(Apologies for the construction noise in the background during the second half of the episode.)

Now that a majority of Americans have been vaccinated, things in much of the United States have begun to return to "normal." Frank and David discuss what returning to normal means and if "normalcy" is actually a word.

Last Drops

Frank: latest season of Slow Burn on the Iraq War

David: Now & Then podcast 

In more than 20 states, Republican AGs and legislators have taken steps to prohibit "Critical Race Theory". Frank and David discuss what CRT actually is, what some conservative pundits claim it is, and what this moment says about the state of American politics and education.

Last Drops

Frank: Revolution 250 podcast

David: Alamo relics and Flamin' Hot Cheetos 

As Americans increasingly embrace vegan/vegetarian diets, meat has become the next frontier in the ongoing culture war. Frank and David discuss meat in American history. 

Last Drops

Frank: Annette Gordon-Reed On Juneteenth Fennell Lecture

David: NYPL Menu project

President Biden has announced that the US will be removing its remaining combat troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. Frank and David look back on nearly 20 years of war.

Last Drops

Frank: Fennell Lecture with Annette Gordon-Reed

David: New England towns debate Hannah Duston statues

The House recently passed a measure to give Washington, D.C. statehood. Frank and David discuss the idea and the peculiar place the city has in the federal system.

Last Drops

Frank: Fennell lecture with Annette Gordon-Reed

David: article on Mary Ann Vecchio 

The recently announced GOP America First Caucus says it's intent on defending "Anglo-Saxon political traditions." Frank and David discuss the use of "Anglo-Saxon" in American history, including why Thomas Jefferson tried to learn the language, its use in eugenics, and more recently.

Last Drops

Frank: Julie Flavell's new book on the Howe Dynasty

David: David Treuer's article on Native Americans and National Parks 

President Biden has proposed a massive 2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill that promises the most significant investment since FDR's New Deal and Eisenhower's Interstate Highway system. Frank and David discuss the bill and its historical antecedents.

Last Drops

Frank: Kenneth Roberts' novels

David: Kevin Waite article on the Klan in the West

The past year has witnessed a dramatic upsurge in violence targeting Asian Americans. Frank and David talk about its history to put the current moment into context.

Last Drops

Frank: Rob Dunbar's talk on Scottish Gaelic and American (for Tartan Week)

David: History of the bathroom scale

News broke this week of a clandestine meeting between President Biden and a number of prominent historians. Frank and David discuss the meeting and how presidents have consulted with historians.

Last Drops

Frank: Michael Connelly's Murder Book podcast

David: Katherine Jewell's Liner Notes podcast

Frank and David discuss the passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act and compare it to other landmark pieces of legislation from American history.

Last Drops

Frank: Ben Marsh's Unravelled Dreams wins Hagley Prize

David: Make Me Smart podcast