Past Present

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Episode 197: Shane Gillis and Saturday Night Live, Saudi Arabia, and Telephone Calls Sep 24, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss anti-Asian comments by comedian Shane Gillis, an attack in Saudi Arabia, and the not-so-lost art of the telephone call.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Saturday Night Live hired comedian Shane Gillis and then promptly fired him when video of his racist remarks about Asian Americans and others surfaced. Niki referred to Ellen D. Wu's book The Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority. Natalia discussed Frank Sinatra's 1945 song, "The House I Live In."
An attack in Saudi Arabia on the largest oil refinery in the world prompted President Trump to point fingers at Iran. Natalia referenced this Al-Jazeera timeline of US-Saudi relations.
An Atlantic article by millennial writer Amanda Mull extolled the virtues of talking on the phone over texting. Niki referred to historian Claude Fischer's book America Calling: A Social History of the Telephone Since 1940.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed a 1972 LIFE magazine article, "Who's the Man in Room 7?"
Neil commented on Coral Davenport's New York Times article, "Trump Defends Plan to Kill California's Auto-Emissions Authority."
Niki recommended Tess McClure's Guardian article, "Dark Crystals: The Brutal Reality Behind a Booming Wellness Craze."

Episode 196: FBI on College Campuses, John Bolton, and Technology and Women's Voices Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss government surveillance of American universities, the political career of John Bolton, and the technological and cultural reasons women's voices are often insulted as "shrill."

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

The FBI has urged U.S. universities to monitor certain students and scholars visiting from China. Natalia referred to this history of spying on campus from the Harvard Crimson.
National security adviser John Bolton is the latest Trump appointee to have left the administration. Neil referred to this New Yorker profile of Mike Pompeo and Niki to this one of John Bolton.
A New Yorker article describing how audio technology has historically been calibrated to male voices went viral. Niki referred to this BBC piece on women's changing voices. Natalia recommended this article from The Cut on the policing of women's voices.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended Taffy Brodesser-Akner's novel, Fleishman is in Trouble.
Neil shared Brandon Ambrosino's Politico piece, "'Someone's Gotta Tell the Freakin' Truth': Jerry Falwell's Aides Break Their Silence."
Niki discussed Daniel E. Slotnik's New York Times article, "Chris March, Over-the-Top Fashion Designer, Dies at 56."

Episode 195: Franco Columbu, Kamala Harris, NYC's Gifted and Talented Program Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the legacy of late bodybuilder Franco Columbu, the candidacy of Kamala Harris, and a proposal to eliminate selective testing for New York City public high schools.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Italian bodybuilding icon Franco Columbu has died. Niki referred to the film Pumping Iron, in which he appeared with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Natalia cited the importance of physician Kenneth Cooper's 1968 book Aerobics in both mainstreaming the idea of working out and challenging the pre-eminence of weightlifting as a dominant form of exercise.
Kamala Harris is running for president, and working to establish an enthusiastic base. Neil recommended Dana Goodyear's New Yorker profile of Harris. Niki recommended Elizabeth Hinton's book From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America.
New York City is considering scrapping test-based admissions to its selective high schools, causing intense controversy. Neil cited Kyle Smith's New York Post op-ed defending the system. Natalia and Niki both recommended historian Ellen Wu's book Color of Success: Asian Americans and the Origins of the Model Minority, and Natalia cited historian Richard Hofstadter's Anti-Intellectualism in American Life and historian Tom Sugrue's Twitter thread on the New York City controversy. Niki referred to historian Jean Theoharis's book The Strange Careers of the Jim Crow North: Segregation and the Struggle Outside the South.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended a new Luminary podcast about Ivanka Trump, Tabloid.
Neil discussed Joshua Sokol's New York Times piece, "Florida's Panthers Hit With Mysterious Crippling Disorder."
Niki shared Ben Smith's Buzzfeed News piece, "A Top White House Reporter is Taking Over the Washington Free Beacon."

Episode 194: David Koch, Bedbugs, and Breaking Up Sep 03, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the legacy of late billionaire David Koch, the menace of bedbugs, and why so many people are choosing to remain friends after a breakup.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Billionaire libertarian and David Koch has died. Natalia referred to Jane Mayer's New Yorker article that first brought major attention to the political influence of the Koch brothers.
Bedbugs are in the news these days with outbreaks at the Trump Doral Resort and the New York Times. When political scientist David Karpf joked that Bret Stephens is a "bedbug," the New York Times columnist emailed his provost. Niki recommended Karpf's most recent book, Analytical Activism: Digital Listening and the New Political Strategy. Natalia referred to science journalist Brooke Borel's book, Infested: How the Bed Bug Infiltrated our Bedrooms and Took Over the World.
Why do people want to stay friends after a breakup, The Atlantic recently asked in an article by Ashley Fetters. Natalia recommended historian Nancy Cott's book, Public Vows: A History of Marriage and the Nation, Christine Whelan's book Why Smart Men Marry Smart Women, and Moira Weigel's Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended Tara Westover's memoir, Educated.
Neil discussed International Dog Day, and specifically, George H.W. Bush's dog Ranger.
Niki shared Jamelle Bouie's New York Times opinion piece, "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Understands Democracy Better than Republicans Do."

Episode 193: Twins, the Equinox Boycott, and "The Hunt" Aug 20, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss social media "twinfluencers," a boycott of fitness brands Equinox and SoulCycle, and the controversy over the film The Hunt.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Some of the most popular social media content features identical twins. Natalia referred to this Smithsonian article on twin research, and to Yunte Huang's book Inseparable.
When Stephen Ross, CEO of Related Properties, held a lavish fundraiser for President Trump, members of portfolio properties Equinox and SoulCycle were enraged. Natalia referred to Alexandra Petri's Washington Post article sending up the SoulCycle protest and to James Hamblin's Atlantic article explaining why the hypocrisy of these brands hit home.
Universal Studios has indefinitely delayed the release of the movie The Hunt, a politically themed horror movie. Neil referred to this relevant prehistory of the Hays Code.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia shared the New York Times obituary of feminist scholar Ann Snitow.
Neil recommended Kevin Kruse's New York Times magazine article, "What Does A Traffic Jam in Atlanta Have to Do with Segregation? Quite A Lot."
Niki discussed conspiracy theories about the death of Jeffrey Epstein.

Episode 192: Anti-Latino Nativism, Ronald Reagan, and Sound Baths Aug 13, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the history of anti-Latino nativism, newly discovered racist comments by Ronald Reagan, and the growing popularity of sound baths.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

The mass shooter in El Paso deliberately targeted Latinos who he believed were "invading" Texas. Niki referred to Peter Brimelow's 1996 book, Alien Nation: Common Sense About America's Immigration Disaster. Natalia cited Samuel Huntington's Foreign Policy essay, "The Hispanic Challenge," and historian Ruben Donato's book, The Other Struggle for Equal Schools: Mexican Americans in the Civil Rights Era.
Newly declassified tapes reveal Ronald Reagan making racist comments about African statesmen. Natalia referred to Adam Serwer's Atlantic essay, "The Most Dangerous American Idea."
Sound baths are all the rage in wellness circles. Natalia recommended Anne Helen Petersen's writing on millennial burnout and referred to Jamie Lauren Keiles' New York Times magazine article, "How A.S.M.R. Became a Sensation."

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia shared this New York Times video feature, "If You Didn't Sharent, Did You Even Parent?"
Neil discussed Laura Turner's Vox article, "Couples All Over Instagram Are 'Doing Life Together.' Here's Where It Came From."
Niki recommended Ruth Graham's Slate article, "The '30-50 Feral Hogs' Guy Actually Had a Point."

Episode 191: Baltimore, Marianne Williamson, and a National Service Requirement Aug 06, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss President Trump's insults to Baltimore, the presidential candidacy of self-help guru Marianne Williamson, and a proposal for a national service requirement.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Last week, President Trump unleashed a barrage of insults against Baltimore and its member of Congress, Elijah Cummings. Natalia referred to this POLITICO article about how New York City gave us Trump. Niki referred to journalist Jonathan Weisman's tweets about the "real" nature of regions.
Self-help guru Marianne Williamson is running for president. Niki referred to the history of the Esalen Institute.
At least two Democratic candidates, Pete Buttigieg and John Delaney, have made national service a component of their platforms. Natalia cited this Jacobin article that criticized the idea.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed this photo shoot of Bernie Sanders and Cardi B in a nail salon.
Neil shared Alexander B. Joy's Atlantic article, "Candy Land Was Invented for Polio Wards."
Niki reflected on conservative commentator Erick Erickson's comments about Pete Buttigieg. In response, Neil recommended Andrew Kirell's Daily Beast article, "Does Anyone Take Erick Erickson Seriously?"

Episode 190: Boris Johnson, Purity Culture, and Spaying and Neutering Dogs Jul 30, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the death knell of "purity culture," and new controversy over spaying and neutering dogs.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Boris Johnson is the new prime minister of Britain. Niki recommended historian Jesse Tumblin's Washington Post article, "How the Failure of Popular Politics Triggered the Rise of Boris Johnson."
Evangelical author Josh Harris has separated from his wife and disavowed his influential book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Natalia recommended Britni de la Cretaz' article at The Ringer about celebrity declarations of celibacy and referred to Tim and Beverly LaHaye's book The Act of Marriage: The Beauty of Sexual Love. Neil also noted Katelyn Beaty's recent reflection on purity culture and evangelical sexual ethics in the New York Times.
New research is questioning the orthodoxy around spaying and neutering dogs. Natalia referred to philosopher Peter Singer's classic book Animal Liberation. Neil recommended historian Katherine C. Grier's book Pets in America: A History and historian Mark Derr's book A Dog's History of America.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended historian Jeff Melnick's Nursing Clio article, "'Charlie Says' and the Santa Cruz Prison Project."
Neil discussed the Babylon Bee article, "This Fun New Snapchat Filter Will Make it Look Like You're Crying at the Border."
Niki shared Michael Brice-Saddler and Reis Thebault's Washington Post article, "How Trump ended up in front of a presidential seal doctored to include a Russian symbol."

Episode 189: The Moon Landing's 50th Anniversary, "Go Back to Where You Came From," and Air Conditioning Jul 23, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the history of telling immigrants and minorities to "go back" to where they came from, and whether or not air conditioning is sexist.

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, the world watched as Americans walked on the moon. Natalia recommended this New Yorker republication of the 1969 "Talk of the Town" covering how New Yorkers watched the moon landing. Niki referred to this Scientific American interview with Nikita Khrushchev's son about how the event was covered in the Soviet Union.
President Trump told four congresswomen to "go back" to where they came from. Natalia referenced historian Jill Lepore's book, This America: The Case for the Nation. Niki referred to this essay by historian Nicholas Guyatt at the African American Intellectual History Society blog about the American Colonization Society.
Accounts of the gendered experience of air conditioning have been gaining greater media attention this summer. Niki referred to this New Yorker article about the sexist assumptions that shape decisions about workplace climate control.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed the life and legacy of the late founder of YogaWorks, Maty Ezraty.
Neil shared the New York Times article and video, "Where Are All the Bob Ross Paintings? We Found Them."
Niki talked about the new movie Midsommar and recommended Clark Collis' Entertainment Weekly article, "Before Midsommar: New documentary to tell the history of folk horror genre."

Episode 188: Women's World Cup, Ross Perot, and Jeffrey Epstein Jul 16, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the Women's World Cup, the life and legacy of Ross Perot, and the case against Jeffrey Epstein.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Women's soccer is getting more attention than ever in the United States, thanks in part to star player Megan Rapinoe. Niki referred to Lindsay Parks Pieper and Tate Royer's Washington Post article about the fight for pay equity waged by women's soccer players, and to Lindsay Krasnoff's comparison, also in the Washington Post, to the history of women's soccer in France. Natalia recommended philosopher Alison Reiheld's essay "Megan Rapinoe and Joy in the Bodies We Have" at the blog of the International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics.
Political upstart Ross Perot died this month. Neil referred to articles like this that reevaluate Perot in the context of Trump.
New York financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is once again under scrutiny for his predation on young girls. Niki and Neil referred to this Atlantic article about the corruption of the world Epstein inhabits. Niki referred to the "Believed" podcast about sexual predator Larry Nasser. Neil commented on journalist Vicky Ward's Vanity Fair article about Epstein and Natalia recommended Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown's coverage of the case.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended Adam Harris' Atlantic article, "Many College Students Are Too Poor to Eat."
Neil shared Ruth Graham's Slate article, "I Did Not Die. I Did Not Go to Heaven."
Niki discussed Sarah Jaffe's Slate article, "Judge Judy's Lifetime Achievement is Teaching Us to Laugh at the Less Fortunate" along with Josh Levin's book, The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth and Mac Schneider's Vox article, "The Truth Behind the TV Show COPS."

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