This Day in Esoteric Political History artwork

This Day in Esoteric Political History

667 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 913 ratings

We’re living in unprecedented times. Maybe. In this show, Jody Avirgan (538, 30for30, TED) and historians Nicole Hemmer (Vanderbilt) and Kellie Carter Jackson (Wellesley) take one moment, big or small, from that day in U.S. political history and explore how it might inform our present –– all in about fifteen minutes.

New episodes release Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Sign up for the newsletter and more at ThisDayPod.com. We’re also posting about moments from the past @thisdaypod on Threads and Instagram. If you have a suggestion for a topic, get in touch.

This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of the Radiotopia podcast network from PRX.

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Episodes

Tax The Rich (1862)

September 01, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.25 MB

It’s September 1st. On this day in 1862, the Internal Revenue Act went into effect. Jody and Niki discuss how the act codified many of the systems and precepts of our tax code — including the idea that the rich should be taxed at a higher rate than the poor; and that certain “vice” items should be subject to a sales tax. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get i...

Election Sunday: Carter and the Killer Rabbit (1979) w/ Sam Sanders

August 30, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

It’s August 30th. On this day in 1979, newspapers around the country reported on an encounter President Jimmy Carter had earlier that summer with a rabbit while fishing. Jody and Niki are joined by Sam Sanders of NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute” to discuss how the Carter vs. Rabbit narrative spiraled out of control and turned into a genuine scandal. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radi...

Obama's Tan Suit (2014) w/ Sam Sanders

August 27, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 9.66 MB

It’s August 27th. On this day in 2014, President Barack Obama gave a press conference about Ukraine and ISIS and foreign policy — but much of the political chatter was about his choice of tan suit. Jody and Niki are joined by Sam Sanders of NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute” to discuss the “scandal” and what it how it represented a shifting moment in political coverage. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a p...

The 19th (1920) w/ Kellie Carter Jackson

August 25, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MB

It’s August 25th. On this day in 1920, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed papers that ratified the 19th amendment, which stated that the right to vote would not be denied “on account of sex.” Jody and Niki are joined by Kellie Carter Jackson of Wellesley to talk about the passage of the amendment, the intersectional nature of the suffrage movement, and why it wasn’t another 45 years until all women were really free to vote. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tin...

Election Sunday: Fannie Lou Hamer vs Lyndon B Johnson (1964)

August 23, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

It’s August 23rd. On this day in 1964, Mississippi activist Fannie Lou Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention about her efforts to be recognized as part of the MS delegation. President Lyndon B Johnson, sensing that Hamer’s speech was getting attention, scheduled impromptu remarks. Jody and Niki are joined by Kellie Carter Jackson of Wellesley to talk about Hamer’s remarks, legacy, and whether dramatic showdowns like this are even possible at modern conventions. ...

Election Sunday: Fanie Lou Hamer vs Lyndon B Johnson (1964)

August 23, 2020 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

It’s August 23rd. On this day in 1964, Mississippi activist Fanie Lou Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention about her efforts to be recognized as part of the MS delegation. President Lyndon B Johnson, sensing that Hamer’s speech was getting attention, scheduled impromptu remarks. Jody and Niki are joined by Kellie Carter Jackson of Wellesley to talk about Hamer’s remarks, legacy, and whether dramatic showdowns like this are even possible at modern conventions. ...

Rockefeller Republicans (1974)

August 20, 2020 11:24 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MB

It’s August 20th. On this day in 1974, Gerald Ford announced Nelson Rockefeller of New York as his pick for Vice President. Jody and Niki discuss how the pick of Rockefeller represented Ford’s attempt to find a moderate in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Nixon’s resignation — and whatever happened to the “Rockefeller Republican” wing of the GOP. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member...

The Dakota War and the Mankato Hanging (1862)

August 18, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

It’s August 18th. On this day in 1862, fighting broke out in southern Minnesota between Dakota Indians and the United States. Later in the year, 38 Dakota men would be hanged in Mankato, the largest mass execution in US history. Jody and Niki discuss the conflict, how it fit into the context of the Civil War, and why it’s been largely written out of history. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud...

Election Sunday: Adlai and The Always-Rans (1952) w/ Harry Enten

August 16, 2020 07:00 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

It’s August 16th. On this day in 1956, Adlai Stevenson accepted the nomination for Democratic candidate for president. It was the second election in a row that he would go up against Eisenhower — and Stevenson was almost nominated again the following cycle. Jody and Niki are joined by Harry Enten of CNN to talk about Stevenson and other figures who keep popping up in American politics. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric ...

Ebola (2014) w/ Andy Slavitt

August 13, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

It’s August 13th. On this day in 2014, deaths from Ebola passed 1,000 in four West African nations. Over the summer and fall fears about Ebola would grow around the world and in the US. Jody and Niki are joined by Andy Slavitt, former Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to talk about the response then and what it says about the response now. Andy is the host of the “In The Bubble” podcast. Check it out! Find a transcript of this episode at: htt...

RBG Arrives (1993) w/ Dahlia Lithwick

August 11, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

It’s August 11th. On this day in 1993, Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her first full day on the Supreme Court. Jody and Niki are joined by Dahlia Lithwick of Slate to discuss Ginsburg’s nomination and how she went from measured incrementalist to feminist icon. Be sure to listen to Dahlia’s special series on RBG in the Amicus podcast feed. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia f...

Election Sunday: How Third Parties Happen (1848)

August 09, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MB

It’s August 9th. On this day in 1848, former President Martin Van Buren was nominated as the presidential nominee for the breakaway Free Soil Party. The party was short-lived, but influential, and partly responsible for the Republican party’s anti-slavery stance. Jody and Niki discuss the FSP, MVB, and what conditions it takes for a viable third party to arise in American politics. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Poli...

The Case Of The Missing Judge (1930)

August 06, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

It’s August 6th. On this day in 1930, NY Judge Joseph Force Crater disappeared after getting dinner and heading to a Broadway show. He was never seen again, and his case has been a vacuum for conspiracy theories in the years since. Jody and Niki discuss Crater’s disappearance, and what his life tells us about the Tammany Hall of corruption and graft in New York City. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History i...

Braceros (1942)

August 04, 2020 07:09 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

It’s August 4th. On this day in 1942, the US started an immigration program for “braceros,” agricultural workers from Mexico who came to work on farms using temporary visas. Jody and Niki discuss how the program forged ties between the US and Mexico, and what it teaches us about borders. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/esoterichistory This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for ...

Election Sunday: Reagan's Dog Whistle (1980)

August 02, 2020 10:46 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

It’s August 2nd. On this day in 1980, Ronald Reagan kicked off his 1980 presidential general election campaign with a speech at the Neshoba County Fair in MS. During the speech he used the phrase “states rights,” which was widely seen as a racial dog whistle. Jody and Niki are joined by Kevin M Kruse of Princeton to discuss Reagan’s campaign, the significance of that kick-off speech, and the long running Southern Strategy. Find a transcript of this episode at: https://tinyurl.com/...

How We Got "In God We Trust" (1956) w/ Kevin M Kruse

July 30, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

It’s July 30th. On this day in 1956, Congress approved a bill to adopt “In God We Trust” as the official motto of the United States, mandating that it appear on paper currency and elsewhere. Jody and Niki are joined by Kevin M Kruse of Princeton to discuss why the 1950s was the era in which so much religion was codified into American political and society. Kevin’s book about the subject is “One Nation Under God.” This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotop...

A Major Watergate Vote (1974) w/ Leon Neyfakh

July 28, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

It’s July 28th. On this day in 1974, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted 27-11 to recommend the impeachment of Richard Nixon on counts of obstructing justice. The vote would be followed by several other counts and, a few weeks later, Nixon’s resignation. Jody and Niki are joined by Leon Neyfakh, host of FIASCO and host of the first season of Slow Burn, all about the Watergate scandal. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PR...

Election Sunday: Chappaquidick (1969)

July 26, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MB

It’s July 26th. On this day in 1969, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy pled guilty to leaving the scene of the crime following a car accident on the island of Chappaquidick. Jody and Niki are joined by Maeve Higgins of the New York Times and the podcast Mothers of Invention to discuss the legacy of the scandal, the Kennedy family’s impunity, and how Mary Jo Kopechne has been erased from the story. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. G...

Why Wyoming (1890) w/ Maeve Higgins

July 23, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

It’s July 23rd. On this day in 1890, Wyoming celebrated its entry into the United States. And it was doing so as a state that granted women the right to vote. Jody and Niki are joined by Maeve Higgins of the New York Times and the podcast Mothers of Invention to discuss the suffrage movement on the American frontier. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our...

Why Wyoming (1890)

July 23, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MB

It’s July 23rd. On this day in 1890, Wyoming celebrated its entry into the United States. And it was doing so as a state that granted women the right to vote. Jody and Niki are joined by Maeve Higgins of the New York Times and the podcast Mothers of Invention to discuss the suffrage movement on the American frontier. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our...

Small Step For (A?) Man (1969)

July 21, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

It’s July 21st. On this day in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin rode the Apollo 11 lunar module down to the moon’s surface — while their pal Michael Collins stayed behind. Jody and Niki are joined by Maeve Higgins of the New York Times and the podcast Mothers of Invention to discuss whether we have going-to-the-moon like projects anymore. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or j...

Small Step For (A?) Man (1969) w/ Maeve Higgins

July 21, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

It’s July 21st. On this day in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin rode the Apollo 11 lunar module down to the moon’s surface — while their pal Michael Collins stayed behind. Jody and Niki are joined by Maeve Higgins of the New York Times and the podcast Mothers of Invention to discuss whether we have going-to-the-moon like projects anymore. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or j...

Election Sunday: Convention Speeches (1980s)

July 19, 2020 07:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

It’s July 19th. In our first special Sunday show, Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer discuss some notable convention speeches from the 1980s, and what makes for a good speech in the room and on TV. We’re doing special Sunday shows from now through Election Day. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod ...

Riots Sweep NYC (1863)

July 16, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

It’s July 16th. On this day in 1863, riots are raging in New York City. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer discuss how the unrest shifted from Civil War protest to a race riot, and what it says about the North’s role in the conflict. Reminder! We are adding a third episode each week, starting this Sunday. Be sure to tune in, and spread the word. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or ju...

The Pandemic We Forget (1968) w/ Leon Neyfakh

July 14, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

It’s July 14th. On this day in 1968, reports of a new strain of influenza. The “Hong Kong Flu” would spread worldwide and kill upwards of a million people, including 50-100,00 in the United States. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Leon Neyfakh, host of FIASCO and original host of Slow Burn, to discuss why we don’t remember this pandemic as part of the story of 1968. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you ha...

The Pandemic We Forget (1968)

July 14, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

It’s July 14th. On this day in 1968, reports of a new strain of influenza. The “Hong Kong Flu” would spread worldwide and kill upwards of a million people, including 50-100,00 in the United States. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Leon Neyfakh, host of FIASCO and original host of Slow Burn, to discuss why we don’t remember this pandemic as part of the story of 1968. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you ha...

VP Gore (1992) w/ John Dickerson

July 09, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

It’s July 9th. On this day in 1992, Bill Clinton announced Al Gore as his selection to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by John Dickerson of 60 Minutes to discuss why Clinton went with another young Southerner, and whether VP selections even matter. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypo...

VP Gore (1992)

July 09, 2020 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

It’s July 9th. On this day in 1992, Bill Clinton announced Al Gore as his selection to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by John Dickerson of 60 Minutes to discuss why Clinton went with another young Southerner, and whether VP selections even matter. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypo...

Welcome Alaska (1958)

July 07, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

It’s July 7th. On this day in 1958, President Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act, bringing Alaska on as the 49th state. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by John Dickerson of 60 Minutes to discuss how states get added, and whether we think we will be adding a new one in this country anytime soon. John’s new book is “The Hardest Job In The Room.” This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for ...

Welcome Alaska (1958) w/ John Dickerson

July 07, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

It’s July 7th. On this day in 1958, President Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act, bringing Alaska on as the 49th state. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by John Dickerson of 60 Minutes to discuss how states get added, and whether we think we will be adding a new one in this country anytime soon. John’s new book is “The Hardest Job In The Room.” This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for ...

The Man Who Didn't Sign The Declaration (1776)

July 02, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

It’s July 2nd. Today, the story of John Dickinson, who attended the Continental Congress, was witness to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, but abstained from voting for or signing the document. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by John Dickerson of 60 Minutes to discuss the story of the “forgotten founder.” John’s new book is “The Hardest Job In The Room.” This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you ...

The Man Who Didn't Sign The Declaration (1776) w/ John Dickerson

July 02, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

It’s July 2nd. Today, the story of John Dickinson, who attended the Continental Congress, was witness to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, but abstained from voting for or signing the document. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by John Dickerson of 60 Minutes to discuss the story of the “forgotten founder.” John’s new book is “The Hardest Job In The Room.” This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you ...

Newspaper Strike! (1945)

June 30, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

It’s June 30th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Jane Coaston of Vox to discuss the NYC newspaper strike of 1945. There were eight daily newspapers serving millions and millions each day. When delivery workers went on strike, it revealed a lot about the media environment, labor, and more. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisda...

Newspaper Strike! (1945) w/ Jane Coaston

June 30, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

It’s June 30th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Jane Coaston of Vox to discuss the NYC newspaper strike of 1945. There were eight daily newspapers serving millions and millions each day. When delivery workers went on strike, it revealed a lot about the media environment, labor, and more. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisda...

The Great Reunion (1913) w/ Jane Coaston

June 25, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

It’s June 25th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Jane Coaston of Vox to discuss “The Great Reunion” of 1913. 50 years after the Battle of Gettysburg, Civil War veterans returned to swap stories and shape the story of how America remembers that conflict. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisda...

The Great Reunion (1913)

June 25, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

It’s June 25th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Jane Coaston of Vox to discuss “The Great Reunion” of 1913. 50 years after the Battle of Gettysburg, Civil War veterans returned to swap stories and shape the story of how America remembers that conflict. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisda...

Resurrection City (1968) w/ Jane Coaston

June 23, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MB

It’s June 23rd. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Jane Coaston of Vox to discuss “Resurrection City,” an encampment that occupied the National Mall in Washington DC for six weeks in the summer of 1968. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod

Resurrection City (1968)

June 23, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MB

It’s June 23rd. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Jane Coaston of Vox to discuss “Resurrection City,” an encampment that occupied the National Mall in Washington DC for six weeks in the summer of 1968. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod

Juneteenth (1865)

June 18, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MB

It’s June 18th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer discuss the history of Juneteenth — which is tomorrow, June 19th! It started as a Texas commemoration of the end of slavery, and has slowly spread throughout the country, and appears to be on its way to becoming an official holiday. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on ...

Getting The New Deal Done (1933)

June 16, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 9.85 MB

It’s June 16th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer discuss the passage of the first raft of legislation that would come to be known as The New Deal. History remembers the entire era as one of sweeping reform, but there was traditional politics at play in its passage, too. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thi...

One Of Those Days (1963)

June 11, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

It’s June 11th. We’re breaking format a bit today. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Slate’s Josh Levin to talk about a day in 1963 where four massive events all happened together. Alabama Governor George Wallace tried to block two black students from entering a building at the University of Alabama. In response, President Kennedy federalized the Alabama national guard. That same night, civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated. And in Vietnam, Buddhist monk Thí...

One Of Those Days (1963) w/ Josh Levin

June 11, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

It’s June 11th. We’re breaking format a bit today. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Slate’s Josh Levin to talk about a day in 1963 where four massive events all happened together. Alabama Governor George Wallace tried to block two black students from entering a building at the University of Alabama. In response, President Kennedy federalized the Alabama national guard. That same night, civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated. And in Vietnam, Buddhist monk Thí...

David Duke The Democrat (1988)

June 09, 2020 07:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

It’s June 9th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are joined by Slate’s Josh Levin to talk about neo-nazi David Duke, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988, and continued to seek office throughout the 80s and 90s. Duke is the subject of the latest season of the excellent podcast “Slow Burn,” hosted by Levin. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hel...

Shirley Shows Up (1972)

June 04, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

It’s June 4th. Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer discuss the California democratic debate of 1972, which features Shirley Chisholm — the first woman to appear on a presidential debate stage. She was also the first African-American woman elected to Congress. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod

The Steel Strike Showdown (1952)

June 02, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MB

It’s June 2nd. Before the show, some words about the protests and violence over the weekend. Then, Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer discuss a massive steel strike in 1952, and the way it pitted President Truman, unions, and the Supreme Court against each other. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod ...

Ain't I A Woman (1851) w/ Akilah Hughes

May 28, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

It’s May 28th. Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and special guest Akilah Hughes (What A Day podcast) discuss Sojourner Truth’s famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech. It tells us a lot about how myths are made, and historical figures are flattened over time. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod

Ain't I A Woman (1851)

May 28, 2020 07:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

It’s May 28th. Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and special guest Akilah Hughes (What A Day podcast) discuss Sojourner Truth’s famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech. It tells us a lot about how myths are made, and historical figures are flattened over time. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypod

Hands Across America (1986)

May 26, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

It’s May 26th. Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and special guest Akilah Hughes (What A Day podcast) discuss “Hands Across America,” the charity event that tried to get Americans to line up from coast to coast in order to raise awareness about homelessness and hunger. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisday...

Treason! (1807)

May 21, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB

It’s May 21st. Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and special guest Joanne Freeman (Backstory Radio) discuss the treason trial of Aaron Burr. It pitted Burr against Thomas Jefferson, for whom he had served as VP, and posed lots of questions about what our young democracy would look like. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us...

The Caning Of Sumner (1856)

May 19, 2020 07:05 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

It’s May 19th. Jody Avirgan, Nicole Hemmer, and special guest Joanne Freeman (Backstory) discuss one of the more notorious incidents in U.S. political history — when Senator Charles Sumner was severely beaten with a cane by a political opponent inside the Congressional chamber. This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on s...

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