Past Present
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.
Show episodes
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 fe
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 contr
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
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 wealthy Koch Brother
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 ownership – if y
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. Neil drew on t