Past Present

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast   Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:   Former leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev has died. We reflected on the slew of essays in S. publications remembering Gorbachev through a mostly positive light. Neil mentioned Saturday Night Live’s frequent send-ups of Gorbachev.     In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed Sarah Mervosh’s New York Times article, “The Pandemic Erased Two Decades of Progress in Math and Reading,” which she also discussed on KCRW. Neil commented on Katrin Bennhold’s New York Times article, “In Finland, a Partying Prime Minister Draws Tuts, and Cheers.” Niki recommended Bonnie Garmus’ novel Lessons in Chemistry.