PODCAST · history
Past Present
by Niki, Neil, and Natalia
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.
Episodes
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Episode 403: Nikki Haley
In 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…
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Episode 402: Home Ownership and the History of Mortgages
In 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...
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Episode 401: The History of Drive-Thru Dining
In 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....
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Episode 400: The History of U.S. Divorce Laws
In 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...
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Episode 399: Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican Chaos
In 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…
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Episode 398: The History of Restaurant Reservations
In 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...
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Episode 397: The Beyoncé and Taylor Swift Tours
In 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...
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Episode 396: The History of Historic Preservation
In 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.…
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Episode 395: TED Talks and the History of Public Speaking
In 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…
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Episode 394: Sen. John Fetterman and the Senate Dress Code
In 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...
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Episode 393: Ibram X. Kendi and the Controversy over the Center for Antiracist Research
In 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…
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Episode 392: The New Crisis of Masculinity
In 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...
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Episode 391: The History of Telemarketing
In 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...
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Episode 390: A History of the Mugshot
In 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...
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Episode 389: West Virginia University and the Attack on American Universities
In 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…
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Episode 388: The Hollywood Strike
In 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...
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Episode 387: Trigger Warnings
In 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…
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Episode 386: Pee-wee Herman
In 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...
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Episode 385: Barbie
In 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…
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Episode 384: The History of Summer Break
In 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...
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Episode 383: The History of Tipping
In 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...
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Episode 382: Male Enhancement Surgery
In 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…
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Episode 381: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In 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…
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Episode 380: The Ocean Gate Submersible and the History of Extreme Travel
In 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…
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Episode 379: The Trump Indictment
In 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...
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Episode 378: The Duggar Family and "Shiny Happy People"
In 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…
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Episode 377: Car Buying and the History of Car Dealers
In 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...
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Episode 376: Tina Turner
In 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...
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Episode 375: The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In 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…
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Episode 374: The History of Camping
In 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 –…
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Episode 373: The Media Meltdown
In 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...
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Episode 372: Tucker Carlson's Firing by Fox News
In 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...
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Episode 371: The Rollback of Child Labor Laws
In 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…
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Episode 370: Tennessee's Attack on Democracy
In 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...
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Rerun Episode: The History of Spring Break and More!
In 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
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Episode 369: The History of Children's Story Hour
In 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…
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Episode 368: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
In 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...
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Episode 367: The Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
In 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...
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Episode 366: Judith Heumann and the Disability Rights Movement
In 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...
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Episode 365: Student Loan Debt and the Supreme Court
In 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...
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Episode 364: Jimmy Carter
In 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…
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Episode 363: ChatGPT
In 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....
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Episode 362: A History of Menopause
In 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....
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Episode 361: The History of Advanced Placement
In 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…
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Episode 360: A History of the Sleepover
In 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...
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Episode 359: "Nepo Babies" and the History of Nepotism
In 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...
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Episode 358: How Gas Stoves Became Political
In 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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Niki, Neil, and Natalia
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Past Present have?
Past Present currently has 416 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Past Present about?
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...
How often does Past Present release new episodes?
Past Present publishes regularly with 416 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Past Present?
You can listen to Past Present on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Past Present?
Past Present is created and hosted by Niki, Neil, and Natalia.
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