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
Apr 10, 2025 • 14min
Delphine LaLaurie’s Torture Chamber
A fire at Delphine LaLaurie's mansion unearths a hidden torture chamber, revealing the horrific abuse suffered by enslaved individuals. The tragic story of Leah, a young servant, highlights the mansion's dark secrets. As the opulence of LaLaurie's estate contrasts with its brutal past, a courageous enslaved cook sets a fire in a desperate act for freedom. This turmoil uncovers the legacy of cruelty tied to LaLaurie's name and the ongoing quest for justice, documented by a persistent English writer.
Apr 9, 2025 • 17min
Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial Protest Concert
In April 1939, Marian Anderson faced barriers of racial segregation but turned them into a powerful statement with her concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Supported by Eleanor Roosevelt, this performance became a symbol of resilience in the civil rights movement. The podcast also explores Anderson's trailblazing journey through racial discrimination in the arts, culminating in her historic debut at the Metropolitan Opera. Additionally, her emotional return to the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington underscores her enduring impact on representation and equality.
Apr 8, 2025 • 17min
The Maiden Voyage of the Great Western
In 1838, the Great Western, the first steamship designed for transatlantic travel, set sail from Bristol to New York City. The voyage was fraught with challenges, including a harrowing engine room explosion that injured the chief engineer. Isambard Kingdom Brunel's engineering genius shone through as he overcame fierce competition and skepticism. Ultimately, the ship made history by crossing the Atlantic in just 15 days, paving the way for advancements in maritime technology and future cultural milestones.
Apr 7, 2025 • 16min
The Execution of Dick Turpin
On April 7, 1739, the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin faced his end in York. The podcast contrasts his romanticized legend with the harsh reality of his violent life. From butcher to bandit, delve into Turpin's dramatic transformation and thrilling heists with his partner, Matthew King. Explore the perilous world of highway robbery where Turpin navigates his identity amid escalating crime. The finale examines his swift execution and the societal myths that turned him into a folk hero.
Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Saturday Matinee: ArtMuse
Grace Anna, host of the ArtMuse podcast, dives into the captivating story of Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus. She illuminates the life of Simonetta Vespucci, a Renaissance muse whose beauty left a lasting impact on art and culture. Grace discusses the hidden narratives of women in art history, particularly focusing on Simonetta's relationships and tragic legacy. The conversation reveals how these narratives challenge the traditional male-centric views of art, advocating for a richer understanding of female contributions to the cultural landscape.
Apr 4, 2025 • 15min
The Birth of the SS
April 4, 1925 marks a pivotal moment as Adolf Hitler establishes a personal bodyguard, reflecting his paranoia about internal rivals. The podcast dives into the turbulent rise of Heinrich Himmler and the SS, revealing power struggles within the Nazi Party. It details the brutal purges of the Night of the Long Knives and the terrifying expansion of the SS, which grew to over a million members, while also exploring their horrific involvement in war crimes during WWII. This chilling account uncovers the dark dynamics that shaped modern history.
Apr 3, 2025 • 15min
The Pony Express
In April 1860, the Pony Express began its daring journey, with riders like Billy Tate bravely navigating the perils of the Wild West. The gripping stories of survival unfold as they face Paiute warriors in Nevada. An ambitious entrepreneur's dream to expand a freight company adds tension to the already precarious mission. The excitement of Johnny Fry's inaugural ride captures the urgency of delivering mail across a growing nation. The Pony Express became a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of danger, transforming communication in America.
Apr 2, 2025 • 15min
Beethoven’s First Symphony Premieres
Discover the early struggles of Ludwig van Beethoven, a musical prodigy whose challenging upbringing shaped his genius. Experience the momentous premiere of his First Symphony in Vienna, a pivotal event marking the start of his rise to fame. Delve into his determination to create music even as he faced the harrowing realities of deafness amidst chaos. Explore his intense rivalry with Mozart's legacy and how these experiences influenced his iconic compositions.
Apr 1, 2025 • 7min
John Cage’s Experimental Music
Dive into the mind of John Cage as he contemplates his avant-garde journey in music, reflecting on the innovative techniques that changed art forever. Discover a pivotal moment in music history with the debut of Beethoven's first symphony and its lasting impact. The exploration weaves through Cage's deep connection to the piano and invokes thoughts of artistic freedom and expression, all while touching on the intriguing parallels of a Byzantine empress and her influence on women's rights.
Mar 31, 2025 • 18min
The Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower
Explore the intriguing journey of the Eiffel Tower's construction, a symbol born amid skepticism and fierce opposition. Understand how its inauguration coincided with the anniversary of the French Revolution, marking a powerful moment in French identity. Discover Gustave Eiffel's anxiety about public acceptance and how he fought to secure the tower's legacy. Dive into its vital role in military communications during World War I, transforming it from a controversial structure into an enduring icon of innovation and national pride.
