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Past Present

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.
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Now displaying: 2021
Dec 21, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of Christmas cards.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

Dec 14, 2021

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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Dec 7, 2021

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of cookbooks and the question of recipes as intellectual property.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

Nov 30, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of #GivingTuesday.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

Nov 23, 2021

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of gratitude.

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Nov 16, 2021

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of diversity workshops and sensitivity training.

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Nov 9, 2021

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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Nov 2, 2021

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Democratic Party’s “Build Back Better” bill.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

Oct 26, 2021

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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Oct 19, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the inflation currently affecting the U.S. economy.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

Oct 12, 2021

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

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Oct 5, 2021

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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Sep 28, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the disappearance of Gabby Petito and the media frenzy that has ensued.

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Sep 21, 2021

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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Sep 14, 2021

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the implications of the new restrictions on abortion rights in Texas.

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Aug 31, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the past and present of U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan.

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Aug 17, 2021

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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Aug 3, 2021

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the pandemic.

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Jul 20, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the mass protests in Cuba.

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Jul 6, 2021

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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Jun 29, 2021

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the Supreme Court decision to allow education-related payments to student-athletes.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

Jun 22, 2021

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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Jun 15, 2021

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of LGBTQ+ Pride.

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Jun 8, 2021

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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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.
Jun 1, 2021

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the emergence of the cicadas this season.

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In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

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