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 2, 2026 • 17min
1284: The End of Islamic Spain
Explore the dramatic reconquest of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain. Discover how a strategic marriage between Ferdinand and Isabella unified Spain and set the stage for conflict. Delve into the stealthy raids and battles that led to the Islamic Emirate's fall. Witness the internal struggles among Muslims, particularly Boabdil's role in aiding Spanish advances. Experience the tense siege of Baza and the historical moment when Granada finally surrendered, marking a significant turning point in Spanish history.
Jan 1, 2026 • 16min
1283: Operation Raspberry Takes on the U-Boats
In January 1942, a retired British naval officer turns wargames into a tactical strategy to combat U-boat threats in the Atlantic. His team uses chalk and ingenuity to simulate battle scenarios, leading to a groundbreaking discovery about U-boat attack patterns. Named Operation Raspberry, the tactic is put to the test and results in a significant victory against enemy submarines. This innovative approach not only trains thousands but also plays a critical role in diminishing the U-boat threat by late 1943.
9 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 16min
1282: Winning Monopoly
Uncover the origins of the iconic board game, Monopoly, starting from its roots in Lizzie McGee's critique of land inequality. Explore how Charles Darrow seized the concept during the Great Depression and self-published it, leading to its eventual endorsement by Parker Brothers. Delve into the controversy surrounding credit and recognition as McGee’s contributions were initially overlooked. The episode reveals how legal battles in the 1970s helped restore her rightful place in history.
5 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 17min
1281: The Assassination of Russia’s “Mad Monk”
Delve into the dramatic assassination of Grigori Rasputin, the enigmatic figure close to the Russian royals. Discover how his mystical influence over Empress Alexandra heightened tensions during World War I. Uncover the twisted plot orchestrated by Felix Yusupov, leading to a chaotic murder that almost ended with Rasputin's escape. Learn how this shocking event accelerated the decline of the Romanov dynasty, igniting the revolutionary flames in 1917. A tale of intrigue, power, and tumultuous change awaits!
Dec 29, 2025 • 17min
1280: The Brutal Killing of Thomas Becket Shocks England
In a shocking turn of medieval events, Archbishop Thomas Becket is brutally murdered by knights in Canterbury Cathedral. The conflict stems from Becket's fierce defense of church independence against King Henry II's expectations. Their tumultuous relationship reveals power struggles within the monarchy and the church. Becket's exile, trial, and eventual martyrdom light a fire in England, leading to Henry's penance at Becket's tomb. This tale of loyalty, betrayal, and divine retribution marks a pivotal moment in history.
Dec 27, 2025 • 30min
1279: Saturday Matinee: Curiosity Meets The Past
Explore the fascinating connection between the human voice and history. Discover how actors prepare their vocal authenticity by mastering accents and body language. Learn how historical context influences speech and sound. Delve into the evolution of broadcast voice, from radio to podcasting's more casual tone. Reflect on the innate vocal potential we all possess, and consider how modern lifestyle changes might shape future speech patterns. Ultimately, reclaim your voice as a powerful expression of identity and experience.
Dec 26, 2025 • 17min
1278: King Lear’s Royal Premiere
On December 26, 1606, the royal premiere of King Lear captivated King James I, merging Shakespeare's genius with political intrigue. Discover the backstory of Shakespeare's company, the King's Men, who desperately needed fresh material. Dive into how Shakespeare revived an old Lear tale to reflect James's union ambitions. The Gunpowder Plot's influence on Macbeth highlights a tumultuous time for the playwright. This performance marked a transformative moment in theatrical history, weaving art with current affairs.
9 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 16min
1277: The First Performance of “White Christmas”
Discover the enchanting backstory of Irving Berlin's beloved song, "White Christmas," composed during a solitary Christmas Eve. Learn how Berlin's personal tragedies shaped his heartfelt music and propelled his Hollywood career. Hear about Bing Crosby's iconic performance on December 25, 1941, and the song's deep emotional resonance during wartime. Finally, explore its remarkable journey to an Academy Award and status as the best-selling single, leaving a lasting legacy in music history.
Dec 24, 2025 • 16min
1276: America’s First National Christmas Tree
Discover the origins of America's first national Christmas tree, inaugurated by President Coolidge on December 24, 1923. Learn about the campaign led by Lucretia Walker Hardy that helped make the tree a public spectacle. Explore how a Vermont fir became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity during WWII when Roosevelt and Churchill lit it to unite the nation. Also, find out about Eisenhower's festive revival of this beloved tradition in 1954, expanding it into the enchanting Pageant of Peace.
6 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 16min
1275: The Fall of King James II
On December 23, 1688, a dramatic coup forces King James II to abandon his throne and flee England. The podcast delves into the tumultuous backdrop that includes the execution of Charles I and the Restoration era. It highlights James's controversial reign, marked by his promotion of Catholics, which incited public alarm. Tensions escalate with the invitation to William of Orange, leading to a historic military standoff. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in James's flight and the rise of William and Mary, shaking the foundations of the monarchy.
