The 2018 Recounts, Jim Acosta, and Bedtime Stories

Past Present Episode 155

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the aftermath of the midterm elections with special guest, Slate senior political correspondent Jamelle Bouie, the revocation of CNN journalist Jim Acosta’s “hard pass” to the White House, and the supposed radicalization of children’s literature. Here are some links and references mentioned ...
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The 2018 Recounts, Jim Acosta, and Bedtime Stories

The 2018 Midterm Elections, Gab, and Movember

Past Present Episode 154

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the midterm elections, the alt-right social media platform Gab, and Movember. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: We discussed whether the midterm elections resulted in the “blue wave” Democrats anticipated. Gab, launched as a “free-speech Twitter,” has ...
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The 2018 Midterm Elections, Gab, and Movember

The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, the Closing of Rural Hospitals, and the Political Mobilization of Orange County Women

Past Present Episode 153

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the massacre of Jews at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, the closing of rural hospitals, and the political reawakening of women in Orange County, California. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: The largest murder of Jews in the ...
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The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, the Closing of Rural Hospitals, and the Political Mobilization of Orange County Women

U.S.-Saudi Relations, Trans Americans, and Horror Movies

Past Present Episode 152

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of U.S.-Saudi relations in light of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Trump administration’s policies toward transgender people, and the continued popularity of horror movies. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: The brutal death of ...
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U.S.-Saudi Relations, Trans Americans, and Horror Movies

Black Women’s Political Power, the End of Sears, and Corporate Art Patronage

Past Present Episode 151

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, Niki, and guest historian Leah Wright Rigueur discuss black women and electoral politics, the closing of Sears, and corporate art patronage. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Black women voters are a crucial electoral contingent, especially in the upcoming midterm elections. ...
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Black Women’s Political Power, the End of Sears, and Corporate Art Patronage

George Soros, “Grievance Studies,” and Bavarian Hipsterism

Episode 150 LIVE!

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the right’s obsession with George Soros conspiracy theories, the recent “grievance studies” hoax, and the rise of Bavarian folk dress as a form of hipsterism. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Financier and philanthropist George Soros is increasingly ...
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George Soros, “Grievance Studies,” and Bavarian Hipsterism

Binge Drinking, McCarthyism, and Women’s Rage

Past Present Episode 149

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the history of binge drinking, why McCarthyism is back in the news, and the political power of women’s rage. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:  Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination hearing has brought attention to the prevalence of binge drinking ...
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Binge Drinking, McCarthyism, and Women’s Rage

High School Yearbooks, Trump and Immigrants, and Barstool Sports

Past Present Episode 148

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the history of high school yearbooks, how the Trump administration is defining immigrants as “public charges,” and the awful misogyny of Barstool Sports. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: High school yearbooks have been in the spotlight during ...
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High School Yearbooks, Trump and Immigrants, and Barstool Sports

Brett Kavanaugh, Fraternity Hazing, and the Natural Beauty Industry

Past Present Episode 147

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the drama surrounding Brett Kavanaugh’s upcoming Supreme Court confirmation, fraternity hazing, and the booming natural beauty industry. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Conservative Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s candidacy is being marred by sexual assault allegations. Natalia ...
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Brett Kavanaugh, Fraternity Hazing, and the Natural Beauty Industry

Crafting, the 2008 Financial Crisis, and the Marshmallow Test

Past Present Episode 146

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the new reality show Making It, the 2008 financial collapse ten years later, and the death of Walter Mischel, the social psychologist who created the “marshmallow test.” Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Making It, a crafting competition show hosted ...
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Crafting, the 2008 Financial Crisis, and the Marshmallow Test

Nike’s Colin Kaepernick Ad, the Anonymous New York Times Op-Ed, and Robin Leach

Past Present Episode 145

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss Nike’s controversial signing of Colin Kaepernick as the face of their Just Do It campaign, the anonymous New York Times op-ed written by a senior Trump administration official, and the recent death of Robin Leach. Here are some links and references mentioned during ...
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Nike’s Colin Kaepernick Ad, the Anonymous New York Times Op-Ed, and Robin Leach

John McCain, The Catholic Church, and The Latest Panic Over Loneliness

Past Present Bonus Episode 144

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Senator John McCain, the recent scandals in the Catholic Church, and the latest panic over loneliness. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Senator John McCain, a leading light of the Republican Party, died last ...
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John McCain, The Catholic Church, and The Latest Panic Over Loneliness