The Preamble

In this episode, Sharon tells Austin Graff fascinating stories about New Mexico and its 60-year journey in becoming a U.S state. New Mexico - or the land of enchantment, as some call it - is home to ancient cultures and breathtaking landscapes. The region has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and some of the artifacts found in New Mexico date back to the time of the Egyptian pyramids. Unfortunately, due to prejudice against Indigenous and Hispanic people, Congress was hesitant to add New Mexico as a state. Join Sharon and Austin as they uncover how New Mexico became a state and explore the many wonders within its borders.

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by TIME correspondent, Charlotte Alter, to discuss millennials in politics. Charlotte shares her thoughts about how the unique political climate of the past 20 years--as millennials hit young adulthood--has affected the way they view government, politics, and social issues. Together, Sharon and Charlotte tackle the reasons why it’s been difficult for millennials to carve out their own political paths, and share ways in which they can turn over political power to a more diverse and younger generation of change makers.

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In this episode, Sharon shares the fascinating story behind New Jersey’s Hadrosaurus foulkii, the first full dinosaur skeleton to be discovered anywhere in the world. The skeleton was unearthed in 1858 when naturalist William Parker Foulke was vacationing in Haddonfield, New Jersey. At the time, very few people had heard the term “dinosaur” but Foulke and his comrade, paleontologist Joseph Leidy, spent the next few years uncovering, researching, and sharing the two-story tall “Bulky Lizard” with museum crowds of visitors who were in awe of the prehistoric creature. And here we are, still fascinated with dinosaurs today!

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In this episode, Sharon sits down with Nicole Walters to talk about Nicole’s incredible journey of becoming a successful entrepreneur and television star. Nicole shares how she built a mulit-million dollar business after having only $24 in her bank account. As well, Sharon and Nicole talk about the importance of humility, learning new things and expressing empathy when hearing others’ perspectives. In this lively episode, join Sharon and Nicole as they chat like old friends while also sharing some wisdom and hilarious stories.

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In this episode, Sharon sits down with return guest Danielle Coke to learn about the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster of 1986. This history lesson is cast from the perspective of one of America’s most cherished ordinary heroes, Sharon Christa McAuliffe, a school teacher from New Hampshire who was selected by NASA to become the first teacher in space. In 1984 President Ronal Reagan announced the Teacher in Space Project designed to inspire students, honor teachers, and spur interest in mathematics, science, and space exploration by sending a teacher on a voyage to space with NASA. The infamous program ended fatally, however, when after just 73 seconds into its flight on January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded, killing Christa and all six other crew members aboard.

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Back by popular demand: Sharon Answers Your Questions! This episode will feature Sharon answering listeners' questions with the facts. The topics of this episode include electoral votes and why Washington DC has three, State Pledges in school, the Antiquities Act, plus the story behind the ratification of the 27th Amendment. These episodes are fueled by YOU. What are you curious about? Drop a voice memo here, and Sharon might answer your question on the next episode of Sharon Answers Your Questions!

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by neuropsychologist, Dr. Mark Solms, to discuss some seriously brain-tingling facts. Dr. Solms has been studying human consciousness for decades, and in his newest book “The Hidden Spring,” he explains that human consciousness is defined by feelings, not intelligence. Sharon and Dr. Solms discuss why we may (or may not) hear a little voice in our heads as well as the importance of dreams and what they tell us about human consciousness. Ever wonder what is going on in your head? Join Sharon and Mark as they explore the fascinating world of the human mind.

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In this episode, Sharon walks through the last two centuries of history in Las Vegas to uncover the making of America’s “Sin City.” The Las Vegas strip has not always been glitz and glamour and its history is marked by brushes with Spanish settlers, the mafia, wall street millionaires, the Mormon Church, and most of all, the U.S. government. Tracing back to the 1820s, Sharon explores how Las Vegas developed from illegal speakeasies during prohibition to modern mega-resorts that attract over 42 million visitors annually. Listen to learn how the Hoover Dam, the 18th amendment, and atomic bombs turned Las Vegas into the entertainment mecca we know and love today.

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In this episode, Sharon sits down with Lindsay Rodman, Executive Director of The Leadership Council for Women in National Security, to discuss her diplomatic career in military service and national security. Lindsay Rodman is a Harvard Law School graduate and a United States Marine Corps veteran whose career in national security is distinguished by service in the military, White House, Pentagon, and more. Lindsay and Sharon discuss misconceptions of national security, cyber threats faced by the United States, life as a woman in the military, fostering inclusion in democracy, and breaking stigmas about veterans. Listen to learn what you can do to support American veterans, understand how national security contributes to your everyday comfort, and what effective national leadership looks like.

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by Brittany Ratelle to talk about the life and legacy of Mildred Brown. Though Mildred is not in most history books, she should be! Mildred was a savvy businesswoman and the owner of an Omaha newspaper in the 1930s. As a Black woman in the 1930s, this was impressive on its own. However, Mildred used her power of the press to positively reinforce good business practices in Omaha, and she highlighted the good works of the people in her community. Mildred received 150 community service awards and was appointed as a Goodwill ambassador by U.S President Lyndon B. Johnson. Join Sharon and Brittany as they talk about this uplifting story and explain why there needs to be a Mildred Brown t-shirt!

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