On today’s episode in our series, Secrets of the Civil War, we talk about Jefferson Davis, the man who became the president of the states that tried to secede. And it may come as a surprise to you that Jefferson Davis did have some successful ideas, particularly when it came to importing desert camels into the American West. His successes may have been more surprising to his second wife, the Northern-born Varina, than to anyone else.
Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson, Valerie Hoback, Amy Watkin, and Mandy Reid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Secrets of the Civil War: From Camels to Confederacy

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting finds the stories of America you probably haven’t heard. Host Sharon McMahon, a longtime teacher and one of today’s most influential voices, will ignite your curiosity about the fascinating stuff that wasn’t in history textbooks. She’s joined by notable thought leaders who share insights about history, culture, and politics, and inspire us to grow into more thoughtful, well-informed citizens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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When you think of prisoners on Death Row, what imagery comes to mind? Author of Too Close to the Flame, Joe Ingle, joins Sharon McMahon to talk about what it is like inside America's death penalty system. After spending 45 years working as a spiritual advisor to men and women on Death Row, Joe vulnerably shares his experiences of the final moments before they are executed, and sheds a light on how the legal system disenfranchises those who can not afford a lawyer. What is an alternative to the death penalty, and what might restorative justice look like?
Special thanks to our guest, Joe Ingle, for joining us today. 
Host: Sharon McMahon Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Production Assistant: Andrea Champoux  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too Close to the Flame with Joe Ingle

Imagine walking into your polling place on Election Day, and openly declaring who you were voting for. That is exactly what today’s guest did when researching and writing his book, The Year of Living Constitutionally. Author A.J. Jacobs joined Sharon McMahon to share what it was like to live a year, interpreting the U.S. Constitution literally. What is in the Constitution, and what is not? From implementing in-home cursing laws, to carrying an 18th Century musket around Manhattan, you will love this entertaining experiment of how the Constitution impacts modern American democracy.
Special thanks to our guest, A.J. Jacobs, for joining us today. 
Host: Sharon McMahon Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Production Assistant: Andrea Champoux 

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

The Year of Living Constitutionally with A.J. Jacobs

Following January 6th and the current political climate, some Americans fear there will be a “new Civil War.”  But what does that truly mean? If you are a lover of history, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Author Erik Larson joins us to discuss his new book, The Demon of Unrest, which is set shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. Dive into the mindsets and captivating portrayals of leaders on the brink of a war that eventually killed 750,000 Americans, and injured millions more.
Special thanks to our guest, Erik Larson, for joining us today. 
Host: Sharon McMahon Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Production Assistant: Andrea Champoux  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Country of Unrest with Erik Larson

In a world of social media fights, keyboard warriors, and misinformation, it’s easy to feel disconnected, even among close friends and family. What if we rethink how we’re communicating to build better relationships and maintain connection? Former White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, joins us to share lessons she’s learned about how to be an effective communicator with any audience, and growing through giving and receiving feedback. Join us for a peek behind the scenes, and practice listening to learn from one another – mistakes and all. 
Special thanks to our guest, Jen Psaki, for joining us today. 
Host: Sharon McMahon Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Production Assistant: Andrea Champoux 

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

Say More with Jen Psaki

Imagine being a Pulitzer Prize winning presidential historian, knowing you had extraordinarily rare primary source material and Presidential memorabilia tucked away in the cellar of your own home… and not opening it for decades? Doris Kearns Goodwin joins us today to share her journey of exploring more than 300 boxes, alongside her husband of 42 years, Richard (Dick) Goodwin, that served as a time capsule of his service in the 1960s. In the relay race of democracy, you never know who will pick up the baton, and continue your work. Together, they have one last great adventure, a chance to reassess key historical figures, and a fresh perspective of the role young people play in the arc of history.
Special thanks to our guest, Doris Kearns Goodwin, for joining us today. 
Host: Sharon McMahon Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Production Assistant: Andrea Champoux 

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

Secrets of the Civil War: From Camels to Confederacy

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