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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: Page 2
Jun 27, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the failed attempt of the Ocean Gate submersible to explore the Titanic wreckage.

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

 

·      The world watched as a multimillion dollar search for the submersible Titan transpired and failed. Natalia drew on this account of the world’s most expensive tourist experiences. Niki referenced this Washington Post article on how Mount Everest became a tourist attraction and this National Geographic story about the history of mountaineering.

 

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

·      Natalia recommended the latest season of the Netflix show Never Have I Ever.

·      Neil discussed Jessica Grose’s New York Times piece, “The Largest and Fastest Religious Shift in America is Well Underway”.

·      Niki shared about the new podcast, Coverup: The Pill Plot.

 

Jun 20, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the indictment of former President Donald Trump.

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

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

 

·      Former President Donald Trump has been indicted related to the mishandling of classified documents and other charges. Neil referred to this New Yorker article about how Trump is trying to reframe the narrative around these proceedings, and Natalia drew on this NPR article about the history of presidential wrongdoing. Niki referenced this New York Times article about the history of the Espionage Act.

 

 

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

·      Natalia talked about Stephanie Noda’s NorthJersey.com article, “Do Honors Classes Favor ‘compliant and organized’ kids? Westwood Wants to Change That.”

·      Neil discussed Jesse Walker’s Reason article, “How Pat Robertson Shepherded His Flock Into Politics.”

·      Niki recommended Elaina Plott Calabro’s Atlantic article, “A Star Reporter’s Break With Reality.”

 

Jun 13, 2023

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil the new documentary about the Duggar family, Shiny Happy People

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

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

 

·      The Duggar family, who became famous on their reality show 19 Kids and Counting, is back in the spotlight due to a new documentary. Niki referred to this Washington Post article about Christian homeschooling and parenting, and Natalia cited this Relevant magazine article about Beth Moore. We all drew on this New Republic essay about the fundamentalist leader, Bill Gothard.

 

 

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

·      Natalia talked about Ruth Marcus’ Washington Post essay, “I Lost 40 Pounds on Ozempic. But I’m Left With Even More Questions.”

·      Neil recommended two books, Fintan O’Toole’s We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland, and John Boyne’s The Heart’s Invisible Furies: A Novel.

·      Niki shared about historian Martha Hodes’ new memoir, My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering.

Jun 6, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the role of car dealers in U.S. political culture.

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

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

 

·      Car salesmen play an underappreciated role in GOP power politics, a recent Slate article argued. Niki cited this data reported in The Verge, and Natalia drew on this NPR story. We all drew on this history of the industry at CNN.

 

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

·      Natalia discussed Summer Lin, Andrew J. Campa, and Howard Blume’s Los Angeles Times article, “Fight Erupts At Anti-Pride Day Protest Outside L.A. School Where Trans Teacher’s Flag Was Burned.”

·      Neil recommended Shoshi Parks’ Smithsonian story, “How the U.S. Almost Became a Nation of Hippo Ranchers.”

·      Niki shared about Ja’han Jones’ MSNBC article, “Obama Oral History is the G.O.A.T.”

May 30, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of rock star Tina Turner. 

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

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

 

·      Tina Turner, at age 83, died last week. Neil drew on this Guardian article about Turner’s genre-crossing body of work and this New Yorker essay, while Natalia referenced this Buzzfeed list that discussed her influence on generations of artists. Neil also recommended the documentary, Tina.

 

 

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

·      Natalia discussed the experimental Jewish community LAB/SHUL.

·      Neil recommended the Daily podcast episode, “When the Culture Wars Came for NASA.”

·      Niki shared about her most recent column for CNN, “Don’t Misread the Failed Effort to Put the Ten Commandments in Every Classroom.”

May 23, 2023

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Martha Stewart’s appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

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

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

 

·      Martha Stewart, at age 82, is the oldest model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Neil discussed the first swimsuit issue, in 1964, and Niki referred to this Washington Post article about different “firsts” on the publication’s cover. We all drew on this Slate history of the swimsuit issue.

 

 

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

·      Natalia discussed historian Dan Royles’ book, To Make the Wounded Whole: The African American Struggle Against HIV/AIDS.

·      Neil recommended the new Hulu series, Grand Nighthawk: Infiltrating the KKK.

·      Niki shared about James Risen’s new book, The Last Honest Man: The CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedys.

May 16, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of camping in the United States.

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

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

 

·      Camping has a long history as a form of recreation – and more. Natalia drew on this New Yorker review of historian Phoebe Young’s book on camping, as well as historian Rachel Gross’ forthcoming book on the history of outdoor gear. Neil recommended the podcasts Lost Hills and Park Predators, and Niki referred to this history about the exclusion of women from camping.

 

 

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

·      Natalia recommended historian Estelle B. Freedman’s Oral History Review article, “’Not A Word Was Ever Said Again’: Silence and Speech in Women’s Oral History Accounts of Sexual Harassment.”

·      Neil discussed Lauren McCarthy’s New York Times article, “Why Americans Are Smuggling Fruit Roll-Ups Into Israel.”

·      Niki shared about Jonathan Eig’s new book, King: A Life.

May 9, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the continued cutbacks and collapses of digital media companies.

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

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

 

·      Buzzfeed is the most recent company to announce massive layoffs. Natalia cited Derek Thompson’s Atlantic newsletter, and Niki referred to media columnist Ben Smith’s new book, Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral. We all drew on this New York Times article about the future of media.

 

 

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

·      Natalia shared Joshua Travis Brown’s Chronicle of Higher Education essay, “The Ethical Poverty of Dorms for the Rich.”

·      Neil recommended this episode of the Slate Culture podcast and Aaliyah Wright’s Capital B article, “Once An ‘All-Black Utopia,’ Eatonville Residents Say New Development Could Erase History.”

·      Niki discussed Claire McNear’s Ringer article, “The Search for the Lost Jeopardy Tapes is Over. The Mystery Behind Them Endures.”

May 2, 2023

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Tucker Carlson’s dismissal from Fox News.

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

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

 

·         Fox News personality Tucker Carlson was summarily fired earlier this week, intensifying turmoil at the conservative news network. Niki covered this in her most recent CNN column. Natalia drew on this POLITICO piece about the future of streaming news and this Atlantic essay about Carlson’s early career.

 

 

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

·         Natalia discussed Ashley Southall’s New York Times article, “Harlem Businesses Sue to Stop Cannabis Dispensary Planned for 125th Street.”

·         Neil recommended the new Netflix series Queen Charlotte.

·         Niki shared about Josh Moody’s Inside Higher Ed article, “New College Board Denies Tenure for 5 Professors.”

Apr 25, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the push to rollback child labor laws in the United States.

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

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

 

·         Republican legislatures have begun to chip away at protective child labor laws across the country. The New York Times has also reported on how the Biden administration has refused to address child labor abuses. Natalia referenced this Guardian article about Iowa’s rollback of protective labor legislation, and Niki referred to this NPR report. Neil drew on the this New York Times opinion piece.

 

 

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

·         Natalia discussed her own reaction to a change in Twitter’s “blue check” marker.

·         Neil recommended Kathryn Schulz’ New Yorker essay “How One Mother’s Love for Her Gay Son Started a Revolution.”

·         Niki shared about the Washington Post piece, “Mistaken Address Shootings Echo Killing of Japanese Teen 30 Years Ago,” and Andrew McKevitt’s forthcoming book, Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America.

 

Apr 18, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the expulsion of two representatives from the Tennessee state legislature.

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

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

 

·         When two Democratic lawmakers were expelled from the Tennessee legislature, discussion turned to the state of democracy there – and in the nation. Niki referred to this Vox article about Tennessee’s dubious distinction as the least democratic state. Natalia drew on this Memphis Flyer piece about how the state turned red, and Neil referenced this Jacobin essay about the insufficiency of federalism to ensure democracy.

 

 

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

·         Natalia discussed this PBS News Hour podcast, “Study Shows Parents Overestimate Their Student’s Academic Progress.”

·         Neil recommended Allyson P. Brantley’s Slate piece, “Queer Beer.”

·         Niki shared Lauren MacIvor Thompson’s Washington Post article, “The Original Comstock Act Doesn’t Support the New Antiabortion Decision.”

Apr 11, 2023

In this rerun episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of spring break and other topics. 

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

Apr 4, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of children’s story hour. 

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

On this week’s Past Present episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil J. Young discuss the history of children’s story hour.

 

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

 

·         “Drag queen story hours” have become the latest arena in the culture wars. Niki drew on this Slate piece about children’s librarian Anne Carroll Moore. Neil referenced this New York Times piece on the history of drag queen story hours. Natalia referred to historian Julia Mickenberg’s book Learning from the Left: Children’s Literature, the Cold War, and Radical Politics in the United States.

 

 

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

·         Natalia discussed historian Ava Purkiss’ new book, Fit Citizens: A History of Black Women’s Exercise from Post Reconstruction to Postwar America.

·         Neil recommended Gina Kolata’s New York Times article, “DNA From Beethoven’s Hair Unlocks Medical and Family Secrets.”

·         Niki shared Maham Javaid’s Washington Post article, “After a 1935 Tragedy, a Priest Vowed to Teach Kids About Menstruation.”

Mar 28, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the politics and political future of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

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

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

 

·         Speculation about a 2024 presidential run by Governor Ron DeSantis is filling media across the political spectrum. Natalia referred to this POLITICO piece about Trump losing hold on the grass roots and to this New York essay by Jonathan Chait on DeSantis’ relationship to Trumpism. Niki referenced this Reuters report on DeSantis’ foreign policy perspectives. Neil reflected on DeSantis’ popularity in Florida, discussed in this Washington Post essay.

 

 

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

·         Natalia discussed Ben Weingarten’s Real Clear Investigations report, “The Problematic Rise of Media Literacy Education.”

·         Neil recommended Jennifer Schuessler’s New York Times article, “For Rare Books Librarians, It’s Gloves Off. Seriously.

·         Niki shared about her CNN column, “Trump’s Visit to Waco is a Provocation of Historic Significance.”

Mar 21, 2023

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

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

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

 

·         Fueled by social media panic, depositors ran to withdraw from Silicon Valley Bank this month. Neil drew on this institutional history of the bank at Medium. Niki recommended historian Margaret O’Mara’s book The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America, and Natalia referenced this POLITICO piece in which she is quoted. Natalia drew on this Derek Thompson Atlantic article and referenced this Wall Street Journal opinion piece.

 

 

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

·         Natalia recommended Chavie Lieber’s Wall Street Journal article, “How Young Women Fight Loneliness –Walking Together in the Park by the Hundreds.”

·         Neil shared about Maria Clara Cabo’s New York Times article, “’Phantom’ Ends. For Musicians, So Does the Gig of a Lifetime.”

·         Niki discussed Susan Salai’s Washington Times piece, “War on Government: ‘Sovereign Citizens’ Bring Surge of Violence.”

Mar 14, 2023

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of disability rights activist Judith Heumann.

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

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

 

·         Disability rights activist Judith Heumann died earlier this month. Natalia recommended the documentary Crip Camp and this JSTOR Daily collection of sources in disability studies, as well as the blog Nursing Clio.

 

 

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

·         Natalia recommended Alexis Grenell’s Nation column, “Why Do Republicans Keep Pretending to Be Jewish?

·         Neil shared about a blog post on Daily Kos,Tap Water Makes People Gay—Why Yes, Says DeSantis Appointee.”

·         Niki discussed George Packer’s Atlantic article, “A View of American History That Leads to One Conclusion.”

Mar 7, 2023

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the Supreme Court’s deliberation over the cancellation of student loan debt.

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

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

 

·         The Supreme Court seems poised to strike down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness policy. Natalia referred to this CNBC timeline of the recent history of the student-loan cancellation movement and drew on this Washington Post essay about the devaluation of education as a public good. Neil drew on this Slate history about the culture of debt in the United States, and Niki used this explainer to elaborate the “major questions doctrine.”

 

 

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

·         Natalia recommended Matt Yglesias’ post, “Why Are Young Liberals So Depressed?” on his Substack, Slow Boring.

·         Neil shared about a new podcast, Recollecting Carter.

·         Niki discussed Maura Judkis’ Washington Post article, “American Girl says the ‘90s are Ancient History. American Girls Agree.”

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:

Jan 31, 2023

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:

 

 

 

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

Jan 24, 2023

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:

 

 

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

Jan 17, 2023

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:

 

 

 

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

Jan 10, 2023

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:

 

 

 

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

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