Episodes
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In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss â and celebrate! â Neilâs new book, Coming Out Republican: A History of the Gay Right.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Coming Out Republican is now available for order. You can buy Neilâs book here.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia shared about the Gothamist article, âStop the Schtup: Brooklyn Orthodox Women Join Sex Strike to Pressure Husbands Over Divorce.â
· Neil commented on his forthcoming piece at The Revealer, âReaching the Heartland: Gay Republicansâ Message to Religious Americans.â
· Niki recommended Heather Radkeâs book, Butts: A Backstory.
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss controversies over Christmas âclassics.â
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Beloved Christmas songs and movies, like so many cultural products, have come under new scrutiny recently. Neilâs Atlantic essay about Christmas controversies informed our whole conversation. We drew on this Atlantic essay that began the backlash against the film Love Actually, and Natalia referenced this interview with its director. Niki referred to this Variety essay about âBaby, Itâs Cold Outside.â
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia, Neil, and Niki reflected on eight years of making the show together and announced both Nikiâs departure and Past Presentâs first hiatus. Thank you, Niki. And listeners, see you in the spring!
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the strange career of now ex-Republican Congressman George Santos.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· George Santosâ lies are so numerous, it is difficult to keep track of them. Niki referred to this Atlantic article about how Santos got elected, and Neil and Natalia referred to this one by Adam Serwer. We all drew on this New York Times history of expelled Congress members.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia declared her ambition to compete in the HYROX fitness competition.
· Neil recommended the Slate podcast Dear Prudence and historian Julie Goliaâs book, Newspaper Confessions: A History of Advice Columns in a Pre-Internet Age.
· Niki discussed Rivka Galchenâs New Yorker article, âInside the Illegal Cactus Trade.â
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Nikki Haley recently secured the backing of the wealthy Koch Brothers, bringing more attention to her presidential run. Natalia referred to this multi-part POLITICO series on Haleyâs career. Neil drew on this NPR piece, and Niki on this article from The Intercept.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia shared about her most recent MSNBC column, âHow Feminists Have Failed Israeli Victims of Sexual Violence.â
· Neil recommended Sopan Debâs New York Times article, âNom Nom Nom. Whatâs the Deal With Cookie Monsterâs Cookies?â
· Niki discussed the National Security Archiveâs âHenry Kissinger: The Declassified Obituary.â
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Americansâ attachment to the thirty-year mortgage.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· A thirty-year mortgage is an enticement to home ownership â if you can lock one in at a low interest rate. Niki cited this Washington Post article about the unfavorable market for millennial homebuyers, and Natalia referenced this New Yorker piece about the pitfalls of mortgages. We all drew on this Atlantic article about the resilience of the âownership societyâ ideal. Natalia referred to this New York Times article about a landlord harassed by her tenant.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia shared about the paperback release of Myth America: Historians Take on the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past and a 60% holiday discount on the audiobook of Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of Americaâs Exercise Obsession.
· Neil recommended visiting the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale, California.
· Niki discussed the latest episode of the What Next podcast, âMoms for Liberty Tanked at the Polls. This Guy Called It.â
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of drive-thru dining.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Drive-through dining is more popular than ever since the pandemic. Neil drew on this Serious Eats history, and we all referred to this photo collection.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia recommended Eboo Patelâs essay for Inside Higher Ed, âWhy Campuses Need Centers for Pluralism.â
· Neil discussed Natasha Singerâs New York Times article, âThis Florida District Banned Cellphones. Hereâs What Happened.â
· Niki shared about the latest episode of Unclear and Present Danger, on which she appears.
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of divorce law in the United States.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is a proponent of âcovenant marriage,â an institutional arrangement that makes it much more difficult to get divorced. Natalia referred to this Atlantic article about the history of no-fault divorce. Niki drew on this JSTOR Daily piece on how women advocated for these changes and on this CNN piece as well.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia recommended the âDog Eat Dogâ episode of Season 4 of the History Channelâs Food That Built America program.
· Neil discussed Bruce Weberâs New York Times obituary, âBobby Knight, Basketball Coach Known for Trophies and Tantrums, Dies at 83.â
· Niki shared about a new edited collection, LBJâs America: The Life and Legacies of Lyndon Baines Johnson.
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the drama around the election of the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Until this week, the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was little known beyond Louisiana and ultraconservative circles. Natalia referenced this CNN piece about Johnsonâs homophobic comments, and historian Matthew Dallekâs article for TIME. Neil referred to Nikiâs latest CNN column.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed Ksenia Svetlovaâs New Republic piece, âWhy We On the Israeli Left Feel Hit on Both Sides.â
· Neil recommended historian Lauren Lassabe Shepherdâs Daily Beast article, âCould Mississippi Actually Elect a Democratic Governor?â
· Niki shared about the Radiotopia podcast, âThe Unmarked Graveyard: Stories from Hart Island.â
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of restaurant reservations.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Restaurant reservations, like so much else, are getting gamified. Neil referred to this New York Times article. We all drew on this overview of historian Paul Freedmanâs book and this Atlantic article.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia shared about Britney Spearsâ new memoir, The Woman in Me.
· Neil recommended historian Daniel Immerwahrâs New Yorker article, âBeyond the Myth of Rural Americaâ and Steven Connâs book The Lies of the Land: Seeing Rural America for What It Is â And Isnât.
· Niki discussed Elizabeth Williamsonâs New York Times article, âJudge Wonât Let Alex Jones Use Bankruptcy to Avoid Sandy Hook Damages.â
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of musical megatours and the concert movies they inspired.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· BeyoncĂ© and Taylor Swift made concert history this summer, and are now offering feature film versions of their concerts for the masses. Niki referenced this CNN article, and Natalia cited Taffy Brodesser-Aknerâs New York Times Magazine analysis of Swiftiedom.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia shared about her upcoming events in the Center for Jewish Historyâs âArchives to Earbudsâ series.
· Neil recommended the podcast series, Keys to the Kingdom.
· Niki discussed the new film, One Life.
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of historic preservation.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Historic preservation is almost as old as U.S. history. Natalia drew on this Discourse magazine article, and Niki discussed this New Yorker essay. Neil referenced this New York Times opinion essay.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed Matthew Schmitzâ Compact article, âMillennial Socialists Embrace Atrocities.â
· Neil shared Paige Williamsâ New Yorker essay, âAmong the Cabin Fanatics of Mississippiâs Giant Houseparty.â
· Niki recommended Matthew Dallekâs new book, Birchers: How the John Birch Society Radicalized the American Right.
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the rise â and fall? â of the TED Talk.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· The writer Coleman Hughes gave a TED Talk on race earlier this year, and caused a stir when he advocated for âcolorblindnessâ â and then accused TED of depressing the online circulation of his talk. Natalia cited this essay at The Drift, as well as this Atlantic article. Niki and Neil both drew on this Huffington Post history of TED, while Niki also referenced this New York Times profile of Chris Anderson, the head of TED. Neil commented on this New York Times article likening TED Talks to a religious event.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia invited scholars and writers to submit pitches for the series on physical culture that she is guest-editing for Nursing Clio.
· Neil shared about John Rileyâs Metro Weekly article, âCalifornia Republicans Reject Platform Change on Gay Marriage.â
· Niki recommended the new special issue of the Journal of African American History, on the âBlack 1980s.â
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of political dress codes.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· In the wake of a debate over Senator John Fettermanâs casual style, the Senate voted to set a more formal dress code. Neil drew on this Gentlemanâs Gazette article, and Natalia referenced Rhonda Garelickâs New York Times essay. Niki cited this POLITICO piece and this Washingtonian article.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia recommended Jessica Bennettâs New York Times package, âBeing 13.â
· Neil shared about the Deseret News poll, âRepublicans See Trump as a âPerson of Faithâ⊠More So Than Mitt Romney, Mike Pence, and Othersâ
· Niki discussed the 1921 New York Times article, âIs the New Woman A Traitor to Her Race?â
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the apparent crisis at scholar Ibram X. Kendiâs Center for Antiracist Research.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· After amassing tens of millions of dollars in funding, Boston Universityâs Center for Antiracist Research abruptly laid off a third of its staff last week. Natalia referred to historian Holly Brewerâs scholarly critique of Kendiâs work in this Liberties essay, and Niki referred to extensive right-wing coverage of the issue, like this Fox News piece.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia recommended Aymann Ismailâs Slate essay, âClosed Book.â
· Neil shared about historian Benjamin E. Parkâs Slate essay, âSound of Freedomâs Tim Ballard Is a Star on the Right. Why Would His Church Denounce Him?â
· Niki discussed her column for CNN Opinion, âMaren Morrisâ Powerful Farewell to Country Music.â
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the latest âcrisis of masculinity.â
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Men, according to a recent New York Times report, benefit from a âthumb on the scaleâ when it comes to college admissions. The report belongs to a larger debate over a âcrisis of masculinityâ today. Niki referred to this New York magazine article about Andrew Tate, and Natalia cited right-wing documentaries The End of Men and What is a Woman? Natalia and Niki both cited Christine Embaâs interview in Vox, and Neil referred to this New Yorker article.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed the ProPublica investigative report, âHow Columbia Ignored Women, Undermined Prosecutors and Protected a Predator for More Than 20 Years.â
· Neil shared about Remy Tuminâs New York Times article, âThe Battle to Save Marilyn Monroeâs Last Home.â
· Niki recommended Mark Joseph Sternâs Slate article, âThe Volunteer Moms Poring Over Archives to Prove Clarence Thomas Wrong.â
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of telemarketing.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· The new HBO docuseries Telemarketers is bringing attention to a decades-old industry. Niki drew on this Atlantic article about scams in the industry and this history of the âDo Not Callâ registry, and Natalia drew on this Slate piece.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed her latest MSNBC column, âRamaswamy Amplifies A Strange, Outdated Myth to Back a Genuinely Good Idea.â
· Neil shared about his most recent CNN piece, âStrays is a Raunchy, Hilarious Reminder of a Real Problem.â
· Niki recommended Jonathan Chaitâs New York magazine review, âSamuel Moyn Canât Stop Blaming Trumpism on Liberals.â
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of the mugshot.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· The release of former President Donald Trumpâs mugshot was met with enthusiasm across the political spectrum. We discussed the long history of the mugshot. Niki drew on this NPR piece, and Natalia referred to this Hyperallergic post. Neil and Natalia referenced this Marshall Project report.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed the Independent Womenâs Forum report, âOberlin College Administrators Caught on Secret Recording Reprimanding Head Lacrosse Coach for Defending Womenâs Sports.â
· Neil recommended the podcast series, America After Roe.
· Niki shared about her latest CNN column, âHow the GOP Used Joe the Plumber to Sell a Myth.â
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In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the significance of major cutbacks at West Virginia University.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· The announcement of major cutbacks to academic programs at West Virginia University has drawn ire from students and alumni. Natalia cited this Atlantic article by Tom Nichols and this Nation essay by Lisa M. Corrigan. Niki drew on this PBS article.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed the edited collection, Who Would Believe a Prisoner?: Indiana Womenâs Carceral Institutions, 1848-1920.
· Neil recommended the Netflix film, âRed, White, and Royal Blueâ and this BBC article about hate-watching.
· Niki shared about Kathryn Cramer Brownellâs new book, 24/7 Politics, and her Los Angeles Review of Books essay, âPropaganda, Outrage, and Entertainment.â
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In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the current strike in Hollywood.
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike for more than one hundred days. Niki drew on this Hollywood Reporter article about Ronald Reaganâs tenure as a union leader. Natalia referred to this New Yorker story about Orange Is The New Black, and we all drew on this NPR retrospective on the history of Hollywood strikes.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia discussed her essay âWeâre All Preppy Nowâ for The New Republic.
· Neil recommended historian Lauren Lassabe Shepherdâs new book, Resistance From the Right.
· Niki shared about Ben Strauss and Molly Hensley-Clancyâs Washington Post article, âHollywood Cashed in on âBlind Sideâ Success.â
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In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss âtrigger warnings.â
Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast
Here are some links and references mentioned during this weekâs show:
· An essay in The Atlantic by Jill Filipovic is the latest salvo in the debate over âtrigger warnings.â Niki cited Filipovicâs 2014 Guardian piece on the topic as well as this New Republic essay on the salient history of PTSD. Neil drew on this New Yorker article about how well the trigger warnings actually work. Natalia referred to this New York magazine story about trauma.
In our regular closing feature, Whatâs Making History:
· Natalia recommended the new podcast, Classy.
· Neil discussed Joel Mathisâ article for The Week, âIs Conference Realignment Ruining College Football?â
· Niki shared about Katherine Stewartâs New Republic article, âThe Claremont Institute: The Anti-Democracy Think Tankâ and referred to Christopher MathiasâHuff Post investigation, âRichard Hanania, Rising Right-Wing Star, Wrote for White Supremacist Sites Under Pseudonym.â
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