How to Take Over the World

The story of how Phil Knight founded one of the great companies - and brands - of all time. ----- Sponsors: Founders Podcast Speechify - Use code Ben for 15% off Speechify Premium ----- 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. ----- Sponsors: HTTOTW Event Founders Podcast ----- 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. ----- Sponsors: Founders Podcast ----- Writing, production, and sound editing by Ben Wilson with support from Michael Lackner.

"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. ----- Sponsors: Founders Podcast ----- Writing, production, and sound editing by Ben Wilson with support from Michael Lackner.

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! Sponsors: HTTOTW Event Becoming the Main Character Podcast

Topics on the Franklin Guide to taking over the world include: How to convince someone of your viewpoint Why Franklin almost started a swimming school Franklin's love life Was Benjamin Franklin a shallow person? + much more! ----- To subscribe, visit takeoverpod.supercast.com If you want to start a podcast with us, email [email protected] or visit podramp.io. Want to hang out with other people trying to take over the world? We have an event this August. Learn more at https://www.nowheresummit.com/howtotakeovertheworld

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. --- Sponsors: Premium Tier - Subscribe for all my guide episodes, endnotes, and mini-episodes --- Sources: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin: An American Life --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson

The ten-step guide to being Alexander Hamilton. In the endnotes section, I also discuss: My review of Hamilton the Musical (👎🏻👎🏻) Whether Hamilton was right-wing or left-wing If Hamilton was gay His family life His relationship with Angelica + more! --- To subscribe, sign up at takeoverpod.supercast.com If you are a student or can't afford a premium subscription right now, email me at [email protected] and we'll get you taken care of.

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: The Newburgh Conspiracy The Constitutional Convention The Federalist Papers Hamilton's time as Secretary of the Treasury The Reynolds Affair The Quasi-War The Adams Pamphlet His duel with Aaron Burr + more --- Sponsors: Speechify - Get an edge by processing information faster. Use this link for 15% off Speechify. Premium Tier - Subscribe for all my guide episodes, endnotes, and mini-episodes --- Sources: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Life of Alexander Hamilton by John C Hamilton --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson

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. --- Sponsors: Premium Tier - Subscribe for all my guide episodes, endnotes, and mini-episodes Becoming the Main Character --- Sources: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow The Life of Alexander Hamilton by John C Hamilton --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson Research assistance by Camille Doom

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! --- Sponsors: Cost of Glory How to Take Over the World Premium Podramp.io - Work with us to make podcasts - You can send me an email at [email protected]

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. --- To subscribe go to takeoverpod.supercast.com. Like this podcast and want to create one like it? Email [email protected] or learn more at podramp.io

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. --- Sponsors: How to Take Over the World Premium --- Sources: Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow George Washington and the New Nation: 1783-1793 George Washington: Anguish and Farewell 1793-1799 --- 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. --- Sponsors: How to Take Over the World Premium Speechify - Get an edge by processing information faster. Use this link for 15% off Speechify. --- Sources: Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow George Washington in the American Revolution (1775-1783) --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson Research assistance by Camille Doom

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. --- --- Sources: Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow George Washington: The Forge of Experience by James Thomas Flexner On Seriousness --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson Research assistance by Camille Doom

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. --- To subscribe go to takeoverpod.supercast.com. Like this podcast and want to create one like it? Email [email protected] 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. --- --- Sources: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing South by Ernest Shackleton Shackleton by Ranulph Fieness --- 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. --- Links: Sign up for premium Ask a question for the next AMA Raise a Genius! Mentava --- 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. --- Sponsors: Henson Shaving - Use code takeover for two free years of razor blades (just make sure to add them to your cart) Incogni - Use code takeover for 60% off an annual plan to protect your data. --- Sources: Caesar: A Sketch by James Anthony Froude --- Writing, research, and production by Ben Wilson.

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! --- Sponsors: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. --- 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 --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

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. --- Sponsors: Speechify.com/Ben - Get an edge by processing information faster. Use this link for 15% off Speechify Founders Episode 309 on Arnold Schwarzenegger --- 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 --- Writing and research by Ben Wilson. Production, and sound design by Ezra Bakker Trupiano.

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. --- Sponsors: Incogni.com/takeover - Use code takeover for 60% off an annual plan. --- 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. --- Sponsors: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. --- Sources: Titan by Ron Chernow Random Reminiscences of Men and Events --- 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. --- Sponsors: Big Shot episode with David Rubenstein Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. --- Sources: Titan by Ron Chernow Random Reminiscences of Men and Events --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

More of my takeaways about obsession, cloning yourself, keeping a schedule, and more. --- New Website: TakeOverPod.com Talk with Ben Ask a question for upcoming AMA episode YouTube Channel To sign up for premium tier, go here. If you are broke and would like to beg for premium tier, send me an email: [email protected]

To watch this episode on YouTube, tap here: https://youtu.be/xlwwhAeknkA ----- 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. ----- 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 - Eight years of failure 18:15 - Working on holidays 19:00 - This episode sponsored by Tamba.Digital 19:45 - Jimmy's rise 24:15 - Why does Jimmy work so hard? 28:00 - Why he consistently beats other YouTubers 31:00 - Jimmy's management approach 34:15 - Paying people well 37:30 - Bottlenecks 41:10 - Who he takes inspiration from 45:30 - When will Jimmy take over the world? 55:50 - MrBeast's legacy 58:50 - Lessons learned ----- * Thank you to Talmage Thayne and filmlaab for the awesome video support. * Thank you to this episode's sponsor: Tamba.Digital * To consult with me, go to takeoverpod.com/consult-with-ben * Follow me on Twitter @BenWilsonTweets

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 [email protected]. Also, check out my new website at TakeOverPod.com - major thanks to Tamba for the redesign. Sponsors: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. Tamba.Digital - For all of your website, web app, and mobile app design needs --- Sources: The Mind of Napoleon by J Christopher Herold Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts Napoleon: Soldier of Destiny by Michael Broers Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grade Armee by John Elting The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History by Alexander Mikaberidze --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

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: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. Sources: Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts Napoleon: Soldier of Destiny by Michael Broers Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grade Armee by John Elting The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History by Alexander Mikaberidze --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

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: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. --- Sources: Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts Napoleon: Soldier of Destiny by Michael Broers Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grade Armee by John Elting The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History by Alexander Mikaberidze --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson. Sound design assistance by Ezra Bakker Trupiano.

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. ----- Sponsors: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. Tamba.Digital - For all of your website, web app, and mobile app design needs Founders Podcast - To learn about the lives of even more great entreprenuers

TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE (AND ALL FUTURE BONUS CONTENT) SUBSCRIBE HERE ---> Takeoverpod.supercast.com ----- 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. ---- Follow me on social media: Twitter: @BenWilsonTweets Instagram: @HTTOTW

TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE (AND ALL FUTURE BONUS CONTENT) SUBSCRIBE HERE ---> Takeoverpod.supercast.com ----- 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! ---- 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. Sponsors: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. --- Sources: The Wright Brothers by David McCullough --- 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. Sponsors: Premium Feed - To hear every episode as it comes out, including endnotes, bonus episodes, and mini-episodes. --- Sources: The Wright Brothers by David McCullough --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE (AND ALL FUTURE BONUS CONTENT) SUBSCRIBE HERE ---> Takeoverpod.supercast.com ----- 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! ---- 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: LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign Founders Podcast Tamba.Digital - For all of your website, web app, and mobile app design needs --- Sources: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford The Secret History of the Mongols Empires of the Steppes: A History of the Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization by Kenneth Harl --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

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. Sponsors: LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign Indeed.com/Takeover - Use this link for $75 off your next hiring campaign Tamba.Digital - For all of your website, web app, and mobile app design needs --- Sources: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford The Secret History of the Mongols Empires of the Steppes: A History of the Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization by Kenneth Harl --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

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. --- Sponsors: LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign Indeed.com/Takeover - Use this link for $75 off your next hiring campaign Founders Podcast --- Sources: American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

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. --- Sponsors: LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign Indeed.com/Takeover - Use this link for $75 off your next hiring campaign Founders Podcast --- Sources: American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

Admiral Horatio Nelson's achievements and victories, including The Battle of Copenhagen and the battle of Trafalgar. --- Sponsors: LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign Founders Podcast --- Sources: The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson by Roger Knight Nelson: Britannia's God of War by Andrew Lambert --- 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. --- Sponsors: LinkedHacker.com/Ben - Follow this link for $100 off your next LinkedIn advertising campaign Founders Podcast --- Sources: The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson by Roger Knight Nelson: Britannia's God of War by Andrew Lambert --- Writing, production, and sound design by Ben Wilson.

Thoughts on Sir Humphrey Gilbert and his motto "Quid Non" and Benjamin Bloom and his famous "two sigma problem." --- Nintil on Bloom's Two Sigma Problem

My notes and takeaways from Make Something Wonderful: Steve Jobs in his own words. ----- Sponsors: Founders Podcast Upside Jobs

The second half of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci - artist, inventor, scientist, writer, playwright, and genius. --- Sources: Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson Leonardo Da Vinci by Kenneth Clark Leonardo Da Vinci biography by Vasari --- Writing and production by Ben Wilson.

The second half of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci - artist, inventor, scientist, writer, playwright, and genius. --- Sources: Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson Leonardo Da Vinci by Kenneth Clark Leonardo Da Vinci biography by Vasari --- Sponsors: CopyThat.com - Use code TakeOver for $20 off IdeationBootcamp.co - Use code Ben for $50 off --- 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. --- Sources: Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson Leonardo Da Vinci biography by Vasari --- Sponsors: CopyThat.com - Use code TakeOver for $20 off IdeationBootcamp.co - Use code Ben for $50 off --- 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. --- 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. --- 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's legacy, her greatest attributes, theories on the voices in her head, and more. Please consider supporting this episode's sponsors: If you are raising funds for your startup, please visit Capitaly.vc If you are thinking about selling your home, please visit Clever Sources: Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses Joan of Arc: A History Special Shoutout: Elle Leemay (@elle_leemay)