New Books Network

Malcolm Harris, a freelance writer and author known for his works on millennial culture and societal critique, dives deep into the complex history of Silicon Valley in his latest book. He discusses how Palo Alto became a nexus of economic power while tracing its roots in settler colonialism and racial exclusion. Harris highlights the dark legacy of eugenics at Stanford, the influence of radical movements, and the implications of tech's financialization. He emphasizes the need for a radical rethinking of America’s capitalist foundations, urging lessons from historical movements.

Emily Hund, a research affiliate at the University of Pennsylvania, dives deep into the complexities of influencer culture. She highlights the emergence of influencers from the Great Recession and how they transitioned from bloggers to brand ambassadors. Hund sheds light on the constructed nature of authenticity within the industry and discusses the mental costs and power imbalances influencers endure. The conversation also touches on the shift towards social consciousness in content and the unexpected fallout from early scandals. A thought-provoking exploration of digital identities!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Steve Ramirez, an award-winning neuroscientist and author, explores the transformative nature of memory. He shares his groundbreaking work on creating false memories in mice and discusses the dynamic quality of memory, which can be edited and reshaped. The conversation delves into the ethics of memory manipulation for healing, particularly in addressing PTSD and depression. Ramirez also connects memory to identity and the imagination, hinting at a future where memories might be mapped and restored, raising fascinating questions about who we really are.

Sara Petrosillo, an assistant professor at the University of Evansville and author of *Hawking Women*, dives into the fascinating intersection of falconry and medieval gender studies. She reveals how women in the Middle Ages embraced the image of the hawking woman, challenging patriarchal narratives. The conversation explores the cultural significance of falconry in literature, the intimate link between female hawks and female empowerment, and the ways women practiced and enjoyed this art. Petrosillo even shares her experiences in modern falconry, bringing a unique personal touch to her insights.

Gerald F. Goodwin, a historian and author, dives into the powerful narrative of African American servicemen in the Vietnam War. He discusses how racial discrimination shaped their experiences both in combat and at home. Goodwin shares insights from over fifty interviews, revealing the emotional connections these servicemen made between their struggles and the civil rights movement. He highlights the stark realities they faced returning home, including unemployment and limited opportunities, drawing parallels to ongoing racial injustices today.

Mark Parrino, a veteran addiction-treatment leader and president of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, shares critical insights on opioid addiction. He discusses the evolution of methadone maintenance treatment and the stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Parrino highlights the troubling history of opioid prescriptions that fueled the addiction epidemic and the need for better public education. He also presents findings from a national census of opioid treatment programs, revealing the current landscape of addiction treatment in America.

Christopher J. Bonura, a historian at Mount St. Mary’s University, dives into the medieval world of apocalyptic literature with a focus on the fascinating text from the 7th century, Pseudo-Methodius. He discusses how this text reimagines the Roman Empire's role in the end times amidst the rise of Islamic rule. Their conversation explores the text's Syriac origins, its broad influence across cultures, and its reception in Byzantine and Armenian contexts. Bonura also sheds light on how different societies have used the prophecy to reflect their own political realities.

Ignacio M. Sánchez Prado, a professor of Mexican studies at Washington University in St. Louis, explores the cultural significance of tacos in his new book. He debunks myths about taco authenticity and reveals their evolution in urban settings. The podcast covers how tacos vary by time of day and challenges the notion of a singular 'authentic' taco. Ignacio shares insights on the intersection of food, class, and migration, and emphasizes storytelling in academia. Expect humor and deep dives into the vibrant world of tacos!

Christopher Lynch, a musicologist and Head of the Theodore M. Finney Music Library, delves into the legacy of Stephen Foster, America's once-celebrated but often misunderstood composer. He discusses how myths surrounding Foster's life and music evolved, revealing the complexities of his songs and their ambiguous meanings. Lynch tackles the impact of family narratives on Foster's reputation and examines archival gaps, including biases in documenting his legacy. His insights challenge traditional biographies, highlighting the intertwined history of race, music, and American identity.

Duncan Kelly, Professor of Politics at the University of Cambridge and author of 'Worlds of Wartime,' delves into the intersection of modernism, politics, and economics shaped by the First World War. He discusses the 'world crisis' concept introduced by Ilya Alévy and critiques of Marxian labor value that transformed socialist debates. The conversation highlights nationalist movements like Young Asia and Ireland's Machiavellian moment, along with insights on Keynes and Malthus in reconstruction economics. Kelly also contrasts Wilson's federalism with racial critiques from figures like Du Bois.