Peloton and the History of Product Recalls

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the recall of the latest Peloton exercise machine in historical context.

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Peloton, the digital fitness company made famous by its internet-connected stationary bike, is complying with a federal voluntary recall of its Tread+, which has killed one child and injured many other children and pets. Natalia referred to historian Richard Bushman’s book The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Niki referenced Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed, and Natalia reported on the intense response in Peloton Facebook groups.  

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia discussed Alison Bechdel’s book, The Secret to Superhuman Strength.
• Neil recommended historian Roberto Rey Agudo’s Washington Post op-ed, “On Cinco de Mayo, Americans speak ‘mock Spanish.’ Here’s why that’s a problem.”
• Niki shared her CNN column, “George W. Bush is a flawed messenger for Republicans.”