Against Slavery

15:55 The Road to Independence: Jefferson's Writing and Influence

20:00 Jefferson's Rise in the Continental Congress

27:45 Drafting the Declara...

Hannibal Barca was Rome's greatest enemy. What was it about his strategies and leadership style that allowed him to haunt Romans' nightmares for centuries? 00:00 Introduction to Hannibal's Legendary Campaign 01:40 Sponsor Message: Gains in Bulk 02:20 Setting the Stage: Hannibal's Underdog Strategy 03:15 Hannibal's Arrival in Italy and Initial Tactics 09:30 The Trebia River Battle: A Crushing Roman Defeat 17:30 Hannibal's Second Great March 22:08 The Battle of Lake Trasimene: Hannibal's Perfect Ambush 30:50 Prelude to Cannae: Motivational Speeches and Strategies 39:30 Hannibal's Tactical Mastery at Cannae 41:00 The Aftermath and Roman Resilience 43:00 Hannibal's Missed Opportunity and Roman Defiance 46:00 Rome's Relentless Spirit and Selective Irrationality 48:30 Hannibal's Strategic Retreat...

Hannibal Barca was Rome's greatest enemy. What was it about his strategies and leadership style that allowed him to haunt Romans' nightmares for centuries? 00:00 Hannibal's Blood Oath 02:00 Why Hannibal? 05:45 Carthage - A Brief History 17:30 The Making of Hannibal 28:35 The Rise of Hannibal as a Military Leader 31:45 Hannibal's Early Conquests in Spain 32:15 The Battle of the Tagus River 34:52 Consolidating Power in Spain 40:20 The Siege of Saguntum 41:20 Rome Declares War 47:30 Hannibal's Bold Strategy 49:30 Crossing the Alps 59:30 Hannibal's Arrival in Italy 01:00:30 Key Takeaways from Hannibal's Campaign ----

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Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the great composers of all time. What stands out is not only how great his music is, but how much of it he wrote. On this episode we look at his story as well as his habits, strategies, and tactics to see how he left such a lasting impact.

00:00 The Impact of Bach's Music

01:30 Introduction to Johann Sebastian Bach

03:30 Bach's Universal Appeal and Religious Devotion

07:45 Bach's Early Life and Musical Dynasty

09:30 Bach's Mischievous Youth and Early Career

18:00 Bach's...

Francois de la Rochefoucauld, was an infamous aristocrat who was always scheming, seducing, and fighting. He was equally infamous as a philosopher, a forerunner to Nietzsche with a cynical wit.

In this episode, we explore is adventurous life, his dangerous philosophy, and what we can learn from both. 00:00 What is a philosopher? 02:00 A Life of Action and Intrigue 03:00 Introduction 05:03 Early Life and Aristocratic Background 05:40 Political Intrigues and Rebellions 10:15 The Fronde and Its Aftermath 19:00 Literary Achievements and Maxims 22:00 Friendship, Love, and True Virtue 24:00 Strengths, Weaknesses, and Self-Honesty 35:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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David Senra of the Founders podcast joins to discuss the most important attributes of great founders, how to find purpose, whether chicken fingers is a worthy dream, and much more!

00:00 Introduction

03:12 Church for Entrepreneurs

06:45 The Power of Consistency and Repetition

18:15 The Importance of AI in Modern Business

39:30 Analyzing Podcast Success

40:15 The Importance of Charisma and Obsession

41:00 Tennis as a Metaphor for Mastery

44:30 Creatine and Gains in Bulk

45:15 Who Can Be a Founder?

51:00 The Unique Genius of...

On this premium subscriber I talk about how to be more high agency, including how to frame problems, design solutions, and take action.

Then I talk about my recent travels to the Bay Area and some thoughts that spurred about a concrete way to take over the world.

Links:

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Jesus of Nazareth was the son of a carpenter. He never traveled further than 150 miles from his home in his adult life. So how did the movement he founded come to dominate the world, bringing in billions of followers?

On this episode, we explore his life, his impact, and how he was able to build such a powerful movement.

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Polaroid founder Edwin Land is one of the most innovative inventors to have ever lived. Steve Jobs considered him one of his greatest heroes. On this episode we explore the methods and strategies he used to build the beautiful products that he did.

00:00 The Eureka Moment: Birth of the Polaroid Camera

04:30 Early Life: High Agency Behavior

07:00 The Obsession with Polarization

09:30 From Harvard to Independent Research

16:40 Founding Polaroid: The Early Struggles

28:00 Wartime Innovations and Contributions

30:30 Maintaining The Vision

34:10 The Birth of...

Despite an incredibly challenging childhood, Coco Chanel revolutionized women's fashion. The episode delves into her humble beginnings, her rise to fame, her relationships, the launch of her fashion empire, and of course, the strategies she used to accomplish it all.

00:00 Introduction to Coco Chanel

01:45 Coco Chanel's Humble Beginnings

03:17 The Power of Self-Creation

07:40 Coco's Early Career and Rise

12:21 The Birth of Chanel's Fashion Empire

22:10 Chanel No. 5: A Perfume Revolution

25:50 The Little Black Dress and Beyond

30:07 Coco Chanel and Great Leadership

Donald Trump: real estate mogul, master marketer, and the most polarizing figure of our time. How did he go from a brash young developer in Manhattan to the most powerful man in the world? In this episode of How to Take Over the World, we break down the strategies, mindset, and raw ambition that fueled his rise.

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00:00 - Introduction: The Farce and Reality of Donald Trump

02:40 - Who is Donald Trump?

03:55 - Polarizing Figure: Love Him or Hate Him

06:06 - Fred Trump...

Captain Cook was one of the greatest explorers of all time. And he also lived on of the most adventurous, exciting lives ever. On this episode we break down his discoveries and the strategies that allowed him to accomplish and discover so much.

00:00 - Introduction

09:00 - Early Life

14:00 - Cook in Canada

26:20 - First Voyage

1:14:00 - Second Voyage

1:25:30 - Third Voyage

1:30:00 - Takeaways

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The name of Machiavelli is synonymous with deceit, oppression, atrocity, and naked power. But his legacy is much more complicated than that. His thinking shaped the world we live in, and his advice can help anyone get further on their journey to taking over the world.

04:25 - The biography of Niccolo Machiavelli

34:30 - Advice from Machiavelli's works

01:05:30 - How to start a philosophy or movement that takes over the world

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Top lessons from 100 lessons of How to Take Over the World and more than 100 biographies on the great leaders of history.

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Isaac Newton was one of the great geniuses in human history. He established the basic laws of physics, discovered the laws of gravity, invented calculus, and refined the scientific method. On this episode we take a look at how he was able to accomplish so much by analyzing his strategies, tactics, and work habits.

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Charlemagne was a king, emperor, conqueror, reformer, and the father of a united Europe. On this episode we look at how he forged the Holy Roman Empire and built the foundations of western civilization as we know it.

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Sources:

Two Lives of Charlemagne by...

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?

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Twitter/X: @BenWilsonTweets

Instagram: @HTTOTW

Email me: Ben@takeoverpod.com

Sources:

No Man Is An Island: A Portrait of Singapore's Lee Kuan...

John Williams is the brilliant composer behind film scores like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, and more. On this episode, we take a look

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My takeaways and endnotes from the life of Augustus Caesar. Plus a conversation with Alex Petkas, and a review of Gladiator II!

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Subscribe for the full episode at takeoverpod.supercast.com.

How does one go about creating the Roman Empire? That is exactly what Caesar Augustus did, and on this episode, we dive into the strategies, tactics, and approaches that made it possible.

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Who was Vlad Dracula, and how did he go from Romanian ruler to blood-sucking monster?

On this episode we dive into the strategies and tactics that Dracula used to take power, how he became a legend, and what we can learn from him.

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How did Grigory Rasputin become a close personal advisor to one of the most powerful people on earth, despite having no education, no money, and no accolades whatsoever?

On this episode we dive into the strategies and tactics that Rasputin used to become one of the most controversial and influential people in the world, and we discover the truth behind the legend.

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What was it about Christianity that allowed it to grow from a few dozen believers to a global religion with billions of adherents? On this episode, we go through how Christianity became a global religion and what attributes enabled its rise.

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Constantine the Great united the Roman empire, founded one of the world's great cities, oversaw the creation of Christianity's most famous creed, and laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of Christianity throughout Europe and the Middle East. How was he able to accomplish so much in one lifetime?

On this episode, we explore his life, his impact, and how he was able to build such a powerful movement.

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Simon Peter was Jesus's top guy. But he also denied him three times, and constantly got in trouble for misunderstanding Jesus's message. In this episode we dissect what eventually made him a great follower, and leader.

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Jesus of Nazareth was the son of a carpenter. He never traveled further than 150 miles from his home in his adult life. So how did the movement he founded come to dominate the world, bringing in billions of followers?

On this episode, we explore his life, his impact, and how he was able to build such a powerful movement.

-----

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The story of how John Wooden won ten national championships on the way to becoming the greatest coach of all time.

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Writing, production, and sound editing by Ben Wilson with support from Michael Lackner.

The story of how Phil Knight founded one of the great companies - and brands - of all time.

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Writing, production, and sound editing by Ben Wilson with support from Michael Lackner.

"I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something, but I can't accept not trying. I can't accept it." Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He's also a great entrepreneur, business owner, and Olympian. In this episode, we cover his remarkable story and talk about the strategies, tactics, and work habits that made him so effective.

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Writing, production, and sound editing by Ben Wilson with support from Michael Lackner.

"Some people create with words or with music or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful. When I run, I like to make people stop and say, ‘I’ve never seen anyone run like that before.’ It’s more than just a race, it’s style. It’s doing something better than anyone else."

Steve Prefontaine is one of the great legends of the running world. In this episode, we cover his remarkable story and talk about the strategies, tactics, and work habits that made him so effective.

...

"When I was a child, my mother said to me, If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the pope. Instead, I was a painter And became Picasso."

What made Picasso such a great artist? And what made him such a legend both in his own time, and since his death? On this episode, we explore Picasso's life, his art, his impact, and the strategies he used to take over the art world.

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On this mini-episode, I talk about my combined takeaways from the founding father of the United States - Franklin, Hamilton, and Washington - and what the secret was that allowed them to be so successful.

Happy Independence Day to all of my American followers!

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Topics on the Franklin Guide to taking over the world include:

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Benjamin Franklin was one of the greatest scientists, writers, diplomats, and statesmen of all time. How does one man accomplish so much in one life?

Well, he was also the first self-help guru of all time. On this episode, we examine the life of Benjamin Franklin, and the tools he used to become the world's first self-made man.

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Sources:

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin: An American...

The ten-step guide to being Alexander Hamilton. In the endnotes section, I also discuss:

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Alexander Hamilton was the greatest and most indispensable of the American founding fathers. On this episode we see how he made such lasting contributions to the US system of government. Points of discussion:

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Alexander Hamilton was the greatest and most indispensable of the American founding fathers. (At least that's my contention). On this episode, I begin to describe what made him so great, I talk about his origins and education, and some of the habits and strategies he used to become one of America's leading men before the age of 25.

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Sources:

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

The...

In this conversation with Alex Petkas of the Cost of Glory podcast, we talk about one of Washington's great inspirations in life: Cato The Younger. We discuss why he was so taken with his life, what it means to be a modern day Cato, some of out top takeaways from the life of Cato and Washington, and more. Enjoy!

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What was the key to George Washington's success that made him such a beloved president and leader?

On this subscriber-only episode, we dive deeper into his playbook and go through the endnotes - more interesting side stories and random information about Washington and his life.

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How did George Washington shape the future of the United States of America as its first president? In this episode, we examine his presidency, his post-presidency, his death, and his legacy.

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Sources:

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow

George Washington and the New Nation: 1783-1793

George Washington: Anguish and Farewell 1793-1799

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Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson

George Washington is one of the most celebrated and beloved leaders of all time. What was it about Washington that made him such an effective leader? On this episode, we explore the making of George Washington: How he rose from relatively mundane origins to become the head of the American revolution.

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Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow

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George Washington is one of the most celebrated and beloved leaders of all time. What was it about Washington that made him such an effective leader? On this episode, we explore the making of George Washington: How he rose from relatively mundane origins to become the head of the American revolution.

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Sources:

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow

George Washington: The Forge of Experience by James Thomas Flexner

On Seriousness

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Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson

Research...

What was the key to Ernest Shackleton's success that made him "the greatest leader that ever came on God's earth - bar none?"

On this subscriber-only episode, we dive deeper into his playbook and go through the endnotes - more interesting side stories and random information about the journey of the expedition.

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To subscribe go to takeoverpod.supercast.com.

Like this podcast and want to create one like it? Email contact@podramp.io or learn more at podramp.io

When Ernest Shackleton's ship is trapped in Antarctic ice, he and his crew must figure out how to survive and make their way home. On this episode, we explore the dramatic story of The Endurance and the leadership lessons that can be learned from Shackleton.

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Sources:

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

South by Ernest Shackleton

Shackleton by Ranulph Fieness

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Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson.

AMA #1 - I answer questions about obsession vs discipline, where my intro music came from, who is coming up next on the podcast, and more.

At the end of the episode I also give my review of Dune 2 and explain why I think Denis Villeneuve tried unsuccessfully to undermine his own movie.

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Raise a Genius!

Mentava

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Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson.

Why is Julius Caesar one of the greatest men to have ever lived? What made him so remarkable? And how was he able to accomplish what he did? We unpack his playbook on this episode of How to Take Over the World.

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Sources:

Caesar: A Sketch...

How did Arnold Schwarzenegger train? What was his approach to failure? Why did he just make things up during interviews? Find out on this endnotes episode!

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Sources:

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life by Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Writing, production, and...

Bodybuilder. Actor. Governor. Arnold Schwarzenegger has managed to make his way to the top of three wildly different games. On this episode, we outline his epic life journey and share some of the strategies and mindsets that he used.

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Founders Episode 309 on Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Sources:

Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold...

Want to take over the world? Well, how about we start with a country? On today's episode I review Balaji Srinivasan's The Network State where he explains his vision for the future of governance and how you might be able to start your own country sometime in the near future.

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Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

Was John Rockefeller a good man or a bad one? What did he do after he retired? How do his charitable contributions affect us to this day? Find out on this endnotes episode.

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Sources:

Titan by Ron Chernow

Random Reminiscences of Men and Events

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Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

How did John D Rockefeller become the richest man of all time, and leverage that wealth into unparalleled influence? On this episode, we trace his rise, his strategies, tactics, habits, and leadership style.

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Big Shot episode with David Rubenstein

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Sources:

Titan by Ron Chernow

Random Reminiscences of Men and Events

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Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.<...

More of my takeaways about obsession, cloning yourself, keeping a schedule, and more.

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If you are broke and would like to beg for premium tier, send me an email: Ben@httotw.com

To watch this episode on YouTube, tap here: https://youtu.be/xlwwhAeknkA

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MrBeast joins the podcast to discuss how he trains and manages his employees, why he didn't take Christmas and Thanksgiving off for more than five years, what separates him from other content creators, and more.

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00:00 - Introduction

02:30 - Jimmy's obsession with strategy games

05:15 - Did Jimmy consider himself smart?

08:50 - How does he manage his obsessions?

11:30 - Jimmy's inflection points

12:40 - Pushing himself with stunts

15:00...

In this endnotes episode, I cover Napoleon's psychology, his leadership style, his love life, his children, why France accepted an emperor so soon after ejecting their king, and much more.

If you are interested in a premium subscription but can't afford one - email me at Ben@httotw.com.

Also, check out my new website at TakeOverPod.com - major thanks to Tamba for the redesign.

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Part 2 covers the reign and eventual fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, starting shortly after his crowning as emperor, tracing his victories over his enemies, and ending with his defeat at the hands of the British and their allies. We explore the strategies, tactics, and work habits he used to administer one of the largest empires ever created.

Also, check out my new website at TakeOverPod.com

Sponsors:

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Sources:

Napoleon: A...

Part 1 covers the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, tracing his journey from a modest beginning on the island of Corsica to his coronation as the Emperor of France. We explore the remarkable transformation of a young, ambitious artillery officer into a master strategist and charismatic leader. We uncover Napoleon's strategies, tactics, work habits, and leadership style.

Also, check out my new website at TakeOverPod.com

Sponsors:

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My review of the Ridley Scott directed movie, Napoleon. I go through what I liked and didn't like, some of the historical inaccuracies, and how the movie could have been better.

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The mysterious life of Grigory Rasputin, the infamous Russian mystic and advisor to the Romanov family. We parse the enigmatic and often scandalous events that surrounded Rasputin's life, exploring the myths and realities that shrouded this controversial figure. We learn from Rasputin how to lead a cult following, and how to attract intense interest and devotion.

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Instagram: @HTTOTW

TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE (AND ALL FUTURE BONUS CONTENT) SUBSCRIBE HERE ---> Takeoverpod.supercast.com

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Topics Covered:

- Catherine Wright

- The tied skirt fashion craze

- Why Wilbur and Orville never married

- A few minor corrections

- The power of friendship and playfulness

- + more!

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Follow me on social media:

Twitter: @BenWilsonTweets

Instagram: @HTTOTW

Part 2 covers the the triumph of the Wright Brothers - how they achieved human flight for the first time - and popularized it.

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Sources:

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

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Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

Part 1 covers the the rise of the Wright Brothers, and how they went from frontier bicycle salesmen to aviation researchers. This episode covers some of their early insights into flight, and how their ability to frame the problem of flight differently led to their unparalleled success.

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Sources:

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

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Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE (AND ALL FUTURE BONUS CONTENT) SUBSCRIBE HERE ---> Takeoverpod.supercast.com

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Topics Covered:

- Mongol invasion of Europe

- The rise and fall of Christianity in Asia

- Genghis Khan's red hair

- "Don't let him be frightened by dogs"

- Mongols in England

- + more!

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Follow me on social media:

Twitter: @BenWilsonTweets

Instagram: @HTTOTW

Part 2 covers the creation Genghis Khan's empire. It dives deeper into how he led, the strategies he used to win his battles, how he consolidated his empire, and what motivated him.

Sponsors:

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Founders Podcast

Tamba.Digital - For all of your website, web app, and mobile app design needs

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Sources:

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford

The Secret History of the Mongols<...

Part 1 covers the awe-inspiring ascent of Genghis Khan, the legendary conqueror. Discover how he overcame adversity to become a unifying force among fragmented tribes. Our episode delves into his military brilliance and innovative strategies, offering timeless insights into leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking.

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Tamba.Digital - For all of your website, web app, and mobile app design needs

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What did the movie Oppenheimer get right? What was historically inaccurate? Did they manage to capture the true spirit of all the characters involved? What does J Rober Oppenheimer's life ultimately mean? I answer all of these questions and share some of my unused notes about the life of J Robert Oppenheimer.

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Founders Podcast

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Sources:<...

Learn the true story behind the father of the atomic bomb. This episode explores not only his groundbreaking achievements as the inventor of the nuclear bomb but also the profound lessons his life and work offer. From his relentless pursuit of knowledge to his remarkable ability to assemble and lead brilliant scientific minds, Oppenheimer's story serves as a case study on the complexities of leadership, scientific discovery, ethical responsibility, and the perils of human ambition.

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Sponsors:

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...

Admiral Horatio Nelson's achievements and victories, including The Battle of Copenhagen and the battle of Trafalgar.

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Sponsors:

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Founders Podcast

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Sources:

The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson by Roger Knight

Nelson: Britannia's God of War by Andrew Lambert

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Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

The early life and the dramatic rise of Admiral Horatio Nelson, a naval hero of Great Britain. Episode one takes us from his origins up through the battle of the Nile.

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Sponsors:

LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign

Founders Podcast

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Sources:

The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson by Roger Knight

Nelson: Britannia's God of War by Andrew Lambert

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Writing, production...

Thoughts on Sir Humphrey Gilbert and his motto "Quid Non" and Benjamin Bloom and his famous "two sigma problem."

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Nintil on Bloom's Two Sigma Problem

My notes and takeaways from Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in his own words.

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The second half of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci - artist, inventor, scientist, writer, playwright, and genius.

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Sources:

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

Leonardo Da Vinci by Kenneth Clark

Leonardo Da Vinci biography by Vasari

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Writing and production by Ben Wilson.

The second half of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci - artist, inventor, scientist, writer, playwright, and genius.

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Sources:

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

Leonardo Da Vinci by Kenneth Clark

Leonardo Da Vinci biography by Vasari

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Sponsors:

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Writing and production by Ben Wilson. Sound design by Ezra Bakker Trupiano.

The early life and career of Leonardo Da Vinci - artist, inventor, scientist, writer, playwright, and genius.

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Sources:

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

Leonardo Da Vinci biography by Vasari

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Sponsors:

CopyThat.com - Use code TakeOver for $20 off

IdeationBootcamp.co - Use code Ben for $50 off

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Writing and production by Ben Wilson. Sound design by Ezra Bakker Trupiano.

The rise of Williams Randolph Hearst as a politician, the expansion of his media empire, the creation of Hearst Castle, and more.

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Speak Lead Retreat

To consult with Ben, click here

The Chief: The Life of William Randolph Hearst by David Nasaw

The rise of Williams Randolph Hearst, founder of the Hearst Corporation and the first media magnate.

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To consult with Ben, click here

To listen to Creative Elements, click here

The Chief: The Life of William Randolph Hearst by David Nasaw

Hey everyone - next week I'll be back with a normal episode but in the mean time please enjoy this conversation with Alex Petkas about the power of biography, lessons from ancient Greece, and more.

Rome retreat: http://ancientlifecoach.com/retreat

Joan of Arc goes from being a peasant girl, to leading one of the greatest armies on earth in less than four months.

Please consider supporting this episode's sponsors:

Sources:

Special Shoutout: Elle Leemay (@elle_leemay)

Joan of Arc's legacy, her greatest attributes, theories on the voices in her head, and more.

Please consider supporting this episode's sponsors:

Sources:

Special Shoutout: Elle Leemay (@elle_leemay)

The life and times of Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix, as told by Alex Petkas on The Cost of Glory. Find more episodes of The Cost of Glory at https://ancientlifecoach.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you are looking to start a podcast, check out PodRamp.io.

An interview with Dr. John Turner, professor at George Mason University and biographer of Brigham Young, about his legacy, what made him so special, and more.

If you are looking to sell a company, check out Tiny.com.

If you are looking to start a podcast, check out PodRamp.io.

Link:

Brigham Young leads his people on a journey into the wilderness and builds a new kingdom in the desert.

Sources:

The life and times of Elizabeth II, the late queen of the United Kingdom.

How Brigham Young rose from abject poverty to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Sources:

Vladimir Putin: Modern day czar, KGB man, billionaire, reformer, autocrat. In part 1, we examine his rise to power.

This is an updated version with a new introduction and a few minor additions.

Thank you to our sponsor, CopyThat. Take your writing to the next level. Go to TryCopyThat.com and use code TakeOver for $20 off.