The Preamble

In this episode, Sharon is joined by Chief White House Correspondent of the New York Times, Peter Baker. From the White House to Afghanistan to Moscow, Peter has travelled the world to cover the world’s most pressing issues. Sharon and Peter dive into what it’s like to report on U.S. Presidents, and Peter shares his experiences as the first newspaper reporter to enter Afghanistan immediately following the 9/11 attacks. Peter and Sharon also discuss Peter’s latest book, The Man Who Ran Washington, and uncover the life and legacy of James A. Baker, a man who ran five presidential campaigns. You do not want to miss this fascinating episode!

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Sharon shares a story only the buffest of history buffs will know about Montana in this solo episode. In the early 1900s, Indigenous children were taken from their families to attend residential schools where they were assimilated into European culture - cutting their hair, learning new languages, and wearing European clothes. However, they wanted the women to get just enough physical activity at the Fort Shaw school, so they started a basketball program. The program exploded and became wildly popular, drawing crowds of hundreds of people per game. In this episode, Sharon will tell the story of how these women went from playing in a small gym to being named World Champions at the 1904 World’s Fair, to playing an exhibition game at the Olympics.

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by business strategist, Jasmine Star, to discuss how we can succeed even if we feel unqualified. Sharon and Jasmine share ways to achieve your dreams and accomplish your goals - and it has nothing to do with being the smartest, richest or most qualified in the room. Jasmine explains that sometimes the key to success is failure, and that always being the smartest in the room isn’t very wise. Join Sharon and Jasmine as they encourage you to let go of fear and step into success.

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by Natalie Franke, founder of the Rising Tide Society and author of the new book Built to Belong, to learn about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House children's book series. Chronicling the life of a pioneer family living on the prairies in the Midwest during the great westward expansion, the Little House series is a children’s book collection that was later adapted into a popular television series and was first published in 1932. It is estimated that the Little House franchise is worth over $100 million today. Listen to learn more about which family member was Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ghostwriter for the series, the little-known adult life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, how the Wilder family was connected to the rise of libertarianism in the United States, and who owns the copyright to the Little House series in 2021.

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by David Rubenstein, successful businessman, philanthropist and lover of American history. Sharon and David discuss the core beliefs that make up America’s DNA as mentioned in David’s most recent book “The American Experiment.” David shares tips for becoming a better leader and reminds us of the importance of giving back to our communities. As well, David explains how he acquired multiple original copies of some of the most famous historical documents in the world (Oh hello, Declaration of Independence). Join David and Sharon as they unpack everything that makes America, America and provide a look ahead into a brighter American Dream.

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In this solo episode, Sharon tells the courageous story of Mississippi native Medgar Evers. Medgar was a well-known and well-liked man who was involved in many organizations throughout his time in college, and following this, he became involved in the NAACP and the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s. He never wanted to be in the public eye, but he saw a job that needed to be done. He was gaining momentum in the movement when he was tragically assassinated by a man who did not want the change that he was fighting for. In this story, you will learn more about Medgar’s Civil Rights efforts, in addition to the justice that was served to the man who ended them.

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In this episode, Sharon is joined by bestselling author, Kate Bowler. At the age of 35, Kate was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Tired of relentlessly positive mantras and advice on how to live her “best life now,” Kate questioned how to grapple with her grim diagnosis in a culture that believes everything is fixable. Kate explains the idea of toxic positivity and why so many Americans practice it. As well, she shares the key to living a courageous life... and it has nothing to do with overcoming fear. In an episode that is sure to make you laugh and cry, join Sharon and Kate as they walk through the beauty, magic, heartbreak and hilariousness of the human experience. 

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In this episode, Sharon speaks with Raphi Nussbaum about Angle Inlet, Minnesota, a tiny community in North America’s Lake of the Woods. Angle Inlet is an exclave of American Territory that is entirely surrounded by water, Ontario, and Manitoba. Nestled in the Lake of the Woods, Angle Inlet is home to approximately 120 residents among 35 households. The exclave houses the last operating one-room schoolhouse in America, a post office, a customs office, and a humble cafe. Listen to learn more about how residents and tourists access this remote peninsula that shares no border with the contiguous United States.

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In this episode, Sharon interviews author Kate Moore about her latest book, The Woman They Could Not Silence. Kate and Sharon uncover the shocking details of the life of Elizabeth Packard who was admitted to an insane asylum by her husband for simply disagreeing with him. Elizabeth not only witnessed many horrors in the asylum, but she also realized many other women were admitted by their husbands without any evidence of insanity. The craziest part? In 19th-century Illinois, this was completely legal! Elizabeth knew something had to be done, and with courage and resilience, she refused to be silent. Join Kate and Sharon as they unpack the remarkable work of Elizabeth Packard and how she used her voice to fight for Women’s Rights.

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In this episode, Sharon explores the rich ecosystem of the state of Michigan. Known as the “Great Lakes State” Michigan is comprised of two peninsulas that are separated by the Straits of Mackinac, called the Lower Peninsula, and the Upper Peninsula (UP). Known for its fresh water and natural beauty, the state of Michigan is home to many of the nation’s most beautiful parks, animals, coastlines, and lakes. Join Sharon to learn more about how Moose and Wolves cohabitate in Northern Michigan, why the UP belongs to Michigan despite sharing no border, how many ships have sunk in Lake Superior, and more.

For more information on this episode including all resources and links discussed go to https://www.sharonmcmahon.com/podcast

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