History Daily
Airship | Noiser | Wondery
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
Nov 22, 2025 • 31min
Saturday Matinee: Ship History Radio
Mark Sprang, an archivist specializing in Great Lakes maritime history, shares fascinating insights on the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, 50 years after its tragic loss. He explains how Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting song immortalized this maritime disaster and shaped public memory. Delving into the archival treasures at Bowling Green State University, Mark highlights community involvement in maritime history and discusses safety reforms triggered by the wreck, including new regulations on maritime navigation and safety gear.
Nov 21, 2025 • 19min
Judas Maccabeus Recaptures Jerusalem
The intriguing tale begins with the defiance of Mattathias, igniting the Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule. Witness Judas Maccabeus rise to prominence as he adopts guerrilla tactics following his father's death. The drama escalates with Gorgias's failed surprise attack, leading to Judas's strategic counter at Emmaus. The climax arrives as Judas triumphantly recaptures Jerusalem, cleansing the Second Temple and marking the origin of Hanukkah. A fascinating journey of rebellion, strategy, and cultural significance unfolds!
Nov 20, 2025 • 16min
The Real-Life Moby Dick
On November 20, 1820, an American whaling ship met a fierce fate when a massive sperm whale attacked, sinking the Essex. The crew faced harrowing challenges, from battling storms to a desperate fight for survival at sea. Amid dwindling supplies, starvation led to cannibalism, showcasing the darkest aspects of human desperation. Eventually rescued after 93 days adrift, the ordeal left a significant mark on Captain Pollard's life. This riveting tale later inspired Herman Melville's iconic novel, Moby Dick.
Nov 19, 2025 • 15min
Pelé's 1,000th Career Goal
On a rainy night in 1969, Pelé reached a historic milestone by scoring his 1,000th goal. The journey to that moment began in Bauru, where his father inspired his love for soccer. Joining Santos at just 15, Pelé quickly became a sensation, but faced setbacks during the 1966 World Cup. As he approached his milestone, the tension mounted. When the moment finally came, a penalty kick secured his legacy. Pelé celebrated with joy and dedicated his achievement to impoverished Brazilian children, a reflection of his humble beginnings and enduring impact.
18 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 15min
Introducing Mickey Mouse
Explore the fascinating rise of Mickey Mouse from his debut in Steamboat Willie to becoming an iconic figure in animation. Discover Walt Disney's childhood, his early artistic struggles, and the pivotal moment he lost Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Learn about the innovative decision to use synchronized sound in animation and the triumphant reception of Steamboat Willie. The story also reveals the business battles Walt faced to secure Mickey, his ambitious gamble with Snow White, and how it all laid the groundwork for a global media empire.
8 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 17min
Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution Begins
On November 17, 1989, a peaceful student demonstration in Prague turned violent, igniting the Velvet Revolution. Growing discontent against four decades of Soviet control fueled massive public mobilization. The brutal police response united the populace, leading to nationwide strikes that pressured the Communist regime. Václav Havel emerged as a key figure, and his arrest could not quell the movement’s momentum. Ultimately, the revolution culminated in Havel's interim presidency and the transition to democracy in Czechoslovakia.
Nov 15, 2025 • 52min
Saturday Matinee: The Ancients
Dr. Patrick Kirch, an archaeologist specializing in Hawaiian and Pacific prehistory, delves into the fascinating world of ancient Hawaii. He discusses the navigational prowess of early Polynesians, who sailed from Tahiti to Hawaii, and the ecological changes brought by the arrival of settlers. Kirch describes the sophisticated farming techniques used, such as irrigated taro terraces, and the social structures that evolved, including the emergence of god-kings. He also shares insights on the material culture, from voyaging canoes to petroglyphs.
5 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 16min
The First Passenger Train Through the Channel Tunnel
On November 14, 1994, history was made as the first passenger train traveled through the Channel Tunnel, connecting London and Paris in under three hours. The podcast delves into the challenges faced during construction, including unexpected water leaks and the innovative engineering solutions used. It recounts the symbolic moment when British and French tunnels met and celebrates the excitement of the inaugural journey. The legacy of the tunnel, its impact on travel, and the stories behind its groundbreaking construction are explored in captivating detail.
5 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 16min
The Amityville Murders
On a fateful November night in 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six family members in a suburban New York home, sparking a chilling true crime saga. As police uncover shocking evidence, Butch's conflicting statements lead to his arrest. His trial hinges on a battle between sanity and guilt, with forensic testimonies sealing his fate. The horrifying legacy continues when the Lutz family moves in, claiming ghostly encounters that inspire a bestselling book and blockbuster film, signaling the rise of a haunted legend.
7 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 16min
John Bunyan’s Arrest
John Bunyan's dramatic arrest in 1660 unfolds during a clandestine farmhouse meeting. As the threat of Anglicanism looms, Bunyan grapples with the harsh new laws against nonconformist worship. His personal journey from wild youth to preacher takes a turn as his imprisonment sparks a prolific writing phase. Supported by his wife Elizabeth and fellow nonconformists, he crafts the enduring allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress. His eventual release heralds a legacy that profoundly impacts literature and resonates globally.
