Thepodcast is an excerpt from Sharon McMahon's book, "The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History," which tells the stories of twelve individuals who significantly impacted American history but have remained largely unknown. The excerpt showcases several of these figures, highlighting their struggles and triumphs, from Clara Brown, an enslaved woman who eventually became a prominent figure in Colorado, to Virginia Randolph, a dedicated educator who fought for improved education for African Americans, and Katharine Lee Bates, a writer who penned the beloved patriotic song, "America the Beautiful." McMahon argues that the stories of these individuals, who were not always presidents, aristocrats, or those in positions of traditional power, provide a more nuanced and complete understanding of American history.