A wild history of partying
Summary
John Borkham interviews Imogen Willits about her book *Up All Night*, tracing the global history of nightlife from 17th-century Japan to the modern era. They explore how hedonism evolved in diverse settings, including London’s Vauxhall Gardens, Weimar Berlin, and Cold War Las Vegas, often flourishing during economic decline or social upheaval. The discussion covers the impact of migration, technology, and shifting cultural norms on partying, concluding with how smartphones are currently transforming the nightlife experience.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: StreetEasy, Toyota, L.L. Bean, Choice Hotels
Origins of nightlife in 17th century Japan's Yoshiwara
18th century London pleasure gardens like Vauxhall
Bohemian nightlife and slumming in 19th century Paris
Jazz, benevolent clubs, and Storyville in New Orleans
The Roaring Twenties: Migration and global party cities
Sponsors: Quince, Toyota, and The Dog Stars trailer
Weimar Berlin: Hedonism, Anita Berber, and the myth of Cabaret
Cold War escape: Las Vegas and Havana party scenes
Disco era: Studio 54, queer spaces, and cultural backlash
Techno in decline: Detroit, Berlin, and Belgrade raves
The smartphone era and the future of nightlife
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