Past Present
415 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 417 ratingsPast 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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Episodes
Episode 405: Controversies over Christmas “Classics”
December 19, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 42.5 MBIn this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss controversies over Christmas “classics.” Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · Beloved Christmas songs and movies, like so many cultural products, have come under new scrutiny recently. Neil’s 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 intervi...
Episode 404: George Santos
December 12, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 42.7 MBIn 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 week’s show: · George Santos’ 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 ...
Episode 403: Nikki Haley
December 05, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 43.9 MBIn 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 week’s 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 Haley’s career. Neil drew on this NPR piece, and Niki on ...
Episode 402: Home Ownership and the History of Mortgages
November 28, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Americans’ 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 week’s show: · A thirty-year mortgage is an enticement to home ownership – 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 th...
Episode 401: The History of Drive-Thru Dining
November 21, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 40.3 MBIn 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 week’s 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, What’s Making History: · Natalia recommended Eb...
Episode 400: The History of U.S. Divorce Laws
November 14, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 41.5 MBIn 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 week’s show: · Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is a proponent of “covenant marriage,” 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...
Episode 399: Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican Chaos
November 07, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 43.9 MBIn 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 week’s 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 Johnson’s homophobic comments, and hist...
Episode 398: The History of Restaurant Reservations
October 31, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 36.6 MBIn 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 week’s 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 Freedman’s book and this Atlantic article. In our regular closing feature...
Episode 397: The Beyoncé and Taylor Swift Tours
October 24, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 43.1 MBIn 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 week’s show: · Beyoncé 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-Akner’...
Episode 396: The History of Historic Preservation
October 17, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 48.6 MBIn 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 week’s 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, What...
Episode 395: TED Talks and the History of Public Speaking
October 10, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 42.7 MBIn this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the rise – and fall? – of the TED Talk. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · The writer Coleman Hughes gave a TED Talk on race earlier this year, and caused a stir when he advocated for “colorblindness” – and then accused TED of depressing the online circulation of his talk. Natalia cited this essay at The Drift, as w...
Episode 394: Sen. John Fetterman and the Senate Dress Code
October 03, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 43.2 MBIn 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 week’s show: · In the wake of a debate over Senator John Fetterman’s casual style, the Senate voted to set a more formal dress code. Neil drew on this Gentleman’s Gazette article, and Natalia referenced Rhonda Garelick’s New York Times essay. Niki cited t...
Episode 393: Ibram X. Kendi and the Controversy over the Center for Antiracist Research
September 26, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 49 MBIn this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the apparent crisis at scholar Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · After amassing tens of millions of dollars in funding, Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research abruptly laid off a third of its staff last week. Natalia referred to historian Holly Brewer’s...
Episode 392: The New Crisis of Masculinity
September 19, 2023 08:00 - 53 minutes - 52.9 MBIn this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the latest “crisis of masculinity.” Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · Men, according to a recent New York Times report, benefit from a “thumb on the scale” when it comes to college admissions. The report belongs to a larger debate over a “crisis of masculinity” today. Niki referred to this New York magazine artic...
Episode 391: The History of Telemarketing
September 12, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 49.1 MBIn 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 week’s 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 “Do Not Call” registry, and Natalia drew on this Slate piece. In ...
Episode 390: A History of the Mugshot
September 05, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 44 MBIn 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 week’s show: · The release of former President Donald Trump’s 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...
Episode 389: West Virginia University and the Attack on American Universities
August 29, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 44.8 MBIn 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 week’s 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. Corriga...
Episode 388: The Hollywood Strike
August 22, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 47.7 MBIn 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 week’s show: · Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike for more than one hundred days. Niki drew on this Hollywood Reporter article about Ronald Reagan’s tenure as a union leader. Natalia referred to this New Yorker story about Orange Is The New Black,...
Episode 387: Trigger Warnings
August 15, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 46.3 MBIn this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “trigger warnings.” Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · An essay in The Atlantic by Jill Filipovic is the latest salvo in the debate over “trigger warnings.” Niki cited Filipovic’s 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 artic...
Episode 386: Pee-wee Herman
August 08, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 45.1 MBIn this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of comedian Paul Reubens. You can support Past Present here: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · Paul Reubens, best known for his recurring role as Pee-wee Herman, has died. Natalia referred to this Daily Beast retrospective and Niki drew on this New York Times magazine piece. In our regular closing feature, What’s Maki...
Episode 385: Barbie
August 01, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 48.5 MBIn this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the new megahit film, Barbie. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · Barbie, directed by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, is a box-office blockbuster. Natalia drew on this MSNBC piece she wrote about the doll’s complicated legacy, and Niki reflected on this New York Times article about the film’s salience in a post-Roe era. We...
Episode 384: The History of Summer Break
July 25, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 40.3 MBIn this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of summer break 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: · The idea that a long summer vacation originated in “the agrarian calendar” is a persistent myth. Niki referred to our Episode 40, in which we discussed the history of summer camps Natalia referred to historian Kenneth Gold’s book ...
Episode 383: The History of Tipping
July 18, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the history of tipping 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: · Tipping is once again at the center of debates about service, labor, and consumerism. Neil referenced this Phil Magness essay, and Natalia cited this New York Times piece by Michele Alexander. We all drew on this Mother Jones review o...
Episode 382: Male Enhancement Surgery
July 11, 2023 08:00 - 52 minutes - 49.6 MBIn this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss male enhancement surgery and the history of the penile ideal. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · A recent ProPublica article exposed the expanding, and disturbing, world of penile enlargement surgery. Neil referred to this glowing 2016 GQ article about the procedure, and Natalia discussed the comedy of Marval Rex. Niki ...
Episode 381: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
July 04, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential candidacy. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: · Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is running for president, with some support both from Democrats and Republicans. Neil referred to this TIME interview, and Natalia referenced this Slate article and her interview on the Conspirituality podcas...
Episode 380: The Ocean Gate Submersible and the History of Extreme Travel
June 27, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 48.9 MBIn this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the failed attempt of the Ocean Gate submersible to explore the Titanic wreckage. Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast 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 th...
Episode 379: The Trump Indictment
June 20, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 49.3 MBIn 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 proceedin...
Episode 378: The Duggar Family and "Shiny Happy People"
June 13, 2023 08:00 - 53 minutes - 58.8 MBIn 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,...
Episode 377: Car Buying and the History of Car Dealers
June 06, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 49.9 MBIn 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....
Episode 376: Tina Turner
May 30, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 43.8 MBIn 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...
Episode 375: The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
May 23, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 44.7 MBIn 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 Washingt...
Episode 374: The History of Camping
May 16, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 45.7 MBIn 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...
Episode 373: The Media Meltdown
May 09, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 45.7 MBIn 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 ...
Episode 372: Tucker Carlson's Firing by Fox News
May 02, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 48.3 MBIn 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...
Episode 371: The Rollback of Child Labor Laws
April 25, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 46.5 MBIn 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...
Episode 370: Tennessee's Attack on Democracy
April 18, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 49 MBIn 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 dub...
Rerun Episode: The History of Spring Break and More!
April 11, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutes - 59.1 MBIn 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
Episode 369: The History of Children's Story Hour
April 04, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 46.6 MBIn 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 thi...
Episode 368: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
March 28, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 46.3 MBIn 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...
Episode 367: The Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
March 21, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 48.4 MBIn 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 ...
Episode 366: Judith Heumann and the Disability Rights Movement
March 14, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 41.7 MBIn 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. ...
Episode 365: Student Loan Debt and the Supreme Court
March 07, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 40 MBIn 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 ...
Episode 364: Jimmy Carter
February 28, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 50.3 MBIn 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 posthumo...
Episode 363: ChatGPT
February 21, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 46.2 MBIn 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 referenc...
Episode 362: A History of Menopause
February 14, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 47.6 MBIn 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. ...
Episode 361: The History of Advanced Placement
February 07, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 51.3 MBIn 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: Florida governor Ron DeSantis has denounced the Advanced Placement African American Studies course as being too “woke.” We drew on Annie Abrams’ forthcoming book, Shortchanged: How Advanced Placement Cheats Students. Natalia referred to this ...
Episode 360: A History of the Sleepover
January 31, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 43.8 MBIn 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: Parents have strong feelings about sleepovers. Niki referred to this Glamour roundup of sleepovers in pop culture, and Natalia drew on this Atlantic article. We all drew on this history of slumber pa...
Episode 359: "Nepo Babies" and the History of Nepotism
January 24, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 45.2 MBIn 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: Everyone seems to be talking about “nepo babies.” Niki referred to Adam Bellow’s Atlantic article about the promise of an updated nepotism. Natalia cited this New York Times essay about political nepotism, and Neil drew on this National Constitution Center article ...
Episode 358: How Gas Stoves Became Political
January 17, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 44.1 MBIn 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: The Biden administration raised the possibility of a ban on gas stoves in new construction. Niki referred to this VICE article about the culture-wars issue this became. Natalia cited this Mother Jones article on the affective appeal o...
Episode 357: The Battle over Speaker of the House
January 10, 2023 09:00 - 45 minutes - 51.8 MBIn 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: At the time of our recording, the House of Representatives was still without a Speaker. Niki referred to Timothy Shenk’s new book, Realigners. Natalia cited this National Review article, and Neil drew on this NPR piece. ...