Epic Disruptions

11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World

By: Scott D. Anthony

Narrated by: Scott D. Anthony, Gary Tiedemann

From gunpowder to generative AI, the forces of disruption are repeatedly rewriting the rules of business, society, and human possibility. But what drives these revolutionary changes?

In Epic Disruptions, innovation expert Scott Anthony weaves together the stories behind history's most transformative disruptions. Through eleven pivotal innovations, Anthony reveals the hidden patterns behind world-changing breakthroughs. But Epic Disruptions goes beyond just celebrating invention. Through storytelling and analysis, Anthony introduces the iconoclasts who dared to think differently—the Renaissance-era scientists, French-cooking enthusiasts, and corporate visionaries who saw opportunities others missed. He decodes how genuine disruption actually happens, stripping away the mythology.

As artificial intelligence and other technologies promise to unleash another wave of transformation, Epic Disruptions arrives at the perfect moment—offering innovators and curious listeners a fascinating exploration of how radical change reshapes industries, launches new powers, and occasionally changes everything.

This audiobook includes a bonus afterword not included in the print edition.

©2025 Scott D. Anthony (P)2025 Ascent Audio

Great examples of disruptions in history

I really enjoyed this book and its use of historical innovations that disrupted the world in their time. The author’s enthusiasm shines through.

Good perspective on disruption

As a student of disruptive innovation, I found Epic Disruptions as an engaging listen. The historical perspective that Scott has painted sets the stage very well. While one is aware of the examples cited, seeing them in the light of disruptive innovations was a very interesting experience. The order in which the 11 examples are described keeps the listener's interest.
Attention to the details and context of the examples takes one back to times these stories relate to.
The ending is as powerful.

Like being in an MBA class in the best way possible

Loved the story telling approach and the entertaining coverage of concepts. Would recommend to anyone interested in innovation, history or business

Not what expected.

Disappointed this made the JPM Next list. Expected something original. And way too much glazing of Clay Christensen (who was a great thinker and teacher but made the book come across as the author copying Clay vs his own original thought or perspective.)