Not Past It

On April 11, 1942, the Manzanar Free Press was born. It was a first of its kind newspaper—written by Japanese-Americans incarcerated by their own government at the Manzanar detention center. There, a group of young journalists would try to document their grim new reality amidst censorship and escalating tensions within the camp, all while their faith in America was being tested. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

128 years ago this week, news broke of a small-town butter contest turned scandalous. Dairy experts and buttermakers gathered in Meadville, Pennsylvania to award the state’s best butter. Little did they know, there was a cheat in their midst. These treacherous events sparked important questions for Meadvilleans, and for us all: Who can we trust? And what the heck is in our food? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In April 1993, thirty years ago this month, two guys from Queens who called themselves The Jerky Boys released a self-titled comedy album. It went on to sell over a million copies, making it one of the most successful comedy records of all time. But almost as soon as they made it big, they crashed. So how did these pranksters come to dominate the comedy scene, and what does their rise and fall tell us about prank comedy itself? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’ve got a special episode for you from the new season of Solved Murders: True Crime Mysteries. It's a 4-part mini-series that tells the true story of Bass Reeves—a sharp-shooting deputy marshal in the Wild West. It’s a story with all the classic action—pistols, outlaws, undercover take downs. But it’s also the Wild West like you’ve never heard it before. Because Bass Reeves… is a Black deputy, and he earned his badge after fleeing slavery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On March 15th, 1937—86 years ago this week— a new kind of bank opened in the US. That bank wouldn’t deal out money— it would deal out blood. Blood banks would help to revolutionize medicine, save countless lives, and make complex new surgeries possible. But who could put blood in those banks? Who couldn’t? And why? That has its own complicated history. One that we’ll look at through an event that happened not too long ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey, Barbie Girls! On March 9th, 1959, the now-legendary Barbie doll debuted at the International Toy Fair. She was controversial from the start; her hot bod scandalized parents and intrigued kids across the country. But while grown-ups were clutching their pearls, a more pointed battle was brewing -- over the purpose of Barbie and the nature of play. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On February 26, 2017, “Moonlight,” won the Oscar for Best Picture. But an envelope mishap nearly overshadowed the indie movie’s big moment. It’s a story from our not so distant past, but it tells us pretty much everything we need to know about Hollywood and awards season. We take a look at the history of the Academy, the famed awards show and expose the cracks hiding behind the movie magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On February 25th, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius Clay shook up the world when he defeated Heavyweight Boxing Champion Sonny Liston in a stunning upset. Clay floated like a butterfly, stung like a bee, and fought like an underdog with something to prove. In honor of that legendary moment, the Not Past It team is telling three more stories about the Davids who punched above their weight to conquer their Goliaths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

172 years ago this week, a new fugitive slave law loomed large over the city of Boston. Southern slave hunters were now empowered to travel up North, catch anyone who’d escaped slavery, and return them to bondage. That’s why, in 1851, they rolled through town looking for Shadrach Minkins, who fled from slavery in Virginia. The Black abolitionists of the city made it their mission to protect Shadrach. And they fought back — even if it meant breaking the law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’ve got a special episode for you from the new season of Conviction. The folks over at Conviction are bringing you the story of a Harlem rapper – Max B – who’s on the cusp of stardom. But his life changes when he hears about an irresistible score. All episodes of Season 3 are out now, so go take a listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On February 1st, 2004— 19 years ago this week— Americans witnessed, live on television, a Super Bowl mishap that would impact our culture and media consumption to this day. So put on your jersey, grab some nachos and gather around for the history of the gridiron. We’re joined by Sam Sanders, host of the Vulture podcast, Into It & co-host of the Stitcher podcast, Vibe Check. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not Past It Trivia is back! This time, we’re joined by Rachel Lindsay and Callie Curry from The Ringer’s ‘Morally Corrupt’ podcast in this special, Real Housewives-inspired game. 17 years ago, Bravo announced a new type of television show, following the lives of five wealthy women. That show – the Real Housewives of Orange County – launched a reality tv empire. So pour yourself a glass of rosé as we tackle questions about Bravolebrities, TV through the ages, and real housewives from history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

103 years ago this week, Prohibition went into effect, giving the country a Dry January for the ages. Prohibition was a famous failure, so who got us into that sober decade in the first place? Today, we’re talking about the notorious temperance crusader Carry A. Nation, whose weapon of choice made her a laughingstock -- and an unlikely hero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 11, 1964, the U.S. Surgeon General released a bombshell report detailing the harmful effects of smoking. It was the first time America’s “top doctor” issued such a public warning on the dangers of cigarettes. And with their backs against the wall, tobacco companies got creative and crafted new tactics to target Black communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 1970s, amateur theater producer Ken Harper had a vision for an all-Black rendition of the Wizard of Oz. And on January 5, 1975, The Wiz premiered on Broadway. Hollywood came knocking shortly after, packing the film version of the musical with stars like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. But the Wiz’s success was never a guarantee. In fact, it went through many trials, misses, and near-deaths before becoming the cult classic it is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a big year for the Green M&M. After a marketing revamp, she lost her signature go-go boots and femme fatale flair. So we thought, what better way to end the year than bringing back our episode all about how Ms. Green got so sexy in the first place. In this history domino classic, we trace how the Spanish American War led to a sugar boom, warring candy families, and eventually, the birth of a pop culture icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 22, 1972, St. Louis high society was readying itself for The Veiled Prophet Ball—a debutante ball for the daughters of the city’s most pedigreed families. Inside, thousands of guests at the white tie event settled in for an elegant evening. But just outside, a group of stealth activists was preparing to infiltrate the exclusive party, where they’d attempt to pull off a dramatic stunt and unveil the ugly truth behind the ball’s origins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, we’ll find out how a 19th-century obsession with the frigid Arctic snowballed into our mythology of Old Saint Nick. We’ll take a sneak peek into Santa’s bag of toys, answer his personal phone calls, and track his sleigh across the starry night sky. We’re joined by comedian and writer Karen Chee (Late Night with Seth Myers, Patchinko). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are lending our feed to the folks over at American Terror, a new podcast from Gimlet and Vice News. In this episode they tell the story of how in the 80's one man helped lead a far-right extremist group with planning murders and even the overthrow of the U.S. government. Until he switches sides, and the U.S. government takes on a risky prosecution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marie Grosholtz was born in France on December 1st, 1761. 261 years later, she’s better known as Madame Tussaud, the enigmatic woman behind a global wax museum franchise. Before the replicas of Taylor Swift and RuPaul, Madame Tussaud befriended royals and dodged guillotines during the French Revolution. Through her wax figures and eye for fame, she helped create the celebrity machine that still powers our culture all these years later. Plus, we talk to actor and star Danny Trejo about what it’s like to get immortalized in wax. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're starting a Not Past It tradition and bringing back our Thanksgiving episode. Wamsutta Frank James, a member of the Wampanoag Tribe, led his fellow activists in protest of a Thanksgiving Celebration in Plymouth, MA. On November 26, 1970, he set the record straight as to the true and violent history of this holiday. The Pilgrim celebration went to shit and the first National Day of Mourning was born. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th U.S. state. White settlers and certain American Indians united behind statehood, but another group of residents was skeptical. Black Americans. They worried statehood would lead to segregation. One Black tribal citizen, James Coody Johnson, set out to stop the creation of Oklahoma. The fight that unfolded forever changed Black Americans’ relationship with the tribes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder why children’s sports are segregated by gender? Why there has to be a girls team and a boys team? Well, On November 7th 1973, the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights tried to change that. They ruled that little league baseball wasn’t just for boys in the Garden State. But what seemed like a victory for gender equality ended up setting in motion plans that still keep kids off the field to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s midterm election season! That time of year when nasty political debates and nonstop campaign ads finally face their judges: you, members of democracy. We decided to honor this special time by bringing back the trivia show that swept the nation… but this time, election style. Guests Emma Choi and Mike Danforth from NPR show Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me roll up their sleeves and compete for the world’s sharpest political brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1816, at just 18 years old, Mary Shelley awoke from a nightmarish dream that inspired her famous novel, Frankenstein. But while her story pleasantly spooked literary friends, it was far beyond the tastes of Mary’s time. So where did Mary draw the themes for her monster tale? And how did Frankenstein break through the harsh critics, make it onto the silver screen, and become the iconic green monster we know and love? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When international Jazz Age icon Josephine Baker walked into New York’s most exclusive nightclub 71 years ago this week, a brief interaction changed her career and life forever. What followed took Josephine should be from headlining New York’s top musical theaters to headlining the country’s juiciest gossip columns. Her mistake? Expecting service at a restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lizzie Borden took an ax. Gave her mother 40 whacks. The legend of Lizzie Borden is infamous. One of the earliest true crime sensations in America. And 130 years later, the woman accused of hacking her parents to death with a hatchet still captures the public’s imagination. We would know — we visited the house where the murders took place, and spent the night hunting ghosts of yore. Little did we know, we’d find much more connection than we bargained for… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re lending the feed to one of our favorite podcasts… Heavyweight! Ken Carter was a Canadian daredevil who dreamt of performing the biggest stunt the world had ever seen. He wanted to jump a rocket car one mile over a river. For 5 years he prepared, only to have his dream hijacked at the very last moment by the very last person he ever expected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 1907, the “tiny waist craze” swept up the women of London. They achieved the look by squeezing themselves into tightly laced corsets -- and deforming their bodies in the process. Women’s undergarments have evolved over the last century, but remain confining. Comedian Aparna Nancherla joins us as we trace this evolution and its surprising ties to American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 22nd 1989, ABC launched their now iconic TGIF lineup. So today on the show, three essays, from three different people, about why millions of Americans tuned in every Friday night to watch two hours of families getting into shenanigans and having resolvable conflict. Turns out, sitcoms can teach us quite a bit about history, about our families and about ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 13, 1963, Mary Kay Ash launched what would become a beauty empire. She wasn’t just selling makeup. She was selling a dream: Women could have a flexible career and still make time for a family. Mary Kay recruited hundreds of thousands of women from around the world to become sales reps. And her company grew into a multi-billion dollar, global phenomenon. Did Mary Kay give women the reins to their own financial future? Or was that promise only skin deep? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

38 years ago, Alex Trebek stepped onto the set of Jeopardy and changed the world of trivia with one Canadian mustache. This week, Not Past It carries on the game show torch in a trivia showdown, featuring our inaugural contestants: Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber, hosts of the podcast Who? Weekly. Play along at home and see how you stack up! Check out Bobby and Lindsey on our previous episode "The Paris Hilton Sex Tape" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

180 years ago this week, China and Great Britain came to an agreement that would forever change Martin Scorsese’s IMDB page. On this episode of Not Past It, Vox film critic and culture reporter, Alissa Wilkinson joins us as we follow the smokey trail of the Opium Wars to Hong Kong’s most famous cinematic export, and land on a very special night in 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cowabunga dudes! Surfing may be the crown jewel of California beach life, but back in the day the ultimate wave-riding destination in San Diego County was also a key military outpost. Fights broke out between surfers and Marines throughout the 50s and 60s. That is until August 25, 1970, when a Tricky Dick got political with a small group of surfers...and eventually changed the beach forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may have heard about the Elon Musk’s months-long saga to takeover Twitter. It’s been in the news a lot lately. But in August of 1988 -- another Wall Street showdown got its start. Arguably the nastiest takeover battle in Wall Street history. It brought 1980s ‘greed is good’ culture to new heights, Mean Girls levels of backstabbing to Wall Street, and created a playbook for the Elons of today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we're bringing you an episode from our friends at, Every Little Thing. They explore how one style of cheerleading came to dominate in so many American schools? In part one of a two-part episode, ELT flips through the history of cheerleading and meets the man who held cheerleading in the pompom of his hand. Check out part two: Behind the Pom Poms: Cheerleading's Checkered Past (Part 2) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On August 2nd 1937, Congress passed a nation-wide tax making cannabis so expensive it was virtually illegal. Around the same time, weed was thought to be the root of violent crimes. While the science was non-existent...there was racist propaganda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On July 25th, 1978, Louise Brown came into the world as the first baby born through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Nothing like it had been done before, and people were afraid scientists were playing God. In this episode, we’ll hear about the fight against IVF and how the procedure eventually became normalized. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the summer of 1952, America’s mental hospitals were bursting at the seams. There were too many patients and too few treatments. One state took a novel approach -- mass lobotomies. The plan, pioneered by West Virginia, became known as Operation Ice Pick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On July 13th, 1985, satellites zipped around our planet broadcasting a 16-hour, bi-continental mega-concert: Live Aid. Two stages, dozens of the biggest stars and one mission: feed famine victims in Ethiopia. The music would rock the globe and open wallets. It also painted a flat image of a starving nation — an image with us to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the summer of 1973, Playgirl Magazine printed its first photos of full frontal male nudity. In a bold acknowledgment of female sexuality, the revolutionary magazine offered male nudity to straight women for almost half a century. Today, we are flipping through Playgirl’s fabled pages and examining just what it was about “The Magazine for Women,” that made it such a surprisingly...hard (we had to)...sell. *This episode contains explicit language and graphic sexual references* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On June 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The court ruled that the right to an abortion does not exist in the Constitution, effectively overturning 1973’s Roe v. Wade decision. So we're bringing back an episode we aired earlier this year about one fearless woman, Mary Calderone, who assembled a group of doctors, public health experts, and psychologists, 67 years ago to talk about abortion at a time when it was really, really dangerous to do so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Simone and producer Remoy Philip venture out into the streets of NYC in search of different Black and brown queer historical sites. By train, foot and ferry they travel the boroughs and explore queer histories--some hidden in plain sight. And along the way, they begin to see and hear the past washing into the present. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buffalos, horses, wagons and trains: These are all icons of the U.S. expansion west. But a camel? This Pride Month, Simone tells comedian and culture writer Ashley Ray the story of the U.S. Army’s little-known Camel Corps and reveals its surprising link to the creation of a queer city. Show notes: Shout out to Jon Ponder from the West Hollywood History Center. His work helped us put this very special show together. You can learn more at westhollywoodhistory.org. And for more of Ashley Ray’s work, you can find her on Twitter @theeashleyray or on her website theashleyray.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you ever hear the one about the drag kings? Well, here's your chance. We are digging in the Not Past It, crates to bring you the story of Mo B Dick and the lesser known gender bending performance art surged at Club Cassanova in the 90's. But on December 28, 1997, Club Casanova, home of the drag king show was forced to shut down. Mayor Rudy Giuliani, invoked the Cabaret Law from Prohibition Era -- from the 1920s, ending an era for New York that will likely never return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we revisit one of our most poignant episodes. Did you know there was almost an AIDS vaccine? On June 3, 1998: AIDSVAX VAX004 reached the final stage of trials before widespread approval. Simone gets the facts on the vax and why it never made it to the masses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On May 25th, 1925, 97 years ago this week, the state of Tennessee indicted a science teacher for teaching evolution. The case against John Scopes became known as Scopes the “monkey trial,” and it got the whole country talking. What should be taught to children and what does that say about who we are as nation? Scholars say this trial drove a wedge between Americans -- a wedge that stands to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On June 2nd, 2021, we dropped our first episode. HBD to we! 🥳 🎂🎈 To celebrate, we’re looking back at some of Simone’s favorite shows, playing some never-before-aired tape and diving into the lessons she’s learned trying to make sense of history’s tangled web. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wondered… how do you kidnap a middle-aged Nazi in Argentina, and transport him across the world with no one knowing? Well, this is what secret agents were wondering when they captured Holocaust architect Adolf Eichmann in Argentina on May 11th, 1960. It’d take a hell of a lot of Bond-like international spy-craft to pull it off. But they’d still be left with questions. If you missed the the juicy backstory, check out the first Nazi Hunter episode from back in February. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What comes to mind when we say “Cinco de Mayo?” Cheesy beer ads? Themed nights at the local bar? Well, in this episode, we smash through 160 years of history, tracing El Cinco from the Battle of Puebla on May 5th 1862, to the holiday’s commercial takeover in the 1980s. Plus, we explore the surprising origins of this holiday, that’s a lot more American than you may think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices