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Past Present

Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Cynthia Greenlee, Neil J. Young, and Nicole Hemmer, editors.

Created in 2015 by historians Natalia Mehlman Petrzela. Neil J. Young and Nicole Hemmer, Past Present is a weekly conversational podcast that turns hindsight into foresight. Going beyond Twitter hot takes and cable news sound bites, we think that every headline has a history – and every listener is a historian.

Past Present

Sen. John Fetterman and the Senate Dress Code

Episode 394

October 3, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In Episode 394 of Past Present, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of political dress codes. ...

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Sen. John Fetterman and the Senate Dress Code
Past Present

Ibram X. Kendi and the Controversy over the Center for Antiracist Research

Episode 393

September 26, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the apparent crisis at scholar Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research....

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Ibram X. Kendi and the Controversy over the Center for Antiracist Research
Past Present

The New Crisis of Masculinity

Episode 392

September 19, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the latest “crisis of masculinity.”...

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The New Crisis of Masculinity
Past Present

The History of Telemarketing

Past Present Podcast, Episode 391

September 12, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode of Past Present, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of telemarketing....

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The History of Telemarketing
Past Present

A History of the Mugshot

Past Present Podcast, Episode 390

September 5, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode of Past Present, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of the mugshot. ...

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A History of the Mugshot
Past Present

West Virginia University and the Attack on American Universities

Past Present Podcast, Episode 389

August 29, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode of Past Present, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the significance of major cutbacks at West Virginia University....

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West Virginia University and the Attack on American Universities
Past Present

The Ocean Gate Submersible and the History of Extreme Travel

Past Present Podcast, Episode 380

June 27, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the failed attempt of the Ocean Gate submersible to explore the Titanic wreckage....

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The Ocean Gate Submersible and the History of Extreme Travel
Past Present

The Trump Indictment

Past Present Podcast, Episode 379

June 20, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the indictment of former President Donald Trump. ...

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The Trump Indictment
Past Present

The Duggar Family and “Shiny Happy People”

Past Present Podcast, Episode 378

June 13, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil the new documentary about the Duggar family, Shiny Happy People....

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The Duggar Family and “Shiny Happy People”
Past Present

Car Buying and the History of Car Dealers

Past Present Podcast, Episode 377

June 6, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
Car salesmen play an underappreciated role in GOP power politics...

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Car Buying and the History of Car Dealers
Past Present

Tina Turner

Past Present Podcast, Episode 376

May 30, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of rock star Tina Turner. ...

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Tina Turner
Past Present

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Past Present Podcast, Episode 375

May 23, 2023 • by Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and Neil J. Young
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss Martha Stewart’s appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue....

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The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
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