In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the recall of the latest Peloton exercise machine in historical context.
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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
Peloton, the digital fitness company made famous by its internet-connected stationery bike, is complying with a federal voluntary recall of its Tread+, which has killed one child and injured many other children and pets. Natalia referred to historian Richard Bushman’s book The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities. Niki referenced Ralph Nader’s 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed, and Natalia reported on the intense response in Peloton Facebook groups.
In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:
Natalia discussed Alison Bechdel’s book, The Secret to Superhuman Strength. Neil recommended historian Roberto Rey Agudo’s Washington Post op-ed, “On Cinco de Mayo, Americans speak ‘mock Spanish.’ Here’s why that’s a problem.” Niki shared her CNN column, “George W. Bush is a flawed messenger for Republicans.”