The Preamble

Latest Episodes:

Welcome to Becoming You with Suzy Welch Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Here on The Preamble, we look for the historical context and the factual clarity behind the headlines because we know that understanding the "why" helps us navigate the "what." But as we look at the big stories driving our future, we can’t ignore the smaller, quieter stories happening in our own lives—the transitions, the pivots, and the big questions about our own purpose. Questions like: “What should I actually do with my life?” and “How do I make the hard decision to stay or go?” Today, I’m sharing a special introduction to a voice that brings that same commitment to clarity and honesty to the art of self-discovery: Suzy Welch. Suzy is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and the professor at the helm of NYU’s most popular class on authentic purpose. She is a leading expert on decision-making, but she delivers her expertise with a refreshing, irreverent wit. On her podcast, Becoming You, Suzy tackles the "freaking truth" about life and work today without leaving you in despair. Find Becoming You with Suzy Welch wherever you get your podcasts.

Condoleezza Rice on Democracy, Patriotism, and Why She Still Has Hope Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Sharon tells us why sugarcoating history doesn’t help any of us. Truly loving your country means acknowledging the not-so-great and even horrible moments of its past.

Plus, Condoleezza Rice was banned from restaurants and movie theaters as a child because of the color of her skin. She went on to become Secretary of State. And somehow, after everything she's seen, and where we are now, she's still optimistic about democracy. You'll want to hear why.

And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) What it really means to be a patriot

(00:08:29) Condoleezza Rice on growing up in the segregated south

(00:23:42) The future of democracy

Learning From Our Differences and the Antidote to Doomscrolling Anxiety Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Did you know that only 4% of new marriages in America happen between Democrats and Republicans? Or that three quarters of white Americans don't have a single friend who isn't white? David McCullough III — grandson of the beloved historian — shares his bold idea for fixing what's tearing us apart.

Then, author Katherine May puts into words something most of us feel but can't quite name — that exhausting loop of bad news, social media outrage, and dread. She says the antidote is closer than you think.

And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) Getting out of your bubble

(00:12:50) Studying “abroad” in the US

(00:22:36) The antidote to doomscrolling anxiety

The Long History of Demonizing Immigrants: From the Great Depression to Today Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

Before ICE raids, there were pamphlets warning Americans about immigrant "peasants" stealing their jobs and "hell ships" dumping people into the Mexican desert with no food, water, or way to reach their families. Sharon looks back at the parallels between the mass deportations of the past and what’s happening now.

Plus, historian and author Ana Raquel Minian joins Sharon to discuss her book In the Shadow of Liberty and the cruelty of immigrant detention in the United States. She explains why brutality was the point.

And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) The Long History of Demonizing Immigrants

(00:13:03) Ellis Island Was a Prison

(00:27:48) Mass Incarceration of Immigrants

Elyse Myers’ New Book and Harriet Tubman’s Faith Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

You might know her as the woman who got dragged to a taco bell where her date ordered one hundred tacos and she got stuck paying for them. Elyse Myers’ hilarious re-telling of that story launched her career, and now she’s out with a new book, That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You. She joins Sharon to talk about her struggles as a kid, and what happened when she learned her brain worked differently, and there was nothing wrong with that. Plus, Tiya Miles is here to discuss Harriet Tubman, and how her faith guided her. Even if you think you’re an expert on Harriet Tubman, you’ll learn something.

And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) The Worst First Date Ever

(00:12:25) Learning to Accept Your Differences

(00:19:06) Harriet Tubman’s Unwavering Faith

The State of Black History and Journalism in 2026 Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Simply teaching the facts in and out of the classroom has become an act of courage, and sometimes, real risk. Former history teacher Ernest Crim joins Sharon McMahon to talk about why Black history, civics, and knowing your rights are crucial to navigating power abuses, injustice, and democracy. He tells us why he keeps speaking up even when the system falls short. Plus, is reporting the facts partisan? Sharon speaks with Katie Couric about the changes in journalism over the last few years, and how polarization, paywalls, and fear of retaliation are reshaping news coverage.

And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) How to Teach Black History in Today’s Climate

(00:20:39) Pam Bondi Congressional Hearing and Journalism in the Trump Era

(00:32:54) Political Polarization and What Comes Next

If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does, Banning Books, and How to Find Hope Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Americans are being offered a false choice: safety or rights, as though “law and order” means obedience from citizens and exceptions for the government. Sharon’s take on ICE violating 96 court orders in Minnesota in just one month. Plus, Jodi Picoult is one of the most banned authors in the country. Why? She writes about racism, gun violence, and LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging young people to use their critical thinking, rather than becoming permission seekers. She shares how to fight back against book bans, and why we need to be louder than the vocal minority. And Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Sharon to talk about the future of the Republic Party, why nobody has gotten in trouble over the Epstein files, and how you can stay engaged without burning out.

If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there.

And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does

(00:11:13) Book Bans with Jodi Picoult

(00:28:32) How to Find Hope with Adam Kinzinger

How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols, and What AI Tech Billionaires Really Want Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Gen Z Historian Kahlil Greene explains how today’s ICE enforcement has chilling parallels to the slave patrols of the 19th Century, designed to hunt human beings for profit and power. Then, Sharon speaks with author Karen Hao to talk about her new book Empire of AI, and why the biggest names in tech aren’t just building tools, but chasing a quasi-religious vision of control. Karen reveals how that ideology is reshaping democracy, draining the planet, and quietly harming people right now… but, she says, there are ways to change the future of AI before it gets worse.

If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there.

And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols?

(00:16:36) What AI Tech Billionaires Really Want?

(00:29:27) How AI Is Hurting Us, and the Planet, and What We Can Do About It?

Inside ICE: Recruitment, Congressional Accountability, and Absolute Immunity Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

This episode was recorded before Border Patrol agents shot and killed Twin Cities nurse Alex Pretti.

What happens when the people enforcing the law no longer seem bound by it? Our contributor Elise Labott reports on ICE’s expansive recruitment campaign and training program. Sharon is then joined by MN Representative Angie Craig to discuss the escalating situation in Minnesota and what Congress may, or may not, do in response. Plus, do ICE agents have absolute immunity, as JD Vance claims? Our guest, former DOJ attorney Liz Oyer says absolutely not.

If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there.

And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) What’s Drawing Recruits to ICE?

(00:15:52) What is Congress Doing About ICE?

(00:31:18) Do ICE Agents Have Absolute Immunity?

The War on Drugs, and the Truth Behind the Viral Claims of Fraud at Minnesota Daycares Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

The War on Drugs is being used to justify U.S. military actions, including a covert operation in Venezuela, but is that going to have an effect on the opioid crisis? Sharon is joined by Beth Macy, author of the bestselling book Dopesick, for a powerful conversation about her new release, Paper Girl, and the addiction, poverty, and deep political divides plaguing communities. Plus, Sharon breaks down the viral video claiming daycare fraud in Minneapolis, walking through what the video alleges, and what investigators have actually found.

Since the recording of this episode, the Minnesota Attorney General has charged health care owner Mohamed Abdirashid Omarxeyd with 8 felonies for allegedly using his Health Services agency to steal $3.2 million from the Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program.

If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there.

And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks

Audio Producer: Craig Thompson

(00:00:00) The U.S. War on Drugs and Interview with Beth Macy

(00:22:29) Viral Claims of Fraud at Minnesota Daycares

(00:30:47) What Fraud Has Been Found In Minnesota