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
16 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 18min
1230: The Assassination of Indira Gandhi
The podcast explores Indira Gandhi's rise to fame after the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and the subsequent turbulence of the 1975 Emergency. It highlights Sikh opposition and crucial protests, leading to the fatal Operation Blue Star raid. The narrative builds to the assassination on October 31, 1984, detailing the actions of her Sikh bodyguards. The aftermath sees a wave of anti-Sikh violence, raising questions about Gandhi's complex legacy in Indian history.
7 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 17min
1229: Jane Austen’s First Novel
Reflecting on Jane Austen’s remarkable journey, the podcast explores her brief engagement mishap and its impact on her writing. It reveals her battle with illness and financial constraints that interrupted her education. Listeners learn about her early drafts and the challenges she faced in publishing, like the stalled negotiations and family tragedies. The story culminates with the 1811 release of Sense and Sensibility, highlighting the gamble of self-funding and the novel's immediate success, ultimately shaping Austen's lasting legacy.
7 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 15min
1228: The Formation of the Red Cross
In 1863, a pivotal meeting in Geneva led by Henry Dunant birthed the International Red Cross. Dunant's harrowing experiences treating wounded soldiers at Solferino ignited his passion for humanitarian relief. His self-published account of the battlefield horrors drove the establishment of relief societies. The committee adopted the iconic inverted Swiss flag as the Red Cross emblem. Yet, despite his monumental impact, Dunant faced poverty and obscurity before receiving posthumous recognition for his work.
12 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 15min
1227: The Siege of La Rochelle
Discover the gripping tale of the Siege of La Rochelle, where Huguenot rebels faced off against King Louis XIII. The tension rises as defenders prepare for battle while the historical context reveals a deep-rooted religious conflict. Explore England's critical role and the devastating humanitarian stakes involved. Cardinal Richelieu's strategic seawall plan sets the stage for a protracted siege. Ultimately, after months of starvation, the city capitulates, marking a significant shift in Huguenot political power in France.
14 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 16min
1226: The Murder Behind ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
In 1992, the murder of Navy radioman Allen Schindler, Jr. by a shipmate for being gay sparked a national outcry and led to significant military policy changes. The podcast explores the immediate aftermath, including eyewitness accounts and medical findings that highlighted the brutality of the crime. It discusses how the public response and political maneuvering resulted in the controversial 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' directive, which shaped military service for years. Schindler's legacy and subsequent events illustrate the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the armed forces.
Oct 25, 2025 • 35min
1225: Saturday Matinee: American Criminal
Dive into the chilling tale of a 1958 Halloween murder that unveils a web of marital strife and manipulation. An unsuspecting victim, Peter Fabiano, meets a grim fate when his wife’s friend, along with an accomplice, orchestrates a deadly plan. The gripping narrative reveals a dramatic confession, police mishaps, and sensational media coverage. Discover how cunning relationships and a fateful night led to a shocking crime that left lasting mysteries in its wake.
5 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 17min
1224: Italy Suffers its Greatest Military Defeat
On October 24, 1917, Italian forces faced a devastating defeat at Caporetto during World War I. German troops, led by Rommel, advanced through the Alps, catching the Italians off guard. The chaos included overwhelming artillery and gas attacks, leading to mass surrenders and chaos within Italian ranks. The retreat resulted in staggering human costs, with thousands captured. The aftermath shifted Italy’s political landscape, prompting resignations and a reevaluation of Allied strategies in the region.
10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 18min
1223: Boris Pasternak Wins The Nobel Prize
Discover the dramatic tale of Boris Pasternak, who won the Nobel Prize for his novel, Doctor Zhivago, only to be pressured by the Soviet Union to refuse it. Uncover the backstory of his life, including a chilling call from Stalin and the role of his muse, Olga Ivinskaya. Learn how his manuscript was smuggled out of the USSR and the CIA's covert efforts to distribute it. The turmoil surrounding his award leads to a historic public renunciation, setting the stage for posthumous recognition decades later.
8 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 17min
1222: The Death of “Pretty Boy” Floyd
Get ready for an exhilarating tale of Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, the notorious outlaw. Discover his early crime spree, including a daring 1930 train escape and the fateful 1925 Kroger office robbery that cemented his infamous reputation. Explore the media's romanticized portrayal versus law enforcement's perspective on him. The Kansas City Massacre adds a chilling twist, leading to a nationwide manhunt. Finally, witness Floyd's dramatic end in a gunfight, punctuated by his last defiant words.
10 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 16min
1221: The “Bubble Boy’s” Experimental Transplant
In October 1983, a 12-year-old boy named David Vetter, who lived in a sterile isolation bubble, received an experimental bone marrow transplant. His life was marked by a severe immune deficiency, leading to his unique upbringing and media attention. The podcast explores the intense procedure and David's initial recovery, but soon reveals a tragic twist as a dormant virus in the transplant overwhelms his system. Following his brief experience outside isolation, the discussion highlights the medical advancements inspired by David's case, particularly in SCID gene identification.
