In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss COVID-19 and the history of protective face masks.

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

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.”

Support Past Present: http://www.pastpresentpodcast.com/

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.

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

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.

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

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.”