The Russia-Ukraine War

Past Present Podcast, Episode 316

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Russia has invaded Ukraine as the world watches. Natalia referred to philosopher Jason Stanley’s article in TIMEabout denazification and this New Yorker interview with political scientist John Mearsheimer. Neil cited this POLITICO interview with Fiona Hill, and Niki recommended M.E. ...
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The Russia-Ukraine War

The Mystery and History of Havana Syndrome

Past Present Podcast, Episode 315

Unproductive Labor · An Interview with Peter Linebaugh on the Commons, Crime, and the Meanings of Industry and Idleness Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Over 200 members of the U.S. Foreign Service and intelligence community have reported strange symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and memory loss, that ...
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The Mystery and History of Havana Syndrome

Canada’s Freedom Convoy

Past Present Podcast, Episode 314

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: A convoy of truckers and their allies, totaling about 8,000 people, hasgathered in the center of Ottawa, Canada, in protest of what they consider excessive COVID prevention policy. Natalia referred to Michelle Goldberg’s New York Times column about the protest, ...
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Women’s Activewear and the History of Sports Bras

Past Present Podcast, Episode 313

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Adidas went viral earlier this month for tweeting twenty-five sets of bare breasts in order to promote a new line of sports bras. Niki discussed this Time cover about breastfeeding. Neil referred to this Atlantic article about using breasts to ...
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The History of Emoji

Past Present Podcast, Episode 312

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: The Unicode Consortium has released dozens of new emoji, including a pregnant man, a melting face, and multiple new family configurations. Natalia referred to this Atlantic essay and to this BBC piece, and Niki to this essay on Science Friday.  In ...
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Justice Breyer’s Retirement and the Future of the Supreme Court

Past Present Podcast, Episode 311

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer has announced he will retire at the end of his term, a move many say is reflective of his pragmatism. Natalia referred to this New York Times piece about Breyer’s effort to eschew ideology and ...
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The Biden Administration’s First Year

Past Present Podcast, Episode 310

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Public opinion of President Biden’s first year in office is polarized. Neil and Niki referred to Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times opinion piece comparing Biden and Reagan’s first years as president. Neil also discussed the POLITICO/Morning Consult report card on ...
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The History of Rest and Relaxation

Past Present Podcast, Episode 308

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: As boundaries between work and home have become blurred during the pandemic, Americans have been thinking more deliberately about rest and relaxation. Neil drew on Judith Shulevitz’ New York Times piece about “bringing back the Sabbath” and this Atlantic review ...
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The One-Year Anniversary of the January 6 Capitol Attack

Past Present Podcast, Episode 307

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Capitol riots, pundits have reflected on how much of a turning point it was. Natalia referred to this Washington Post piece by Sam Tanenhaus and Kerry Howley’s New York profile of three ...
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The History of Christmas Cards

Past Present Podcast, Episode 306

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Holiday cards have remained popular amid the digitization of many other print products. Neil referred to this Washington Post article by Peter Manseau about the trend of Christmas photos with guns. Natalia drew on this Atlantic piece about the popularity ...
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Dr. Oz and the History of Celebrity Politicians

Past Present Podcast, Episode 305

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Celebrity doctor-entertainer Dr. Mehmet Oz is running for Senate in Pennsylvania, as a Republican.Niki drew on historian Kathryn Brownell’s book, Showbiz Politics: Hollywood in American Political Life, and Neil referred to Nicholas Kristof’s gubernatorial run. Natalia referred to Olga Khazan’s ...
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