This Day

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.

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.

On April 23, 1778, John Paul Jones sparked a chaotic raid on British soil that didn't go as planned. Delve into his tumultuous backstory and how ambition drove him into the heart of enemy territory. Hear about the missteps during the raid at Whitehaven and how an unexpected encounter turned it into a surprising success. Discover the underdog tactics that defined this time, showcasing how figures like Jones reshaped naval warfare and became legendary heroes in American history. It's a thrilling tale of ambition, misadventure, and unexpected victories!

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

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

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.

It's April 17th. In 1914, at the mining town of Ludlow, Colorado tensions are ratcheting up to a moment when the national guard and private police would descend upon an encampment of striking workers, killing dozens including women and children.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how things got so heated in Ludlow -- and the public outrage that boiled over in the wake of the massacre.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

Recent threats by the Trump administration to withhold funding are reshaping the relationship between universities and the government. The discussion dives into the historical context of federal funding and its strings. There's a look at the unique role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in nurturing education in formerly enslaved communities. The podcast also explores universities' complex ties with the military and the implications of rising costs. Lastly, it addresses pressing issues around diversity and representation in higher education.

It's April 9th. This day in 1917, a German man by the name of Robert Prager is attacked and lynched during a time of rising anti-immigrant sentiment in The United States.Jody, Niki, and Kellie talk about the pervasive suspicion of Germans in the run-up to World War I, and how Prager's lynching was cheerleaded by the media, the government, and larger society.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

It's April 8th. And it's Girl Scouts Cookies season. This day in 1917, a troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma is baking cookies to raise funds in support of the WWI efforts. Within a decades, a full-blown cookie empire would be born.Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss the role the cookie sales play in the larger project of the Girl Scouts, how the First Lady has always been the main booster -- and of course, which cookie flavors are the best.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