Opinion writer at The Week and co-host of the history podcast Past Present

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“Operation Varsity Blues,” the White Supremacy Terrorist Attack in New Zealand, and Beto O’Rourke

Past Present Episode 172

March 26, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the college admissions scandal, the white supremacy terrorist attack in New Zealand, and Beto O’Rourke’s bid for the presidency. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: College admissions has long legally favored the wealthy, but “Operation Varsity Blues” has ...

“Operation Varsity Blues,” the White Supremacy Terrorist Attack in New Zealand, and Beto O’Rourke

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“Cancel Culture,” Hobbies, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

Past Present Episode 171

March 19, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss “cancel culture,” the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Air crash. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Young Adult literature is the latest arena for controversies over “cancel culture.” Neil recommended Jennifer Senior’s New York Times article on the perils ...

“Cancel Culture,” Hobbies, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

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“Finding Neverland,” Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church and LGBTQ Christians

Past Present Episode 170

March 12, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss “Leaving Neverland,” a new documentary about Michael Jackson’s alleged child abuse, the legacy of late “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church’s decision to tighten its restrictions on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Here are some links and references ...

“Finding Neverland,” Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church and LGBTQ Christians

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Jussie Smollett, Christopher Hasson, and Debunking Psychics

Past Present Episode 169

March 5, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the scandal over Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack, Christopher Hasson’s terrorist plot, and how the internet is helping debunk mediums and psychics. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Actor Jussie Smollett is at the center of the nation’s latest high-profile racial ...

Jussie Smollett, Christopher Hasson, and Debunking Psychics

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Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill

Past Present Episode 168

February 26, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, controversies over the Pledge of Allegiance, and the death of Lee Radziwill. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most prolific designers of our era, has died. Natalia referred to ...

Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill

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Cardi B, Jeff Bezos, and Lyndon LaRouche

Past Present Episode 167

February 19, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the celebrity of Cardi B, Jeff Bezos’ “below-the-belt selfie,” and the death of Lyndon LaRouche. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Cardi B became the first woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Hip-Hop Album, and she’s been a ...

Cardi B, Jeff Bezos, and Lyndon LaRouche

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Blackface, Venezuela, and Conversation Hearts

Past Present Episode 166

February 12, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of blackface, political upheaval in Venezuela, and the demise of Valentine’s Day conversation hearts. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Two top Virginia Democrats have admitted to wearing blackface. Natalia pointed to a recent Gucci turtleneck that many have ...

Blackface, Venezuela, and Conversation Hearts

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Howard Schultz, Gay Priests, and Ted Bundy

Past Present Episode 165

February 5, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss Howard Schultz’ presidential bid, gay men in the priesthood, and the enduring fascination with serial killer Ted Bundy. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Starbucks founder Howard Schultz has announced he is running for the presidency in 2020. Natalia referred ...

Howard Schultz, Gay Priests, and Ted Bundy

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Marching on Washington, the LA Teachers’ Strike, and Cities and Economic Inequality

Past Present Episode 164

January 29, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss marching on Washington as a form of political protest, the Los Angeles teachers’ strike, and how American cities reflect economic inequality. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Native American and pro-life activists both marched in Washington, D.C., last ...

Marching on Washington, the LA Teachers’ Strike, and Cities and Economic Inequality

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Gillette’s New Ad, Rep. Steve King, and Cursive’s Decline

Past Present Episode 163

January 22, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Gillette released a new ad taking aim at “toxic masculinity.” Natalia recommended historian Gail Bederman’s book Manliness and Civilization: A Cultural History of Race and Gender in the United States, 1880-1917 and a Twitter thread she compiled of relevant historical images. Neil referred to his HuffPost piece on the campaign’s ...

Gillette’s New Ad, Rep. Steve King, and Cursive’s Decline

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The Green New Deal, Marie Kondo, and National Emergencies

Past Present Episode 162

January 15, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the Green New Deal, the KonMari craze, and the history of national emergencies. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Twitter has been abuzz with talk of a “Green New Deal.” Neil referred to Thomas Friedman’s first use of ...

The Green New Deal, Marie Kondo, and National Emergencies

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“Fault Lines,” Dry January, and the Sex Recession

Past Present Episode 161

January 8, 2019 • by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Nicole Hemmer and Neil J. Young

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia welcome Princeton historians Kevin M. Kruse and Julian Zelizer to discuss their new book, Fault Lines: A History of the United States Since 1974, followed by a discussion of “Dry January,” and new findings that young people are having less sex. Here are some links ...