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
7 snips
May 13, 2026 • 17min
The Escape of Robert Smalls
A daring Civil War sea escape led by a slave who stole a Confederate ship and navigated past Fort Sumter at dawn. The tense boarding and clever use of signals to reach Union ships are highlighted. The story follows sudden fame, military service, and a later political return to Charleston.
11 snips
May 12, 2026 • 15min
The End of the British General Strike
A look at how a national show of solidarity with miners escalated into nine days of confrontation. The story follows political maneuvering, press refusal that derailed talks, and a government campaign of propaganda and volunteer mobilization. It ends with legal pressure forcing a negotiated return to work and long term laws that reshaped labor rights.
9 snips
May 11, 2026 • 18min
The Creation of Comedy Troupe Monty Python
A lively recounting of the 1969 meeting that birthed Monty Python and the awkward BBC pitch that followed. Listeners hear about Terry Gilliam’s late arrival and his animation role. The group’s naming debate and early low ratings are highlighted. Personal tensions, career splits, and the troupe’s lasting influence are also touched on.
23 snips
May 9, 2026 • 1h 7min
Saturday Matinee: History Analyzed
A deep look at the Louisiana Purchase and how it doubled U.S. territory. The story traces European colonization, French control of the Mississippi basin, and why New Orleans was so strategic. It covers Napoleon’s Caribbean plans, the Haitian revolt, and the surprise sale negotiations. The segment closes by imagining what North America might have looked like without the purchase.
11 snips
May 8, 2026 • 15min
The Release of The Beatles' Final Album
A look at the Beatles' tense final months, from stormy rehearsals to the famous rooftop performance. Discussion of George Harrison's walkout and the compromise that led to a public show. Coverage of Abbey Road sessions, the last track with all four together, and the controversy over Phil Spector's orchestration. Scenes from release day and the legal unraveling that followed.
12 snips
May 7, 2026 • 16min
William of Rubruck’s Mongol Mission
A 13th-century Flemish friar sets off from Constantinople on a grueling overland trek into Mongol lands. He meets regional khans, endures long rides across the steppes, and reaches the Great Khan’s multicultural court. Scenes show bustling Karakorum markets, religious pluralism, public theological debates, and a diplomatic letter inviting Europeans to visit.
7 snips
May 6, 2026 • 18min
The Hitler Diaries Hoax
A scandal over purported Hitler diaries and the forger who built a fake Nazi memorabilia business. How local experts and a magazine's secrecy and rush led to validation of the papers. Forensic tests that exposed modern ink, paper, and copied errors. The legal fallout, resignations, and the forger’s later notoriety.
7 snips
May 5, 2026 • 17min
The Battle for Castle Itter
A strange wartime alliance forms as Austrian locals and American soldiers team up to defend a castle against a Nazi attack. The story follows risky journeys to summon help and bold efforts to fortify the stronghold with scant resources. Reinforcements arrive after daring escapes and tense skirmishes, leading to an unexpected liberation.
9 snips
May 4, 2026 • 18min
Execution of the Carthusian Monks
A dramatic recounting of 1535 when Carthusian monks faced brutal punishment for refusing royal religious authority. The story traces Henry VIII’s break with Rome, his push to control the church, and the crackdown led by Thomas Cromwell. Listeners hear about the austere Carthusian order, the refusal of the Oath of Supremacy, the public executions, and the wider dissolution of monasteries.
20 snips
May 2, 2026 • 1h 6min
Saturday Matinee: American Hysteria
They tackle the challenge of warning humans 10,000 years from now about buried nuclear dangers. Creative and bizarre solutions get airtime, from ritual traditions and living warning animals to engraved moons and menacing landscapes. The show contrasts practical engineering plans with speculative cultural scenarios and asks who should carry long-term responsibility for hazardous legacies.
