Firestarters with Shannon Watts

“Your job isn’t what makes you interesting, your hobby is.”- Karen WalrondCheck out my conversation with the delightful Karen Walrond, author of the brand new book In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur. For her book, Karen tried out seven new hobbies — everything from pottery to surfing to piano playing — to show readers how to do the same. She even provides a list of over 200 hobbies others might want to try — all in the interest of tuning out, tapping into ourselves, and finding joy. Connect with Karen: Buy the Book | Substack | InstagramFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

I loved getting to talk with Anna Gifty, an award-winning researcher and writer and doctoral student at Harvard Kennedy School studying public policy and economics. We discuss her new book, The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid, which offers a critical analysis of systemic economic inequities and insights into why it's disproportionately expensive to be a woman—especially a woman of color—in contemporary America.Anna and I discuss about why women—especially women of color—are undervalued in the American economy, and how their experience foreshadows what’s in store for all women. Please watch the replay of our conversation, grab a copy of Anna’s book, and check out her tour dates at annagifty.comConnect with Anna: Buy the book | InstagramFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

Please check out the replay of my conversation with Rebecca Minor, LICSW about her new book Raising Trans Kids, the essential guide for parents, families, and educators committed to creating a world where transgender and nonbinary youth can thrive. With compassionate insights, evidence-based research, and practical advice, this groundbreaking book provides the clarity and reassurance needed to navigate the complex journey of raising trans and gender-expansive children.Rebecca and I discuss why it’s so important for parents and caregivers (including educators!) to read her book, the encouragement she would give to the parents who are scared for their children, and the myths and misperceptions surrounding transgender children. At a time when trans youth face unprecedented legislative attacks and alarming mental health challenges, Raising Trans Kids is more than a guide—it’s a lifeline. By addressing fears and misconceptions, it helps families move past uncertainty and fear into pride, joy, and unconditional love for their child’s authentic self.I encourage you to buy extra copies of Raising Trans Kids to share in your communities or donate to help get the book into the hands of those who need it most. Teachers, school social workers, and librarians can email programs@littlereadersbigchange.org for copies while supplies last.And, be sure you’re following Rebecca Minor, LICSW: Newsletter | Website | InstagramFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

(I write at length about many of these ideas in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age,” out now. Order this week and get enrolled for free in Firestarter University, a year-long, online course starting in the Fall.)Check out my conversation with Stacy London, host of Prime Video show Wear Whatever the F You Want and mid-life advocate. Our conversation ranged from the importance of empowering women as they experience menopause and aging, concerns around hormone regulations, how to figure out what comes after 50 and beyond, and the concept of joy porn.Be sure you’re following Stacy on Substack and hit play to watch our conversation above.For women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

(I write at length about many of the ideas below in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age,” out now. Order this week get enrolled for free in Firestarter University, a year-long, online course starting in the Fall.)Check out my conversation with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a board-certified OBGYN and menopause expert. Our conversation ranged from the importance of understanding your health, the flawed study that lead a generation of women to believe HRT was dangerous, the prescription of HRT and the recent hearing on the black box warning labels, as well as the legacy we hope to leave in the world.Please enjoy this conversation and be sure you’re following Dr. Shepherd on Instagram.Join me on my book tour! Get more information and tickets at firedupbook.comFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

“You can’t burn what is already on fire.”Meggan Watterson, a feminist theologian with master's degrees from Harvard Divinity School and Columbia University’s Union Theological Seminary, is a bestselling author and founder of the REDLADIES, a spiritual community focused on studying ancient Christian texts that were excluded from the New Testament. Her new book, The Girl Who Baptized Herself, explores a nearly lost first-century scripture about Saint Thecla, a young woman who survived multiple execution attempts and became a reigious teacher, using her story as a roadmap for readers to understand their spiritual worth and reclaim their power. In our conversation, Meggan and I explore how religious institutions have systematically excluded women from spiritual narratives for millennia, how connecting with the feminine divine helped her reclaim her sense of self-worth following sexual assault, and how embracing women's righteous anger can inspire us all to take action in protecting ourselves and others. Meggan invites us to align with our divine purpose, embrace vulnerability as strength, and honor our unique spiritual callings.To read more about inspiring stories about Firestarters like Meggan, grab a copy of my new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age at firedupbook.com.Join me on my book tour! Get more information and tickets at firedupbook.comFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

“One of the metaphors that I use is imagining guilt is a faulty check engine light on your car dashboard.  Your car has just been serviced, the oil is changed, everything's fine, but the stupid light just keeps going off. It doesn't actually give you any meaningful information, so you can ignore it. You can just say it's broken. Guilt is not a moral compass.”Pooja Lakshmin MD is a clinical psychiatrist in Austin, Texas, specializing in women's health. She's also an assistant professor of psychiatry. During our discussion, we talked about how she differentiates between faux self-care and real self-care, including the obstacles women face internally and externally, and to overcome them. We also discuss how real self-care can help women live lives that are more authentic and more audacious. And Pooja shares her insights about how self-care can help women find their spark and protect it throughout their lives.To read more about inspiring stories about Firestarters like Pooja, grab a copy of my book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age at firedupbook.com.Join me on my book tour! Get more information and tickets at firedupbook.comFor women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

“My definition of defiance is being able to act in alignment with your values, especially when there's pressure to do otherwise. It's not just for the brave people, extraordinary people, superheroes. It's available and it's necessary for all of us to really learn this skill."Dr. Sunita Sah is a physician turned organizational psychologist whose research has reshaped how we think about advice, bias, and trust in some of the most high-stakes environments—from hospitals to courtrooms to boardrooms and beyond. Her work sits at the fascinating intersection of ethics, decision-making, and human behavior.In Dr. Sah’s new book, “Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes,” she explains why it’s so difficult to speak up even when we know something is wrong, and she provides readers with simple tools to help them make decisions that align with their values.To read more about inspiring stories about Firestarters like Dr. Sah, grab a copy of my new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age at firedupbook.com.Join me on my book tour! For dates and tickets, visit firedupbook.com.For women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise, about the nudge that helped her take the leap to leave one career and embark on a new one. We also talk about the inevitable blowback you’ll get when you begin to do things differently, and why it’s important to remember that all blowback is predictable, but it’s not personal. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

(I write at length about many of the ideas below in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age,” out now. Order this week get enrolled for free in Firestarter University, a year-long, online course starting in the Fall.)I was thrilled to talk to author and historian Sharon McMahon on Substack Live about how to take the next fiery step, why blowback is predictable, but not personal; and why you’re never too old and it’s never too late to fulfill your desires — all subjects I cover in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.” If you’re not already following Sharon’s Substack, be sure to subscribe here.Join me on my book tour! For dates and tickets, visit firedupbook.com.For women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

(I write at length about many of the ideas below in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age,” out now. Order this week get enrolled for free in Firestarter University, a year-long, online course starting in the Fall.)It was so great to have a conversation with Katie Couric. We talked about the need for everyone to get off the sidelines, how increment steps forward lead to revolutions, and the importance of finding your people — all topics I explore in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.” Watch our replay above. And be sure you’re following Katie’s new Substack!For women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

"There has never been a more important time in our nation's history, or in the world, for women to figure out what it is they have to offer—their abilities, their values and their desires—and to bring those to the table. You deserve to leave a legacy. We all do."In my first solo episode of this podcast, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of writing my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age,” I talk about the whole book writing process, including how the book came to be (hint: it involved a treadmill and Maria Shriver), the origins of the “fire” metaphor, and why I interviewed over 70 women and what they taught me.If you’re listening in real time, pub day is tomorrow, June 17. You can get your copy at firedupbook.com and register your purchase to enroll in Firestarter University for free!Thank you for all of your support. I’m so excited to get this book into your hands and to hear about your firestarting journeys.My new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is available for preorder! Out in June 2025, Fired Up will give you the formula for finding your unique spark and show you how to use it to start fires in your life. By preordering, you can enroll for FREE in Firestarter University, a year-long online program that includes live monthly workshops, workbooks and resources, accountability check-ins, and a community to help you succeed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

I loved this Substack Live conversation with Karen Walrond, an award winning author, speaker, leadership coach. Karen (who is sunshine personified) and I discuss why it’s important to embrace being an amateur, how community compassion can be an act of resistance, and why women need to banish their feelings of guilt for pursuing their desires. Be sure you’re following Karen’s Substack, the make light journal, and please enjoy the replay of our conversation.My new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is available for preorder! Out in June 2025, Fired Up will give you the formula for finding your unique spark and show you how to use it to start fires in your life. By preordering, you can enroll for FREE in Firestarter University, a year-long online program that includes live monthly workshops, workbooks and resources, accountability check-ins, and a community to help you succeed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

Watch the replay of my conversation with Susan Piver, bestselling author and founder of The Open Heart Project. We discuss why Bruce Springsteen is a big part of Susan’s story, her incredible life and career, how the book The Heart of the Buddha found her, and why resting your mind is crucial to creativity.Susan is featured in my upcoming book Fired Up. Make sure you’ve ordered your copy, and that you’ve subscribed to Susan’s Substack.My new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is available for preorder! Out on June 17, 2025, Fired Up will give you the formula for finding your unique spark and show you how to use it to start fires in your life. By preordering, you can enroll for FREE in Firestarter University, a year-long online program that includes live monthly workshops, workbooks and resources, accountability check-ins, and a community to help you succeed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

Watch the replay of my conversation with Katie Phang—prominent legal analyst, political commentator, and podcaster—about all the topics in my new book, “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age,” including the expectations of women in the public eye, how to handle the guilt that can come with motherhood and pursuing your desires, friendship in middle age, and the importance of sharing power at all ages. And be sure you’re following Katie’s Substack!My new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is available for preorder! Out on June 17, 2025, Fired Up will give you the formula for finding your unique spark and show you how to use it to start fires in your life. By preordering, you can enroll for FREE in Firestarter University, a year-long online program that includes live monthly workshops, workbooks and resources, accountability check-ins, and a community to help you succeed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe