In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of comedian Paul Reubens.  You can support Past Present here: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      Paul Reubens, best known for   his recurring role as Pee-wee Herman, has died. Natalia referred to this  Daily Beast retrospective and Niki drew on this  New York Times magazine piece.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia discussed Rebecca Jennings’ Vulture article, “Where Is Britney Spears?”  ·      Neil recommended the BBC podcast,  A Very British Cult.  ·      Niki shared about  this episode of the Strict Scrutiny podcast.          

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of comedian Paul Reubens.  You can support Past Present here: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/31/arts/paul-reubens-pee-wee-herman-dead.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Reubens</a>, best known for <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/03/pee-wee-herman-paul-reubens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">  his recurring role as Pee-wee Herman</a>, has died. Natalia referred to this <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/remembering-paul-reubens-pee-wees-playhouse-was-the-best-kids-show" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Daily Beast retrospective</a> and Niki drew on this <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/14/magazine/pee-wees-big-comeback.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> New York Times magazine piece</a>. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> discussed Rebecca Jennings’ Vulture article, “<a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/britney-spears-conservatorship-fans-conspiracy-theory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Where Is Britney Spears?</a>” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> recommended the BBC podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-very-british-cult/id1679737896" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Very British Cult</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared about <a href="https://crooked.com/podcast/americas-first-civil-rights-movement/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this episode</a> of the Strict Scrutiny podcast.

Episode 386: Pee-wee Herman

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the new megahit film, Barbie.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      Barbie, directed by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, is a box-office  blockbuster. Natalia drew on this MSNBC piece she wrote about the doll’s complicated legacy, and Niki reflected on  this New York Times article about the film’s salience in a post-Roe era. We all drew on Anne-Helen Petersen’s Culture Study newsletter on the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon.     In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia recommended Marisa Meltzer’s forthcoming book,  Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Glossier’s Emily Weiss.  ·      Neil discussed Charlie Mahtesian and Madi Alexander’s POLITICO story, “‘This Is a Really Big Deal’: How College Towns Are Decimating the GOP.”  ·       Niki  shared about the latest season of FX’s series The Bear.

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the new megahit film, Barbie.  Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barbie</a>, directed by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, is a box-office <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/25/movies/greta-gerwig-barbie-movie.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> blockbuster</a>. Natalia drew on <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/rcna95370" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this MSNBC piece</a> she wrote about the doll’s complicated legacy, and Niki reflected on <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/25/opinion/barbie-movie-faludi-feminism.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New York Times article</a> about the film’s salience in a post-Roe era. We all drew on Anne-Helen Petersen’s <a href="https://annehelen.substack.com/p/barbie-answers-oppenheimer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Culture Study newsletter</a> on the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> recommended Marisa Meltzer’s forthcoming book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glossy-Ambition-Beauty-Inside-Glossier/dp/1982190604" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Glossier’s Emily Weiss</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> discussed Charlie Mahtesian and Madi Alexander’s POLITICO story, “<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/07/21/gop-college-towns-00106974" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘This Is a Really Big Deal’: How College Towns Are Decimating the GOP.</a>” ·       <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared about the latest season of FX’s series <a href="https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-bear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bear</a>.

Episode 385: Barbie

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of summer break in the United States. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      The idea that a long summer vacation originated in “the agrarian calendar”  is a persistent myth. Niki referred to our  Episode 40, in which we discussed the history of summer camps  Natalia referred to historian Kenneth Gold’s book  School’s In: The History of Summer Education in American Public Schools and historian Jonathan Zimmerman’s Los Angeles Times opinion piece, “How We Got Interminable Summer Breaks From School – And What We Can Do About It.”     In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia discussed Max Meyer’s Free Press article, “Welcome to the MAGA Hamptons.”  ·      Neil and Niki, for the first time in our history, chose the same WMH! They discussed Jason Aldean’s country music song and video, “Try That in a Small Town.” Neil recommended Chris Willman’s Variety article, “Jason Aldean Already Had the Most Contemptible Country Song of the Decade. The Video is Worse.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of summer break in the United States. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      The idea that a long summer vacation originated in “the agrarian calendar” <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/summer-vacation-actually-about-city-kids-not-farm-kids-180952654/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> is a persistent myth</a>. Niki referred to our <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ety1n0HazMfrC3IA6UO60?si=N7lINGSmTkm6KLLvjaQRKw&amp;nd=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Episode 40</a>, in which we discussed the history of summer camps  Natalia referred to historian Kenneth Gold’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Schools-History-Education-American-Schooling/dp/0820456578" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> School’s In: The History of Summer Education in American Public Schools</a> and historian Jonathan Zimmerman’s Los Angeles Times opinion piece, “<a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2023-07-18/summer-vacation-break-school-camp-history-education" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How We Got Interminable Summer Breaks From School – And What We Can Do About It</a>.” In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> discussed Max Meyer’s Free Press article, “<a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/welcome-to-the-maga-hamptons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Welcome to the MAGA Hamptons</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a>, for the first time in our history, chose the same WMH! They discussed Jason Aldean’s country music song and video, “Try That in a Small Town.” Neil recommended Chris Willman’s Variety article, “<a href="https://variety.com/2023/music/opinion/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-worst-country-song-video-column-1235673177/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Aldean Already Had the Most Contemptible Country Song of the Decade. The Video is Worse</a>.”

Episode 384: The History of Summer Break

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of tipping in the United States. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      Tipping is once again  at the center of debates about service, labor, and consumerism. Neil referenced  this Phil Magness essay, and Natalia cited  this New York Times piece by Michele Alexander. We all drew on  this Mother Jones review of Saru Jayamaran’s book  Forked: A New Standard for American Dining.     In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia shared Michael Schulman’s New Yorker piece, “Orange is the New Black Signalled the Rot Inside the Streaming Economy.”  ·      Neil recommended the forthcoming Broadway show, Here Lies Love.  ·      Niki discussed this episode of the podcast If Books Could Kill.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of tipping in the United States. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/01/how-tipping-in-the-united-states-got-out-of-control.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tipping</a> is once again <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/02/18/i-dare-you-to-read-this-and-still-feel-ok-about-tipping-in-the-united-states/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> at the center of debates</a> about service, labor, and consumerism. Neil referenced <a href="https://www.aier.org/article/did-tipping-come-from-slavery-the-1619-project-lies-again/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Phil Magness essay</a>, and Natalia cited <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/opinion/minimum-wage-racism.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New York Times piece</a> by Michele Alexander. We all drew on <a href="https://www.motherjones.com/food/2016/04/restaurants-tipping-racist-origins-saru-jayaraman-forked/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Mother Jones review</a> of Saru Jayamaran’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forked-New-Standard-American-Dining/dp/0199380473" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Forked: A New Standard for American Dining</a>. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> shared Michael Schulman’s New Yorker piece, “<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/notes-on-hollywood/orange-is-the-new-black-signalled-the-rot-inside-the-streaming-economy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orange is the New Black Signalled the Rot Inside the Streaming Economy</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> recommended the forthcoming Broadway show, <a href="https://herelieslovebroadway.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here Lies Love</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> discussed <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2khJBoF73ujIATWUFtSxLD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this episode</a> of the podcast If Books Could Kill.

Episode 383: The History of Tipping

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss male enhancement surgery and the history of the penile ideal. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  ·      A  recent ProPublica article exposed the expanding, and disturbing, world of penile enlargement surgery. Neil referred to this glowing 2016 GQ article about the procedure, and Natalia discussed the comedy of Marval Rex. Niki drew on  this Men’s Health article, and we all made use of David Friedman’s book  A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia discussed the new Netflix documentary Take Care of Maya.  ·      Neil recommended the new Rock Hudson documentary from HBO,  All That Heaven Allowed.  ·      Niki shared about Crooked Media podcast, Strict Scrutiny, and her most recent CNN column, “Another Not-As-Bad-As-It-Could-Be Decision from America’s Highest Court.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss male enhancement surgery and the history of the penile ideal. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      A <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/penis-enlargement-enhancement-procedures-implants" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> recent ProPublica article</a> exposed the expanding, and disturbing, world of penile enlargement surgery. Neil referred to <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/penis-enlargement-surgery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this glowing 2016 GQ article</a> about the procedure, and Natalia discussed the comedy of <a href="https://www.marvalarex.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marval Rex</a>. Niki drew on <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19537701/penis-enhancement-surgery-mistakes-horror-story-miami-mark-schreiber/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Men’s Health article</a>, and we all made use of David Friedman’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Its-Own-Cultural-History/dp/0684853205" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis</a>. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> discussed the new Netflix documentary <a href="https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81349305" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Take Care of Maya</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> recommended the new Rock Hudson documentary from HBO, <a href="https://www.hbo.com/movies/rock-hudson-all-that-heaven-allowed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> All That Heaven Allowed</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared about Crooked Media podcast, <a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Strict Scrutiny</a>, and her most recent CNN column, “<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/27/opinions/trump-supreme-court-independent-state-legislature-election-hemmer/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Another Not-As-Bad-As-It-Could-Be Decision from America’s Highest Court</a>.”

Episode 382: Male Enhancement Surgery

Robert F. Kennedy

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential candidacy.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is running for president, with some support both  from Democrats and Republicans. Neil referred to this TIME interview, and Natalia referenced  this Slate article and  her interview on the Conspirituality podcast about RFK Jr.’s workout videos.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia shared about the new Netflix documentary series  Arnold.  ·      Neil discussed Raymond Zhong’s New York Times piece, “Something Was Messing With the Earth’s Axis. The Answer Has to Do with Us.”  ·      Niki recommended Rebecca Makkai’s novel  I Have Some Questions For You.

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential candidacy.  Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/06/robert-f-kennedy-jr-presidential-campaign-misinformation-maga-support/674490/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is running for president</a>, with some support both <a href="https://www.vox.com/2024-presidential-election/2023/6/22/23768864/2024-election-rfk-jr-biden-democratic-primary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> from Democrats and Republicans</a>. Neil referred to <a href="https://time.com/6287001/rfk-jr-interview-2024-campaign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this TIME interview</a>, and Natalia referenced <a href="https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/06/rfk-jr-shirtless-bench-press-pushup-workout.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Slate article</a> and <a href="https://www.conspirituality.net/episodes/brief-rfk-jr-flirts-with-body-fascism-natalia-petrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> her interview on the Conspirituality podcast</a> about RFK Jr.’s workout videos. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> shared about the new Netflix documentary series <a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/arnold-schwarzenegger-documentary-release-date-trailer-news" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Arnold</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> discussed Raymond Zhong’s New York Times piece, “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/climate/groundwater-earth-spin-axis.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&amp;referringSource=articleShare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Something Was Messing With the Earth’s Axis. The Answer Has to Do with Us</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> recommended Rebecca Makkai’s novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Have-Some-Questions-You-Novel-ebook/dp/B09ZRWP8DS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> I Have Some Questions For You</a>.

Episode 381: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the failed attempt of the Ocean Gate submersible to explore the Titanic wreckage. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      The world watched as  a multimillion dollar search for the submersible Titan transpired and  failed. Natalia drew on  this account of the world’s most expensive tourist experiences. Niki referenced  this Washington Post article on how Mount Everest became a tourist attraction and  this National Geographic story about the history of mountaineering.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia recommended the latest season of the Netflix show Never Have I Ever.  ·      Neil discussed Jessica Grose’s New York Times piece, “The Largest and Fastest Religious Shift in America is Well Underway”.  ·      Niki shared about the new podcast, Coverup: The Pill Plot.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the failed attempt of the Ocean Gate submersible to explore the Titanic wreckage. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      The world watched as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/19/us/titanic-missing-sub-tourist-tour" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> a multimillion dollar search for the submersible Titan</a> transpired and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/20/us/oceangate-titanic-missing-submersible.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> failed</a>. Natalia drew on <a href="https://www.fulltimetravel.co/ftt_inspirations/inside-the-worlds-most-expensive-adventure-trips-based-on-a-true-story/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this account</a> of the world’s most expensive tourist experiences. Niki referenced <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/05/31/how-mount-everest-became-tourist-destination/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Washington Post article</a> on how Mount Everest became a tourist attraction and <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/150714-matterhorn-switzerland-mountaineering-climbing-adventure-world" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this National Geographic story</a> about the history of mountaineering. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> recommended the latest season of the Netflix show <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10062292/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Never Have I Ever</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> discussed Jessica Grose’s New York Times piece, “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/21/opinion/religion-dechurching.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&amp;referringSource=articleShare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Largest and Fastest Religious Shift in America is Well Underway</a>”. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared about the new podcast, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6vjxzMfh7Jq9rKvee2Ttjb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coverup: The Pill Plot</a>.

Episode 380: The Ocean Gate Submersible and the History of Extreme Travel

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the indictment of former President Donald Trump. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      Former President Donald Trump  has been indicted related to the mishandling of classified documents and other charges. Neil referred to  this New Yorker article about how Trump is trying to reframe the narrative around these proceedings, and Natalia drew on  this NPR article about the history of presidential wrongdoing. Niki referenced  this New York Times article about the history of the Espionage Act.     In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia talked about Stephanie Noda’s NorthJersey.com article, “Do Honors Classes Favor ‘compliant and organized’ kids? Westwood Wants to Change That.”  ·      Neil discussed Jesse Walker’s Reason article, “How Pat Robertson Shepherded His Flock Into Politics.”  ·      Niki recommended Elaina Plott Calabro’s Atlantic article, “A Star Reporter’s Break With Reality.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the indictment of former President Donald Trump. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      Former President Donald Trump <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-documents-investigation-timeline-087f0c9a8368bb983a16b67dd31dcd4c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> has been indicted</a> related to the mishandling of classified documents and other charges. Neil referred to <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/trump-is-desperately-trying-to-define-the-narrative-about-his-federal-indictment" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New Yorker article</a> about how Trump is trying to reframe the narrative around these proceedings, and Natalia drew on <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/03/1167662256/past-presidents-while-never-indicted-have-faced-legal-woes-of-their-own" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this NPR article</a> about the history of presidential wrongdoing. Niki referenced <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/15/us/politics/espionage-act-explainer-trump.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New York Times article</a> about the history of the Espionage Act. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> talked about Stephanie Noda’s <a href="http://NorthJersey.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NorthJersey.com</a> article, “<a href="https://archive.ph/2023.06.12-103848/https:/www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/westwood/2023/06/12/westwood-school-nj-end-middle-school-honors-classes/70304122007/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Do Honors Classes Favor ‘compliant and organized’ kids? Westwood Wants to Change That</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> discussed Jesse Walker’s Reason article, “<a href="https://reason.com/2023/06/09/how-pat-robertson-shepherded-his-flock-into-politics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Pat Robertson Shepherded His Flock Into Politics</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> recommended Elaina Plott Calabro’s Atlantic article, “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/07/lara-logan-60-minutes-correspondent-conspiracy-theories/674168/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Star Reporter’s Break With Reality</a>.”

Episode 379: The Trump Indictment

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil the new documentary about the Duggar family, Shiny Happy People.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      The Duggar family,  who became famous on their reality show 19 Kids and Counting, is back in the spotlight  due to a new documentary. Niki referred to  this Washington Post article about Christian homeschooling and parenting, and Natalia cited this  Relevant magazine article about Beth Moore. We all drew on this  New Republic essay about the fundamentalist leader, Bill Gothard.     In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia talked about Ruth Marcus’ Washington Post essay, “I Lost 40 Pounds on Ozempic. But I’m Left With Even More Questions.”  ·      Neil recommended two books, Fintan O’Toole’s  We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland, and John Boyne’s  The Heart’s Invisible Furies: A Novel.  ·      Niki shared about historian Martha Hodes’ new memoir,  My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering.

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil the new documentary about the Duggar family, Shiny Happy People.  Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      The Duggar family, <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/pictures/the-duggars-a-comprehensive-guide-of-the-famous-family/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> who became famous</a> on their reality show 19 Kids and Counting, is back in the spotlight <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/31/opinion/duggar-shiny-happy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> due to a new documentary</a>. Niki referred to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/2023/christian-home-schoolers-revolt/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Washington Post article</a> about Christian homeschooling and parenting, and Natalia cited this <a href="https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/church/beth-moore-shares-how-the-duggar-docuseries-changed-her-perspective-on-bill-gothards-teachings-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Relevant magazine article</a> about Beth Moore. We all drew on this <a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/151787/bill-gothard-fundamentalist-trap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> New Republic essay</a> about the fundamentalist leader, Bill Gothard. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> talked about Ruth Marcus’ Washington Post essay, “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/06/06/ozempic-weight-loss-ruth-marcus/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Lost 40 Pounds on Ozempic. But I’m Left With Even More Questions</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> recommended two books, Fintan O’Toole’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324092874?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_7EZ9NW4F82XJGK0CSRPW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland</a>, and John Boyne’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/152476079X?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_VT6R98XW8VS8HYDK2YKC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Heart’s Invisible Furies: A Novel</a>. ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared about historian Martha Hodes’ new memoir, <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/my-hijacking-martha-hodes?variant=40812575457314" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering</a>.

Episode 378: The Duggar Family and "Shiny Happy People"

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the role of car dealers in U.S. political culture. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:    ·      Car salesmen play an underappreciated role in GOP power politics,  a recent Slate article argued. Niki cited  this data reported in The Verge, and Natalia drew on  this NPR story. We all drew on  this history of the industry at CNN.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  ·      Natalia discussed Summer Lin, Andrew J. Campa, and Howard Blume’s Los Angeles Times article, “Fight Erupts At Anti-Pride Day Protest Outside L.A. School Where Trans Teacher’s Flag Was Burned.”  ·      Neil recommended Shoshi Parks’ Smithsonian story, “How the U.S. Almost Became a Nation of Hippo Ranchers.”  ·      Niki shared about Ja’han Jones’ MSNBC article, “Obama Oral History is the G.O.A.T.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the role of car dealers in U.S. political culture. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: ·      <a href="https://theintercept.com/2015/11/23/car-dealers-have-their-way-with-congress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Car salesmen</a> play an underappreciated role in GOP power politics, <a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/05/rich-republicans-party-car-dealers-2024-desantis.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> a recent Slate article</a> argued. Niki cited <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/12/23721484/electric-vehicles-ev-car-dealerships-united-states-sierra-club-survey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this data</a> reported in The Verge, and Natalia drew on <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/08/30/1119715886/inside-the-rise-of-stealerships-and-the-shady-economics-of-car-buying" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this NPR story</a>. We all drew on <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/30/cars/why-we-buy-cars-this-way/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this history of the industry</a> at CNN. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> discussed Summer Lin, Andrew J. Campa, and Howard Blume’s Los Angeles Times article, “<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-02/parents-protest-lgbtq-pride-day-los-angeles-saticoy-elementary-school" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fight Erupts At Anti-Pride Day Protest Outside L.A. School Where Trans Teacher’s Flag Was Burned</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> recommended Shoshi Parks’ Smithsonian story, “<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-us-almost-became-a-nation-of-hippo-ranchers-180982244/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How the U.S. Almost Became a Nation of Hippo Ranchers</a>.” ·      <a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared about Ja’han Jones’ MSNBC article, “<a href="https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/obama-presidency-oral-history-project-rcna87342" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Obama Oral History is the G.O.A.T</a>.”

Episode 377: Car Buying and the History of Car Dealers

Past Present brings together three historians to discuss what's happening in American politics and culture today. Natalia, Neil, and Niki bring historical insights to the news of the day, offering listeners an alternative to the reflexive and polarized world of punditry. Interested in the world around you but exhausted by rote reactions and partisan talking points? You've come to the right place.

So refreshing to hear smart people talk about current events

Solid Podcast

Wonderful, timely

Past Present

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate alleged sexual predator Harvey Weinstein and the culture that enables him, the history of the pumpkin spice phenomenon, and the controversy over a Dove soap advertisement.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate alleged sexual predator Harvey Weinstein and the culture that enables him, the history of the pumpkin spice phenomenon, and the controversy over a Dove soap advertisement.

Episode 103: Harvey Weinstein, Pumpkin Spice, & the Dove Ad Controversy

In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate lying about Vietnam, multi-level marketing companies, and the privatization of public roads.

In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate lying about Vietnam, multi-level marketing companies, and the privatization of public roads.

Episode 96: Stolen Valor, MLMs, and Private Roads

On this week’s episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate Republicans’ increasing distrust of higher education, the reverse Great Migration of African Americans to the South, and the last remaining fleeing immigrants sign in California.

On this week’s episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate Republicans’ increasing distrust of higher education, the reverse Great Migration of African Americans to the South, and the last remaining fleeing immigrants sign in California.

Episode 92: Higher Ed & the GOP, the Reverse Great Migration, and Immigration in California

In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the American Heart Association's denunciation of coconut oil, the growing use of genetic testing for genealogy, and the history of porn. 

In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the American Heart Association's denunciation of coconut oil, the growing use of genetic testing for genealogy, and the history of porn.

Episode 90: Coconut Oil, Genetic Testing, and Porn

Sean Hannity

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the Sean Hannity phenomenon, battles over the “gayborhood,” and the popularity of running tutus. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Conservative media personality Sean Hannity  has attained new fame thanks to his proximity to President Trump. Niki referred to  her Washington Post piece arguing Hannity is more a promoter rather than a kingmaker and to Neil’s Huffington Post article arguing that  Hannity is not a journalist. Natalia recommended a 2015  Chapo Trap House episode about Hannity’s persona. As “gayborhoods” have become bellwethers of gentrification, they have also  resulted in turf wars. Niki cited George Chauncey’s classic work  Gay New York as well as Margot Canaday’s  The Straight State. We all commented on the findings of Adriana Brozyn and Amin Ghaziani’s study on “performative progressiveness” in Chicago gayborhoods. Tutus have become a  surprisingly common running accessory at amateur road races. Niki referred to Natalia’s  Well+Good article on the gendered history of jogging, and Natalia cited  “turkey trots” as early examples of casual, and often costumed, road races.  In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  Neil shared Mark Rudd’s New York Times article “The Missing History of the Columbia ’68 Protests.” Natalia discussed her recent visit to the Greek island and former leper colony of Spinalonga and recommended Victoria Hislop’s novel  The Island set there. Niki commented on Sarah Seo’s Washington Post piece “Why Our Response to the Starbucks Arrests Must Go Beyond Race.” 

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the Sean Hannity phenomenon, battles over the “gayborhood,” and the popularity of running tutus. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: <ul> <li>Conservative media personality Sean Hannity <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/04/23/how-sean-hannity-helped-put-donald-trump-in-the-white-house-and-how-hes-helping-to-keep-him-there/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> has attained new fame</a> thanks to his proximity to President Trump. Niki referred to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/sean-hannity-isnt-a-leader-hes-just-a-fan-of-powerful-republicans/2018/04/20/7d3397cc-43f9-11e8-8569-26fda6b404c7_story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> her Washington Post piece</a> arguing Hannity is more a promoter rather than a kingmaker and to Neil’s Huffington Post article arguing that <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-young-fox-news-hannity_us_5ada4742e4b01c279db447e3?ncid=engmodushpmg00000011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Hannity is not a journalist</a>. Natalia recommended a 2015 <a href="https://player.fm/series/chapo-trap-house/episode-3-freeway-ross-douthat-sailboat-dope-32716" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Chapo Trap House episode</a> about Hannity’s persona.</li> <li>As “gayborhoods” have become bellwethers of gentrification, they have also <a href="https://melmagazine.com/the-battle-for-the-gayborhood-has-become-a-passive-aggressive-turf-war-6c43b96b1d58" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> resulted in turf wars</a>. Niki cited George Chauncey’s classic work <a href="https://www.amazon.fr/Gay-New-York-Culture-1890-1940/dp/0465026214" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Gay New York</a> as well as Margot Canaday’s <a href="https://www.amazon.fr/Straight-State-Sexuality-Citizenship-Twentieth-Century/dp/0691149933/ref=sr_1_1?s=english-books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1524739082&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=margot+canaday+the+straight+state" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Straight State</a>. We all commented on the findings of Adriana Brozyn and Amin Ghaziani’s study on “<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cico.12298" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">performative progressiveness</a>” in Chicago gayborhoods.</li> <li>Tutus have become a <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/04/how-tutus-took-over-runners-wardrobes/558596/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> surprisingly common running accessory</a> at amateur road races. Niki referred to Natalia’s <a href="https://www.wellandgood.com/good-sweat/history-of-women-jogging/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Well+Good article</a> on the gendered history of jogging, and Natalia cited <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/thanksgiving/how-the-turkey-trot-became-the-most-popular-race-in-america" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “turkey trots” as early examples</a> of casual, and often costumed, road races.</li> </ul> In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> shared Mark Rudd’s New York Times article “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/22/opinion/-missing-history-columbia-protests.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Missing History of the Columbia ’68 Protests</a>.”</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> discussed her recent visit to the Greek island and former leper colony of Spinalonga and recommended Victoria Hislop’s novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Island-Victoria-Hislop/dp/0061340324/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1524372686&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+island+hislop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Island</a> set there.</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> commented on Sarah Seo’s Washington Post piece “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/04/23/why-our-response-to-the-starbucks-arrests-must-go-beyond-race/?utm_term=.2cafe89dd253" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Our Response to the Starbucks Arrests Must Go Beyond Race</a>.”</li> </ul>

Episode 128: Sean Hannity, Gayborhoods, and Running Tutus

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the dangers of plagiarism, the fate of the circus, and whether sugary drinks should be restricted for SNAP recipients.

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the dangers of plagiarism, the fate of the circus, and whether sugary drinks should be restricted for SNAP recipients.

Episode 67: Plagiarism, Ringling Bros., and Sugar & SNAP

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the dissolution of the Jolie-Pitt marriage, the price of EpiPens, and Dr. Oz and medical entertainment.

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the dissolution of the Jolie-Pitt marriage, the price of EpiPens, and Dr. Oz and medical entertainment.

Episode 52: Brangelina, EpiPens, and Dr. Oz

On this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the changing role of the vice presidency, the history of beach-going, and the Russian doping scandal overshadowing the Rio Olympics.

On this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the changing role of the vice presidency, the history of beach-going, and the Russian doping scandal overshadowing the Rio Olympics.

Episode 45: Veeps, Beach-Going, and the Olympic Doping Scandal

Kathy Griffin

In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the politics of pride marches, the history of climate change, and Kathy Griffin and the politics of offense.

In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the politics of pride marches, the history of climate change, and Kathy Griffin and the politics of offense.

Episode 87: Pride Month, the Paris Accords, and Kathy Griffin

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the presidential debates, the constitutionality of stop and frisk, and obesity and medical care.

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the presidential debates, the constitutionality of stop and frisk, and obesity and medical care.

Episode 53: Presidential Debates, Stop and Frisk, and Fat Shaming

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate secrecy and presidential health, New York City's universal pre-kindergarten, and the legacy of Star Trek.

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate secrecy and presidential health, New York City's universal pre-kindergarten, and the legacy of Star Trek.

Episode 51: Presidential Health, Free Pre-K, and Star Trek

Curvy Barbie

Bernie Sanders

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate Hillary Clinton's comments on Reconstruction, Mattel's release of a curvy Barbie doll, and Bernie Sanders's religious (non)affiliation.

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate Hillary Clinton's comments on Reconstruction, Mattel's release of a curvy Barbie doll, and Bernie Sanders's religious (non)affiliation.

Episode 20: Clinton & Reconstruction, Curvy Barbie, and Bernie Sanders's (Un)Religion

Elie Wiesel

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Elie Wiesel's impact on Americans' memory of the Holocaust, the place of Clinton's email controversy in presidential scandals, and the legacy of Guns N Roses.

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Elie Wiesel's impact on Americans' memory of the Holocaust, the place of Clinton's email controversy in presidential scandals, and the legacy of Guns N Roses.

Episode 42: Elie Wiesel, Clinton's Emails, and Guns N Roses

Nancy Reagan

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Nancy Reagan's legacy, the impact of the OJ Simpson trial, and the politics of presidential bodies.

In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Nancy Reagan's legacy, the impact of the OJ Simpson trial, and the politics of presidential bodies.

Episode 25: Nancy Reagan, OJ Simpson, and Presidential Bodies

In this week's episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Misty Copeland and the future of ballet, and the history of contested conventions. 

In this week's episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Misty Copeland and the future of ballet, and the history of contested conventions.

Episode 26: Merrick Garland, Misty Copeland, and Contested Conventions

In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods, the disappearing teen summer job, and the politics of gerrymandering.

In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods, the disappearing teen summer job, and the politics of gerrymandering.

Episode 89: Amazon & Whole Foods, Summer Jobs, and Gerrymandering

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate Childish Gambino’s viral video “This is America,” the launching of NRATV, and how Instagram is changing museums.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, generated major buzz with the release of the song and video “This is America.” Natalia referred to the various articles including  this Washington Post piece that attempt to decode the richly allusive video. Contextualizing this work in the recent comments by Kanye West that “slavery was a choice,” Niki recommended  this Washington Post piece by historian Leah Wright Rigueur and Natalia referenced  this New York Times article by activist dream hampton as well as  this GQ article. The National Rifle Association now  has a television presence, NRATV, which promotes a pro-Trump politics and worldview. The popularity of sites like the Museum of Ice Cream shows how Instagram is  changing how we consume culture. Natalia referred to historian Lawrence Levine’s classic book Highbrow, Lowbrow, Amanda Mull’s  Eater article on Instagram’s effect on food consumption, and Will Storr’s book Selfie on the narcissistic currents that inspire our moment.  In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  Neil commented on the brewing  controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention about  Paige Patterson’s statements about women. Natalia shared Britni de la Cretaz’ Racked article, “’Honoring’ Female Baseball Players with the Lipstick They Were Required to Wear.” Niki recommended Alan Taylor’s photographic essay in the Atlantic, “A Look Back at Kilauea's Spectacular 1969 to 1974 Mauna Ulu Eruption.” 

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate Childish Gambino’s viral video “This is America,” the launching of NRATV, and how Instagram is changing museums.  Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: <ul> <li>Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, generated major buzz with the release of the song and video “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This is America</a>.” Natalia referred to the various articles including <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/05/07/this-is-america-breaking-down-childish-gambinos-powerful-new-music-video/?utm_term=.c9652064202e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Washington Post piece</a> that attempt to decode the richly allusive video. Contextualizing this work in the recent comments by Kanye West that “slavery was a choice,” Niki recommended <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/05/10/republicans-think-celebrities-can-win-them-the-black-vote-theyre-wrong/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Washington Post piece</a> by historian Leah Wright Rigueur and Natalia referenced <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/07/opinion/dream-hampton-kanye-west.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New York Times article</a> by activist dream hampton as well as <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west-candace-owens-yeezy-conservative-fashion" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this GQ article</a>.</li> <li>The National Rifle Association now <a href="https://www.mediamatters.org/research/2017/08/28/guide-nratv-nras-news-outlet-hybrid-breitbart-and-infowars/217768" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> has a television presence</a>, NRATV, which promotes a pro-Trump politics and worldview.</li> <li>The popularity of sites like the <a href="https://www.museumoficecream.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Museum of Ice Cream</a> shows how Instagram is <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/how-instagram-changing-way-we-design-cultural-spaces-180967071/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> changing how we consume culture</a>. Natalia referred to historian Lawrence Levine’s classic book <a href="http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674390775" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Highbrow, Lowbrow</a>, Amanda Mull’s <a href="https://www.eater.com/2017/7/6/15925940/instagram-influencers-cronuts-milkshakes-burgers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Eater article</a> on Instagram’s effect on food consumption, and Will Storr’s book <a href="https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/will-storr/selfie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Selfie</a> on the narcissistic currents that inspire our moment.</li> </ul> In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> commented on the brewing <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/04/30/in-a-metoo-moment-will-southern-baptists-hold-powerful-men-accountable/?noredirect=on&amp;utm_term=.9dc8d0995d63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention</a> about <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/05/metoo-engulfs-southern-baptist-patriarch-paige-patterson.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Paige Patterson’s statements about women</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> shared Britni de la Cretaz’ Racked article, “<a href="https://www.racked.com/2018/5/10/17337442/female-baseball-lipstick-league-of-their-own" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">’Honoring’ Female Baseball Players with the Lipstick They Were Required to Wear</a>.”</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> recommended Alan Taylor’s photographic essay in the Atlantic, “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2018/05/a-look-back-at-kilaueas-spectacular-1969-1974-mauna-ulu-eruption/559919/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Look Back at Kilauea's Spectacular 1969 to 1974 Mauna Ulu Eruption</a>.”</li> </ul>

Episode 130: "This is America," NRATV, and Instragramming Museums

Michael Pollan

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the government's attempt to hack the iPhone, Michael Pollan's new documentary "Cooked," and Obama's latest attempt to close Guantanamo Bay.

In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the government's attempt to hack the iPhone, Michael Pollan's new documentary "Cooked," and Obama's latest attempt to close Guantanamo Bay.

Episode 23: Apple v. US, Michael Pollan, and Guantanamo Bay

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the “incel” community, the role of race in Mormon history, and the thrift-shaming of millennials. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  In the wake of a Toronto terrorist attack, “incels,” or  involuntary celibates, are gaining attention. Niki referred to  this New York Times article about Jordan Peterson. Natalia cited  Jia Tolentino’s New Yorker article on the origins of incel rage, Ross Douthat’s  New York Times op-ed raising the possibility of the redistribution of sex, and  this Washington Post column by historian Melissa J. Gismondi. Niki referred to  this paper by Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers. A hoax letter claiming the LDS Church was  apologizing for its history of racism upset many. Natalia cited historian Sarah Barringer Gordon’s book  The Mormon Question: Polygamy and Constitutional Conflict in Nineteenth Century America as well as historian Max Perry Mueller’s book  Race and the Making of the Mormon People, which he discussed in  an interview in The Atlantic. Neil referred to Linda Sillitoe’s book  Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders. Financial planning recommendations to millennials are  increasingly met with internet outrage. Natalia cited  Rebecca Onion’s Slate article on the history of the thrift education movement, and Niki referred to historian Louis Hyman’s book  Debtor Nation.  In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  Neil discussed the Guardian article, “Anne Frank’s ‘Dirty’ Jokes Found on Diary Pages She Covered Over.” Natalia talked about  Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical is Restaging America’s Past, a new book edited by Claire Potter and Renée Romano. Niki shared this  history of commercial flight in the 1930s and this WBUR segment on “What Happens When Someone on Your Flight Has a Medical Emergency.” 

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the “incel” community, the role of race in Mormon history, and the thrift-shaming of millennials. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: <ul> <li>In the wake of a Toronto terrorist attack, “incels,” or <a href="https://www.vox.com/world/2018/4/25/17277496/incel-toronto-attack-alek-minassian" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> involuntary celibates, are gaining attention</a>. Niki referred to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/18/style/jordan-peterson-12-rules-for-life.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New York Times article</a> about Jordan Peterson. Natalia cited <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-rage-of-the-incels" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Jia Tolentino’s New Yorker article</a> on the origins of incel rage, Ross Douthat’s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/opinion/incels-sex-robots-redistribution.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> New York Times op-ed</a> raising the possibility of the redistribution of sex, and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2018/04/27/why-are-incels-so-angry-the-history-of-the-little-known-ideology-behind-the-toronto-attack/?utm_term=.827e6427cc59" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Washington Post column</a> by historian Melissa J. Gismondi. Niki referred to <a href="https://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1041&amp;context=bepp_papers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this paper by Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers</a>.</li> <li>A hoax letter claiming the LDS Church was <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/2018/05/17/no-the-mormon-church-did-not-apologize-for-having-a-history-of-racism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> apologizing for its history of racism</a> upset many. Natalia cited historian Sarah Barringer Gordon’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mormon-Question-Polygamy-Constitutional-Nineteenth-Century/dp/0807849871" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Mormon Question: Polygamy and Constitutional Conflict in Nineteenth Century America</a> as well as historian Max Perry Mueller’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mormon-People-Perry-Mueller/dp/1469636166" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Race and the Making of the Mormon People</a>, which he discussed in <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/09/mormons-race-max-perry-mueller/539994/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> an interview in The Atlantic</a>. Neil referred to Linda Sillitoe’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Salamander-Story-Mormon-Forgery-Murders/dp/1560852003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Salamander: The Story of the Mormon Forgery Murders</a>.</li> <li>Financial planning recommendations to millennials are <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/alivelez/twitter-jokes-by-age-35?utm_term=.ruQk6XDRa#.rj9ryqdwB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> increasingly met with internet outrage</a>. Natalia cited <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_vault/2015/07/27/history_of_the_thrift_movement_wwi_pamphlet_teaching_thrift_to_children.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Rebecca Onion’s Slate article</a> on the history of the thrift education movement, and Niki referred to historian Louis Hyman’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Debtor-Nation-History-America-Politics/dp/0691156166" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Debtor Nation</a>.</li> </ul> In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> discussed the Guardian article, “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/15/anne-franks-dirty-jokes-found-diary-pages-covered-brown-paper" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anne Frank’s ‘Dirty’ Jokes Found on Diary Pages She Covered Over</a>.”</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> talked about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Historians-Hamilton-Blockbuster-Restaging-Americas/dp/0813590302" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical is Restaging America’s Past</a>, a new book edited by Claire Potter and Renée Romano.</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> shared this <a href="https://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Commercial_Aviation/passenger_xperience/Tran2.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> history of commercial flight in the 1930s</a> and this WBUR segment on “<a href="http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/05/23/medical-emergency-on-plane" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What Happens When Someone on Your Flight Has a Medical Emergency</a>.”</li> </ul>

Episode 132: Incels, Mormonism and Race, and Millennials and Personal Finance

Sacha Baron Cohen

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Sacha Baron Cohen’s new show, the viability of a “yoga vote,” and the demographic shift bringing about the disappearance of the middle child. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  British prankster and social critic Sacha Baron Cohen has a new show, “Who Is America?” Niki recommended  this New York Times article comparing the tactics of conservative James O’Keefe to those employed by Baron Cohen. She also referred to  this Smithsonian magazine article about turn-of-the-century undercover women reporters. Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio  told The Intercept he would court “the yoga vote” should he run for president in 2020. Natalia referred to a conversation on the 538 Blog that dismissed “the yoga vote” as today’s “soccer mom.” Natalia also recommended Michelle Goldberg’s book  The Goddess Pose: The Audacious Life of Indra Devi and the “Bikram” series produced by ESPN’s “30 For 30” podcast. The middle child “is going extinct,”  announced The Cut Niki recalled Paul Ehrlich’s 1968 book,  The Population Bomb, while Natalia recommended  Julia Belluz’ Vox article that contextualized these findings in broader demographic shifts.    In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:  Natalia shared Brian Feldman’s New York magazine article, “The Most Important Video Game on The Planet.” Neil discussed the miniseries “A Very English Scandal.” Niki recommended Alexis Madrigal’s Atlantic article, “Why No One Answers Their Phone Anymore.” 

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Sacha Baron Cohen’s new show, the viability of a “yoga vote,” and the demographic shift bringing about the disappearance of the middle child. Support Past Present on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast</a> Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: <ul> <li>British prankster and social critic Sacha Baron Cohen has a new show, “<a href="http://www.sho.com/who-is-america" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who Is America?</a>” Niki recommended <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/23/arts/television/who-is-america-sacha-baron-cohen.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this New York Times article</a> comparing the tactics of conservative James O’Keefe to those employed by Baron Cohen. She also referred to <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/women-reporters-undercover-most-important-scoops-day-180960775/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> this Smithsonian magazine article</a> about turn-of-the-century undercover women reporters.</li> <li>Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/07/23/tim-ryan-presidential-run-2020/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> told The Intercept</a> he would court “the yoga vote” should he run for president in 2020. Natalia referred to <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/is-the-yoga-vote-a-thing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a conversation on the 538 Blog</a> that dismissed “the yoga vote” as today’s “soccer mom.” Natalia also recommended Michelle Goldberg’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goddess-Pose-Audacious-Indra-Helped/dp/0307477444" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Goddess Pose: The Audacious Life of Indra Devi</a> and <a href="https://30for30podcasts.com/bikram/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the “Bikram” series</a> produced by ESPN’s “30 For 30” podcast.</li> <li>The middle child “is going extinct,” <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2018/07/the-middle-child-is-going-extinct.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> announced The Cut</a> Niki recalled Paul Ehrlich’s 1968 book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Population-Bomb-Paul-R-Ehrlich/dp/1568495870" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Population Bomb</a>, while Natalia recommended <a href="https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/5/22/17376536/fertility-rate-united-states-births-women" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Julia Belluz’ Vox article</a> that contextualized these findings in broader demographic shifts.</li> </ul>   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: <ul> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/nataliapetrzela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natalia</a> shared Brian Feldman’s New York magazine article, “<a href="http://nymag.com/selectall/2018/07/how-fortnite-became-the-most-popular-video-game-on-earth.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Most Important Video Game on The Planet</a>.”</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/NeilJYoung17" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neil</a> discussed the miniseries “<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6938856/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Very English Scandal</a>.”</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/pastpunditry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niki</a> recommended Alexis Madrigal’s Atlantic article, “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/05/ring-ring-ring-ring/561545/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why No One Answers Their Phone Anymore</a>.”</li> </ul>

Episode 141: Sacha Baron Cohen, the Yoga Vote, and Middle Children

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