A History of the Future

The cold, vast plains of Eastern Europe bear witness to a dark and ancient history.
In this episode, Ewen tells the story of Russia. Hear the sounds of ancient contests between settled people of the riverlands and the fierce, horse-riding nomads of the open steppe. Learn of the rise and fall of kingdoms amid the waterways and deep forests of the Russian heartlands. Discover Russia’s long history of imperial triumphs and violent invasions, of kings and revolutions, of war and peace; and enter the eye of the Kremlin, as its gaze looks west.
How has Russia’s geography and ancient past shaped the country today? What motivates Russia’s powerful and often tyrannical leaders? And what will happen when Vladimir Putin falls at last?
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Musical themes, tracks and elements in this episode are licenced via PremiumBeat, a Shutterstock company. Additional Royalty Free Tracks have been used in specific chapters as per the list below:
(Introduction - 2026 & Beyond) "Endless" by Lucas King @lucaskingpiano (YouTube)
(Antiquities) "You are the Almighty God" - Nikos Politis
(Antiquities) "Sons of Mars" - Farya Faraji
(The Mongols) Shamanic Ritual - Sacred Soundscapes
(The Slavs) "Lost"- Filip Lackovic
(Medieval Times) "Orthodox Chat" - Steve Oxen, Fesliyan Studios
(Tsars & Soviets) "Varchavianka" performed by the Red Army Choir
(2026 & Beyond) "Suspense Rises" by Soundridemusic

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A translation of Vladimir Putin's words in chapter 2026 & Beyond:
"With your ambition"
"Incompetence and pure greed"
"You have held these people hostage"
"It is absolutely unacceptable"

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A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via [email protected].
Host: Ewen Levick
Executive Producer: Steve Visscher
Voiceovers: Kevin Hillier
Yaffa Media - © 2026

In the dusty uplands of eastern Asia begins the story of three rivers that became the lifeblood of a superpower.
In this episode, Ewen Levick tells the story of China. He explores how civilisation first arose in the floodplains of three major river deltas, some of the most fertile and abundant lands on Earth. Hear the story of the first dynasties and how they took a sign from the heavens as their mandate to rule. Discover China’s long history of golden ages and violent collapse, of philosophy and invention, of war and tribute; and hear how it all came crashing down in the Industrial Age, only to rise again in the 21st century.
How has China’s ancient past shaped the country we know today? What do China’s leaders fear most of all? And are the US and China destined to go to war?
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A History of the Future is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Yaffa Media (www.yaffa.com.au). If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Yaffa Digital via [email protected].
Host: Ewen Levick
Executive Producer: Steve Visscher
Yaffa Media - © 2026