Little Richard

Past Present Podcast, Episode 229

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Musical legend Little Richard died this month of bone cancer. Niki referred to Margot Canaday’s book, The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Twentieth-Century America, and George Chauncey’s book, Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the ...
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Believe Me: A Public Seminar Book Talk

Jaclyn Friedman, Samantha Irby, Tatiana Maslany, and Sabrina Hersi Issa talk feminism with co-executiv editor Claire Potter

Almost 150 viewers joined us for an hour of conversation and readings from a new collection of feminist essays that have never been more relevant.  Believe Me asks us to imagine a world in which we not only believe women, but act as though the things they report – harassment, sexual assault, ...
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Ahmaud Arbery

Past Present Podcast, Episode 228

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Twenty-five-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was murdered while running in Satilla Shores, Georgia. Natalia cited this piece at The Conversation by sociologist Rashawn Ray and tweeted this thread about the racialized history of running. Neil referenced the history of Stand Your Ground ...
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Nevertheless, She Persisted

Exiles on 12th Street, Episode Eight

This is the eighth episode of Public Seminar’s podcast, Exiles on 12th Street. If you like it, go to iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe. Thanks to the bravery of several generations of activist women, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, finally granting women in the ...
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Meatpacking Plants and the Defense Production Act

Past Present, Episode 227

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: President Trump has used the Defense Production Act to order meatpacking plants to stay open, even as these factories have become hotspots for coronavirus infection. Niki commented on how Upton Sinclair’s classic novel, The Jungle, exposed the horrible ...
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The Lockdown Protests

Past Present Podcast, Episode 226

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Protestors against national lockdown orders have been demonstrating across the country. Niki referred to this Vox piece in distinguishing these protests from the Tea Party Movement and to this Twitter thread about the Anti-Mask League of 1918-19. Natalia ...
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Hydroxychloroquine

Past Present Podcast, Episode 224

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: As COVID-19 continues to claim American lives, President Trump has spoken of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential cure, despite scant medical evidence supporting this claim. Niki referred to Tom Nichols’ book The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established ...
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Tiger King

Past Present Podcast, Episode 223

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Tiger King is a runaway hit as social distancing has increased appetite for binge-watching. Niki referred to this Mother Jones article about the connection between coronavirus and the wild animal trade. Natalia referenced this New York magazine article by Robert ...
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School Closings

Past Present Podcast, Episode 222

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Schools all over the United States are closed for weeks, perhaps months, in an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. Natalia referenced this New York Times article about the particular challenges faced by homeless students. ...
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Cabin Fever

Past Present Podcast, Episode 221

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: As social distancing becomes the new norm for many Americans, so too does the stress and anxiety of being cooped up, also known as “cabin fever.” Natalia mentioned Jonathan Zimmerman’s Chronicle of Higher Education article about online learning. Neil referred ...
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