This Day

Emily Spivack, an artist and writer known for her book and Netflix series Worn Stories, joins the conversation to unpack the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943. She explores how the flashy zoot suit became a symbol of cultural identity amid racial tensions in Los Angeles. The discussion also dives into the intersection of clothing and political expression, touching on contemporary issues of immigration and community solidarity. Spivack intriguingly speculates on the potential resurgence of baggy fashion styles, linking past and present in a vibrant cultural tapestry.

On June 5th, the history of Qian Xuesen, a brilliant Chinese aerospace engineer, unfolds. Discover his significant contributions to WWII-era science and how Cold War politics led to his deportation. The discussion highlights race and nationality amid profound societal paranoia, exploring how personal identities were intertwined with national security fears. The legacy of this deported scientist sheds light on contemporary immigration issues, raising questions about talent and opportunity amid geopolitical conflicts.

On June 3, 1913, boxer Jack Johnson faced sentencing under the Mann Act, raising questions about race and societal norms. His victory over 'great White hope' boxers highlighted deep racial and gender tensions in America. The podcast delves into the complexities surrounding his legal battles and societal anxieties about interracial relationships. Additionally, Johnson's legacy is examined, including a recent presidential pardon and its cultural significance. Through these discussions, the impact of Johnson's life and career resonates in today’s world.

Today, another in our "Some Sunday Context" series, where we bring you new conversations and episodes from the archives that try to help us make sense of life here in 2025. Nathan Fielder's "The Rehearsal" -- unexpectedly -- has many of us thinking about airline safety and aviation policy. His show is concerned with the interpersonal dynamics inside a cockpit, but the larger context is of an industry that has been deregulated, degraded, and ignored to the point where, well... flying really sucks. So, today we bring you an episode we did in December 2023 about the roots of airline deregulation.-------It’s December 17th. This day in 1978, holiday travelers are flying around the country under a regulatory system that was about to come to an end. The next year, the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 would kick in.Jody, NIki, and Kellie are joined by Ganesh Sitaraman of Vanderbilt to discuss how the act changed the competitive structure for airlines — and in turn led to a degradation of service, reliability, and the glamour of flying.Ganesh’s new book is “Why Flying is Miserable… And How To Fix It.”Here’s our holiday book gift guide! https://thisdaypod.substack.com/p/a-this-day-books-and-merch-gift-guideSign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!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. 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; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It's May 28th. This day in 1830, President Andrew Jackson has signed the Indian Removal Act into law, leading to the forcible removal of Native Americans in Georgia and elsewhere, culminating in the Trail of Tears a couple years later. But despite Jackson getting his way, there was widespread resistance at the political, legal, cultural and moral spheres to the action.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss the way in which Native Americans and others fought Indian removal -- and how these fights serves as a bit of a dry run for the battles that would take place in the run-up to the Civil War a generation later.Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!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 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On May 26, 1970, President Nixon hosted labor leaders amid rising tensions between construction workers and anti-war protesters. The violent clashes symbolized a significant cultural divide in America, highlighting contrasting views on patriotism and the Vietnam War draft. The discussion reveals how these events reshaped political alliances, especially as labor drifted towards Republican ideologies. Additionally, the podcast delves into the historical interplay of race, class, and politics, shedding light on the lasting impact of these social dynamics.

Delve into the epic showdown between butter and margarine that reached the Supreme Court in 1904. Discover the bizarre tactics used by Big Butter, including fear-mongering and absurd regulations like the 'pink laws.' Explore how societal changes and perceptions around food purity fueled this rivalry, alongside innovative responses from the margarine industry. This tasty discussion serves up a slice of culinary history intertwined with politics, health trends, and cultural clashes that resonate even today.

Join writer and journalist Jeremy Markovich, who explores North Carolina's identity through his newsletter, as he dives into the intriguing tale of the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775. Discover the controversy surrounding its authenticity and how it cemented an early claim to independence. The discussion highlights the evolution of political declarations from radical initiatives to revered symbols of pride. Markovich also sheds light on how historical narratives transform over time, shaping the state's complex legacy.

Malcolm X's life and complex legacy take center stage as the discussion dives into the details of his tragic assassination. The dangers he faced from the Nation of Islam and the FBI are examined, revealing the environment of chaos surrounding his final moments. The aftermath of his death and the wrongful convictions of those accused in the case highlight systemic failures in the legal system. As his 100th birthday approaches, the podcast reflects on Malcolm's enduring impact on civil rights and racial justice.

On May 14, 1980, Miami erupted in violence after the acquittal of police officers involved in the death of Arthur McDuffie. The discussion analyzes the historical context of this event, linking it to other racial uprisings while emphasizing its often-overlooked significance. The podcast examines systemic injustices that provoke community responses and highlights how predominantly white juries often fail to deliver justice. By unpacking the chaos and its aftermath, the hosts illuminate the deeper societal issues that fueled the unrest.