

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

Feb 29, 2024 • 22min
Hangers On Week: Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition
Throughout this election year, we’re going to be doing a few special series tied to the notable stretches in an election cycle, from primaries to conventions and October surprises and more. This is “Hangers-On Week” our look at the point in the primary calendar where candidates are, for one reason or another, still hanging around.
For the third episode of Hangers On Week, Jody, Niki, and Kellie look at Jesse Jackson, who ran in 1984 and 1988, evolving from civil rights activism to electoral politics, and trying to push his message towards larger economic justice issues.
Who else deserves to be on our list of hangers-ons? What other categories would you slot candidates into? Let us know!
Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!
Find out more at thisdaypod.com
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.com
Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypod
Our 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

Feb 27, 2024 • 17min
Hangers On Week: Sowing The Seeds of Trump
Throughout this election year, we’re going to be doing a few special series tied to the notable stretches in an election cycle, from primaries to conventions and October surprises and more. This is “Hangers-On Week” our look at the point in the primary calendar where candidates are, for one reason or another, still hanging around.
For the second episode of Hangers On Week, Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report to talk about a few failed candidates who layed the groundwork for Trump’s eventual win.
Who else deserves to be on our list of hangers-ons? What other categories would you slot candidates into? Let us know!
Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!
Find out more at thisdaypod.com
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.com
Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypod
Our 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

Feb 25, 2024 • 30min
Hangers On Week: Why Candidates Stick Around w/ Amy Walter
Throughout this election year, we’re going to be doing a few special series tied to the notable stretches in an election cycle, from primaries to conventions and October surprises and more. This is “Hangers-On Week” our look at the point in the primary calendar where candidates are, for one reason or another, still hanging around.
For the first episode of Hangers-On Week, Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report to lay out the basic categories of the candidates who stick around a little too long: from those who want to shape policy, to those who become punchlines, and those with a different agenda in mind.
Who else deserves to be on our list of hangers-ons? What other categories would you slot candidates into? Let us know!
Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!
Find out more at thisdaypod.com
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.com
Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypod
Our 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

Feb 22, 2024 • 19min
Malcolm X Is Assassinated (1965)
The podcast delves into Malcolm X's assassination in 1965, including his split from the Nation of Islam, threats he faced, and FBI interference. It explores the chaos post-assassination, tensions in Black activism, and conspiracy theories surrounding the event. The swift justice and exoneration of the accused men decades later is also discussed.

Feb 20, 2024 • 19min
Dick Cheney Shoots His Friend In The Face (2006)
Guest Harry Whittington, hunting partner of VP Dick Cheney, discusses the 2006 hunting incident. They cover the delayed news release, Whittington's apology, and the podcast's humorous take on the event.

Feb 18, 2024 • 18min
NJ Law Calls For "Gradual Emancipation Of Slaves" (1804)
Explore New Jersey's unique stance on slavery with a law for gradual emancipation, shedding light on regional variations and tensions. Uncover the harsh realities of slavery reform and the complexities of transitioning away from the economic system. Delve into the lingering presence of slavery leading up to the Civil War.

5 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 17min
The FDR Assassination Attempt (1933)
This podcast explores the 1933 assassination attempt on FDR by Giuseppe Zangara and the socio-political context of the time. It discusses the influence of chronic pain on Zangara's actions and the heroic actions of Lillian Cross in preventing the assassination. The chapter also delves into comparisons with other assassination attempts and the health issues and conspiracy theories surrounding Zangara.

Feb 13, 2024 • 23min
Mandela Released From Prison (1990)
Nelson Mandela, South African leader, emerged from prison after 27 years. They discuss Mandela's harsh imprisonment, global symbolism, and the efforts of Winnie Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement. They also explore his release, adjustment, and historical events on February 13th.

Feb 11, 2024 • 19min
The First Execution By Gas Chamber (1924)
In this episode, the podcast explores the adoption of gas chambers for capital punishment during the Progressive Era and its connection to marginalized communities. They discuss the efficiency vs. humanity debate surrounding gas chambers and the challenges and effectiveness of the first execution by gas chamber in 1924. The podcast also covers different execution methods, the emotional experience of being on death row, flaws in capital punishment, and historical events such as the Yalta agreement and the Cheney hunting incident.

Feb 8, 2024 • 19min
Lockheed Caught Bribing The Japanese Government (1976)
Explore the infamous Lockheed bribes scandal of 1976 and the corrupt practices of multinational corporations. Learn about Lockeeds bribery of the Japanese government, the pattern of US corporate involvement in global affairs, and the prevalence of corporate bribes in global politics. Discover historical events and the lack of justice surrounding them, including a controversial payment made by Lockheed executives.


