Past Present

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss – and celebrate! – Neil's new book, Coming Out Republican: A History of the Gay Right. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show: ·      Coming Out Republican is now available for order. You can buy Neil's book here.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia shared about the Gothamist article, “Stop the Schtup: Brooklyn Orthodox Women Join Sex Strike to Pressure Husbands Over Divorce.” ·      Neil commented on his forthcoming piece at The Revealer, “Reaching the Heartland: Gay Republicans' Message to Religious Americans.” ·      Niki recommended Heather Radke's book, Butts: A Backstory.

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss controversies over Christmas “classics.”  Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Beloved Christmas songs and movies, like so many cultural products, have come under new scrutiny recently. Neil's Atlantic essay about Christmas controversies informed our whole conversation. We drew on this Atlantic essay that began the backlash against the film Love Actually, and Natalia referenced this interview with its director. Niki referred to this Variety essay about “Baby, It's Cold Outside.”   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia, Neil, and Niki reflected on eight years of making the show together and announced both Niki's departure and Past Present's first hiatus. Thank you, Niki. And listeners, see you in the spring!

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the strange career of now ex-Republican Congressman George Santos.  Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      George Santos' lies are so numerous, it is difficult to keep track of them. Niki referred to this Atlantic article about how Santos got elected, and Neil and Natalia referred to this one by Adam Serwer. We all drew on this New York Times history of expelled Congress members.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia declared her ambition to compete in the HYROX fitness competition. ·      Neil recommended the Slate podcast Dear Prudence and historian Julie Golia's book, Newspaper Confessions: A History of Advice Columns in a Pre-Internet Age. ·      Niki discussed Rivka Galchen's New Yorker article, “Inside the Illegal Cactus Trade.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Nikki Haley recently secured the backing of the wealthy Koch Brothers, bringing more attention to her presidential run. Natalia referred to this multi-part POLITICO series on Haley's career. Neil drew on this NPR piece, and Niki on this article from The Intercept.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia shared about her most recent MSNBC column, “How Feminists Have Failed Israeli Victims of Sexual Violence.” ·      Neil recommended Sopan Deb's New York Times article, “Nom Nom Nom. What's the Deal With Cookie Monster's Cookies?” ·      Niki discussed the National Security Archive's “Henry Kissinger: The Declassified Obituary.”  

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Americans' attachment to the thirty-year mortgage.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      A thirty-year mortgage is an enticement to home ownership – if you can lock one in at a low interest rate. Niki cited this Washington Post article about the unfavorable market for millennial homebuyers, and Natalia referenced this New Yorker piece about the pitfalls of mortgages. We all drew on this Atlantic article about the resilience of the “ownership society” ideal. Natalia referred to this New York Times article about a landlord harassed by her tenant.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia shared about the paperback release of Myth America: Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past and a 60% holiday discount on the audiobook of Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession. ·      Neil recommended visiting the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale, California. ·      Niki discussed the latest episode of the What Next podcast, “Moms for Liberty Tanked at the Polls. This Guy Called It.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of drive-thru dining.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Drive-through dining is more popular than ever since the pandemic. Neil drew on this Serious Eats history, and we all referred to this photo collection.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia recommended Eboo Patel's essay for Inside Higher Ed, “Why Campuses Need Centers for Pluralism.” ·      Neil discussed Natasha Singer's New York Times article, “This Florida District Banned Cellphones. Here's What Happened.” ·      Niki shared about the latest episode of Unclear and Present Danger, on which she appears.

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of divorce law 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:   ·      Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is a proponent of “covenant marriage,” an institutional arrangement that makes it much more difficult to get divorced. Natalia referred to this Atlantic article about the history of no-fault divorce. Niki drew on this JSTOR Daily piece on how women advocated for these changes and on this CNN piece as well.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia recommended the “Dog Eat Dog” episode of Season 4 of the History Channel's Food That Built America program. ·      Neil discussed Bruce Weber's New York Times obituary, “Bobby Knight, Basketball Coach Known for Trophies and Tantrums, Dies at 83.” ·      Niki shared about a new edited collection, LBJ's America: The Life and Legacies of Lyndon Baines Johnson.

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the drama around the election of the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Until this week, the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was little known beyond Louisiana and ultraconservative circles. Natalia referenced this CNN piece about Johnson's homophobic comments, and historian Matthew Dallek's article for TIME. Neil referred to Niki's latest CNN column.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed Ksenia Svetlova's New Republic piece, “Why We On the Israeli Left Feel Hit on Both Sides.” ·      Neil recommended historian Lauren Lassabe Shepherd's Daily Beast article, “Could Mississippi Actually Elect a Democratic Governor?” ·      Niki shared about the Radiotopia podcast, “The Unmarked Graveyard: Stories from Hart Island.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of restaurant reservations.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Restaurant reservations, like so much else, are getting gamified. Neil referred to this New York Times article. We all drew on this overview of historian Paul Freedman's book and this Atlantic article.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia shared about Britney Spears' new memoir, The Woman in Me. ·      Neil recommended historian Daniel Immerwahr's New Yorker article, “Beyond the Myth of Rural America” and Steven Conn's book The Lies of the Land: Seeing Rural America for What It Is – And Isn't. ·      Niki discussed Elizabeth Williamson's New York Times article, “Judge Won't Let Alex Jones Use Bankruptcy to Avoid Sandy Hook Damages.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of musical megatours and the concert movies they inspired. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Beyoncé and Taylor Swift made concert history this summer, and are now offering feature film versions of their concerts for the masses. Niki referenced this CNN article, and Natalia cited Taffy Brodesser-Akner's New York Times Magazine analysis of Swiftiedom.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia shared about her upcoming events in the Center for Jewish History's “Archives to Earbuds” series. ·      Neil recommended the podcast series, Keys to the Kingdom. ·      Niki discussed the new film, One Life.

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of historic preservation.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Historic preservation is almost as old as U.S. history. Natalia drew on this Discourse magazine article, and Niki discussed this New Yorker essay. Neil referenced this New York Times opinion essay.   In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed Matthew Schmitz' Compact article, “Millennial Socialists Embrace Atrocities.” ·      Neil shared Paige Williams' New Yorker essay, “Among the Cabin Fanatics of Mississippi's Giant Houseparty.” ·      Niki recommended Matthew Dallek's new book, Birchers: How the John Birch Society Radicalized the American Right.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the rise – and fall? – of the TED Talk. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      The writer Coleman Hughes gave a TED Talk on race earlier this year, and caused a stir when he advocated for “colorblindness” – and then accused TED of depressing the online circulation of his talk. Natalia cited this essay at The Drift, as well as this Atlantic article. Niki and Neil both drew on this Huffington Post history of TED, while Niki also referenced this New York Times profile of Chris Anderson, the head of TED. Neil commented on this New York Times article likening TED Talks to a religious event.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia invited scholars and writers to submit pitches for the series on physical culture that she is guest-editing for Nursing Clio. ·      Neil shared about John Riley's Metro Weekly article, “California Republicans Reject Platform Change on Gay Marriage.” ·      Niki recommended the new special issue of the Journal of African American History, on the “Black 1980s.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of political dress codes.  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 debate over Senator John Fetterman's casual style, the Senate voted to set a more formal dress code. Neil drew on this Gentleman's Gazette article, and Natalia referenced Rhonda Garelick's New York Times essay. Niki cited this POLITICO piece and this Washingtonian article.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia recommended Jessica Bennett's New York Times package, “Being 13.” ·      Neil shared about the Deseret News poll, “Republicans See Trump as a ‘Person of Faith'… More So Than Mitt Romney, Mike Pence, and Others” ·      Niki discussed the 1921 New York Times article, “Is the New Woman A Traitor to Her Race?”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the apparent crisis at scholar Ibram X. Kendi's Center for Antiracist Research.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      After amassing tens of millions of dollars in funding, Boston University's Center for Antiracist Research abruptly laid off a third of its staff last week. Natalia referred to historian Holly Brewer's scholarly critique of Kendi's work in this Liberties essay, and Niki referred to extensive right-wing coverage of the issue, like this Fox News piece.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia recommended Aymann Ismail's Slate essay, “Closed Book.” ·      Neil shared about historian Benjamin E. Park's Slate essay, “Sound of Freedom's Tim Ballard Is a Star on the Right. Why Would His Church Denounce Him?” ·      Niki discussed her column for CNN Opinion, “Maren Morris' Powerful Farewell to Country Music.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the latest “crisis of masculinity.”  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Men, according to a recent New York Times report, benefit from a “thumb on the scale” when it comes to college admissions. The report belongs to a larger debate over a “crisis of masculinity” today. Niki referred to this New York magazine article about Andrew Tate, and Natalia cited right-wing documentaries The End of Men and What is a Woman? Natalia and Niki both cited Christine Emba's interview in Vox, and Neil referred to this New Yorker article.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed the ProPublica investigative report, “How Columbia Ignored Women, Undermined Prosecutors and Protected a Predator for More Than 20 Years.” ·      Neil shared about Remy Tumin's New York Times article, “The Battle to Save Marilyn Monroe's Last Home.” ·      Niki recommended Mark Joseph Stern's Slate article, “The Volunteer Moms Poring Over Archives to Prove Clarence Thomas Wrong.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of telemarketing.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      The new HBO docuseries Telemarketers is bringing attention to a decades-old industry. Niki drew on this Atlantic article about scams in the industry and this history of the “Do Not Call” registry, and Natalia drew on this Slate piece.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed her latest MSNBC column, “Ramaswamy Amplifies A Strange, Outdated Myth to Back a Genuinely Good Idea.” ·      Neil shared about his most recent CNN piece, “Strays is a Raunchy, Hilarious Reminder of a Real Problem.” ·      Niki recommended Jonathan Chait's New York magazine review, “Samuel Moyn Can't Stop Blaming Trumpism on Liberals.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of the mugshot.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      The release of former President Donald Trump's mugshot was met with enthusiasm across the political spectrum. We discussed the long history of the mugshot. Niki drew on this NPR piece, and Natalia referred to this Hyperallergic post. Neil and Natalia referenced this Marshall Project report.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed the Independent Women's Forum report, “Oberlin College Administrators Caught on Secret Recording Reprimanding Head Lacrosse Coach for Defending Women's Sports.” ·      Neil recommended the podcast series, America After Roe. ·      Niki shared about her latest CNN column, “How the GOP Used Joe the Plumber to Sell a Myth.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the significance of major cutbacks at West Virginia University. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      The announcement of major cutbacks to academic programs at West Virginia University has drawn ire from students and alumni. Natalia cited this Atlantic article by Tom Nichols and this Nation essay by Lisa M. Corrigan. Niki drew on this PBS article.       In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed the edited collection, Who Would Believe a Prisoner?: Indiana Women's Carceral Institutions, 1848-1920. ·      Neil recommended the Netflix film, “Red, White, and Royal Blue” and this BBC article about hate-watching. ·      Niki shared about Kathryn Cramer Brownell's new book, 24/7 Politics, and her Los Angeles Review of Books essay, “Propaganda, Outrage, and Entertainment.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the current strike in Hollywood. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike for more than one hundred days. Niki drew on this Hollywood Reporter article about Ronald Reagan's tenure as a union leader. Natalia referred to this New Yorker story about Orange Is The New Black, and we all drew on this NPR retrospective on the history of Hollywood strikes.       In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed her essay “We're All Preppy Now” for The New Republic. ·      Neil recommended historian Lauren Lassabe Shepherd's new book, Resistance From the Right. ·      Niki shared about Ben Strauss and Molly Hensley-Clancy's Washington Post article, “Hollywood Cashed in on ‘Blind Side' Success.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “trigger warnings.” Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      An essay in The Atlantic by Jill Filipovic is the latest salvo in the debate over “trigger warnings.” Niki cited Filipovic's 2014 Guardian piece on the topic as well as this New Republic essay on the salient history of PTSD. Neil drew on this New Yorker article about how well the trigger warnings actually work. Natalia referred to this New York magazine story about trauma.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia recommended the new podcast, Classy. ·      Neil discussed Joel Mathis' article for The Week, “Is Conference Realignment Ruining College Football?” ·       Niki shared about Katherine Stewart's New Republic article, “The Claremont Institute: The Anti-Democracy Think Tank” and referred to Christopher Mathias'Huff Post investigation, “Richard Hanania, Rising Right-Wing Star, Wrote for White Supremacist Sites Under Pseudonym.”

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of rock star Tina Turner.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Tina Turner, at age 83, died last week. Neil drew on this Guardian article about Turner's genre-crossing body of work and this New Yorker essay, while Natalia referenced this Buzzfeed list that discussed her influence on generations of artists. Neil also recommended the documentary, Tina.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed the experimental Jewish community LAB/SHUL. ·      Neil recommended the Daily podcast episode, “When the Culture Wars Came for NASA.” ·      Niki shared about her most recent column for CNN, “Don't Misread the Failed Effort to Put the Ten Commandments in Every Classroom.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Martha Stewart's appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Martha Stewart, at age 82, is the oldest model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Neil discussed the first swimsuit issue, in 1964, and Niki referred to this Washington Post article about different “firsts” on the publication's cover. We all drew on this Slate history of the swimsuit issue.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia discussed historian Dan Royles' book, To Make the Wounded Whole: The African American Struggle Against HIV/AIDS. ·      Neil recommended the new Hulu series, Grand Nighthawk: Infiltrating the KKK. ·      Niki shared about James Risen's new book, The Last Honest Man: The CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedys.

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of camping 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:   ·      Camping has a long history as a form of recreation – and more. Natalia drew on this New Yorker review of historian Phoebe Young's book on camping, as well as historian Rachel Gross' forthcoming book on the history of outdoor gear. Neil recommended the podcasts Lost Hills and Park Predators, and Niki referred to this history about the exclusion of women from camping.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia recommended historian Estelle B. Freedman's Oral History Review article, “'Not A Word Was Ever Said Again': Silence and Speech in Women's Oral History Accounts of Sexual Harassment.” ·      Neil discussed Lauren McCarthy's New York Times article, “Why Americans Are Smuggling Fruit Roll-Ups Into Israel.” ·      Niki shared about Jonathan Eig's new book, King: A Life.

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the continued cutbacks and collapses of digital media companies. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·      Buzzfeed is the most recent company to announce massive layoffs. Natalia cited Derek Thompson's Atlantic newsletter, and Niki referred to media columnist Ben Smith's new book, Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral. We all drew on this New York Times article about the future of media.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·      Natalia shared Joshua Travis Brown's Chronicle of Higher Education essay, “The Ethical Poverty of Dorms for the Rich.” ·      Neil recommended this episode of the Slate Culture podcast and Aaliyah Wright's Capital B article, “Once An ‘All-Black Utopia,' Eatonville Residents Say New Development Could Erase History.” ·      Niki discussed Claire McNear's Ringer article, “The Search for the Lost Jeopardy Tapes is Over. The Mystery Behind Them Endures.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Tucker Carlson's dismissal from Fox News. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         Fox News personality Tucker Carlson was summarily fired earlier this week, intensifying turmoil at the conservative news network. Niki covered this in her most recent CNN column. Natalia drew on this POLITICO piece about the future of streaming news and this Atlantic essay about Carlson's early career.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia discussed Ashley Southall's New York Times article, “Harlem Businesses Sue to Stop Cannabis Dispensary Planned for 125th Street.” ·         Neil recommended the new Netflix series Queen Charlotte. ·         Niki shared about Josh Moody's Inside Higher Ed article, “New College Board Denies Tenure for 5 Professors.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the push to rollback child labor laws 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:   ·         Republican legislatures have begun to chip away at protective child labor laws across the country. The New York Times has also reported on how the Biden administration has refused to address child labor abuses. Natalia referenced this Guardian article about Iowa's rollback of protective labor legislation, and Niki referred to this NPR report. Neil drew on the this New York Times opinion piece.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia discussed her own reaction to a change in Twitter's “blue check” marker. ·         Neil recommended Kathryn Schulz' New Yorker essay “How One Mother's Love for Her Gay Son Started a Revolution.” ·         Niki shared about the Washington Post piece, “Mistaken Address Shootings Echo Killing of Japanese Teen 30 Years Ago,” and Andrew McKevitt's forthcoming book, Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America.  

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the expulsion of two representatives from the Tennessee state legislature. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         When two Democratic lawmakers were expelled from the Tennessee legislature, discussion turned to the state of democracy there – and in the nation. Niki referred to this Vox article about Tennessee's dubious distinction as the least democratic state. Natalia drew on this Memphis Flyer piece about how the state turned red, and Neil referenced this Jacobin essay about the insufficiency of federalism to ensure democracy.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia discussed this PBS News Hour podcast, “Study Shows Parents Overestimate Their Student's Academic Progress.” ·         Neil recommended Allyson P. Brantley's Slate piece, “Queer Beer.” ·         Niki shared Lauren MacIvor Thompson's Washington Post article, “The Original Comstock Act Doesn't Support the New Antiabortion Decision.”

In this rerun episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of spring break and other topics.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of children's story hour.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast On this week's Past Present episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil J. Young discuss the history of children's story hour.   Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         “Drag queen story hours” have become the latest arena in the culture wars. Niki drew on this Slate piece about children's librarian Anne Carroll Moore. Neil referenced this New York Times piece on the history of drag queen story hours. Natalia referred to historian Julia Mickenberg's book Learning from the Left: Children's Literature, the Cold War, and Radical Politics in the United States.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia discussed historian Ava Purkiss' new book, Fit Citizens: A History of Black Women's Exercise from Post Reconstruction to Postwar America. ·         Neil recommended Gina Kolata's New York Times article, “DNA From Beethoven's Hair Unlocks Medical and Family Secrets.” ·         Niki shared Maham Javaid's Washington Post article, “After a 1935 Tragedy, a Priest Vowed to Teach Kids About Menstruation.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the politics and political future of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         Speculation about a 2024 presidential run by Governor Ron DeSantis is filling media across the political spectrum. Natalia referred to this POLITICO piece about Trump losing hold on the grass roots and to this New York essay by Jonathan Chait on DeSantis' relationship to Trumpism. Niki referenced this Reuters report on DeSantis' foreign policy perspectives. Neil reflected on DeSantis' popularity in Florida, discussed in this Washington Post essay.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia discussed Ben Weingarten's Real Clear Investigations report, “The Problematic Rise of Media Literacy Education.” ·         Neil recommended Jennifer Schuessler's New York Times article, “For Rare Books Librarians, It's Gloves Off. Seriously.” ·         Niki shared about her CNN column, “Trump's Visit to Waco is a Provocation of Historic Significance.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         Fueled by social media panic, depositors ran to withdraw from Silicon Valley Bank this month. Neil drew on this institutional history of the bank at Medium. Niki recommended historian Margaret O'Mara's book The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America, and Natalia referenced this POLITICO piece in which she is quoted. Natalia drew on this Derek Thompson Atlantic article and referenced this Wall Street Journal opinion piece.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia recommended Chavie Lieber's Wall Street Journal article, “How Young Women Fight Loneliness –Walking Together in the Park by the Hundreds.” ·         Neil shared about Maria Clara Cabo's New York Times article, “'Phantom' Ends. For Musicians, So Does the Gig of a Lifetime.” ·         Niki discussed Susan Salai's Washington Times piece, “War on Government: ‘Sovereign Citizens' Bring Surge of Violence.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         Disability rights activist Judith Heumann died earlier this month. Natalia recommended the documentary Crip Camp and this JSTOR Daily collection of sources in disability studies, as well as the blog Nursing Clio.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia recommended Alexis Grenell's Nation column, “Why Do Republicans Keep Pretending to Be Jewish?” ·         Neil shared about a blog post on Daily Kos, “Tap Water Makes People Gay—Why Yes, Says DeSantis Appointee.” ·         Niki discussed George Packer's Atlantic article, “A View of American History That Leads to One Conclusion.”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the Supreme Court's deliberation over the cancellation of student loan debt. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         The Supreme Court seems poised to strike down President Biden's student loan forgiveness policy. Natalia referred to this CNBC timeline of the recent history of the student-loan cancellation movement and drew on this Washington Post essay about the devaluation of education as a public good. Neil drew on this Slate history about the culture of debt in the United States, and Niki used this explainer to elaborate the “major questions doctrine.”     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia recommended Matt Yglesias' post, “Why Are Young Liberals So Depressed?” on his Substack, Slow Boring. ·         Neil shared about a new podcast, Recollecting Carter. ·         Niki discussed Maura Judkis' Washington Post article, “American Girl says the ‘90s are Ancient History. American Girls Agree.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Jimmy Carter's life and legacy.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         President Jimmy Carter recently announced that he is entering hospice care. Natalia referenced this New York Times essay by Carter biographer Kai Bird, and Niki drew on this article in The Nation. We also drew on the late Leo Ribuffo's posthumously, recently published The Limits of Moderation: Jimmy Carter and the Limits of American Liberalism.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia shared about Sandra Fox's new book, The Jews of Summer: Summer Camp and Jewish Culture in Postwar America. ·         Neil discussed Seth Abramovitch's Hollywood Reporter article, “Super Bowl Flashback: Michael Jackson Turned the Halftime Show into an Extravaganza in 1993.” ·         Niki recommended journalist Jessica Valenti's Substack Abortion, Every Day.

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss ChatGPT. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         The suddenly ubiquitous artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT is making many people nervous. Niki referred to this New Yorker article and this City Journal essay. Neil and Natalia drew on this New York Times article by technology columnist Kevin Roose. We all referenced this Discourse magazine essay about science fiction dystopianism.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia recommended Dani Blum's New York Times article, “How the Language of Therapy Took Over Dating.” ·         Neil discussed Jake Traylor's NBC News article, “A Nonstop Kentucky Prayer ‘Revival' is Going Viral on TikTok, and People are Traveling Thousands of Miles to Take Part.” ·         Niki shared journalist Erik Wemple's Twitter thread on the disconnect between the reporting of supposed election fraud and the beliefs of Fox News anchors involved.

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the history of menopause.  Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   ·         A New York Times magazine article about menopause recently went viral. Natalia drew from this Next Avenue review of Gail Collins' book. Neil referenced Menopause: The Musical, and Niki drew on this Public Books essay about women's ways of aging.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: ·         Natalia recommended the Netflix series Killer Sally. ·         Neil discussed Thomas Fuller's New York Times article, “Never Mind Your Wallet. Armed Robbers Want Your French Bulldog”. ·         Niki shared historian Rick Perlstein's Forum essay, “They Want Your Child!”

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of the Advanced Placement program. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   Florida governor Ron DeSantis has denounced the Advanced Placement African American Studies course as being too “woke.” We drew on Annie Abrams' forthcoming book, Shortchanged: How Advanced Placement Cheats Students. Natalia referred to this Washington Post interview with AP director Trevor Packer and Niki discussed this Atlantic article on previous AP controversies. Neil referenced this Vox article on the specific controversies around AP history courses.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: Natalia discussed Alaina Demopoulos' Guardian article, “'Watch this Creep': The Women Exposing Gym Harassment on TikTok.” Neil shared Michael Schulman's New Yorker article, “What Became of the Oscar Streaker?” Niki recommended historian Matt Delmont's new book, Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II At Home and Abroad.

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of the sleepover – and why they have become so complicated for parents today. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   Parents have strong feelings about sleepovers. Niki referred to this Glamour roundup of sleepovers in pop culture, and Natalia drew on this Atlantic article. We all drew on this history of slumber parties and folklore from JSTOR Daily.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: Natalia recommended Annie Abrams' forthcoming book, Shortchanged: How Advanced Placement Cheats Students. Neil shared Elizabeth Hinton's American Historical Review essay, “The Last Great Battle of the West.” Niki discussed Ronan Farrow's book Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators.

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the “nepo baby” phenomenon. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show: Everyone seems to be talking about “nepo babies.” Niki referred to Adam Bellow's Atlantic article about the promise of an updated nepotism. Natalia cited this New York Times essay about political nepotism, and Neil drew on this National Constitution Center article about the founders.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: Natalia recommended the Bloomberg podcast, “The School Board Queen.” Neil shared Suzanna Krivulskaya's Religion Dispatches article, “Bad Preachers' Wives.” Niki discussed Erin Byers Murray's Nashville Lifestyles piece, “Nashville Public Library Introduces New Exhibit: Votes for Women.”

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the political controversy over regulating gas stoves. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   The Biden administration raised the possibility of a ban on gas stoves in new construction. Niki referred to this VICE article about the culture-wars issue this became. Natalia cited this Mother Jones article on the affective appeal of gas stoves. Niki also drew on this National Review essay about the racialized impact of the measure.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: Natalia recommended the latest episode of Claire Bond Potter's podcast, Why Now, in which she interviews Ryan James Girdusky. Neil shared about the podcast, The Trojan Horse Affair. Niki discussed the Chicago Public Library's collection of Harold Washington's speeches.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the process of selecting the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:   At the time of our recording, the House of Representatives was still without a Speaker. Niki referred to Timothy Shenk's new book, Realigners. Natalia cited this National Review article, and Neil drew on this NPR piece.     In our regular closing feature, What's Making History: Natalia recommended the new social reading app, Threadable. Neil discussed the southern tradition of the “groom's cake,” explained in Southern Living magazine. Niki shared Robert Moss' Epicurious article, “How Celery Went From Victorian Centerpiece to Football Snack.”