The Preamble

Latest Episodes:

The Vigilantes, Episode 1 Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

A shocking murder. A scene so brutal that the first people to find the victim couldn’t even tell what their skin color was. And a case that forever changed both the city, and the state’s legal system.

It was April 1913, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the city would never be the same. You may wonder why this imperative and dramatic case is not taught in history class, or how the world could have forgotten such a horrific crime that continues to have an impact more than 100 years later.

Join us for part one of this seven-episode series, and experience just how powerful of a motivator fear can be.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Writers: Amy Watkin, Sharon McMahon

Researched by: Kari Anton, Sharon McMahon, Amy Watkin, Mandy Reid, Melanie Buck Parks

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Infectious Generosity with Chris Anderson Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

It’s the ultimate idea worth spreading: Generosity of spirit. Sharon is joined by Chris Anderson, whom you may know as the “head of TED.” As the leader and curator of TED, Chris shares why he chose this moment in time to write his book, Infectious Generosity, referring to the sea of anger that we’re living in, and the role the Internet can play – for better or for worse. Chris suggests that we all ask ourselves this question: Am I a net giver, or a net taker? What does it mean to live with the virtue of generosity? And how does mindset impact our ability to live a more generous life?

Special thanks to our guest, Chris Anderson, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reimagining Democracy with Max Stearns Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever wonder what Democracy could look like in America? Many voters are familiar with this scene: You walk into a voting booth, review the options, and feel as though you’re voting between “the lesser of two evils.” You might worry that voting third-party is wasting a vote, but you don’t feel represented by the main candidates. Sound familiar? If you’re like the majority of Americans, you probably find yourself frustrated with the two-party system and a historically unproductive Congress. What if it didn’t have to be that way? Sharon is joined by law professor and author Max Stearns, to hear about another option: a Parliamentary Democracy. What would this look like, and how might Americans benefit by reimagining Democracy?

Special thanks to our guest, Max Stearns, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’s Your Founding Father? with David Fleming Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Are you ready to question what you know about America’s founding? Today’s guest, David Fleming, shares all about a delicious slice of history in his new book, “Who’s Your Founding Father?” We dive into the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, a conspiracy theory, and possible plagiarism surrounding one of the most important documents in U.S. history. How do the ultimate frenemies, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, tie into this? Join us to find out.

Special thanks to our guest, David Fleming, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking 2024 with Nikki Haley Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

Term limits, mental competency evaluations, and the looming 2024 presidential election. Join us for one of the most requested episodes yet, as Sharon sits down with presidential candidate, former governor and former U.S. ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley. The majority of Americans do not want a matchup of Biden Vs. Trump in the General Election. What kind of strategies will Nikki Haley bring to the table, to help bridge the divide between Democrats and Republicans, if she’s elected President? With such a low Congressional approval rating, Haley shares what she’d do to help legislators do their jobs, preserve Democracy, and shares how a Haley presidency would look different than a Trump presidency.

Special thanks to our guest, Nikki Haley, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Assistant: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be a Revolution with Ijeoma Oluo Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

In a time when people are working to better understand systems of oppression and address issues that can seem daunting, folks are left asking the question: What can I do to make an impact? Sharon is joined by speaker and #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ijeoma Oluo, for a conversation to set listeners on a path of how to do important work, right where you are. There is work that is accessible to all of us, and her new book, Be a Revolution, highlights practical and tangible ways to work for intersectional racial equity. Join us for both practical tools, and an encouraging call for action.

Special thanks to our guest, Ijeoma Oluo, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Awakening Wonder with Katherine May Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

We’ve all gotten trapped in the social media & news loop: Checks Twitter, scrolls on Instagram, reads comments, watches the news, checks Twitter, reads comments, checks the news again… and the cycle continues. Today’s guest, international best-setting author Katherine May, invites us to join her on a journey or reawakening in her newest book, Enchantment. Explore the art of reconnecting with the world around you, and learn to see the humanity of others. Whether it’s a gorgeous sunset, a mossy rock, or your sourdough starter, wonder is all around us if we can practice mindfulness, engage our curiosity, and look for it.

Special thanks to our guest, Katherine May, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life After Power with Jared Cohen Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

What is it like to transition from one of the most powerful positions in the world, to that of an ordinary citizen? Sharon is joined by presidential historian and New York Times bestselling author, Jared Cohen, to share about what happens when presidents – at the pinnacle of their prestige and influence – leave office. What can we learn about human nature and building a legacy from these past political figures? Join us as we explore Jared’s new book, Life After Power, that confronts the ambiguous question of “what’s next” through the lenses of seven presidents, and how they found meaning in life beyond the White House.

Special thanks to our guest, Jared Cohen, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pursuit of Happiness with Jeffrey Rosen Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

We’ve heard it before: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But what did the nation’s Founders mean when they identified “the pursuit of happiness” as an unalienable right? And what role does moral philosophy play in understanding the virtues that accompany the pursuit of happiness? Today we’re joined by Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, to explore these questions, as well as to dive deeper into the history and meaning of the pursuit of life-long virtue. Learn how six of the Framers and Founders – flaws and all – embody different virtues, and consider the importance of electing leaders who will be virtuous and uphold the principles of Democracy.

Special thanks to our guest, Jeffrey Rosen, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ordinary People Change the World with Brad Meltzer Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

What makes a real hero? From Amelia Earhart, to Abraham Lincoln, to Jane Goodall, there are some names we all know – and with good reason. When today’s guest, author Brad Meltzer, became a father, his writing career took a turn. In a world of TikTok stars and YouTube influencers, he wanted a book series for children that set apart the character of true heroes, from those who are out for fame. Join us as we step inside the creative process of how Brad begins to write a children’s book, the collaboration with gifted illustrator, Christopher Eliopoulos, and how they choose the heroes they will bring to life next.

Special thanks to our guest, Brad Meltzer, for joining us today.

Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder

Production Coordinator: Andrea Champoux

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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