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
8 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 17min
1244: 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
1243: 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
1242: 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
1241: 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
1240: 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.
6 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 16min
1239: The Signing of the World War One Armistice
On November 11, 1918, the world learned that the Great War had ended with an armistice. The battlefield was rife with tension as German envoys ventured into no-man's land for negotiations. Despite military advantages, the Allies faced harrowing decisions. The signing took place at dawn, but chaos erupted just hours later, leading to tragic final attacks. Emotions ran high as soldiers grappled with the abrupt silence of peace. The armistice's terms later sowed the seeds for future conflict, dramatically impacting Germany's fate.
17 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 20min
1238: Dr. Livingstone Is Found Alive in Africa
On November 10, 1871, Henry Morton Stanley famously greeted the missing explorer Dr. David Livingstone in Tanzania. Their meeting highlights Livingstone's tragic decline during his search for the Nile's source. The podcast delves into Livingstone's rise to fame as a Victorian celebrity and his struggles during turbulent expeditions, including personal tragedies. Stanley's grueling 700-mile trek to find him showcases the adventurous spirit of the era. Despite being rescued, Livingstone chose to stay in Africa, adding layers to his complex legacy.
Nov 8, 2025 • 47min
1237: Saturday Matinee: Founded
The discussion dives into the Stamp Act of 1765 and the fierce resistance it sparked in the 13 colonies. The hosts explore Britain's justification for virtual representation and how colonists viewed the Act as a violation of their rights. Key figures like Samuel Adams take center stage, detailing his mobilization of merchants and the non-importation movement. They also touch on the Quartering Act's impact on colonial fears, the formation of the Stamp Act Congress, and how newspapers shaped public opinion on the protests.
20 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 16min
1236: The Execution of Soviet Spy Richard Sorge
Explore the thrilling life of Richard Sorge, a daring spy who infiltrated the Nazi Party and predicted key military events. Discover his radical journey from WWI injuries to Soviet recruitment, and his espionage escapades in Japan. Uncover the tension as Sorge's vital intelligence, warning of German and Japanese maneuvers, is ignored by Stalin. His dramatic arrest and execution reveal the harsh realities of espionage, culminating in posthumous recognition as a Soviet hero. Delve into a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the price of secrecy.
6 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 16min
1235: Otto The Great Overthrows The Pope
In 963 CE, Otto I of the Holy Roman Empire orchestrates a dramatic showdown with Pope John XII. The podcast explores Otto's rise to power, his military victories, and the questionable ethics of the Pope. Otto's concerns over papal misconduct lead him to convene a historic synod. Listeners learn about the shocking deposition of John XII on charges of conspiracy and blasphemy. The intrigue deepens with John’s rebellion and untimely death, allowing Otto to solidify his control over the church and his dynasty.
