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 46:20 Lessons from Arminius' Life ---- Sponsors:⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Founders Podcast⁠⁠ ---- Stay In Touch - Sign up for our newsletter at ⁠⁠takeoverpod.com⁠⁠ - Twitter/X - ⁠⁠@BenWilsonTweets⁠⁠ - Instagram - ⁠⁠@HTTOTW

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's Late Career Resurgence 56:00 The 2017 Australian Open Comeback 01:06:40 Federer's Final Years and Retirement 01:08:30 Reflections on Federer's Career and Legacy ---- Sponsors:⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Founders Podcast⁠ ---- Stay In Touch - Sign up for our newsletter at ⁠takeoverpod.com⁠ - Twitter/X - ⁠@BenWilsonTweets⁠ - Instagram - ⁠@HTTOTW

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/month ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Founders Podcast⁠⁠ ---- Stay In Touch - Sign up for our newsletter at ⁠⁠takeoverpod.com⁠⁠ - Twitter/X - ⁠⁠@BenWilsonTweets⁠⁠ - Instagram - ⁠⁠@HTTOTW⁠

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 ---- Sponsors:⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The Classical Society.com - ⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Founders Podcast⁠ ---- Stay In Touch - Sign up for our newsletter at ⁠takeoverpod.com⁠ - Twitter/X - ⁠@BenWilsonTweets⁠ - Instagram - ⁠@HTTOTW⁠

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 Capture 53:20 Joan's Trial and Conviction 01:03:30 Joan's Legacy and Strategy ---- Sponsors:⁠⁠⁠⁠ - TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠⁠⁠⁠- GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠⁠⁠- Founders Podcast ---- Stay In Touch - Sign up for our newsletter at takeoverpod.com - Twitter/X - @BenWilsonTweets - Instagram - @HTTOTW

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 Final Days 52:25 Legacy and Lessons from Jefferson's Life

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 Declaration of Independence 30:15 The Eloquence of Jefferson's Writing 37:00 The Final Edits and Adoption of the Declaration 42:00 Jefferson's Post-Declaration Achievements 47:20 Jefferson's Governorship and Personal Tragedy ---- Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠⁠⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more ⁠⁠⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠⁠Founders Podcast

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 and the Long War 56:30 The Final Confrontation: Battle of Zama 01:00:00 Hannibal's Legacy and Final Years 01:09:30 Main Takeaway: The Power of Relentlessness ---- Sponsors: ⁠⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠⁠AustinLab.AI⁠⁠ - Provides advanced AI tools for businesses of any size ⁠⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more ⁠⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠⁠Founders Podcast

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 ---- Sponsors: ⁠TakeoverPod.Supercast.com⁠ - All premium content for just $7/month ⁠AustinLab.AI⁠ - Provides advanced AI tools for businesses of any size ⁠GainsInBulk.com/ben⁠ - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more ⁠Speechify.com/ben⁠ - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium ⁠Founders Podcast

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 Passion for Music and Conflict with Authority 35:45 Bach's Move and Pursuit of Greatness 41:00 Bach's Idyllic Time in Weimar 49:115 Bach's Final Years in Leipzig 55:20 The Famous Encounter with Frederick the Great 01:09:00 Bach's Death and Enduring Legacy 01:10:00 Key Takeaways from Bach's Life ---- Sponsors: TakeoverPod.Supercast.com - All premium content for just $7/month AustinLab.AI - Provides advanced AI tools for businesses of any size GainsInBulk.com/ben - Use code Ben for 20% off instantized creatine and more Speechify.com/ben - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium Founders Podcast

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 ----- Sponsors: Gains In Bulk - Use code Ben for 20% off Austin Lab by Shokworks Speechify - Use code Ben for 15% Speechify Premium

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 Da Vinci 51:47 The Obsession of Inventors 55:30 Fame and Focus 01:07:45 The Value of Private Ownership 01:20:00 The Game of Kings and Modern Power 01:22:45 The Artistic View of Life 01:32:40 The Power of Podcasting 01:47:00 Books Every Young Man Should Read 01:57:12 Final Thoughts ----- Sponsors: ⁠Austin Lab by Shokworks⁠ ⁠Gains In Bulk⁠ - Go to gainsinbulk.com/pages/ben and use code Ben for $20 and a free shaker. ⁠Speechify⁠⁠ - Go to speechify.com/ben to get 15% off Speechify Premium ⁠HTTOTW Premium⁠ - Get all episodes, end notes, mini-episodes, and more at takeoverpod.supercast.com

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: https://takeoverpod.supercast.com/ https://www.highagency.com/

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. ----- Sponsors: Speechify - Go to speechify.com/ben to get 15% off Speechify Premium Gains In Bulk - Go to gainsinbulk.com/pages/ben and use code Ben for $20 and a free shaker. HTTOTW Premium - Get all episodes, end notes, mini-episodes, and more at takeoverpod.supercast.com ----- Sources: The New Testament In Its World by NT Wright Jesus: A Biography from a Believer by Paul Johnson The New Testament - The King James Version

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 the Instant Camera 37:00 Polaroid's Marketing Genius 38:30 The SX-70: A Revolutionary Camera 42:30 PolaVision: A Catastrophic Flop 45:50 Edwin Land's Legacy and Lessons 46:00 Final Takeaways and Reflections --- HTTOTW Premium - Sign up to get all endnotes and special episodes Gains In Bulk - Use this link and use code Ben for 20% off VanMan - Use code TakeOver10 for 10% off Founders Podcast Speechify.com - Use code Ben for 15% off --- Email me with feedback: Ben@Takeoverpod.com Need a speaker for your next event or corporate retreat? Email speaking@takeoverpod.com

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 31:46 Coco Chanel's Rise in the Fashion Industry 32:29 World War II and Controversial Allegiances 39:11 Post-War Challenges and Strategic Moves 43:59 Chanel's Comeback and Fashion Philosophy 47:44 Final Years and Legacy 48:52 Key Takeaways from Coco Chanel's Life 59:44 Closing Remarks --- HTTOTW Premium - Sign up to get all endnotes and special episodes Gains In Bulk - Use this link and use code Ben for 20% off VanMan - Use code TakeOver10 for 10% off Founders Podcast Speechify.com - Use code Ben for 15% off

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. ----- 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: The Formative Influence 08:56 - Young Donald: Aggression and Military School 14:53 - College Years and Avoiding the Vietnam War 18:31 - Early Real Estate Ventures 25:41 - The Grand Hyatt: A Major Success 35:40 - Trump Tower: Controversy and Prestige 43:45 - Trump's Wollman Rink Success 45:36 - Television City: A Bold Vision 48:01 - The Cringe Factor: Embracing Failure 51:12 - Recap of Trump's Early Success 54:24 - The Downfall Begins: Casinos and Distractions 01:01:35 - Trump's Desperate Measures 01:08:34 - The Apprentice: A Turning Point 01:11:22 - Understanding Trump: The Deal Maker 01:19:24 - Final Thoughts and Controversies ----- Sponsors: HTTOTW Premium - Sign up to get all endnotes and special episodes Gains In Bulk - Use this link and use code Ben for 20% off VanMan - Use code TakeOver10 for 10% off Founders Podcast Speechify.com - Use code Ben for 15% off

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 --- Sponsors: Gains In Bulk - Use code BEN for 20% off Speechify.com/Ben - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify Premium HTTOTW Premium - For all endnotes, takeaways, and bonus episode, subscribe to How to Take Over the World Premium --- Stay in touch: Twitter/X: @BenWilsonTweets Instagram: @HTTOTW Email me: Ben@takeoverpod.com --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson.

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 --- Sponsors: Gains In Bulk - Use code BEN for 20% off VanMan - Use code TAKEOVER for 10% off Vesto Speechify.com/Ben - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify Premium HTTOTW Premium - For all endnotes, takeaways, and bonus episode, subscribe to How to Take Over the World Premium --- Stay in touch: Twitter/X: @BenWilsonTweets Instagram: @HTTOTW Email me: Ben@takeoverpod.com --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson.

Top lessons from 100 lessons of How to Take Over the World and more than 100 biographies on the great leaders of history. Wright's Law Great Leadership Always Wins Vision Demand Excellence Eat Light (Be Obsessed) Pain Is Where the Progress Is Charisma Is In The Eyes Halley's Law Set Simple Goals Two Weeks Can Change Your Life --- Sponsors: Speechify.com/Ben - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify Premium HTTOTW Premium - For all endnotes, takeaways, and bonus episode, subscribe to How to Take Over the World Premium --- Stay in touch: Twitter/X: @BenWilsonTweets Instagram: @HTTOTW Email me: Ben@takeoverpod.com --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson.