This Day (An America 250 History Show)
Jody Avirgan & Radiotopia
To mark our 250th birthday, “This Day” presents "50 Weeks That Shaped America," a series of deep dives into the stories that brought us to this moment. "This Day" takes you beyond the head-spinning headlines of today and into the unexpected historical moments that have shaped American politics and culture. Hosted by Jody Avirgan (538), and historians Nicole Hemmer (Vanderbilt), and Kellie Carter Jackson (Wellesley), each episode explores a moment from that day in U.S. political history to uncover its lasting impact. On Sunday episodes, Jody, Niki and Kellie react to current news with their usual mix of humor, analysis, and historical perspective.New episodes released Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Lots more on our Instagram page, YouTube, and newsletter. Find it all at thisdaypod.com.This Day is a proud member of the Radiotopia podcast network from PRX.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 2, 2026 • 28min
Over There! The US At War (Part 2)
A dive into the U.S. decision to enter World War I and the politics behind Wilson’s appeal to Congress. Trench warfare’s shocking brutality and the emergence of shell shock are described. The mobilization, draft challenges, and wartime surveillance and crackdowns get attention. Long-term effects like nativism, industrial shifts, and overlooked veterans are highlighted.
Mar 31, 2026 • 46min
America Debates WWI (Part 1)
A look at the 1917 debate over sending U.S. troops to Europe. Tensions between preparedness advocates and peace activists come to the fore. Immigration, the Lusitania, the Zimmermann Telegram, and U-boat attacks shift public opinion. Political rivalries, including Teddy Roosevelt's push for action, heat up as leaders weigh a fateful decision.
Mar 29, 2026 • 21min
The Boston Molasses Disaster [Some Sunday Context]
Cara Jaimo, a science and history writer and Boston native, offers a vivid retelling of the 1919 molasses flood. She recounts the tank rupture, the sticky wave’s immediate havoc, and the neighborhood’s immigrant losses. They explore industrial negligence, the messy cleanup, the strange folklore of a molasses-scented city, and the legal fallout that reshaped collective claims.
Mar 26, 2026 • 30min
How Triangle Ushered In An Era Of Reform [Part 2]
A deep dive into how witnesses of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire turned grief into political action. They trace courtroom drama, public rallies, and rapid safety laws like sprinklers and unlocked outward-swinging doors. The conversation follows Frances Perkins’s lifelong drive for workplace protections and how local reforms reshaped national labor policy.
Mar 24, 2026 • 46min
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Shocks America [Part 1]
A vivid reconstruction of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory disaster and the chaotic moments as fire and escape attempts unfolded. Deep dives into the factory’s modern image, brutal working conditions, and mass immigration that shaped the workforce. Exploration of labor organizing, the 1909–10 garment strike, and the surprising alliances that pushed for reform.
Mar 22, 2026 • 21min
Obama's Rocky 2008 + A 538 Doc Teaser [Some Sunday Context]
A revisiting of Obama’s 2008 fundraiser remarks and how a leaked clip became a major campaign flashpoint. A look at Clinton’s Pennsylvania strategy and the delegate math that reshaped momentum. A teaser for a documentary about Obama and Jeremiah Wright and behind-the-scenes moments crafting a defining speech.
Mar 19, 2026 • 37min
How Obama Spoke To Us About Race [Part 2]
A deep dive into Obama’s Philadelphia speech and how it framed race in America. They analyze venue choice, rhetorical moves, and how biography bridged racial divides. The conversation covers references to redlining, political fallout among elites, and tensions between stirring rhetoric and cautious governing.
Mar 17, 2026 • 40min
Obama, Rev. Wright, and "A More Perfect Union" [Part 1]
A deep dive into the 2008 controversy over Jeremiah Wright and the media storm that threatened a presidential campaign. The making of a pivotal Philadelphia speech and the rushed writing process are explored. The role of the Black church, liberation theology, and how race, rhetoric, and media double standards shaped political fallout are highlighted.
Mar 15, 2026 • 24min
The Gingrich Revolution [Some Sunday Context]
Kristen Soltis-Anderson, pollster and author known for political analysis, unpacks the 1994 Contract with America and how timing shaped its power. She traces Newt Gingrich’s strategic planning, the role of persuasive messaging, and how the playbook reshaped the Republican Party’s unity and governing style.
Mar 12, 2026 • 33min
How Clinton-Lewinsky Set The Template For Modern Politics [Part Two]
A deep dive into how the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal reshaped news: the rise of Fox News and cable’s shift toward opinion and spectacle. They map how tabloid values, ratings-driven punditry, and 24-hour commentary turned personal scandal into perpetual political warfare. The story also follows media bullying, gendered attacks, and the long personal fallout for Lewinsky.
