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.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

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.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

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?”