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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: February, 2023
Feb 28, 2023

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy. 

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

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.

Feb 21, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss ChatGPT.

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

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.

Feb 14, 2023

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

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

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!

Feb 7, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of the Advanced Placement program.

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

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

 

 

 

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

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