New Books Network

In this engaging discussion, food writer Jenny Linford, with over 30 years of experience, dives into her latest work, *Repast: The Story of Food*. She shares how the project, developed in collaboration with the British Museum, explores food's rich history through artifacts from around the world. Topics include thematic organization of culinary culture, intriguing items like ancient hunting tools and luxurious tableware, and the significance of food in religion and trade. Linford's narrative showcases the intertwining of history, culture, and our enduring love for food.

Treena Orchard, an anthropologist and associate professor, dives deep into her memoir, "Sticky, Sexy, Sad," exploring the complexities of swipe culture and dating apps. She shares her reluctant venture into online dating, revealing the darker realities like ghosting and misogyny that lurk behind the glossy façade. Treena emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and genuine connections in a swipe-dependent world, while also critiquing the sanitized narratives of modern entrepreneurship in dating. Her unique blend of personal narrative and anthropological insight offers a compelling look into contemporary relationships.

Joanna Merwood-Salisbury, an architectural historian and author, delves into the theories of Thorstein Veblen, focusing on Chicago's architectural landscape in the 1890s. She discusses Veblen's 'barbarian' thesis and critiques of modern institutions, such as the University of Chicago's Gothic Revival style. Joanna connects Veblen's insights to the cultural narratives of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and explores his limited views on department stores. She also highlights links between Veblen and the Chicago design reform movements, showcasing an interdisciplinary approach to architecture.

In this engaging discussion, Lauren E. M. Everett, an expert in housing policy and tenant advocacy, delves into her book on Santa Monica's rent-controlled housing. She shares her personal ties to the area, illustrating the impact of rent control on community stability. Everett explores the historical context of property laws, the stigma renters face, and how tenants navigate their sense of home amid market pressures. The conversation also addresses broader implications for tenant movements and the future of housing policy.

Bishop Daniel Timotheos, a leader in GFA World and Bishop of the Believers Eastern Church, shares insights from his unique blend of Indian Orthodox roots and modern missionary practices. He discusses the deep history of St. Thomas in India and his father's founding of a church aimed at local evangelism. Bishop Daniel emphasizes the importance of national missionaries and the cultural relevance in spreading the Gospel. He recounts inspiring stories of conversions and the mission's rapid growth across the Indian Ocean and Africa, urging listeners to engage in global evangelism.

Christina Cecelia Davidson, a historian specializing in 19th-century Black transnational histories, discusses her book on H.C.C. Astwood, a pivotal yet enigmatic figure in US history. She delves into how the African Methodist Episcopal Church shaped her research and examines the intertwining of morality, religion, and race post-emancipation. Davidson highlights Astwood's use of trickery in Black international politics, his influence within Dominican discourse, and the broader implications for understanding Black respectability. She also anticipates future work on Protestant networks across the Caribbean.

In this engaging discussion, historian Erika Pani, a research professor at El Colegio de México, explores her new work, Torn Asunder, which examines the parallel crises and civil wars in the United States and Mexico from 1848 to 1867. She highlights pivotal moments, such as the 1848 geopolitical shifts and the shared processes that led to civil wars in both nations. Pani also contrasts the divergent issues of slavery in the U.S. with Mexico's conflicts over the Catholic Church, emphasizing how these nations’ republican systems demonstrated remarkable resilience during times of upheaval.

In this conversation, Sarah Bracke, a Professor at the University of Amsterdam, and Luis Manuel Hernández Aguilaran, an associate researcher at the European University Viadrina, delve into the alarming ‘Great Replacement’ conspiracy theory. They discuss its historical roots, linking it to biopolitics and eugenics, while highlighting the misogyny woven into its narratives. The guests explore the normalization of these ideas through digital forums and everyday experiences, emphasizing the need for imaginative resistance to combat such toxic ideologies.

Janna Sauerteig, Mobilization and Advocacy Manager at SOS Humanity, dives into the critical rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean. She discusses the alarming death toll since 2014 and how organizations like hers fill the gap left by Italy’s Mare Nostrum withdrawal. Janna sheds light on the violent actions of the Libyan Coast Guard and the EU's complicity in human rights violations. She also advocates for a European search-and-rescue program and ways for listeners to assist in these life-saving efforts.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Greenwood-Hau, a Lecturer at the John Smith Centre, dives into his research on political participation and social inequality. He explores who gets involved in politics, examining the roles of economic, social, and cultural capital in shaping engagement. Joe illuminates how perceptions of privilege affect political involvement and shares eye-opening survey findings on inequality. He emphasizes practical solutions like outreach and civic education to enhance participation, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in democracy.