History Daily
History Daily
On History Daily, we do history, daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time. So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2026 • 16min
1301: The Portuguese Royal Family Flees to Brazil
On January 22, 1808, the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil to escape a French invasion. The chaotic embarkation lived up to the drama of the era, as Queen Maria faced health risks at sea. Initially met with confusion, Salvador quickly organized a triumphant welcome, transforming Brazil into a royal capital. Tensions brewed as British control led to resentment in Portugal, igniting a revolution. Finally, Dom Pedro's decision to remain in Brazil fueled its independence, heralding a new chapter in the country's history.
Jan 21, 2026 • 19min
1300: Concorde Takes Flight
The groundbreaking journey of the Concorde began with inspiration from Chuck Yeager's supersonic flight. A 1962 treaty between Britain and France paved the way for its ambitious development. Despite political doubts and challenges, the sleek aircraft made its historic first commercial flights on January 21, 1976, reaching Mach 2. Initial public reactions were mixed, but its legacy of elite travel faced challenges, including high costs and a tragic crash in 2000, ultimately leading to the Concorde's retirement in 2003.
Jan 20, 2026 • 19min
1299: An Inauguration to Remember
Witness the historic journey leading to Barack Obama's memorable 2009 inauguration. Explore how his electrifying 2004 Democratic keynote speech propelled him into the national spotlight. Discover the dramatic shifts during the 2008 primaries, including Ted Kennedy's powerful endorsement that boosted Obama's momentum. Delve into campaign tensions, including the notable clashes between Hillary Clinton and Obama. Finally, relive the inauguration day drama, from a rare oath-taking error to the surprising camaraderie between rivals Obama and McCain.
Jan 19, 2026 • 19min
1298: The First Zeppelin Raid on Britain
On January 19, 1915, Germany launched the first zeppelin raid on Britain, shocking civilians and changing warfare forever. The podcast delves into the terror these airships brought, killing innocent people in English towns. It highlights Sub-Lieutenant Rex Warnford's daring pursuit of these flying giants and his tragic yet heroic story. Discover how incendiary bullets turned the tide against the zeppelins and led to their decline, marking a significant shift in aerial warfare's history.
Jan 17, 2026 • 29min
1297: Saturday Matinee: The History Bureau
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Harding, a seasoned BBC foreign correspondent, shares his firsthand experiences reporting in 1990s Russia. He vividly recalls the surreal atmosphere during the Soviet collapse and examines Boris Yeltsin's shock-therapy reforms that led to widespread anger. Harding also dives into the chaos following the 1999 apartment bombings, detailing the public's panic and the rise of Vladimir Putin. The conversation uncovers the chilling implications of these events and how they shaped modern Russia's political landscape.
5 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 18min
1296: The End of the Roman Republic
Dive into the dramatic rise of Octavian as he transforms from Julius Caesar's heir to the first Emperor of Rome. Discover the tense formation of the Triumvirate and Octavian's cunning strategy to sideline Lepidus. Experience the fierce rivalry with Mark Antony and Cleopatra, culminating in a gripping naval battle. Finally, witness Octavian’s clever maneuvering to emerge as Augustus, ushering in the Roman Empire while maintaining a facade of republican ideals.
Jan 15, 2026 • 16min
1295: The Boston Molasses Disaster
On January 15, 1919, Boston experienced a bizarre disaster when a molasses storage tank burst, unleashing a deadly wave. The chaos was personal for Martin Cloherty, who heroically rescued his sister from the deluge. The aftermath saw a shocking death toll and widespread damage. Investigations revealed shoddy construction and negligence by the company involved. Journalists played a crucial role in exposing these failures, leading to a significant civil lawsuit. Today, the scent of molasses still lingers in the city, a reminder of this sticky tragedy.
Jan 14, 2026 • 16min
1294: The Evacuation of Guadalcanal
Discover the pivotal moments of January 14, 1943, when Japanese forces began their retreat from Guadalcanal. Explore the dramatic landing of Marines and the intense battles for a crucial airfield. Hear about the heroic defensive actions against relentless Japanese counterattacks. Delve into the naval clashes that shaped the outcome, featuring the USS Washington's striking attack. Learn how dwindling supplies and significant losses forced a decisive evacuation, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater.
Jan 13, 2026 • 17min
1293: The Sole Survivor of the Retreat from Kabul
On January 13, 1842, a disastrous retreat from Kabul during the First Anglo-Afghan War leaves Assistant Surgeon William Brydon as the sole survivor. The podcast delves into Britain's motivations for invading Afghanistan amid fears of Russian influence. It vividly narrates the chaos of ambushes and failed negotiations during the retreat, showcasing Brydon’s harrowing journey to Jalalabad. His famous declaration, 'I am the army,' resonates as a symbol of survival, leading to a brutal British counterexpedition and the sacking of Kabul.
Jan 12, 2026 • 16min
1292: The New York Jets Win Super Bowl III
On January 12, 1969, Joe Namath's bold guarantee led the New York Jets to an unexpected Super Bowl III victory against the Baltimore Colts. The podcast dives into the origins of the AFL and Lamar Hunt's innovative vision that drew in fans. It details the dramatic build-up to the game, highlighting the Jets' underdog status and strategic gameplay. The win not only shocked the sports world but also accelerated the merger between the AFL and NFL, shaping the future of professional football.
