In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of the sleepover – and why they have become so complicated for parents today.

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

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Parents have strong feelings about sleepovers. Niki referred to this Glamour roundup of sleepovers in pop culture, and Natalia drew on this Atlantic article. We all drew on this history of slumber parties and folklore from JSTOR Daily.

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

• Natalia recommended Annie Abrams’ forthcoming book, Shortchanged: How Advanced Placement Cheats Students.
• Neil shared Elizabeth Hinton’s American Historical Review essay, “The Last Great Battle of the West.”
• Niki discussed Ronan Farrow’s book Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators.

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the “nepo baby” phenomenon.

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

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Everyone seems to be talking about “nepo babies.” Niki referred to Adam Bellow’s Atlantic article about the promise of an updated nepotism. Natalia cited this New York Times essay about political nepotism, and Neil drew on this National Constitution Center article about the founders.

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

• Natalia recommended the Bloomberg podcast, “The School Board Queen.”
• Neil shared Suzanna Krivulskaya’s Religion Dispatches article, “Bad Preachers’ Wives.”
• Niki discussed Erin Byers Murray’s Nashville Lifestyles piece, “Nashville Public Library Introduces New Exhibit: Votes for Women.”

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the political controversy over regulating gas stoves.

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

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• The Biden administration raised the possibility of a ban on gas stoves in new construction. Niki referred to this VICE article about the culture-wars issue this became. Natalia cited this Mother Jones article on the affective appeal of gas stoves. Niki also drew on this National Review essay about the racialized impact of the measure.

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

• Natalia recommended the latest episode of Claire Bond Potter’s podcast, Why Now, in which she interviews Ryan James Girdusky.
• Neil shared about the podcast, The Trojan Horse Affair.
• Niki discussed the Chicago Public Library’s collection of Harold Washington’s speeches.

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the process of selecting the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• At the time of our recording, the House of Representatives was still without a Speaker. Niki referred to Timothy Shenk’s new book, Realigners. Natalia cited this National Review article, and Neil drew on this NPR piece.

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

• Natalia recommended the new social reading app, Threadable.
• Neil discussed the southern tradition of the “groom’s cake,” explained in Southern Living magazine.
• Niki shared Robert Moss’ Epicurious article, “How Celery Went From Victorian Centerpiece to Football Snack.”

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.

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

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.”