This Day

Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by author A.J. Jacobs, whose new book "The Year of Living Constitutionally" dives into the weird world of our founding document. They discuss the debate over what to call the new leader of the executive branch, and what that signaled about the direction of the new country.A.J.'s new book is out now! And be sure to check out The Puzzler too!The book A.J. mentioned is called "For Fear Of An Elective King"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, 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 May7th. This day in 1882, Congress passes the Chinese Exclusion Act, aimed at curbing Chinese immigration as fears about Asian immigrants threatening White American jobs is on the rise.Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss how the American economy relied on Chinese labor at the same time that policy sought to exclude Chinese immigrants -- and how the decades after the Civil War applied new pressures on race-based legislation around the country.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, 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

Benjamen Walker discusses the cultural Cold War era, exploring CIA funding of artists, the struggle for artistic freedom, and the dilemmas faced by artists in promoting American culture while dissenting against societal norms. The podcast also highlights a series on propaganda as art, featuring Richard Wright's final speech and a conversation on James Baldwin.

It's May 2nd. This day in 1989, Pepsi cuts a trade deal with the USSR in which it receives 17 submarines, a cruiser, a frigate, and a destroyer.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why exactly Pepsi is amassing a small naval fleet, and how the company found a market behind the Iron Curtain going back decades.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

It's April 30th. This day in 1968, Columbia University asks the NYPD to intervene and break up campus protests. Sound familiar?Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss what the protests in '68 were about, how they married campus politics with national politics -- and why so many of the lessons of that year have still not been learned.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

Former VP Lyndon Johnson's selection as JFK's running mate was a tense process with implications post-assassination. Podcast explores personal drama, strategic considerations, and impact on US democracy. Also hints at potential VP candidates for upcoming elections.

Former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, discusses the conservative-magazine-sponsored cruise rides in 2007 where she wined-and-dined Washington influencers. The podcast explores Palin's rise to being John McCain's VP pick and the impact of this choice on the 2008 election.

Delve into the process of selecting a Vice Presidential candidate, exploring historical shifts like FDR's choice in 1940. Learn about the importance of balancing the ticket in terms of region, age, and ideology. Uncover the significance of thorough research and vetting in VP selection, with insights on past strategic choices and their impact on elections.

Exploring the political impact of the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake reshaping housing policy, demographic shift in the city, and setting a model for disaster response. The aftermath led to widespread destruction, chaos, and displacement, with survivors facing long-lasting impacts on the city's landscape. Rebuilding efforts included temporary wooden cottages as homes, challenges in long-term housing solutions, and conflicts around rent-to-own systems for lower-income residents.

Legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite's rise to becoming America's most trusted voice is explored, showcasing his emotional yet impartial delivery. The podcast reflects on how Cronkite shaped public opinion during historical events like the Vietnam War and Kennedy assassination. Discussion on the evolution of news anchors' trustworthiness and the impact of media manipulation on credibility is also featured.