
This Day
“This Day” takes you beyond the head-spinning headlines of today and into the unexpected historical moments that have shaped American politics. Hosted by Jody Avirgan (538), and historians Nicole Hemmer (Vanderbilt), and Kellie Carter Jackson (Wellesley), each episode explores a moment from that day in U.S. political history to uncover its lasting impact. On Sunday episodes, Jody, Niki and Kellie react to current news with their usual mix of humor, analysis, and historical perspective.New episodes released Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Lots more on our Instagram page, YouTube, and newsletter. Find it all at thisdaypod.com.This Day is a proud member of the Radiotopia podcast network from PRX.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 17min
The Woman Who Invented -- And Disowned -- Mother's Day (1914)
Explore the heartfelt origins of Mother's Day, credited to Anna Jarvis, who was driven to honor her mother. Delve into Jarvis's complicated feelings about the holiday's commercialization and the shift from genuine celebration to consumerism. Hear discussions on the importance of personal touches, like handwritten letters, in an age of convenience. The podcast reveals the fascinating struggles Jarvis faced as she sought to preserve the holiday's spirit while grappling with its evolving legacy.

May 6, 2025 • 18min
Reagan's German Cemetery Visit Controversy (1985)
On May 5, 1985, President Reagan's visit to a German military cemetery ignited fierce controversy due to the burial of SS soldiers. The discussion dives into the outrage from Holocaust survivors and the political fallout surrounding the trip. The hosts explore the implications of equating Nazi soldiers with their victims, highlighting the need for sensitivity in acknowledging historical atrocities. Reagan's motivations and later regrets are also scrutinized, alongside the media's portrayal and cultural responses, illustrating the complex legacy of this significant event.

May 4, 2025 • 17min
The Women's Health Vacuum (Some Sunday Context)
The podcast delves into the historical struggles for women's health information, highlighting the Boston Women's Health Book Collective's pivotal role in creating 'Our Bodies, Ourselves.' It critiques outdated medical attitudes and explores gaps in women's health awareness that still persist today. The discussion emphasizes the need for increased solidarity and education among women, reflecting on the empowering legacy of key feminist health resources. It also tackles the ongoing challenges in maintaining accurate health information amid today's misinformation age.

May 1, 2025 • 20min
Lincoln Needs Troops (1861)
It's May 1st. This day in 1861, the Civil War is breaking out and President Lincoln issues a desperate call for more military volunteers.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how Lincoln's appeal galvanized the sides of the conflict, with Northern volunteers feeling called to duy and Southerners framing the battle as "northern agression."Find out more 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
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Apr 29, 2025 • 26min
The Artists Who Worked For The CIA (1960) w/ Benjamen Walker
Benjamen Walker, a radio producer and host of Theory of Everything, dives into the intriguing intersection of art and politics during the Cold War. He reflects on Kenneth Tynan's Senate testimony and its implications for U.S.-Cuban relations. The discussion reveals how the CIA funded art to influence global politics, highlighting the complex relationship between cultural figures and government interests. Walker also explores artistic patronage dynamics and the struggle for authenticity amidst external influences. It's a captivating look at how art wields power.

Apr 27, 2025 • 43min
The First 100 Days (Some Sunday Context)
The discussion kicks off with the historical significance of the first 100 days of a presidency, spotlighting FDR's transformative policies during a crisis. It explores the challenges faced by new presidents, including Lincoln, and how early decisions shape public perception. The idea of manufactured crises is examined, contrasting modern leadership with the past. Additionally, the ramifications of invoking emergency powers are analyzed through comparisons to Lincoln and FDR, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of presidential actions on governance and public trust.

Apr 24, 2025 • 21min
John Paul Jones' Half-Baked Raid On British Soil (1778)
It's April 23rd. This day in 1778, John Paul Jones leads the only American raid on British soil in the Revolutionary War.Jody, Niki and Kellie discuss Jones's spotty past, and what brought him to the port of Whitehaven, where he launched a scheme to raid the town. It did not go well, but the day wasn't a total failure, as he later stumbled into one of America's great naval victories...Sign up for our newsletter! Find out more 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, want merch, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Julie Shapiro and Yooree Losordo, Executive Producers at Radiotopia
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 22, 2025 • 21min
Betty Ford Enters Rehab (1978)
It's April 22nd. This Day in 1978, former First Lady Betty Ford is in the Long Beach Naval Hospital, being treated for addiction to pain killers and alcohol. Outside, a spokesperson shares the news with the country.Jody, Niki, and Kellie look at the life of Betty Ford, from dancer to First Lady -- and why it was so significant that she shared her addiction and hospitalization with the American public.Sign up for our newsletter! Find out more 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, want merch, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Julie Shapiro and Yooree Losordo, Executive Producers at Radiotopia
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 20, 2025 • 26min
Prisons, Photos, CECOT, Abu Ghraib, and What Shocks Us (Some Sunday Context)
The eyes of the world are on the images coming from a prison in El Salvador. The photos are being used as propoganda for U.S. deportation efforts; and are shocking those who care about abuse and the judicial process. For some, they are reminiscint of the photos that emerged during the Iraq War from the Abu Ghraib prison. Niki shares her thoughts as part of our "Some Sunday Context" series -- and then we return to our episode from 2023 about the Abu Ghraib photos that shocked America.This 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, want merch, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Julie Shapiro and Yooree Losordo, Executive Producers at Radiotopia
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 17, 2025 • 16min
The Battles Of Lexington and Concord -- and Menotomy? (1775)
April 1775 marks the spark of the Revolutionary War with the battles of Lexington and Concord. However, the often-forgotten battle in Menotomy reveals a more brutal side to these conflicts. The podcast dives into guerrilla tactics used by colonists and the contrasting approaches of British forces. It highlights the impact on civilian life and connects personal stories to the chaos of war. Historical narratives are re-evaluated, shedding light on how memory shapes our understanding of these pivotal moments.
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