

How to Take Over the World
Ben Wilson
Anyone who has achieved greatness has, in part, patterned themselves after those who came before. Napoleon learned from Charlemagne, Charlemagne learned from Caesar, and Caesar learned from Alexander the Great. This podcast analyzes the lives of some of the greatest men and women to ever live. By examining their strategies, tactics, mindset, and work habits, How to Take Over the World helps you understand the great ones, so that you can follow in their footsteps.
Episodes
Mentioned books

302 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 2h 7min
Adolf Hitler (Part 1)
A chronological look at a marginal artist’s slide into homelessness and reinvention as a political force. Life in Vienna and the shift from bohemian ambitions to radical ideology. Wartime service, injury, and postwar propaganda work. Rapid rise through oratory, rally design, marketing stunts, and paramilitary organization that turned a fringe movement into a mass force.

209 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 4min
Stanford's Most Controversial Professor on Why Power Is Good For You | Jeffrey Pfeffer
Jeffrey Pfeffer, Stanford professor and author who studies power and leadership, shares his practical Seven Rules for gaining influence. He explains how power affects health and ambition. He details networking as value creation, building a distinct personal brand, breaking rules thoughtfully, and practicing power through coaching and deliberate habits.

57 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 6min
The Crowd Whisperer: The Psychologist Who Gave Hitler His Playbook
Dive into the intriguing world of crowd psychology with a focus on Gustave Le Bon, whose ideas unwittingly influenced Adolf Hitler's oratory skills. Discover how Le Bon's theories served as a manual for mastering mass persuasion, enabling leaders to captivate crowds. Unpack the irony of his warnings against demagogues transforming into tactics for extremists. Explore the complex interplay between intent and impact as we analyze how Le Bon's work shaped history in unexpected ways.

400 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 38min
Top 10 Lessons from 2025
Discover the top leadership lessons from 2025! Learn how to communicate your vision clearly and define a compelling personal myth. Seize opportunities with boldness and balance solitude for creativity with teamwork for execution. Harness anti-inspiration to spark innovative ideas, and don’t hesitate to make extreme decisions quickly. Understand the power of clarity in your desires and the benefits of being competitively playful. These insights will elevate your leadership game!

203 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 52min
Andrew Carnegie (Part 2)
Andrew Carnegie's remarkable rise from a poor immigrant to the richest man in the world is truly captivating. The podcast highlights his strategic moves during economic recessions and his groundbreaking use of the Bessemer process for steel production. It also dives into the complexities of labor relations and the infamous Edgar Thompson strike. Furthermore, Carnegie’s philanthropic legacy, focusing on education and peace efforts, sheds light on his transformation from industrialist to benefactor, shaped by the devastating impacts of World War I.

335 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
Andrew Carnegie (Part 1)
Discover the incredible journey of Andrew Carnegie, from his humble beginnings as a Scottish weaver's son to a powerful American businessman. The discussion highlights his remarkable self-education and early jobs that shaped his tenacity. Learn how Carnegie seized opportunities in the railroad industry and developed a knack for investing in enterprises like Adams Express. His bold public advocacy and mastery of networking set him apart, while his experiences during the Civil War pushed him further into the world of industry. Get ready for an insightful look at his evolving business philosophy!

176 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ernest Shackleton (Remastered)
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 Moments02:19 Introduction to Ernest Shackleton05:32 The Nimrod Expedition and Beyond14:15 Setting Sail and Early Challenges24:27 The Endurance is Crushed35:10 Shackleton's Leadership and Shared Hardships39:01 Launching the Boats to Elephant Island47:17 Reaching Elephant Island52:47 The Treacherous Voyage to South Georgia01:05:27 Rescue and Return01:07:05 Lessons from Shackleton's Expedition
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Sponsors:
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Speechify.com/ben - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify premium
Founders Podcast
Coaching
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Stay in touch:Twitter/X: @BenWilsonTweets
Instagram: @HTTOTW
Email me: Ben@takeoverpod.com
----Sources:
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible VoyageSouth!: The Story of Shackleton's Last ExpeditionShackleton by Ranulph Fiennes

95 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
Cleopatra (Part 2)
The latter part of Cleopatra's life unveils her dramatic fall from power after Caesar's assassination. Her alliance with Mark Antony flourishes amidst spectacular banquets and strategic marriages. The Battle of Actium marks a chaotic turning point, leading to dire consequences for both. Cleopatra's tragic end is steeped in mythical tales, including her famed suicide. The podcast explores her lasting legacy, revealing leadership lessons that resonate through history, highlighting the intricate dance of power and passion.

219 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 58min
Cleopatra (Part 1)
Cleopatra's remarkable ascent is explored, revealing her cunning political strategy and intelligence. Discover her audacious smuggling into Julius Caesar's presence and the dynamic alliance that changed history. The complexities of her family’s rule and the tumult of Alexandria set a dramatic backdrop. Learn how she skillfully navigated the Roman political landscape while balancing genuine affection with strategic gains. The podcast also uncovers how her image was crafted, challenging myths about her beauty. Embrace the captivating narrative of ambition and power!

201 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
Lee Kuan Yew (Video Version)
Discover how Lee Kuan Yew transformed Singapore from a struggling port into a global powerhouse. Explore his early life, shaped by the Japanese occupation, which influenced his drive for self-reliance. Uncover the tough decisions he made during governance, including purging communists and negotiating Singapore's independence. Delve into his pragmatic approach to economics, combining market growth with social safety nets. Learn how he built a world-class city through urban design, infrastructure, and strict anti-corruption measures.


