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PODCAST · society

National Today

by Ben Kaplan

Discover the stories, people, and surprising facts behind the days we celebrate. From history and science to culture and extraordinary milestones, National Today brings each day to life with fascinating stories worth knowing.Explore more at: https://nationaltoday.com/today

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Episodes

  1. October 25: The Practice That Changes the Brain

    You don't have to be an artist to benefit from creating something. This International Artist Day, we're exploring what happens when we make creativity part of our lives — and why the process itself might matter more than the final result. Plus, we're looking at the things worth saying before it's...

  2. October 24: Could You Patent the Sun?

    When a medical breakthrough has the power to change millions of lives, who should own it? Jonas Salk faced that question at a pivotal moment in history, leaving behind an answer that still resonates today. Plus, we're recognizing everyday changemakers and taking a closer look at a dish with a...

  3. October 23: Six Point Zero Two Times Ten to the Twenty-Third

    Every October 23, chemistry enthusiasts celebrate a number so enormous that it helps make sense of a world too small to see. But what exactly is a mole, and why does it deserve its own day? Plus, we're uncovering an unexpected twist in champagne's history and taking a closer look at a profession...

  4. October 22: THE KEY THAT YELLS

    WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE: YOU'RE TYPING AWAY AND SUDDENLY EVERYTHING IS IN CAPITAL LETTERS. October 22 is International CAPS LOCK Day, and we're taking a closer look at the story behind that often-overlooked keyboard key. We're also talking about bringing intellectual ambition back into style and...

  5. October 21: The Date They Chose in 1985 and Why It Matters Now

    Remember when the future meant flying cars and hoverboards? Back to the Future gave us a glimpse of tomorrow, and one particular date turned that fictional vision into a real-life conversation about how far we'd come. We're also meeting a reptile with a seriously ancient past and taking a bite…

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  6. October 20: The Chef Who Invented the Kitchen

    Ever wonder how professional kitchens became so organized, or how certain chefs helped shape the way we eat today? Meet Auguste Escoffier, a culinary pioneer whose story changed more than just what's on the menu. We're also talking about the joy of writing, giving our bones some attention, and...

  7. October 19: The Annual Report You Never Write for Yourself

    We make plans, set goals, and measure progress at work, but how often do we stop to ask whether our lives reflect what matters most to us? October 19 is Evaluate Your Life Day, an invitation to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Plus, we're exploring the humanitarian efforts that...

  8. October 18: The Transition Nobody Talks About

    It's a natural part of life for millions of women, yet it's still surrounded by questions, misconceptions, and conversations that don't happen often enough. October 18 is World Menopause Day, an opportunity to look at a subject that deserves more attention and understanding. Plus, we're exploring...

  9. October 17: The Animal That Perfected Doing Nothing

    Slow, quiet, and seemingly in no hurry to do anything, one animal might just have a thing or two to teach us about survival. October 17 is International Sloth Day, celebrating a creature whose unusual lifestyle is more fascinating than it first appears. Plus, we're exploring the global impact of...

  10. October 16: The Iowa Farm Boy Who Fed a Billion People

    One scientist set out to solve a problem that threatened millions of lives, and his work would eventually change the future of food around the world. October 16 celebrates Norman Borlaug and the remarkable story behind his impact on global hunger. Plus, it's time to celebrate the boss, the...

  11. October 10: The Weight Nobody Talks About

    Mental health affects more of our lives than we often realize, including a place where many of us spend most of our days: work. On October 10, World Mental Health Day invites us to reflect on how we care for ourselves and others, and why some conversations matter more than we think. Also today:...

  12. October 11: The March That Became a Holiday

    A historic march, a powerful idea, and a day that continues to mean so much to so many people. October 11 marks National Coming Out Day, a celebration of identity, visibility, and the courage to live authentically. Plus, we're recognizing the importance of supporting girls around the world and...

  13. October 12: The Holiday That Replaced the Holiday

    October 12 marks a holiday with a complicated history and very different meanings for different communities. From the legacy of a famous voyage to the growing movement to rethink how we remember the past, there's more to this day than meets the eye. Plus, we're celebrating the magic of Harry…

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  14. October 13: The Poet's Daughter Who Wrote the First Computer Program

    The daughter of a famous poet, a brilliant mathematician, and a mind far ahead of its time. Ada Lovelace's story sits at the intersection of creativity, science, and an invention that would take generations to fully understand. Plus, we're looking at breast cancer statistics and exploring why...

  15. October 14: The Invisible Infrastructure of Everything

    What do everyday objects, international trade, and some of the world's most important safety rules have in common? More than you might think. This October 14, we're uncovering the story behind World Standards Day. Plus, we're celebrating love, looking at how science can help stop bullying, and...

  16. October 15: The Show They Said Would Never Work

    On October 15, 1951, a sitcom premiered that would change television forever. But behind the laughs, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had a few ideas that Hollywood wasn't quite ready for. Today, we also celebrate Spirit Day and the freedom to be grouchy. Plus, it's National Mushroom Day, National...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Discover the stories, people, and surprising facts behind the days we celebrate. From history and science to culture and extraordinary milestones, National Today brings each day to life with fascinating stories worth knowing.Explore more at: https://nationaltoday.com/today

HOSTED BY

Ben Kaplan

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does National Today have?

National Today currently has 16 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is National Today about?

Discover the stories, people, and surprising facts behind the days we celebrate. From history and science to culture and extraordinary milestones, National Today brings each day to life with fascinating stories worth knowing.Explore more at: https://nationaltoday.com/today

How often does National Today release new episodes?

National Today has 16 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to National Today?

You can listen to National Today on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts National Today?

National Today is created and hosted by Ben Kaplan.
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