Past Present

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Episode 187: School Busing, Girlboss, and Lil Nas X Jul 09, 2019

Show notes

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.

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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 controversy. Natalia noted historian Mark Laver's Washington Post article about the racist gatekeeping of the country music genre.

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

Natalia shared the new Wondery podcast, "The Shrink Next Door."
Neil discussed his cross-country trip.
Niki recommended Nicole Cliffe's SELF profile of Alanis Morrissette and also announced a new career move!

Episode 186: Iran, E. Jean Carroll, and Knitting Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

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 New Domesticity.

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

Natalia recommended the online documentary project 1938 Projekt.
Neil discussed a new Harris Poll that showed decreased support among young people for LGBTQ rights.
Niki reflected on the exchange between Kamala Harris and Joe Biden about busing at the Democratic debate, sharing historian Matt Delmont's Twitter thread and Brett Gadsden's Politico article, "Here's How Deep Biden's Busing Problem Runs."

Episode 185: Alan Brinkley, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Lesbian Cruises Jun 25, 2019

Show notes

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 Vanderbilt as a "poor little rich girl." Natalia noted how trailblazing the commercials for her jeans
Shannon Keating's Buzzfeed essay about her experience on a lesbian cruise operated by Olivia Travel has gone viral. Natalia cited David K. Johnson's book Buying Gay.

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

Natalia recommended a new documentary, The Lavender Scare.
Neil discussed the Orlando Sentinel's editorial, "Our Orlando Sentinel Endorsement for 2020: Not Donald Trump."
Niki shared P.R. Lockhart's Vox article, "Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates Gives Mitch McConnell a Thorough History Lesson on Reparations."

Episode 184: YouTube, Tariffs, and Elizabeth Warren Jun 18, 2019

Show notes

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 History:

Natalia recommended historian Joshua Specht's new book, Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table History of How Beef Changed America.
Neil discussed Jia Tolentino's New Yorker article, "Why Humans Treat Their Dogs Like People."
Niki shared Lindsay Parks Pieper's Washington Post article, "The Biggest Challenge Facing the U.S. Women's Soccer Team Isn't on the Field."

Episode 183: LIVE! The Stonewall Uprising, Jazzercise, and C-SPAN Jun 11, 2019

Show notes

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 about abortion in the nineteenth century.

Episode 182: The 1994 Crime Bill, Mount Everest, and the Grand Canyon Jun 04, 2019

Show notes

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 the Sherpa who first ascended Everest, and this Bitch Media article about "manless climbing."
A viral Twitter thread was the first many heard of an intense controversy over a plan to construct a luxury hotel and water park at the Grand Canyon. Natalia and Neil commented on former Reagan Administration official Steve Hanke's Forbes article advocating the privatization of public lands.

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

Natalia discussed the mostly-forgotten "50-Mile Kennedy March."
Neil recommended Jeffrey Bloomer's Slate article, "Why Everyone Thought Aladdin Had a Secret Sex Message."
Niki shared Ryan Grim and Kelly Eleveld's HuffPost article, "Barack Obama, Harry Reid, and the Secret of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal."

Episode 181: Student Loans, Fur Bans, and TWA May 28, 2019

Show notes

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' New York Times article, "A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur."
The TWA terminal at John F. Kennedy airport has reopened – as a high-end hotel. Natalia recommended this Louis magazine article about the downfall of TWA.

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

Natalia recommended Britni de la Cretaz' Longreads article, "An Audience of Athletes: The Rise and Fall of Feminist Sports."
Neil discussed his latest column for The Week, "Censoring gay marriage on TV could be an ominous sign of things to come."
Niki shared DeNeen L Brown's Washington Post article, "Harriet Tubman is already appearing on $20 bills whether Trump Officials like it or not."

Episode 180: Sex Strike, David McCullough, and Doris Day May 21, 2019

Show notes

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 Doris Day has died. Natalia referred to Anthony Lane's reflections on her legacy at the New Yorker and to the series on "Dead Blondes" by the Hollywood podcast You Must Remember This.

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

Natalia shared Lyz Lenz' Columbia Journalism Review article, "The Heavy Crown of Gretchen Carlson."
Neil discussed the death of iconic architect I.M. Pei.
Niki reflected on the influence of "Grumpy Cat" on meme culture in the wake of the cat's recent death.

Episode 179: Electability, Caster Semenya, and Rachel Held Evans May 14, 2019

Show notes

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 month. Neil referred to Evans' departure from evangelicalism and Natalia commented on Evans' book A Year of Biblical Womanhood and writer A.J. Jacobs' very different book The Year of Living Biblically.

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

Natalia shared Sarah Treleaven's Medium article, "The Enduring Appeal of Escapism: A History of Wellness Retreats."
Neil discussed Matt Smith's Reveal article, "The Happiest Cats on Earth."
Niki reflected on A.C. Thompson's ProPublica article, "Once Defiant, All Four Supremacists Charged in Charlottesville Violence Plead Guilty."

Episode 178: John Singleton, Anti-Semitism in the New York Times, and TikTok May 07, 2019

Show notes

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 responded.

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

Natalia reflected on the history of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
Neil discussed the new emperor of Japan, reported here at BBC News.
Niki shared Jonah Engel Bromwich's New York Times article, "The Raisin Situation."

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