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
Feb 15, 2026 • 17min
Roots: The Book [Some Sunday Context]
A look at how a bestselling book exploded into a cultural craze during the 1976 bicentennial. They trace its messy origins, marketing as fact and fiction, and the plagiarism controversies that followed. Conversation covers the TV miniseries that cemented its reach, the genealogy boom it inspired, and the personal toll on its author.
Feb 12, 2026 • 31min
What Roots Viewers Saw [Part 2]
A deep dive into the premiere and second hour of Alex Haley’s Roots, focusing on Kunta Kinte’s capture, the brutal Middle Passage, and his refusal to accept a new name. Conversations explore dignified depictions of West Africa, survival bonds like Fiddler’s friendship, and how the series spurred genealogy fervor, academic interest, and divergent reactions across Black and white audiences.
Feb 10, 2026 • 41min
Roots Takes Over The Airwaves (1977) [Part 1]
A landmark 1977 TV phenomenon that gripped the nation and sparked mass conversations about slavery. The story’s sweep across generations and melodramatic format are highlighted. Discussion covers how the series changed representation on 1970s television and ignited a genealogy craze. Production choices, casting, filming challenges, and intense viewer reactions are also explored.
6 snips
Feb 8, 2026 • 13min
A Compromise To Avert Civil War [Some Sunday Context]
A dive into how California’s arrival forced national decisions about new territories and the spread of slavery. A step-by-step look at the five-part Compromise of 1850 and its political tradeoffs. Coverage of the strengthened Fugitive Slave Act and how it reshaped safety for free Black people and escape networks. A discussion of whether political deals only postponed a larger conflict.
Feb 5, 2026 • 32min
Gold Changes Everything (1849) [Part 2]
Rapid San Francisco growth brought chaos, vigilante justice, gangs, and arson. The rush reshaped lives of women, Chinese immigrants, and Native Californians in starkly different ways. Business opportunism and corporate consolidation transformed mining into modern capitalism. Long-lasting political and environmental consequences set the stage for California's future.
Feb 3, 2026 • 35min
Gold Rush! (1848) [Part 1]
They trace the shockwaves after gold was found at Sutter's Mill and how secrecy and publicity sent people rushing to California. The rise of entrepreneurs who sold supplies and profited more than most miners gets spotlighted. Travel routes, global migration in 1849, and how the rush reshaped towns and labor are explored.
Feb 1, 2026 • 19min
A Guy Throws His Shoe At George W Bush [Some Sunday Context]
A detailed retelling of the Baghdad shoe-throwing incident and how it unfolded. Exploration of why a shoe is a potent cultural insult in Iraq. Discussion of U.S. reactions, viral humor, and media framing. Examination of the aftermath: arrest, folklore, political fallout, and the limits of protest fame.
Jan 29, 2026 • 35min
How We Got The "War On Terror" (2002) [Part 2]
A deep dive into the rise of neoconservative influence on early 2000s U.S. policy. They trace how wartime World War II language like 'axis' and 'evil' reshaped public rhetoric. The conversation follows the phrase's political reception, its role as a stepping stone to conflict in Iraq, and the long-term effects on surveillance and Islamophobia.
Jan 27, 2026 • 30min
The "Axis Of Evil" (2002) [Part 1]
They trace how a single phrase was crafted and why it stuck in political memory. The conversation covers immediate public reactions and campus protests. They explore links between preemption rhetoric and weapons of mass destruction. They examine how religious language, security scares, and detention policies reshaped American policy and relations with Iran.
Jan 25, 2026 • 19min
A New Orleans Slave Rebellion [Some Sunday Context]
A deep look at the 1811 German Coast uprising and the leader who organized hundreds in revolt. Explores how the Haitian Revolution inspired resistance and spread fear across the region. Describes brutal plantation conditions, dramatic marching tactics, and the violent crackdown that followed. Considers why this large rebellion faded from public memory until recent scholarship revived it.
