The Preamble

In this episode, Sharon sits down with her friend Lauren Kachinske to discuss the legacy of Rosemary Clooney. Rosemary was an American singer and actress best known for her song "Come On-a My House" and the movie “White Christmas.” Born and raised in Kentucky, Rosemary was abandoned by both of her parents as a teenager. After moving to New York City in her 20s with a dream to make it as a singer, Rosemary was invited to sing on one of Frank Sinatra’s records. Rosemary faced many obstacles during her long life but served as an example of how we are all one choice away from a completely different life.

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

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

In this episode, Sharon is joined by Shumi Brody, a survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. Shumi was working in the North Tower when the plane struck the building. As she was escaping down the stairwell, a brief encounter with a firefighter changed her life forever. He told her to keep moving and stay calm. Shumi recounts the horrific sights and utter confusion she experienced that day, while also detailing the acts of love and selflessness she witnessed as people put themselves at risk to save others’ lives. She hopes to tell the story of 9/11 for those who cannot and honor the firefighter who comforted her in a moment of tragedy. As well, Sharon and Shumi discuss how to teach your children about the events of 9/11.

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

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

In this solo episode, Sharon tells the story of Susanna Madora Salter, who accidentally became the first female mayor ever elected. What started as a ploy to throw off the mayoral election by a group of men in her small Kansas town quickly turned into a historical moment. At this time, candidates could create their own ballots and campaign for votes, so Susanna had no idea that she was even on the ballot during the election. In this episode, Sharon shares facts about voting during the latter half of the 1800s and how the first female mayor came to be, even though it was meant to be a joke.

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

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

Sit down with Sharon as she interviews the one and only @TheSpaceGal, Emily Calandrelli. Most people are fascinated by space and the myths surrounding space. In this episode, Sharon gets Emily’s thoughts on aliens, life outside of Earth, how the space industry has changed and expanded, and what is next in space development. In addition, Sharon dives into STEM education and Emily’s career and how she made a name for herself and forged her own path in helping people stay curious and keep learning.

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

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

In this episode, Sharon sits down with Mary Marantz, best-selling author, podcast host, and renowned photographer, to break down the system of the Iowa caucus. Iowa caucuses are electoral events that take place every presidential election among Iowa voters. Compared to the traditional secret ballot most American voters are accustomed to, Iowa has maintained the voting system used by our nation’s founders over 200 years ago. The caucus is a universally confusing concept to voters in states without the practice. Listen to walk away with a better understanding of the Iowa caucus system and how it affects the outcome of our presidential election seasons.

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

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

In this episode, Sharon and seasoned journalist and news producer, Mosheh Oinounou, dive into the world of the media and the complexities of the world around us. Sharon and Mosheh discuss who and what to trust in the media as well as how to create a game plan for consuming factual and verified information. When it comes to national and international events, there is always more than meets the eye. Join Sharon and Mosheh as they uncover how listeners can see through media nuances to the bigger picture of today’s most pressing issues. This episode is powered by an allegiance to facts!

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

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

 In this episode, Sharon shares the story of the shortest American presidency in our nation’s history. William Henry Harrison was an American military officer and politician who served as the ninth president of the United States, elected during the 1840 election. Harrison became the first president to die in office just one month after taking the Oath of Office. Harrison was the last U.S. president born under British rule and became a pioneer of the American Whig Party during his presidential campaign. Not only was William Henry Harrison’s untimely death caused a riff controversy in the capital about the role of the vice president upon the death of the president, and the decisions that resulted ultimately set a precedent we still uphold in our democracy today.

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

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

 In this episode, Sharon sits down for an uncomfortable conversation with bestselling author and Emmy-nominated host, Emmanuel Acho. Known for his viral web series and book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” Emmanuel is no stranger to navigating difficult conversations surrounding race in the United States. Emmanuel and Sharon dive head first into topics such as white privilege, teaching our children about race and the key messages of the social justice movement. Taught with grace, wisdom and unshakeable determination, Emmanuel provides tactical ways to combat ignorance, administer justice and treat others with empathy.

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

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

In this episode, Sharon takes Ashley LeMieux on a tour of the world’s most spectacular fair, the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The World’s Columbian Exposition was a fair like none other. Located in Chicago on a 690-acre fairground, the exposition attracted over 27 million people. The fair dazzled visitors with 200 extravagant buildings and palaces, impressive spectacles of electric lights, the world’s first ferris wheel and exact replicas of the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria (Columbus’ ships). Fair visitors never went hungry and were introduced to foods such as Cracker Jacks, hot dogs, brownies, Quaker Oats and cream of wheat. The World’s Columbian Exposition changed U.S history, architecture and culture in a profound way. Join Sharon and Ashley as they uncover the mind-boggling story of Chicago’s World Fair and the lasting impact it had on the world. 

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

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

In this episode, Sharon tells listeners about an incredible woman that is often left out of  the history books: Rebecca Brown Mitchell of Idaho. Rebecca was known to have a “fire in her bones” that fueled her deep passion for education and justice. Rebecca’s story begins on the dirt-floor of an abandoned saloon in Idaho Falls. There, she taught the town’s children how to read and write, and she hosted weekly Sunday School. Flashing forward a few years, Rebecca established the town’s first school and church, became deeply involved in the Idaho State legislature and led a women’s rights movement within the state. Here is the story of how Rebecca Brown did it all and eventually gained Idaho women the right to vote nearly twenty years earlier than the rest of American women were granted the same right.

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

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