Study The Greats

In this video, I share my journey through the 19 books I read in 2024, reflecting on the lessons, stories, and insights that shaped my year. From exploring the lives of historical icons like John D. Rockefeller and Alexander the Great to diving into timeless self-help wisdom, these books offered a mix of inspiration, practical advice, and unforgettable narratives. Whether it’s learning to build be...

Was Philip II overshadowed by his famous son, or does he deserve his place among history’s greatest leaders? In this clip, I sit down with Alex Rowson, the author of The Young Alexander, to discuss the remarkable legacy of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Together, we delve into Philip’s incredible achievements, from uniting the Greek city-states to revolutionizing military tac...

Stanislav Petrov, often called "The Man Who Saved the World," demonstrated remarkable courage and level-headedness during a moment of unimaginable pressure. As a Soviet duty officer on September 26, 1983, he faced a dire decision when early warning systems falsely indicated an incoming U.S. nuclear missile strike. Trusting his intuition over protocol, Petrov chose not to report the launch, prevent...

In this 5-minute clip from my interview with Martin Dugard, New York Times best-selling author of Taking London: The Battle of Britain, we dive into the story of the British Royal Family during World War II. Martin shares fascinating insights into their efforts to boost morale, their steadfast leadership, and the surprising ways they connected with the people during the war. From their symbolic pr...

Prince Imperial, the heir to Napoleon III and the Bonaparte dynasty, was a symbol of resilience and determination. After the fall of the Second Empire, he joined the British Army, seeking purpose and honor in exile. Known for his bravery, the young prince volunteered for service in the Anglo-Zulu War, where he faced danger head-on. Tragically, his life was cut short during a Zulu ambush, a death t...

In 1911, the audacious theft of the Mona Lisa shocked the world. Strangely, the painting was not the universally beloved masterpiece we know today. It was this very act of theft that catapulted the Mona Lisa into global fame. The story centers on Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian handyman who believed he was reclaiming the painting for his homeland, convinced it had been stolen by Napoleon during his...

What happened to Alexander the Great’s tomb? In this video, I explore the mystery of Alexander the Great’s final resting place and dive into the intriguing history behind its disappearance. Joining me is Alex Rowson, the author of The Young Alexander, a captivating book that delves into the childhood and early years of one of history’s greatest leaders.

In this 6-minute clip from a one-hour interview with renowned historian David A. Bell, we unpack Napoleon’s disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia, where he lost 578,000 soldiers in just six months. Was it sheer arrogance or did Napoleon stand a real chance of success? What were the true causes of this catastrophic defeat—brutal winter, stretched supply lines, or Russian strategy? David offers his exp...

This is a 5-minute clip from my interview with Martin Dugard, New York Times best-selling author of Taking London: The Battle of Britain. In this segment, Martin talks about the incredible morale of Londoners during the Blitz and how they supported each other through unimaginable hardships. From community spirit to small acts of kindness, he explains how their resilience and unity became a beacon...

The astonishing true story of Emperor Caracalla, the infamous Roman ruler whose real-life escapades are far more shocking than anything portrayed in Gladiator II. Known for his ruthless ambition and merciless actions, Caracalla's legacy is steeped in betrayal, violence, and a thirst for power that makes him one of history's most chilling figures. From the brutal murder of his brother Geta—an act c...

Niuta Teitelbaum, also known as "Little Wanda with the Braids," was one of the Polish Underground’s most fearless operatives during World War II. Disguised as an innocent girl, she struck fear into the Nazis, assassinating SS officers and Gestapo agents with precision and courage. From sneaking into Nazi headquarters to taking out her enemies face-to-face, Little Wanda became the Nazis' worst nigh...

In this interview, Alex Deane discusses his fascinating book "Lessons from History", a joyful exploration of overlooked figures and events that shaped the past. Originally born from his viral #deanehistory stories during lockdown, the book dives into quirky, poignant tales of eccentricity and endeavor. From Stanislav Petrov saving the world to Louis-Napoléon’s forgotten legacy, Alex brings history...

Was Andrew Jackson really America’s worst great president? He’s hailed as a war hero, the champion of the common man, and the tough frontiersman who reshaped American democracy. But behind the accolades, Jackson's presidency casts a long shadow. From his brutal enforcement of the Indian Removal Act—leading to the tragic Trail of Tears—to his relentless war on the Bank of the United States, Jackson...

What does it take to create 50,000 works of art? In this video, we explore the mind and methods of Pablo Picasso, the legendary artist who produced an astonishing body of work over his lifetime. From quick sketches on napkins to iconic masterpieces, Picasso’s relentless drive made him one of the most prolific creators in history. Discover the daily habits, mindset, and unconventional rules that fu...

Why did the British hold such admiration for Hitler in the 1930s? By the end of the Second World War, Hitler's name became synonymous with unimaginable evil, yet during the early 1930s, he was often viewed simply as another European leader. Many in Britain, especially within influential circles, saw promise in his achievements. They admired his role in revitalizing Germany's economy, restoring nat...

In this interview, i speak with Martin Dugard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, about his latest book, "Taking London." The book explores England's fight against Nazi Germany during the summer of 1940, focusing on the Battle of Britain. We discuss how Winston Churchill, as the new prime minister, inspired the nation to stand firm against the Nazi threat and how Air Vice-Marshall Hugh Dowd...

Discover the shocking story of Edward VIII, the British king who abdicated the throne for love and became entangled in one of the darkest controversies of the 20th century. This video dives into two burning questions: 1. Why did Edward VIII abdicate the throne after less than a year? 2. Was he truly a Nazi sympathizer? Explore his scandalous relationship with Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced Ame...

In this video, we break down the exact process Albert Einstein used to develop his most groundbreaking ideas: Curiosity, Imagination, and Simplicity. These three principles helped him achieve his greatest breakthroughs, and they can help you too. Discover how curiosity drives innovation, how imagination fosters creative thinking, and how simplicity leads to clear, effective solutions. #alberteinst...

Hürrem Sultan, known as Roxelana, rose from the depths of slavery to become the most influential woman in the Ottoman Empire, redefining power dynamics in a male-dominated society. Born around 1504 in what is now Ukraine, her life took a dramatic turn when she was captured and brought to the Imperial Harem, where she quickly captured the heart of Sultan Suleiman. In this video, we delve into Roxel...

John D. Rockefeller, Sr., built one of the largest fortunes in history, controlling 90% of U.S. oil during his peak. Despite growing up in poverty, his wealth was estimated between $300 to $400 billion when he passed. In this video, we explore Rockefeller's brilliant business strategies, his childhood, and the life lessons that led to his unprecedented success. Learn how his focus on cost-cutting,...

In this video, we dive into three incredible stories that reveal Michael Jackson's genius—not just as a singer, songwriter, and dancer, but also as a visionary businessman, inventor, and fashion icon. From inventing the famous anti-gravity shoe seen in Smooth Criminal, to pulling off one of the biggest music catalog deals with Sony/ATV, and redefining fashion in entertainment, Jackson's influence...

This is one of my all time favorite conversations. The depth of knowledge David A. Bell has about Napoleon and the Napoleonic era is truly fascinating. David, an American historian, is the author of Napoleon: A Concise Biography, a brilliantly compact book at just 113 pages. In this interview, we explore the rise and fall of Napoleon, with a particular focus on what made him so extraordinary—his b...

In this YouTube video, I focus on Tiger Woods and how his parents meticulously planned his childhood to ensure his path to greatness. From early exposure to golf to the psychological strategies used by his father, this video breaks down the key elements that contributed to Tiger's extraordinary success. This video is part of my research for an upcoming book, where I study the secrets behind the su...

In this video, I share the incredible story of Alistair Urquhart, a man who survived 1,356 days as a prisoner of war during World War II. From enduring brutal torture, forced labor on the infamous Death Railway, and 5 days adrift in shark-infested waters, to surviving the Nagasaki atomic bomb, Urquhart's resilience is nothing short of extraordinary. His story has profoundly changed my perspective...

I'm currently writing a book myself, so I've been reading a lot lately, which inspired me to make this video on how I turned reading into a daily habit. I share five simple strategies that have worked for me: the "1-page rule," using the HabitShare app for accountability, listening to audiobooks while reading, eliminating distractions, and not being afraid to abandon books that don't captivate you...