This Day
Jody Avirgan & Radiotopia
“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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 21, 2024 • 22min
The National Women's Conference, and the Schlafly Backlash (1977)
The National Women's Conference in 1977 was a landmark gathering, uniting diverse voices in the women's movement. It faced significant backlash from Phyllis Schlafly, who rallied opposition against feminist advancements. The discussions highlighted the complexities of race, class, and sexuality within feminism, revealing deep internal divisions. In the aftermath, the podcast explores the decline of national conferences and the rise of local organizing. Key issues like reproductive rights sparked fierce debates, showcasing the ongoing struggle for solidarity in activism.
Nov 19, 2024 • 16min
Fluoride To The Rescue (1945) [Archive Episode]
Discover the historical journey of fluoride in the U.S. starting in 1945 with its introduction in Grand Rapids. The program significantly improved dental health but sparked widespread conspiracy theories. Explore the challenges of promoting preventative health, the debate over fluoride’s safety, and public perceptions influenced by skepticism. The discussion also connects past and present issues, drawing parallels to the ongoing discourse around health interventions and the serious consequences of water safety, highlighted by the Flint crisis.
Nov 17, 2024 • 24min
Memory Palace Week: The Art Of Storytelling w/ Nate DiMeo
Nate DiMeo, creator of the acclaimed history podcast The Memory Palace and author of its namesake book, dives deep into the art of storytelling. He discusses how engaging narratives transform history from dry facts into meaningful experiences. The conversation highlights the emotional connections that arise from personal storytelling and explores the challenges of making history relatable, especially for students. DiMeo also shares poignant listener anecdotes that reflect the power of forgotten stories and celebrates the release of his new book, connecting personal and collective histories.
Nov 14, 2024 • 25min
Memory Palace Week: How A Rock Became Plymouth Rock (1741)
Nate DiMeo, host of The Memory Palace and an expert in historical storytelling, joins the conversation to explore the intriguing tale of Plymouth Rock. They discuss how this iconic symbol of America's past became entrenched in folklore, long after the Pilgrims' arrival. With humor and engaging anecdotes, Nate illustrates the complex relationship between collective memory and myth-making. Additionally, he shares his journey in independent podcasting and highlights the importance of community in preserving these rich narratives.
Nov 12, 2024 • 25min
Memory Palace Week: Hercules Posey and George Washington (1797) w/ Nate DiMeo
Nate DiMeo, creator of The Memory Palace and a master of historical storytelling, joins the discussion about Hercules Posey, an enslaved chef for George Washington. They dive into Posey's complex relationship with Washington and how it complicates our understanding of the founding father’s legacy. The conversation reveals forgotten histories and the pursuit of freedom among enslaved people, particularly how Posey's culinary contributions demand recognition beyond mere footnotes in history. Themes of accountability and the intricate narratives of enslaved lives are explored.
Nov 10, 2024 • 24min
The USSR Almost Builds The Internet (1970) w/ Kevin Roose
In this discussion with Kevin Roose, a New York Times technology columnist, the spotlight is on Victor Glushkov's ambitious 1970 vision for a decentralized internet in the USSR. Roose dives into the clash between Glushkov's visionary ideas and the limitations of Soviet innovation. The conversation highlights how this early proposal may have spurred U.S. advancements in network technology. They also explore the contrasts between Soviet cyber socialism and the rapid innovation of Silicon Valley, raising questions about centralized versus decentralized tech development.
Nov 6, 2024 • 28min
2024 Election: Donald Trump Wins, Joins Grover Cleveland
The podcast dives into Donald Trump's historic re-election and its implications for democracy. Emotional reflections reveal feelings of disappointment and fear for the future. It emphasizes the critical role of local communities in driving national change and highlights systemic issues like racism and sexism in voting. The exhaustion faced by Black women in politics is also explored, showcasing their resilience and dedication to mentorship. Overall, it paints a complex picture of activism and the ongoing fight for inclusive democracy.
Nov 5, 2024 • 17min
Why Do We Vote On A Tuesday Anyway? (1845-Present)
Curious why elections are on Tuesdays? Discover the quirky historical reasons behind this decision, rooted in a 1845 act. Explore the voting vulnerabilities of early America, including fraud and the role of immigrant voters. Delve into the practicalities of timing, agriculture, and travel that influenced this choice. The conversation also humorously critiques accessibility issues, suggesting fun ways to boost voter turnout—like making Election Day a holiday with free snacks. It's a blend of history, politics, and comedy!
Nov 3, 2024 • 34min
2024 Election Sunday: Final Days, Polling, Lawn Sings, Balance
The hosts reflect on their evolving voting experiences leading up to the 2024 election, blending humor with insight. They examine the community spirit behind elections, likening it to the excitement of major events. The evolution of political journalism is discussed, from anecdotes to polling. The conversation dives into the complex emotions around the candidates and the importance of voter engagement. Finally, they share their self-care plans for election night, aiming to enjoy the experience and navigate social media stress-free.
Oct 31, 2024 • 23min
SNL's Political Impact (1974-Present)
The discussion dives into the launch of Saturday Night Live and its evolution into a powerful voice in political satire. From iconic impersonations to the complexities of mocking politicians, the hosts explore the show's cultural impact through the years. They also tackle the blurred lines between satire and reality, especially in the context of the upcoming 2024 election. Plus, there's a fun take on Halloween costumes and a humorous look at privacy concerns with new tech like the iPhone's thumbprint feature.
