Unsubscribe: Opt Out of Delusion, Tune In to Truth by Josh Korda 2017, Wisdom Publications A three-step guide to recovering from the modern addiction to consumerism, social withdrawal, and emotional inauthenticity — from life as you thought it had to be. The Idea If you’ve ever felt like there must be more than the rat race, or that the modern American definition of success might not be all it’s cracked up to […]
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. —Robert Byrne How do we keep going in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds? How do we overcome the dark forces of self-doubt and self-criticism which can sometimes cripple our ability to create our best, most purposeful lives? How do we rise above the sometimes ungenerous, unkind stories we tell ourselves as we go about our lives? Sitting around the table at […]
In this episode of Past Present, Natalia, Niki, and Neil debate the White House’s announcement to end DACA, the death of New Age guru and publisher Louise Hay, and the prospect of an all-female Lord of the Flies remake. DACA We discussed the recent history of DACA and its unique policy history; we all found this Vox article by Dara Lind helpful. Louise Hay New Age pioneer Louise Hay died […]
In this week’s episode of Past Present, Niki, Neil, and Natalia debate the fate of the American Health Care Act, the constructed nature of children’s sleep, and Pluto’s place among the planets. The AHCA We discussed why Donald Trump’s plan to repeal and replace Obamacare failed and the longer history of health care reform in the U.S. Children’s Sleep A recent Los Angeles Times oped wondered why parents […]
In this week’s episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki debate the complicated politics of the women’s strike, the rise of anti-Semitism in America, and humanity’s relationship to robots. The Women’s Strike A Women’s Strike is being organized for March 8. We discussed the strike in the context of other women’s strikes and transnational feminism. Anti-Semitism We discussed the rise in anti-Semitism in the U.S. and abroad. Natalia noted Matthew Frye Jacobson’s book, Whiteness of a Different Color, for […]
Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents by Christine Carter, Ph.D. 2011, Ballantine Books The Idea Christine Carter, the executive director of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, provides a blueprint for raising happier children and becoming happier yourself in the process. She distills research in the fields of psychology, sociology, and neuroscience into practical, actionable advice. Recommended For If you’re a parent who wants […]
On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Apple vs. the US, Michael Pollan’s “Cooked,” and Guantanamo Bay. Apple vs U.S. The federal government has sued Apple to develop technology that will allow it to access the locked iPhone of the San Bernardino terrorists. Neil noted the government has used the All Writs Act of 1789 to issue its order because the 1992 […]
The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth by M. Scott Peck 1978, Simon & Schuster The Idea Life is difficult, and the sooner we come to terms with that, the easier it becomes. We’re all shaped by early-life experiences, primarily the massive influence of our own caretakers, and unraveling those influences can hold the key to personal development – if we’re willing to work […]
I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Making the Journey from “What Will People Think?” to “I Am Enough” by Brene Brown 2007, Avery The Idea Shame is harmful. And because it’s not as glamorous as something like failure (seriously), we don’t talk about it. In this book, Brene Brown tackles the tricky topic with her characteristic thoughtfulness. She explores how becoming resilient to shame can help us form […]
Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa 2016, Lee Boudreaux Books The Idea The interwoven narratives of key players whose lives were thrust together by the 1999 Seattle World Trade Organization protests are an exercise in empathy. Recommended For Neoliberals and grassroots civic activists alike (as well as anyone in between) who seek to understand their supposed opposition. Pros The visceral prose thrills whilst simultaneously […]