This Day

On Sundays, we try to bring you fresh conversations and stories from the archives that give you a little context on the news playing out in front of us. Today, Jody and Niki discuss the very dish-y news that Oliver North secretly married Fawn Hall, 40 years after they worked together and testified during the Iran-Contra scandal. Then, we rerun our episode from 2021 about North running for Senate in 1994.Don't forget to sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also get links and lots more historical tidbits.https://thisdaypod.substack.com/Find out more about the show at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It's 1847. This day, a battalion of Irish immigrants are hung by the U.S. Army for deserting to the Mexican side in the Mexican-American War.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the "San Patricios Battallion" was formed, why Irish immigrants might feel more allegiance to Mexico than the United States, and how this group became martyrs in both Mexico and Ireland.Don't forget to sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also get links and lots more historical tidbits.https://thisdaypod.substack.com/Find out more about the show at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It's September 9th. This day in 2001, a nationwide advertising campaign is underway for The Hummer truck, which has recently been taken over by GM and is poised to be everywhere.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the Hummer moved from the Gulf War to US streets, was all over hip-hop videos, and how it came to define a form of agressive American masculinity that is resurging today.Don't forget to sign up for our America250 Watch newsletter, where you'll also get links and lots more historical tidbits.https://thisdaypod.substack.com/Find out more about the show at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In 1998, Fred Tuttle, an elderly Vermont farmer, turned his mockumentary fame into an unexpected Senate candidacy. His humorous campaign slogan, 'Why Not?', captured the attention of locals and reflected a broader discontent with traditional politics. Tuttle's charisma and community ties transformed him into a quirky symbol of populist-celebrity politics. The podcast dives into the absurdity of his journey, highlighting the importance of local authenticity in political representation, all while weaving in laughs and insights from rural life.

Explore the epic saga of North America's tallest mountain as it transitions from Mt. McKinley back to its rightful name, Denali. Discover the historical context behind the original naming during a presidential campaign and the cultural significance of returning to Native Alaskan roots. Delve into the political battles that played out over decades, revealing how local sentiments clashed with national policies. This discussion captures the essence of identity, heritage, and the emotional connections people have to place names.

Leon Neyfakh, creator of acclaimed podcasts like Slow Burn and Fiasco, dives deep into the infamous Bernie Goetz case, where the so-called 'Subway Vigilante' shot four young men in 1984. He discusses the profound impact of this incident on New York City, focusing on the media frenzy and public fear at the time. The conversation highlights the legal repercussions that haunted Goetz for years and raises probing questions about vigilantism, self-defense, and society’s complex perceptions of justice. It's a gripping exploration of crime and morality.

On August 26, 1814, Brookeville, MD became the temporary capital as President Madison fled the burning Washington, D.C. The tale features the daring escape of Dolly Madison, who fought to save invaluable artifacts amid chaos. Meanwhile, a reflection on the 1970 bombing at the University of Wisconsin reveals the intense campus protests against the Vietnam War, illustrating the troubling connection between political unrest and societal change. Both stories highlight the remarkable resilience in turbulent times, linking past and present struggles.

The podcast dives into the Trump administration's attempts to reshape American history, with a focus on attacks against the Smithsonian. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and honesty in historical narratives, especially regarding slavery. The discussion critiques how politicians simplify complex histories and highlights the role of museums in navigating these controversies. It also addresses the legacy of slavery in modern politics and the challenges cultural institutions face while maintaining historical accuracy amidst political influences.

Explore the fascinating origins of the Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 after intense debates over James Smithson's donation. Discover the challenges faced in honoring his vision for public knowledge and education. Delve into the historical struggle for access to knowledge in early America, highlighting tensions between elitism and educational equity. Reflect on the complex legacy of philanthropy in shaping the institution and celebrate the role of Washington D.C.'s cultural landmarks in fostering community through shared experiences.

In 2012, a reporter confronts Mitt Romney with a question about his gaffes, sparking a discussion on modern political journalism's focus on sensationalism over substance. The hosts critically analyze how media obsession with gaffes shapes candidates' images and public perception. They reflect on personal voting experiences in a black community, emphasizing engagement. There's also a deep dive into the clash between political decorum and media scrutiny, illustrating how these interactions influence campaign narratives and the political discourse.