Past Present

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the historical significance of the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Capitol riots, pundits have reflected on how much of a turning point it was. Natalia referred to this Washington Post piece by Sam Tanenhaus and Kerry Howley’s New York profile of three rioters. Niki wrote about the longer slide toward illiberalism that the riots represented, and Neil cited a New York piece by Rick Perlstein that considered the incident in the longer context of American authoritarianism.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Molly Young’s New York Times Magazine article “How Disgust Explains Everything.” Neil recommended Robert W. Fieseler’s book, Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Upstairs Lounge Fire and The Rise of Gay Liberatio

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of Christmas cards. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Holiday cards have remained popular amid the digitization of many other print products. Neil referred to this Washington Post article by Peter Manseau about the trend of Christmas photos with guns. Natalia drew on this Atlantic piece about the popularity of holiday cards among millennials. Niki discussed the morbid imagery on nineteenth century Christmas cards explored in this History Channel post.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia shared about her first piece for CNN Opinion, “ Big’s Clapback Sells a Familiar Fantasy.” Neil discussed Gabe Stutman’s Jewish News article, “A Carmel School Refused to allow an inflatable menorah at a ‘holiday tree’ lighting. A Jewish parent filed a lawsuit.” Niki recommended Melissa Borja’s Patheos article, “Delightful

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss Dr. Oz running for the U.S. Senate and the history of celebrity politicians. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Celebrity doctor-entertainer Mehmet Oz is running for Senate in Pennsylvania, as a Republican. Niki drew on historian Kathryn Brownell’s book, Showbiz Politics: Hollywood in American Political Life, and Neil referred to Nicholas Kristof’s gubernatorial run. Natalia referred to Olga Khazan’s Atlantic article about Trump’s celebrity candidacy.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed the latest season of Selling Sunset, now streaming on Netflix. Neil recommended historian Paul Renfro’s Teen Vogue article, “Ryan White, Teen Who Contracted AIDS, Shifted Narrative Around The Disease.” Niki shared Dahlia Lithwick’s Slate article, “SCOTUS Will Gaslight Us Until the End” and referred to Michele Goodwin’s New

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of cookbooks and the question of recipes as intellectual property. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  As online recipes and cookbooks become big business, issues of plagiarism and copyright are becoming more common. Natalia referred to Helen Zoe Veit’s Smithsonian article and larger body of work and, along with Niki, to this history of cookbooks in the Atlantic.    In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia recommended Amanda Mull’s Atlantic article, “Peloton Is Stuck, Just Like the Rest of Us.” Neil discussed Jonathan D. Sarna’s Forward article, “How Hanukkah Came To The White House,” and his column at The Week, “The History and Gravity of Hanukkah In The White House.” Niki shared her latest column for CNN, “Marcus Lamb’s Career and Anti-Vax Message Speak to Power of Christian Broadcasters.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of #GivingTuesday. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Giving Tuesday has become as familiar a Thanksgiving holiday ritual as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Natalia referred to political philosopher Rob Reich’s book, Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better and his Washington Post opinion piece; Niki referenced this Vox   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia shared Ed Yong’s Atlantic article, “Even Health-Care Workers With Long Covid Are Being Dismissed.” Neil discussed the ESPN.com feature, “Hello, Heisman!” Niki recommended Martha S. Jones’ New York Times essay, “Enslaved To a Founding Father, She Sought Freedom in France.”

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of gratitude. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Thanksgiving is upon us, but gratitude is a virtue celebrated in American culture all year long. Natalia and Niki referred to Barbara Ehrenreich’s book Bright-Sided: Why Positive Thinking Is Undermining America, and Natalia drew on this piece to argue why a historical perspective is illuminating, if counterintuitive, on this question. All three hosts referenced the critique of gratitude as a therapeutic practice articulated in this Baffler article.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia shared about the new co-working space in Saks Fifth Avenue, profiled in this New York Times piece by Ginia Bellafante. Neil discussed Ben Smith’s New York Times article, “His Reasons For Opposing Trump Were Biblical. Now A Top Christian Editor Is Out.” Niki recommended Paul F

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of diversity workshops and sensitivity training. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  As conservative attacks on a supposed takeover of American institutions by proponents of critical race theory escalate, many on the political left have begun to articulate distinctions between “trainings” and education that deal with race. Natalia recommended this Inside Higher Education piece by historians Jeffrey A. Snyder and Amna Khalid and this blog post about the history of executive coaching.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Amelia Nierenberg’s New York Times article, “Should California De-Track Math?” Neil shared his Twitter thread about Dennis Prager’s comments about the history of gay men and HIV-AIDS. Niki recommended L.D. Burnett’s Medium post, “The ‘University of Austin’ Grift Isn’t New,” and Dani

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the return of the New York City Marathon and the history of long-distance racing. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The fiftieth New York City Marathon was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, but the race has returned this year. Natalia referred to historian Dylan Gottlieb’s Public Seminar article about the origins of the race and to runner Kathrine Switzer’s memoir, Marathon Woman.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia shared the latest episode of Vox Media’s Nice Try podcast, on which she contributes to a discussion of the history of the weight as a fitness accessory. Neil discussed the 2006 Chicago Tribune article, “Sushi and Rev. Moon.” Niki recommended a new podcast, Unclear and Present Danger, from Jamelle Bouie and John Ganz.

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Democratic Party’s “Build Back Better” bill. 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’s proposed spending package contains some potentially transformative legislation: especially around childcare. Neil referred to this New Republic essay about the extent of the proposals, and Natalia drew on this New York Times article considering how Biden measures up to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Niki referenced this CBS News poll about voters’ levels of familiarity with the bill’s measures.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Rebecca Traister’s interview with Katie Couric in The Cut. Neil shared his column for The Week, “Celebrity Endorsers Don’t Sell Merch Anymore. They Sell Morals.” Niki recommended Jonathan M. Katz’ article in The Racket, “Some Very Fine People Walked Into a Courthouse,” and

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the life and legacy of Colin Powell, the United States’ first Black Secretary of State. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Colin Powell died earlier this month of complications from the coronavirus, prompting discussion of the legacy of his term as Secretary of State, and especially of the Powell Doctrine. Neil mentioned Michael Hirsh’s support for the Powell Doctrine in a recent piece for Foreign Policy. Niki referred to Leah Wright Rigueur’s book, The Loneliness of the Black Republican, and to historian Peniel Joseph’s CNN piece about Powell’s legacy.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed the latest episode of the Conspirituality podcast on which she appears. Neil recommended the HBO Max documentary series, The Way Down. Niki shared Emily Nussbaum’s New Yorker article, “Difficult Women: How 'Sex and the

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the inflation currently affecting the U.S. economy. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  “Shadow inflation” is affecting many American industries, in which services are being scaled back as prices remain the same or increase. Niki referred to this Vox article about the changes since the inflation of the 1970s.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed the New York Times magazine article, “The Park Bench is an Endangered Species.” Neil reflected on the latest film in the 007 franchise, “No Time to Die.” Niki shared CNN anchor Jake Tapper’s discussion of the Sacklers’ role in the opioid crisis.

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The Congressional testimony of whistleblower Frances Haugen is raising new questions about the social effects of Facebook’s global market domination. Niki referred to this interview with Facebook expert Siva Vaidhyanathan and Haugen’s 60 Minutes interview. Natalia drew on this NPR history of whistleblowing.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Apoorva Mandavilli’s New York Times article, “A New Vaccine Strategy for Children: One Dose, For Now” – and the correction issued about it. Neil recommended the Romanian documentary, Collective. Niki shared Noam Cohen’s Wired article, “One Woman’s Mission to Rewrite Nazi History on Wikipedia.”

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. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Innovative fine dining restaurant Eleven Madison Park has earned mixed reviews for its newly vegan menu. Natalia cited historian Adam Shprintzen’s book The Vegetarian Crusade: The Rise of An American Reform Movement, 1817-1921. Niki cited the 1971 book Diet for a Small Planet along with Aymann Ismail’s Slate piece on the complications that plant-based pork substitutes present to Muslims and Amirah Mercer’s Eater essay on how she found empowerment in the history of Black veganism.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia commented on the latest season of the NBC series This Is Us. Neil shared his column for The Week, “Big Brother’s Historic Black Victory

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the disappearance of Gabby Petito and the media frenzy that has ensued. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The disappearance and death of aspiring influencer Gabby Petito has set off a national media frenzy, sparked in part by social media sleuths who unpacked the case in real time on TikTok. Natalia referred to this Buzzfeed article about the “influencer” angle on the case, and all of us drew on this NPR piece on “missing white woman syndrome.” Neil discussed the true crime podcasts Finding Cleo and Women of Juarez, and Natalia recommended journalist Connie Walker’s extensive work on violence against indigenous women. Natalia also referred to the American Murder episode about Shannan Watts, scholar Alyssa Smith’s work on the spectacle of violence in the true crime genre, and this WNYC segment about how to do “ethical true crime.”   In our reg

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. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Ivermectin, a drug commonly used to treat parasitic infections in livestock, is flying off the shelves as a remedy for the coronavirus. Natalia referred to this Washington Post article about medical abuses, and Niki referenced the history of “patent medicines.”   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia recommended the Amazon documentary series LulaRich. Neil discussed the news that Dan Quayle told Mike Pence he had no authority to overturn the 2020 election results. Niki commented on the tenth anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the implications of the new restrictions on abortion rights in Texas. 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 has failed to strike down a Texas law that drastically restricts abortion rights. Natalia referred to this Vogue article about “what six weeks pregnant looks like,” and Niki discussed this Public Seminar piece. Niki and Natalia drew on Lina Maria-Murillo’s Washington Post essay about the history of American women seeking abortions in Mexico.    In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Kate Taylor’s Business Insider article, “Brandy Melville’s CEO Doesn’t Want Black People to Wear the Brand’s Clothing.” Neil commented on the new FX series, “Impeachment: American Crime Story.” Niki recommended Shannon Melero’s article, “The Peloton Takeover Is Almost Complete.”

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the past and present of U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  After nearly two decades, President Biden announced that all American troops were leaving Afghanistan, which quickly fell to the Taliban. Natalia referred to Jeremy Varon’s Washington Post piece about the antiwar movement, and to this conversation at Public Seminar between historians Claire Bond Potter and Amanda Demmer.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia recommended the Netflix series The Chair. Neil discussed James Poniewozik’s New York Times article, “How TV Went From David Brent to Ted Lasso.” Niki talked about the political significance of the gubernatorial recall election underway in California.  

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the rise – and fate – of the “ethnic food aisle” at the American grocery store. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The New York Times published an article about the debate over the ethnic food aisle, which is both undeniably ethnocentric and an important sales channel for purveyors of such products. Natalia referenced chef David Chang’s opposition to the phenomenon and this debacle over a “clean Chinese” restaurant in New York City.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom’s new gig at the New York Times. Neil shared about the new podcast, “No Place Like Home.” Niki recommended Claire Lampen’s The Cut article, “Wondering What To Do With that Cuomosexual Cashmere?”

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the pandemic. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year, are in full swing despite the ongoing pandemic. Natalia mentioned this NPR piece about the unfair treatment of Paralympics competitor Becca Meyers, and Neil referred to the ambiguity over whether breastfeeding mothers could bring their babies into the Olympic Village. Natalia discussed this New York Times piece about past gymnasts who have been injured in competition. Neil mentioned his column for The Week on conservative media’s attack on Team USA.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed the Netflix series, “Never Have I Ever.” Neil commented on the HBO documentary, The Weight of Gold. Niki talked about Mary Robinette Kowal’s New York Times essay, “Wally Funk is Defying Gravity and

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the mass protests in Cuba. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The streets of Cuba are filled with protestors enraged by the poor handling of the pandemic and the excesses of the police state. Natalia mentioned Cuba scholar Rebecca Bodenheimer’s Twitter account and this POLITICO piece. Niki drew on this NPR segment about the role of artists in the uprising.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Michael Kranish’s Washington Post article, “How Tucker Carlson Became the Voice of White Grievance.” Neil shared the podcast “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.” Niki commented on two new books about the last year of the Trump presidency, by Michael Wolff and Michael C. Bender.