National Today

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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15 episodes
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English

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S1 · E15
Today · 4 min
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 distinctive reputation. Also today: National Food Day, National Bologna Day, and My Best Winter Skin Day. See every holiday on October 24: https://nationaltoday.com/october-24/
S1 · E14
Yesterday · 4 min
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 that helps keep the legal world moving. Also today: National Boston Cream Pie Day, National Croc Day, and National Slap Your Coworker Day. https://nationaltoday.com/october-23/
S1 · E13
Thursday · 4 min
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 giving our dogs a little extra love. Plus, it's National Color Day, National Nut Day, and Medical Assistant Day. https://nationaltoday.com/october-22/
S1 · E12
Wednesday · 3 min
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 out of the history of the apple. Plus, it's National BRA Day, American Frog Day, and National Check Your Meds Day. https://nationaltoday.com/october-21/
S1 · E11
Tuesday · 4 min
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 finding ways to deal with information overload. Plus, it's Information Overload Day, National Share the Warmth Day, and National Brandied Fruit Day. https://nationaltoday.com/october-20/
S1 · E10
Monday · 4 min
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 support people in crises and the surprising science behind friendship. Also today: Heroes and Forefathers Day, National Seafood Bisque Day, and National Kentucky Day. https://nationaltoday.com/october-19/
S1 · E9
Sunday · 4 min
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 the surprisingly long history of the necktie and making a case for Sundays. Also today: National Sunday Day, National Chocolate Cupcake Day, and National Mashed Potato Day. https://nationaltoday.com/october-18/
S1 · E8
October 17 · 4 min
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 trauma and the importance of a little sweetness. Also today: National Pasta Day, National Edge Day, and National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day. See every holiday on October 17: https://nationaltoday.com/october-17/
S1 · E7
October 16 · 4 min
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 dictionary, and our feline friends. Also today: Global Cat Day, National Feral Cat Day, and National Liqueur Day. See every holiday on October 16: https://nationaltoday.com/october-16/
S1 · E2
October 15 · 4 min
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 making space for Black girls to rest and recharge. Also today: International Girl Child Day and Black Girl Day Off. See every holiday on October 11: https://nationaltoday.com/october-11/
S1 · E1
October 15 · 4 min
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: National PrEP Day and Inclusion Day. See every holiday on October 10: https://nationaltoday.com/october-10/
S1 · E4
October 15 · 4 min
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 failure might be more valuable than we think. Also today: National M&M Day, National Transfer Money to Your Son Day, and National No Bra Day. See every holiday on October 13: https://nationaltoday.com/october-13/
S1 · E3
October 15 · 4 min
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 Potter and exploring the case for a fresh start. Also today: Columbus Day, Día de la Raza, and Native American Day. See every holiday on October 12: https://nationaltoday.com/october-12/
S1 · E5
October 15 · 4 min
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 marking National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, National Dessert Day, and Be Bald and Be Free Day. See every holiday on October 14: https://nationaltoday.com/october-14/
S1 · E6
October 15 · 4 min
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 Expense Report Day, and National Dashi Day. See every holiday on October 15: https://nationaltoday.com/october-15/

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