Past Present: Recent Episodes
Niki, Neil, and Natalia
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of children’s story hour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss – and celebrate! – Natalia’s new book Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America’s Exercise Obsession.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Fit Nation is now available for order. You can buy here.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about the new Hulu series, “Fleishman is in Trouble.”
- Neil commented on Season 3 of the podcast, Blowback, which focuses on the Korean War.
- Niki recommended the Contingent Magazine, and discussed Sara Mohr’s piece, “Penelope Garcia’s Criminal Minds.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of ROTC.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The presence of required Junior ROTC courses in American public schools made news last week. Neil referenced this Army history of ROTC. Natalia referred to this PBS segment about the debates over reinstating ROTC, and Niki drew on this Washington Times article about bridging the military recruitment gap.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Alex Vadukul’s New York Times article, “Luddite Teens Don’t Want Your Likes.”
- Neil discussed Michelle Debczak’s Mental Floss article, “The Tumultuous History of Tinsel.”
- Niki recommended the podcast “If Books Could Kill.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of prisoner exchanges.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- WNBA player Brittney Griner has returned home from Russian detainment. Neil referenced this New Yorker article about Trump’s aberrant approach to hostage policy. Niki referred to this NPR piece about the case of Bowe Bergdahl.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about the labor dispute at The New School.
- Neil discussed the death of former Rep. Jim Kolbe, and his most recent piece for the Washington Post, “Activism Convinced Just Enough Republicans to Support Same-Sex Marriage.”
- Niki shared about Michael M. Grynbaum’s New York Times article, “Elon Musk, Matt Taibbi, and a Very Modern Media Maelstrom.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the resurgence of antisemitism in the United States.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Former president Donald Trump dined at Mar-a-Lago with noted antisemites Kanye West and Nick Fuentes. Niki referred to this Arizona Mirror piece about the Kari Lake’s endorsement of an antisemite in Arizona. Natalia referenced this Washington Post article about the resurgence of an antisemitism many thought a relic of the past.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about the jewelry designer Rachie Shnay.
- Neil recommended the podcast Bone Valley.
- Niki discussed Rossi Anastopoulo’s Slate article, “The Extremely American History of Pecan Pie.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the new weight loss drug, Ozempic.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Ozempic, an injectable used for diabetes treatment, is also hailed for its use as a diet drug and hated for its intense side effects. Neil referenced this Wall Street Journal article about the ritzy circles in which Ozempic has become popular. Niki drew on this Reuters piece about the history of weight loss drugs.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Kathryn J. McGarr’s new book, City of Newsmen: Public Lies and Professional Secrets in Cold War Washington.
- Neil discussed Ruth Graham’s New York Times article, “Old Latin Mass Finds New American Audience, Despite Pope’s Disapproval.”
- Niki shared about historian Beverly Gage’s new book, G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the results of the 2022 midterm elections.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The much-anticipated “red wave” of Republican victories never materialized in the midterm elections. Natalia referred to this Intelligener piece about the role of crime in New York-area elections, and Niki drew on this article about what these results indicate regarding Trump’s presidential prospects. Natalia spoke to NBC about the GOP’s performance in Florida.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Lagos and Brooklyn-based fashion brand Busayo NYC.
- Neil recommended Eley Williams’ novel, The Liar’s Dictionary, and this companion article from The New Yorker.
- Niki discussed Malcolm Harris’ Intelligencer article, “The Rise of Influencer Capital.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the past and uncertain future of affirmative action in higher education.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Affirmative action is the next progressive policy under threat by the current Supreme Court. Niki cited this Slate piece by historian Ellen D. Wu. Natalia referenced historian David C. Cecelski’s book, Along Freedom Road. We all drew on this helpful history of the term in the New York Times.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed this episode of the New York Times “First Person” podcast.
- Neil discussed restaurant critic Gael Greene’s New York Times obituary.
- Niki recommended Rachel Monroe’s New Yorker article, “The Disturbing Rise of Amateur Predator-Hunting Stings.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the recent scourge of rats in New York City and elsewhere.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- New York City is experiencing a surge in the rat population. Natalia referenced this New York magazine article about now omnipresent dining sheds and the rats they attract. Niki referred to Robert Sullivan’s research on rats and the rat-free idyll that is Alberta, Canada. Neil discussed this article about 19th-century British practice of rat catching and breeding. Niki discussed rat-catching in the 1970s on this episode of her This Day in Esoteric Political History
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed CBS LA’s report, “Holocaust Museum of LA Flooded With Antisemitic Messages After Offering Kanye West A Private Tour.”
- Neil commented on David Masciotra’s New Republic article, “The Growing Religious Alliance to Ban LGBTQ Books.”
- Niki talked about Pat Buchanan and the resurgent embrace of Christian nationalism, as she explores in Partisans.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of panics over contaminated Halloween candy.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Panics over “Halloween sadism” have resurged yearly for decades. Niki referred to historian Paul M. Renfro’s book Stranger Danger: Family Values, Childhood, and the American Carceral State and Natalia cited this Wall Street Journal article about fentanyl abuse. All of us drew on the research of Joel Best.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Geoffrey Mak’s essay for The Nation, “I Wanted a Boyfriend. My Life Coach Told Me to Become a Commodity.”
- Neil commented on the Netflix show, “UNTOLD: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist.”
- Niki discussed Kaarima Moyer-Nocchi and Adrien Miller’s Epicurious article, “Who Invented Mac and Cheese? This American Favorite Has Ancient Roman Roots.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the senatorial campaign of John Fetterman and his recovery from a stroke.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- John Fetterman is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, and an NBC interview drew attention to his disability and media’s treatment of it. Natalia referred to Rebecca Traister’s profile of Fetterman for New York Neil recommended this Disability Studies Quarterly article by historians Paul Renfro and Byrd McDaniel. We drew on this HISTORY overview of disabled presidents and this POLITICO piece about politicians and mental illness.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Constance Méheut’s New York Times article, “With Leaps and Bounds, Parkour Athletes Turn Off the Lights in Paris.”
- Neil commented on Nicole Laporte’s Town and Country article, “Why Are So Many Northern Kids Moving South to College?”
- Niki discussed Elizabeth Becker’s book You Don’t Belong Here: How Three Women Rewrote the Story of War.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the Senate campaign of Herschel Walker and the controversy it has created.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Football star Herschel Walker is running for U.S. Senate as a conservative Republican in Georgia. Niki referred to historian Leah Wright Rigueur’s book The Loneliness of the Black Republican. Niki and Neil discussed this Christian Science Monitor article they co-authored in 2009. Neil drew on this Slate article about Walker’s son, an online influencer. Natalia referenced this New York Times profile about Walker’s local reputation.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia reflected on two controversies in academia, one surrounding historian Patricia Limerick and the other chemist Maitland Jones.
- Neil discussed Eric Burkett’s Bay Area Reporter story, “LGBTQ Agenda: Pentagon Office Finds Fears of Gay Service Were Unfounded, Report Says.”
- Niki discussed President Biden’s federal pardons of those convicted for marijuana possession.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the political protests in Iran.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The death of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini at the hands of the country’s “morality police” has set off protests all over the country and the world. Natalia and Niki referred to this New Yorker essay and this Los Angeles Times article.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed historian David A. Hollinger’s new book, Christianity’s American Fate: How Religion Became More Conservative and Society More Secular.
- Neil recommended Leslie Jamison’s New Yorker article, “The Enduring Allure of Choose Your Own Adventure Books.”
- Niki shared about Nursing Clio’s “Reproduction History Syllabus.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the recent pickleball phenomenon.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Pickleball is a booming recreation trend – and is inspiring controversy. Natalia referred to this leftist manifesto against pickleball and Christopher Lasch’s chapter in the Culture of Narcissism on the “degradation of sport.” She also talked about it on TikTok. Neil drew on this history of the pastime and this New Yorker article. We all referred to Bowling Alone, the 2000 book that prompted new conversations about civic participation. Natalia also referred to her recent Slate piece on inclusive recreation.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the recent announcement that all parent-teacher conferences and Back-to-School nights would be virtual for the 2022-23 year in New York City public schools.
- Neil recommended the podcast Heaven Bent.
- Niki discussed her CNN column, “Kevin McCarthy’s ‘Commitment’ Shows How Broken-Down Trump’s GOP Has Become.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the averted railroad strike.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Railway workers came close to striking last week. Niki referenced this episode of her This Day podcast. Natalia cited this New York Times article, and Niki drew on this Guardian piece about the burst of unionization.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared her latest installment of The Quick Study for Observer, “In School Battles, We’re Getting the ‘Parental Rights’ Conversation Completely Wrong.”
- Neil recommended the podcast Killed.
- Niki discussed her CNN column, “DeSantis Chose Martha’s Vineyard for a Reason.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Queen Elizabeth II has died, ending a reign that spanned seven decades. Niki referred to this New York Times essay on her unique style, and this one on the power and limitations of inspiring women. We all drew on this Guardian article about the elaborate rituals in place around the Queen’s death. Natalia referenced the online pushback to grieving the Queen, given Britain’s long imperial history, some examples of which are in this Slate piece. We all drew on this Atlantic essay about the decline of the British Empire under her reign, and how that shapes her legacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Sally Joy Wolf’s Independent opinion piece, “Immunocompromised Travellers Like Me Should Have ‘masked carriages’ Available to Us.”
- Neil recommended Nadja Popovich and Brad Plumer’s interactive New York Times feature, “As Wildfires Grow, Millions of Homes Are Being Built in Harm’s Way.”
- Niki discussed this New York Post piece, “Lawyer’s Mission: Translate Tennessee’s Bewildering Abortion Ban.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Former leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev has died. We reflected on the slew of essays in S. publications remembering Gorbachev through a mostly positive light. Neil mentioned Saturday Night Live’s frequent send-ups of Gorbachev.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Sarah Mervosh’s New York Times article, “The Pandemic Erased Two Decades of Progress in Math and Reading,” which she also discussed on KCRW.
- Neil commented on Katrin Bennhold’s New York Times article, “In Finland, a Partying Prime Minister Draws Tuts, and Cheers.”
- Niki recommended Bonnie Garmus’ novel Lessons in Chemistry.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss – and celebrate! - the publication of Niki’s new book, Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Partisans drops on August 30, 2022. You can order Niki’s book here.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about Emi Nietfeld’s new book, Acceptance, reviewed in the New York Times.
- Neil recommended Not Just A Girl, a new Netflix documentary about Shania Twain.
- Niki discussed the topic of her latest column for CNN, “The Unlikely Team That is Trying to Make Trump Follow the Law.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss – and celebrate! - the publication of Niki’s new book, Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Partisans drops on August 30, 2022. You can order Niki’s book here.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about Emi Nietfeld’s new book, Acceptance, reviewed in the New York Times.
- Neil recommended Not Just A Girl, a new Netflix documentary about Shania Twain.
- Niki discussed the topic of her latest column for CNN, “The Unlikely Team That is Trying to Make Trump Follow the Law.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the defamation trial of right-wing conspiracist Alex Jones.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Parents of children slain in the Sandy Hook school shooting successfully brought a defamation suit against Alex Jones, who amplified conspiracy theories denying the event ever happened. Natalia referred to this New York Times magazine story, and her own Process History essay about what Phyllis Schlafly fed her children for breakfast. Niki drew on Rick Perlstein’s 2012 essay for The Baffler and her CNN column on Jones’ influence on the GOP. Neil recommended Kevin Roose’s New York Times article on the spread of Jones-style provocateurs.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on the “Inside the Complex ‘Social Lab’ of PE Class” installment of Anne-Helen Petersen’s Culture Study
- Neil discussed Julia Yost’s New York Times essay, “New York’s Hottest Club is the Catholic Church.”
- Niki recommended Mark Olalde and Maya Miller’s ProPublica investigative report, “A Uranium Ghost Town in the Making.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of third parties in American politics.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Andrew Yang, Christine Todd Whitman, and David Jolly have announced their formation of the Forward Party, the newest entry in a long history of third parties in American politics. Natalia referenced Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times critique of the idea. Neil referred to this PBS piece on the prevalence of third parties even today.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jessamine Chan’s debut novel, The School for Good Mothers.
- Neil discussed Derek Thompson’s Atlantic essay, “Why The Old Elite Spend So Much Time At Work.”
- Niki shared about the Foreign Agent podcast.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of U.S. national parks.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Yellowstone National Park turned 150 years old this year. Natalia recommended historian Rachel Louise Moran’s book Governing Bodies; American Politics and the Shaping of the Modern Physique. Niki cited historian Sarah Phillips’ book This Land, This Nation: Conservation, Rural America, and The New Deal and this Atlantic essay by David Treuer. Neil discussed this Smithsonian magazine article. Natalia recommended historian Megan Kate Nelson’s book Saving Yellowstone: Exploration and Preservation in Reconstruction America, and Neil talked about the exclusionary policies in national parks outlined in this USA Today article.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared her latest column for Observer, “Coss Marte’s CONBODY Combined Fitness and Social Justice. Now He is Adding Legal Cannabis.”
- Neil discussed the Netflix series Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey and his 2008 Slate essay, “Short Creek’s Long Legacy.”
- Niki recommended Katherine Rosman’s New York Times article, “That Voice You’re Hearing? It Might Be Hers.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the growing popularity of prenuptial agreements.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Prenuptial agreements are becoming more common among millennials. Niki cited this New York Times article, and Neil referred to legal scholar Allison A. Marston’s Stanford Law Review article on the politics of prenups. Natalia referenced some of these celebrity couples whose prenuptial agreements made news.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the podcast, “Normal Gossip.”
- Neil commented on the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act by the House of Representatives.
- Niki shared her latest CNN column, “Controlling Who Can Travel or Talk About Abortion Brings a Dark Past Into Our Present.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the images from outer space captured by the Webb telescope.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Everyday Americans and astrophysicists alike thrilled at the dreamy, full-color photos shared by NASA last week. Niki drew on this Guardian essay about how “Earthrise” changed our perspective on Earth. Natalia contrasted the Webb images with these early, grainy photos from space. We all drew on this Christie’s retrospective on space photography.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on the divergent interpretations of who won this exchange between Senator Josh Hawley and law professor Khiara M. Bridges.
- Neil recommended Susan Orlean’s New Yorker article, “An Old Dog That Found A New Best Friend,” and this Instagram feed.
- Niki shared Justin Peters’ Slate article, “The Ridiculous Claims That Journalists Shouldn’t Have Published the Uvalde Video”.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the American tradition of travel to Europe.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- American travel to Europe is back with such a vengeance that some are calling it “revenge travel.” Neil referred to this history of the “Grand Tour.” Natalia and Niki drew on this Hudson Valley magazine article about midcentury Catskills resorts.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Rick Emerson’s new book, Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Impostor Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries, as reviewed in Observer by Nathan Smith.
- Neil shared about Amanda Mull’s Atlantic article, “You’re Not Allowed to Have the Best Sunscreens in the World.”
- Niki recommended Livia Gershon’s article for JSTOR Daily, “The Forgotten Temperance Movement of the 1950s.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the outbreak of monkeypox in the United States.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Monkeypox is the latest disease to concern the American public. Niki cited this Stat News article, and Neil referred to historian Jim Downs’ Atlantic essay about the historical continuities with the HIV-AIDS virus.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed her latest “Quick Study” column for Observer, “American Childhood As We Knew It Is Over.”
- Neil recommended the Instagram account, A History of Dogs.
- Niki discussed her latest CNN column, “This is so much worse than Watergate.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Carson v. Makin, the Supreme Court decision that overturns Maine’s ban on giving public funds to private religious schools.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- In a victory for proponents of school choice and a major weakening of church-state separation, Maine will now be required to provide state funding to religious schools. Neil cited this Slate article about the ruling, and Natalia drew on this City Journal piece.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Amanda Mull’s Atlantic article, “Fashion Has Abandoned Human Taste.”
- Neil recommended Hugh Ryan’s book, The Women’s House of Detention: A Queer History of a Forgotten Prison.
- Niki shared about Patricia Bell-Scott’s book, The Firebrand and the First Lady: Portrait of a Friendship: Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the national tampon shortage and the history of feminine products.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A national tampon shortage has until recently been dismissed as a minor inconvenience or even a punchline. We all drew on this Smithsonian history of menstrual products. Niki referred to this Atlantic essay on the history of the tampon, and Natalia to Lara Freidenfelds’ book, The Modern Period: Menstruation in Twentieth-Century America.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about ProPublica’s new study of adult literacy and referred to this New York Times article about challenges to a popular literacy program.
- Neil recommended Sasha Issenberg’s book, The Engagement: America’s Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage.
- Niki discussed Christopher Mathias’ HuffPost article, “Living With the Far-Right Insurgency in Idaho,” and her own column for CNN, “Arrests at Idaho Pride Event Could Be a Harbinger of Things to Come.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the long American tradition of June weddings.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- June wedding season is upon us, and after two years of delayed celebrations, it is especially packed. Natalia referred to this Harper’s Bazaar photo essay about representation and same-sex marriage, and to this Buzzfeed article, which is useful despite repeating a myth about bathing practices being related to June wedding date selection. Niki referred to this Atlantic article on the relationship between marriage, weddings, and adulthood.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Molly Worthen’s New York Times guest essay, “400 Years Ago They Would Be Witches. Today They Can Be Your Coach.”
- Neil shared about the HBO Max series, “It’s A Sin.”
- Niki recommended Rebecca Traister’s article for The Cut, “The Institutionalist: Where Did it All Go Wrong?”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Yet another mass shooting, this one at a Texas elementary school, highlights the unique American obsession with gun rights. Niki referred to this NPR piece on the tape recording of NRA leadership after the 1999 Columbine school shooting, and Natalia drew on Susie Linfield’s New York Times guest essay on the photography of graphic violence.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended this Kathryn Fiona Substack interview with a former Johnny Depp supporter, shared by technology writer Kat Tenbarge.
- Neil discussed Penelope Green’s New York Times obituary of Margot Heuman.
- Niki shared Maris Kreizman’s Esquire article, “The Legacy of Gone Girl.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the cryptocurrency craze.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The crash of TerraLuna is proving “crypto” to be both more than a passing trend and less than the miracle its boosters once promised. We recommended Kevin Roose’s “Latecomer’s Guide to Crypto” in the New York Times. Niki drew on this History News Network article to link crypto enthusiasm to other financial bubbles, and Natalia referred to James Ledbetter’s FIN Substack This 2013 (early) history of Bitcoin from New York Times provided useful context for all of us. Niki also recommended David Yaffe-Bellany’s New York Times piece, “Ben McKenzie Would Like a Word with the Crypto Bros,” and the Crypto Island podcast.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about Amy Odell’s new book, Anna: The Biography.
- Neil discussed Sarah Pulliam Bailey’s Washington Post article, “Southern Baptist Leaders Covered Up Sex Abuse, Kept Secret Database, Report Says.”
- Niki recommended Maureen Ryan’s Vanity Fair article, “The Great Pottery Throwdown is a Balm for a Weary Age.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A deadly mass shooting in Buffalo, NY brought renewed attention to the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory widely circulated among white supremacists. Niki drew on this New Yorker article about the European origins of this idea and her own New York Times essay on the role of media in amplifying it. Natalia discussed Samuel Huntington’s Foreign Policy essay, “The Hispanic Challenge.” Neil referenced this Nation article about Renaud Camus.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia made a plea for more coverage of how summer camp directors are gearing up for their third pandemic summer. Those stories haven’t been written, but here’s a History Channel video she recorded on the history of summer camps.
- Neil discussed Trip Mickle’s New York Times article, “Farewell to the iPod.”
- Niki shared her congratulations and gratitude for historian Brian Balogh, on the occasion of his retirement from the University of Virginia.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of adoption in the United States.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The phrase “domestic supply of infants” in a footnote to the leaked draft Supreme Court decision regarding abortion has horrified many Americans. Niki referred to this Atlantic article about the intense process of adopting a baby. Natalia referenced this New York Times essay about Gabrielle Glaser’s book adoption and historian Rickie Solinger’s essay on race and illegitimacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jessica Bennett’s New York Times essay, “Pamela Anderson, Amber Heard, and the Limits of the Feminist Redemption Plot.”
- Neil discussed Milla Surjadi’s Duke Chronicle article, “Student Commencement Address Bears Striking Resemblance to 2014 Student Address.”
- Niki shared scholar Carla Cevasco’s Twitter thread regarding infant feeding.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss a leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court that overturns Roe v. Wade.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Politico published a leaked draft opinion, penned by Justice Samuel Alito, in which the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade opinion. Natalia referred to historian Jill Lepore’s New Yorker article and Niki drew on Jennifer Schuessler’s New York Times piece regarding the contested history of abortion. Niki recommended historian Leslie Reagan’s book When Abortion Was a Crime, and Natalia cited Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times opinion piece on the culture wars.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on the quantity of coverage of Congressman Madison Cawthorn’s masculinity, and the silence regarding the salience of his disability.
- Neil discussed Robert D. McFadden’s New York Times obituary, “Judith Jones, Editor of Literature and Culinary Delight, Dies at 93” and the HBO Max show, “Julia.”
- Niki recommended the new play, “Suffs.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss Elon Musk’s bid to buy Twitter.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Billionaire Elon Musk made a successful $44 billion bid to acquire Twitter. Niki referred to this Los Angeles Times article about the limits of Elon Musk’s “free speech absolutism.” Natalia referenced this New York Times article about billionaire investors in the press. We all drew on this Psyche piece on the history of media ownership and its perils.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Kendall Taggart, John Templon, Anthony Cormier, and Jason Leopold’s Buzzfeed News investigative report, “Profit, Pain, and Private Equity.”
- Neil shared the launch of the anti-racism publication, The Emancipator.
- Niki discussed James Pogue’s Vanity Fair article, “Inside the New Right, Where Peter Thiel is Placing His Biggest Bets,” and this edition of John Ganz’ Substack, Unpopular Front.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss Coachella and the history of music festivals.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Coachella music festival has become a major cultural and commercial event. We all drew on this BBC chronology of music festivals, and Natalia referred to this piece in High Times. Neil referenced this Bloomberg article about the urbanization of music festivals and this Los Angeles Magazine article about the city’s regional experience of music festivals.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the new Netflix documentary, White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie and Fitch.
- Neil discussed the film, The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
- Niki shared her latest CNN column, “’The First Lady’ is a Harsh Reminder of This Dissonant Truth.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the ongoing popularity of the true crime genre.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- When journalist Brendan Koerner took to Twitter to call out a podcast for using his work without attribution, he drew attention to the broader appetite for true crime content. Neil recommended the podcast series Someone Knows Something, and Natalia referred to the “Dead Blondes” season on the podcast You Must Remember This and this Los Angeles Review of Books essay. She also cited an NPR segment about the how podcasters should cover true crime stories.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Derek Thompson’s Atlantic article, “Why American Teens Are So Sad”.
- Neil shared Tom Junod and Paula Lavigne’s ESPN article, “Untold.”
- Niki discussed the new podcast, Fiasco: The AIDS Crisis.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss recent developments in the politics of sex and marriage.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Republicans have both been sounding alarms about pedophilia and attempting to relax age-of-consent laws. Natalia referred to historian Clayton Howard’s book, The Closet and the Cul-de-Sac: The Politics of Sexual Privacy in Northern California and Niki referenced Andrew Sullivan’s 1995 book, Virtually Normal: An Argument About Homosexuality. Neil and Natalia drew on Frank Bruni’s New York Times opinion piece.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Anne-Helen Petersen’s Bustle article, “Britney Falls in Love.”
- Neil discussed Rebecca Mead’s New Yorker article, “Could Leopards Be Paid for Their Spots.”
- Niki shared Taylor Lorenz’ Washington Post article, “Internet ‘algospeak’ is changing our language in real time, ‘nip nops’ to ‘le dollar bean’.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss concerns over population decline.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The rate of population growth in the United States is declining. Natalia referred to this Smithsonian article about longstanding fears about overpopulation and this Washington Post opinion piece by historian Mytheli Sreenivas. Neil drew on this Vox article.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about her new column at Observer, “The Quick Study.”
- Neil discussed Daniel Victor’s New York Times article, “Flamingo No. 492 Is Still on the Run 17 Years Later”.
- Niki discussed Jill Wine-Banks’ NBC Think piece, “Trump’s Phone Log Gap Could Be Much Worse than Nixon’s Watergate Tape Erasures” and this Atlas Obscura essay on Rose Mary Woods.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss “The Great Resignation.”
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- “The Great Resignation” has become a common trope in conversations about work and jobs in our current political culture. Natalia referred to this Atlantic article on the positive potential of such employment churn, and Niki cited this Vox piece on the burst of unionization spurred by pandemic dislocations.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Jonathan Chait’s Intelligencer article, “Democrats Must Defeat the Left’s War on Educational Achievement.”
- Neil recommended the Hulu series, “The Dropout”.
- Niki discussed the confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the popularity of the Netflix show "Love Is Blind."
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The second season of Love Is Blind is the latest in a long history of TV dating shows to capture the attention of the American public. Natalia recommended the podcast This Is Dating and referred to this Vox essay on and this New York Times piece about Love Is Blind. Niki referenced this New Yorker piece and Neil discussed this Washington Post article on dating shows as cultural ciphers. Neil also drew from this Vanity Fair piece about the history of queer representation on TV dating shows.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jenny Nordberg’s New York Times article, “Cissy Wallin and the Case that Killed #MeToo in Sweden.”
- Neil discussed Rachel Aviv’s New Yorker article, “The German Experiment that Placed Foster Children with Pedophiles.”
- Niki shared a new Secret Service report, “Hot Yoga Tallahassee: A Case Study of Misogynistic Extremism.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss rising gas prices and the history of energy crises.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Gas prices are surging, and Americans are frustrated. We all drew on historian Meg Jacobs’ book, Panic at the Pump: The Energy Crisis and the Transformation of American Politics in the 1970s. Natalia referred to this Atlantic article about the fiction of “energy independence.” Niki referred to this Washington Post article on the historical relationship around oil between Russia and western nations.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Alex Hawgood’s New York Times article, “What is Bigorexia?”
- Neil recommended Henry Fountain’s New York Times article, “At the Bottom of an Icy Sea, One of History’s Great Wrecks Found.”
- Niki discussed Peggy McGlone’s Washington Post piece, “Smithsonian to Give Back Its Collection of Benin Bronzes.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the American response to the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Russia has invaded Ukraine as the world watches. Natalia referred to philosopher Jason Stanley’s article in TIME about denazification and this New Yorker interview with political scientist John Mearsheimer. Neil cited this POLITICO interview with Fiona Hill, and Niki recommended M.E. Sarotte’s book Not One Inch: America, Russia, and the Making of the Post-Cold War Stalemate.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the second season of the Netflix series, Dirty John.
- Neil discussed the legacy of college basketball coaching legend “Coach K.”
- Niki shared about historian Lily Geismer’s new book, Left Behind: The Democrats’ Failed Attempt to Solve Inequality.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the mysterious illness known as Havana Syndrome affecting U.S. diplomats around the world.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Over 200 members of the U.S. Foreign Service and intelligence community have reported strange symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and memory loss, that many believe have been caused by a deliberate attack. The symptoms were first reported in 2016 by American diplomats in Cuba, leading to it being named Havana Syndrome, but since then they have been reported throughout the world. A recent report concluded that most of these cases could be attributed to undiagnosed illnesses or other benign causes, but they did not rule out that some cases could have been caused by an “external energy source.” We mentioned a 2018 New Yorker investigation of the syndrome, and discussed the history of the Soviet Union using microwaves against American diplomats.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed her recent piece for Global Sports Matter, “Building a Better Movement Culture Will Require Inclusion and Creativity.”
- Neil commented on the life and legacy of Dr. Paul Farmer and shared Tracy Kidder’s New York Times remembrance, “He Wanted to Make the Whole World His Patient.”
- Niki shared the Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s webinar, “Crisis in Ukraine: The Origins of the Next War in Europe.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the convoy of truckers that has occupied Ottawa, Canada.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A convoy of truckers and their allies, totaling about 8,000 people, has gathered in the center of Ottawa, Canada, in protest of what they consider excessive COVID prevention policy. Natalia referred to Michelle Goldberg’s New York Times column about the protest, and Niki referred to Dahlia Lithwick’s Slate article on its narrow appeal.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Elizabeth Williams’ New York Times article, “A Child’s TikTok Stardom Opens Doors. Then A Gunman Arrives.”
- Neil recommended Alex Marzano-Lesnevich’s book, The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir.
- Niki reflected on the long life of the phrase “well behaved women seldom make history,” coined by historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss a controversial new Adidas ad for sports bras.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Adidas went viral earlier this month for tweeting twenty-five sets of bare breasts in order to promote a new line of sports bras. Niki discussed this Time cover about breastfeeding. Neil referred to this Atlantic article about using breasts to sell products, and Natalia drew on historian Martha Verbrugge’s book Active Bodies and this Elle feature about changing activewear trends. Natalia also referred to holdings in the Smithsonian’s Jogbra collection.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia reflected on the life and legacy of the late fitness pioneer Patricia Moreno.
- Neil discussed the Netflix reality show Selling Tampa.
- Niki recommended Seth Stevenson’s Slate piece, “The Moment Sarah Palin’s Testimony Fell Apart.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the cultural significance of emoji, in light of the release of new forms.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Unicode Consortium has released dozens of new emoji, including a pregnant man, a melting face, and multiple new family configurations. Natalia referred to this Atlantic essay and to this BBC piece, and Niki to this essay on Science Friday.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the range of causes currently motivating student protests, including this walkout in Poway, California.
- Neil shared Dr. Amanda Joy Calhoun’s Stat News article, “How Black Hair Racism Affects Mental Health.”
- Niki recommended Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times piece, “We Still Can’t See American Slavery For What It Was.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s decision to retire.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has announced he will retire at the end of his term, a move many say is reflective of his pragmatism. Natalia referred to this New York Times piece about Breyer’s effort to eschew ideology and to this Teen Vogue article about the need for him to retire during a Democratic presidency. Niki drew on this Atlantic essay on the illusion of impartiality.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Michael Powell’s New York Times article, “How It Feels to Be an Asian Student in An Elite Public School.”
- Neil commented on Emily Baker-White’s Buzzfeed article, “Nothing Sacred: These Apps Reserve the Right to Sell Your Prayers.”
- Niki discussed right-wing radio host Dan Bongino’s relish for deplatforming.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss President Biden’s first year in office.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Public opinion of President Biden’s first year in office is polarized. Neil and Niki referred to Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times opinion piece comparing Biden and Reagan’s first years as president. Neil also discussed the POLITICO/Morning Consult report card on Biden’s first year. Natalia drew on this POLITICO essay about the substantial time remaining for the Biden administration to prove itself.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Rainesford Stauffer’s new Teen Vogue advice column “Work in Progress” and Elizabeth Spiers’ New York Times guest essay, “In Defense of Jeremy Strong (And All The Strivers With No Chill).”
- Neil reflected on the death of fashion editor André Leon Talley.
- Niki recommended Rebecca Traister’s book Big Girls Don’t Cry: The Election That Changed Everything for American Women.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the historical significance of the current craze over the online game Wordle.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- When a Brooklyn software engineer designed a word game as an act of love, he didn’t know Wordle would become an online phenomenon. Neil referred to this Smithsonian Magazine article on the history of the crossword puzzle and Niki to the history of mahjong.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Stephanie H. Murray’s The Week article, “Politics Closed American Schools Last Year. Now Politics Are Keeping Them Open.”
- Neil recommended Emily Hopkins and Melissa Sanchez’ ProPublica article, “Chicago’s ‘Race-Neutral’ Traffic Cameras Ticket Black and Latino Drivers The Most.”
- Niki discussed John Ortved’s New York Times article, “That Cloud of Smoke is Not a Mirage.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of rest and relaxation.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As boundaries between work and home have become blurred during the pandemic, Americans have been thinking more deliberately about rest and relaxation. Neil drew on Judith Shulevitz’ New York Times piece about “bringing back the Sabbath” and this Atlantic review about her book on this topic. Natalia referred to historian Sarah Milov’s history of the cigarette and her discussion of the office “smoke break.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the C-SPAN lesson plan based on the lecture she gave on “The Making of American Fitness Culture.”
- Neil discussed Brittany Gibson’s POLITICO piece, “They Stormed the Capitol. Now They’re Running for Office.”
- Niki recommended Brad Plumer’s Vox article, “How America Got Addicted to Road Salt—And Why That’s A Problem.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the historical significance of the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Capitol riots, pundits have reflected on how much of a turning point it was. Natalia referred to this Washington Post piece by Sam Tanenhaus and Kerry Howley’s New York profile of three rioters. Niki wrote about the longer slide toward illiberalism that the riots represented, and Neil cited a New York piece by Rick Perlstein that considered the incident in the longer context of American authoritarianism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Molly Young’s New York Times Magazine article “How Disgust Explains Everything.”
- Neil recommended Robert W. Fieseler’s book, Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Upstairs Lounge Fire and The Rise of Gay Liberation.
- Niki shared Max Tani’s POLITICO article, “Lawrence O’Donnell Was on TV Life Support. Now He’s MSNBC’s Most Critical Anchor.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of Christmas cards.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Holiday cards have remained popular amid the digitization of many other print products. Neil referred to this Washington Post article by Peter Manseau about the trend of Christmas photos with guns. Natalia drew on this Atlantic piece about the popularity of holiday cards among millennials. Niki discussed the morbid imagery on nineteenth century Christmas cards explored in this History Channel post.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about her first piece for CNN Opinion, “ Big’s Clapback Sells a Familiar Fantasy.”
- Neil discussed Gabe Stutman’s Jewish News article, “A Carmel School Refused to allow an inflatable menorah at a ‘holiday tree’ lighting. A Jewish parent filed a lawsuit.”
- Niki recommended Melissa Borja’s Patheos article, “Delightful Trolling and the Political Possibilities of Christmas Carols.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss Dr. Oz running for the U.S. Senate and the history of celebrity politicians.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Celebrity doctor-entertainer Mehmet Oz is running for Senate in Pennsylvania, as a Republican. Niki drew on historian Kathryn Brownell’s book, Showbiz Politics: Hollywood in American Political Life, and Neil referred to Nicholas Kristof’s gubernatorial run. Natalia referred to Olga Khazan’s Atlantic article about Trump’s celebrity candidacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the latest season of Selling Sunset, now streaming on Netflix.
- Neil recommended historian Paul Renfro’s Teen Vogue article, “Ryan White, Teen Who Contracted AIDS, Shifted Narrative Around The Disease.”
- Niki shared Dahlia Lithwick’s Slate article, “SCOTUS Will Gaslight Us Until the End” and referred to Michele Goodwin’s New York Times guest essay.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of cookbooks and the question of recipes as intellectual property.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As online recipes and cookbooks become big business, issues of plagiarism and copyright are becoming more common. Natalia referred to Helen Zoe Veit’s Smithsonian article and larger body of work and, along with Niki, to this history of cookbooks in the Atlantic.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Amanda Mull’s Atlantic article, “Peloton Is Stuck, Just Like the Rest of Us.”
- Neil discussed Jonathan D. Sarna’s Forward article, “How Hanukkah Came To The White House,” and his column at The Week, “The History and Gravity of Hanukkah In The White House.”
- Niki shared her latest column for CNN, “Marcus Lamb’s Career and Anti-Vax Message Speak to Power of Christian Broadcasters.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of #GivingTuesday.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Giving Tuesday has become as familiar a Thanksgiving holiday ritual as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Natalia referred to political philosopher Rob Reich’s book, Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better and his Washington Post opinion piece; Niki referenced this Vox
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Ed Yong’s Atlantic article, “Even Health-Care Workers With Long Covid Are Being Dismissed.”
- Neil discussed the ESPN.com feature, “Hello, Heisman!”
- Niki recommended Martha S. Jones’ New York Times essay, “Enslaved To a Founding Father, She Sought Freedom in France.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of gratitude.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Thanksgiving is upon us, but gratitude is a virtue celebrated in American culture all year long. Natalia and Niki referred to Barbara Ehrenreich’s book Bright-Sided: Why Positive Thinking Is Undermining America, and Natalia drew on this piece to argue why a historical perspective is illuminating, if counterintuitive, on this question. All three hosts referenced the critique of gratitude as a therapeutic practice articulated in this Baffler article.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about the new co-working space in Saks Fifth Avenue, profiled in this New York Times piece by Ginia Bellafante.
- Neil discussed Ben Smith’s New York Times article, “His Reasons For Opposing Trump Were Biblical. Now A Top Christian Editor Is Out.”
- Niki recommended Paul Farhi’s Washington Post article, “How Obituaries Got a Jolt of New Life in the Internet Era.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of diversity workshops and sensitivity training.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As conservative attacks on a supposed takeover of American institutions by proponents of critical race theory escalate, many on the political left have begun to articulate distinctions between “trainings” and education that deal with race. Natalia recommended this Inside Higher Education piece by historians Jeffrey A. Snyder and Amna Khalid and this blog post about the history of executive coaching.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Amelia Nierenberg’s New York Times article, “Should California De-Track Math?”
- Neil shared his Twitter thread about Dennis Prager’s comments about the history of gay men and HIV-AIDS.
- Niki recommended L.D. Burnett’s Medium post, “The ‘University of Austin’ Grift Isn’t New,” and Daniel Drezner’s Washington Post article, “What Is The University of Austin’s Purpose?”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the return of the New York City Marathon and the history of long-distance racing.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The fiftieth New York City Marathon was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, but the race has returned this year. Natalia referred to historian Dylan Gottlieb’s Public Seminar article about the origins of the race and to runner Kathrine Switzer’s memoir, Marathon Woman.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the latest episode of Vox Media’s Nice Try podcast, on which she contributes to a discussion of the history of the weight as a fitness accessory.
- Neil discussed the 2006 Chicago Tribune article, “Sushi and Rev. Moon.”
- Niki recommended a new podcast, Unclear and Present Danger, from Jamelle Bouie and John Ganz.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Democratic Party’s “Build Back Better” bill.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Biden administration’s proposed spending package contains some potentially transformative legislation: especially around childcare. Neil referred to this New Republic essay about the extent of the proposals, and Natalia drew on this New York Times article considering how Biden measures up to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Niki referenced this CBS News poll about voters’ levels of familiarity with the bill’s measures.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Rebecca Traister’s interview with Katie Couric in The Cut.
- Neil shared his column for The Week, “Celebrity Endorsers Don’t Sell Merch Anymore. They Sell Morals.”
- Niki recommended Jonathan M. Katz’ article in The Racket, “Some Very Fine People Walked Into a Courthouse,” and journalist Molly Conger’s Twitter.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the life and legacy of Colin Powell, the United States’ first Black Secretary of State.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Colin Powell died earlier this month of complications from the coronavirus, prompting discussion of the legacy of his term as Secretary of State, and especially of the Powell Doctrine. Neil mentioned Michael Hirsh’s support for the Powell Doctrine in a recent piece for Foreign Policy. Niki referred to Leah Wright Rigueur’s book, The Loneliness of the Black Republican, and to historian Peniel Joseph’s CNN piece about Powell’s legacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the latest episode of the Conspirituality podcast on which she appears.
- Neil recommended the HBO Max documentary series, The Way Down.
- Niki shared Emily Nussbaum’s New Yorker article, “Difficult Women: How 'Sex and the City' Lost Its Good Name.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the inflation currently affecting the U.S. economy.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- “Shadow inflation” is affecting many American industries, in which services are being scaled back as prices remain the same or increase. Niki referred to this Vox article about the changes since the inflation of the 1970s.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the New York Times magazine article, “The Park Bench is an Endangered Species.”
- Neil reflected on the latest film in the 007 franchise, “No Time to Die.”
- Niki shared CNN anchor Jake Tapper’s discussion of the Sacklers’ role in the opioid crisis.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Congressional testimony of whistleblower Frances Haugen is raising new questions about the social effects of Facebook’s global market domination. Niki referred to this interview with Facebook expert Siva Vaidhyanathan and Haugen’s 60 Minutes interview. Natalia drew on this NPR history of whistleblowing.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Apoorva Mandavilli’s New York Times article, “A New Vaccine Strategy for Children: One Dose, For Now” – and the correction issued about it.
- Neil recommended the Romanian documentary, Collective.
- Niki shared Noam Cohen’s Wired article, “One Woman’s Mission to Rewrite Nazi History on Wikipedia.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of veganism in light of an eviscerating review of the new plant-based menu at the New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Innovative fine dining restaurant Eleven Madison Park has earned mixed reviews for its newly vegan menu. Natalia cited historian Adam Shprintzen’s book The Vegetarian Crusade: The Rise of An American Reform Movement, 1817-1921. Niki cited the 1971 book Diet for a Small Planet along with Aymann Ismail’s Slate piece on the complications that plant-based pork substitutes present to Muslims and Amirah Mercer’s Eater essay on how she found empowerment in the history of Black veganism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on the latest season of the NBC series This Is Us.
- Neil shared his column for The Week, “Big Brother’s Historic Black Victory Shows the Future of Reality TV.”
- Niki discussed her column for CNN, “Britney Spears’ Bid for Freedom Comes at a Crucial Moment.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the disappearance of Gabby Petito and the media frenzy that has ensued.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The disappearance and death of aspiring influencer Gabby Petito has set off a national media frenzy, sparked in part by social media sleuths who unpacked the case in real time on TikTok. Natalia referred to this Buzzfeed article about the “influencer” angle on the case, and all of us drew on this NPR piece on “missing white woman syndrome.” Neil discussed the true crime podcasts Finding Cleo and Women of Juarez, and Natalia recommended journalist Connie Walker’s extensive work on violence against indigenous women. Natalia also referred to the American Murder episode about Shannan Watts, scholar Alyssa Smith’s work on the spectacle of violence in the true crime genre, and this WNYC segment about how to do “ethical true crime.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Monica Chin’s article for The Verge, “File Not Found.”
- Neil discussed George Holliday’s obituary, the man who filmed the Rodney King video, in the Los Angeles Times.
- Niki shared Jacob Soboroff and Ken Dilanian’s NBC article, “DHS Seeks Contractor to Run Migrant Detention Facility at Gitmo, Guards Who Speak Haitian Creole.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the popularity of the drug Ivermectin as a treatment for the coronavirus – despite lack of evidence of its effectiveness.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Ivermectin, a drug commonly used to treat parasitic infections in livestock, is flying off the shelves as a remedy for the coronavirus. Natalia referred to this Washington Post article about medical abuses, and Niki referenced the history of “patent medicines.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the Amazon documentary series LulaRich.
- Neil discussed the news that Dan Quayle told Mike Pence he had no authority to overturn the 2020 election results.
- Niki commented on the tenth anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the implications of the new restrictions on abortion rights in Texas.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Supreme Court has failed to strike down a Texas law that drastically restricts abortion rights. Natalia referred to this Vogue article about “what six weeks pregnant looks like,” and Niki discussed this Public Seminar piece. Niki and Natalia drew on Lina Maria-Murillo’s Washington Post essay about the history of American women seeking abortions in Mexico.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Kate Taylor’s Business Insider article, “Brandy Melville’s CEO Doesn’t Want Black People to Wear the Brand’s Clothing.”
- Neil commented on the new FX series, “Impeachment: American Crime Story.”
- Niki recommended Shannon Melero’s article, “The Peloton Takeover Is Almost Complete.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the past and present of U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- After nearly two decades, President Biden announced that all American troops were leaving Afghanistan, which quickly fell to the Taliban. Natalia referred to Jeremy Varon’s Washington Post piece about the antiwar movement, and to this conversation at Public Seminar between historians Claire Bond Potter and Amanda Demmer.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the Netflix series The Chair.
- Neil discussed James Poniewozik’s New York Times article, “How TV Went From David Brent to Ted Lasso.”
- Niki talked about the political significance of the gubernatorial recall election underway in California.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the rise – and fate – of the “ethnic food aisle” at the American grocery store.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The New York Times published an article about the debate over the ethnic food aisle, which is both undeniably ethnocentric and an important sales channel for purveyors of such products. Natalia referenced chef David Chang’s opposition to the phenomenon and this debacle over a “clean Chinese” restaurant in New York City.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom’s new gig at the New York Times.
- Neil shared about the new podcast, “No Place Like Home.”
- Niki recommended Claire Lampen’s The Cut article, “Wondering What To Do With that Cuomosexual Cashmere?”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the pandemic.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year, are in full swing despite the ongoing pandemic. Natalia mentioned this NPR piece about the unfair treatment of Paralympics competitor Becca Meyers, and Neil referred to the ambiguity over whether breastfeeding mothers could bring their babies into the Olympic Village. Natalia discussed this New York Times piece about past gymnasts who have been injured in competition. Neil mentioned his column for The Week on conservative media’s attack on Team USA.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Netflix series, “Never Have I Ever.”
- Neil commented on the HBO documentary, The Weight of Gold.
- Niki talked about Mary Robinette Kowal’s New York Times essay, “Wally Funk is Defying Gravity and 60 Years of Exclusion From Space.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the mass protests in Cuba.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The streets of Cuba are filled with protestors enraged by the poor handling of the pandemic and the excesses of the police state. Natalia mentioned Cuba scholar Rebecca Bodenheimer’s Twitter account and this POLITICO piece. Niki drew on this NPR segment about the role of artists in the uprising.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Michael Kranish’s Washington Post article, “How Tucker Carlson Became the Voice of White Grievance.”
- Neil shared the podcast “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.”
- Niki commented on two new books about the last year of the Trump presidency, by Michael Wolff and Michael C. Bender.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the tragedy of the Surfside condominium collapse and what it means for Miami.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- On June 24, a security camera captured the collapse of much of the Surfside condominium complex, killing a still untallied list of residents. Natalia cited this Slate article on the death of the Florida dream. Niki contextualized the collapse in the tradition of neoliberal deregulation, explained here.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Alec MacGillis’ book, Fulfillment: Winning and Losing in One-Click America.
- Neil comment on Christianity Today’s article, “Rick Warren Mastered the Formula for Suburban Church Growth.”
- Niki discussed her own CNN opinion piece, “The House Takes a Revealing Vote on Confederate Statues.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the Supreme Court decision to allow education-related payments to student-athletes.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Supreme Court ruled against the NCAA’s restrictions on providing “education-related perks” to college athletes. Natalia referred to historian Taylor Branch’s 2011 piece in The Atlantic, “The Shame of College Sports.” Neil referred to this CNN piece on the ruling, and the relevant data point on the high salaries of college football coaches.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Britney Spears’ testimony about her experience under her conservatorship. We discussed the “Free Britney” movement on Episode 268.
- Neil recommended Zachary M. Schrag’s book, The Fires of Philadelphia: Citizen-Soldiers, Nativists, and the 1844 Riots Over the Soul of a Nation.
- Niki talked about Dan Boyce’s NPR segment, “A Would-Be Trans and Queer Haven In Rural Colorado Just Wants to be Left Alone.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of the Internal Revenue Service and why the uber-wealthy pay so little in income taxes.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- ProPublica released a searing report revealing how little the richest Americans pay in taxes – and that they do so legally. Neil referred to this San Diego Union Tribune op-ed about racial discrimination at the IRS, and Niki and Natalia to this Intelligencer interview with Dorothy Brown. We all drew on this history of IRS scandals published by The Week.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed two of the hotels in Yellowstone National Park.
- Neil shared this co piece, “Skittles Commemorates Gay Pride Month with Gray Packaging, Without the Color of the Rainbow.”
- Niki recommended historian A.K. Sandoval-Strausz’ Washington Post essay, “As Immigration Politics Changed, So Did ‘In the Heights’.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of LGBTQ+ Pride.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Controversy has flared over the presence of police at this year’s New York Pride March. Neil drew on this Time retrospective on the more than 50 years of Pride protests and parades.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Pooja Salhotra’s Chalkbeat article, “New York City Schools Integrate LGBTQ Stories in Social Studies Curriculum.”
- Neil recommended Laine Nooney’s VICE piece, “How the Personal Computer Broke the Human Body.”
- Niki shared about the New York Times feature, “’We’re Going to Publish’: An Oral History of the Pentagon Papers.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the controversy over tennis champion Naomi Osaka’s decision not to participate in post-match press conferences.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Citing mental health concerns, tennis champion Naomi Osaka decided not to participate in post-match press conferences at the French Open. Natalia referred to this history at Forbes of how the press conference supplanted locker room interviews. Neil drew on this three-part series on the history of sports journalism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Lyz Lenz’ Substack, “A Grown-Ass Woman."
- Neil discussed the new FX documentary series, Pride.
- Niki talked about what the “post-pandemic” period might mean.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the emergence of the cicadas this season.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- After seventeen years underground, billions of cicadas are emerging on the east coast of the United States. Niki referred to this History article about Benjamin Banneker, who first classified the cicada in the eighteenth century. Natalia recommended historian Catherine McNeur’s book Taming Manhattan: Environmental Battles in the Antebellum City, and Niki referred to this Washington Post article on how cicadas have been used in political discourse.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Jazmine Hughes’ New York Times article, “Dianne Morales Tries to Calm a Sudden Crisis in Her Campaign.”
- Neil recommended historian Jill Lepore’s New Yorker article, “Burnout: Modern Affliction or Human Condition?”
- Niki shared Dartunorro Clark’s NBC News article, “Paul Ryan Urges GOP to Shake Trump Obsession, Focus on ‘Principles,’ not ‘Personality’.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the current controversy over critical race theory.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A series of legislative bills seek to ban the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 public institutions. At CNN, Niki looked at how the controversy over journalist Nikole Hannah-Smith’s appointment at the University of North Carolina is part of this larger battle. Natalia referred to historian Jonathan Zimmerman’s book Whose America?
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the new “Little Island” development in New York City, described in this Wall Street Journal interview with developers Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg.
- Neil recommended historian Julie Golia’s book, Newspaper Confessions: A History of Advice Columns in a Pre-Internet Age.
- Niki reflected on Bob Dole and Michael Huffington blaming their election losses on immigrants in the 1990s.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the gas panic triggered by the recent cybersecurity breach at Colonial Pipeline.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A cybersecurity breach at Colonial Pipeline caused panic, prompting motorists to line up at service stations up and down the East Coast. Natalia, Niki, and Neil all drew on historian Meg Jacobs’ work, and Natalia referred to Dan Taberski’s podcast Surviving Y2K.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Julie Creswell’s New York Times article, “Diet Companies See Gains as Americans Try to Drop Pandemic Pounds.”
- Neil recommended Kathryn Hymes’ Atlantic article, “Why We Speak More Weirdly At Home.”
- Niki shared her CNN column, “The Drama in Stacey Abrams’ Political Thriller is Unfolding Off the Page.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the recall of the latest Peloton exercise machine in historical context.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Peloton, the digital fitness company made famous by its internet-connected stationery bike, is complying with a federal voluntary recall of its Tread+, which has killed one child and injured many other children and pets. Natalia referred to historian Richard Bushman’s book The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Niki referenced Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed, and Natalia reported on the intense response in Peloton Facebook groups.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Alison Bechdel’s book, The Secret to Superhuman Strength.
- Neil recommended historian Roberto Rey Agudo’s Washington Post op-ed, “On Cinco de Mayo, Americans speak ‘mock Spanish.’ Here’s why that’s a problem.”
- Niki shared her CNN column, “George W. Bush is a flawed messenger for Republicans.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history – and future – of office life.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- New York magazine published a sprawling collection of essays about experiences of office life. Natalia referred to this Atlantic article about the persistence of deep cleaning protocols despite evidence that the coronavirus does not spread on surfaces. Niki cited historian Jeanne Boydston’s book Home and Work: Housework, Wages, and the Ideology of Labor in the Early Republic. Natalia drew on Nikil Saval’s book Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace and Anne-Helen Petersen’s Substack newsletter, “The Future of Remote Work is the Opposite of Lonely.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Katie Rosman’s New York Times article, “Girl, Wash Your Timeline”.
- Neil shared The Salt Lake Tribune’s obituary of Mormon scholar Michael Quinn, and historian Benjamin Park’s thread about his work.
- Niki recommended two Slate articles about writer Blake Bailey’s alleged history of sexual assault, one by Eve Crawford Peyton, and one by his former eighth grade students.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the cultural influence of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race has just wrapped its thirteenth season. Niki and Natalia drew on Simon Doonan’s book Drag: The Complete Story. Natalia also referred to this Vulture article on the history of drag and this New Yorker profile of “female impersonator” Joseph Touchette. She also discussed the episode of Worn Stories featuring Doonan discussing his 1980s aerobics spandex.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the ill-fated Chippendales skit, “The Politician,” viewable on her Instagram account.
- Neil shared Peter Knegt’s Canadian Broadcast Corporation column, “The Fruit Machine: Why Every Canadian Should Know About This Country’s Gay Purge.”
- Niki recommended the “Pets Are People” episode of This Day Pod, featuring Anne-Helen Peterson.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the parallels between the 1920s and our current moment.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As “post-pandemic life” becomes imaginable, predictions of a second “Roaring Twenties” are ubiquitous. Niki referred to her article about the promise and limits of such comparisons for CNN. Natalia drew on historian Helen Lefkowitz Horowitz’ Campus Life: Undergraduate Cultures from the End of the Eighteenth Century to the Present.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Rosanna Xia’s Los Angeles Times article, “DDT’s Toxic Legacy Can Harm Granddaughters of Women Exposed, Study Shows”.
- Neil recommended Chloe Angyal’s Washington Post article, “Ballet Directors Talk About ‘Fitness.’ That’s Still Code for Rail-Thin Dancers” and her forthcoming book, Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers is Saving Ballet from Itself
- Niki shared her own CNN opinion piece, “History Shows We Ignore Tucker Carlson at Our Peril.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the debate over school reopening.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- When – and how – public schools should reopen has become a topic of intense controversy. Neil cited this Los Angeles Times piece about the “intractable learning loss” suffered by English Language Learners this year. Natalia referred to this New York Times article about whether “learning loss” should be assessed and to this Politico article about the demand by United Teachers of Los Angeles for free childcare as a condition of their return to the classroom. She also drew on this History Channel article about the trust in public schools that existed during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Niki cited historian Daniel Rodgers’ Age of Fracture, and each of our books: Classroom Wars, We Gather Together, and Messengers of the Right.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the latest policing of Dr. Jill Biden’s self-presentation: her stockings.
- Neil discussed the HBO documentary Tina.
- Niki shared Gina Kolata’s New York Times article, “Kati Kariko Helped Shield the World From the Coronavirus.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the life and legacy of the late children’s author Beverly Cleary.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- At the age of 104, children’s author Beverly Cleary has died. Natalia drew on this Bulwark article about Cleary’s apolitical appeal, and Niki referred to this Atlantic essay and this Vulture piece about her grasp of children’s emotional landscape. Neil and Natalia referred to this New York Times article about her books’ appeal to boys and girls.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the podcast Stolen: the Search for Jermain.
- Neil discussed Phil Hoad’s Atavist article, “Cat and Mouse.”
- Niki shared Rebecca Onion’s Slate essay, “A Modern Feminist Classic Changed My Life. Was it Actually Garbage?”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the recent mass shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, and Boulder, Colorado.
Listen to our new limited series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As public spaces reopen, so too have mass shootings returned. Neil referred to this Slate piece about the coverage of the Atlanta shootings, and Natalia cited Melissa Jeltsen’s article in The Cut, her own essay about massage in Nursing Clio, and Nicholas Kristof’s New York Times article, “How to Reduce Shootings.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Joy Nicholson’s novel, The Tribes of Palos Verdes.
- Neil discussed Zoe Pickburn’s The Week article, “The Orphan Who Invented the Cupcake.”
- Niki shared David French’s Twitter thread about Sidney Powell.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the calls for Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York to resign.
Listen to our new limited series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Amid charges that he covered up Covid-related deaths among nursing home residents and sexually harassed multiple women, New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo is being asked to resign. Natalia referred to Rebecca Traister’s article at The Cut and Zephyr Teachout’s essay in The Nation. Niki discussed this Washington Post article about Cuomo’s popular interviews with his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, this past summer.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Sally Jesse Raphael Show episode about “women who love calendar men” as featured on the Welcome To Your Fantasy Instagram account.
- Neil recommended the new Netflix documentary series Murder Among the Mormons and historian Benjamin Park’s Religion Dispatches essays about the show.
- Niki shared the Twitter accounts of two historians writing about the Atlanta spa shootings: Melissa May Borja and Erika Lee.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss Oprah Winfrey’s interview of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Listen to our new limited series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Perhaps the official beginning of Meghan and Harry’s life in America was their interview with Oprah Winfrey. Niki referenced her CNN piece on Piers Morgan’s reaction to the interview, and Natalia mentioned Trysh Travis and Timothy Aubry’s book on therapeutic culture and this Smithsonian magazine piece about the exhibit on Oprah’s legacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Marisa Meltzer’s book This Is Big: How the Founder of Weight Watchers Changed the World--And Me.
- Neil shared Ruth Graham and Elizabeth Dias’ New York Times article, “Beth Moore, a Prominent Evangelical, Splits with Southern Baptists.”
- Niki recommended the 30 for 30 podcast episode, “March 11, 2020.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the controversy over the decision to stop publishing six Dr. Seuss books.
Listen to our new limited podcast series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Theodore Geisel’s estate has removed six of his Dr. Seuss books from circulation, causing ire among conservatives citing it as an example of “cancel culture.” Natalia referred to writer Michael Harriot’s Twitter thread, this 1945 Frank Sinatra short film, “The House I Live In,” and Sophie Gilbert’s Atlantic article about Seuss’ embrace by progressive activists. Niki drew on this BBC piece about Seuss’ radicalism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Jack Harris’ Los Angeles Times article, “Jeff Grosso: The Life and Death of Skateboarding’s Soul.”
- Neil recommended Elon Green’s book, Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York.
- Niki shared Soraya Nadia McDonald’s article at The Undefeated, “Billie Holliday Deserves Better.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the fight to raise the federal minimum wage.
Listen to our new limited podcast series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- House Democrats have proposed a federally guaranteed fifteen-dollar an hour minimum wage as part of their coronavirus relief bill. Niki drew on this New York Times piece about the effective minimum wage, and Neil referenced this New Yorker article about fast food workers in Orlando. Natalia and Niki referred to the stickiness of the “Fight for 15” slogan, as described in this Atlantic article.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Leo Baeck Institute’s Shared History Project.
- Neil shared Olivia Rutigliano’s Truly Adventurous story, “The Dognapping of the Century.”
- Niki recommended Lillian Stone’s article at The Takeout, “The Spudly History of Mister Potato Head.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the #FreeBritney movement for Britney Spears and the conservatorship that inspired it.
Listen to our new limited podcast series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A New York Times documentary about pop star Britney Spears and the conservatorship under which she has lived since 2008 has sparked renewed concern about her wellbeing. Natalia recommended this New Republic article about disability and conservatorships and Anne-Helen Petersen’s Substack newsletter about the Britney phenomenon. Niki drew on this Vox explainer about the conservatorship.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Cecile Castranova’s article for The Hill, “CA School District’s Board Resigns After Unknowingly Talking About Parents in A Virtual Meeting.”
- Neil shared Daniel Silliman’s Christianity Today obituary, “Died: Carman, Christian Showman Who Topped Charts With Triumphant Fate.”
- Niki commented on Eric Schmitt and Helene Cooper’s New York Times article, “Promotions for Female Generals Were Delayed Over Fears of Trump’s Reaction.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of pornographer and free speech champion Larry Flynt.
Listen to our new limited podcast series, WELCOME TO YOUR FANTASY, for free only on Spotify. Click here to subscribe.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Larry Flynt, founder of the Hustler empire, died this month. Niki recommended historian Carolyn Bronstein’s book Battling Pornography: The American Feminist Anti-Pornography Movement, 1976-1986 and referred to this Politico article about the GOP abandoning the war on pornography. Natalia mentioned the documentary Hot Girls Wanted and Nicholas Kristof’s reporting on Pornhub. Neil mentioned our own episode on the life and legacy of Hugh Hefner.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the latest episode of BBC Radio 4’s show “Front Row,” featuring filmmaker Adam Curtis and Welcome to Your Fantasy.
- Neil recommended Leslie Brody’s book, Sometimes You Have to Lie: The Life and Times of Renegade Author, Harriet the Spy.
- Niki discussed Gabby Birenbaum’s Vox article, “ Raskin Makes an Impeachment Case at Trump’s Trial,” and the impeachment trial videos.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the controversial tenure of freshman Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has been stripped of her committee assignments due to her outspoken support of outlandish theories, from QAnon to school shootings to “space lasers” causing forest fires. Niki referred to Michelle Goldberg’s New York Times opinion piece about Greene, and Natalia referenced the Atlantic documentary, “White Noise” and this New York Times article.
- We all recommend you subscribe and follow our new podcast, Welcome to Your Fantasy, premiering February 10, only on Spotify!
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on her own New York Times opinion piece, “Goodbye to the Cult of SoulCycle.”
- Neil talked about the documentary Assassins.
- Niki discussed MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s appearance on Newsmax.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of television and radio legend, Larry King.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- TV and radio legend, Larry King, died last week at the age of 87. We discussed some of the retrospective pieces King’s sixty-year career produced, like this 2010 feature in the New York Times, and this 1988 article in the Los Angeles Times. Neil commented on a favorite Larry King interview of the country music star, K.T. Oslin, from 1996. Natalia mentioned a ProPublica piece on how King became unwittingly used in a Chinese disinformation campaign.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on Brendan Dunne’s Complex article, “Nikolas Ajagu, the Here Who Wore Dior Jordan 1s to the Inauguration, Speaks.”
- Neil discussed Luke Mogelson’s long-form New Yorker piece, “Among the Insurrectionists.”
- Niki talked about Alex Kirshner’s Slate article, “What the Hell Is Going On With GameStop’s Stock?”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss “The 1776 Report” issued by the outgoing Trump administration.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A day before President Trump left office, his administration issued “The 1776 Report” on American history, which President Biden promptly repudiated upon taking office. Natalia referred to her piece at NBC Think on the report and to her book, Classroom Wars: Language, Sex, and the Making of Contemporary Political Culture; Niki referred to her column at CNN and to Kevin Kruse’s column at MSNBC. Neil recommended Rebecca Onion’s analysis at Slate.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Sarah Carr’s Boston Globe article, “For Schoolchildren Struggling to Read, Covid-19 Has Been a Wrecking Ball.”
- Neil discussed Richard Goldstein’s New York Times obituary, “Hank Aaron, Home Run King Who Defied Racism, Dies at 86.”
- Niki shared Jim Tankersley and Michael D. Shear’s New York Times article, “Biden Seeks to Define His Presidency by an Early Emphasis on Equity.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- On January 20, President-Elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated to the office of the President. Niki referred to the book Before the Oath. Neil and Natalia referred to Rebecca Onion’s Slate piece on transitions.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Biden’s appointment of Alondra Nelson to Deputy Director of Science and Society.
- Neil recommended Becky Cooper’s book, We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half-Century of Silence.
- Niki commented on Paul Musgrave’s Washington Post piece, “Trump’s Presidential Library Will Be a Shrine to His Ego.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
-
On January 6, armed rioters interrupted the joint session of Congress convened to certify the vote count of the Electoral College. Natalia referred to this Axios article rounding up conservative media response to the insurrection. Niki mentioned David Blight’s book, Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory. Neil discussed Eric Foner’s piece in The Nation and Karen L. Cox’s New York Times piece, both about the Civil War antecedents for the armed insurrection. Natalia drew on this Washington Post article about Ashli Babbitt, and Niki referenced her own writing on this topic at Vox and at CNN. Natalia also commented on Caitlin Flanagan’s Atlantic article. And Neil mentioned his piece for The Week about the Congressional Republicans’ inaction regarding the president. Historian Megan Kate Nelson is assembling essays about the Capitol riot by historians here.
-
Here are a list of Twitter handles of disinformation experts:
- Hannah Allam (@HannahAllam)
- Cristina López G. (@crislopezg)
- Julia Carrie Wong (@juliacarriew)
- Tess Owen (@misstessowen)
- Jane Lytvynenko (@JaneLytv)
- Joan Donovan (@BostonJoan)
- Brandy Zadrozny (@BrandyZadrozny)
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed a funny social media gaffe at a popular home decor Instagram account.
- Neil recommended the new Netflix documentary series, Challenger: The Final Flight.
- Niki discussed the Netflix comedy series Derry Girls, and Patrick Radden Keefe’s book Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the attempt by Republicans to undermine the final certification of President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- On January 6, Congress will meet in a joint session to formally count the votes of the Electoral College. Natalia referred to Trevor Potter’s Washington Post piece underlining that this meeting should be purely ceremonial, not an opportunity for a referendum on the settled election. Niki elaborated on the useful historical context of John F. Kennedy’s election in 1960. Natalia and Niki drew on this Mother Jones article about the Compromise of 1877.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s NBC THINK piece, “Trump’s Call to Georgia Election Officials Highlights White House Bunker Mentality.”
- Neil discussed the new podcast, Smokescreen: Fake Priest.
- Niki recommended Tressie McMillan Cottom’s Medium article, “The Black Ton: From Bridgerton to Love & Hip Hop.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the popularity of Hallmark Christmas movies.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Hallmark Christmas movie is a bona fide super-genre. Niki referred to this New Yorker article about how the form took over cable television, and Natalia drew on this piece at The Lily about the tradition of hate-watching the films.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Noreen Malone’s Slate article, “How the School Reopening Debate is Tearing One Elite Community Apart.”
- Neil discussed the Netflix series, Casa de Flores.
- Niki shared Kat Eschner’s Smithsonian Magazine article, “The Un-Christmassy Origin of Gingerbread Houses.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the popularity of the global evangelical megachurch Hillsong.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Hillsong celebrity pastor Carl Lentz has come under fire for inappropriate behavior, including adultery. Natalia and Neil referred to Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s GQ profile of Lentz, and Neil discussed the history of the seeker-sensitive movement. Natalia referred to David French’s post about hypocrisy among evangelical leaders.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Stella Bugbee’s article at The Cut, “Our Shared Unsharing.”
- Neil shared Robert Moss’ Serious Eats article, “How Ambrosia Became a Southern Christmas Tradition.”
- Niki commented on her CNN article, “The Christmas Spirit Powerful, Even in 2020.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the Netflix series "The Queen’s Gambit."
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit has become the pandemic’s latest must-see TV. Niki referred to the role of African-American character Jolene, discussed in this Bitch article, and to her own piece on female leads for CNN. Neil cited this piece on Russian prowess at chess from Slate.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared New York City mayoral candidate Dianne Morales’ Twitter thread about her portrayal in a New York Times roundup.
- Neil discussed Caitlin Flanagan’s Atlantic article, “Don’t Subject Your Kids to Rudolph.”
- Niki recommended Marianna Cerini’s CNN article, “A Cozy History of the Ugly Christmas Sweater.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the enduring popularity of Dolly Parton.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Dolly Parton has just added public health benefactor to her long list of career accomplishments. Natalia referred to Sarah Smarsh’s writing about Parton, and Niki referenced the podcast Dolly Parton’s America and the longstanding appeal of 9 to 5.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the HBO series The Undoing and this Los Angeles Times profile of Hugh Grant.
- Neil discussed the “The Cabbage Patch Riots” episode of the Decoder Ring
- Niki shared Alissa Wilkinson’s Vox article, “Advent, Explained.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss this year’s “Covid Thanksgiving.”
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- For many families, Thanksgiving will look very different this year. Niki wrote about the myth that the “Greatest Generation” was naturally self-sacrificing. Neil referred to this Takeout article about Sarah Josepha Hale’s role in establishing Thanksgiving. Natalia referenced Depression-era Thanksgiving hacks like “mock duck” and conservative Charlie Kirk’s rant about the left-wing war on Thanksgiving.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Jackie Salo’s New York Post article, “Star SoulCycle Instructors Accused of Sex with Clients, Fat-Shaming, Racism, and More.”
- Neil discussed New Zealand’s recent election results.
- Niki recommended Joe Coscarelli’s New York Times article, “How Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ Finally Hit No. 1.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the announcement of a new coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has announced a promising new coronavirus vaccine. Niki referred to historian Joanna Radin’s Washington Post piece on the connections between cattle breeding and vaccine distribution and political scientist Dan Drezner’s article about the Trump administration’s cavalier approach to the Covid-19 crisis. Natalia recommended The Daily episode on the Pfizer announcement.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Emily Contois’ Jezebel article, “That Shape He Can’t Forget.”
- Neil discussed the new Showtime docuseries, The Reagans.
- Niki shared this post on the New England Historical Society blog, “How the Grinch Became a Star of Stage and Screen.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the results of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. is the President-Elect of the United States. Natalia mentioned this New York Times interview with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in reference to possible challenges within the Democratic coalition.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Rebecca de Schweinitz’ book Age in America: The Colonial Era to the Present.
- Neil shared Brett White’s Decider article, “Coco: The Groundbreaking Gay Character on ‘The Golden Girls’ Left Behind.”
- Niki discussed Christina Morales’ New York Times article, “Biden to Restore a White House Tradition of Presidential Pets.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s new Borat movie.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Borat Subsequent Moviefilm is British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest sendup of American political culture. Niki and Neil commented on Sam Thielman’s NBC Think review, and Natalia cited this BBC piece from a Kazakh perspective. Niki also drew on Maureen Dowd’s interview with Baron Cohen.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed her recent essay for Marker, “How Long Can Gyms Survive?”
- Neil recommended Stephen Hudak’s Orlando Sentinel article, “Story of Ocoee Massacre Finally Being Told.”
- Niki shared her recent episode, “Election Night Sunday,” of This Day in Esoteric Political History podcast.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Emily in Paris is a hit on Netflix, perhaps due in equal parts to escapism and hate-watching. Natalia referenced her Well + Good roundup of Parisian fitness, and the show Younger. Niki discussed the novel The Ugly American. Neil referred to this article in the New York Times about young Parisians’ reactions to Emily in Paris.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the Netflix series, I Am a Killer.
- Neil discussed his recent column for The Week, “The double-edged sword of Pope Francis’ same-sex union comments.”
- Niki shared Cindy Ott’s Environmental History article, “Object Analysis of the Great Pumpkin.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the debate over “court packing.”
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Senate confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett have raised questions about the ethics of “court packing.” Neil recommended this Politico piece about the historical significance of FDR’s court packing. Natalia referenced Jamelle Bouie’s column defending the act, and Niki wrote about the nineteenth century history of the term for CNN. Natalia and Neil also referred back to our Past Present episode about originalism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Rose Thomas Bannister’s Public Seminar essay, “The Question About Religion Someone Should Have Asked Amy Coney Barrett.”
- Neil recommended Aaron Griffin’s new book, God’s Law and Order: The Politics of Punishment in Evangelical America.
- Niki discussed Season 3 of the NPR podcast, Motive.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss how the White House became a coronavirus hot spot.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Donald Trump tested positive for the coronavirus, and much of his inner circle quickly reported positive diagnoses as well. Natalia referred to this Vanity Fair article linking the slow response to the pandemic to its early prevalence in blue states, and to this Lawfare article about presidential illness and secrecy. Niki referenced this Politico piece about how the GOP is attempting to spin Trump’s diagnosis.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia raged about the egregious failures of the New York City Department of Education.
- Neil recommended William Finnegan’s book, Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life.
- Niki shared historians Gill Frank and Lauren Gutterman’s Jezebel piece, “How the Girl Watching Fad of the 1960s Taught Men to Harass Women.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the far-right, neo-fascist group, the Proud Boys.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- At last week’s presidential debate, President Trump drew attention to the all-male street gang, the Proud Boys, when he told them to “stand back and stand by.” Niki commented on the group’s founder, Gavin McInnes. Natalia discussed how the example of the early 20th century psychologist Stanley Hall provided a sort of erudite analogue to the Proud Boys. Neil mentioned Niki’s 2016 piece for Vox on the media’s interest in the alt-right’s aesthetics as a way to think about the Proud Boys’ Fred Perry uniform.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the news of Trump testing positive for coronavirus.
- Neil commented on his recent Twitter thread about the history of comparing coming out as gay to coming out as Republican.
- Niki talked about her recent piece for CNN, “Trump’s call for freelance poll-watchers summons a dark history.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- At age 87, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died earlier this month. Natalia referred to historian Jeffrey Melnick’s Twitter thread on the appropriative nature of the term “Notorious RBG” and to the book by the same title. Niki recommended reporter Danielle Kurtzleben’s coverage of Ginsburg’s legacy and endorsed Howard Fineman’s characterization, in the Washington Post, of Mitch McConnell as the “apex predator” of American politics. Neil commented on Michelle Goldberg’s analysis in the New York Times. Natalia recommended Rebecca Traister’s article about the significance of RBG’s cult status.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Stephanie Winston Wolkoff’s book, Melania and Me.
- Neil recommended the new podcast, Racket: Inside the Gold Club.
- Niki talked about the importance of registering to vote and recommended two books: Carol Anderson’s One Person, No Vote and Ari Berman’s Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the controversial new Netflix film, Cuties.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Cuties, a French independent film released in the United States has inspired opposition. Niki referred to the connection between the critics’ fear of perversion and the current furor over pedophilia among some on the Right, discussed in Rolling Stone.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Matthew Remski’s Medium GEN article, “Inside Kelly Brogan’s Covid-Denying, Vax-Resistant Conspiracy Machine.”
- Neil shared Doug Mack’s Lonely Planet article, “From Neon Shovels to Crystal Skulls – the Wild History of the Memphis Pyramid.”
- Niki recommended Amanda Mull’s Atlantic article, “Why Everything is Sold Out.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the racial dissembling of historian Jessica Krug.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- George Washington University historian Jessica Krug has been posing as a Black woman for years, and recently outed herself online. Neil referred to Martha Sandweiss’ book, Passing Strange: A Gilded Tale of Love and Deception Across the Color Line. Natalia referenced this interview with Rachel Dolezal.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the controversy over enforcing “video-on” while teaching remotely.
- Neil shared about Matthew Gilbert’s Boston Globe article, “The Brits do crime shows really, really well.”
- Niki recommended John Hodgman’s book, Vacationland, as well as his podcast, Judge John Hodgman.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss new charges of sexual assault against porn actor Ron Jeremy.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- More than a dozen women have come forward to accuse porn actor Ron Jeremy of sexual assault. Natalia referred to historian Estelle B. Freedman’s book, Redefining Rape: Sexual Violence in the Era of Suffrage and Segregation and to Lorelei Lee’s personal essay about sex work in n+1.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed this petition put forth by the New York City dance community.
- Neil shared about the HBO documentary, Welcome to Chechnya.
- Niki recommended Nellie Bowles’ New York Times article, “God Is Dead. So is the Office. These People Want to Save Both.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the new HBO series, Lovecraft Country.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Lovecraft Country is attracting attention for its blend of historical drama and horror. Niki discussed this hybrid genre, as explained at Vox. She also mentioned the documentary, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. Neil compared Lovecraft Country to Colson Whitehead’s recent novel, The Underground Railroad. Natalia referred to this history of the “sundown town” at Slate and to historian Allyson Hobbs’ work on The Negro Motorist Green Book.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the Netflix series, Selling Sunset.
- Neil reflected on Jerry Falwell Jr.’s resignation as president of Liberty University amid an alleged sex scandal.
- Niki discussed Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman’s new book, Big Friendship.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- This week, the Democratic Party is holding its national convention – entirely online. Neil referred to Ed Kilgore’s New York magazine article about the role of television in shaping conventions.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Teresa Ghilarducci’s Bloomberg Opinion piece, “Remote College is Still More Valuable than a Gap Year.”
- Neil shared the new podcast series, “Forgotten: Women of Juárez.”
- Niki discussed Jaya Saxena’s Atlas Obscura article, “Rhode Island Has One Great Culinary Invention, and it’s Coffee Milk.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss presidential hopeful Joe Biden’s selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Kamala Harris is the 2020 Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Niki wrote about the significance of her candidacy for Inside Story magazine. Natalia referenced historian Martha Jones’ Washington Post essay; Niki referred to Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times op-ed on Harris’ blackness. Natalia cited this Jacobin article criticizing Harris and to pieces like this one paying new attention to the 1948 vice-presidential candidacy of Charlotta Bass. We previously discussed Kamala Harris on Episode 195 last year.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Evgenia Peretz’s Vanity Fair article, “Keeping Up with the Millers: Stephen Miller and his Wife, Katie, Found Love in a Hateful Place.”
- Neil recommended Padma Lakshmi’s new Hulu show, “Taste the Nation.”
- Niki discussed the Luminary podcast, “Fiasco.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the conspiracy theory known as QAnon.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Spread online, QAnon is a conspiracy theory that claims “deep state” traitors, connected to a cabal of pedophiles, are plotting to undermine President Trump and the United States. Niki and Neil referred to Adrienne LaFrance’s Atlantic essay contextualizing “Q”’s prophecies. Natalia referred to this Rolling Stone article about the late John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s role in the QAnon imagination.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Irina Aleksander’s New York Times Magazine article, “Sweatpants Forever.”
- Neil discussed the controversy over Ellen DeGeneres’ behavior on set – and how her celebrity defenders aren’t helping her case.
- Niki talked about Barrett Swanson’s New Republic article, “What I Learned From the Worst Novelist in the English Language.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the continued unrest in Portland and the deployment of federal forces to quell it.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Protests continue in Portland, where President Trump has deployed federal forces. Niki discussed this episode of This Day in Esoteric Political History. Natalia recommended following the Twitter feeds of scholars of fascism Federico Finchelstein and Jason Stanley.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the podcasts Once Upon a Time…in the Valley and The Last Days of August.
- Neil discussed Christopher Knight’s Los Angeles Times article, “It’s time to chop down the ‘lynching tree’ from this California city’s logo.”
- Niki talked about Heather Schwedel’s Slate article, “It Was the Coolest Phone I’d Ever Seen.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the decision by the Planned Parenthood Federation of New York to disavow Margaret Sanger for her ties to eugenics.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Planned Parenthood of Greater New York announced it will remove the name of founder Margaret Sanger from its Manhattan health clinic. Neil referred to this blog post about Sanger’s ableism. Natalia referenced this Twitter thread by Imani Gandy, and this article by legal scholar Michele Goodwin.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Katherine Rosman’s New York Times article, “On the Latest Boutique Fitness Playlist: Black Lives Matter.”
- Neil discussed Emile Dirks’ and James Leibold’s New York Times article, “China is Harvesting the DNA of its People. Is this the Future of Policing?”
- Niki talked about Andrew Kahrl’s New York Times article, “Who Will Get to Swim this Summer?”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the “Karen” meme.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The “Karen” meme, referring to a white woman weaponizing that privilege against people of color, has exploded on social media. Niki referred to this column at The Root and Natalia cited this article by Nina Burleigh.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Mary Trump’s new book, Too Much and Never Enough.
- Neil discussed David Waldstein’s New York Times article, “Scrabble Tournaments Move Toward Banning Ethnic Slurs.”
- Niki talked about Blazedale’s A. Taco article, “The Los Angeles Mayor Who Was Also a KKK Leader.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss student visas and the most recent immigration restrictions put forth by the Trump administration.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Donald Trump has threatened that international students attending American universities that are teaching entirely online must return to their home countries. Niki referred to Adam Serwer’s 2018 Atlantic article, “The Cruelty is the Point,” and to this Washington Post opinion piece about how this measure advances Stephen Miller’s restrictionist agenda. Natalia drew on this piece at The Conversation about the impact of a reduction of international students on American universities and society.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the controversy over Goya Foods CEO Robert Unanue’s support of President Trump.
- Neil recommended historian Paul Renfro’s new book, Stranger Danger: Family Values, Childhood, and the American Carceral State.
- Niki talked about the recent SCOTUS decision affirming Native American land rights in Oklahoma and recommended the podcast This Land as well as Episode 159 of this podcast.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the deplatforming of extremists by social media sites from Reddit to YouTube.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Social media platforms like Reddit are taking a harder line on regulating extremist content. Natalia referred to this article about the undisclosed relationship between Ben Shapiro’s conservative sites and Facebook, and to this Vice piece about the effectiveness of social media bans. Niki referenced this New York Times article about YouTube radicalization.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Alec MacGillis’ ProPublica article, “How Dollar Stores Became Magnets for Crime and Killing.”
- Neil discussed the unique moment in cultural writing and reporting right now, pointing to New Yorker food critic Hannah Goldfield’s recent reviews of takeout restaurants and frozen food and to Vinson Cunningham’s essay on the African-American playwright, Lorraine Hansberry.
- Niki shared Elaina Plott’s New York Times article, “The Fall of Jeff Sessions, and What Came After.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the movement to defund the police.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Calls to defund or abolish the police have become a rallying cry among protestors of racial violence. Niki discussed Derek Thompson’s call to “unbundle the police.” Natalia referred to this National Review piece that argues many communities want more policing, and to this Jacobin interview with criminologist Alex Vitale.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Lauren Sandler’s book This is All I Got: A New Mother’s Search for Home.
- Neil discussed Noah Ram’s org article, “‘Gator Bait’ chant faced opposition years ago. Nothing came of it.”
- Niki shared Kaitlyn Tiffany’s Atlantic article, “My Little Pony Fans Are Ready to Admit They Have a Nazi Problem.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss Bostock v. Clayton County, the recent Supreme Court decision protecting gay and transgender people from workplace discrimination.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- In an unexpected victory for LGBTQ activists, the Supreme Court decided last week that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay and transgender people from discrimination at work. Natalia and Niki referred to this helpful Slate piece on the legal theories of textualism and originalism, and to Rebecca Onion’s explanation of the legend behind the “because of sex” clause in the Civil Rights Act. Neil referenced our own conversation on Episode 22 about Justice Antonin Scalia’s judicial legacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the new podcast, Conspirituality.
- Neil discussed Eric Cervini’s new book, The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America.
- Niki shared Jennifer Schuessler’s New York Times article, “The Long Battle Over ‘Gone With the Wind.’” She also referred to Jacqueline Stewart’s CNN article, “Why We Can’t Turn Away from ‘Gone with the Wind.’”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of playwright and AIDS activist Larry Kramer.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Pioneering AIDS activist Larry Kramer died this month. Natalia referred to this Vulture interview about Kramer’s legacy. Neil commented on Kramer’s autobiographical play, The Normal Heart.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the Netflix documentary, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.
- Neil discussed Anastasia Dawson’s Tampa Bay Times article, “Giant Confederate flag lowered amid threats to set it on fire.”
- Niki shared Rick Noack’s Washington Post article, “Sweden blocks plan to honor woman who hit a neo-Nazi with a purse.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the recent protests over police brutality.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has set off protests over police brutality across the country and the world. Niki referenced this Slate article, and Neil referred to historian Elizabeth Hinton’s New York Times opinion piece. Natalia cited Anne-Helen Peterson’s coverage in Buzzfeed of small-town protests all over the country, and discussed those in Eastern Long Island in particular.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Sugene Kwon’s digital children’s book, The Unforgettable Story of George Floyd.
- Neil commented on comedian Sarah Cooper’s viral “How-To” videos.
- Niki discussed the new season of the Slow Burn podcast, focusing on David Duke.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of nursing homes in the moment of coronavirus.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Nursing home residents are especially afflicted by the coronavirus. Natalia recommended this article in Washington Monthly about the politics of elder care. Niki referred to this history of the nursing home industry.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Jeremy W. Peters’ New York Times article, “They Predicted ‘The Crisis of 2020’… in 1991. So How Does This End?”
- Neil reflected on Jonathon Van Maren’s Christianity Today article, “Deathbed Apology: Norma McCorvey’s Pro-Life Friends Tell Another Story.”
- Niki shared the real history behind Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech which she discussed on “This Day in Esoteric History” podcast.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss President Trump’s recent firings of four Inspectors General.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Trump has been on a spree of castigating, and dismissing, Inspectors General. Neil referred to this NPR article about the historical function of the Inspector General in American history. He also wrote about the firings in his column for The Week.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the new podcast, “Wind of Change.”
- Neil reflected on the future of reality television, inspired by this article at Variety.
- Niki commented on Molly Ball’s new book, Pelosi.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Little Richard.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Musical legend Little Richard died this month of bone cancer. Niki referred to Margot Canaday’s book The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Twentieth-Century America and George Chauncey’s book Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World, 1890-1940. Natalia recommended this GQ article on Little Richard’s inimitable style. Neil commented on Little Richard’s appearances at the 1988 Grammy Awards and on The Dick Cavett Show in 1970.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Joshua Greenberg’s Washington Post article, “Will Covid-19 End the Use of Paper Money?”
- Neil commented on Evan Osnos’ New Yorker article, “How Greenwich Republicans Learned to Love Trump.”
- Niki discussed this interview she did at The Intercept, “Are Trump and the Anti-Lockdown Militias Itching for Violence?”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- 25-year old Ahmaud Arbery was murdered while running in Satilla Shores, Georgia. Natalia cited this piece at The Conversation by sociologist Rashawn Ray, and tweeted this thread about the racialized history of running. Neil referenced the history of Stand Your Ground laws in Florida.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia reflected on the announcement that Crew is filing for bankruptcy.
- Neil commented on the Netflix show Hollywood.
- Niki discussed Ed O’Loughlin and Mihir Zaveri’s New York Times article, “Irish Return an Old Favor, Helping Native Americans Battling the Virus.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss meatpacking plants and the Defense Production Act.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Trump has used the Defense Production Act to order meatpacking plants to stay open, even as these factories have become hotspots for coronavirus infection. Niki commented on how Upton Sinclair’s classic novel, The Jungle, exposed the horrible working conditions of meatpackers in the early 20th Natalia referred to Joshua Specht’s book Red Meat Republic and Samuel Moyn’s review of the book for The New Republic. This Atlantic article on Americans’ changing eating habits also informed our discussion.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Stephanie McNeal’s Buzzfeed article, “The Fitness Industry Is in a Crisis.”
- Neil commented on the recent controversy over Christian influencer Rachel Hollis, as detailed in Stephanie McNeal’s Buzzfeed article, “Rachel Hollis Has Apologized After Posting a Maya Angelou Quote without Attribution.”
- Niki talked about the various meanings attached to May Day.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss protests against the current national lockdown.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Protestors against national lockdown orders have been demonstrating across the country. Niki referred to this Vox piece in distinguishing these protests from the Tea Party Movement and to this Twitter thread about the Anti-Mask League of 1918-19. Natalia referenced this article at The Week about the underlying psychology of these protests.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Hulu television series, “Little Fires Everywhere.”
- Neil recommended David French’s column at The Dispatch, “Evangelicals Have Abandoned the Character Test. The Competence Test is Next.”
- Niki discussed Matt Novak’s Gizmodo article, “The Real Story Behind That Viral Photo of President Johnson During the Vietnam War.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the prospect of large-scale voting by mail come November and the fate of the U.S. Postal Service.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Earlier this month in Wisconsin, voters had to choose between civic participation and public health. Questions over mail-in voting have reignited a debate over federal funding for the post office, as discussed in this Vox Niki explained the longer history of voting by mail that this New York Times article explores.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the FX/Hulu television show, “ America.”
- Neil recommended Lauren Sandler’s new book, This is All I Got: A New Mother’s Search for Home.
- Niki shared Marc Tracy’s New York Times article, “Photojournalists Struggle Through the Pandemic, With Masks and Long Lenses,” and Rebecca Onion’s Slate article, “’These People Aren’t Zombies. They’re People’.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss hydroxychloroquine, the drug President Trump is pushing as a potential cure for the coronavirus.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As COVID-19 continues to claim American lives, President Trump has spoken of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential cure, despite scant medical evidence supporting this claim. Niki referred to Tom Nichols’ book The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters. Natalia referred to Niki’s CNN article, also on expertise. Neil cited this Vox piece regarding speculations of Trump’s financial interest in hydroxychloroquine, and he also wrote about Trump’s fascination with the drug in his column for The Week.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Zeynep Tufekci’s Atlantic article, “Keep the Parks Open.”
- Neil recommended the new Netflix show, Unorthodox.
- Niki shared “Wipe Out,” a 99 Percent Invisible episode about toilet paper.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the new Netflix series, Tiger King.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Tiger King is a runaway hit as social distancing has increased appetite for binge-watching. Niki referred to this Mother Jones article about the connection between coronavirus and the wild animal trade. Natalia referenced this New York magazine article by Robert Moor that spawned the Netflix show and the Wondery podcast, “Joe Exotic.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jordana Horn Gordon’s Kveller article, “The Heartbreaking Loneliness of Mourning During a Pandemic.”
- Neil discussed David Grann’s book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.
- Niki shared Megan Garber’s Atlantic article, “Homes Actually Need to Be Practical Now.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of school closings.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Schools all over the United States are closing for weeks, perhaps months, in an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. Natalia referenced this New York Times article about the particular challenges faced by homeless students. Niki referred to this history of school closures in response to desegregation orders, and Natalia discussed the limits of comparisons to homeschooling.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the podcast “Dying for Sex.”
- Neil discussed the legacy of the late playwright, Terrence McNally.
- Niki shared these investigative tweets by writer Sage Boggs – and historian Charles Richter’s response – about the origin of the brand name “Triscuit.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the history of “cabin fever.”
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As social distancing becomes the new norm for many Americans, so too does the stress and anxiety of being cooped up, also known as “cabin fever.” Natalia mentioned Jonathan Zimmerman’s Chronicle of Higher Education article about online learning. Neil referred to historian Jeanne Boydston’s classic book, Home and Work: Household, Wages, and the Ideology of Labor. Niki discussed Daniel Pollack-Pelzner’s Atlantic article, “Shakespeare Wrote His Best Works During a Plague.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Robert Snow’s new book Disney’s Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Park that Changed the World.
- Neil commented on Sapna Maheshwari’s New York Times article, “American Teenagers Are Declaring ‘Virginity Rocks’.”
- Niki shared the Canadian Broadcasting Service’s podcast, “Uncover: Satanic Panic.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of the quarantine.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, quarantining is becoming a fact of life. Natalia referred to Anne Helen Petersen’s essay on selflessness and social isolation and recommended historian Howard Markel’s New York Times opinion piece.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Netflix show Love is Blind.
- Neil recommended Nancy Hass’ New York Times Magazine article, “How Floral Arrangements Began to Take Over the Table – and the Entire Room.”
- Niki shared Livia Gershon’s JSTOR Daily article, “How Toothpaste Got Scientific Cred.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the bans on single-use plastic bags.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- On March 1, a plastic bag ban went into effect in New York City. Neil referred to this Washington Post article about such bans around the world and Niki recommended this Atlantic piece on the rise of the plastic bag’s popularity. Natalia cited this Washington Post column by Alexandra Petri.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Martha Verbrugge and Drew Yingling’s article, “The Politics of Play: The Struggle Over Racial Segregation and Public Recreation in Washington, D.C., 1945-1950,” in Washington History.
- Neil discussed Choe Sang-Hun’s New York Times article, “He Blames ‘Evil’ for South Korea’s Coronavirus Surge. Officials Blame Him.”
- Niki shared Jason Lamberg’s Comdesres article, “The Origin of the Oxford Comma.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of fat activism and the body positivity movement.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- In recent years, “body positivity” has become a buzzword. Natalia cited The Fat Studies Reader and this Campus Reform article about more extreme forms of fat liberation. Niki referred to this Bitch Media article about the connections between fat and queer liberation. We previously discussed plus-size models on Episode 98.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Alexis Coe’s new biography of George Washington, You Never Forget Your First.
- Neil discussed Corey Kilgannon’s New York Times article, “The Truth About Alligators in the Sewers of New York.”
- Niki shared Crystal R. Sanders’ Washington Post article, “Katherine Johnson Should Also Be Remembered for Desegregating Higher Education.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss COVID-19 and the history of protective face masks.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The threat of coronavirus has lately made protective face masks a fixture in many global cities. Natalia cited this Vox article about the hoarding of such masks. Neil referred to this Quartz piece about the broader use of face masks in Asian countries.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Mac Schwerin’s Vox article, “The Pungent Legacy of Axe Body Spray.”
- Neil discussed Davey Alba’s New York Times article, “Facial Recognition Moves Into a New Front: Schools.”
- Niki shared the “Whomst Among Us Let the Dogs Out?” episode from the podcast 99% Invisible.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss an architectural proposal to “Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again.”
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Conservative architectural organization the National Civic Art Society has drafted an executive order that establishes the style for federal buildings nationwide. Natalia cited this Intelligencer article about the false dichotomies on which the ensuing debate rests. Niki referred to Ross Douthat’s New York Times opinion piece on the issue. We also referred to a previous Past Present episode on classical statues.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the tenth season of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
- Neil commented on Mitt Romney’s impeachment vote and Joseph Stuart’s Religion & Politics article about the place of Mormonism in the Republican Party.
- Niki recommended the new podcast, “Chasing Cosby.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the debacle of this year’s Iowa caucuses.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The 2020 Iowa caucus was a logistical disaster. Natalia cited this POLITICO piece about longer standing concerns about Iowa. Neil wrote about Pete Buttigieg’s historic showing in Iowa in his column for the Week.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Amazon series “Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer”.
- Neil recommended the podcast “Monster: DC Sniper.”
- Niki discussed Rush Limbaugh receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the shrinking number of moderate Republicans in the GOP.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Where have all the moderate Republicans gone? Neil wrote about Susan Collins and the end of moderate Republicans in his column for The Week. Niki shared Geoffrey Kabaservice’s book Rule and Ruin as the definitive history of moderate Republicans. Natalia discussed Ezra Klein’s recent New York Times piece on the different effect polarization has had on both parties, an argument he expands in his new book, Why We’re Polarized. Neil commented on how Republican suburban women have been moving away from the GOP during the Trump years, something he wrote about for the Atlantic in 2018.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the controversy surrounding Jeanine Cummins’ new book, American Dirt, and recommended the episode of “Latino USA” that discusses the controversy and Myriam Gurba’s review of the book for Tropics of Meta.
- Neil recommended the new Netflix series, “Cheer.” We discussed the history of cheerleading in Episode 125.
- Niki commented on Jerry Falwell, Jr.’s proposal for Virginia’s border counties to join West Virginia, something being referred to as “Vexit.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Greta Gerwig’s Little Women has received enthusiastic critical praise. Natalia referred to this New York Times article about the nearly all-white cast, and Niki recommended this New Yorker article about Laura Dern’s portrayal of Marmee. Natalia also cited this American Conservative article about the absence of faith in the latest adaptation.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the rumored closing of Fairway supermarkets, and historian Dylan Gottlieb’s tweets on the topic.
- Neil recommended Rhonda Kaysen’s New York Times article, “Could the Avocado-Green Kitchen Make a Comeback?”
- Niki shared A.J. Willingham’s CNN article, “ Peanut is Dead for Some Reason.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the longevity of the game show Jeopardy!
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Jeopardy! is in the news thanks to its GOAT tournament. Natalia referred to this Smithsonian article about the show’s origin story.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Sarah Schrank’s new book, Free and Natural: Nudity and the Cult of the American Body.
- Neil discussed Katie Reilly’s Time article, “Donald Trump is Promising ‘Big Action’ on School Prayer to Rally Evangelical Voters.”
- Niki shared Timothy Williams’ New York Times article, “Virginia Approves the E.R.A., Becoming the 38th State to Back It,” and Ben Hitchcock’s C-Ville Weekly article, “A Change is Gonna Come: New Democratic Government has Big Plans, Big Challenges Ahead.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the devastating bushfires in Australia.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Fire is ravaging Australia. Natalia referred to this Washington Post piece about the politicization of the fires. Niki discussed the long history of bushfires in Australia.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Ashley Fetters’ Atlantic article, “The Boys Who Wear Shorts All Winter.”
- Neil discussed Campbell Robinson and Elizabeth Dias’ New York Times article, “United Methodist Church Announces Plan to Split Over Same-Sex Marriage.”
- Niki shared Afua Hirsch’s New York Times article, “Black Britons Know Why Meghan Wants Out.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the recent attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Iraqi militants stormed the American embassy in Baghdad last week. Neil referenced the recently leaked cable communications between Iran and Iraq. Natalia referred to this Middle East Eye essay on the historical significance of attacks on American embassies and to this Guardian piece on the history of U.S. embassies.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Margaret Atwood’s new novel, The Testaments, and referred to this Atlantic review of the book.
- Neil discussed Jason Horowitz’s New York Times article, “Pope Francis Apologizes After Slapping Away a Clinging Pilgrim.”
- Niki shared Sarah Holder’s Citylab article, “What Have We Done to Lunch?”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss controversy over the “OK” sign, the Black Israelite sect, and the history of CIA disguises.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- When cadets flashed the “OK” sign, a gesture that has become a symbol of white power, an investigation by Army and Navy officials ensued. Natalia cited anthropologist Clifford Geertz’ “Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture.” Niki recommended ProPublica’s ongoing coverage of white nationalism.
- Recent murders in Jersey City have directed new attention to the fringe sect that calls itself the Black Hebrew Israelites. Niki referred to this Code Switch interview with historian Marc Dollinger about his book, Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance in the 1960s.
- The CIA’s former Chief of Disguise has donated some of her collection to the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Natalia recommended this Washington Post op-ed by Jonna Hiestand Mendez, the retiring chief, about her work as a CIA agent. Neil discussed Matthew Avery Sutton’s book, Double-Crossed: The Missionaries Who Spied for the United States During the Second World War.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared her own Public Seminar article, “The Precarious Labor of the Fitpro.”
- Neil discussed Christianity Today editorial, “Trump Should Be Removed From Office.”
- Niki discussed Rachel Tashjian’s GQ article, “Why the Codpiece Remains One of Menswear’s Most Essential Accessories,” and this Twitter thread about the timeless accessory.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss a cockfighting ban in Puerto Rico, Russia’s Olympic ban for doping its athletes, and the dawn of a new era in fonts.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The U.S. has enacted a ban on cockfighting in Puerto Rico. Neil cited anthropologist Clifford Geertz’s classic text on cockfighting in Bali.
- Due to doping violations, Russia has been banned from competing in the Olympics for the next four years. Natalia referred to this Smithsonian article on preventative measures against doping. Niki mentioned our previous segment on so-called “sex testing” and athletic competition in Episode 179.
- After a decade of minimalism, ornate fonts are making a comeback. Neil referred to this article about changes to the Helvetica font.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Olga Khazan’s Atlantic article, “Is it Weird to Wear Leggings at Work?”
- Neil recommended this New York Times Magazine feature, “The Twenty-Five Rooms that Influence the Way We Design.”
- Niki shared Max Ufberg’s Medium article, “The Decade We Marched For Our Lives.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss virginity tests, international achievement tests, and the end of the 2010s.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The rapper T.I. caused controversy when he said he subjects his daughter to a virginity test every year. Natalia referred to historian Hanne Blank’s book Virgin: The Untouched History. Niki cited our discussion of the evangelical purity movement on Episode 190.
- Children around the world took the PISA exam, and Americans had a mediocre showing. Natalia recommended the documentary A Place at the Table and journalist Dana Goldstein’s book The Teacher Wars.
- In a few weeks, the decade of the 2010s will be behind us. Niki recommended this article at Esquire on how the cultural gatekeepers lost their job in the decade.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Clarissa Jan-Lim’s Buzzfeed article, “Pinterest and The Knot Will Stop Promoting Wedding Content that Romanticizes Former Slave Plantations.”
- Neil commented on Chris Stedman’s Vox article, “Too Many Atheists Are Veering Dangerously Toward the Alt-Right.”
- Niki recommended the HBO show “The Watchmen.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss President Trump’s pardons of war criminals, controversial opinions about food, and the practice of indigenous land acknowledgments.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Trump recently pardoned three American servicemen convicted of war crimes. Natalia referred to Adam Serwer’s Atlantic piece “The Cruelty is the Point” and this New Yorker article about the 19th-century origins of the military court system. Niki recommended reading up on the case of Eddie Gallagher to understand the implications of these pardons.
- When conservative academic Tom Nichols recently insulted Indian food on Twitter, the internet struck back. Natalia and Neil commented on Ruth Graham’s Slate piece on the intensity of social media food takes. Natalia recommended Krishnendu Ray’s book The Ethnic Restaurateur. Neil referred to Jane Desmond’s Newsweek article about Thanksgiving turkey.
- Long a practice in Canada and Australia, indigenous land acknowledgements are becoming more common in the United States.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Tom Farrey’s book Game On: How the Pressure to Win at All Costs Endangers Youth Sports and What Parents Can Do About It.
- Neil commented on Rick Perry telling Trump he was “chosen by God” which he wrote about in his column for The Week, “God’s Gift to America.”
- Niki recommended Samira Kawash’s Atlantic article, “Sugar Plums: They’re Not What You Think They Are.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the political ascent of Pete Buttigieg, infighting within the far right, and the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- “Mayor Pete,” once a long-shot candidate, is increasingly a serious contender for the Democratic presidential nomination. Natalia referred to Michael Kruse’s POLITICO piece about the electoral viability of a gay candidate. Neil noted Buttigieg had won the 2000 Profile in Courage Essay Contest for an essay on Bernie Sanders.
- Donald Trump, Jr. was recently shouted offstage at UCLA by protesters on the Right known as “Groypers.” Niki referred to Trump, Jr.’s new book, Triggered, and to this Southern Poverty Law Center article, “Stephen Miller’s Affinity for White Nationalism Revealed in Leaked Emails.”
- Sesame Street, the stalwart children’s television show, turns 50 this month. Neil referred to this Smithsonian article about the program’s origins in Black culture.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Sacha Baron Cohen’s keynote speech at the Anti-Defamation League.
- Neil shared Zachariah Chou’s New York Times opinion piece, “Why We’re Impeaching Our Student Body President Over Trump Jr.”
- Niki likened the revelation that Donald Trump Jr.’s book sales are driven by strategic bulk purchases to a similar scandal in the Nixon era.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki interviewed Emily Bazelon about her new book, Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration.
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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the work of New York Times editor Lindsay Crouse, particularly her latest feature, “I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I Joined Nike,” by Mary Cain.
- Neil shared Rebecca Makkai’s book, The Great Believers.
- Niki discussed Adele Peters’ Fast Company article, “How Memphis Transformed its Parks Named for Confederate Generals into Inclusive Spaces.”
- Emily talked about the 1927 Supreme Court case, McGrain v. Daugherty.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the assassination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the scandal over Representative Katie Hill, and the booing of President Trump at a baseball game.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- ISIS leader Abu al-Baghdadi has been assassinated by United States forces. Niki referred to this piece at The Daily Beast. Neil noted the emergence of viral videos showing a side-by-side comparison of Trump’s announcement of al-Baghdadi’s death and Obama’s announcement about the killing of Osama bin Laden.
- S. Representative Katie Hill (D-CA) has resigned her position after an alleged sex scandal. Natalia cited this article at GenderIT.org about the problematic term “revenge porn.”
- President Trump was met with boos at a World Series game last week. Neil referred to this history of booing at Natalia recalled the longer history of presidential booing, written up at The Washington Post.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Susan Donaldson James’ ABC News article, “’Practice Babies’: 1 Orphan Raised by 8 Mothers.”
- Neil shared Rachel Wharton and Koren Shadmi’s New York Times illustrated history, “How Did the Diner Menu Get So Long?”
- Niki discussed Grayson Quay’s American Conservative article, “Franco’s Victory Was Necessary, But Ultimately Meaningless.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the life and legacy of U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings, the rising trend of homelessness, and a new documentary about a dangerous New Jersey amusement park.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings has died. Niki referenced this Atlantic article about Cummings’ reluctant partisanship.
- Homelessness is on the rise, especially visible in Los Angeles. Natalia referred to this Washington Post article about the rise of “business improvement districts” and to the scholarship and teaching of historian Albert M. Camarillo.
- A new documentary highlights the cultural importance of the New Jersey amusement park, “Action Park.” Listener and historian Claire Potter suggested this segment based on this New York Times article. Natalia referred to this New York Times review, by historian Jackson Lears, of historian David Nasaw’s book on amusement in the United States.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed historian Michael Zakim’s new book, Accounting for Capitalism: The World the Clerk Made.
- Neil shared David Yaffe-Bellany’s New York Times article, “Want Fries With That? McDonald’s Already Knows the Answer.”
- Niki recommended Dan Nosowitz’s Vox article, “Pumpkin Spice Has Taken Over Trader Joe’s. Here’s Why” and referred to our own Episode 103 about pumpkin spice.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the anxiety over automation, new treatments for male baldness, and the controversial Trump spiritual advisor Paula White.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Automation and its effect on American jobs was a core theme at this month’s Democratic debate. Natalia referred to Rick Wartzman’s book The End of Loyalty: The Rise and Fall of Good Jobs in America, excerpted in POLITICO. Natalia also referenced this timeline chronicling fears of automation, at
- A raft of new products has emerged to fight an old problem: baldness. Natalia recommended Danielle Friedman’s InStyle article about the rebranding of baldness remedies by the wellness industry.
- Trump spiritual advisor Paula White has written a new book, endorsed by several evangelical leaders who once distanced themselves from her. Niki drew on Kelsey McKinney’s Buzzfeed article about televangelist Jim Bakker. In Episode 24, we discussed “Trump’s Evangelicals.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended a podcast on which she appears at a comedy club, “Nevertheless, She Existed.”
- Neil discussed Joseph Berger’s New York Times article, “How Amazon Has Transformed the Hasidic Economy.”
- Niki shared Austin Grossman’s Atlantic article, “Monocles Were Never Cool.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Rudy Giuliani’s political career, the climate activist Greta Thunberg, and the controversy over vaping.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Rudy Giuliani is most prominent today as a Trump surrogate, but after 9/11 he was known as “America’s Mayor.” Natalia recommended Ken Frydman’s New York Times op-ed about working for Giuliani and Matthew Yglesias’ Vox piece about his disregard for the rule of law.
- Scandinavian climate activist Greta Thunberg is inspiring a fierce response across the political spectrum. Natalia recommended Rebecca Onion’s piece at Slate on Thunberg’s appeal.
- Vaping has existed for less than five years, but is at the center of intense controversy over its potential health consequences. Niki recommended historian Sarah Milov’s new book, The Cigarette: A Political History, and her articles about vaping at Made by History and at Time.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the history of women being dismissed from teaching for visible pregnancy in light of Elizabeth Warren’s career.
- Neil talked about the New York Times article, “Samuel Little is Most Prolific Serial Killer in U.S. History, F.B.I. Says.”
- Niki shared Moises Velasquez-Manoff’s New York Times article, “As Sea Levels Rise, So Do Ghost Forests.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the role of whistleblowers in American politics, the recent string of church arsons, and the trend of co-working spaces.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- An intelligence officer has filed a complaint regarding Donald Trump’s interactions with the president of Ukraine. We discussed the history of whistleblowing and Niki noted the role of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon papers in shaping contemporary ideas about whistleblowing. Natalia referenced the founding fathers’ attention to protecting whistleblowers.
- The FBI is currently investigating a string of church arsons in El Paso, Texas. Natalia noted that the racist motivations behind many church arsons are often questioned by conservatives, such as Michelle Malkin.
- The co-working company WeWork may be going under. Natalia mentioned a New York Times Magazine profile of WeWork that detailed how work and socialization go hand in hand in these co-working spaces.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed her recent CNN piece, “Why It’s So Scary When Trump Tweets about Civil War.”
- Neil shared the New York Times article, “Labradoodle Creator Says the Breed Is His Life’s Regret.”
- Niki talked about Lorelei Lee’s n+1 essay, “Cash/Consent.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss Ukraine’s connection to the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump, the declining bird population of North America, and the high price of parking spaces in New York City.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Ukraine is at the center of the impeachment probe against the president. Niki referred to Peter Schweizer’s book Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich and to Zack Beauchamp’s Vox piece about how the Ukraine scandal changed his mind on impeachment. Neil also took on this topic in his column at The Week.
- The bird population is disappearing at an alarming rate. Natalia recommended Philip Dray’s book The Fair Chase: The Epic Story of Hunting in America and Niki referred to Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring.
- Parking lots are the latest aspect of New York City life to become a luxury commodity. Neil referenced this National Council on Public History post on the historical importance of preserving parking lots.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed an episode of the podcast Welcome to LA, “The Recruiter.”
- Neil recommended Matthew Avery Sutton’s book, Double Crossed: The Missionaries Who Spied for the United States During the Second World War.
- Niki talked about the ABC podcast “The Dropout.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss anti-Asian comments by comedian Shane Gillis, an attack in Saudi Arabia, and the not-so-lost art of the telephone call.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Saturday Night Live hired comedian Shane Gillis and then promptly fired him when video of his racist remarks about Asian Americans and others surfaced. Niki referred to Ellen D. Wu’s book The Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority. Natalia discussed Frank Sinatra’s 1945 song, “The House I Live In.”
- An attack in Saudi Arabia on the largest oil refinery in the world prompted President Trump to point fingers at Iran. Natalia referenced this Al-Jazeera timeline of US-Saudi relations.
- An Atlantic article by millennial writer Amanda Mull extolled the virtues of talking on the phone over texting. Niki referred to historian Claude Fischer’s book America Calling: A Social History of the Telephone Since 1940.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed a 1972 LIFE magazine article, “Who’s the Man in Room 7?”
- Neil commented on Coral Davenport’s New York Times article, “Trump Defends Plan to Kill California’s Auto-Emissions Authority.”
- Niki recommended Tess McClure’s Guardian article, “Dark Crystals: The Brutal Reality Behind a Booming Wellness Craze.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss government surveillance of American universities, the political career of John Bolton, and the technological and cultural reasons women’s voices are often insulted as “shrill.”
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The FBI has urged U.S. universities to monitor certain students and scholars visiting from China. Natalia referred to this history of spying on campus from the Harvard Crimson.
- National security adviser John Bolton is the latest Trump appointee to have left the administration. Neil referred to this New Yorker profile of Mike Pompeo and Niki to this one of John Bolton.
- A New Yorker article describing how audio technology has historically been calibrated to male voices went viral. Niki referred to this BBC piece on women’s changing voices. Natalia recommended this article from The Cut on the policing of women’s voices.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s novel, Fleishman is in Trouble.
- Neil shared Brandon Ambrosino’s Politico piece, “’Someone’s Gotta Tell the Freakin’ Truth’: Jerry Falwell’s Aides Break Their Silence.”
- Niki discussed Daniel E. Slotnik’s New York Times article, “Chris March, Over-the-Top Fashion Designer, Dies at 56.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the legacy of late bodybuilder Franco Columbu, the candidacy of Kamala Harris, and a proposal to eliminate selective testing for New York City public high schools.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Italian bodybuilding icon Franco Columbu has died. Niki referred to the film Pumping Iron, in which he appeared with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Natalia cited the importance of physician Kenneth Cooper’s 1968 book Aerobics in both mainstreaming the idea of working out and challenging the pre-eminence of weightlifting as a dominant form of exercise.
- Kamala Harris is running for president, and working to establish an enthusiastic base. Neil recommended Dana Goodyear’s New Yorker profile of Harris. Niki recommended Elizabeth Hinton’s book From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America.
- New York City is considering scrapping test-based admissions to its selective high schools, causing intense controversy. Neil cited Kyle Smith’s New York Post op-ed defending the system. Natalia and Niki both recommended historian Ellen Wu’s book Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority, and Natalia cited historian Richard Hofstadter’s Anti-Intellectualism in American Life and historian Tom Sugrue’s Twitter thread on the New York City controversy. Niki referred to historian Jean Theoharis’s book The Strange Careers of the Jim Crow North: Segregation and the Struggle Outside the South.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended a new Luminary podcast about Ivanka Trump, Tabloid.
- Neil discussed Joshua Sokol’s New York Times piece, “Florida’s Panthers Hit With Mysterious Crippling Disorder.”
- Niki shared Ben Smith’s Buzzfeed News piece, “A Top White House Reporter is Taking Over the Washington Free Beacon.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the legacy of late billionaire David Koch, the menace of bedbugs, and why so many people are choosing to remain friends after a breakup.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Billionaire libertarian and David Koch has died. Natalia referred to Jane Mayer’s New Yorker article that first brought major attention to the political influence of the Koch brothers.
- Bedbugs are in the news these days with outbreaks at the Trump Doral Resort and the New York Times. When political scientist David Karpf joked that Bret Stephens is a “bedbug,” the New York Times columnist emailed his provost. Niki recommended Karpf’s most recent book, Analytical Activism: Digital Listening and the New Political Strategy. Natalia referred to science journalist Brooke Borel’s book, Infested: How the Bed Bug Infiltrated our Bedrooms and Took Over the World.
- Why do people want to stay friends after a breakup, The Atlantic recently asked in an article by Ashley Fetters. Natalia recommended historian Nancy Cott’s book, Public Vows: A History of Marriage and the Nation, Christine Whelan’s book Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women, and Moira Weigel’s Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Tara Westover’s memoir, Educated.
- Neil discussed International Dog Day, and specifically, George H.W. Bush’s dog Ranger.
- Niki shared Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times opinion piece, “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Understands Democracy Better than Republicans Do.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss social media “twinfluencers,” a boycott of fitness brands Equinox and SoulCycle, and the controversy over the film The Hunt.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Some of the most popular social media content features identical twins. Natalia referred to this Smithsonian article on twin research, and to Yunte Huang’s book Inseparable.
- When Stephen Ross, CEO of Related Properties, held a lavish fundraiser for President Trump, members of portfolio properties Equinox and SoulCycle were enraged. Natalia referred to Alexandra Petri’s Washington Post article sending up the SoulCycle protest and to James Hamblin’s Atlantic article explaining why the hypocrisy of these brands hit home.
- Universal Studios has indefinitely delayed the release of the movie The Hunt, a politically themed horror movie. Neil referred to this relevant prehistory of the Hays Code.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the New York Times obituary of feminist scholar Ann Snitow.
- Neil recommended Kevin Kruse’s New York Times magazine article, “What Does A Traffic Jam in Atlanta Have to Do with Segregation? Quite A Lot.”
- Niki discussed conspiracy theories about the death of Jeffrey Epstein.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of anti-Latino nativism, newly discovered racist comments by Ronald Reagan, and the growing popularity of sound baths.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The mass shooter in El Paso deliberately targeted Latinos who he believed were “invading” Texas. Niki referred to Peter Brimelow’s 1996 book, Alien Nation: Common Sense About America’s Immigration Disaster. Natalia cited Samuel Huntington’s Foreign Policy essay, “The Hispanic Challenge,” and historian Ruben Donato’s book, The Other Struggle for Equal Schools: Mexican Americans in the Civil Rights Era.
- Newly declassified tapes reveal Ronald Reagan making racist comments about African statesmen. Natalia referred to Adam Serwer’s Atlantic essay, “The Most Dangerous American Idea.”
- Sound baths are all the rage in wellness circles. Natalia recommended Anne Helen Petersen’s writing on millennial burnout and referred to Jamie Lauren Keiles’ New York Times magazine article, “How A.S.M.R. Became a Sensation.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared this New York Times video feature, “If You Didn’t Sharent, Did You Even Parent?”
- Neil discussed Laura Turner’s Vox article, “Couples All Over Instagram Are ‘Doing Life Together.’ Here’s Where It Came From.”
- Niki recommended Ruth Graham’s Slate article, “The ‘30-50 Feral Hogs’ Guy Actually Had a Point.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss President Trump’s insults to Baltimore, the presidential candidacy of self-help guru Marianne Williamson, and a proposal for a national service requirement.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Last week, President Trump unleashed a barrage of insults against Baltimore and its member of Congress, Elijah Cummings. Natalia referred to this POLITICO article about how New York City gave us Trump. Niki referred to journalist Jonathan Weisman’s tweets about the “real” nature of regions.
- Self-help guru Marianne Williamson is running for president. Niki referred to the history of the Esalen Institute.
- At least two Democratic candidates, Pete Buttigieg and John Delaney, have made national service a component of their platforms. Natalia cited this Jacobin article that criticized the idea.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed this photo shoot of Bernie Sanders and Cardi B in a nail salon.
- Neil shared Alexander B. Joy’s Atlantic article, “Candy Land Was Invented for Polio Wards.”
- Niki reflected on conservative commentator Erick Erickson’s comments about Pete Buttigieg. In response, Neil recommended Andrew Kirell’s Daily Beast article, “Does Anyone Take Erick Erickson Seriously?”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the death knell of “purity culture,” and new controversy over spaying and neutering dogs.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Boris Johnson is the new prime minister of Britain. Niki recommended historian Jesse Tumblin’s Washington Post article, “How the Failure of Popular Politics Triggered the Rise of Boris Johnson.”
- Evangelical author Josh Harris has separated from his wife and disavowed his influential book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Natalia recommended Britni de la Cretaz’ article at The Ringer about celebrity declarations of celibacy and referred to Tim and Beverly LaHaye’s book The Act of Marriage: The Beauty of Sexual Love. Neil also noted Katelyn Beaty’s recent reflection on purity culture and evangelical sexual ethics in the New York Times.
- New research is questioning the orthodoxy around spaying and neutering dogs. Natalia referred to philosopher Peter Singer’s classic book Animal Liberation. Neil recommended historian Katherine C. Grier’s book Pets in America: A History and historian Mark Derr’s book A Dog’s History of America.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Jeff Melnick’s Nursing Clio article, “’Charlie Says’ and the Santa Cruz Prison Project.”
- Neil discussed the Babylon Bee article, “This Fun New Snapchat Filter Will Make it Look Like You’re Crying at the Border.”
- Niki shared Michael Brice-Saddler and Reis Thebault’s Washington Post article, “How Trump ended up in front of a presidential seal doctored to include a Russian symbol.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the history of telling immigrants and minorities to “go back” to where they came from, and whether or not air conditioning is sexist.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Fifty years ago, the world watched as Americans walked on the moon. Natalia recommended this New Yorker republication of the 1969 “Talk of the Town” covering how New Yorkers watched the moon landing. Niki referred to this Scientific American interview with Nikita Khrushchev’s son about how the event was covered in the Soviet Union.
- President Trump told four congresswomen to “go back” to where they came from. Natalia referenced historian Jill Lepore’s book, This America: The Case for the Nation. Niki referred to this essay by historian Nicholas Guyatt at the African American Intellectual History Society blog about the American Colonization Society.
- Accounts of the gendered experience of air conditioning have been gaining greater media attention this summer. Niki referred to this New Yorker article about the sexist assumptions that shape decisions about workplace climate control.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the life and legacy of the late founder of YogaWorks, Maty Ezraty.
- Neil shared the New York Times article and video, “Where Are All the Bob Ross Paintings? We Found Them.”
- Niki talked about the new movie Midsommar and recommended Clark Collis’ Entertainment Weekly article, “Before Midsommar: New documentary to tell the history of folk horror genre.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the Women’s World Cup, the life and legacy of Ross Perot, and the case against Jeffrey Epstein.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Women’s soccer is getting more attention than ever in the United States, thanks in part to star player Megan Rapinoe. Niki referred to Lindsay Parks Pieper and Tate Royer’s Washington Post article about the fight for pay equity waged by women’s soccer players, and to Lindsay Krasnoff’s comparison, also in the Washington Post, to the history of women’s soccer in France. Natalia recommended philosopher Alison Reiheld’s essay “Megan Rapinoe and Joy in the Bodies We Have” at the blog of the International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics.
- Political upstart Ross Perot died this month. Neil referred to articles like this that reevaluate Perot in the context of Trump.
- New York financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny for his predation on young girls. Niki and Neil referred to this Atlantic article about the corruption of the world Epstein inhabits. Niki referred to the “Believed” podcast about sexual predator Larry Nasser. Neil commented on journalist Vicky Ward’s Vanity Fair article about Epstein and Natalia recommended Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown’s coverage of the case.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Adam Harris’ Atlantic article, “Many College Students Are Too Poor to Eat.”
- Neil shared Ruth Graham’s Slate article, “I Did Not Die. I Did Not Go to Heaven.”
- Niki discussed Sarah Jaffe’s Slate article, “Judge Judy’s Lifetime Achievement is Teaching Us to Laugh at the Less Fortunate” along with Josh Levin’s book, The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth and Mac Schneider’s Vox article, “The Truth Behind the TV Show COPS.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the recent debate over school busing, the launch of the women’s networking platform, “Girlboss,” and the rapper Lil Nas X.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- After Senators Joe Biden and Kamala Harris clashed at the Democratic debate, school busing is back in the news. Niki referred to historian Matt Delmont’s book on busing and to her own column at Australia’s The Age about the intergenerational dynamics of the Democratic debates. Natalia recommended Ansley T. Erickson’s book on desegregation in Nashville and Lily Geismer’s book on the limits of Boston-area liberalism.
- Entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso has founded a new venture, Girlboss, styled as a “LinkedIn for millennial women.” Natalia referred to this Buzzfeed article about the limits of “girlboss” empowerment.
- Rapper Lil Nas X is behind the summer’s biggest song – “Old Town Road” – and controversy. Natalia noted historian Mark Laver’s Washington Post article about the racist gatekeeping of the country music genre.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the new Wondery podcast, “The Shrink Next Door.”
- Neil discussed his cross-country trip.
- Niki recommended Nicole Cliffe’s SELF profile of Alanis Morrissette and also announced a new career move!
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the recent escalation of tensions with Iran, new allegations of rape against President Trump, and controversy on the knitting social media network Ravelry.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating. Niki recommended Robert D. Kaplan’s article at the New York Times on the connection between U.S. concerns in Asia and the Middle East.
- Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll is the latest woman to accuse Donald Trump of sexual assault. Natalia referred to Megan Garber’s Atlantic article about attention fatigue and sexual violence in the Trump era and to historian Estelle B. Freedman’s book Redefining Rape.
- Knitting social media network Ravelry has revised its policy to prohibit any pro-Trump projects on its site. Natalia referred to writer Emily Matchar’s book Homeward Bound: Why Women are Embracing the New Domesticity.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended the online documentary project 1938 Projekt.
- Neil discussed a new Harris Poll that showed decreased support among young people for LGBTQ rights.
- Niki reflected on the exchange between Kamala Harris and Joe Biden about busing at the Democratic debate, sharing historian Matt Delmont’s Twitter thread and Brett Gadsden’s Politico article, “Here’s How Deep Biden’s Busing Problem Runs.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the recent passing of two major figures: political historian Alan Brinkley and socialite fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt, and the historical significance of a viral Buzzfeed essay about attending a lesbian cruise.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Columbia political historian Alan Brinkley – a Ph.D. advisor to Neil and Niki and favorite undergraduate professor of Natalia – has died. Niki recommended Alan Brinkley: A Life in History, a collection of essays by some of his students, including Niki. Neil discussed Brinkley’s influential 1994 article in the American Historical Review, “The Problem of American Conservatism.” Natalia recommended David Greenberg’s reflection in TIME on Brinkley’s legacy.
- Heiress and fashion trailblazer Gloria Vanderbilt has died. Niki referred to this Washington Post article about the custody trial that defined Vanderbilt as a “poor little rich girl.” Natalia noted how trailblazing the commercials for her jeans
- Shannon Keating’s Buzzfeed essay about her experience on a lesbian cruise operated by Olivia Travel has gone viral. Natalia cited David K. Johnson’s book Buying Gay.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended a new documentary, The Lavender Scare.
- Neil discussed the Orlando Sentinel’s editorial, “Our Orlando Sentinel Endorsement for 2020: Not Donald Trump.”
- Niki shared P.R. Lockhart’s Vox article, “Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates Gives Mitch McConnell a Thorough History Lesson on Reparations.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss YouTube’s role in political radicalization, the history of tariffs, and the presidential candidacy of Senator Elizabeth Warren.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- YouTube’s algorithm, the New York Times reported, serves up increasingly extreme content to viewers. Niki recommended media studies scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan’s book Antisocial Media. Natalia recommended Niki’s book Messengers of the Right.
- Tariffs have become a central part of President Trump’s foreign policy. Niki cited historian Marc W. Palen’s book, The Conspiracy of Free Trade, and Natalia referred to historian Lizabeth Cohen’s book A Consumer’s Republic.
- Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 candidacy is inspiring passionate support from many on the left. Natalia recommended this Politico article about Warren’s conservative past.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Joshua Specht’s new book, Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table History of How Beef Changed America.
- Neil discussed Jia Tolentino’s New Yorker article, “Why Humans Treat Their Dogs Like People.”
- Niki shared Lindsay Parks Pieper’s Washington Post article, “The Biggest Challenge Facing the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Isn’t on the Field.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the significance of the Stonewall Uprising, the legacy of Jazzercise, and the fortieth anniversary of C-SPAN.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Fifty years ago this month, the Stonewall Uprising took place. Neil discussed the issues historians have raised with the treatment of Stonewall in popular culture.
- Jazzercise turns 50 this year.
- C-SPAN is 40, and beloved by many. Natalia cited Niki’s article at NBC about the virtues of the channel, while Neil referred to David Graham’s Atlantic article about its mixed legacy.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the criticism New York City mayor Bill De Blasio endures for his exercise habits.
- Neil recommended the new HBO show, “Chernobyl.”
- Niki reflected on historian Lauren MacIvor Thompson’s viral tweetstorm in response to Cokie Roberts’ misinformed comments about abortion in the nineteenth century.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the 1994 Crime Bill, a surge in deaths among Mount Everest climbers, and controversy over a plan to build a luxury complex at the Grand Canyon.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The 1994 Crime Bill is once again in the news, dogging Joe Biden’s candidacy. Niki referred to Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Niki also recommended a New York Times op-ed by Elizabeth Hinton, Julilly Kohler-Hausmann, and Vesla Weaver about African-American responses to the 1994 Crime Bill.
- Deaths among those attempting to reach the peak of Mount Everest have spiked. Neil referred to this National Geographic article about improvements in climbing gear. Natalia cited this detailed description in The New York Times of the crowded scene at the peak. Niki referred to this New Yorker article – from 1954 – about the Sherpa who first ascended Everest, and this Bitch Media article about “manless climbing.”
- A viral Twitter thread was the first many heard of an intense controversy over a plan to construct a luxury hotel and water park at the Grand Canyon. Natalia and Neil commented on former Reagan Administration official Steve Hanke’s Forbes article advocating the privatization of public lands.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the mostly-forgotten “50-Mile Kennedy March.”
- Neil recommended Jeffrey Bloomer’s Slate article, “Why Everyone Thought Aladdin Had a Secret Sex Message.”
- Niki shared Ryan Grim and Kelly Eleveld’s HuffPost article, “Barack Obama, Harry Reid, and the Secret of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss billionaire Robert F. Smith’s historic gift to the Morehouse College class of 2019, a proposed fur ban in New York City, and the opening of a chic new hotel in the TWA terminal.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Private equity billionaire Robert F. Smith surprised the graduating class of Morehouse College when he promised to pay off their college loan debt, a sum totaling an estimated $40 million. Niki referred to this Slate article that posited the gift as a “natural experiment.” Natalia cited this Wall Street Journal article about Smith’s unique approach to investing. Neil recommended this Dissent article about the extent of the student loan crisis. Niki referred to Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom’s book Lower Ed.
- New York City is considering a ban on the sale of fur, but some residents are fighting back hard. Neil recommended Jasmine Sanders’ New York Times article, “A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur.”
- The TWA terminal at John F. Kennedy airport has reopened – as a high-end hotel. Natalia recommended this Louis magazine article about the downfall of TWA.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Britni de la Cretaz’ Longreads article, “An Audience of Athletes: The Rise and Fall of Feminist Sports.”
- Neil discussed his latest column for The Week, “Censoring gay marriage on TV could be an ominous sign of things to come.”
- Niki shared DeNeen L Brown’s Washington Post article, “Harriet Tubman is already appearing on $20 bills whether Trump Officials like it or not.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss a proposed “sex strike,” historian David McCullough’s new book, and the life and legacy of Doris Day.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Actor and activist Alyssa Milano this week suggested that women withhold sex from men until women achieve “bodily autonomy.” Natalia referred to Christian writer Laura Turner’s tweets about the role of paternalistic religion in shaping an anti-abortion worldview.
- Historian David McCullough has written a new bestselling book that has historians frustrated for its dated views about westward expansion. Natalia recommended Rebecca Onion’s review of The Pioneers at Slate, while Niki highlighted the shortcomings of another at NPR. Natalia suggested @ProfWehrman’s tweets contextualizing McCullough’s work, and Niki recommended an alternative text, Anna-Lisa Cox’s The Bone and Sinew of the Land.
- Film star and songstress Doris Day has died. Natalia referred to Anthony Lane’s reflections on her legacy at the New Yorker and to the series on “Dead Blondes” by the Hollywood podcast You Must Remember This.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Lyz Lenz’ Columbia Journalism Review article, “The Heavy Crown of Gretchen Carlson.”
- Neil discussed the death of iconic architect I.M. Pei.
- Niki reflected on the influence of “Grumpy Cat” on meme culture in the wake of the cat’s recent death.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the concept of “electability,” the gender policing of South African runner Caster Semenya, and the legacy of Christian writer Rachel Held Evans.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- With over 20 Democratic candidates in the running, “electability” is a hot topic of conversation among pundits. Natalia referred to historian Claire Potter’s New York Times article on likeability.
- South African runner Caster Semenya has been banned from competing due to her elevated testosterone levels. Natalia cited this Quillette article supporting the ban. Niki noted this New Republic article about gender testing of athletes. Natalia recommended historian Lindsay Parks Pieper’s Washington Post article about the racialized history of gender testing in sports.
- Known as “the most polarizing woman in evangelicalism,” Rachel Held Evans died unexpectedly earlier this month. Neil referred to Evans’ departure from evangelicalism and Natalia commented on Evans’ book A Year of Biblical Womanhood and writer A.J. Jacobs’ very different book The Year of Living Biblically.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared Sarah Treleaven’s Medium article, “The Enduring Appeal of Escapism: A History of Wellness Retreats.”
- Neil discussed Matt Smith’s Reveal article, “The Happiest Cats on Earth.”
- Niki reflected on A.C. Thompson’s ProPublica article, “Once Defiant, All Four Supremacists Charged in Charlottesville Violence Plead Guilty.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the legacy of filmmaker John Singleton, an anti-Semitic cartoon in the New York Times, and the latest social media sensation, TikTok.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Filmmaker John Singleton has died. Natalia discussed this article by Singleton in the Hollywood Reporter about whether a white director can make a great black movie. She also cited Tom Wolfe’s book Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers. Niki cited this interview with Singleton in the New York Times.
- The international edition of the New York Times printed a cartoon many have criticized as anti-Semitic. Natalia endorsed part of Bret Stephens’ argument in the New York Times.
- TikTok, a social media app few Americans over 30 have heard of, has more users than Twitter. Niki recommended Taylor Lorenz’ article at the Atlantic and mentioned this NPR article to which Lorenz responded.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia reflected on the history of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
- Neil discussed the new emperor of Japan, reported here at BBC News.
- Niki shared Jonah Engel Bromwich’s New York Times article, “The Raisin Situation.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss outrage over an Ancestry.com ad, vigilante groups policing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the controversy over cargo shorts.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Ancestry.com released – and quickly pulled – an advertisement depicting a romantic relationship between an African-American woman and a white man in the 19th century. Natalia recommended historian Annette Gordon-Reed’s book on Sally Hemings, and historian Megan Kate Nelson’s Washington Post article about a Nike ad celebrating “the Lost Cause.”
- A vigilante group called the United Constitutional Patriots has been “helping” Border Patrol police the southern border of the United States. Niki recommended this Washington Post piece about the Netflix film The Highwaymen, and Natalia referred to historian Greg Grandin’s article at The Intercept that placed the UCP in a longer history. Natalia also noted this Vulture piece that argues that Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” is an anthem for the Trump era. Niki recommended following Dara Lind, Kathleen Belew, and Carly Goodman on Twitter for their commentary on the white power movement.
- Cargo pants, a decidedly bland style, have inspired surprisingly intense controversy, including recently on right-wing Twitter. Natalia recommended this article at The Cut historicizing the style, and this piece at The Wall Street Journal about women’s distaste for the pocketed pants.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on Ben Cosgrove’s Time article, “’Brawny and Buoyant’: A Portrait of West Coast Youth of the 1950s.”
- Neil talked about Arielle Pardes’ Wired article, “Helvetica, the World’s Most Popular Font, Gets a Face Lift.”
- Niki discussed her own article on the Mueller Report at The Sydney Morning Herald and Jack Goldsmith and Benjamin Wittes’ Lawfare article, “The Watergate Road Map: What It Says and What It Suggests for Mueller.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the fire at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral, President Trump’s attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and the history of liberal think tanks.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The world watched as Paris’ iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames last week. Natalia recommended this Atlantic article that highlights the tension between the French tradition of laïcité and Notre Dame’s status as a national icon.
- Sparked in part by President Trump’s incendiary remarks, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has become the target of vicious attacks. Niki cited this New Yorker profile about Omar’s popularity among her constituents.
- A Center for American Progress video criticizing Bernie Sanders for downplaying his substantial wealth is raising questions about the biases of the liberal think tank.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about her recent visit to the Wolfsonian Institute at Florida International University.
- Neil discussed the new Netflix series, “Special.”
- Niki recommended the Hulu series, “Shrill.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the influence of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the resurgence of measles in the United States and the anti-vaccination movement, and the plight of adjunct professors.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A spate of departures at the Department of Homeland Security has brought attention to stalwart Trump hardliner Stephen Miller. Natalia cited this Atlantic profile of Miller, as well as her own book, Classroom Wars, which focuses on the California school system in which Miller formed his worldview. Niki cited Adam Serwer’s Atlantic article, “The Cruelty is the Point.”
- Measles, once thought to be eradicated in the United States, is back thanks in part to a robust anti-vaccination movement. Natalia mentioned this press release from the Anti-Defamation League, and Niki cited this study sympathetic to the anti-vaccine cause.
- Adam Harris’ Atlantic article about the death of historian Thea Hunter has invigorated conversation about the adversity facing adjunct professors. Niki referred to this article at the American Prospect about the unionization of adjuncts.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Rosa Lyster’s Outline article, “Listen Up, Bitches, It’s Time to learn Incorrect Things About Someone You’ve Never Heard Of.”
- Neil discussed the White House’s screening of the anti-abortion film Gosnell.
- Niki shared Ben Guarino’s Washington Post article, “Algorithms Gave Us the Black Hole Picture. She’s the 29-year-old Scientist Who Helped Create Them.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the case for reparations, why leggings are so controversial, and the legacy of rapper Nipsey Hussle.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Reparations for slavery have gained renewed currency among policymakers. Neil referred to Ta-Nehisi Coates’ 2014 essay, “The Case for Reparations.” Niki recommended Jamelle Bouie’s response to this essay in Slate.
- A University of Notre Dame mother’s plea against leggings has made national news. Natalia recommended historian Deirdre Clemente’s book Dress Casual and referred to this New York Times article recommending that women forsake leggings for sweatpants.
- Rapper Nipsey Hussle was murdered in Los Angeles last week. Natalia drew on the work of hip hop scholar Tricia Rose.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Alice Hines’ New York Times article, “ Kid. Wanna Teach Some Yoga?”
- Neil discussed the decision of the mayor of Ocala, Florida to proclaim a “Confederate Memorial Day.”
- Niki discussed the work of two historians who won prizes at the recent Organization of American Historians annual meeting: Martha Jones and Julia Bowes.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Mueller Report, the movement to end the Electoral College, and why not many Americans eat arugula lettuce.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s long-awaited report has been released, though the public has only received a four-page summary, issued by Attorney General William Barr. Niki referred to the high standard set by the Watergate Scandal, which she wrote about in the Washington Post.
- The Electoral College is one of the most confusing institutions in American politics, and a new movement to abolish it is gathering steam. Natalia recommended Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times op-ed making a progressive case for its abolition.
- Arugula lettuce, Amanda Mull recently argued in the Atlantic, is underappreciated. Niki referred to the lettuce’s Jewish history, as chronicled in the Forward.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia reflected on one University of Notre Dame mother’s plea against leggings.
- Neil discussed the television miniseries, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace.”
- Niki recommended the new NPR podcast, Believed.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the college admissions scandal, the white supremacy terrorist attack in New Zealand, Beto O’Rourke’s bid for the presidency.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- College admissions has long legally favored the wealthy, but “Operation Varsity Blues” has highlighted the illegal means to which some affluent people go to secure their children college admission.
- An attack by a white supremacist on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, killed and wounded dozens of worshipers earlier this month. Niki recommended historian David Atkinson’s book, The Burden of White Supremacy: Containing Asian Migration in the British Empire and referred to Jean Raspail’s 1973 white-supremacist text, The Camp of the Saints.
- After much speculation, Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke has announced he is running for president in 2020. Natalia recommended this New Republic article on O’Rourke’s “profound emptiness” and Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming. Niki referred to David Sirota’s Guardian piece criticizing O’Rourke’s centrism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the work of physical culturalist Bernarr MacFadden, and the perils of taking decontextualized “inspiring lessons from history” at face value.
- Neil commented on Karen Zraick’s New York Times article, “Florida Republicans Push to Make Ex-Felons Pay Fees Before They Can Vote.”
- Niki talked about her upcoming appearance in a new documentary based on the popular Slow Burn
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss “cancel culture,” the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash.
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On this week’s Past Present episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil J. Young discuss “cancel culture,” the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Air crash.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Young Adult literature is the latest arena for controversies over “cancel culture.” Neil recommended Jennifer Senior’s New York Times article on the perils of taking it too far.
- Hobbies, or engaging in an activity only for the joy it brings, are increasingly a rarity. Neil referred to Hanna Rosin’s book The End of Men: And the Rise of Women. Natalia recommended this history of the “side hustle” at The Conversation.
- A tragic airplane crash has killed 157 people and raised questions about the Boeing 737 Max 8 model. Neil recommended the book, Flying Without Fear. Natalia referred to this Wall Street Journal article about the effect of crashes on the airplane industry.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Matthew Remski’s new book, Practice and All is Coming.
- Neil recommended Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland and his previous reporting at The New Yorker.
- Niki talked about her recent appearance on Trumpcast.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “Leaving Neverland,” a new documentary about Michael Jackson’s alleged child abuse, the legacy of late “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church’s decision to tighten its restrictions on same-sex marriage and gay clergy.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- “Leaving Neverland,” a new HBO documentary, centers the alleged victims of Michael Jackson’s pedophilia. Natalia recommended Jason King’s Slate piece about the centrality of race to this story. Niki cited another piece at Slate on whether Jackson will remain a staple on wedding playlists. Natalia drew connections with the recent “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary.
- Actor Luke Perry is dead at 52. Natalia referenced this Jezebel piece on Perry’s influence on shaping a 1990s cool aesthetic. Niki recommended Joan Didion’s New Yorker article on the southern California Spur Posse.
- The United Methodist Church has tightened its ban on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Natalia recommended historian Jonathan Zimmerman’s book Too Hot to Handle: A Global History of Sex Education about the power of global religious conservatism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Marc Fisher’s Washington Post article, “’Grab that Record’: How Trump’s High School Transcript was Hidden.”
- Neil shared Simon Romero’s New York Times article, “Lynch Mobs Killed Latinos Across the West. The Fight to Remember These Atrocities is Just Starting.”
- Niki recommended Jane Mayer’s New Yorker article, “The Making of the Fox News White House.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the scandal over Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack, Christopher Hasson’s terrorist plot, and how the internet is helping debunk mediums and psychics.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Actor Jussie Smollett is at the center of the nation’s latest high-profile racial hoax. Natalia referred to John McWhorter’s Atlantic article on the rise of “victimhood culture” as well as this Atlantic article on the history of racial hoaxes.
- Coast Guard member and ex-Marine Christopher Hasson has been apprehended for plotting a terrorist attack. Niki and Natalia recommended Kathleen Belew’s book Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America. Natalia also referred to Amy Schumer’s Comedy Central skit about football and rape culture.
- Skeptics are using Facebook to expose psychics who are also using social media, but to defraud paying customers. Niki referred to this article at The Cut about Camp Edna, an important site in the history of women’s spiritualism.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Reeves Wiedeman’s The Cut article, “Who Killed Tulum?”
- Neil reflected on his visit to the Maitland Art + History Museum’s current exhibition of the artist J. Andre Smith.
- Niki talked about Pat Robertson’s 1988 announcement that he was running for the Republican presidential nomination and recommended Gil Troy’s Daily Beast article, “Rosey Grier: The Lineman who Tried to Save RFK—and Voted for Trump.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, controversies over the Pledge of Allegiance, and the death of Lee Radziwill.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most prolific designers of our era, has died. Natalia referred to this article on the rise of the “heritage brand.”
- After an 11-year-old Florida student refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, he was arrested. Natalia referred to historian Christopher Petrella’s Washington Post piece on the nativist sentiment that inspired the Pledge. Neil recommended historian Kevin Kruse’s book One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America on how “under God” was added to the Pledge during the Cold War.
- Socialite and style icon Lee Radziwill has died. Neil recommended Vanessa Friedman’s New York Times article on her legacy as an “influencer,” and Natalia suggested this piece at The Cut about “the Cinderella trap.” Natalia and Neil recommend Grey Gardens, the 1975 documentary and Broadway show.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared her Well+Good article, “Yoga Pants Made Lululemon Founder a Billionaire – Why Isn’t He More Grateful to the Women Who Wear Them?”
- Neil discussed Jasmine Sanders’ New York Times article, “A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur.”
- Niki recommended Geraldo Cadava’s Washington Post article, “How the Border Wall Divided the GOP.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the celebrity of Cardi B, Jeff Bezos’ “below-the-belt selfie,” and the death of Lyndon LaRouche.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Cardi B became the first woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Hip-Hop Album, and she’s been a vocal critic of President Trump. Natalia referred to comments by her history teacher that Cardi B had been an excellent history student, while Niki referred to a GQ interview in which she discussed her passion for political science and history. Niki also recommended historian Katie Cramer Brownell’s book Showbiz Politics.
- Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has gone on the attack against the National Enquirer, which, he says, has been attempting to extort him. Niki recommended David Greenberg’s Politico piece on political taboos.
- Lyndon LaRouche, founder of a bizarre political movement that spanned four decades, has died. Natalia recommended this Washington Monthly piece that compared the LaRouche movement to a vanity press.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Carmen Maria Machado’s Vogue article, “A New Generation is Taking on Latinx L.A.’s Beauty Rituals.”
- Neil discussed Avery Anapol’s The Hill article, “Longtime Sportscaster Charged with Felony After Removing the Word ‘Plantation’ from Sign at His Gate.”
- Niki shared Jeremy Barr’s Hollywood Reporter article, “Fox News Rejects National Ad for Oscar-Nominated Anti-Nazi Documentary.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of blackface, political upheaval in Venezuela, and the demise of Valentine’s Day conversation hearts.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Two top Virginia Democrats have admitted to wearing blackface. Natalia pointed to a recent Gucci turtleneck that many have called sartorial blackface. Niki referred to Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times op-ed about the bar for unacceptable racism in the United States and historian Rhae Lynn Barnes’ Washington Post piece on the history of blackface among American politicians.
- Venezuela is in extreme turmoil. Niki cited this Washington Post piece on Trump’s dangerous tactics vis-à-vis Venezuela by historians Federico Finchelstein and Pablo Piccato. Natalia recommended this primer on the “petrostate” from the Council on Foreign Relations.
- The conversation hearts that have for so long been a Valentine’s Day staple will not be widely available this February 14. Natalia recommended this Smithsonian Magazine article on the history of chocolate as a more sensual Valentine’s Day gift.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the Netflix documentary, “Abducted in Plain Sight.”
- Neil shared the Atlantic article, “Sears Once Sold Heroin.”
- Niki commented on Victoria Saker Woeste’s Washington Post article, “Why Ford Needs to Grapple With Its Founder’s Anti-Semitism.”
In this podcast, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss Howard Schultz’ presidential bid, gay men in the priesthood, and the enduring fascination with serial killer Ted Bundy.
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On this week’s Past Present episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil J. Young discuss Howard Schultz’ presidential bid, gay men in the priesthood, and the enduring fascination with serial killer Ted Bundy.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Starbucks founder Howard Schultz has announced he is running for the presidency in 2020. Natalia referred to Michelle Goldberg’s New York Times piece pleading Schultz not to run.
- Gay men, by even the most conservative metrics, are represented in the priesthood in greater proportion than in the general population. Neil referred to Andrew Sullivan’s New York article on why this might be.
- Serial killer Ted Bundy was executed thirty years ago, and ongoing fascination with his story has inspired two new accounts of his violent career. Conversations with a Killer is a Netflix docuseries, and a feature film starring Zac Efron debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. Natalia recommended historian Paul M. Renfro’s forthcoming book, Stranger Danger: Family Values, Childhood, and the American Carceral State.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on Thomas Simonetti’s Washington Post article, “A Photographer Documents the Heart-Wrenching Final Moments of Pet Owners with Their Dying Pets” and Bethan Bell’s BBC News article, “Taken From Life: The Unsettling Art of Death Photography.”
- Neil discussed Amy Chozick’s New York Times article, “You Know the Lorena Bobbitt Story. But Not All of It.”
- Niki shared Kimberly Ross and Andrea Ruth’s Bulwark article, “Why We Are Quitting RedState.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss marching on Washington as a form of political protest, the Los Angeles teachers’ strike, and how American cities reflect economic inequality.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Native American and pro-life activists both marched in Washington, D.C., last weekend, participating in a longstanding American protest tradition.
- The Los Angeles teachers’ union has reached a deal with the city. Natalia recommended Dana Goldstein’s coverage of the strikes in the New York Times and Goldstein’s book, The Teacher Wars: A History of America’s Most Embattled Profession. Natalia also recommended historian Diana D’Amico’s Washington Post op-ed on the role of suburbanization in the economic struggles of big-city school systems. Natalia also referred to the pro-charter school documentary The Lottery.
- A new study suggests that cities are not the sites of economic mobility they have long been thought to be. Niki recommended Sarah Maslin Nir’s New York Times coverage of the plight of nail salon workers. Natalia recommended urbanist Richard Florida’s continued work on this topic.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed two new documentaries about the ill-fated Fyre Fest, one on Hulu and one on Netflix.
- Neil discussed David Leffler’s Washington Post article, “Suicides Among Veterinarians Become a Growing Problem.”
- Niki shared Jill Lepore’s New Yorker article, “Does Journalism Has a Future?”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the new Gillette commercial “We Believe,” Rep. Steve King’s controversial comments, and the decline of cursive in American schools.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Gillette released a new ad taking aim at “toxic masculinity.” Natalia recommended historian Gail Bederman’s book Manliness and Civilization: A Cultural History of Race and Gender in the United States, 1880-1917 and a Twitter thread she compiled of relevant historical images. Neil referred to his HuffPost piece on the campaign’s conservatism.
- Representative Steve King recently waxed nostalgic for the days when “white supremacy” was acceptable. Natalia recommended Niki’s CNN article on journalists’ role in establishing the bounds of political discourse and Marama Whyte’s forthcoming dissertation on how women journalists covered feminism. Niki shared historian David Greenberg’s scholarly article on the origin of the assumption of media’s “liberal bias.”
- Cursive instruction at school is becoming a relic. Niki cited this Atlantic article on the role of the ballpoint pen in its demise. Natalia recalled that literacy instruction pioneer Irene Fountas was also excellent at teaching cursive.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Emily Dufton’s book Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America.
- Neil discussed the Orlando Sentinel’s coverage of the pardon of the “Groveland Four.”
- Niki shared Yoni Appelbaum’s Atlantic article, “Impeach Donald Trump.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the Green New Deal, the KonMari craze, and the history of national emergencies.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Twitter has been abuzz with talk of a “Green New Deal.” Neil referred to Thomas Friedman’s first use of the term. Niki and Natalia recommended two books by environmental historians: Sarah Phillips’ This Land, This Nation: Conservation, Rural America, and the New Deal and Benjamin Alexander’s The New Deal’s Forest Army: How the Civilian Conservation Corps Worked.
- Japanese organizer Marie Kondo became an American sensation with her 2014 bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. A new Netflix series based on the book has catapulted the KonMari craze to new heights. Natalia recommended Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s New York Times profile of Kondo.
- Donald Trump threatened to declare a national emergency in order to build the wall with Mexico he promised voters. Niki recommended this Pacific Standard article on the context for this threat.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended The Dream podcast about multi-level marketing schemes.
- Neil discussed Jana Reiss’ Religion News article, “Major Changes to Mormon Temple Ceremony, Especially for Women.”
- Niki shared Ibram X. Kendi’s Atlantic article, “What I Learned From Cancer.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia welcome Princeton historians Kevin M. Kruse and Julian Zelizer to discuss their new book, Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974, followed by a discussion of “Dry January,” and new findings that young people are having less sex.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Princeton historians Kevin M. Kruse and Julian Zelizer’s new book, Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974 is now available from W.W. Norton.
- Back in 2012, four thousand people abstained from drinking in January; in 2018, four million adopted “Dry January.” Natalia recommended historian Lisa McGirr’s The War on Alcohol: Prohibition and the Rise of the American State.
- Millennials, The Atlantic reports, are in a “sex recession.” Natalia referred to historian Gail Bederman’s book Manliness and Civilization: A Cultural History of Gender and Race in the United States, 1880-1917. Niki referred to this Huffington Post piece regarding polling on sexual behaviors.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended The Atlantic’s advertorial spread, “Five Ways to Make the Outdoors More Inclusive.”
- Neil commented on the Los Angeles Times article, “TSA to Deploy More Floppy-Ear Dogs because They’re Less Scary than Pointy-Ear Dogs.”
- Niki discussed Livia Gershon’s JSTOR Daily article, “Why Champagne?”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the closing of the conservative magazine The Weekly Standard, changing public perceptions of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and the controversy over the 1944 Christmas classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- After twenty-three years, the conservative Weekly Standard is shuttering. Natalia recommended Ed Kilgore’s Intelligencer article about the Weekly Standard’s history of partisanship. All three hosts referenced Niki’s book, Messengers of the Right: Conservative Media and the Transformation of American Politics. Niki referred to Jeane Kirkpatrick’s 1979 Commentary essay “Dictatorship and Double Standards.”
- Silicon Valley executive and Lean In author Sheryl Sandberg has gone from superwoman to supervillain, a new Buzzfeed article
- The classic winter song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” is raising controversy this season, and it’s not the first time. Neil wrote about the controversial history of Christmas songs for The Atlantic. Niki discussed another conflict over the 1984 song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Gustavo Turner’s LOGIC Magazine article, “My Stepdad’s Huge Data Set.”
- Neil discussed Michael S. Rosenwald’s Washington Post article, “The Police Officer Who Arrested a President.”
- Niki shared Charles Dunst and Krishnadev Kalamur’s Atlantic article, “Trump Moves to Deport Vietnam War Refugees.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the disputed whiteness of classical statues, the Emmy Award-winning show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Native American claims to land rights in Oklahoma.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A small cadre of archaeologists and art historians are challenging the assumption that classical statuary were always white, the New Yorker reported. Niki recommended this article from the Nation on the connection between white supremacy and mythologies of a white past.
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is back with a second season. Niki referred to this Refinery29 article that contrasted lead character Midge Maisel with Joan Rivers. Natalia suggested Emily Nussbaum’s critique at the New Yorker and Hey Alma’s historical critique of the show.
- A murder trial in Oklahoma is raising questions about Native American land rights. Natalia recommended this Daily Beast article about how the white, libertarian land rights movement is cynically invoking the Native American example.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Shayla Love’s VICE article, “The Young and the Uncared For.”
- Neil commented on James Gorman’s New York Times article, “It Could Be the Age of the Chicken, Geologically.”
- Niki shared Ruth Graham’s Slate article, “How ‘Woke Ammon Bundy’ Became the World’s Most Surprising Resistance Figure.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the death of President George Herbert Walker Bush, the resurgence of exorcisms, and the viral popularity of the Squatty Potty.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Forty-first president George H.W. Bush died recently at age 94. Niki mentioned diverging analyses of Bush’s legacy from historians Tim Naftali at Slate and David Greenberg at POLITICO. Natalia recommended historian Josh Clark Davis’ viral thread about Bush’s War on Drugs. Neil wrote about Bush’s experience with the religious right at the Washington Post.
- Catholic exorcisms are on the rise. Niki referred to this article at The Conversation about the role of Pope Francis in this rise.
- A product called the Squatty Potty is a consumer hit. Natalia referred to this Guardian article about changes in how we relate to toilets and our bodies, as well as to another product, Tushy, that illustrates a new openness to discussing once-taboo bodily functions.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jaime Lauren Keiles’ Vox article, “Reconsidering the Jewish American Princess.”
- Neil commented on the controversy over every president reciting the Apostles’ Creed at George H.W. Bush’s funeral except President Trump.
- Niki discussed Sarah Zhang’s Atlantic article, “300 Million Letters Are Missing From the Human Genome.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss convict firefighters, China’s new social credit system, and the history of Chanukah.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- California’s latest wave of forest fires is being battled in part by inmates in the state’s prisons through a program that was instated in the 1940s. Natalia cited historian Heather Ann Thompson’s book Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971.
- Since 2014, the Chinese government has been building a “social credit system” to track – and reward and punish – its citizens’ behaviors. We commented on this piece on the dystopian comparisons being made by cultural observers of these measures.
- Chanukah is upon us and the Jewish “Festival of Lights” has an oft-overlooked military history. Niki and Natalia both recommended this Forward article about the significance of rationing oil.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended historian Matthew Pressman’s new book, On Press: The Liberal Values That Shaped the News.
- Neil shared Julia Jacobs’ New York Times article, “Bush’s Letter to Clinton Cemented a Presidential Traditions, Historians Say.”
- Niki discussed Seyward Darby and Glenna Gordon’s Topic article, “The Secret Weapons of the Far Right.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss segregation academies, the death of an American missionary, and the declining market share of lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith, who is in a runoff contest to hold on to her Senate seat, sparked backlash when she made an offhand comment about a “public hanging” that many perceived as racist. The fact that Hyde-Smith attended a “segregation academy,” as reported by this Jackson Free Press article Natalia recommended, shed important light on how she developed such a worldview.
- Last week, American missionary John Allen Chau was killed when he traveled to the remote island of North Sentinel. Niki recommended this viral thread by Twitter user @RespectableLaw on the historical context for the hostility of the Sentinelese to outsiders. Neil discussed the case of evangelical Jim Elliot, who was killed on a mission in Ecuador. Natalia recommended Sadatru Sen’s book, Disciplining Punishment: Colonialism and Convict Society in the Andaman Islands and Jonathan Zimmerman’s Innocents Abroad: American Teachers in the American Century.
- Lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret is losing market share, and CMO Ed Razek hasn’t been shy about disdaining new upstarts like Third Love. Natalia cited this Slate article about the founding of Victoria’s Secret to cater to men’s shopping needs. Natalia also recommended Elizabeth Matelski’s Reducing Bodies: Mass Culture and the Female Figure in Postwar America and this episode of the Sexing History podcast about “sweater girls.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the new movie Ralph Breaks the Internet.
- Neil recommended Natalie Escobar’s Atlantic article, “The Changing Ways Parents React to Their Kids Coming Out of the Closet.”
- Niki shared Joe Pinsker’s Atlantic article, “The 30-Year Reign of Lunchables.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the aftermath of the midterm elections with special guest, Slate senior political correspondent Jamelle Bouie, the revocation of CNN journalist Jim Acosta’s “hard pass” to the White House, and the supposed radicalization of children’s literature.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Demands for recounts and accusations of voter suppression and fraud defined the immediate aftermath of the midterm elections earlier this month. We sat down with Slate senior political correspondent Jamelle Bouie to discuss his analysis of the aftermath and how it fits into histories of disenfranchisement in the United States.
- After a heated exchange between President Trump and CNN reporter Jim Acosta, the White House downgraded his White House access. Niki recommended historian Martha Jones’ Washington Post article on how women journalists of color have routinely been denied full access to the events they cover.
- Children’s books promoting progressive politics have been selling well, prompting the Atlantic to announce a “radicalization” of children’s literature. Natalia recommended this Slate piece that discussed a disproportionate emphasis on rebellious girls and pointed out a controversy over the children’s book P is for Palestine that indicated the limits of this “radicalization.” Neil recommended 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 her Washington Post article, “Why A Right-Wing Extremist Targeted a Yoga Studio.”
- Neil recommended the YouTube clip, “Comparing Every Version of A Star is Born.”
- Niki shared Tim Alberta’s Politico article, “How the GOP Gave Up on Porn.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the midterm elections, the alt-right social media platform Gab, and Movember.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- We discussed whether the midterm elections resulted in the “blue wave” Democrats anticipated.
- Gab, launched as a “free-speech Twitter,” has become a platform for the alt-Right. Niki recommended Kathleen Belew’s book Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America.
- “Movember” launched in 2003 in Australia as a way to raise awareness about men’s health. Natalia recommended this Atlantic article questioning the utility of awareness campaigns.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the ESPN 30 for 30 Podcast’s episode “The Six Who Sat.”
- Neil discussed Melissa McCarthy’s new film, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
- Niki recommended Ben H. Winters’ book, Underground Airlines.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the massacre of Jews at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, the closing of rural hospitals, and the political reawakening of women in Orange County, California.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The largest murder of Jews in the United States took place last month at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Natalia referred to writer Yascha Mounk’s tweet about the resistance of the media to acknowledge anti-Semitism as racism. Niki referred to her discussion of anti-Semitism and the alt-Right in her podcast series A12.
- Rural hospitals are closing, depriving Americans in these regions of crucial medical services. Natalia recommended historian Gabriel Rosenberg’s book on the idealization of rural life, The 4-H Harvest: Sexuality and the State in Rural America.
- Motivated by antipathy to Trump, previously politically disengaged suburban mothers in Orange County are organizing in advance of the midterms. Natalia cited historian Lisa McGirr’s Suburban Warriors: The Origins of the New American Right as an important political history of the region. Neil mentioned his recent Atlantic article on white women’s changing political affinities in the age of Trump.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jordan Smith’s Runner’s World article, “Kelly Herron After Chasing Down Alleged Attacker: We Do Not Have To ‘Let It Go’.”
- Neil shared Ruth Graham’s Slate article, “Two Shotguns: What Happened at Ruby Ridge?”
- Niki discussed Keia Mastraianni’s Bon Appetit article, “’Election Cake’ Makes a Modern Resurgence.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of U.S.-Saudi relations in light of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Trump administration’s policies toward transgender people, and the continued popularity of horror movies.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The brutal death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has turned attention to the historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Niki referred to the data in this report about journalists killed in the line of duty.
- A memo from the Health and Human Services Department reveals that the Trump administration plans to further roll back the rights of transgender people. Natalia recommended the work of historian Jen Manion on the history of trans identity.
- In an age of digital streaming, horror movies remain a sure bet for box office success. Niki recommended Netflix horror series The Haunting of Hill House.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jessica M. Goldstein’s Entertainment Weekly article, “’Britney Spears wanted to be a star’: An oral history of ‘…Baby, One More Time’.”
- Neil shared Tejal Rao’s New York Times article on the history of Kit Kat in Japan, “Big in Japan.”
- Niki discussed David Robson’s Atlantic article, “Neanderthals Suffered a Lot of Traumatic Injuries. So How Did They Live So Long?”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, Niki, and guest historian Leah Wright Rigueur discuss black women and electoral politics, the closing of Sears, and corporate art patronage.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Black women voters are a crucial electoral contingent, especially in the upcoming midterm elections. We spoke with Dr. Leah Wright Rigueur, author of The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power, about black women’s voting power today and in the past. Niki referenced Rachel Devlin’s book A Girl Stands at the Door, and Leah recommended Brittney Cooper’s Eloquent Rage, Ashley Farmer’s Remaking Black Power, Danielle McGuire’s At the Dark End of the Street, and Keisha Blain’s Set the World on Fire, as all good books for better understanding the long history of black women’s political activism.
- Sears is closing its doors for good. Natalia mentioned historian Louis Hyman’s viral Twitter thread on how the Sears catalog created opportunities for African Americans to shop during Jim Crow. She also recommended historian Lizabeth Cohen’s book A Consumer’s Republic and historian David K. Johnson’s forthcoming book Buying Gay: How Physique Entrepreneurs Sparked A Movement.
- We discussed how although art patronage is nothing new, 2018’s unapologetically corporate branding of art feels unprecedented.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Jessica Wilkerson’s Longreads article, “Living With Dolly Parton.”
- Neil shared the news that Judy Blume’s book Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is being turned into a movie.
- Niki discussed W. David Marx’s Vox article, “An American campaign tee is trendy in Asia. Its popularity has nothing to do with the US.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the right’s obsession with George Soros conspiracy theories, the recent “grievance studies” hoax, and the rise of Bavarian folk dress as a form of hipsterism.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Financier and philanthropist George Soros is increasingly at the center of conspiracy theories on the political right. Niki referred to this New York Times article on anti-Semitism in the Trump era.
- The Wall Street Journal broke the news of the most recent academic hoax, perpetuated to expose the outsize influence of “social justice ideology” on certain subfields of the humanities. Natalia wrote about this in a roundtable at the Chronicle of Higher Education, and she referred to Yascha Mounk’s article in the Atlantic in defense of the hoaxsters.
- Lederhosen and dirndls are all the rage among Bavarian hipsters, reported the New York Times. Natalia referred to this 2001 article about Germans’ ongoing struggle with nationalism in the decades after the fall of the Third Reich.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared recommended Karen Rain’s Medium article, “Yoga Guru Pattabhi Jois Assaulted Me for Years.”
- Neil reflected on the twentieth anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death.
- Niki discussed Leah Groth’s Prevention article, “American Cheese is Melting Away, Thanks to Millennials.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the history of binge drinking, why McCarthyism is back in the news, and the political power of women’s rage.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination hearing has brought attention to the prevalence of binge drinking among young people. Natalia referenced Matt Damon’s Saturday Night Live portrayal of Brett Kavanaugh, and cited Sarah Hepola’s memoir of binge drinking, Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget.
- McCarthyism is back in the news as Mitch McConnell has accused Democrats of such tactics. Neil mentioned a Jonah Goldberg essay in the National Review that argued Joe McCarthy had been right.
- A series of books out this fall look at women’s rage: Rebecca Traister’s Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger; Soraya Chemaly’s Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women’s Anger; and, Brittney Cooper’s Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower. Natalia added both Phyllis Schlafly’s Power of the Positive Woman and Audre Lorde’s “The Uses of Anger” as two other very different works on the politics of women’s rage.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about her upcoming involvement in the event, “Yeah She Did: Witches Get Stuff Done” taking place in New York City on October 24.
- Neil commented on Joe Pinsker’s Atlantic article, “Why Some Parents Turn Boys’ Names Into Girls’ Names.”
- Niki discussed the expiration of the Violence Against Women Act.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of high school yearbooks, how the Trump administration is defining immigrants as “public charges,” and the awful misogyny of Barstool Sports.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- High school yearbooks have been in the spotlight during the investigation of Brett Kavanaugh. Niki cited this Atlantic article that historicizes yearbooks and Natalia recommended historian Paula Fass’ book Outside In: Minorities and the Transformation of American Education for its use of yearbooks as historical sources.
- President Trump came to power promising to tighten immigration legislation, and a recent proposal promises to deny citizenship to those who make use of public services. Natalia recommended this Atlantic interview with historian Hidetaka Hirota about how today’s policies are rooted in 19th-century policies that targeted the Irish.
- If sports has always been a “boys’ club,” Barstool Sports has taken this sexism to new levels. Natalia recommended this Daily Beast article on the controversial website.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared her experience visiting the Storm King Art Center in Cornwall, NY.
- Neil commented on touring the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Abiquiú, New Mexico.
- Niki discussed historian Sarah Milov’s Washington Post piece, “Like the Tobacco Industry, E-Cigarette Manufacturers Are Targeting Children.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the drama surrounding Brett Kavanaugh’s upcoming Supreme Court confirmation, fraternity hazing, and the booming natural beauty industry.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Conservative Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s candidacy is being marred by sexual assault allegations. Natalia recommended Anita Hill’s New York Times’ op-ed about the historical echoes with her own experience.
- The hazards of fraternity hazing are back in the news after the death of a student at the Riverside campus of the University of California. Natalia recommended Nicholas Syrett’s book The Company He Keeps: A History of White College Fraternities and Paula Fass’ The Damned and the Beautiful: American Youth in the 1920s. She also suggested Caitlin Flanagan’s Atlantic article on the symbiotic relationship between fraternities and universities.
- “Natural beauty” is an ill-defined, but booming, segment of the beauty industry. Niki recommended Upton Sinclair’s 1906 book The Jungle and Natalia recommended Kathy Peiss’ book, Hope In a Jar: The Making of America’s Beauty Culture.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Dave Philipps’ New York Times article, “A Breakthrough for U.S. Troops: Combat-Ready Pizza.”
- Neil reflected on Noah Nash’s Military Times article, “These Four-Legged Military Heroes Will Soon Have An Award All Their Own.”
- Niki shared Julia Moskin’s New York Times article, “Ranch Nation.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the new reality show Making It, the 2008 financial collapse ten years later, and the death of Walter Mischel, the social psychologist who created the “marshmallow test.”
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Making It, a crafting competition show hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, is widely considered a welcome break from the cutthroat culture of reality television and of politics. Natalia recommended this American Conservative article on the limits of television crafting.
- Ten years after the economic crash of 2008, its effects are still felt. Natalia cited M.H. Miller’s New York Times essay, “I Came of Age During the 2008 Financial Crisis. I’m Still Angry About It”. Neil recommended the New York Times’ entire Sunday Business section’s retrospective on this topic.
- Social psychologist Walter Mischel, best known for orchestrating the “marshmallow test” that famously connected children’s ability to delay gratification with their long-term prospects for success, has died. Natalia referred to Oscar Lewis’ 1961 book, Children of Sanchez: Autobiography of a Mexican Family.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Stanford University’s decision to remove the name of Junipero Serra from a major building and street.
- Neil reflected on Sigal Samuel’s Atlantic article, “The Sex-Abuse Scandal is Growing Faster Than the Church Can Contain It.”
- Niki shared Nadra Nittle’s Vox article, “Students Are Waging War On Sexist and Racist Dress Codes – And They’re Winning.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss Nike’s controversial signing of Colin Kaepernick as the face of their Just Do It campaign, the anonymous New York Times op-ed written by a senior Trump administration official, and the recent death of Robin Leach.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Colin Kaepernick, best known for “taking a knee” to protest racism and police brutality in America, is the face of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. Natalia wrote about the announcement in the context of Nike’s history of adventurous branding at The Washington Post and referred to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s tweets about the implications of brands capitalizing on political polarization.
- The New York Times published a rare, anonymous op-ed from a senior official in the Trump administration. Natalia referenced Dahlia Lithwick’s comments on Trumpcast and Jordan Taylor’s Washington Post essay about the role of anonymity in American political history.
- Robin Leach, best known as host of the 1980s television show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, has died. Niki referred to David Brooks’ 2000 book Bobos in Paradise: The New Upper Class and How They Got There.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Ted Cruz’ warning that Democrats would bring “tofu, silicon, and dyed hair” to Texas.
- Neil reflected on the gendered dynamics in the new film Crazy Rich Asians.
- Niki shared Michael Rosenwald’s Washington Post article, “Roe v. Wade’s forgotten loser: The remarkable story of Dallas prosecutor Henry Wade.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Senator John McCain, the recent scandals in the Catholic Church, and the latest panic over loneliness.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Senator John McCain, a leading light of the Republican Party, died last month of brain cancer. Natalia referenced this critical assessment of McCain’s career and character in Rolling Stone.
- The Catholic Church in the United States is racked with scandal as revelations of decades of abuse – and of cover-ups – are coming to light. Niki cited the Boston Globe’s 2002 reporting of the “Spotlight” series that uncovered abuses at the hands of clergy in Boston-area parishes. Natalia recommended historian William Cossen’s “Made By History” at the Washington Post piece about the increased power of the clergy in the wake of church scandals and Christine Kenneally’s Buzzfeed investigative report of abuse at a Catholic orphanage in Vermont.
- Talk of a “loneliness epidemic” has become epidemic itself. Niki referenced Robert Putnam’s landmark 2000 book, Bowling Alone. Natalia recommended the Call Your Girlfriend podcast’s episode about female friendship.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed her “Made By History” at the Washington Post piece, “As Swimsuit Season Ends, Pursuit of the ‘Bikini Body’ Endures.”
- Neil shared Ben Zimmer’s Wall Street Journal article, “The History of the Dogcatcher Insult.”
- Niki reflected on the historical significance of TV Guide as a form of conservative media.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the release of Unhinged: An Insider’s Account of the White House, a new book by former White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Former White House Staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman has released a book about her time in the Trump White House. Natalia recommended Leah Wright Rigueur’s book The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power and Niki suggested her review of Manigault Newman’s book in
We will be back in September with new episodes!
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of Latinos in the Hamptons, the problem of grift in Washington, and the sudden popularity of rosé wine.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Latino immigration has transformed Eastern Long Island. Natalia referenced this New York Times article on the political tensions caused by this demographic shift.
- Trump administration Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross is being sued for bilking millions from his business associates. Natalia recommended Emily Jane Fox’s book BORN TRUMP: Inside America’s First Family.
- Rosé wine has become the lifestyle drink of the moment. Neil referenced the rosé shortage in the Hamptons in 2014, which received national press.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the apology by Los Angeles County for forcibly sterilizing Latina woman from 1968-1974.
- Neil commented on how airlines are cracking down on passengers who take advantage of their policy for emotional support animals.
- Niki recommended Ann Deslandes’ JSTOR Daily article, “The Bold Future of the Outer Space Treaty.
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the history of the institutionalization of children, the thankless job of refereeing youth sports, and the legacy of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, one year after the Unite the Right rally.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Coverage of family separation is revealing many abuses visited upon children detained in state facilities. Natalia mentioned this WNYC history of immigration detainment and this PBS retrospective on deinstitutionalization. She also recommended journalist Alex Beam’s book Gracefully Insane and this ProPublica coverage of the organizations that operate shelters.
- Violence against youth sports referees has become disturbingly common. Natalia cited the work of sociologist Hilary Levey Friedman on competitive childhood, including this Atlantic article.
- One year ago, violence in Charlottesville captured national attention. Niki has released a podcast series, A12, considering these events one year out. Niki also recommended historian Kathleen Belew’s new book, Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on Gustavo Arellano’s Los Angeles Times article, “Of Course Latinos Can Assimilate Into American Society. Just Look at Whittier.”
- Neil discussed the JSTOR Daily article, “The Complicated Politics Of… Refrigerators.”
- Niki shared Tyler Parry’s article for Black Perspectives, “A Brief History of the ‘Black Friend’.”
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.
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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, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the definition of treason, the significance of linguistic accents, and a new practice of prescribing outdoor play.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Trump’s behavior at his joint press conference with Vladimir Putin has earned him the epithet of “traitor” by many critics. Niki referenced this article at the Washington Post’s “Made By History” by Gail Savage.
- Roberto Rey Agudo’s New York Times op-ed made the provocative case that “Everyone Has an Accent.” Natalia referred to this Bustle article about “the chameleon effect,” and Neil cited this Chicago Reader article about the Chicago accent. Natalia recommended this New York Times article about Hollywood dialect coaches and the rise of accuracy in portraying regional accents onscreen.
- Some doctors are writing prescriptions for children to engage in outdoor play.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared about the launch of the new feminist press, Dottir, and one of its first titles, a children’s book called Not My Idea.
- Neil discussed the history of double negatives.
- Niki commented on the death of John Stormer who she wrote about in her Washington Post “Made By History” article, “How The Right Became Addicted to Conspiracies.”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the children rescued from a Thai cave, the Trump administration’s approach to breastfeeding policy, and the fleece vests that have become a staple uniform of the finance industry.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A Thai boys’ soccer team was rescued from a flooded cave as the world watched. Niki referred to comedian Stephen Colbert linking the rescue to the Trump administration’s family separation policy. She also commented on the longstanding media fascination with stories of being trapped underground; Natalia commented on how the trope shows up in literature, such as Edgar Allan Poe’s 1846 story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” and Neil mentioned it as a theme of the Netflix show, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” a program we discussed on Episode 30.
- The Trump administration shocked many when it moved to weaken an international breastfeeding resolution. Natalia recommended Suzanne Barston’s book Bottled Up: How the Way We Feed Babies Has Come to Define Motherhood, and It Shouldn’t, historian Jessica Martucci’s Back to the Breast: Natural Motherhood and Breastfeeding in America, and her own article at the Society for U.S. Intellectual History Blog.
- The Instagram parody account @midtownuniform has brought attention to a new sartorial staple of the Wall Street set: the fleece vest. Natalia cited this Wall Street Journal article on the finance-industry fashion of the show Billions.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Dan Nosowitz’s Atlas Obscura article, “Why Are There Palm Trees in Los Angeles?”
- Neil discussed the origins of 911 telephone service and its racist misuses which he wrote about for the Huffington Post.
- Niki spoke about Joe Heim’s Washington Post article, “Sacred Ground: Now Reclaimed: A Charlottesville Story.”
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the rise of Democratic Socialists, plans for packing the Supreme Court, and the increasing popularity of audiobooks.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Thanks to the recent upset victory of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez in a New York Democratic primary, socialism appears to be having a new moment in American politics.
- Justice Anthony Kennedy has stepped down, prompting a conversation about whether “packing” the Supreme Court is an advisable strategy for progressives. Natalia cited historian William Leuchtenberg’s Smithsonian Magazine article on Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s attempt to pack the Supreme Court.
- The popularity of the audiobook is challenging publishers to think differently about how people consume literature.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Judith Newman’s New York Times essay, “He’s Going Back to His Former Wife. Sort Of.”
- Neil discussed the cultural significance of the “Trumpy Bear” toy.
- Niki recommended Jessica Gingrich’s Gastro Obscura article, “The Ornate Ice Cream Saloons That Served Unchaperoned Women.”
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate recent claims that the Left is destroying civility in politics, the LGBTQ+ history of American gym culture, and a half-century of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- When White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave the Red Hen restaurant by its owner, many decried the incident as evidence of a decline in civility. Natalia cited historian William Chafe’s book Civilities and Civil Rights. At Vox, Niki wrote about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s own history of being called “uncivil.”
- An Indianapolis CrossFit location recently canceled a workout intended to celebrate Pride Month, and backlash was swift. Natalia wrote about the history of LGBTQ+ culture and American gyms for Slate and also cited historian David K. Johnson’s Journal of Social History article on male physique magazines. She talked more about the issue recently on the All About Fitness with Pete McCall Neil noted recent Past Present episodes on the “gayborhood” and the “twink” were relevant to this segment’s discussion.
- A new documentary takes a retrospective look at Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fifty years after its release. Natalia cited Aisha Harris’ review in Slate.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about Brooke Hauser’s biography of Helen Gurley Brown, Enter Helen: The Invention of Helen Gurley Brown and the Rise of the Modern Single Woman.
- Neil discussed the life and legacy of Koko the Gorilla, who recently died at 46.
- Niki recommended Anne Ewbank’s Atlas Obscura article, “The Tragic Roots of America’s Favorite Cherry.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the legacy of Anthony Bourdain, the end of “family values” conservatism, and ageism as a form of discrimination.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The late Anthony Bourdain helped define the now familiar figure of the “celebrity chef.” Niki referred to Bourdain’s books Kitchen Confidential and Medium Raw as reshaping the genre of food writing. Natalia cited Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation and Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food as other works that helped Americans conceive of food as a lens on politics and society.
- “Family values,” long a familiar trope of conservative American politics, appears under threat in the Trump era. Neil wrote in Slate about how and why this era has come to an end. Neil recommended historian Seth Dowland’s book, Family Values and the Rise of the Christian Right. Natalia cited her own book, Classroom Wars: Language, Sex, and the Making of Modern Political Culture, on how family values politics have always been racialized.
- Ageism is an often under-acknowledged cause of discrimination. Natalia commented on how the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967) barred workplace age discrimination and cited a recent Atlantic interview with a man who was laid off in his fifties. Natalia also recommended Ashton Applewhite’s writing on age and ageism at the This Chair Rocks Blog.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about Jesse Singal’s controversial Atlantic article, “When Children Say They’re Trans.”
- Neil recommended Pose, a new show on the FX Network.
- Niki discussed Nathan Truesdell’s Atlantic video, “The Balloonfest That Went Horribly Wrong.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the historical relationship between Canada and the United States, the legacy of the late designer Kate Spade, and the controversy over proposed changes to an Advanced Placement history course.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Relations between longtime allies the United States and Canada appear to be souring after the G7 summit. Natalia cited this article describing the last such tension during Richard Nixon’s presidency.
- Designer Kate Spade’s suicide prompted an outpouring of grief among those who remember the black bags that made her famous as a totem of life in the 1990s. Natalia cited this Racked article about the success of the brand as well as this Columbia Journalism Review article about the class myopia of the New York Times’ coverage of Spade’s life and influence.
- Many history teachers are angry about changes to an Advanced Placement world history course.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about a homophobia scandal at Crossfit.
- Neil discussed the new film RBG.
- Niki recommended the new database Women Also Know History.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, Donald Trump’s use of the presidential pardon, and the American tradition of separating families.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. Neil referred to Tisa Wenger’s book Religious Freedom: The Contested History of An American Ideal and Sarah Posner’s Nation article about the conservative Christian advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom.
- President Trump has legal scholars thinking about whether a president is legally permitted to pardon himself. Natalia cited this Washington Post article by Lawrence Tribe, Richard Painter, and Norman Eisen arguing a president cannot pardon himself. Niki cited Bob Bauer’s Lawfare article about the larger demagogic nature of Trump’s presidency.
- The Trump administration has intensified a policy separating families at the U.S.-Mexico border. Niki cited historian Martha Jones’ Medium slideshow about the history of separating enslaved families. Natalia cited historian Walter Johnson’s book Soul by Soul: Life Inside the Antebellum Slave Market and Niki recommended historian Heather A. Williams’ Help Me to Find My People: The African American Search for Family Lost in Slavery.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia talked about Hilary Levey Friedman’s USA Today article, “Good Riddance to the Miss America Pageant, But Did We Have to Lose Fitness Too?”
- Neil discussed the German TV show Deutschland 83, now available on Hulu.
- Niki recommended Yoni Appelbaum’s Atlantic article, “Which America Is Trump Celebrating?”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the rise of the “twink” aesthetic, Manhattan con artist Anna Sorokin/Delvey, and the cultural endurance of the Ford Mustang.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The New York Times has declared “the age of the twink.” Neil referred to this 2003 New York Times article on the “metrosexual.” Natalia recommended this Slate article on the continued relevance of the notion of a gay aesthetic.
- The long con of Anna Delvey, who duped the downtown Manhattan set, has readers rapt. Natalia referred to this Vanity Fair article by one of her dupes. Niki cited Maria Konnikova’s book The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It Every Time and Natalia cited Barbara Ehrenreich’s book Nickel and Dimed.
- Ford Motors is phasing out passenger cars, save for its iconic Mustang. Natalia recommended this WIRED article on the history of America’s favorite sports car.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed Matt Lebovic’s Times of Israel article, “Who Was Anne Frank’s Gay Uncle Walter?”
- Natalia talked about the Netflix documentary One of Us.
- Niki shared the site African American Historic Sites Database.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the “incel” community, the role of race in Mormon history, and the thrift-shaming of millennials.
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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, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the movement of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, the life and legacy of the late author Tom Wolfe, and the legalization of sports gambling.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Trump officially moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and violence in Gaza ensued. Neil wrote about Trump’s stance in his Huffington Post column this week. Natalia recommended this Tablet article breaking down the context for the violence in Gaza.
- “New Journalism” pioneer Tom Wolfe died this week. Natalia cited two of her favorite Wolfe works, Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers and Bonfire of the Vanities and recommended this Atlantic piece chronicling the neologisms Wolfe has coined.
- A Supreme Court ruling has lifted a ban on sports betting. Neil cited this NPR piece on the potential implications of the decision for college and amateur athletes.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed the news that the Salt Lake Tribune has laid off a third of its newsroom.
- Natalia talked about the show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and Laura Ansley’s analytical essay at Nursing Clio, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Feminism, Mental Health, and Musicals Meet on the Boob Tube.”
- Niki shared Diane Peters’ JSTOR Daily article, “Treadmills Were Meant to be Atonement Machines.”
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.
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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, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the Golden State Killer, and the news that Americans are forgetting the Holocaust.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- At this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, comedian Michelle Wolf caused controversy. You can watch Wolf’s full performance here. Niki referenced Megan Garber’s Atlantic article, “The Slow, Awkward Death of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.” Natalia cited this Columbia Journalism Review article noting that some members of the WHCA are opting to bring journalism students rather than celebrities to the event.
- The Golden State Killer, who claimed fifty victims in the 1970s and 80s, has been apprehended thanks to DNA evidence. Neil recommended Sarah Zhang’s Atlantic article explaining how police investigators used genealogy websites to find the killer. (We discussed genetic testing websites on Episode 90.) Niki referred to Michelle McNamara’s posthumously published I’ll Be Gone in the Dark that helped solve the crime, and Neil referenced McNamara’s Los Angeles magazine article about how the serial killer terrorized California. Natalia recommended the Atlanta Monster podcast that chronicles a serial killer who victimized that city.
- A troubling report suggests Americans are decreasingly aware of the scale of the Holocaust. Natalia discussed Rebecca Onion’s Slate article historicizing this apparent illiteracy. Niki cited this Atlantic article considering Poland’s relationship to its role in the Holocaust along with Timothy Snyder’s Bloodlands and Jan Gross’ Neighbors.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil shared Dana Goldstein’s New York Times article, “Teacher Pay is So Low in Some U.S. School Districts That They Are Recruiting Overseas.”
- Natalia discussed Kyle Swenson’s Washington Post article, “Harold Bornstein: Exiled from Trumpland, Doctor Now ‘Frightened and Sad’.”
- Niki discussed Pamela Burger’s JSTOR Daily article, “The Bloody History of the True Crime Genre.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the Sean Hannity phenomenon, battles over the “gayborhood,” and the popularity of running tutus.
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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, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the life and legacy of Barbara Bush, Starbucks’ race problem, and the U.S. Census.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Former First Lady Barbara Bush has died at 92. Natalia referenced historian Barbara Perry’s Washington Post article about how she transformed the Office of the First Lady.
- Starbucks has come under fire for an employee who called the police on two black men at one of its Philadelphia stores. Natalia cited sociologist Elijah Anderson’s Vox article on the association of black people with inner cities; Niki referenced Jamelle Bouie’s Slate article on how “white spaces” are constructed and policed as well as Emily Bazelon’s 2014 Slate article “Why I Don’t Call the Police.”
- President Donald Trump’s decision to include a question about citizenship status on the U.S. Census for the first time since 1950 has inspired strong opposition. Natalia referred to Ari Berman’s Mother Jones article on the pervasive problem of undercounting minorities.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil commented on Dan Piepenbring’s New Yorker article “Chick-Fil-A’s Creepy Infiltration of New York City.”
- Natalia shared Carson Bear’s article “Are Mobile Homes a Forgotten Historic Resource?” on org.
- Niki discussed Kathleen Belew’s new book Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the rise of Sinclair Broadcasting, life coach Tony Robbins’ dismissal of the #MeToo movement, and the fraught history of college early admissions.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Conservative media giant Sinclair Broadcasting Group inspired outrage when a viral video showed anchors reading a prepared script bashing the media. Natalia cited Niki’s S. News article on the role of the FCC in preventing the kind of domination to which Sinclair aspires.
- Self-help guru Tony Robbins enraged the internet when he maligned the #MeToo movement at one of his stadium-sized seminars. You can watch the full video of his internaction with Nanine McCool here. Natalia cited two classic historical works to understand the history of self-help: Richard Hofstadter’s Anti-Intellectualism in American Life and Christopher Lasch’s The Culture of Narcissism. Natalia also recommended William Davies’ The Happiness Industry and the HBO show “Enlightened.” Natalia recently wrote about how Tony Robbins and other self-help gurus have often stood in the way of social change in a piece for the Washington Post.
- The Justice Department has launched a probe into colleges offering early admissions. Natalia cited two historians’ book-length works: Jerome Karabel’s The Chosen and Nancy Malkiel’s Keep the Damned Women Out!
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed the new Little League documentary, Long Time Coming.
- Natalia discussed Ivanka Trump’s curiously uninformed comments about youth fitness. As a companion piece to Natalia’s What’s Making History, Niki recommended Anastasia Day’s Made by History article, “How the White House Garden Became a Political Football.”
- Niki discussed two new books on the 14th Amendment by historians, Carrie Hyde’s Civic Longing: The Speculative Origins of U.S. Citizenship and Martha Jones’ Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the return of the television series Roseanne, the unfair treatment of NFL cheerleaders, and the sudden popularity of the Instant Pot.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Nineties TV sitcom Roseanne is back, and remade for the Trump age. Niki referenced Oscar Winberg’s Washington Post article about the political ambitions of the series.
- New Orleans Saints cheerleader Bailey Davis was fired for violating the team’s social media policy; now she’s suing and bringing attention to the unjust treatment of cheerleaders across the industry. Natalia referenced this Mother Jones historical timeline of cheerleading as well as two works by historians: Helen Lefkowitz Horowitz’ Campus Life and Paula Fass’ The Damned and the Beautiful.
- The Instant Pot is officially a culinary craze. Natalia referenced this Curbed article about the gendered history of kitchen design.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed John Elgion’s New York Times article, “A Black Evangelist Who Opposed Dr. King,” and Lerone Martin’s research article on which it draws.
- Natalia discussed Matthew Remski’s Facebook response to the new Netflix documentary, Wild, Wild Country.
- Niki discussed Peter Canellos’ POLITICO article, “’Chappaquiddick’: The Trial of Ted Kennedy.”
In this episode, Niki and Natalia debate the Stormy Daniels scandal.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Stormy Daniels gave a much awaited interview to Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes last week. Natalia referred to Michelle Goldberg’s New York Times op-ed and this Atlantic article about the similarities between the Daniels affair and the Harvey Weinstein case.
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the historical significance of Cambridge Analytica and its relationship with Facebook, a serial bomber in Austin, and an all-white, all-male history conference at Stanford.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Cambridge Analytica is suddenly a household name for its troubling use of Facebook data to influence the 2016 election. Niki referred to Siva Vaidhyanathan’s forthcoming book, Antisocial Media, about the social costs of the rise of Facebook.
- After terrorizing Austin for several weeks, serial bombing suspect Mark Conditt is dead. Niki referenced this Rolling Stone article about the impact of the Son of Sam serial murders on tabloid journalism. Natalia cited this NPR article on recollections of Conditt.
- Stanford University’s Hoover Institution hosted a conference comprised entirely of white men. Niki referred to this Washington Post article about the long relationship between the Hoover Institution and Stanford.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed Jackie Mansky’s Smithsonian article, “How Smithsonian Helped Solve the Twitter Mystery of the Unknown Woman Scientist.”
- Natalia commented on Joanna Rothkopf’s Jezebel article, “Inside the Convoluted ‘Battle for the Heart and Soul of Yoga’ That Resulted in Alo Yoga Suing a Body-Positive Influencer.”
- Niki shared Michael S. Rosenwald’s Washington Post article, “Toys R Us Founder Charles Lazarus Has Died. Here’s How He Built – And Lost – An Empire.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Donald Trump’s firing of Rex Tillerson, the New York Times publishing obituaries for women it overlooked historically, and National Geographic’s self-study of its past racist coverage.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is the latest White House official President Trump has fired by tweet. Natalia referenced this New Yorker article highlighting the origins of Tillerson’s leadership style.
- “Overlooked” is the name of a New York Times initiative to acknowledge the fact that since 1851, the paper’s obituaries have been dominated by white men. Natalia referred to Amanda Hess’s coverage of this issue at Slate. We all referred to this NPR interview with former Times obituary writers featured in the documentary
- National Geographic’s latest issue reckons with the magazine’s treatment of race throughout the publication’s history. Niki referred to historian George Fredrickson’s notion of “scientistic racism.” Natalia shared Rebecca Onion’s interview for Slate of the historian John Edwin Mason who conducted the study for National Geographic.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil shared Olivia B. Waxman’s TIME article, “The Surprisingly Poetic Origins of the Phrase ‘March Madness’.”
- Natalia commented on Jason LeMiere’s Newsweek article, “Barron Trump’s School Signs Open Letter Asking His Dad to Act on Gun Violence, Oppose Arming Teachers.”
- Niki discussed Rebecca Onion’s Slate article, “The Teacher Would Suddenly Yell ‘Drop!’.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate President Trump’s proposed tariffs, Weight Watchers’ bid for teenage dieters, and Disneyland’s underpaid workers.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Donald Trump has announced he is slapping high tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, all in the name of national security. Niki referred to Alex Thompson’s Vice article, “Trump’s Tariffs Made Him Labor Unions’ Man of Steel.” Niki also recommended Marc-William Palen’s book The Conspiracy of Free Trade.
- Weight Watchers is reaching out to young teenagers. Natalia referred to Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s New York Times article, “Losing It in the Anti-Dieting Age” and to Joan Jacobs Brumberg’s book The Body Project: An Intimate History of American Girls. Neil referenced Jennifer Wiener’s New York Times op-ed, “Take Your Daughter to the Movies, Not to Weight Watchers.” Natalia recommended Christy Harrison’s Food Psych Podcast. We discussed the history of Weight Watchers in Episode 19.
- A new report shows that many employees of Disneyland, “the happiest place on earth,” are homeless or hungry. Niki cited a new study, “Working For the Mouse” and the film The Florida Project as well as two books: Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America and Louis Hyman’s forthcoming TEMP: How American Work, American Business, and the American Dream Became Temporary.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil shared Anne Ewbank’s Atlas Obscura article, “How Orange (the Fruit) Inspired Orange (the Color).”
- Natalia commented on Drew Schwartz’s VICE article, “Conservatives are Whining Because No One Wants to Date Them.”
- Niki discussed Joseph Bernstein’s Buzzfeed article, “Teach Them Right: How PragerU Is Winning the Right-Wing Culture War Without Donald Trump."
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the life and ministry of Billy Graham, youth activism after the Parkland shootings, and the West Virginia teachers’ strike.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Billy Graham, known to many as “America’s Pastor,” is dead. Niki referred to Kevin Kruse’s article about Graham’s early conservatism at Made by History and Anthea Butler’s HuffPost article about the limits of Graham’s racial progressivism. Natalia mentioned this Rolling Stone story about Graham’s role in encouraging homophobia.
- High school students are shaping the national conversation about gun control in the wake of the Parkland shooting. Natalia referred to the East Los Angeles blowouts she wrote about in her book, and Niki discussed this article at The Root about the racialized media coverage of such activism. Niki also wrote about how corporations have been a part of America’s political battles in her column for U.S. News & World Report.
- West Virginia’s teachers are striking. Natalia talked about the anti-union film The Lottery and recommended journalist Trey Kay’s podcast broadcast in collaboration with the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Center, Us & Them.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil shared this TIME article about the 1961 plane crash that killed the U.S. figure skating team.
- Natalia discussed Dylan Gottlieb’s article “Rat Race” about urban marathons from the Past Present x Public Seminar
- Niki commented on recollections of William F. Buckley ten years after his death.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the blockbuster film Black Panther, the ascendancy of Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon, and the preponderance of plastics in contemporary life.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The release of blockbuster film Black Panther is being hailed as a watershed moment in African American, and mainstream, popular culture. Niki and Natalia both referenced Laurence Ware’s New York Times article on black nerds.
- Figure skater Adam Rippon has attracted media attention for using his platform to defend LGBTQ rights. Natalia mentioned this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour featuring journalist Sam Sanders describing what it’s like to cover the Olympics. Niki referenced this Newsweek article about the “frozen closet” and Natalia commented on this New York Times article about disordered eating among male figure skaters.
- The Anglican Church is recommending that people give up plastics for Lent. Natalia noted the role of plastics in the 1967 film The Graduate and Niki referred to this Washington Post article on the magnitude of plastic pollution in in the United States.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil shared historian Josh Clark Davis’ Atlantic article on the FBI crackdown on black-owned bookstores.
- Natalia discussed this Sexing History podcast episode on the sexual harassment of flight attendants.
- Niki commented on Fergie’s rendition of the national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game and shared Cindy Boren’s Washington Post article that placed it in the context of poorly regarded national anthem performances.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the release of the Obamas’ presidential portraits, the first Gerber Baby with Down syndrome, and the storied history of the sanitation worker.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The presidential and First Lady portraits of the Obamas have been released to more fanfare than is customary. Neil mentioned Obama White House photographer Pete Souza’s Instagram account and his recently published book of photos of President Obama. Niki commented on Andrew Jackson’s official portrait by Ralph E. W. Earl. Natalia referenced this Slate interview with art historians about the Obama portraits.
- The Gerber Baby, for the first time, has Down syndrome. Natalia shared David Perry’s Pacific Standard article advocating Gerber go further in working toward disability rights and the historical timeline written by the National Association for Downs Syndrome.
- Sanitation is dangerous, crucial work, as a recent New York Times op-ed argued. Natalia cited Kiera Feldman’s Mother Jones article about the history of the industry, and Neil discussed Martin Luther King Jr.’s involvement in the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, including his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed William R. Black’s Atlantic article, “Abraham Lincoln’s Secret Visits to Slaves.”
- Natalia shared the podcast Atlanta Monster.
- Niki talked about the history of marshmallows as chronicled in Jesse Rhodes’ Smithsonian article, “It’s a Marshmallow World.”
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the Nunes memo and the GOP’s attack on the FBI, the recent stock market plummet, and the prospect of Korean reconciliation through the Winter Olympics.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
-
ReleasetheMemo took over Twitter last week. Niki cited this Politico piece explaining “computational propaganda” that helped spread it. Natalia referred to the episode of Trumpcast that further explained how the meme went viral.
- The stock market recently plummeted over one thousand points. Neil discussed President Obama’s spokesperson Jay Carney’s observation that the Obama White House deliberately never took credit for the health of the stock market.
- The Winter Olympics kick off in PyeongChang, South Korea this week, prompting many to wonder about its political impact on the region. Natalia cited Heather Dichter’s Made By History essay about the Cold War era precedents for this year’s contest as well as a Backstory episode about the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” She also recommended David Wallace Adams’ classic Education for Extinction for its exploration of the politics of sport.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil shared Daina Ramey Berry’s New York Times article, “Beyond the Slave Trade, the Cadaver Trade.”
- Natalia commented on historian Brooke Blower’s book Becoming Americans in Paris.
- Niki discussed Tyler Huckabee’s Washington Post article, “The Radical – But Gentle – Faith of Mister Rogers.”
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the flu, the fate of the Cleveland Indians’ mascot Chief Wahoo, and the normalization of female pain.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- 2017-18 is set to be one of the worst flu seasons in recent history. Natalia cited John M. Barry’s work at Smithsonian Magazine and in his book The Great Influenza. She also cited Derek Beres’ essay about homeopathy in Public Seminar.
- The Cleveland Indians will abandon the controversial Chief Wahoo logo next year. Natalia cited Andrew McGregor’s Washington Post piece on athletic “safe spaces” for conservative politics as well as Philip Deloria’s book Playing Indian. Niki referenced the National Coalition of American Indians video “Proud to Be.”
- Lili Loofbourow’s essay on female pain, “The Female Price of Male Pleasure,” went viral. Natalia cited a Healthline article about the “husband stitch” as well as John D’Emilio and Estelle Freedman’s book Intimate Matters.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed the creation of a new literary award, the Staunch Book Prize.
- Natalia commented on Dr. Jen Gunter’s medical blog, in particular her account of Gwyneth Paltrow’s New York City event.
- Niki shared this Guardian article about the bloodthirsty history of the nature documentary.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the role of homeschooling in an abuse case in California, the recent government shutdown, and why people are eating Tide Pods on social media.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A horrific case of child abuse in California has renewed debate about homeschooling. Natalia cited political philosopher Rob Reich’s scholarly article on homeschooling.
- We debate the recent government shut down.
- What started as an internet joke about eating Tide Pods has become a real-life fad. Natalia referred to this JStor Daily article about the sexualization of the supermarket.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the New York Times article, “Young Fitness Fogies Ditch $40 Classes for Hoops, Laps, and Jogs.”
- Neil discussed the Huffington Post article, “Even Breathing is a Risk in One of Orlando’s Poorest Neighborhoods.
- Niki discussed Catherine Kerrison’s Washington Post article “How Did We Lose a President’s Daughter?”
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate Tonya Harding’s comeback, book bans in prison, and the 20th anniversary of the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- I, Tonya, is now in theaters and has prompted a new wave of interest in the 1990s scandal involving skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Natalia referenced Chloe Angyal’s New York Times piece on “gymnastics feminism” and Niki referred to the 1995 book Women on Ice: Feminist Responses to the Nancy Kerrigan/Tonya Harding Spectacle.
- Michelle Alexander’s book The New Jim Crow was effectively banned from New Jersey jails, raising questions about how such decisions are made. Niki referred to another banned book, Douglas Blackmon’s Slavery by Another Name. Natalia mentioned Heather Thompson’s book about the Attica Uprising, Blood in the Water.
- It has been twenty years since the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal. Natalia referred to Lewinsky’s 2014 interview in Vanity Fair and her TED talk on cyberbullying. Niki wrote about how the Lewinsky scandal shaped modern American politics in her column for The Age.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared the Amazon Originals show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
- Neil discussed this Atlas Obscura article on when the Soviet Union paid Pepsi in warships.
- Niki commented on the New York Times article on how an African-American character, Franklin, was introduced to the Peanuts cartoon.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the Asian fetish of some alt-right white nationalists, President Trump’s plan to revoke protections for Salvadorans, and the raw water craze.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- White nationalism is not necessarily incompatible with heterosexual romantic attraction to Asian women, Audrea Lim wrote in the New York Times. Niki referred to Asian women’s complicity in this dynamic as akin to that of alt-right women more broadly, as discussed in Harper’s. Natalia and Niki referred to this Plan A article explaining how anti-Asian gender stereotyping also marginalizes Asian-American men. Niki referred to Jeffrey Guo’s reporting in the Washington Post that it wasn’t unique drive among Asian-Americans that made them a “model minority”, but the gradual diminishing of anti-Asian racism. We all recommend Ellen D. Wu’s book The Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority.
- The Trump administration has announced that it will revoke “Temporary Protected Status” for nearly 200,000 Salvadorans who benefit from it. Niki cited Carly Goodman’s Washington Post article pointing to the origins of TPS.
- “Raw water” is all the rage among a certain subset of the wellness world, reported publications from the New York Times to the National Review. Natalia cited Tamara Venit Shelton’s Public Seminar article about the origins of the obsession with “natural living.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on Kathleen Kelly Janus’ new book Social Startup Success.
- Neil discussed the controversy over this New York Times obituary of LDS president Thomas Monson. He also referred to this catalog of all obituaries of LDS presidents.
- Niki shared this New York Times article about #MeToo pioneer Patricia Douglas.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss a feud between African-American intellectuals Cornel West and Ta-Nehisi Coates, the electoral prospects for southern Democrats, and why LaCroix Sparkling Water has become an obsession.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Cornel West published a blistering takedown of Ta-Nehisi Coates in The Guardian. Niki referenced Michael Eric Dyson’s critique of West in The New Republic and Natalia referred to Matthew Clair’s essay in Public Books about the origins of the desire among liberal white audiences to hear “authentic” black voices, but only in certain ways. Niki referenced Tressie McMillan Cottom’s blog post where she argued that Coates and West are fundamentally different as thinkers.
- Doug Jones’ win against Roy Moore in Alabama was astonishing given the political leanings of the region. Neil referred to his own post in Public Seminar in which he argued the election was more a loss for Moore than a victory by Jones. Niki referred to Matthew Lassiter’s Silent Majority: Suburban Politics in the Sunbelt South and Kevin Kruse’s White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern Conservatism, both of which detail the slow process by which the long-Democratic South became almost wholesale Republican.
- LaCroix Sparkling Water is all the rage among coastal tastemakers these days, though it has Midwestern roots, as Vox reports. Niki recommended the Gastropod podcast to delve deeper into the history of seltzer.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed allegations of sexual assault against Russell Simmons.
- Neil recommended Sarah Rose’s book For All the Tea in China.
- Niki shared why KFC is a popular Christmas meal in Japan.
In this week's episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the viral New Yorker short story “Cat Person”, the disproportionately high maternal death rate among black women, and the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Kristen Roupenian’s New Yorker short story “Cat Person” went surprisingly viral last week. Natalia cited Laura Kipnis’ Unwanted Advances to dissuade readers from equating bad and coercive sex. Natalia cited Jennifer Weiner’s New York Times op-ed about the snobbery often directed at her career writing “chick lit.” Neil recommended Roupenian’s interview with Deborah Treisman.
- ProPublica published a damning article highlighting the many reasons black women die in pregnancy and childbirth. Neil recommended anthropologist Carolyn Rouse’s book Uncertain Suffering: Racial Health Care Disparities and Sickle Cell Disease, and Natalia recommended Alondra Nelson’s Body and Soul: The Black Panther Party and the Fight Against Medical Discrimination and Susan Reverby’s Examining Tuskegee: The Infamous Syphilis Study and its Legacy.
- We discussed the newest Christmas tradition – the now decade-plus old Elf on the Shelf.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil discussed the history of the claw foot tub.
- Natalia commented on the new PBS documentary, Pervert Park.
- Niki shared The Cut article, “The Life and Death of a Radical Sisterhood.”
In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the resurgence of etiquette books, the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal engagement, and President Trump’s decision to limit the size of two national monuments.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Etiquette books are making a comeback, and we referenced this New York Times roundup of new titles by Judith Newman. Natalia cited Richard Bushman’s classic book, The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities and Gloria Steinem’s My Life on the Road.
- Prince Harry is getting engaged to biracial American actor Meghan Markle. Natalia cited this Washington Post article critiquing American’s fascination with British royal culture.
- President Trump reduced the size of two national monuments, breaking with presidential precedent and angering many. Natalia cited Federico Finchelstein’s new book From Fascism to Populism in History. Neil cited the role of outdoor recreation companies in resisting this move and Natalia cited Tom Sugrue’s article “America’s Real Estate Developer in Chief” in Public Books.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil commented on Steve Bannon’s attack on Mitt Romney.
- Natalia discussed the new Netflix documentary, Voyeur.
- Niki shared the Vox video, “The U.S. Medical System Still Haunted By Slavery.”
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the purchase of Time Inc. by the Meredith Corporation, sexual assault claims at a chain of massage spas, and net neutrality.
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In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the recent reckoning with Bill Clinton’s legacy, the state of the New York City subway, and the new tax reform measure.
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Liz Smith and the history of gossip columns, whether interracial friendships are possible, and evangelical responses to Roy Moore’s pedophilia scandal.
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the Democratic wins in the recent off-year elections, the doubling of Twitter’s character limit, and the release of a postage stamp based on Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day.
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate Kevin Spacey’s coming out amid charges of pedophilia, the 21st century company town, and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
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In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the declassification of the JFK files, Joni Mitchell, and our age of anxiety.
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In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the Girl Scouts in light of the Boy Scouts’ recent decision to admit girls, #MeToo activism, and how Michael Friedman’s recent death of HIV/AIDS helps us understand the illness in historical context.
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, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate a fatal stabbing at a Bronx high school, the history of the romance novel and its critics, and the evolution of the game show genre.
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the historical origins of Antifa, cultural appropriation, and the role of contract labor in an unequal society.
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the White House's announcement to end DACA, the death of New Age guru and publisher Louise Hay, and the prospect of an all-female Lord of the Flies remake.
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the natural and political implications of Hurricane Harvey, President Trump’s pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and the legacy of Princess Diana two decades after her death.
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Trump’s proposal for Afghanistan, plus-size clothing, and why swearing is on the rise.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the role of neo-Nazis in the white nationalist violence in Charlottesville, the Google memo, and the political power of blondeness.
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, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the place of MS-13 in the history of street gangs, R. Kelly's sex cult, and the controversy over the first woman actor to play Doctor Who.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Trump's divisive speech before the Boy Scouts, the return of eugenics in criminal justice, and the rising wave of elopements.
In this week's special live episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate funding cuts for libraries, the history of the Hamptons, and the legacy of the Summer of Love.
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.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the case of Charlie Gard and parental rights, the new Xennial generation, and how New York City made Donald Trump.
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 Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods, the disappearing teen summer job, and the politics of gerrymandering.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil and Natalia debate the outcome of the recent British election, Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop, and the history of Father's Day.
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, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the decline of the long-haul trucker, the future of NATO, and the national spelling bee.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate jury selection in the Bill Cosby trial, Wonder Woman and feminism, and the fidget spinner.
On this week's show, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Jim Comey’s firing, teeth and dental care, and the Bachelorette’s first black star.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the Rebecca Tuvel controversy, and commencement speeches.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the causes of the Fyre Festival fiasco, the anniversary of the LA uprisings, and the history of US-North Korea relations.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate Trump's first 100 days, the history of Hawaii, and the rise of female genital mutilation in the United States.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the push for universal basic income, the rising visibility of scientific racism, and the disappearance of shopping malls.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate United's rough treatment of its passengers, Trump's missile attack on Syria, and the White House Easter egg roll.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate Mike Pence's rules for women colleagues, the end of the Senate filibuster, and Pepsi's attempt to coopt Black Lives Matter.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the fate of the American Health Care Act, the constructed nature of children's sleep, and Pluto's place among the planets.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate whether intersectionality is a religion, the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, and Trump's plan to defund the NEA and NEH.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate Harvard's decision to drop the LSAT, George W. Bush's newfound popularity, and corporal punishment.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Trump’s wiretapping allegations, “wellness real estate,” and late-night TV.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the complicated politics of the women's strike, the rise of anti-Semitism in America, and humanity's relationship to robots.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate CPAC’s decision to disinvite Milo Yiannopoulos, legislation to require political balance in university faculties, and Christian blogger Momastery’s announcement of her lesbian engagement.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of “paid protestors,” the science of secondhand smoke, and the failing fortunes of Ivanka Trump’s clothing line.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the bawdy history of Valentine's Day, Obama's role in elevating black history, and the parallels between Andrew Jackson and Donald Trump.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate American policy toward refugees, the politics of Uber, and the rising sales of dystopian novels.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate Betsy DeVos and school privatization, the uses of executive orders, and the growing call for more dangerous playgrounds.
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, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the women's march on Washington, US-Russian relations, and Obama's final speech to the nation.
On this week's show, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the decline of democracy in North Carolina, the trend toward legalization of marijuana, and the dominance of Alabama football.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the legacy of departing First Lady Michelle Obama.
In this week's special flashback episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia look back at three historical figures who died in 2016.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate US involvement in Syria, the legacy of Japanese-American internment, and the 50th anniversary of the first Kwanzaa.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the future of the One-China policy, the tragedy of the Oakland fire, and the Mall of America's first black Santa.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate Fidel Castro's legacy, the future of liberalism, and the rise of fake news.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the Trump University fraud settlement, Mike Pence's reception at Hamilton, and the wild turkey's distaste for the wild.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the role of citizenship in international adoption, Steve Bannon's appointment as Trump's chief strategist, and the place of safety pins in sartorial politics.
In this week's special election episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the onset of the Second Redemption, the highest and hardest glass ceiling, and the place of Donald Trump in global populism.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the standoff at Standing Rock, the political role of the FBI, and the role of political pundits.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the history of the world series, texting while driving, and the history of Vegas.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the history of rigged elections, Wikileaks, and the importance of self-care.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Donald Trump and sexual harassment and assault, the great clown scare of 2016, and pit bull bans.
In this week's episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the place of Transparent in the history of LGBTQ representation on television, fraud at Wells Fargo, and the 20th anniversary of Fox News.
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 debate the dissolution of the Jolie-Pitt marriage, the price of EpiPens, and Dr. Oz and medical entertainment.
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, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate the canonization of Mother Teresa, the rise of the alt-right, and the menace of taco trucks.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate Colin Kaepernick's protest against the national anthem, France's burkini ban, and Walmart's high crime rate.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate flood relief in Louisiana, the disappearance of Christian intellectuals, and teaching Trump in the classroom.
On this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate recent court decisions on voting rights, sexism in Olympics commentary, and corporate influence in think tanks.
On this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the Khans and the politics of grief, Roger Ailes and sexual harassment at Fox News, and the history of juicing.
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.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the history of Pokemon Go, the near-coup in Turkey, and the unintended consequences of political reform.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate the police shooting in Dallas, the role of conventions in presidential politics, and the rise of anti-vaccine activism.
Time stamps
Dallas: 4:13
Conventions: 19:33
Vaccines: 35:23
WMH: 46:36
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, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the legacy of basketball coach Pat Summitt, the place of Women's Whole Health v. Hellerstedt in America's abortion debate, and the House Democrats' sit-in over gun control.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the politics of Brexit, the growing popularity of adult summer camps, and Donald Trump's missing campaign.
Time stamps:
Brexit: 3:15
Camps: 15:00
Campaign In Absentia: 30:38
WMH: 44:08
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the Orlando shooting, focusing on the city's history, the attack's place in multiple histories of violence, and the role of presidential empathy in response to national crises.
Time stamps:
Orlando History: 3:10
Histories of Violence: 16:57
Presidential Empathy: 30:49
WMH: 43:20
On this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the legacy of Muhammad Ali, the aftermath of the Brock Turner trial, and America's first woman nominated to the presidency by a major party.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the death of Harambe the gorilla, the coverup of sexual assault in the Baylor football program, and Peter Thiel's legal vendetta against Gawker.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the history of presidential candidates and tax returns, Obama's visit to Japan, and feminism and footwear.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate lethal injection and the death penalty, the return of political correctness, and the secret shame of voting for Hillary Clinton.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the changing racial demographics of American evangelicalism, the decline of running, and Facebook's digital imperialism.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Dennis Hastert's sentencing, the coup facing Phyllis Schlafly and Malia Obama's pre-Harvard gap year.
In this week's episode, Niki, Neil, and Nataliadebate Prince's career, Donald Trump’s America First foreignpolicy, and educational divide in partisan politics.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the decision to put Harriet Tubman on the $20, the history of sex toy regulation, and the politics of Whole Foods.
In this week's special flashback episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate Woodrow Wilson's legacy at Princeton, the spiritual origins of SoulCycle, and Bernie Sanders's place in America's socialist tradition.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate Trump and political violence, the nostalgia of Kimmy Schmidt, and the origins of prisons for profit.
In this week's episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the politics of public bathrooms, the history of Spring Break, and the origins of the American heroin crisis.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil delve into the privacy laws protecting Hulk Hogan's sex tape, the fight for paid parental leave, and the left's love of Scandinavia.
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, 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, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate Trump's hold on the white evangelical vote, the politics of the KKK, and the place of CrossFit in fitness history.
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, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate Scalia's legacy, women in comedy, and Kendrick Lamar's Grammy performance.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the Zika virus and public health, Beyonce's Formation, and Hillary Clinton's feminism problem.
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, Neil, Niki, and Natalia debate racism and the Oscars, Oprah and the history of Weight Watchers, and why Iowa comes first.
In this week's episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki debate the origins of Flint's water crisis, Ted Cruz and New York values, and Wheaton College and evangelical higher education.
In this week's episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil debate David Bowie's legacy, the history of bikini bodies, and Ted Cruz's citizenship.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Star Wars, marriage and income inequality, and Tamir Rice.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The Force Awakens is the latest entry in the Star Wars franchise. Niki argued that the optimistic Star Wars movies are a departure from the dystopian anxieties apparent in earlier science fiction films such as Godzilla and Them! which were responding to the nuclear age. Natalia remarked this Star Wars moment is taking place within our culture’s current love affair with Wonder Woman, a topic she has written about.
- A recent New York Times article by the economist Tyler Cowen argued that “assertive mating” – where people of similar class and educational backgrounds marry – is contributing to income inequality. Natalia pointed to Nancy Cott’s Public Vows as an indispensable guide to the history of marriage and Christine Whelan’s Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women for understanding more about the phenomenon Cowen describes. Neil mentioned the “Princeton mom” who gained notoriety by encouraging Princeton undergraduate women to use their college years to find their husbands. Niki suggested the “opt-out” phenomenon of highly-educated women who choose to be stay-at-home mothers revealed another way income inequality shapes marriage and family choices.
- The murder of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African-American boy gunned down by police while playing with a toy gun in a Cleveland park, has drawn comparisons to Emmett Till, the 14-year-old African-American boy killed by a white mob in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. Natalia recommended the historian Edward Baptist’s recent essay, “Ferguson and Fatherhood,” which discusses “The Talk” African-American families have with their sons about how they must protect themselves in public. Natalia also noted that Stacey Patton’s tweet comparing Tamir Rice to Ralphie, the white Cleveland boy of the movie “A Christmas Story” who famously plays with his toy guy, became an internet sensation and inspired virulent racist backlash. Neil argued Rice’s fate ought to be seen in contrast to the story of Ethan Crouch, the white Texas teenager who killed four people in a drunk driving accident but was found not guilty after his lawyers presented an “affluenza” defense.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Barbara Ehrenreich’s essay “The Selfish Side of Gratitude” and the web series, “Namaste, Bitches.”
- Neil commented on the absence of Hitler’s name in the current national road tour of The Sound of Music.
- Niki recommended the Amicus podcast, particularly its recent “Judging Tribal Courts” episode.
On this week’s Past Present bonus episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss life coaches.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Life coaching is big business these days, but there’s still some confusion about what life coaches actually do. Natalia drew from the sociologist Arlie Hochschild’s work on the outsourcing of intimate labor to argue that life coaches are often stand-ins for a reliable friend or professional mentor. Niki noted this was most visible in new services like “Rent-a-Mom.”
- Niki cited Julie Golia’s research on the rise of advice columns as a helpful way for understanding life coaches. Like Golia’s advice columnists, life coaches fulfill and professionalize social functions that once played out in close-knit communities. Neil noted that in a “Bowling Alone” era, life coaches provided an individualized experience of professional authority within a larger culture of community breakdown and anti-institutional sentiments.
- Natalia recommended Susan Faludi’s Stiffed for thinking more about the gendered politics of self-help and Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided for a critical take on the life coaching industry.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss the war on Christmas, food politics, and political spouses.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The “war on Christmas” has become a regular part of the holiday season. The conservative website Newsmax has catalogued the big offenders of 2015. Neil argued the “war on Christmas” is largely a media phenomenon, noting that many religious leaders have chosen to ignore the controversy or to argue that the real war on Christmas is the holiday’s over-commercialization. Neil also observed that the Puritans outlawed Christmas because the holiday had such decadent celebrations. To read more about the controversial history of Christmas, see Stephen Nissenbaum’s The Battle for Christmas.
- A new grocery store venture, Daily Table, seeks to provide low-income consumers with more affordable food by selling about-to-expire foods from farmers and wholesalers. Natalia noted that dates used for food expiration are largely made up and contribute to high rates of food waste. Natalia recommended the book, We the Eaters, and the documentary, A Place at the Table, for thinking more about the politics of food.
- The New York Times’ profile of Marco Rubio’s wife, Jeanette, is the latest example of our culture’s fascination with political spouses. America’s First Ladies have played a unique role in national politics, often using their ceremonial functions to extend their husbands’ political objectives. Neil noted that spouses play particularly important roles in political campaigns, but that women like Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan were also sometimes seen as liabilities for their husbands.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the history of why American Jews eat Chinese food on Christmas day.
- Neil commented on GQ’s profile of the international megachurch, Hillsong.
- Niki explained how in Soviet Russia the Christmas tree became the New Year’s tree.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the sharing economy, affirmative action, and whether Donald Trump is a fascist.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Harvard Business School researchers have issued a report about the pattern of racial discrimination in AirBnB. Other scholars and writers have raised additional concerns with the “sharing economy.” Niki noted the historical example of early twentieth century urban dwellers who took boarders to earn extra money, as depicted in the 1925 Anzia Yezierska novel Bread Givers. Natalia suggested Nick Grossman’s “gig economy” was a more accurate term than the “sharing economy” to capture how Americans are working and earning money today.
- Affirmative action is back in the news as the Supreme Court hears Abigail Fisher’s lawsuit against the University of Texas. Listen here for Justice Antonin Scalia’s controversial remarks during oral arguments last week. Neil noted the admissions data concerning Fisher’s application disproved the argument she had faced racial discrimination. Niki pointed to the prevalence of “reverse discrimination” language in conservative arguments about affirmative action, such as shown in a recent editorial from the National Review.
- Is Donald Trump a fascist? It’s a question a lot of people have been asking, but Niki noted a Vox roundtable of historians had concluded he was not. Natalia added the historian Federico Finchelstein’s point that in order for Trump to be considered a fascist, he would need to move from advocating discrimination against the “enemy” to proposing their elimination.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Cosmopolitan magazine’s response to recent comments from Caitlyn Jenner about how trans women should look.
- Neil recommended Ta-Nehisi Coates’ essay in the Atlantic, “Hope and the Historian.” Natalia suggested placing Coates’ essay in conversation with James Fraser’s book, A History of Hope.
- Niki shared her project on the history of holidays at the White House she’s been working on for the Miller Center, including stories from the first White House Hanukkah celebration held during George H. W. Bush’s presidency and the account of Jackie Kennedy’s first Christmas after John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s philanthropic gift, the history of baby names, and “prayer shaming.”
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan announced they would donate 99 percent of their Facebook shares to charity, totaling some $45 billion. Some observers have been critical of the couple's decision. Niki pointed to Napster founder Sean Parker’s manifesto, “Philanthropy for Hackers” as a precursor to this debate. Natalia mentioned that books like Matthew Bishop’s Philanthrocapitalism have applauded the way billionaires are devoting themselves more to charitable giving and thereby reshaping the world. We recommend reading the history of philanthropy blog, HistPhil, for more. As a starting point, check out Benjamin Soskis’s essay on the Ford Foundation and the Gospel of Wealth.
- The most popular baby names of 2015 have been released, and gender-neutral options and names inspired by Instagram filters have made the list. Natalia reminded us that the bestseller Freakonomics has a chapter devoted to the economic consequences of what parents name their children. Niki shared the baby name generator that allows you to see what your name would be if you had been born at different points in history.
- In the wake of the San Bernardino shooting, the New York Daily News devoted its cover page to attacking Republican politicians who offered “thoughts and prayers” instead of political solutions to the nation’s gun crisis. Conservatives lashed back, decrying the rise of liberal “prayer shaming.” But Neil argued against the false dichotomy of a religious right and secular left in this debate, pointing out many liberals had offered their prayers while several Christian conservatives had criticized the thoughtless habit of extending “thoughts and prayers” on social media.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed Witness Against Torture’s viral video, Thanksgiving at Guantanamo.
- Neil recommended the hit BBC television show, The Great British Bake Off.
- Niki shared Mason B. Williams’s essay in the Atlantic, “The Crumbling Monuments of the Age of Marble.”
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss the history of refugees, the legacy of Woodrow Wilson, and Instamoms.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- President Obama tied the Syrian refugee crisis to the story of the Pilgrims in a recent radio address to move Americans to support their entry to the US. The Washington Post’s image of a young refugee, Niki argued, was meant in part to elicit American sympathy, but throughout history Americans have seldom welcomed refugees into the nation. Natalia noted the lowest point of this history may have been when the US rejected the admission of European Jews in the years leading up to World War II. Neil pointed out that moment has been humanized by the account of Anne Frank’s family being denied entry as refugees.
- Princeton students have demanded the university remove Woodrow Wilson’s name from campus sites because of his racist acts as president. Natalia agreed with historian Nathan Connolly’s request that we “write segregation and race into the story, not to write the racists out of it.” She also recommended the historian Jonathan Zimmerman’s Politico article that encouraged Princeton students to reckon more with Wilson’s complicated example.
- “Instamoms,” like @Taylensmom, are the newest social media phenomena. But are these digital parents just the latest version of the stage mom? Natalia suggested Viviana Zelizer’s classic, Pricing the Priceless Child, provided a useful way for thinking about the changing social value of children in America.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Sarah Hepola’s memoir, Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget.
- Neil discussed why Americans spoke with the accent they did in the 1930s and what 100 years of photographs reveal about the history of smiling.
- Niki shared the new Amazon series The Man in the High Castle as a way of thinking about the meaning of fascism in American politics.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Thanksgiving food, the controversial history of football, and Black Friday.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- At the first Thanksgiving meal in 1621, the colonists and Native Americans probably didn’t eat turkey, but food has always been important to the holiday. Niki noted that the CBS documentary, Harvest of Shame, broadcast the day after Thanksgiving in 1960, showed the political dimensions of food as it highlighted the plight of America’s migrant farm workers. Natalia observed that contemporary conversations about food politics have been shaped in large part by the writings of Michael Pollan.
- Football has been played on Thanksgiving Day almost as long as the holiday has been observed. Neil pointed out football has always been controversial because of the violent nature of the game, resulting in the death of 18 players in 1905 alone. Natalia suggested Gail Bederman’s book, Manliness and Civilization, for thinking about football historically, but also recommended Ariel Levy’s New Yorker article about Steubenville and Malcolm Gladwell’s essay comparing football to dogfighting for grappling with the game’s current controversies.
- “Black Friday” didn’t always refer to a day of excessive shopping following Thanksgiving. But now that it does, some stores are opting out of the day’s frenzy or at least refusing to open on Thanksgiving.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the cancellation of free yoga classes at the University of Ottawa because of fears over “cultural appropriation.”
- Neil explored the unexpected history of the Thanksgiving hymn, “We Gather Together.”
- Niki educated us on the cranberry scare of 1959.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss the campus protests at Mizzou and Yale, Tinder and online dating, and the politics of immigration.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Protests at the University of Missouri, Yale, and other schools have erupted over issues regarding racism on college campuses today. At Mizzou, the university’s troubled history of racism has shaped the most recent events. Niki mentioned that classic works like Alan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind and Dinesh D’Souza’s Illiberal Education made the idea of “political correctness” the prevailing conservative interpretation of university politics and has shaped the current conversation regarding free speech on campus.
- The dating app Tinder has updated its features to allow users to add job and education information to their profiles. Dating in the internet age has occasioned all sorts of worries about how technology is changing modern romance, but Natalia pointed out there are many continuities with courtship practices across the twentieth century. Natalia noted the works of scholars like Paula Fass and Mary McComb show some of the same practices we think of as created by the internet, such as rating your date, go back to the 1920s.
- Immigration has emerged as one of the biggest issues in the 2016 presidential race. Niki has recently written about how immigration has become the most important issue in the Republican race for the nomination, and she cited Mae Ngai’s history of illegal aliens, Impossible Subjects, as an important work that has shaped her thinking regarding the history of immigration in America.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Aziz Ansari’s new Netflix show, Master of None, in part for how it portrays race in America today.
- Neil suggested two readings on Charles Schulz and his famous comic strip to accompany the new Peanuts movie. Neil recommended David Michaelis’ 2007 biography Schulz and Peanuts and Sarah Boxer’s recent Atlantic article, “The Exemplary Narcissism of Snoopy.”
- Niki discussed Jill Lepore’s New Yorker article on the history of polling.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Jeb Bush and the history of frontrunners, the modern period, and trigger warnings.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Jeb Bush was the presumed frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president in 2016, but he’s quickly lost the top spot in the campaign. Frontrunners have often been unable to secure their party’s nomination. Neil tracked “frontrunner” on Google’s Ngram Viewer and found it was first used in 1924, but until 1960 it was mostly used in the context of horseracing. Niki noted that the jump of “frontrunner” language from horseracing to politics after 1960 was in keeping with what a 2012 Atlantic article had called the “Sports Center-ization” of political journalism.
- Menstruation has a long history. Some women are practicing “free bleeding” as a feminist project to reclaim the period from its history of shame and taboo. Natalia recommended Lara Freidenfelds’ history of menstruation in the twentieth century and an Atlantic article about the history of the tampon. The marketing of tampons and other feminine hygiene products have changed remarkably in recent years, perhaps most clearly in the humorous Camp Gyno ads for the tampon subscription service, HelloFlo.
- The controversy over “trigger warnings” on college campuses today has become a hot media topic, but is it a real phenomenon? A recent Atlantic article by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt lamenting the “coddling of the American mind” certainly seemed to think so. While liberal students in the 1960s protested for greater free speech on campus, liberal students today have called on universities to limit and publish offensive speech for the purposes of ensuring a “safe space.” Natalia noted this had also transformed how college students are dealing with sexual assault on campus, holding universities more accountable for these crimes than the perpetrators, a development Natalia has written about for the Notches blog.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed SeaWorld San Diego’s decision to end its killer whale performances after protests following the release of the 2013 documentary “Black Fish.”
- Neil commented on the defeat of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) last week, a nondiscrimination measure that opponents termed the “bathroom bill.” Neil wrote for Slate last week that conservative activists have used fears over public restrooms to defeat equal rights measures since the 1970s.
- Niki shared an article that asserted the ballpoint pen, rather than the computer, was what killed cursive writing.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Benghazi and the history of Congressional hearings, Ben Carson and black Republicans, and the state of reality TV today.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Hillary Clinton’s testimony before the Congressional committee on Benghazi is just the latest event in a Congressional investigation that has lasted 72 months, inviting comparison to other Congressional hearings, including the Army-McCarthy hearings of 1954, Watergate, and the Iran-Contra affair. Natalia remarked that liberal media outlets, like the New Yorker, have concluded Clinton emerged triumphant from the hearings, while Neil noted that Fox News had cut away from its broadcast of the hearings once the Republicans appeared to have bungled their case against Clinton.
- Ben Carson has emerged as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president, but African-American Republicans are an increasingly rare group. Niki recommended Leah Wright Rigueur’s book, The Loneliness of the Black Republican, as an excellent recent history of black conservatives and the party of Lincoln.
- American Idol and Survivor are slumping in the ratings, but is reality TV dead? Neil argued no, pointing to the proliferation of reality TV shows that continue to blanket the airwaves. The history of reality TV is a complicated one, however, in part because no one seems to agree on what exactly defines the genre.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia commented on the controversy at the University of Louisville where the school’s president and other administrators wore stereotypical Mexican costumes to a staff Halloween party.
- Neil noted the record established on October 28 that the U.S. had gone 18,967 days without a president dying in office since John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. The previous record of 18,966 lasted between George Washington’s inauguration in 1789 and William Henry Harrison’s death in 1841.
- Niki discussed Paul Ryan’s ascension to the speakership and explained why Speakers of the House almost never make it to the Oval Office.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Bernie Sanders and the history of socialism in America, Fitbit, and why adults are now celebrating Halloween.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Bernie Sanders’ bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination has raised the old question, “Why is there no socialism in America?” That question served as the title of Werner Sombart’s 1906 classic. Natalia mentioned the historian Eric Foner’s advice that Sanders should use moral language to defend socialism as Eugene Debs did in the early 20th century. Natalia also noted that Larry David’s portrayal of Sanders on Saturday Night Live could make the senator’s Jewishness more well-known among American voters.
- Some Wall Street banks have ordered Fitbit activity trackers for their employees, a decision they explained for improving workers’ health. But many see dangerous possibilities when companies track their employees’ personal lives. Niki recommended Sarah Igo’s book, The Averaged American, for thinking more about the history of data in Americans’ lives. Natalia noted the recent book The Wellness Syndrome discusses how Americans’ obsession with health and fitness may be becoming an unhealthy obsession. Natalia, our fitness history expert, has written about wellness culture in America for the Huffington Post.
- Once a holiday for children, Halloween has become a popular event for many American adults in part because of the dangers associated with it for children. Steven Mintz’s Huck’s Raft and Paula Fass’ Kidnapped were recommended as two books that historicize American fears about child welfare and safety.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia recommended Michelle Miller’s The Underwriting as a page-turning thriller about a Silicon Valley dating website’s IPO. Natalia noted the novel had originally been published online in downloadable installments, harkening back the older publishing traditional of serializing literature.
- Neil commented on the discovery that Mike Huckabee’s 1998 book Kids Who Kill was found to have contained numerous false and misattributed historical quotations from figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Neil presented this as another cautionary tale in how politicians use and misuse history for their political advantage.
- Niki discussed the Slate article, “French Tadpoles and Persian Pickles,” an excerpt from Jude Stewart’s book, Patternalia. The article presented a fascinating history of paisley, but Niki noted it also demonstrated how the history of a pattern was also a way of understanding the history of society and culture.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Playboy magazine’s decision to stop publishing nude photos, the strength and stability of the nation’s political parties, and the whitening of American cities.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Many commentators attributed Playboy’s decision to stop publishing nude photos as the inevitable result for a print magazine caught in a culture awash in Internet pornography. Neil pointed out that in addition to its famous centerfolds, the magazine has a long history of publishing serious articles, including interviews with leading cultural and political figures like, Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Jimmy Carter.
- There’s been lots of talk about the brokenness of the Republican Party, but others are beginning to suggest the Democrats aren’t in great shape either. Niki contended that political polarization and party hostility have contributed to the instability of the parties.
- The Washington Post recently reported that the white population is growing in 45 of the nation’s 50 biggest cities. Neil argued it wasn’t right to see this development as the “reversal of white flight.” (For an excellent history of “white flight,” see Kevin Kruse’s 2005 study of Atlanta.) Natalia suggested that Thomas Frank’s book, The Conquest of Cool, provided a useful way to think about why cities have become so attractive to white professionals again.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the New York Times article, “The Lonely Death of George Bell.” Natalia contrasted the detached manner with which readers have seemed to respond to this story of an old man’s isolated death as compared to the outrage Americans felt about reports in 1964 that Kitty Genovese had been stabbed to death over several hours while her neighbors did nothing. (See the New York Times’ original article about Genovese’s murder here.)
- Neil commented on the controversy regarding Mark Juergensmeyer’s decision to boycott a conference at Brigham Young University in protest of the school’s policy of expelling LDS students who lose their Mormon faith or convert to another religion. Juergensmeyer had been alerted to this policy by the student group Free BYU which is pressuring the university to reverse its policy.
- Niki recommended Pamela Newkirk’s book, Spectacle: The Astonishing Life of Ota Benga, which tells the story of the Congolese man put on display in a monkey cage at the New York Zoological Gardens in 1906.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Confederate history and memorialization, selfie shaming, and Carly Fiorina and conservative feminism.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- Students at Yale have petitioned the university to rename the residential college named for John C. Calhoun, the South Carolina politician and ardent defender of slavery. (You can read the formal petition: here.) Neil noted the recent book, Ebony and Ivy, by MIT historian Craig Steven Wilder explores the connection between northern universities and the institution of slavery.
- A group of sorority sisters being mocked for taking selfies at a recent Arizona Diamondbacks game quickly became a viral media sensation. Natalia referenced Christopher Lasch’s 1979 classic, The Culture of Narcissism, as one way to understand the “selfie” phenomenon, but suggested we might also recognize selfies as an act of female self-empowerment and self-expression in a culture with such demanding expectations regarding women’s appearance.
- With her recent essay calling for “redefining feminism,” Carly Fiorina has joined the small ranks of conservative women who call themselves feminists. Other examples included the women of Feminists for Life, a pro-life organization founded in 1972 that believed it was a feminist duty to protect women from the atrocity of abortion.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia shared an article about the history of leftover food as an example of how historical analysis can use the objects of everyday life to understand the bigger picture of American economic history.
- Neil recommended Gilbert King’s 2012 book, Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America, which chronicles Marshall’s legal defense of four young African-American citrus workers in central Florida falsely accused of rape in 1949.
- Niki discussed the reappearance of Richard Nixon in the form of the Twitter account @dick_nixon and how Nixon's funeral became a culture touchstone. Read Hunter S. Thompson's obituary of Nixon here.
On this week’s Past Present bonus episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss the history of gun policy and debates over the Second Amendment.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon that left ten people dead has once again put the contentious issue of gun rights in the national conversation.
- Both gun rights and gun control advocates have used bad history about the Second Amendment and gun ownership to advance their particular causes. Natalia noted the book, Arming America, by Michael Bellesiles at first was embraced by liberal proponents of gun control until the work was thoroughly discredited for using falsified research. Conservatives argue the Constitution secured an individual right to gun ownership, but historians like Jill Lepore have shown the National Rifle Association has played the critical role in advancing this interpretation since the 1970s.
- This week, Niki wrote about American life in the “Age of the Gun” for U.S. News & World Report.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Pope Francis’ visit to the US, the “quit lit” phenomenon, and Donald Trump.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The papal visit of Pope Francis marks the tenth time a pope has come to the United States. In his new book, We Gather Together, Neil writes about how Pope John Paul II’s papal visits in the 1980s strengthened the American pro-life movement and deepened evangelical-Catholic relations.
- The rise of “quit lit” from professors announcing their departure from academia in written form found its most recent example in an essay for the website Vox. But the fantasy of quitting one’s job has been a frequent theme in American pop culture, from Johnny Paycheck’s country hit, “Take This Job and Shove It,” to the twentieth-century novels Babbitt and Revolutionary Road.
- Donald Trump’s presidential campaign continues to intrigue and puzzle political commentators. Historians have looked for historical precedents for Trump, but it may be that Trump, particularly in terms of his views on immigration and his outrageous comments about Mexicans, is best understood in the historical currents of American populism and nativism. Niki has written frequently on the Trump phenomenon in her column for U.S. News.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia discussed the recent finding that more people in 2015 have died from “selfie-related deaths” than from shark attacks. Such news reminded Natalia of Christopher Lasch’s critique of American society in his 1979 classic, The Culture of Narcissism.
- Neil recommended Johnny Depp’s new movie, Black Mass, which depicts the career of James “Whitey” Bulger, the mafia kingpin and FBI informant who terrorized South Boston in the 1970s and early 1980s.
- ·Niki spoke about Erik Kirschbaum’s recent editorial, “Whatever Happened to German America?” Niki, our resident German American, waxed nostalgic about her love for kuchen, springerle, and the Schnitzelbank drinking song. While understanding the history of discrimination against German Americans, which David Kennedy outlined in his book Over Here, Niki suggested there are much stronger historical reasons why we won’t see an organized drive to reclaim German-American identity any time soon.
Episode 2, September 21, 2015 Show Notes
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss the Planned Parenthood video controversy, the IPO of SoulCycle, and the rise of corporate support for gay rights.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The release of undercover videos showing a Planned Parenthood official discussing the organization’s practice of donating fetal tissue have elicited outrage from conservative outlets. The videos stand in a long tradition of anti-abortion activism, but also demonstrate the increasing power of undercover videos as a form of political activism.
- SoulCycle’s initial public offering has attracted the attention of Wall Street investors, but the cycling brand has received steady criticism from cultural critics since its wheels first started spinning. For those interested in reading more about the history of fitness and wellness, be sure to check out Natalia’s essays on these topics.
- The Dorito’s Rainbow chips are raising money for the It Gets Better Project. Other recent gay-friendly marketing campaigns have included Chipotle’s “Homo Estas” ads and Ben & Jerry’s “I Dough, I Dough” ice cream. Aside from these marketing efforts, corporations have played a leading role in fighting for gay rights since the 1990s.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Natalia responded to a recent New York Times editorial that parents rather than schools should have the ultimate say in their children’s lunches. While acknowledging the class and cultural dimensions of food, Natalia argued that food and nutrition experts needed to have the same educational authority in the classroom that math and history instructors also hold. Natalia has written about how school wellness programs may be the next frontier in the nation’s culture wars.
- Neil discussed Stacy Schiff’s New Yorker article, “The Witches of Salem.” (Schiff’s new book on the Salem Witch Trials comes out in late October.) Neil noted the rich historical literature on the Salem Witch Trials has included Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum’s Salem Possessed and Mary Beth Norton’s In the Devil’s Snare.
- Niki spoke about Ari Berman’s new book Give Us the Ballot which argues we are in the midst of a counterrevolution in voting rights. If you want to read more about the battle over the ballot while you are waiting for Ari’s book to arrive, Niki has written about the history of voting rights several times in her column at U.S. News. See here, here, and here.
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss the jailing of Kim Davis and the history of civil disobedience, the new online marketplace called TeachersPayTeachers, and the controversy over Taylor Swift’s new video for “Wildest Dreams.”
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- The jailing of Kim Davis had her conservative defenders arguing this was an act of civil disobedience while her critics responded Davis’ defiance would ultimately benefit the gay rights movement.
- The website TeachersPayTeachers received glowing coverage from the New York Times.
- Taylor Swift’s new music video for “Wildest Dreams” inspired a swift critique from two African writers. Swift’s production team rushed to the video’s defense, making their own case for historical accuracy. But plenty others have criticized “Wildest Dreams” as promoting a colonial nostalgia.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
- Neil cited Bernie Sanders’ speech at Liberty University and compared it to Mitt Romney’s controversial appearance at Liberty in 2012.
- Natalia discussed Germany’s response to the European refugee crisis in light of the country’s complicated national history.
- Niki compared the stability of the American political system to that of Australia’s that, with the recent election of Malcolm Turnbull to prime minister in a leadership spill, has had five prime ministers in four years.