May 12, 2026

111: Turning Grief Into Action with Shannon Watts

54 minutes

What do you do when the world feels so broken it’s easier to check out than speak up? In this episode, we’re joined by activist Shannon Watts to talk about turning anger, grief, and fear into action.

In conversation, we tackle:

How the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting catalyzed everyday parents into political action

Why anger can be a powerful and productive force for social change

The surprising way a single Facebook post turned into a nationwide movement: Moms Demand Action

Why grassroots organizing—especially by women and mothers—has historically been underestimated in politics

The emotional and psychological toll of sustained activism and how advocates keep going

The role of community, persistence, and collective action in creating long-term change

Why moments of national grief can sometimes spark powerful civic movements

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action and a leading voice in the gun violence prevention movement. After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, she started a small Facebook group that grew into one of the largest grassroots movements in the country. She’s also the author of Fired Up and writes and speaks about activism, leadership, and turning anger into impact. Find her at shannonwatts.org and on social media @shannonrwatts.

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