Here's Where It Gets Interesting

In this episode, Sharon is joined by organizational psychologist and top-rated Wharton professor Adam Grant. Adam is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of five books, most recently Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know. Sharon and Adam talk about human behavior, the differences between principles and policies, how to humanize those with whom you disagree, why you shouldn’t agree to disagree...and they do, of course, solve all the world’s problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sharon tells the story of the Little Rock Nine to her friend and successful blogger and podcast host, Bethanie Garcia. At the end of the 1950s, following the Brown v. Board of Education decision to integrate schools, the town of Little Rock was nothing short of tumultuous, when nine black students integrated the public high school. Sharon details the complex and outrageous occurrences that happened in Little Rock during those years, including the arrival of the National Guard to block the Little Rock Nine from entering, followed by the governor’s order to close all Little Rock schools rather than integrate. Sharon takes Bethanie along a wild, heartbreaking and frustrating ride through what is now known as “the lost year” in civil rights history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sharon is joined by Kendra Adachi, affectionately known on the internet as the Lazy Genius, who is also the host of The Lazy Genius Podcast and author of The Lazy Genius Way. Sharon and Kendra discuss the passionate nature of John Muir, an environmental philosopher, mountaineer, botanist, glaciologist, and preservation advocate who is considered to be the Father of the National Parks. During the westward expansion of the late 1800s, John Muir dedicated his life to the preservation of America’s most pristine geography and played a prolific role in the establishment of Yosemite National Park. Americans will forever reap the benefits of John Muir’s passion for nature, and today, there are parks, glaciers, trails, asteroids, and mountains named after his legacy, a testament to the impact one person can have on an entire society. 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 with Glo Atanmo, Sharon sits down to talk about how we consume social media and the person behind the posts. Glo has many titles, roles, and passions but is best described as a creative educator. She has traveled to over 80 countries, and with every post, she approaches them with an educational lens, because she loves to learn and share experiences with others. In this conversation, the two open up about having public platforms and the pressures that come along with this. There is no blueprint for following your passion and throughout the discussion, Sharon and Glo discuss their personal experience with being in the public eye and how they got to where they are 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 tells the heartfelt story of Clara Brown, the “Angel of the Rockies” to Jessica Malaty Rivera.  Jessica is a friend and brilliant epidemiologist who may or may not have cried when she heard the touching details of Clara’s story. Sharon takes listeners back to the year 1800 when Clara Brown was born into slavery in Kentucky. When she was 56, Clara was granted her freedom, but her husband and children were abruptly sold off as slaves. With nowhere else to go, Clara set West for Colorado, travelling 700 miles on foot. In Colorado, Clara became a successful entrepreneur and gave away nearly all of her wealth to her community. This is the story of determination and success as well as compassion, family reunion and ultimate generosity. Listen to find out exactly why Clara is named the “Angel of the Rockies” and why Sharon and Jessica shed a few tears while recording this episode. 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 long-time journalist, author, and former CNN Chief White House Correspondent, Jessica Yellin to tackle the topic of the media and news. In an era of the 24-hour news cycle, we are constantly bombarded with new information, analysis and opinions. Luckily, Sharon and Jessica are here to teach listeners how to cut through the noise and discern what is actually news. Jessica gives an insider’s look into the faults she sees in today’s media, while also reminding listeners the essential role the media plays in our society. Sharon and Jessica believe the media has the ability to inform and empower the American public. Listen to find out how they believe this is possible. Spoiler alert: it starts with you!  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 her good friends, Kevin and Layla Palmer. Sharon and the Palmers explore the ambitious life of Noah Webster, an American lexicographer, author, editor, and textbook pioneer. At the height of the Gilded Age, Noah Webster revolutionized the American education system and his influence in the classroom has remained present since the 19th century. Webster authored the first American textbook after British rule called the “Blue-Backed Speller” which sold over 100 million copies and taught five generations of American students, he was an English-language spelling reformer who invented a contest to promote literacy known as the Spelling Bee, he published the first American dictionary “Webster's Dictionary” and invented the American federal copyright. As an advocate for American Exceptionalism in a post-revolution society, Webster’s efforts shaped the system of American education and language as we knew it today and his legacy lives on as the “Father of American Scholarship and Education.” 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 bestselling author, former combat medic and fellow-Minnesotan Diana Oestreich. After being deployed to Iraq immediately following the 9/11 attacks, Diana faced the horrors of war and some of the most difficult moral decisions anyone could possibly imagine. However, after she was shown a heartwarming act of kindness and trust by an Iraqi woman, Diana’s life was changed forever. Her new mission: to bring humanity to an inhumane war. Upon returning home, Diana continued her mission of unconditional love and self-sacrifice in her own community. Diana and Sharon discuss the importance of loving and showing up for all people in-need regardless of their lifestyle, religion, political standing or race. In this moving and heartfelt episode, Sharon and Diana uncover exactly how we can grow into fiercely kind and unshakably good humans. 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 of Sharon Says So, Sharon breaks down one of her most asked questions - what’s the deal with Texas, and can they really secede? Rooted in the United States Constitution, Sharon will explain the fundamental law of the land and how Texas is bound to these laws through its own state Constitution. A few myths are debunked throughout the episode - going back to the origin of the state in 1845 and the creation of its own state constitution. She shares the four reasons why this cannot happen, and why Texas doesn’t really want to secede anyway - Texas will always be The Lone Star State, no matter what. 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, seasoned relationship therapist and bestselling author Nedra Tawwab graces us with her wisdom and teaches us how to set boundaries and navigate relationships. Nedra explains how we can reclaim ourselves by breaking our people-pleasing tendencies and learning to honor our personal needs, safety and mental wellbeing. Nedra offers a wealth of advice, ranging from specific language we can use when setting and maintaining boundaries to ways we can diffuse heated political arguments with a friend or family member. As well, she discusses how we can reconcile difficult relationships and exit unhealthy ones, all while learning how to be more accepting of others. There’s a whole lot to learn in this episode - let’s dive into the world of setting boundaries! 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.

Sharon is joined by Quigley and Alex Goode, professional content creators and founders of Soulcial Media, to learn about a legend in astronomy, Annie Jump Cannon. Born on the eve of the women’s suffrage movement, Annie Jump Cannon was an American astronomer and pioneer of star classification who acquired a college education and made a career for herself in a society that discouraged both of which. Known as the “Census Taker of the Sky,” Annie is most well-known for developing a star cataloging and classification system that astronomers still use today, known as the Harvard spectral classification system. Born and raised in Delaware, today Annie is considered Delaware’s contribution to American innovation, she has been inducted into the Royal Astronomical Society, and the asteroid 1120 Cannonia is named in her honor. Annie Jump Cannon is an example of what can happen when your gifts and passions align. 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 interviews Erin Geiger Smith who is a lawyer-turned-journalist and the author of Thank You for Voting. If you’ve been paying attention to headlines in the past few months, you know the conversation around voting laws is now more heated than ever. But why? To give us a better look into why we are here now, Erin walks us through the history of voting in the U.S., covering everything from voter suppression tactics to why some women refused to eat until they were given the right to vote. As well, Erin debunks commonly believed myths about voting and provides us with practical and fun tips on how we can increase voter turnout in our communities. Lastly, Sharon and Erin discuss the ways the media reports on voting issues and why voting laws should not be partisanized. 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.

Introducing Sharon Answers Your Questions! This marks the first episode of Sharon randomly selecting five questions from her listeners and answering them with wit, heart, and as always -- stone-cold facts. The topics of this episode include: executive orders and Second Amendment sanctuary states. Are executive orders constitutional, and what is a Second Amendment sanctuary? As well, Sharon will explain how to weigh a historical figure’s positive contributions against their problematic beliefs and behaviors. Should past presidents be role models? Sharon will also address how to respond compassionately to people that are unintentionally spreading disinformation online and explain ways that we are currently more united as a country than in the past… 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! 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.

For this episode, Sharon and her guest Danielle Coke take a look into the Happiest Place on Earth - Disney World, and the man who created it. The two take their love for Walt Disney and dive deep into his past, including his unconventional approach to be involved in the US Army during World War I and his first big feature film Snow White. In this episode, you’ll learn how Walt Disney built his empire from humble beginnings and helped put Florida on the map as a massive tourist location with the opening of Disney World. As a bonus, Danielle is a former Disney employee and can confirm that these stories are not your typical Disney stories. 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 shares the story and career of opera sensation Jessye Norman from Augusta, Georgia. By the end of this episode, you will love and adore the voice of this woman, who was a pioneer in so much more than opera. Jessye was born in the 1940’s South, where Jim Crow Laws were in place - schools, businesses, and her town were still segregated. Her mother was a school teacher and taught all her children to read and play the piano - and that is where her family discovered her ability to sing. Her parents taught her that she is no different than anyone else and deserves to live her dreams. Sharon walks listeners through stories from Jessye's career and how she helped change the opera. 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.