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Now & Then

By: CAFE
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  • Summary

  • How can the past help inform today’s most pressing challenges? Every Wednesday, award-winning historians Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman use their encyclopedic knowledge of US history to bring the past to life. Together, they make sense of the week in news by discussing the people, ideas, and events that got us here today. Now and Then is produced by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
    2021 CAFE
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Episodes
  • Heather Cox Richardson on Stay Tuned with Preet

    Heather Cox Richardson on Stay Tuned with Preet
    Sep 28 2023
    Heather Cox Richardson, host of Now & Then, joins Stay Tuned with Preet to discuss her new book, “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America.” They talk about the origins of the terms “liberal” and “conservative,” a 1937 anti-FDR manifesto that presaged today’s GOP, and the ways in which the nation might move beyond the chaos of the Trump years.  Head to the Stay Tuned feed to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 min
  • Then...and Now

    Then...and Now
    Sep 13 2023
    On this finale episode of Now & Then, Heather and Joanne are joined by the show’s production team to discuss behind-the-scenes reflections and favorite memories from the series. Editorial Producers David Kurlander and Sam Ozer-Staton, Executive Producer Tamara Sepper, and Audio Producer Matthew Billy celebrate history, democracy, and friendship with the historians.  For references & supplemental materials, head to: https://cafe.com/now-and-then/then-and-now/ Now & Then is presented by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Looking Ahead: A Viewers’ Guide to Presidential Debates

    Looking Ahead: A Viewers’ Guide to Presidential Debates
    Sep 6 2023
    How do political debates help and hurt American democracy? Heather and Joanne reflect on the recent Republican primary debate and discuss the long legacy of the institution, from Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s proto-debates with voters during the contentious 1800 election, to the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, to the iconic 1960 televised debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.  Heather and Joanne discuss their own experiences participating in debates in the “Backstage” portion of the podcast. To get access to Backstage segments and other exclusive content, become a member at cafe.com/history. Now & Then is ending on September 13th. Leave us a voicemail with your favorite moment from the show at 669-247-7338 or write to us at letters@cafe.com. For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/looking-ahead-a-viewers-guide-to-presidential-debates/ Now & Then is presented by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    53 mins
World Politics & Government Social Sciences
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Information not heard elsewhere!

Refreshing historical perspective to understand the background of critical events happening today! This is not found in social or traditional media. Well worth the time to listen and reflect!

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VEEP episode

I am not any kind of expert in either history or.po?itics, so the Veep episode was the first and best explanation of the duties of the VP. I'd ever heard. It was interesting to hear how that position developed, and what Harris has accomplished in her term. The Hosts are easy to follow, as both are adept at filling in enough back story to keep you with their pace; but as a listener I don't feel lectured to. It feels much more like being one of the team, but offsite at the moment. If you feel the need to understand po!itics and why policies and laws are the way they are, this is a good place to start.

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Everyone needs to listen

well done. easy to listen. facts not political fiction from extremely knowledgeable historians.. worthwhile

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History explained by historians

These podcasts are so well thought out, put together and explained. It has been a huge benefit to be able to hear the history explained so eloquently. If you check out heather’s facebook page she even provides sources so you can get more info.

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History they don't teach but should.

Every week we get a chance to understand what is going on today by learning about our past. Cox Richardson and Freeman trace events backto the beginning with wit, insight, and intelligence.

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I will miss you.

Thanks for the insight, the backstory, and showing why we should care. You two are amazing.

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Loved it

loved it..honest history of slavery and the rational of the Southern States pre and post the Civil War.

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Always insightful!

Their discussions are always delightful and insightful- focusing on current issues from a historical prospectives.

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Amazing Historical Context for Today's News -

Every one of these provides history to help understand current events! Just awesome! Thanks!

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  • 02-19-23

ESSENTIAL LISTENING

Incredibly relevant & thorough - essential listening to understanding today's society. I will be listening to it again and taking notes.

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