Today In History with The Retrospectors
@theretrospectors.bsky.social
What happened #OnThisDay?
Ten minute, DAILY HISTORY PODCAST with your hosts @ollymann.bsky.social @rebeccamessina.bsky.social & @arionmcnicoll.bsky.social
1,000 episodes and counting! 👇
💰 patreon.com/Retrospectors
🎧 pod.link/Retrospectors
Ten minute, DAILY HISTORY PODCAST with your hosts @ollymann.bsky.social @rebeccamessina.bsky.social & @arionmcnicoll.bsky.social
1,000 episodes and counting! 👇
💰 patreon.com/Retrospectors
🎧 pod.link/Retrospectors
Pinned
WHO ARE WE?
We are Arion, Rebecca, and Olly - aka The Retrospectors.
In every episode of our Today in History podcast, we cover something fascinating that happened on this day in history - whether that's the collapse of Enron or the invention of Hawaiian pizza. And we do it in just 10 minutes!
We are Arion, Rebecca, and Olly - aka The Retrospectors.
In every episode of our Today in History podcast, we cover something fascinating that happened on this day in history - whether that's the collapse of Enron or the invention of Hawaiian pizza. And we do it in just 10 minutes!
On November 10th, 1969, iconic characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Bert & Ernie made their debut.
Death, bullying, racism were all covered on Sesame Street.
7 million children watched daily and early studies showed that viewers scored higher on educational tests.
Death, bullying, racism were all covered on Sesame Street.
7 million children watched daily and early studies showed that viewers scored higher on educational tests.
November 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
On November 10th, 1969, iconic characters like Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Bert & Ernie made their debut.
Death, bullying, racism were all covered on Sesame Street.
7 million children watched daily and early studies showed that viewers scored higher on educational tests.
Death, bullying, racism were all covered on Sesame Street.
7 million children watched daily and early studies showed that viewers scored higher on educational tests.
Happy 75th birthday, 'Peanuts'🎂!
October 2nd, 1950 was the debut of Charles Schulz's iconic comic strip.
Today, we dig into how Schulz's unique approach set the standard for comics for decades to come👇
October 2nd, 1950 was the debut of Charles Schulz's iconic comic strip.
Today, we dig into how Schulz's unique approach set the standard for comics for decades to come👇
October 2, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Happy 75th birthday, 'Peanuts'🎂!
October 2nd, 1950 was the debut of Charles Schulz's iconic comic strip.
Today, we dig into how Schulz's unique approach set the standard for comics for decades to come👇
October 2nd, 1950 was the debut of Charles Schulz's iconic comic strip.
Today, we dig into how Schulz's unique approach set the standard for comics for decades to come👇
Reposted by Today In History with The Retrospectors
On this day in history: Carlos the Jackal is caught in Khartoum, convalescing following surgery to increase his sperm count.
Caught because an agent recognised not him, but his bodyguard.
(Excellently covered by @theretrospectors.bsky.social)
#historysky #onthisday #history
Caught because an agent recognised not him, but his bodyguard.
(Excellently covered by @theretrospectors.bsky.social)
#historysky #onthisday #history
August 14, 2025 at 8:11 PM
On this day in history: Carlos the Jackal is caught in Khartoum, convalescing following surgery to increase his sperm count.
Caught because an agent recognised not him, but his bodyguard.
(Excellently covered by @theretrospectors.bsky.social)
#historysky #onthisday #history
Caught because an agent recognised not him, but his bodyguard.
(Excellently covered by @theretrospectors.bsky.social)
#historysky #onthisday #history
The world's most infamous wanted terrorist - Carlos the Jackal - was sedated and kidnapped by French intelligence agents in Khartoum, Sudan, on this day in 1994.
We tell the tale, in 10 minutes, wherever you get podcasts. Or click here to listen now:
We tell the tale, in 10 minutes, wherever you get podcasts. Or click here to listen now:
Capturing Carlos The Jackal
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
August 14, 2025 at 7:24 AM
The world's most infamous wanted terrorist - Carlos the Jackal - was sedated and kidnapped by French intelligence agents in Khartoum, Sudan, on this day in 1994.
We tell the tale, in 10 minutes, wherever you get podcasts. Or click here to listen now:
We tell the tale, in 10 minutes, wherever you get podcasts. Or click here to listen now:
We have an amazing episode for you today, all about the "gay scene" in 18th century London, where "molly houses" like Mother Clap’s offered refuge, community and sanctuary from puritanical morality laws.
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/3ZIH...
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/3ZIH...
Inside The Molly House
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 23, 2025 at 7:34 AM
We have an amazing episode for you today, all about the "gay scene" in 18th century London, where "molly houses" like Mother Clap’s offered refuge, community and sanctuary from puritanical morality laws.
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/3ZIH...
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/3ZIH...
One of the most explosive events in sporting history took place on this day in 1910, when Black heavyweight Jack Johnson took on the "Great White Hope", Jim Jeffries.
In today's episode, we explore the fight so controversial that cinemas were banned from screening the footage:
In today's episode, we explore the fight so controversial that cinemas were banned from screening the footage:
Defeat of the Great White Hope 🥊
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
One of the most explosive events in sporting history took place on this day in 1910, when Black heavyweight Jack Johnson took on the "Great White Hope", Jim Jeffries.
In today's episode, we explore the fight so controversial that cinemas were banned from screening the footage:
In today's episode, we explore the fight so controversial that cinemas were banned from screening the footage:
The Statue of Liberty first arrived in the US #onthisday in 1885 - packed into 214 crates.
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly delve into history of "Lady Liberty", a beloved but complex symbol of America's past, present and future:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly delve into history of "Lady Liberty", a beloved but complex symbol of America's past, present and future:
The Arrival Of Lady Liberty
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
June 17, 2025 at 7:28 AM
The Statue of Liberty first arrived in the US #onthisday in 1885 - packed into 214 crates.
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly delve into history of "Lady Liberty", a beloved but complex symbol of America's past, present and future:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly delve into history of "Lady Liberty", a beloved but complex symbol of America's past, present and future:
The first Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race took place #onthisday in 1829 - and it all began as a light-hearted bet between two pals.
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly race through almost 200 years of boating escapades in just 10 minutes:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly race through almost 200 years of boating escapades in just 10 minutes:
The Very First 'Boat Race'
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
June 10, 2025 at 8:23 AM
The first Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race took place #onthisday in 1829 - and it all began as a light-hearted bet between two pals.
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly race through almost 200 years of boating escapades in just 10 minutes:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly race through almost 200 years of boating escapades in just 10 minutes:
#OnThisDay in 1985, Brazilian police dug up the grave of one "Wolfgang Gerhard", on the suspicion - later confirmed - that he was actually notorious Auschwitz "Angel of Death" Josef Mengele.
In today's episode, Mengele's escape from Nazi Germany and 20 years on the run in South America:
In today's episode, Mengele's escape from Nazi Germany and 20 years on the run in South America:
Digging Up Josef Mengele
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
June 6, 2025 at 7:36 AM
#OnThisDay in 1985, Brazilian police dug up the grave of one "Wolfgang Gerhard", on the suspicion - later confirmed - that he was actually notorious Auschwitz "Angel of Death" Josef Mengele.
In today's episode, Mengele's escape from Nazi Germany and 20 years on the run in South America:
In today's episode, Mengele's escape from Nazi Germany and 20 years on the run in South America:
Radical feminist playwright Valerie Solanas attempted to assassinate pop artist Andy Warhol at the Factory #onthisday in 1968.
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how these two figures of 1960s counter-cultural ended up face-to-face at opposite ends of a gun:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how these two figures of 1960s counter-cultural ended up face-to-face at opposite ends of a gun:
The Woman Who Shot Andy Warhol
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
June 3, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Radical feminist playwright Valerie Solanas attempted to assassinate pop artist Andy Warhol at the Factory #onthisday in 1968.
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how these two figures of 1960s counter-cultural ended up face-to-face at opposite ends of a gun:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how these two figures of 1960s counter-cultural ended up face-to-face at opposite ends of a gun:
The "bank holiday" was born on this day in 1871, thanks to an eccentric liberal MP called Sir John Lubbock - or, as grateful workers would brand him, "Saint Lubbock".
Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all - including Lubbock's less successful project: teaching his poodle to read.
Listen now:
Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all - including Lubbock's less successful project: teaching his poodle to read.
Listen now:
The First Bank Holiday
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 29, 2025 at 7:55 AM
The "bank holiday" was born on this day in 1871, thanks to an eccentric liberal MP called Sir John Lubbock - or, as grateful workers would brand him, "Saint Lubbock".
Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all - including Lubbock's less successful project: teaching his poodle to read.
Listen now:
Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all - including Lubbock's less successful project: teaching his poodle to read.
Listen now:
When Hitachi launched their ‘personal massager’ #onthisday in 1968, they had no idea that they were about to go, um, down in sex toy history....
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell all, in ten minutes:
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell all, in ten minutes:
The Accidental Vibrator
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
When Hitachi launched their ‘personal massager’ #onthisday in 1968, they had no idea that they were about to go, um, down in sex toy history....
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell all, in ten minutes:
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell all, in ten minutes:
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly track the highs and lows of iconic dandy Beau Brummell - who fled to France #onthisday in 1816 to escape his eye-watering debts.
🎧👇
🎧👇
Beau Brummell: Dandy on the Run
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
In today's episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly track the highs and lows of iconic dandy Beau Brummell - who fled to France #onthisday in 1816 to escape his eye-watering debts.
🎧👇
🎧👇
Ellen Church became the first ever air stewardess #onthisday in 1930.
A licensed airplane pilot, when she was informed airlines would not hire a female pilot, she invented a whole new job.
We tell the remarkable story of the first air stewardesses:
A licensed airplane pilot, when she was informed airlines would not hire a female pilot, she invented a whole new job.
We tell the remarkable story of the first air stewardesses:
Launch of the Sky Girls
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Ellen Church became the first ever air stewardess #onthisday in 1930.
A licensed airplane pilot, when she was informed airlines would not hire a female pilot, she invented a whole new job.
We tell the remarkable story of the first air stewardesses:
A licensed airplane pilot, when she was informed airlines would not hire a female pilot, she invented a whole new job.
We tell the remarkable story of the first air stewardesses:
‘WannaCry’, the biggest cyberattack the world has ever seen, was stopped in its tracks #onthisday in 2017 - by a 22-year-old British blogger who found a 'kill switch'.
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell the tale, in 10 minutes:
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell the tale, in 10 minutes:
The $8billion 'Kill Switch'
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:13 PM
‘WannaCry’, the biggest cyberattack the world has ever seen, was stopped in its tracks #onthisday in 2017 - by a 22-year-old British blogger who found a 'kill switch'.
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell the tale, in 10 minutes:
Arion, Rebecca and Olly tell the tale, in 10 minutes:
Reposted by Today In History with The Retrospectors
Our #VEDay week continues, with today's episode about "Victory Day for Housewives" - the day rationing in Britain finally came to an end, NINE YEARS after VE Day...
Listen here:
Listen here:
Victory Day For Housewives
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 9, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Our #VEDay week continues, with today's episode about "Victory Day for Housewives" - the day rationing in Britain finally came to an end, NINE YEARS after VE Day...
Listen here:
Listen here:
Reposted by Today In History with The Retrospectors
In honour of #VEDay, we have a Retrospectors special on the day itself. Find out why:
💫 the German surrender was actually signed twice
💫 the name "Ceasefire Day" was rejected
💫 Winston Churchill worried about London's beer supplies
Listen here:
💫 the German surrender was actually signed twice
💫 the name "Ceasefire Day" was rejected
💫 Winston Churchill worried about London's beer supplies
Listen here:
What You Didn't Know About VE Day
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 8, 2025 at 10:43 AM
In honour of #VEDay, we have a Retrospectors special on the day itself. Find out why:
💫 the German surrender was actually signed twice
💫 the name "Ceasefire Day" was rejected
💫 Winston Churchill worried about London's beer supplies
Listen here:
💫 the German surrender was actually signed twice
💫 the name "Ceasefire Day" was rejected
💫 Winston Churchill worried about London's beer supplies
Listen here:
Reposted by Today In History with The Retrospectors
Nazi propagandist William Joyce, best known to British radio listeners as ‘Lord Haw Haw’, was hanged by Albert Pierrepoint at Wandsworth Prison #onthisday in 1946.
In today's episode, we explore how an American fascist became the voice of Nazi Germany:
In today's episode, we explore how an American fascist became the voice of Nazi Germany:
Hanging Lord Haw Haw
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 7, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Nazi propagandist William Joyce, best known to British radio listeners as ‘Lord Haw Haw’, was hanged by Albert Pierrepoint at Wandsworth Prison #onthisday in 1946.
In today's episode, we explore how an American fascist became the voice of Nazi Germany:
In today's episode, we explore how an American fascist became the voice of Nazi Germany:
To mark V.E. Day, all this week we're sharing some of our favourite WWII episodes - as well as a brand new episode on the weird and wonderful history of V.E. Day itself.
We started with the bizarre battle which saw American GIs, German soldiers and French prisoners fighting on the same side:
We started with the bizarre battle which saw American GIs, German soldiers and French prisoners fighting on the same side:
World War Two's Weirdest Battle
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
May 6, 2025 at 7:53 AM
To mark V.E. Day, all this week we're sharing some of our favourite WWII episodes - as well as a brand new episode on the weird and wonderful history of V.E. Day itself.
We started with the bizarre battle which saw American GIs, German soldiers and French prisoners fighting on the same side:
We started with the bizarre battle which saw American GIs, German soldiers and French prisoners fighting on the same side:
The Land Rover made its debut #onthisday in 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show.
Made with the scraps that post-war Britain had to offer, it was supposed to tide Rover over until the luxury car market recovered - instead, it became an icon of British motoring.
🎧We explain all, in 10 minutes:
Made with the scraps that post-war Britain had to offer, it was supposed to tide Rover over until the luxury car market recovered - instead, it became an icon of British motoring.
🎧We explain all, in 10 minutes:
Land Rover's Rugged Beginnings
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 30, 2025 at 7:11 AM
The Land Rover made its debut #onthisday in 1948 at the Amsterdam Motor Show.
Made with the scraps that post-war Britain had to offer, it was supposed to tide Rover over until the luxury car market recovered - instead, it became an icon of British motoring.
🎧We explain all, in 10 minutes:
Made with the scraps that post-war Britain had to offer, it was supposed to tide Rover over until the luxury car market recovered - instead, it became an icon of British motoring.
🎧We explain all, in 10 minutes:
The most famous mutiny in history kicked off #onthisday in 1789, when Captain William Bligh was unceremoniously turfed off his ship in an uprising led by his former friend, Fletcher Christian.
In 10 minutes, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how things went south on the Bounty:
In 10 minutes, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how things went south on the Bounty:
Mutiny On The Bounty
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 28, 2025 at 11:42 AM
The most famous mutiny in history kicked off #onthisday in 1789, when Captain William Bligh was unceremoniously turfed off his ship in an uprising led by his former friend, Fletcher Christian.
In 10 minutes, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how things went south on the Bounty:
In 10 minutes, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how things went south on the Bounty:
China's legendary Ming dynasty came to an end #onthisday in 1644.
In today's episode, we explain how the fifth son of a low ranking concubine ultimately became emperor - and the gruesome mass tragedy that brought the dynasty to a shocking end.
In today's episode, we explain how the fifth son of a low ranking concubine ultimately became emperor - and the gruesome mass tragedy that brought the dynasty to a shocking end.
The Last Ming Emperor
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 24, 2025 at 11:06 AM
China's legendary Ming dynasty came to an end #onthisday in 1644.
In today's episode, we explain how the fifth son of a low ranking concubine ultimately became emperor - and the gruesome mass tragedy that brought the dynasty to a shocking end.
In today's episode, we explain how the fifth son of a low ranking concubine ultimately became emperor - and the gruesome mass tragedy that brought the dynasty to a shocking end.
#OnThisDay in 1985, Coca-Cola unveiled "New Coke" - soon to enter the history books as one of the greatest corporate blunders of all time.
🎧Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all, in 10 minutes:
🎧Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all, in 10 minutes:
The 'New Coke' Debacle
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 23, 2025 at 7:53 AM
#OnThisDay in 1985, Coca-Cola unveiled "New Coke" - soon to enter the history books as one of the greatest corporate blunders of all time.
🎧Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all, in 10 minutes:
🎧Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain all, in 10 minutes:
Action Comics #1 was published #onthisday in 1938 - introducing the world to a new hero: Superman 🦸♂️
We tell the story, in today's episode:
We tell the story, in today's episode:
It's Superman!
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 18, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Action Comics #1 was published #onthisday in 1938 - introducing the world to a new hero: Superman 🦸♂️
We tell the story, in today's episode:
We tell the story, in today's episode:
The first ever Bond movie, ‘Casino Royale’ received its London premiere #onthisday in 1967 - a production so chaotic that final edits were still being made in the projection room.
We tell the crazy story in today's episode:
We tell the crazy story in today's episode:
The First Casino Royale
Today In History with The Retrospectors · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 15, 2025 at 6:40 PM
The first ever Bond movie, ‘Casino Royale’ received its London premiere #onthisday in 1967 - a production so chaotic that final edits were still being made in the projection room.
We tell the crazy story in today's episode:
We tell the crazy story in today's episode: