The Preamble

Latest Episodes:

Good Reasonable People with Keith Payne Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Why do we tend to feel like ideas coming “our side” are good, and ones coming from the “other side” are bad, even if they are the same exact ideas? Keith Payne, professor of psychology and neuroscience at UNC and author of “Good Reasonable People,” breaks down why we see the world so differently—especially in the world today. He dives into how our backgrounds shape our beliefs and why throwing facts at someone rarely changes their mind. Keith offers advice on how to have more meaningful conversations with friends and family when political disagreements arise.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Vanishing Treasures with Katherine Rundell Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

What can we do to help save the most vulnerable animals? Sharon McMahon is joined by #1 NYT Best-Selling author Katherine Rundell to talk about extraordinary animals like the Greenland shark which can live to be over 600 years old, or the American Wood frog that freezes in the winter, and kickstarts its own heart in the spring. Katherine shares stories about animals you’ve probably never heard of, the challenges they face, and the urgent need for preservation and mindful coexistence with the natural world.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Good People with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

We talk a lot about the bad side of social media, but what about the good stuff? Sharon sits down with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, the creators of the viral Instagram account, Upworthy, to discuss their uplifting and thought-provoking NYT Best Selling book, “Good People.” Together, they explore the power of sharing stories that shine a light on human decency, giving us a much needed break from the negativity that often dominates our feed. What’s the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? Or the teacher who had the most impact on your life? Those are the stories Gabe and Lucia want to highlight.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Night Flyer with Tiya Miles Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

How do you choose hope when fear feels overwhelming? In her most recent book, “Night Flyer,” Harvard historian and NYT best-selling author Tiya Miles shares the powerful legacy of Harriet Tubman. We’ve all heard stories about Tubman’s daring escape and work on the Underground Railroad. But how did she do it, and who helped her? Tiya Miles tells us about Tubman’s humor, and the vital role her faith and allies, both human and non-human, played in helping her free over 700 people throughout her lifetime. In a world where hope often feels out of reach, Miles reveals why Tubman’s story continues to inspire and resonate with us today.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Hope for Cynics with Jamil Zaki Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

Is cynicism getting in the way of our progress? In “Hope for Cynics”, Stanford psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki, explores how cynicism is keeping us hopeless and inactive, which prevents us from creating real, lasting change. Zaki shares his ideas on how to escape the “cynicism trap” and become critical thinkers capable of hope and trust.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

On Freedom with Timothy Snyder Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

What if Americans are thinking about freedom all wrong? Yale historian and New York Times #1 Best-Selling author Timothy Snyder unpacks this question in his book “On Freedom”. He challenges our common understanding of freedom, and highlights the ways in which others attempt to take our freedom through anger and fear mongering, and what we can do to take it back.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Fair Voting on the Ballot with Deb Otis Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

How can we improve U.S. elections to ensure that every vote truly counts? Sharon McMahon talks with Deb Otis from FairVote about solutions like proportional representation and ranked choice voting. Want to vote for a third party candidate but worried it’s a wasted vote? There’s a way to change that, and it’s on the ballot in some states November 5th! Deb shares her thoughts on reforms that could lead to nicer politicians, and more choices for voters.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

John Lewis a Life with David Greenberg Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

How does one man’s commitment to justice and equality change the course of history? David Greenberg takes us through the remarkable life of John Lewis, from his days as a civil rights icon to becoming a respected Congressman. He explores into the values that Lewis championed—nonviolence, collective action, voting rights and his powerful legacy of resilience, love, and an unshakable belief in a brighter future for America.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

Revenge of the Tipping Point with Malcolm Gladwell Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

What causes certain ideas to catch fire while others fizzle out? Malcolm Gladwell dives into this mystery, reexamining key themes from his groundbreaking book The Tipping Point. In his latest work, Revenge of the Tipping Point, he looks at how ideas spread today, focusing on issues like Medicare fraud in Miami and the dangers of parents pushing high school students all toward the same goal.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

America’s Deadliest Election with Dana Bash Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

How did America’s Deadliest Election change the future of democracy? Sharon McMahon is joined by CNN's Dana Bash to discuss a lesser known chapter of history and how this pivotal moment forever changed the course of history.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson