Episode 187: School Busing, Girlboss, and Lil Nas X

On this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the recent debate over school busing, the launch of the women’s networking platform, “Girlboss,” and the rapper Lil Nas X.

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

• After Senators Joe Biden and Kamala Harris clashed at the Democratic debate, school busing is back in the news. Niki referred to historian Matt Delmont’s book on busing and to her own column at Australia’s The Age about the intergenerational dynamics of the Democratic debates. Natalia recommended Ansley T. Erickson’s book on desegregation in Nashville and Lily Geismer’s book on the limits of Boston-area liberalism.

• Entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso has founded a new venture, Girlboss, styled as a “LinkedIn for millennial women.” Natalia referred to this Buzzfeed article about the limits of “girlboss” empowerment.

• Rapper Lil Nas X is behind the summer’s biggest song – “Old Town Road” – and controversy. Natalia noted historian Mark Laver’s Washington Post article about the racist gatekeeping of the country music genre.

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

• Natalia shared the new Wondery podcast, “The Shrink Next Door.”

• Neil discussed his cross-country trip.

• Niki recommended Nicole Cliffe’s SELF profile of Alanis Morrissette and also announced a new career move!

Episode 186: Iran, E. Jean Carroll, and Knitting

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the recent escalation of tensions with Iran, new allegations of rape against President Trump, and controversy on the knitting social media network Ravelry.

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

• Tensions between Iran and the United States are escalating. Niki recommended Robert D. Kaplan’s article at the New York Times on the connection between U.S. concerns in Asia and the Middle East.

• Advice columnist E. Jean Carroll is the latest woman to accuse Donald Trump of sexual assault. Natalia referred to Megan Garber’s Atlantic article about attention fatigue and sexual violence in the Trump era and to historian Estelle B. Freedman’s book Redefining Rape.

• Knitting social media network Ravelry has revised its policy to prohibit any pro-Trump projects on its site. Natalia referred to writer Emily Matchar’s book Homeward Bound: Why Women are Embracing the New Domesticity.

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

• Natalia recommended the online documentary project 1938 Projekt.

• Neil discussed a new Harris Poll that showed decreased support among young people for LGBTQ rights.

• Niki reflected on the exchange between Kamala Harris and Joe Biden about busing at the Democratic debate, sharing historian Matt Delmont’s Twitter thread and Brett Gadsden’s Politico article, “Here’s How Deep Biden’s Busing Problem Runs.”

Episode 185: Alan Brinkley, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Lesbian Cruises

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the recent passing of two major figures: political historian Alan Brinkley and socialite fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt, and the historical significance of a viral Buzzfeed essay about attending a lesbian cruise.

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

• Columbia political historian Alan Brinkley – a Ph.D. advisor to Neil and Niki and favorite undergraduate professor of Natalia – has died. Niki recommended Alan Brinkley: A Life in History, a collection of essays by some of his students, including Niki. Neil discussed Brinkley’s influential 1994 article in the American Historical Review, “The Problem of American Conservatism.” Natalia recommended David Greenberg’s reflection in TIME on Brinkley’s legacy.

• Heiress and fashion trailblazer Gloria Vanderbilt has died. Niki referred to this Washington Post article about the custody trial that defined Vanderbilt as a “poor little rich girl.” Natalia noted how trailblazing the commercials for her jeans were.

• Shannon Keating’s Buzzfeed essay about her experience on a lesbian cruise operated by Olivia Travel has gone viral. Natalia cited David K. Johnson’s book Buying Gay.

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

• Natalia recommended a new documentary, The Lavender Scare.

• Neil discussed the Orlando Sentinel’s editorial, “Our Orlando Sentinel Endorsement for 2020: Not Donald Trump.”

• Niki shared P.R. Lockhart’s Vox article, “Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates Gives Mitch McConnell a Thorough History Lesson on Reparations.”

Episode 184: YouTube, Tariffs, and Elizabeth Warren

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss YouTube’s role in political radicalization, the history of tariffs, and the presidential candidacy of Senator Elizabeth Warren.

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

• YouTube’s algorithm, the New York Times reported, serves up increasingly extreme content to viewers. Niki recommended media studies scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan’s book Antisocial Media. Natalia recommended Niki’s book Messengers of the Right.

• Tariffs have become a central part of President Trump’s foreign policy. Niki cited historian Marc W. Palen’s book, The Conspiracy of Free Trade, and Natalia referred to historian Lizabeth Cohen’s book A Consumer’s Republic.

• Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 candidacy is inspiring passionate support from many on the left. Natalia recommended this Politico article about Warren’s conservative past.

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

• Natalia recommended historian Joshua Specht’s new book, Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table History of How Beef Changed America.

• Neil discussed Jia Tolentino’s New Yorker article, “Why Humans Treat Their Dogs Like People.”

• Niki shared Lindsay Parks Pieper’s Washington Post article, “The Biggest Challenge Facing the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Isn’t on the Field.”

Episode 183: LIVE! The Stonewall Uprising, Jazzercise, and C-SPAN

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the significance of the Stonewall Uprising, the legacy of Jazzercise, and the fortieth anniversary of C-SPAN.

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

• Fifty years ago this month, the Stonewall Uprising took place. Neil discussed the issues historians have raised with the treatment of Stonewall in popular culture.

• Jazzercise turns 50 this year.

• C-SPAN is 40, and beloved by many. Natalia cited Niki’s article at NBC about the virtues of the channel, while Neil referred to David Graham’s Atlantic article about its mixed legacy.

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

• Natalia discussed the criticism New York City mayor Bill De Blasio endures for his exercise habits.

• Neil recommended the new HBO show, “Chernobyl.”

• Niki reflected on historian Lauren MacIvor Thompson’s viral tweetstorm in response to Cokie Roberts’ misinformed comments about abortion in the nineteenth century.

Episode 182: The 1994 Crime Bill, Mount Everest, and the Grand Canyon

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the 1994 Crime Bill, a surge in deaths among Mount Everest climbers, and controversy over a plan to build a luxury complex at the Grand Canyon.

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

• The 1994 Crime Bill is once again in the news, dogging Joe Biden’s candidacy. Niki referred to Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Niki also recommended a New York Times op-ed by Elizabeth Hinton, Julilly Kohler-Hausmann, and Vesla Weaver about African-American responses to the 1994 Crime Bill.

• Deaths among those attempting to reach the peak of Mount Everest have spiked. Neil referred to this National Geographic article about improvements in climbing gear. Natalia cited this detailed description in The New York Times of the crowded scene at the peak. Niki referred to this New Yorker article – from 1954 – about the Sherpa who first ascended Everest, and this Bitch Media article about “manless climbing.”

• A viral Twitter thread was the first many heard of an intense controversy over a plan to construct a luxury hotel and water park at the Grand Canyon. Natalia and Neil commented on former Reagan Administration official Steve Hanke’s Forbes article advocating the privatization of public lands.

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

• Natalia discussed the mostly-forgotten “50-Mile Kennedy March.”

• Neil recommended Jeffrey Bloomer’s Slate article, “Why Everyone Thought Aladdin Had a Secret Sex Message.”

• Niki shared Ryan Grim and Kelly Eleveld’s HuffPost article, “Barack Obama, Harry Reid, and the Secret of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Repeal.”

Episode 181: Student Loans, Fur Bans, and TWA

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss billionaire Robert F. Smith’s historic gift to the Morehouse College class of 2019, a proposed fur ban in New York City, and the opening of a chic new hotel in the TWA terminal.

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

• Private equity billionaire Robert F. Smith surprised the graduating class of Morehouse College when he promised to pay off their college loan debt, a sum totaling an estimated $40 million. Niki referred to this Slate article that posited the gift as a “natural experiment.” Natalia cited this Wall Street Journal article about Smith’s unique approach to investing. Neil recommended this Dissent article about the extent of the student loan crisis. Niki referred to Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom’s book Lower Ed.

• New York City is considering a ban on the sale of fur, but some residents are fighting back hard. Neil recommended Jasmine Sanders’ New York Times article, “A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur.”

• The TWA terminal at John F. Kennedy airport has reopened – as a high-end hotel. Natalia recommended this St. Louis magazine article about the downfall of TWA. 

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

• Natalia recommended Britni de la Cretaz’ Longreads article, “An Audience of Athletes: The Rise and Fall of Feminist Sports.”

• Neil discussed his latest column for The Week, “Censoring gay marriage on TV could be an ominous sign of things to come.”

• Niki shared DeNeen L Brown’s Washington Post article, “Harriet Tubman is already appearing on $20 bills whether Trump Officials like it or not.”

Episode 180: Sex Strike, David McCullough, and Doris Day

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss a proposed “sex strike,” historian David McCullough’s new book, and the life and legacy of Doris Day.

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

•  Actor and activist Alyssa Milano this week suggested that women withhold sex from men until women achieve “bodily autonomy.” Natalia referred to Christian writer Laura Turner’s tweets about the role of paternalistic religion in shaping an anti-abortion worldview.

• Historian David McCullough has written a new bestselling book that has historians frustrated for its dated views about westward expansion. Natalia recommended Rebecca Onion’s review of The Pioneers at Slate, while Niki highlighted the shortcomings of another at NPR. Natalia suggested @ProfWehrman’s tweets contextualizing McCullough’s work, and Niki recommended an alternative text, Anna-Lisa Cox’s The Bone and Sinew of the Land.

• Film star and songstress Doris Day has died. Natalia referred to Anthony Lane’s reflections on her legacy at the New Yorker and to the series on “Dead Blondes” by the Hollywood podcast You Must Remember This.

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

• Natalia shared Lyz Lenz’ Columbia Journalism Review article, “The Heavy Crown of Gretchen Carlson.”

• Neil discussed the death of iconic architect I.M. Pei.

• Niki reflected on the influence of “Grumpy Cat” on meme culture in the wake of the cat’s recent death.

Episode 179: Electability, Caster Semenya, and Rachel Held Evans

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the concept of “electability,” the gender policing of South African runner Caster Semenya, and the legacy of Christian writer Rachel Held Evans.

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

• With over 20 Democratic candidates in the running, “electability” is a hot topic of conversation among pundits. Natalia referred to historian Claire Potter’s New York Times article on likeability.

• South African runner Caster Semenya has been banned from competing due to her elevated testosterone levels. Natalia cited this Quillette article supporting the ban. Niki noted this New Republic article about gender testing of athletes. Natalia recommended historian Lindsay Parks Pieper’s Washington Post article about the racialized history of gender testing in sports.

• Known as “the most polarizing woman in evangelicalism,” Rachel Held Evans died unexpectedly earlier this month. Neil referred to Evans’ departure from evangelicalism and Natalia commented on Evans’ book A Year of Biblical Womanhood and writer A.J. Jacobs’ very different book The Year of Living Biblically. 

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

• Natalia shared Sarah Treleaven’s Medium article, “The Enduring Appeal of Escapism: A History of Wellness Retreats.”

• Neil discussed Matt Smith’s Reveal article, “The Happiest Cats on Earth.”

• Niki reflected on A.C. Thompson’s ProPublica article, “Once Defiant, All Four Supremacists Charged in Charlottesville Violence Plead Guilty.”

Episode 178: John Singleton, Anti-Semitism in the New York Times, and TikTok

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the legacy of filmmaker John Singleton, an anti-Semitic cartoon in the New York Times, and the latest social media sensation, TikTok.

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

• Filmmaker John Singleton has died. Natalia discussed this article by Singleton in the Hollywood Reporter about whether a white director can make a great black movie. She also cited Tom Wolfe’s book Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers. Niki cited this interview with Singleton in the New York Times.

• The international edition of the New York Times printed a cartoon many have criticized as anti-Semitic. Natalia endorsed part of Bret Stephens’ argument in the New York Times.

• TikTok, a social media app few Americans over 30 have heard of, has more users than Twitter. Niki recommended Taylor Lorenz’ article at the Atlantic and mentioned this NPR article to which Lorenz responded.

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

• Natalia reflected on the history of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

• Neil discussed the new emperor of Japan, reported here at BBC News.

• Niki shared Jonah Engel Bromwich’s New York Times article, “The Raisin Situation.”

Episode 177: Ancestry.com, Vigilante Border Patrol Groups, and Cargo Shorts

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss outrage over an Ancestry.com ad, vigilante groups policing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the controversy over cargo shorts.

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

• Ancestry.com released – and quickly pulled – an advertisement depicting a romantic relationship between an African-American woman and a white man in the 19th century. Natalia recommended historian Annette Gordon-Reed’s book on Sally Hemings, and historian Megan Kate Nelson’s Washington Post article about a Nike ad celebrating “the Lost Cause.”

• A vigilante group called the United Constitutional Patriots has been “helping” Border Patrol police the southern border of the United States. Niki recommended this Washington Post piece about the Netflix film The Highwaymen, and Natalia referred to historian Greg Grandin’s article at The Intercept that placed the UCP in a longer history. Natalia also noted this Vulture piece that argues that Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” is an anthem for the Trump era. Niki recommended following Dara Lind, Kathleen Belew, and Carly Goodman on Twitter for their commentary on the white power movement.

• Cargo pants, a decidedly bland style, have inspired surprisingly intense controversy, including recently on right-wing Twitter. Natalia recommended this article at The Cut historicizing the style, and this piece at The Wall Street Journal about women’s distaste for the pocketed pants.

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

• Natalia commented on Ben Cosgrove’s Time article, “’Brawny and Buoyant’: A Portrait of West Coast Youth of the 1950s.”

• Neil talked about Arielle Pardes’ Wired article, “Helvetica, the World’s Most Popular Font, Gets a Face Lift.”

• Niki discussed her own article on the Mueller Report at The Sydney Morning Herald and Jack Goldsmith and Benjamin Wittes’ Lawfare article, “The Watergate Road Map: What It Says and What It Suggests for Mueller.”

Episode 176: Notre Dame Cathedral, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and the Center for American Progress

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the fire at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral, President Trump’s attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and the history of liberal think tanks.

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

• The world watched as Paris’ iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames last week. Natalia recommended this Atlantic article that highlights the tension between the French tradition of laïcité and Notre Dame’s status as a national icon.

• Sparked in part by President Trump’s incendiary remarks, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has become the target of vicious attacks. Niki cited this New Yorker profile about Omar’s popularity among her constituents.

• A Center for American Progress video criticizing Bernie Sanders for downplaying his substantial wealth is raising questions about the biases of the liberal think tank.

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

• Natalia shared about her recent visit to the Wolfsonian Institute at Florida International University.

• Neil discussed the new Netflix series, “Special.”

• Niki recommended the Hulu series, “Shrill.”

Episode 175: Stephen Miller and DHS, Measles and the Anti-Vaccination Movement, and Adjunct Professors

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the influence of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the resurgence of measles in the United States and the anti-vaccination movement, and the plight of adjunct professors.

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

• A spate of departures at the Department of Homeland Security has brought attention to stalwart Trump hardliner Stephen Miller. Natalia cited this Atlantic profile of Miller, as well as her own book, Classroom Wars, which focuses on the California school system in which Miller formed his worldview. Niki cited Adam Serwer’s Atlantic article, “The Cruelty is the Point.”

• Measles, once thought to be eradicated in the United States, is back thanks in part to a robust anti-vaccination movement. Natalia mentioned this press release from the Anti-Defamation League, and Niki cited this study sympathetic to the anti-vaccine cause.

• Adam Harris’ Atlantic article about the death of historian Thea Hunter has invigorated conversation about the adversity facing adjunct professors. Niki referred to this article at the American Prospect about the unionization of adjuncts.

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

• Natalia recommended Rosa Lyster’s Outline article, “Listen Up, Bitches, It’s Time to learn Incorrect Things About Someone You’ve Never Heard Of.”

• Neil discussed the White House’s screening of the anti-abortion film Gosnell.

• Niki shared Ben Guarino’s Washington Post article, “Algorithms Gave Us the Black Hole Picture. She’s the 29-year-old Scientist Who Helped Create Them.”

Episode 174: Reparations, Leggings, and Nipsey Hussle

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the case for reparations, why leggings are so controversial, and the legacy of rapper Nipsey Hussle.

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

• Reparations for slavery have gained renewed currency among policymakers. Neil referred to Ta-Nehisi Coates’ 2014 essay, “The Case for Reparations.” Niki recommended Jamelle Bouie’s response to this essay in Slate.

• A University of Notre Dame mother’s plea against leggings has made national news. Natalia recommended historian Deirdre Clemente’s book Dress Casual and referred to this New York Times article recommending that women forsake leggings for sweatpants.

• Rapper Nipsey Hussle was murdered in Los Angeles last week. Natalia drew on the work of hip hop scholar Tricia Rose.

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

• Natalia recommended Alice Hines’ New York Times article, “Psst. Kid. Wanna Teach Some Yoga?”

• Neil discussed the decision of the mayor of Ocala, Florida to proclaim a “Confederate Memorial Day.”

• Niki discussed the work of two historians who won prizes at the recent Organization of American Historians annual meeting: Martha Jones and Julia Bowes.

Episode 173: The Mueller Report, the Electoral College, and Arugula Lettuce

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Mueller Report, the movement to end the Electoral College, and why not many Americans eat arugula lettuce.

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

• Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s long-awaited report has been released, though the public has only received a four-page summary, issued by Attorney General William Barr. Niki referred to the high standard set by the Watergate Scandal, which she wrote about in the Washington Post.

• The Electoral College is one of the most confusing institutions in American politics, and a new movement to abolish it is gathering steam. Natalia recommended Jamelle Bouie’s New York Times op-ed making a progressive case for its abolition.

• Arugula lettuce, Amanda Mull recently argued in the Atlantic, is underappreciated. Niki referred to the lettuce’s Jewish history, as chronicled in the Forward.

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

• Natalia reflected on one University of Notre Dame mother’s plea against leggings.

• Neil discussed the television miniseries, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace.”

• Niki recommended the new NPR podcast, Believed.

Episode 172: "Operation Varsity Blues," the White Supremacy Terrorist Attack in New Zealand, and Beto O'Rourke

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 highlighted the illegal means to which some affluent people go to secure their children college admission.

• An attack by a white supremacist on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, killed and wounded dozens of worshipers earlier this month. Niki recommended historian David Atkinson’s book, The Burden of White Supremacy: Containing Asian Migration in the British Empire and referred to Jean Raspail’s 1973 white-supremacist text, The Camp of the Saints.

• After much speculation, Texas Democrat Beto O’Rourke has announced he is running for president in 2020. Natalia recommended this New Republic article on O’Rourke’s “profound emptiness” and Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming. Niki referred to David Sirota’s Guardian piece criticizing O’Rourke’s centrism.

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

• Natalia discussed the work of physical culturalist Bernarr MacFadden, and the perils of taking decontextualized “inspiring lessons from history” at face value.

• Neil commented on Karen Zraick’s New York Times article, “Florida Republicans Push to Make Ex-Felons Pay Fees Before They Can Vote.”

• Niki talked about her upcoming appearance in a new documentary based on the popular Slow Burn podcast.

Episode 171: "Cancel Culture," Hobbies, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302

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 of taking it too far.

• Hobbies, or engaging in an activity only for the joy it brings, are increasingly a rarity. Neil referred to Hanna Rosin’s book The End of Men: And the Rise of Women. Natalia recommended this history of the “side hustle” at The Conversation.

• A tragic airplane crash has killed 157 people and raised questions about the Boeing 737 Max 8 model. Neil recommended the book, Flying Without Fear. Natalia referred to this Wall Street Journal article about the effect of crashes on the airplane industry. 

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

• Natalia discussed Matthew Remski’s new book, Practice and All is Coming.

• Neil recommended Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland and his previous reporting at The New Yorker.

• Niki talked about her recent appearance on Trumpcast.

Episode 170: "Finding Neverland," Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church and LGBTQ Christians

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 mentioned during this week’s show: 

• “Leaving Neverland,” a new HBO documentary, centers the alleged victims of Michael Jackson’s pedophilia. Natalia recommended Jason King’s Slate piece about the centrality of race to this story. Niki cited another piece at Slate on whether Jackson will remain a staple on wedding playlists. Natalia drew connections with the recent “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary.

• Actor Luke Perry is dead at 52. Natalia referenced this Jezebel piece on Perry’s influence on shaping a 1990s cool aesthetic. Niki recommended Joan Didion’s New Yorker article on the southern California Spur Posse.

• The United Methodist Church has tightened its ban on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Natalia recommended historian Jonathan Zimmerman’s book Too Hot to Handle: A Global History of Sex Education about the power of global religious conservatism.

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

• Natalia discussed Marc Fisher’s Washington Post article, “’Grab that Record’: How Trump’s High School Transcript was Hidden.”

• Neil shared Simon Romero’s New York Times article, “Lynch Mobs Killed Latinos Across the West. The Fight to Remember These Atrocities is Just Starting.”

• Niki recommended Jane Mayer’s New Yorker article, “The Making of the Fox News White House.”

Episode 169: Jussie Smollett, Christopher Hasson, and Debunking Psychics

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 hoax. Natalia referred to John McWhorter’s Atlantic article on the rise of “victimhood culture” as well as this Atlantic article on the history of racial hoaxes.

• Coast Guard member and ex-Marine Christopher Hasson has been apprehended for plotting a terrorist attack. Niki and Natalia recommended Kathleen Belew’s book Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America. Natalia also referred to Amy Schumer’s Comedy Central skit about football and rape culture.

• Skeptics are using Facebook to expose psychics who are also using social media, but to defraud paying customers. Niki referred to this article at The Cut about Camp Edna, an important site in the history of women’s spiritualism.

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

• Natalia discussed Reeves Wiedeman’s The Cut article, “Who Killed Tulum?”

• Neil reflected on his visit to the Maitland Art + History Museum’s current exhibition of the artist J. Andre Smith.

• Niki talked about Pat Robertson’s 1988 announcement that he was running for the Republican presidential nomination and recommended Gil Troy’s Daily Beast article, “Rosey Grier: The Lineman who Tried to Save RFK—and Voted for Trump.”

Episode 168: Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill

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 this article on the rise of the “heritage brand.”

• After an 11-year-old Florida student refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, he was arrested. Natalia referred to historian Christopher Petrella’s Washington Post piece on the nativist sentiment that inspired the Pledge. Neil recommended historian Kevin Kruse’s book One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America on how “under God” was added to the Pledge during the Cold War.

• Socialite and style icon Lee Radziwill has died. Neil recommended Vanessa Friedman’s New York Times article on her legacy as an “influencer,” and Natalia suggested this piece at The Cut about “the Cinderella trap.” Natalia and Neil recommend Grey Gardens, the 1975 documentary and Broadway show.

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

• Natalia shared her Well+Good article, “Yoga Pants Made Lululemon Founder a Billionaire – Why Isn’t He More Grateful to the Women Who Wear Them?”

• Neil discussed Jasmine Sanders’ New York Times article, “A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur.”

• Niki recommended Geraldo Cadava’s Washington Post article, “How the Border Wall Divided the GOP.”