In one of the darkest moments in American history, a paralyzed president stood before a broken nation and declared: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” But what did Franklin D. Roosevelt mean by that famous line — and why did it resonate so deeply?

In this episode of Quotable History, Will Henry takes you on a journey through FDR’s remarkable life, from his privileged upbringing and personal battles with polio to his masterful leadership during the Great Depression. You’ll discover how his rhetoric lifted the morale of millions, how the New Deal reshaped America, and why his legacy remains both celebrated and controversial.

As the U.S. teetered on the brink of collapse, FDR inspired a nation to overcome fear — but the story doesn’t end there. Next week, we explore how he faced an even greater challenge: World War II.

Subscribe, leave a review, and join us each week as we uncover the stories behind history’s most powerful words.

🔔 New episodes every Tuesday

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🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, text the link to one friend who loves history. That’s how we grow—one curious mind at a time.

Sources:

Ken Burns, dir. The Roosevelts: An Intimate History. PBS, 2014. Documentary film series.

FDR Library & Museum, “FDR Biography.” https://www.fdrlibrary.org/fdr-biography

Wendy Mead. “7 Facts About Franklin Roosevelt.”

https://www.biography.com/political-figures/a65191884/franklin-d-roosevelt-facts

Biography.com editors. “Franklin D. Roosevelt.”

https://www.biography.com/political-figures/franklin-d-roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt. First Inaugural Address. March 4, 1933. Washington, D.C. National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/president-franklin-d-roosevelts-first-inaugural-address.

History.com Editors. “Stock Market Crash of 1929.”

https://www.history.com/articles/1929-stock-market-crash

Teach History.org “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”

https://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ask-a-historian/24468

In this episode of Quotable History, we shine a light on the life and legacy of Thomas Edison — the inventor who recorded the first sound, lit up cities with his electric vision, and redefined modern life. From his humble beginnings to his groundbreaking inventions, we explore not just the man behind the lightbulb, but the relentless drive, failures, and controversies that shaped his career. Along the way, we’ll hear his famous recording of Mary Had a Little Lamb, and uncover what made Edison one of history’s most quotable — and complex — figures.

Listen now to discover the story of America’s most prolific inventor, and what we can learn from his spark of genius.

🔔 New episodes every Tuesday

📲 Follow on social:

X, Instagram, Facebook → @quotehistorypod

TikTok → @quotable.history

🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, text the link to one friend who loves history and don’t forget to subscribe. That’s how we grow—one curious mind at a time.

Sources:

https://www.biography.com/inventors/thomas-edison

https://www.nps.gov/edis/learn/kidsyouth/the-phonograph.htm

https://edison.rutgers.edu/life-of-edison/essaying-edison/essay/myth-buster-topsy-the-elephant

https://www.thomasedison.org/the-edison-family

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Edison

We celebrate the Fourth of July—but John Adams was convinced it would be the Second. Why?

In this episode of Quotable History, host Will Henry dives into the political drama behind America's founding. From the Boston Massacre and the Tea Party to the fierce debates in the Continental Congress, this is the real story of how 13 colonies voted to break away from the British Empire—on July 2nd, 1776.

Featuring Adams’s iconic letter to Abigail and the clash between radicals and reconciliationists, we trace how independence was born—and why the ideals behind it still matter.

🎇 Hear why Adams thought July 2nd would be the day Americans would celebrate forever.

🔔 New episodes every Tuesday

📲 Follow on social:

X, Instagram, Facebook → @quotehistorypod

TikTok → @quotable.history

🙏 Special thanks to Rachel Henry—for her unwavering support and essential editing work behind the scenes.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, text the link to one friend who loves history. That’s how we grow—one curious mind at a time.

Sources:

https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/online-exhibitions/timeline-american-revolution

https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2014/07/02/john-adams-vision-of-july-4-was-july-2/

https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond

Joe Rogan Experience #2336 – Ken Burns, published June 11, 2025

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration/how-did-it-happen