Episode Details

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jeffrey Kildow, a writer and history enthusiast whose guiding mantra is, “Those who don’t know history are condemned to repeat it.” Jeffrey’s deep curiosity about the past, shaped by his early belief in this powerful idea, led not just to lifelong learning but also to the creation of his novel, Nazi Menace—an alternative history of World War II. Our conversation explored how history is more than dry facts; it’s a tapestry of stories and lessons that shape every generation, whether we recognize it or not. Jeffrey shared how a passion for history (sparked by family stories and his own military service) fuels both his writing and his worldview. We discussed why schools too often overlook history, the value of “watching your six,” and the impact of imagining “what if?” in both personal and global decision-making. This episode is a reminder: when we reflect on the past, we gain the wisdom to move forward more thoughtfully in the present.

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Connect With Jeffrey Kildow

Website: https://jeffkildow.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction And Welcome

00:22 Meet Jeffrey Kildow

01:00 The Meaning Behind The Quote

01:43 History’s Truths And Childhood Beliefs

02:07 Lessons From Pearl Harbor

03:09 Evolving Wisdom On History

04:06 Why History Is Neglected

05:07 The Boredom Of History Classes

06:19 Patterns Repeating In Today’s World

07:26 Power Struggles And Impasse

08:44 The Importance Of Trust

09:47 Intention Versus Capacity

10:32 Childhood Rivalries And Global Conflicts

11:28 The Spark Behind World War I

12:20 Kaiser Wilhelm And World War Tensions

13:04 Naval Power And Arms Race

13:39 History Inspiring Alternative Novels

15:26 Weaving History Into Storytelling

17:49 The Power Of Asking “What If?”

21:06 Recommended Eras To Study

22:36 Personal Lessons From History

23:20 Making History Relevant

24:56 Finding Interest In History

25:18 How To Get The Book

26:04 Episode Wrap-Up And Farewell