Past Present

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the recent debate over school busing, the launch of the women’s networking platform, “Girlboss,” and the rapper Lil Nas X. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  After Senators Joe Biden and Kamala Harris clashed at the Democratic debate, school busing is back in the news. Niki referred to historian Matt Delmont’s book on busing and to her own column at Australia’s The Age about the intergenerational dynamics of the Democratic debates. Natalia recommended Ansley T. Erickson’s book on desegregation in Nashville and Lily Geismer’s book on the limits of Boston-area liberalism. Entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso has founded a new venture, Girlboss, styled as a “LinkedIn for millennial women.” Natalia referred to this Buzzfeed article about the limits of “girlboss” empowerment. Rapper Lil Nas X is behind the summer’s biggest song – “Old Town Road” – and controve

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the recent escalation of tensions with Iran, new allegations of rape against President Trump, and controversy on the knitting social media network Ravelry. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating. Niki recommended Robert D. Kaplan’s article at the New York Times on the connection between U.S. concerns in Asia and the Middle East. Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll is the latest woman to accuse Donald Trump of sexual assault. Natalia referred to Megan Garber’s Atlantic article about attention fatigue and sexual violence in the Trump era and to historian Estelle B. Freedman’s book Redefining Rape. Knitting social media network Ravelry has revised its policy to prohibit any pro-Trump projects on its site. Natalia referred to writer Emily Matchar’s book Homeward Bound: Why Women are Embracing the

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the recent passing of two major figures: political historian Alan Brinkley and socialite fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt, and the historical significance of a viral Buzzfeed essay about attending a lesbian cruise. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Columbia political historian Alan Brinkley – a Ph.D. advisor to Neil and Niki and favorite undergraduate professor of Natalia – has died. Niki recommended Alan Brinkley: A Life in History, a collection of essays by some of his students, including Niki. Neil discussed Brinkley’s influential 1994 article in the American Historical Review, “The Problem of American Conservatism.” Natalia recommended David Greenberg’s reflection in TIME on Brinkley’s legacy. Heiress and fashion trailblazer Gloria Vanderbilt has died. Niki referred to this Washington Post article about the custody trial that defined Vande

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss YouTube’s role in political radicalization, the history of tariffs, and the presidential candidacy of Senator Elizabeth Warren. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  YouTube’s algorithm, the New York Times reported, serves up increasingly extreme content to viewers. Niki recommended media studies scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan’s book Antisocial Media. Natalia recommended Niki’s book Messengers of the Right. Tariffs have become a central part of President Trump’s foreign policy. Niki cited historian Marc W. Palen’s book, The Conspiracy of Free Trade, and Natalia referred to historian Lizabeth Cohen’s book A Consumer’s Republic. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 candidacy is inspiring passionate support from many on the left. Natalia recommended this Politico article about Warren’s conservative past.   In our regular closing feature, What’s Making Histo

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the significance of the Stonewall Uprising, the legacy of Jazzercise, and the fortieth anniversary of C-SPAN. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Fifty years ago this month, the Stonewall Uprising took place. Neil discussed the issues historians have raised with the treatment of Stonewall in popular culture. Jazzercise turns 50 this year. C-SPAN is 40, and beloved by many. Natalia cited Niki’s article at NBC about the virtues of the channel, while Neil referred to David Graham’s Atlantic article about its mixed legacy.  In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia discussed the criticism New York City mayor Bill De Blasio endures for his exercise habits. Neil recommended the new HBO show, “Chernobyl.” Niki reflected on historian Lauren MacIvor Thompson’s viral tweetstorm in response to Cokie Roberts’ misinformed comments abou

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the 1994 Crime Bill, a surge in deaths among Mount Everest climbers, and controversy over a plan to build a luxury complex at the Grand Canyon. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The 1994 Crime Bill is once again in the news, dogging Joe Biden’s candidacy. Niki referred to Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Niki also recommended a New York Times op-ed by Elizabeth Hinton, Julilly Kohler-Hausmann, and Vesla Weaver about African-American responses to the 1994 Crime Bill. Deaths among those attempting to reach the peak of Mount Everest have spiked. Neil referred to this National Geographic article about improvements in climbing gear. Natalia cited this detailed description in The New York Times of the crowded scene at the peak. Niki referred to this New Yorker article – from 1954 – about th

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss billionaire Robert F. Smith’s historic gift to the Morehouse College class of 2019, a proposed fur ban in New York City, and the opening of a chic new hotel in the TWA terminal. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Private equity billionaire Robert F. Smith surprised the graduating class of Morehouse College when he promised to pay off their college loan debt, a sum totaling an estimated $40 million. Niki referred to this Slate article that posited the gift as a “natural experiment.” Natalia cited this Wall Street Journal article about Smith’s unique approach to investing. Neil recommended this Dissent article about the extent of the student loan crisis. Niki referred to Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom’s book Lower Ed. New York City is considering a ban on the sale of fur, but some residents are fighting back hard. Neil recommended Jasmine Sanders’ N

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss a proposed “sex strike,” historian David McCullough’s new book, and the life and legacy of Doris Day. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Actor and activist Alyssa Milano this week suggested that women withhold sex from men until women achieve “bodily autonomy.” Natalia referred to Christian writer Laura Turner’s tweets about the role of paternalistic religion in shaping an anti-abortion worldview. Historian David McCullough has written a new bestselling book that has historians frustrated for its dated views about westward expansion. Natalia recommended Rebecca Onion’s review of The Pioneers at Slate, while Niki highlighted the shortcomings of another at NPR. Natalia suggested @ProfWehrman’s tweets contextualizing McCullough’s work, and Niki recommended an alternative text, Anna-Lisa Cox’s The Bone and Sinew of the Land. Film star and songstress

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the concept of “electability,” the gender policing of South African runner Caster Semenya, and the legacy of Christian writer Rachel Held Evans. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  With over 20 Democratic candidates in the running, “electability” is a hot topic of conversation among pundits. Natalia referred to historian Claire Potter’s New York Times article on likeability. South African runner Caster Semenya has been banned from competing due to her elevated testosterone levels. Natalia cited this Quillette article supporting the ban. Niki noted this New Republic article about gender testing of athletes. Natalia recommended historian Lindsay Parks Pieper’s Washington Post article about the racialized history of gender testing in sports. Known as “the most polarizing woman in evangelicalism,” Rachel Held Evans died unexpectedly earlier this mon

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the legacy of filmmaker John Singleton, an anti-Semitic cartoon in the New York Times, and the latest social media sensation, TikTok. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Filmmaker John Singleton has died. Natalia discussed this article by Singleton in the Hollywood Reporter about whether a white director can make a great black movie. She also cited Tom Wolfe’s book Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers. Niki cited this interview with Singleton in the New York Times. The international edition of the New York Times printed a cartoon many have criticized as anti-Semitic. Natalia endorsed part of Bret Stephens’ argument in the New York Times. TikTok, a social media app few Americans over 30 have heard of, has more users than Twitter. Niki recommended Taylor Lorenz’ article at the Atlantic and mentioned this NPR article to which Lorenz respon

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss outrage over an Ancestry.com ad, vigilante groups policing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the controversy over cargo shorts. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Ancestry.com released – and quickly pulled – an advertisement depicting a romantic relationship between an African-American woman and a white man in the 19th century. Natalia recommended historian Annette Gordon-Reed’s book on Sally Hemings, and historian Megan Kate Nelson’s Washington Post article about a Nike ad celebrating “the Lost Cause.” A vigilante group called the United Constitutional Patriots has been “helping” Border Patrol police the southern border of the United States. Niki recommended this Washington Post piece about the Netflix film The Highwaymen, and Natalia referred to historian Greg Grandin’s article at The Intercept that placed the UCP in a longer history. Natalia also noted

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the fire at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral, President Trump’s attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and the history of liberal think tanks. Support Past Present on Patreon: http://www.pastpresentpodcast.com/episodes Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  The world watched as Paris’ iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames last week. Natalia recommended this Atlantic article that highlights the tension between the French tradition of laïcité and Notre Dame’s status as a national icon. Sparked in part by President Trump’s incendiary remarks, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has become the target of vicious attacks. Niki cited this New Yorker profile about Omar’s popularity among her constituents. A Center for American Progress video criticizing Bernie Sanders for downplaying his substantial wealth is raising questions about the biases of the liberal think tank.    In our regular closing feature, What’s Making Hist

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the influence of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the resurgence of measles in the United States and the anti-vaccination movement, and the plight of adjunct professors. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  A spate of departures at the Department of Homeland Security has brought attention to stalwart Trump hardliner Stephen Miller. Natalia cited this Atlantic profile of Miller, as well as her own book, Classroom Wars, which focuses on the California school system in which Miller formed his worldview. Niki cited Adam Serwer’s Atlantic article, “The Cruelty is the Point.” Measles, once thought to be eradicated in the United States, is back thanks in part to a robust anti-vaccination movement. Natalia mentioned this press release from the Anti-Defamation League, and Niki cited this study sympathetic to the anti-vaccine cause. Adam Harris’ Atlantic arti

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the case for reparations, why leggings are so controversial, and the legacy of rapper Nipsey Hussle. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Reparations for slavery have gained renewed currency among policymakers. Neil referred to Ta-Nehisi Coates’ 2014 essay, “The Case for Reparations.” Niki recommended Jamelle Bouie’s response to this essay in Slate. A University of Notre Dame mother’s plea against leggings has made national news. Natalia recommended historian Deirdre Clemente’s book Dress Casual and referred to this New York Times article recommending that women forsake leggings for sweatpants. Rapper Nipsey Hussle was murdered in Los Angeles last week. Natalia drew on the work of hip hop scholar Tricia Rose.    In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia recommended Alice Hines’ New York Times article, “ Kid. Wanna Teach So

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Mueller Report, the movement to end the Electoral College, and why not many Americans eat arugula lettuce. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s long-awaited report has been released, though the public has only received a four-page summary, issued by Attorney General William Barr. Niki referred to the high standard set by the Watergate Scandal, which she wrote about in the Washington Post. The Electoral College is one of the most confusing institutions in American politics, and a new movement to abolish it is gathering steam. Natalia recommended Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times op-ed making a progressive case for its abolition. Arugula lettuce, Amanda Mull recently argued in the Atlantic, is underappreciated. Niki referred to the lettuce’s Jewish history, as chronicled in the Forward.   In our regular closing fe

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the college admissions scandal, the white supremacy terrorist attack in New Zealand, Beto O’Rourke’s bid for the presidency. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  College admissions has long legally favored the wealthy, but “Operation Varsity Blues” has highlighted the illegal means to which some affluent people go to secure their children college admission. An attack by a white supremacist on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, killed and wounded dozens of worshipers earlier this month. Niki recommended historian David Atkinson’s book, The Burden of White Supremacy: Containing Asian Migration in the British Empire and referred to Jean Raspail’s 1973 white-supremacist text, The Camp of the Saints. After much speculation, Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke has announced he is running for president in 2020. Natalia recommended this New Republic article o

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss “cancel culture,” the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash. 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 “cancel culture,” the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Air crash. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Young Adult literature is the latest arena for controversies over “cancel culture.” Neil recommended Jennifer Senior’s New York Times article on the perils of taking it too far. Hobbies, or engaging in an activity only for the joy it brings, are increasingly a rarity. Neil referred to Hanna Rosin’s book The End of Men: And the Rise of Women. Natalia recommended this history of the “side hustle” at The Conversation. A tragic airplane crash has killed 157 people and raised questions about the Boeing 737 Max 8 model. Neil recommended the book, Flying

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “Leaving Neverland,” a new documentary about Michael Jackson’s alleged child abuse, the legacy of late “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church’s decision to tighten its restrictions on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  “Leaving Neverland,” a new HBO documentary, centers the alleged victims of Michael Jackson’s pedophilia. Natalia recommended Jason King’s Slate piece about the centrality of race to this story. Niki cited another piece at Slate on whether Jackson will remain a staple on wedding playlists. Natalia drew connections with the recent “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary. Actor Luke Perry is dead at 52. Natalia referenced this Jezebel piece on Perry’s influence on shaping a 1990s cool aesthetic. Niki recommended Joan Didion’s New Yorker article on the southern California Spur

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the scandal over Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack, Christopher Hasson’s terrorist plot, and how the internet is helping debunk mediums and psychics. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Actor Jussie Smollett is at the center of the nation’s latest high-profile racial hoax. Natalia referred to John McWhorter’s Atlantic article on the rise of “victimhood culture” as well as this Atlantic article on the history of racial hoaxes. Coast Guard member and ex-Marine Christopher Hasson has been apprehended for plotting a terrorist attack. Niki and Natalia recommended Kathleen Belew’s book Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America. Natalia also referred to Amy Schumer’s Comedy Central skit about football and rape culture. Skeptics are using Facebook to expose psychics who are also using social media, but to defraud paying custo

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, controversies over the Pledge of Allegiance, and the death of Lee Radziwill. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most prolific designers of our era, has died. Natalia referred to this article on the rise of the “heritage brand.” After an 11-year-old Florida student refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, he was arrested. Natalia referred to historian Christopher Petrella’s Washington Post piece on the nativist sentiment that inspired the Pledge. Neil recommended historian Kevin Kruse’s book One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America on how “under God” was added to the Pledge during the Cold War. Socialite and style icon Lee Radziwill has died. Neil recommended Vanessa Friedman’s New York Times article on her legacy as an “influencer,” and Natalia sugges