Past 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.
Episode 406: Neil J. Young's "Coming Out Republican: A History of the Gay Right"
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss – and celebrate! – Neil’s new book, Coming Out Republican: A History of the Gay Right.
Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
· Coming Out Republican is now available for order. You can buy Neil’s book here.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
· Natalia shared about the Gothamist article, “Stop the Schtup: Brooklyn Orthodox Women Join Sex Strike to Pressure Husbands Over Divorce.”
· Neil commented on his forthcoming piece at The Revealer, “Reaching the Heartland: Gay Republicans’ Message to Religious Americans.”
· Niki (https://twitter.com/pastpunditry) recommended Heather Radke’s book, Butts: A Backstory.
19 Dec 2023
Episode 405: Controversies over Christmas “Classics”
In 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 interview with its director. Niki referred to this Variety essay about “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
· Natalia, Neil, and Niki reflected on eight years of making the show together and announced both Niki’s departure and Past Present’s first hiatus. Thank you, Niki. And listeners, see you in the spring!
12 Dec 2023
Episode 404: George Santos
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 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 regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
· Natalia declared her ambition to compete in the HYROX fitness competition (https://hyrox.com/).
· Neil recommended the Slate podcast Dear Prudence and historian Julie Golia’s book, Newspaper Confessions: A History of Advice Columns in a Pre-Internet Age.
· Niki (https://twitter.com/pastpunditry) discussed Rivka Galchen’s New Yorker article, “Inside the Illegal Cactus Trade.”
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
423 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
29 ratings
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