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This Day in Esoteric Political History
This Day in Esoteric Political History
Jody Avirgan & Radiotopia

We’re living in unprecedented times. Maybe. In this show, Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer and Kellie Carter Jackson (and guests) take one moment,... more

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Episodes

Death On The Lot: Hollywood's Wild Labor History w/ Brian Steele and Hadley Meares

As it happens, the This Day team has a bunch of cool new projects coming out over the next week... more

08 Jun 2023 · 30 minutes
The Obama Oral History Project Is Here

As it happens, the This Day team has a bunch of cool new projects coming out over the next week... more

06 Jun 2023 · 22 minutes
An Ode To The Obit w/ Don Van Natta and Jacob Feldman

As it happens, the This Day team has a bunch of cool new projects coming out over the next week... more

04 Jun 2023 · 22 minutes
You Get A Podcast!

As it happens, the This Day team has a bunch of cool new projects coming out over the next week... more

01 Jun 2023 · 27 minutes
Etan Patz And The Rise Of "Stranger Danger" (1979)

It’s May 30th. This day in 1979, a Manhattan 6-year-old by the name of Etan Patz goes missing on his... more

30 May 2023 · 19 minutes
Memorial Rerun: The Vietnam Memorial Controversy

It’s Memorial Day — today we’re bringing you an episode from the archives to mark the weekend. We’ll be back... more

28 May 2023 · 15 minutes
Addy, American Girl Doll (Part 2) w/ Aisha Harris

We’re doing a special two-part series on the American Girl Doll line of historical dolls! This is part two. Jody, Niki,... more

25 May 2023 · 24 minutes
American Girl Doll (Part 1) w/ Aisha Harris

We’re doing a special two-part series on the American Girl Doll line of historical dolls! Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined... more

23 May 2023 · 24 minutes
William Burns, America's Sherlock Holmes (1934)

It’s May 21st. This day in 1934, William Burns resigns from the Bureau of Investigations in scandal, replaced by J... more

21 May 2023 · 16 minutes
The Bath School Bombing (1927)

It’s May 18th. This day in 1927, a man detonated bombs at a school in Bath, Michigan, killing dozens of... more

18 May 2023 · 15 minutes
Wounded Knee '73 (1973)

It’s May 16th. This day in 1973, a 70-day standoff at Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation comes to... more

16 May 2023 · 18 minutes
RFK's Fateful Meeting With Baldwin And Belafonte (1963) w/ Paul Kix

It’s the second of two episodes we’re doing with Paul Kix about the critical weeks in Birmingham, Alabama in May... more

14 May 2023 · 28 minutes
The Gaston Bombing in Birmingham (1963) w/ Paul Kix

It’s May 11th. This day in 1963, a series of bombs explode in Birmingham, Alabama — one at the hotel... more

11 May 2023 · 20 minutes
Biden Spoils Obama's Gay Marriage Evolution (2012) w/ Sasha Issenberg

It’s May 9th. This day in 2012, President Obama gives an interview in which he expresses his support for gay... more

09 May 2023 · 31 minutes
Clinton Boxers or Briefs (1994) w/ Kelsey and Alex from Normal Gossip

It’s May 7th. This day in 1994, during a town hall airing on MTV, President Bill Clinton is asked whether... more

07 May 2023 · 21 minutes
Anne Royall, Common Scold (1826) w/ Kelsey and Alex from Normal Gossip

We’re doing a couple episodes on moments of historical gossip with our new Radiotopia pals from the show Normal Gossip. Today,... more

04 May 2023 · 23 minutes
USS Jamestown Helps Ireland (1847)

It’s May 2nd. In 1847, a US military ship, the USS Jamestown, was loaded up with food and other relief... more

02 May 2023 · 12 minutes
The Caning of Michael Fay (1994)

It’s April 30th. This day in 1994, an 18-year-old American named Michael Fay is awaiting his punishment in Singapore for... more

30 Apr 2023 · 15 minutes
The Abu Ghraib Photos (2004)

It’s April 27th. In 2004, a report aired on 60 Minutes II featuring reports and photos of abuse by American... more

27 Apr 2023 · 24 minutes
Sybill's Midnight Ride (1777)

It’s April 25th. In 1777, a 16-year-old by the name of Sybil Luddington went on a 40-mile nighttime ride to... more

25 Apr 2023 · 15 minutes
Recent Favorite: Colored Conventions (1830)

We’re re-running some favorite recent episodes this week, and will be back with brand new episodes very soon! It’s December 4th.... more

23 Apr 2023 · 15 minutes
Recent Favorite: Franklin in France (1776) w/ Mike Duncan

We’re re-running some favorite recent episodes this week, and will be back with brand new episodes very soon! It’s October 4th.... more

20 Apr 2023 · 33 minutes
Recent Favorite: JFK Almost Assassinated (1960)

We’re re-running some favorite recent episodes this week, and will be back with brand new episodes very soon! It’s December 15th.... more

18 Apr 2023 · 12 minutes
DC, Not A Swamp (1810)

It’s April 13th. This day 1810, a new canal is being built in Washington, DC in an attempt to give... more

13 Apr 2023 · 18 minutes
Reverse Freedom Rides (1962)

It’s April 11th. This day in 1962, ads are appearing in Louisiana newspapers offering one-way bus rides to northern cities... more

11 Apr 2023 · 16 minutes
Rosewood Reparations (1994)

It’s April 8th. This day in 1994, the Florida legislature passed a bill that would offer some reparations and support... more

09 Apr 2023 · 18 minutes
The Tank Fire-Nado (1926)

It’s April 6th. This day in 1926, a massive oil fire near San Luis Obispo, California is enveloping the area... more

06 Apr 2023 · 13 minutes
Mecham: Worst Governor Ever? (1990)

It’s April 3rd. This day in 1990, the Arizona Senate votes to remove Governor Evan Mecham from office — for... more

04 Apr 2023 · 18 minutes
The Hippo Meat Plan (1910) w/ Dan Pashman

It’s April 2nd. This day in 1910, a Louisiana senator proposes allocating a quarter of a million dollars to import... more

02 Apr 2023 · 26 minutes
The Oyster Wars (1959) w/ Christine Keiner

It’s March 20th. This day in 1959, a skirmish between the fisheries police and an oyster boat results in the... more

30 Mar 2023 · 19 minutes
H1N1 Reaches America (2009) w/ James Hamblin

It’s March 27th. This day in 2009, the US is responding to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu, which would... more

28 Mar 2023 · 24 minutes
A Confederate Day of Fasting and Prayer (1863)

It’s March 27th. This day in 1863, Jefferson Davis declared a “day of fasting and prayer” to support the Confederate... more

26 Mar 2023 · 18 minutes
Uncle Sam Is Born (1852)

It’s March 23rd. This is, in some ways, the birthday of Uncle Sam — it was the first time that... more

23 Mar 2023 · 16 minutes
Uncle Tom's Cabin, Bestseller (1852)

It’s March 20th. This day in 1852, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is the best-selling book in the country, capturing a growing... more

21 Mar 2023 · 13 minutes
The Spitzer Scandal Breaks (2008) w/ Azi Paybarah

It’s March 19th. In 2008 (on March 17th) New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned after a week of reports about... more

19 Mar 2023 · 32 minutes
Evacuation: A Very Boston Holiday (1901)

It’s March 16th. Today we mark Evacuation Day (technically the 17th), a day in which Boston marks the retreat of... more

16 Mar 2023 · 16 minutes
Ike's War On Squirrels (1955)

It’s March 13th. This day in 1955, news breaks that the White House is engaged in a full-on battle against... more

14 Mar 2023 · 14 minutes
Ruby Robinson and SNCC (1961)

It’s March 12th. This day in 1961, an Atlanta woman by the name of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson joins the... more

12 Mar 2023 · 16 minutes
Nixon Sneaks Into China (1972)

It’s March 9th. In 1972, President Richard Nixon made a surprise visit to China, meeting with leaders and sending images... more

09 Mar 2023 · 13 minutes
Lincoln's Almost-Assassin (1869)

It’s March 7th. IN 1869, President Andrew Johnson pardoned a man by the name of Samuel Arnold — who had... more

07 Mar 2023 · 18 minutes
Superman Gets Sold For $130 (1938) w/ Glen Weldon

It’s March 5th. In 1938, the two original creators of Superman sold the character to what would become DC Comics... more

05 Mar 2023 · 28 minutes
Thatcher Meets Reagan (1981) w/ Dan Snow

It’s March 2nd. In 1981, in late February, UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher travelled to the United States to meet... more

02 Mar 2023 · 25 minutes
Clinton In Quebec (1995)

It’s February 27th. This day in 1995, President Bill Clinton is in Canada, where he offers seemingly-bland remarks about the... more

28 Feb 2023 · 18 minutes
Good Sport Week: Aging and Growth

Jody has a new podcast series! It’s called “Good Sport” and all this week we’re featuring episodes. Be sure to... more

26 Feb 2023 · 11 minutes
Good Sport Week: What Stadiums Can Teach Us

Jody has a new podcast series! It’s called “Good Sport” and all this week we’re featuring episodes. Be sure to... more

23 Feb 2023 · 17 minutes
Fat Tuesday Special: Integrating Mardis Gras (1992) w/ Oliver Thomas

It’s Fat Tuesday, Jody is in New Orleans, and today we’re bringing you an episode we did last year about... more

21 Feb 2023 · 25 minutes
Good Sport Week: Limbaugh and Sports Talk (2003)

Jody has a new podcast series! It’s called “Good Sport” and all this week we’re featuring episodes. Be sure to... more

19 Feb 2023 · 16 minutes
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day (1988)

It’s February 16th — Elizabeth Peratrovich Day! Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the life and work of Alaska Native cativist Elizabeth... more

16 Feb 2023 · 12 minutes
Gandhi Meets the US Civil Rights Movement (1936)

It’s February 14th. This day in 1936, a delegation of US civil rights activists is touring India, where they would... more

14 Feb 2023 · 13 minutes
Utah Grants And Un-Grants Women The Right To Vote (1870)

It’s February 12th. This day in 1870, women in Utah become the first in the country to cast ballots in... more

12 Feb 2023 · 12 minutes
The Beating of Isaac Woodard (1946) w/ Matthew Delmont

It’s February 9th. In 1946, a recently-returned World War II vet by the name of Isaac Woodard is beaten by... more

09 Feb 2023 · 26 minutes
Tractorcade! (1979)

It’s February 7th. This day in 1979, thousands of tractors descended on Washington, D.C. as part of a protest over... more

07 Feb 2023 · 13 minutes
Huey Long Invents a Bank Holiday (1933)

It’s February 4th. This day in 1933, Louisiana Senator Huey Long invents a holiday out of whole cloth in order... more

05 Feb 2023 · 22 minutes
Laddie Boy! First Celebrity Presidential Pet (1929)

It’s February 2nd. This day in 1929, Laddie Boy died and the country mourned. Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss Warren Harding’s... more

02 Feb 2023 · 12 minutes
Carter Hacks Iowa (1976)

It’s January 31st. This day in 1976, Jimmy Carter is coming out of Iowa having rocketed to the top of... more

31 Jan 2023 · 17 minutes
Elian Gonzalez, Stuck in the US (2000) w/ Geraldo Cadava

It’s January 29th. This day in 2000, the Cuban relatives of Elian Gonzalez are in the United States arguing that... more

29 Jan 2023 · 27 minutes
The Black Panther Breakfast Program (1969) w/ Mary Phillips

It’s January 26th. This day in 1969, free meals are being handed out to kids in Oakland, California as part... more

26 Jan 2023 · 25 minutes
The Billy Possum Craze (1909)

It’s January 24th. This day in 1909, the administration of William Howard Taft has gone completely possum crazy — and... more

24 Jan 2023 · 15 minutes
The Lumbees vs. the KKK (1958)

It’s January 22nd. This day in 1958, near Maxton, North Carolina, a KKK rally was broken up by a group... more

22 Jan 2023 · 18 minutes
The Donkey and the Elephant (1870)

It’s January 19h. This day in 1870, a political cartoon by Thomas Mast depicts a donkey to represent southern Democrats.... more

19 Jan 2023 · 20 minutes
Topsy the Elephant is Electrocuted (1903)

It’s January 16th. This day in 1903, film of the electrocution of an elephant, Topsy, is being viewed in kinetoscopes... more

17 Jan 2023 · 23 minutes
McKinley Lost-Causes The Civil War (1898)

It’s January 15th. In the winter of 1898-99, at the end of the Spanish-American War, President McKinley is touring the... more

15 Jan 2023 · 19 minutes
Recent Favorite: Family Jewels w/ Rick Perlstein

Here’s a recent favorite episode — the first part of a four-part series we did on the Church Committee hearings.... more

12 Jan 2023 · 28 minutes
Recent Favorite: The Dominion of Melchizedek (1993)

Here’s a recent favorite episode — we’ll be back real soon with new stories! It’s June 2nd. This day in 1993,... more

10 Jan 2023 · 14 minutes
On The Media: The Divided Dial

This episode, we bring you a favorite conversation from our friends at On The Media. They have a whole new... more

08 Jan 2023 · 29 minutes
In The Bubble: Ken Burns on Franklin, Public Health, and More

This episode, we bring you a favorite conversation from our friends at In The Bubble with host Andy Slavitt. Here... more

05 Jan 2023 · 37 minutes
Ask Us Anything (Part 2)

Happy New Year! To kick off 2023, we’re answering a bunch of your questions about things big and small. Thanks... more

03 Jan 2023 · 26 minutes
Ask Us Anything (Part 1)

Happy New Year! To kick of 2023, we’re answering a bunch of your questions about things big and small. Thanks... more

01 Jan 2023 · 29 minutes
Stuff That Inspired Us: Popular Work

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** As 2022 comes... more

29 Dec 2022 · 39 minutes
Stuff That Inspired Us: Academic Work

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** As 2022 comes... more

27 Dec 2022 · 32 minutes
The Reagan Astrology Scandal w/ Mangesh Hattikudur (1988)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 25th.... more

25 Dec 2022 · 25 minutes
Karl Rove's "IT Guru" and the 2004 Ohio Rumor Mill (2008)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 22nd.... more

22 Dec 2022 · 21 minutes
Ford on "Dynasty" (1983)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 20th.... more

20 Dec 2022 · 15 minutes
JFK Almost Assassinated (1960)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 15th.... more

15 Dec 2022 · 13 minutes
Bernie Madoff's Pyramid Collapses (2008)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 13th.... more

13 Dec 2022 · 20 minutes
Sandy Hook Conspiracies Take Root (2012)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** On December 14th,... more

11 Dec 2022 · 23 minutes
The Video Game Freakout (1993)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 8th.... more

08 Dec 2022 · 19 minutes
The Nullification Crisis and the Almost-Civil-War (1832)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 6th.... more

06 Dec 2022 · 16 minutes
Colored Conventions Movement (1830)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 4th.... more

04 Dec 2022 · 14 minutes
The First Email. Probably. (1971)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 1st.... more

01 Dec 2022 · 17 minutes
Jews To Alaska (1938)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 29th.... more

29 Nov 2022 · 13 minutes
401 Episodes! w/ Jacob Feldman

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 27th.... more

27 Nov 2022 · 12 minutes
400 Episodes! (pt 1) w/ Jacob Feldman

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 24th.... more

24 Nov 2022 · 17 minutes
The Jekyll Island Secret Meeting (1910) w/ Jacob Goldstein

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 22nd.... more

22 Nov 2022 · 23 minutes
Jaywalking (1923) w/ Doug Gordon

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 20th.... more

20 Nov 2022 · 25 minutes
Trotter Confronts Wilson (1914)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 17th.... more

17 Nov 2022 · 17 minutes
Denver Rejects The Olympics (1972)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 15th.... more

15 Nov 2022 · 18 minutes
The GOP Reckoning Report (2012)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s November 12th.... more

13 Nov 2022 · 26 minutes
The Colored Conventions Movement (1830)

*** The Radiotopia fundraiser is happening right now! Support this show by becoming a member today: https://on.prx.org/3Ehr3B6 *** It’s December 3rd.... more

10 Nov 2022 · 14 minutes
Election Day Special: Reporting The Results w/ Jad Abumrad

It’s election day here in the United States. We hope you’ve already voted, or maybe are reading this while you’re... more

08 Nov 2022 · 37 minutes
Mid-Terms Week: NJ Voter Intimidation (1981)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

06 Nov 2022 · 24 minutes
Mid-Terms Week: The First Blue Wave (1826)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

03 Nov 2022 · 12 minutes
Mid-Terms Week: 1946 Changes Everything (1946)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

01 Nov 2022 · 15 minutes
Mid-Terms Week: I'm Not A Witch (2010)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

30 Oct 2022 · 19 minutes
Polling Week: Let's Get Thermostatic w/ Harry Enten

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

27 Oct 2022 · 20 minutes
Polling Week: The Red Wave (1994) w/ Harry Enten

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

25 Oct 2022 · 17 minutes
Polling Week: Harry Reid's Upset (2010) w/ Harry Enten

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

23 Oct 2022 · 19 minutes
Referendum Week: Prop 13 (1978)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

20 Oct 2022 · 15 minutes
Referendum Week: The Badass Grandmas of North Dakota (2018) w/ Joshua Graham Lynn

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

18 Oct 2022 · 14 minutes
Referendum Week: Direct Democracy In Action (1778) w/ Joshua Graham Lynn

In the run-up to the November election, we’re doing a number of episodes that may help you track and process... more

16 Oct 2022 · 26 minutes
Mid-Term Favorites: The Murkowski Write-In (2010)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re taking on and revisiting some of our favorite mid-term related topics. Today,... more

13 Oct 2022 · 14 minutes
Mid-Term Favorites: Paul Wellstone Plane Crash (2002)

In the run-up to the November election, we’re taking on and revisiting some of our favorite mid-term related topics. Today,... more

11 Oct 2022 · 20 minutes
Mid-Term Favorites: Contract with America (1994) w/ Kirsten Soltis Anderson

In the run-up to the November election, we’re taking on and revisiting some of our favorite mid-term related topics. Today,... more

09 Oct 2022 · 22 minutes
The Whiskey Rebellion and the Fear Of The Tax Collector (1794)

It’s October 6th. In 1794, violent skirmishes are breaking out in Western Pennsylvania as the newly formed country tries to... more

06 Oct 2022 · 22 minutes
Franklin in France (1776) w/ Mike Duncan

It’s October 4th. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin is headed to France as the Continental Congress’s first diplomat, looking to secure... more

04 Oct 2022 · 32 minutes
Rudy vs Brooklyn Museum (1999) w/ Harry Siegel

It’s October 2nd. This day in 1999, a First Amendment battle is brewing between New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani... more

02 Oct 2022 · 28 minutes
Rural Free Delivery (1896)

It’s September 29th. This day in 1896, a postal worker sets out to deliver the mail to ten rural towns... more

29 Sep 2022 · 18 minutes
No Crime Day (1986) w/ Josh Levin

It’s September 27th. This day in 1986, NBA star Isaiah Thomas promoted “No Crime Day” in the city of Detroit. Jody,... more

27 Sep 2022 · 23 minutes
Pauli Murray Shoots Her Shot (1971)

It’s September 25th. In 1971, the longtime activist and law professor Pauli Murray wrote a letter to Richard Nixon nominating... more

25 Sep 2022 · 17 minutes
Dogs as Deflection: Fala and Checkers (1944/1952)

It’s September 22nd. Today, we visit two speeches that used anecdotes about dogs to deflect and charm. In 1944, FDR... more

22 Sep 2022 · 21 minutes
The Cleveland BalloonFest Fiasco (1986) w/ Clare Malone

It’s September 19th. In 1986, the city of Cleveland decided to stage a charity event in which they released millions... more

20 Sep 2022 · 24 minutes
Romney's Secret 47% Tape (2012) w/ David Corn

It’s September 17th. In 2012, durig the home stretch of the presidential election, a secretly-recorded tape of Mitt Romney at... more

18 Sep 2022 · 36 minutes
The Christiana Resistance (1851)

It’s September 15th. This day in 1851, a dramatic showdown takes place in Christiana, Pennsylvania over four fugitive enslaved people... more

15 Sep 2022 · 19 minutes
The Basket Of Deplorables (2016)

It’s September 13th. This day in 2016, comments from Hillary Clinton about how half of Trump supporters can be put... more

13 Sep 2022 · 23 minutes
Partisans Week: Clinton Chronicles VHS (1994)

Nicole Hemmer has a new book out! It’s called “Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s.”... more

11 Sep 2022 · 16 minutes
Partisans Week: Buchanan at Smuggler's Gulch (1992)

Nicole Hemmer has a new book out! It’s called “Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s.”... more

08 Sep 2022 · 16 minutes
Partisans Week: Black Helicopters (1995)

Nicole Hemmer has a new book out! It’s called “Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s.”... more

06 Sep 2022 · 17 minutes
The Mystery of LBJ's "Box 13" (1948) w/ Mark Lawrence

It’s September 4th. In 1948, a heated Texas Senate primary comes down to a very mysterious box of ballots found... more

04 Sep 2022 · 29 minutes
Brownie, Heckuva Job (2005)

It’s September 1st. In 2005, in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, George W Bush offered praise to the... more

01 Sep 2022 · 18 minutes
Lincoln's Avenger (1894)

It’s August 30th. This day in 1894, a man by the name of Thomas H “Boston” Corbett is presumed dead... more

30 Aug 2022 · 17 minutes
Biden Bites Kinnock (1987)

It’s August 27th. This day in 1987, rumors are building that Joe Biden had plagiarized remarks from British politician Neil... more

28 Aug 2022 · 20 minutes
Port Chicago Mutiny (1944)

It’s August 25th. In 1944, a group of sailors at Port Chicago in California are facing mutiny charges, after refusing... more

25 Aug 2022 · 17 minutes
Wooed By Mussolini (1926)

It’s August 22nd. Throughout the late summer of 1926, legendary journalist Ida Tarbell is publishing a series of flattering profiles... more

23 Aug 2022 · 16 minutes
Hoover Feeds Russia (1922)

It’s August 19th. This day in 1922, a massive food relief program is underway, with tons of American supplies headed... more

21 Aug 2022 · 15 minutes
The Roots of "Roots" (1976)

It’s August 18th. This day in 1976, Alex Haley’s sprawling epic Roots hits the bookshelves. It quickly caused a sensation... more

18 Aug 2022 · 15 minutes
The Acquittal of Joan Little (1975)

It’s August 16th. This day in 1975, a woman by the name of Joan Little was acquitted of murder —... more

16 Aug 2022 · 14 minutes
The Benghazi Memo (2012) w/ Leon Neyfakh

It’s August 14th. In 2012, on August 16th, a State Department memo was sent regarding the security of the U.S.... more

14 Aug 2022 · 26 minutes
The Irish-American Gun-Runners (1973) w/ Nate Lavey

It’s August 11th. This day in 1973, a group of Irish-Americans known as “The Fort Worth Five” are caught up... more

11 Aug 2022 · 31 minutes
TN Week: Elvis, Cash, and Tricky Dick (1972) w/ Jane Carr

Big news! Niki Hemmer is moving to Vanderbilt University to teach and found a center on the presidency. To help... more

09 Aug 2022 · 20 minutes
TN Week: State of Franklin (1784) w/ Jane Carr

Big news! Niki Hemmer is moving to Vanderbilt University to teach and found a center on the presidency. To help... more

07 Aug 2022 · 20 minutes
TN Week: Saint Dolly w/ Jad Abumrad

Big news! Niki Hemmer is moving to Vanderbilt University to teach and found a center on the presidency. To help... more

04 Aug 2022 · 27 minutes
What About Your Gaffes (2012)

It’s July 31st, 2012. This day, on the campaign trail, a reporter shouts a question at Mitt Romney: “What about... more

02 Aug 2022 · 17 minutes
The Sinking of Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior (1985) w/ Adam McKay

It’s July 31st. This day in 1985, two divers acting on behalf of the French government planted bombs on the... more

31 Jul 2022 · 22 minutes
Morris The Cat And Adam McKay's Big Break (1992) w/ Adam McKay

It’s July 28th. This day in 1992, “Morris The Cat,” the feline spokesperson for Nine Lives cat food, is in... more

28 Jul 2022 · 24 minutes
Bush Gets Stuck In A Bog (1995)

It’s July 26th. This day in 1995, former President George HW Bush gets stuck neck-deep in a Canadian bog while... more

26 Jul 2022 · 13 minutes
The ADA Changes Everything (1990)

It’s July 24th. This day in 1990, President George HW Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act, after decades of... more

24 Jul 2022 · 15 minutes
DC's Red Summer (1919)

It’s July 21st. This day in Washington, DC, racialized violence is sweeping the city, part of what is known as... more

21 Jul 2022 · 18 minutes
The McDonald's Massacre (1984) w/ Cari Babitzke

It’s July 19th. This day in 1984, a gunman killed 21 people at a McDonald’s in San Isidro, California. It... more

19 Jul 2022 · 19 minutes
The Wallace What-If (1944)

It’s July 17th. This day in 1944, there are real questions about who will be the Vice Presidential nominee going... more

17 Jul 2022 · 17 minutes
Nelson Hackett's Escape -- and Return -- from Canada (1844)

It’s July 14th. This day in 1844, a formerly enslaved man by the name of Nelson Hackett is being sent... more

14 Jul 2022 · 15 minutes
The Great Upheaval (Railroad Strike Version) (1877)

It’s July 12th. This day in 1877, a railroad worker strike is starting in West Virginia and will soon spread... more

12 Jul 2022 · 15 minutes
Nativists vs Catholics in Philadelphia (1844)

It’s July 10th. This day in 1844, riots and violence are breaking out in Philadelphia as nativist groups coalesce around... more

10 Jul 2022 · 17 minutes
Harriet Jacobs, Budding Author (1853)

It’s July 7th. This day in 1853, Harriet Jacobs, a formerly enslaved woman, writes her first letter to the editor,... more

07 Jul 2022 · 17 minutes
Texas Opts In (1845)

It’s July 5th. This day in 1845, the Texas legislature votes to ratify a decision to join the United States... more

05 Jul 2022 · 18 minutes
The Great American Road Trip (1956) w/ Eddie Alterman

It’s July 3rd. This day in 1956, President Eisenhower signed the National Highway Act, the largest infrastructure project in American... more

03 Jul 2022 · 24 minutes
The Wrights Make Might (1909)

It’s June 30th. This day in 1909, the Wright Brothers are at Fort Meyer, Virginia, to demonstrate their latest airplane... more

30 Jun 2022 · 18 minutes
The Abramoff Scandal (2005) w/ Philip Bump

It’s June 27th. This day in 2006, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee released a report about the breadth and depth... more

28 Jun 2022 · 14 minutes
Stuck On 435 (1929) w/ Philip Bump

It’s June 26th. In 1929, Congress passed the “Permanent Reapportionment Act,” which capped the number of representatives in the house. Jody,... more

26 Jun 2022 · 16 minutes
The Solar Panels On The White House Roof (1979)

It’s June 20th. This day in 1979, Jimmy Carter held a ceremony to celebrate the new solar panels that had... more

23 Jun 2022 · 12 minutes
The Dinner Where It Happened (1790)

It’s June 21st. This day in 1790, in lower Manhattan, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison sit down in a meeting... more

21 Jun 2022 · 16 minutes
The Pig War (1859)

It’s June 19th. This day in 1859, a skirmish on the San Juan Islands over a pig that intruded on... more

19 Jun 2022 · 11 minutes
Paired: HBCUs (w/ The Stoop)

For the next few episodes, we’re re-posting some of our favorite recent conversations — alongside episodes from fellow Radiotopia shows... more

16 Jun 2022 · 47 minutes
Paired: Attica and San Quentin (w/ Ear Hustle)

For the next few episodes, we’re re-posting some of our favorite recent conversations — alongside episodes from fellow Radiotopia shows... more

14 Jun 2022 · 1 hour, 25 minutes
Paired: The Moton School Strike (w/ Memory Palace)

For the next few episodes, we’re re-posting some of our favorite recent conversations — alongside episodes from fellow Radiotopia shows... more

12 Jun 2022 · 29 minutes
Paired: Nuclear Mishaps (w/ Radio Diaries)

For the next few episodes, we’re re-posting some of our favorite recent conversations — alongside episodes from fellow Radiotopia shows... more

09 Jun 2022 · 56 minutes
The Oprah-Oz Conundrum (from Oprahdemics)

Dr. Mehmet Oz has secured the GOP nomination for Senate in Pennsylvania. On our sister show Oprahdemics, Kellie Carter Jackson... more

07 Jun 2022 · 36 minutes
Rosey Grier's Needlepoint for Men (1968)

It’s June 6th. This day in 1968, Robert Kennedy is assassinated, and the gunman is first tackled by former NFL... more

05 Jun 2022 · 18 minutes
The Dominion of Melchizedek (1993)

It’s June 2nd. This day in 1993, the very-fake nation known as “The Dominion Of Melchizedek” received official recognition from... more

02 Jun 2022 · 14 minutes
The Night Of The Johnstown Flood (1889)

It’s May 31st. This day in 1889, a wall of water rushing down the Conemaugh River wiped out the mountain... more

31 May 2022 · 17 minutes
The Randolph Freedpeople (1846)

It’s May 29th. This day in 1846, 13 years after being granted their freedom, a group of formerly-enslaved Virginians arrive... more

29 May 2022 · 15 minutes
Obama Apologizes, Sort Of, For Hiroshima (2016)

It’s May 26th. This day in 2016, President Obama offered remarks at a memorial ceremony in Hiroshima, Japan. Jody, NIki, and... more

26 May 2022 · 15 minutes
Nellie Taft's Stroke (1909)

It’s May 23rd. This day in 1909, Helen “Nellie” Taft, wife of President William Howard Taft, suffered a stroke that... more

24 May 2022 · 14 minutes
The Potato Beetle Wars (1950)

It’s May 22nd. This day in 1950, East German farmers begin to report that the Colorado Potato Beetle has invaded... more

22 May 2022 · 13 minutes
Tennessee Finally Teaches Evolution (1967)

It’s May 19th. This day in 1967, the Tennessee state legislature finally repealed the Butler Act, the law that had... more

19 May 2022 · 15 minutes
Tuskegee Study Apology (1997)

It’s May 16th. This day in 1997, President Clinton offered a formal apology for the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis... more

17 May 2022 · 22 minutes
Family Jewels Pt 4: Meddling In The Press (1975) w/ Rick Perlstein

We wrap up our four-part series on the 1975/76 Church Committee hearings with a look at the contentious, cozy, and... more

15 May 2022 · 17 minutes
Family Jewels Pt 3: Meddling In Your Mind (1975)

Our miniseries on the 1975/76 Church Committee findings on CIA and FBI operations continues. This episode, we re-visit our conversation... more

12 May 2022 · 19 minutes
Family Jewels Pt 2: Meddling At Home (1975) w/ Rick Perlstein

Our miniseries on the 1975/76 Church Committee findings on CIA and FBI operations continues. This episode, we look at what... more

10 May 2022 · 24 minutes
Family Jewels Pt 1: Meddling Abroad (1975) w/ Rick Perlstein

We’ve got a new miniseries for you, looking back at the 1975 Church Committee hearings and report, which disclosed a... more

08 May 2022 · 27 minutes
Our Bodies, Ourselves (1969)

It’s May 5th, 1969. In Boston, a group of women are meeting to share information about women’s health, which would... more

05 May 2022 · 14 minutes
Haymarket and the Roots of May Day (1886)

It’s May 4th. This day in 1886, a deadly riot between police and protesters broke out in Haymarket Square in... more

03 May 2022 · 15 minutes
The She She She Camps (1934)

It’s May 1st. This day in 1934, Eleanor Roosevelt is holding a series of meetings at the White House to... more

01 May 2022 · 12 minutes
The Monkey Mayor of Hartlepool (2002) w/ Tim Harford

It’s April 28th. This day in 2002, the northeastern English town of Hartlepool is gearing up for a mayoral election,... more

28 Apr 2022 · 27 minutes
Henrietta Wood Sues For Reparations (1878)

It’s April 26th. This day in 1878, a verdict is delivered in a suit brought by the formerly-enslaved woman Henrietta... more

26 Apr 2022 · 18 minutes
The Moton Walkout and the "Lost Generation" (1951)

It’s April 24th. This day in 1951, Black students at Robert Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia have walked out... more

24 Apr 2022 · 17 minutes
They're Trying To Wash Us Away (1927) w/ Wright Thompson

It’s April 21st. This day in 1927, the Mississippi River is in beginning to breach levies and overflows the banks... more

21 Apr 2022 · 22 minutes
The Mystery of 420's Origins (1986?) w/ Ellen Scanlon

It’s April 20th. 4-20 is a de facto holiday in weed culture, with murky origins and an interesting future as... more

19 Apr 2022 · 17 minutes
Japanese Balloon Bombs Over U.S. Skies (1945)

It’s April 17th. This day in 1945, a balloon bomb exploded over Omaha, Nebraska. This was one of thousands of... more

17 Apr 2022 · 12 minutes
Eugene Debs: Lock Him Up (1919)

It’s April 14th. This day in 1919, Socialist leader Eugene V Debs is sent to prison for violating the Espionage... more

14 Apr 2022 · 12 minutes
Eleanor Roosevelt's Tuskegee Plane Ride (1941)

It’s April 12th. This day in 1941, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt took an airplane ride in a small plane piloted... more

12 Apr 2022 · 12 minutes
Gloria Richardson, Connector (1964)

It’s April 10th. This day in 1964, activist Gloria Richardson is forging deep ties with other civil rights leaders, particularly... more

10 Apr 2022 · 16 minutes
The Forgotten Massacre at Dartmoor Prison (1815) w/ Nick Guyatt

It’s April 7th. This day in 1815, a chaotic attack at Dartmoor prison in England killled and injured dozens of... more

07 Apr 2022 · 23 minutes
Nixon's Weird-Ass White House Uniforms (1970) w/ Avery Trufelman

It’s April 4th. This day in 1970, Richard Nixon’s great White House uniform experiment is coming to an end. Jody, Niki,... more

05 Apr 2022 · 19 minutes
The Roots of Intersectionality (1979)

It’s April 3rd. This day in 1979, community organizations in Boston such as the Combahee River Collective are raising the... more

03 Apr 2022 · 17 minutes
Our 300th Episode, and Something New

It’s March 31st. Turns out, it’s our 300th episode, and the second anniversary of the show! What better way to... more

31 Mar 2022 · 19 minutes
Washington Asserts His Privilege (1796) w/ Lindsay M. Chervinsky

It’s March 28th. This day in 1796, President Washington cited executive privilege in refusing a request for documents from Congress.... more

29 Mar 2022 · 22 minutes
Brando and Littlefeather Refuse The Oscar (1973) w/ Amy Nicholson

It’s March 27th. On Oscar Sunday in 1973, Marlon Brando refused to attend the ceremony and accept is Best Actor... more

27 Mar 2022 · 21 minutes
Gerry + Mander (1812) w/ Harry Enten

It’s March 24th. This day in 1812, a political cartoon appeared in a Boston newspaper lampooning a newly proposed election... more

24 Mar 2022 · 25 minutes
Monopoly's Secret History (1903)

It’s March 22nd. This day in 1903, a woman by the name of Lizzie Maggie filed for a patent for... more

22 Mar 2022 · 19 minutes
US Boycotts Russian Games (1980)

It’s March 20th. This day in 1980, President Jimmy Carter is about to issue a decree that U.S. Sign up... more

20 Mar 2022 · 17 minutes
The Cornerstone of the Confederacy (1861)

It’s March 16th. In 1861, Alexander Stephens, Vice President of the Confederate States of America, delivered a speech that came... more

17 Mar 2022 · 17 minutes
Latasha Harlins and the LA Riots (1991)

It’s March 15th. On March 16th, 1991, a young girl, Latasha Harlins, was killed by a shopkeeper in South Central... more

15 Mar 2022 · 15 minutes
The US Hunts Pancho Villa (1916)

It’s March 13th. This day in 1916, some 6,000 US troops are getting ready to enter Mexico to track down... more

13 Mar 2022 · 13 minutes
A Raisin In The Sun (1959)

It’s March 10th. This day in 1959, “A Raisin In The Sun” debuted on Broadway. It was the first Broadway... more

10 Mar 2022 · 18 minutes
We Are The World (1985)

It’s March 8th. This day in 1985, a song was released featuring virtually every major American music star, to raise... more

08 Mar 2022 · 22 minutes
The War on Pinball (1948) w/ Harry Siegel

It’s March 6th. This day in 1948, New York City’s war on pinball was raging, with police smashing machines Jody, Niki,... more

06 Mar 2022 · 25 minutes
The Woman Behind The New Deal (1933) w/ Jenny Kaplan

It’s March 3rd. This day in 1933, Frances Perkins is appointed Secretary of Labor, the first woman to hold a... more

03 Mar 2022 · 18 minutes
Mixing at Mardi Gras (1992) w/ Oliver Thomas

It’s March 1st, the first day of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This day in 1992, a city ordinance mandating... more

01 Mar 2022 · 24 minutes
Lincoln At Cooper Union, The Speech That Changed Everything (1860)

It’s February 27th. This day in 1860, Abraham Lincoln gave a speech at the Cooper Union in New York City.... more

27 Feb 2022 · 15 minutes
Our Favorite "Making Trouble" Stories

All this week, shows across the Radiotopia network are doing special episodes around the theme of “making trouble.” It’s being... more

24 Feb 2022 · 21 minutes
Birth of The Peace Symbol (1958) w/ Ian Chillag

It’s the Radiotopia fundraiser! We couldn’t make this show without your support. Become a member now at radiotopia.fm It’s February 22nd.... more

22 Feb 2022 · 18 minutes
The Long Telegram (1946)

It’s February 20th. This day in 1946, diplomat George Kennan, stationed in Moscow, sent a 5,000 word telegram to the... more

20 Feb 2022 · 18 minutes
Black History Month Week: Baldwin v Buckley (1965) w/ Nick Buccola

This week, we’re doing a number of episodes around the history of… Black History Month. In 1965, two of America’s leading... more

17 Feb 2022 · 31 minutes
Black History Month Week: Capital B w/ Jelani Cobb

This week, we’re doing a number of episodes around the history of… Black History Month. Over the course of this country’s... more

15 Feb 2022 · 31 minutes
Black History Month Week: Where BHM Came From (1924)

This week, we’re doing a number of episodes around the history of… Black History Month. Today, February 13th — the roots... more

13 Feb 2022 · 19 minutes
The Anarchist Soup Plot (1916)

It’s February 10th. This day in 1916, at an event attended by much of Chicago’s political and religious elite, an... more

10 Feb 2022 · 19 minutes
"Birth Of A Nation" (1915) w/ Tyler Parry

It’s February 8th. This day in 1915, at Clune’s Auditorium in Los Angeles, “The Birth of a Nation” premiered. Jody,... more

08 Feb 2022 · 27 minutes
The Smoking Section (1987) w/ Sarah Milov

It’s February 6th. This day in 1987, federal regulations go into effect limiting where federal workers can smoke cigarettes. Smoking... more

06 Feb 2022 · 27 minutes
The SPAM Strike (1986) w/ Julia Longoria

It’s February 3rd. This day, 1986, the town of Austin, Minnesota is being torn apart by an ongoing strike at... more

03 Feb 2022 · 26 minutes
McDonald's Comes to Moscow (1990)

It’s February 1st. This day in 1990, the very first McDonald’s opened in Moscow, after 14 years of negotiations and... more

01 Feb 2022 · 15 minutes
Here Come the AKAs (1908)

It’s January 30th. This day in 1913, the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was formally incorporated, five years after its... more

30 Jan 2022 · 20 minutes
Early Prohibition and The Rise of Weird Liquor Laws (1838)

IT’s January 27th. This day in 1838, some 80 years before national prohibition, the country’s first liquor restriction was passed. Jody,... more

27 Jan 2022 · 15 minutes
The U.S. Almost Nukes Itself (1961)

It’s December 25th. In 1961, on the night of January 23rd, a bomber carrying two massive nuclear weapons broke up... more

25 Jan 2022 · 17 minutes
Carter Pardons Draft Dodgers (1977)

It’s January 23rd. This day in 1977, on his first day in office, President Jimmy Carter pardoned Americans who had... more

23 Jan 2022 · 18 minutes
Lurleen Wallace, Proxy Governor (1967)

It’s January 20th. This day in 1967, Lurleen Wallace took office as the Govenor of Alabama, only the third female... more

20 Jan 2022 · 19 minutes
Silver Shenanigans (1980) w/ Bijan Stephen

It’s January 18th. This day in 1980, a group of Texas oil billionaires were in the middle of a scheme... more

18 Jan 2022 · 22 minutes
The Great Boston Molasses Flood (1919) w/ Cara Giaimo

It’s January 16th. This day in 1919, the North End neighborhood of Boston is digging out from under 2.3 million... more

16 Jan 2022 · 18 minutes
The Hawaii (False) Missile Alert (2018)

It’s January 13th. This day in 2018, at 8:07am, residents of Hawaii received a disturbing alert on their phones: BALLISTIC... more

13 Jan 2022 · 19 minutes
The Harrisburg Seven's Plot to Kidnap Kissinger (1971)

It’s January 11th. This day in 1971, the federal government charged a group of anti-war activists, led by Catholic priest... more

11 Jan 2022 · 16 minutes
Declaring "War" on Poverty (1964)

It’s January 9th. In 1964, in his State of the Union speech, president Johnson declared “war on poverty.” It was... more

09 Jan 2022 · 19 minutes
This Day in Esoteric Political History
The U.S. Almost Nukes Itself (1961)
This Day in Esoteric Political History
0:00
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Description

It’s December 25th. In 1961, on the night of January 23rd, a bomber carrying two massive nuclear weapons broke up in the... more