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Sharon McMahon

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$Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Life of America’s First Lady Martha WashingtonSharon explores the life of America’s first First Lady, Martha Washington, highlighting the many ways she shaped her family, the presidency, and the nation itself. Though the formal title of “First Lady” didn’t yet exist, she was affectionately known as “Lady Washington” and respected as George’s “worthy partner.” Sharon dives into many of lesser known details of her life like her first marriage, her open home policy, and her views on slavery. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Th...

2025-08-1829 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Tell with Amy GriffinThere’s a reason her book was just chosen for Oprah’s book club. Sharon McMahon talks with her friend Amy Griffin—venture capitalist and new author—to talk about her powerful memoir, “The Tell.” On the outside, Amy had a picture perfect life. But hiding behind that facade was a horrifying secret she had kept for decades. She explains what happened to her as a child, how it affected her life in ways she never realized, and why she wanted to finally share her truth.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

2025-03-1747 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Make Magic with Brad MeltzerWant to know the secret to getting more out of life? Sharon McMahon chats with #1 NYT best-selling author Brad Meltzer about his latest book, “Make Magic,” based on his viral commencement speech from last year. Brad shares the four things you can do to lead a more kind, empathetic life full of wonder.And because Brad doesn’t have enough to do, he has written another new political thriller, “The JFK Conspiracy.” During their discussion, he tells Sharon about a lesser-known plot to assassinate JFK and how his marriage to Jackie Kennedy saved the president’...

2025-03-1045 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting DEFY with Dr. Sunita SahHow do you stay true to your values when the world pushes you to conform? Sharon McMahon is joined by award-winning Cornell professor Dr. Sunita Sah to talk about her new book, “DEFY: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes.” Dr. Sah breaks down why we feel pressured to comply—and says real defiance isn’t about rebellion, but about standing up for what you believe, even when it’s uncomfortable. After listening to this discussion, even the most obedient people pleasers will be able to say no.Credits:Host and E...

2025-03-0338 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting What in the World with Leanne MorganHow did Leanne Morgan go from a small-town mom to one of the biggest comedians in the country? Sharon McMahon chats with the hilarious Leanne Morgan about doing comedy in a parking lot, her love of Costco (because, of course), how she survived a 200 city comedy tour, and never giving up on your dreams. It took more than 20 years, but Leanne now has her own Netflix special, a sitcom in the works, a movie alongside Reese Witherspoon, and a NYT best-selling book. If you want to laugh while also being inspired, don’t miss this episode....

2025-02-0350 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Supreme Court’s Worst Decisions with Sarah IsgurWhy has the Supreme Court become such a hot topic of debate? Sharon McMahon is joined by co-host of the Advisory Opinions podcast and former director in the DOJ, Sarah Isgur, for a spirited discussion about why the Court has become so political. Sarah shares her theories on the reason public opinion of SCOTUS has plummeted, and why she believes it’s a good thing that the Court doesn’t always agree with the majority opinion. Sarah also gives us her insider predictions on which justices might retire or be replaced during the next presidency.Cr...

2025-01-2745 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Supercommunicators with Charles DuhiggHow does someone become a great communicator? Sharon McMahon talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg about his latest book, Super Communicators. He explains being a strong communicator isn’t some magical, innate talent but a skill that anyone can learn. How do top executives talk to others? How can you deal with people who insult or talk down to you? And what can you say to someone who tells you to calm down? Charles breaks down the three types of conversations and shares tips on how you can improve your relationships through better, clearer communication....

2025-01-2043 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting That Librarian with Amanda JonesHow did an award-winning librarian become the target of an online hate campaign? Sharon McMahon chats with Amanda Jones about her new book, “That Librarian,” and her experience speaking out against book bans and censorship. Amanda talks about the consequences she’s faced, including death threats and her address being posted online, and why she’s so passionate about making books accessible to everyone. From the misinformation fueling these bans, to the crucial role libraries play in communities, Amanda tells us why standing up for what’s right matters more than ever.Credits:Host and...

2025-01-0641 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting America First with H.W. BrandsWhat role should the US play in international conflicts? Pulitzer prize finalist and historian H.W. Brands joins Sharon McMahon to discuss his latest book, “America First.” They dig into the America First movement inside the United States during the 1930s and early 40s. As World War II was raging, President Franklin Roosevelt was looking to gin up support for the US to help its allies fight the war. But celebrity aviator Charles Lindbergh and the America First Committee were standing in his way. Brands explains why Lindbergh’s anti-intervention message was so appealing to Americans at the time, and ho...

2024-12-3040 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Vanishing Treasures with Katherine RundellWhat can we do to help save the most vulnerable animals? Sharon McMahon is joined by #1 NYT Best-Selling author Katherine Rundell to talk about extraordinary animals like the Greenland shark which can live to be over 600 years old, or the American Wood frog that freezes in the winter, and kickstarts its own heart in the spring. Katherine shares stories about animals you’ve probably never heard of, the challenges they face, and the urgent need for preservation and mindful coexistence with the natural world.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonS...

2024-12-0949 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Fair Voting on the Ballot with Deb OtisHow can we improve U.S. elections to ensure that every vote truly counts? Sharon McMahon talks with Deb Otis from FairVote about solutions like proportional representation and ranked choice voting. Want to vote for a third party candidate but worried it’s a wasted vote? There’s a way to change that, and it’s on the ballot in some states November 5th! Deb shares her thoughts on reforms that could lead to nicer politicians, and more choices for voters.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie...

2024-11-0439 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting America’s Deadliest Election with Dana BashHow did America’s Deadliest Election change the future of democracy? Sharon McMahon is joined by CNN's Dana Bash to discuss a lesser known chapter of history and how this pivotal moment forever changed the course of history.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://po...

2024-10-1442 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Behind the Scenes of The Small and the Mighty, Episode 3In our final behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Small and The Mighty, Sharon McMahon shares explains the last stages of the book writing process, from copyediting to marketing, and what fun things to expect when you go to her book tour events!Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To learn more about listener data and...

2024-09-3033 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Disagreeing Better with Utah Governor Spencer CoxAmidst a contentious election season and increased political polarization, how can we disagree better? Sharon McMahon sits down with Utah Governor Spencer Cox to talk about how love your neighbors, especially the ones you disagree with. He tells us how to be architects instead of arsonists, builders instead of destroyers.Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig Thompson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To learn more about listener data and our...

2024-09-0946 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 9Joseph Stalin, feared by all, now clings to life, isolated and powerless. As his power-hungry rivals fight for control of the Soviet Union, Stalin’s henchmen begin to face the consequences of their actions. But even as Russia attempts to break free from Stalin’s legacy, history threatens to repeat itself.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonWriters/researchers: Mandy Reid, Amy Watkin, Kari Anton, Sharon McMahon, Melanie Buck Parks Hosted on A...

2024-09-0244 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 8World War II is over, and Stalin is ready to pick up where Hitler left off. Driven by paranoia, no one is above suspicion, including the wife of his closest friend. Not even her loyalty to him could save her from Stalin’s wrath. And, as his own health deteriorated, Stalin turned on the very people trying to help him. What was behind his sinister plot to target doctors?Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonWriters/researchers: Mandy Re...

2024-08-2640 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 7A deal with the devil. Hitler and Stalin join forces at the start of World War II. But the ultra paranoid Joseph Stalin strangely had a blind spot when it came to his dictator friend. How did Stalin, the man with the best spies in the world, end up getting double crossed?Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonWriters/researchers: Mandy Reid, Amy Watkin, Kari Anton, Sharon McMahon, Melanie Buck Parks...

2024-08-1944 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 6Joseph Stalin had his young daughter fooled. Svetlana had no idea what he was doing to people outside the palace walls, and to her, he was a doting father. But all that changed when she finally learned the truth about what happened to her mother. Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonWriters/researchers: Mandy Reid, Amy Watkin, Kari Anton, Sharon McMahon, Melanie Buck Parks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-08-1245 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 5Joseph Stalin finally has the power he’s been working decades to achieve. But as the new leader of the Soviet Union, he thinks everyone around him is a threat– even friends and defenseless peasants. And for some reason, Stalin can’t stop obsessing about his old enemy Leon Trotsky. But, a devious plot just might rid him of his nemesis once and for all.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonWriters/researchers: Mandy Reid, Amy Watkin, Kari Anton...

2024-08-0541 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 4Joseph Stalin’s bank robbing days have earned him a top spot as a Revolutionary, just as things are falling in place for Russia’s government to be toppled. The allure of communism has spread, but the message of course, wasn’t the reality. Stalin takes on a new role as an enforcer, a position that would show just how brutal and heartless he was. And this time, he has a new, very young, love interest by his side.Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig...

2024-07-2940 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 3A new mission, a new identity. Joseph Stalin, using the name Koba, takes on his latest role in the name of the Revolution: bank robber. He still found time for romance, though, falling hard for the only woman he would truly ever love. Now he faced a choice: fatherhood… or the Revolution?Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Craig ThompsonWriters/researchers: Mandy Reid, Amy Watkin, Kari Anton, Sharon McMahon, Melanie Buck Parks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

2024-07-2243 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 2Joseph Stalin was born the third, but only surviving son, to his parents Keke and Beso. His mother begged God to let him live, and when he did, she told her son he would devote his life to God. His family and friends called him Soso, and while his mother doted on him, he was often the victim of his father’s alcohol-fueled rages. Soso learned early that violence got results, a lesson that would carry through to every facet of his life as an adult. This little boy, raised in poverty, growing angrier by the day, would one da...

2024-07-1543 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Stalin: Man of Steel, Episode 1Welcome to our newest docuseries on Joseph Stalin. Over the course of this series you will learn how a little mama's boy called Soso became one of the most ruthless leaders in history. For decades a movement was growing. The Russian people were frustrated and angry with how the country was being run. Take a deadly war, a lack of jobs and food, combined with a leader who was totally oblivious to the problems his people were facing, and a revolution sounded like a pretty good idea.There was only one thing in t...

2024-07-0855 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting In the Shadow of Liberty with Ana Raquel MinianYou hear on the news about immigration chaos in the United States, but what can be done to address the systemic issues, and the very real concerns of Americans? What was the driving force of the exclusion of some immigrant groups? And how has immigration changed over the years? Sharon McMahon is joined by author and expert, Ana Raquel Minian, to discuss her new book, In the Shadow of Liberty. Together, they dive into the history of immigration so we can better understand how to move forward. Special thanks to our guest, Ana Raquel Minian, for j...

2024-06-1738 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Awakening the Spirit of America with Paul SparrowIf you are interested in the 1930s and 1940s, or have wondered how the rapid growth of authoritarianism in today’s political climate mirrors that of WWII, this is an episode for you. Sharon McMahon is joined by author Paul Sparrow to discuss his new book, Awakening the Spirit of America. It’s a story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his surprising opponent, Charles Lindbergh, and their war of words. Learn how far back the “America First” slogan goes, and how persuasive language changed the course of history. Special thanks to our guest, Paul Sparrow, for joining u...

2024-06-1040 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Too Close to the Flame with Joe IngleWhen you think of prisoners on Death Row, what imagery comes to mind? Author of Too Close to the Flame, Joe Ingle, joins Sharon McMahon to talk about what it is like inside America's death penalty system. After spending 45 years working as a spiritual advisor to men and women on Death Row, Joe vulnerably shares his experiences of the final moments before they are executed, and sheds a light on how the legal system disenfranchises those who can not afford a lawyer. What is an alternative to the death penalty, and what might restorative justice look like?

2024-06-0337 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Year of Living Constitutionally with A.J. JacobsImagine walking into your polling place on Election Day, and openly declaring who you were voting for. That is exactly what today’s guest did when researching and writing his book, The Year of Living Constitutionally. Author A.J. Jacobs joined Sharon McMahon to share what it was like to live a year, interpreting the U.S. Constitution literally. What is in the Constitution, and what is not? From implementing in-home cursing laws, to carrying an 18th Century musket around Manhattan, you will love this entertaining experiment of how the Constitution impacts modern American democracy.Special th...

2024-05-2744 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 7Life in prison wasn’t enough for the Knights of Mary Phagan. They wanted Leo Frank to pay with his life, and they were going to make sure it happened. In Georgia, vigilante justice wasn’t new, but this time was different. This time, it would change the nation. Would the vigilantes actually get away with it? Join us for the final episode in this seven-episode series, The Vigilantes.Special thanks to former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes for his time and contribution to this episode. Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonS...

2024-04-291h 05 $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 6Georgia’s Governor knew his life was in danger when he made his ruling. Would he commute Leo’s sentence, or let him die by execution?. And just how far would the angry mob go to seek revenge for Mary’s death? The planning had already begun… and it wouldn’t take long for a deal to be made with the prison warden. Join us for part six of this seven-episode series, The Vigilantes.Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Jenny Snyd...

2024-04-2243 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 5Appeal after appeal, Leo Frank was running out of options. With a new lawyer joining his defense team – the same lawyer who earlier represented the man who testified against Leo – the tide began to turn. Witnesses were coming forward, a new explanation for the murder note comes to light, and the story is making national news. With only days remaining before the scheduled execution, would time be on his side?Join us for part five of this seven-episode series, The Vigilantes.Special Thank You to the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati and the Kena...

2024-04-1548 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 4The heat in the Atlanta courtroom was sweltering and unbearable, as the trial against Leo Frank began. A Black man was testifying against a white man, which was nearly unheard of in the Jim Crow south. And the evidence against this man was mounting… A suspect who was at the murder scene, and continued to lie to the police. Join us for part four of this seven-episode series, The Vigilantes.Host/ Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio Producer: Jenny Snyder Writers: Amy Watkin, Sha...

2024-04-0846 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 3It’s been 48 hours since Mary Phagan was last seen alive. It’s a media frenzy, and police are feeling the pressure to find the killer. There’s a new, sudden interest in the murder notes. Did the killer write them to throw off investigators? By the end of this episode, three men would become suspects. And despite dubious evidence and changing stories, one would soon be indicted for Mary’s murder. With a mob looking for vengeance, and sensational newspaper coverage, chances of a fair trial in Atlanta, Georgia were slim. The trial woul...

2024-04-0147 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 2It should have been a leisurely Saturday off work for 13-year-old Mary Phagan, who was looking forward to celebrating the Confederate Memorial Day holiday. It should have been an easy day for Leo Frank, too, who hoped to leave his job at the factory early to go to the local baseball game with his wife. It should have been a carefree day for 16-year old Grace Hicks, who was enjoying a rare day off, and waiting for her friend to join her at the parade.It was anything but a beautiful, joyful, restful day.

2024-03-2543 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Vigilantes, Episode 1A shocking murder. A scene so brutal that the first people to find the victim couldn’t even tell what their skin color was. And a case that forever changed both the city, and the state’s legal system. It was April 1913, in Atlanta, Georgia, and the city would never be the same. You may wonder why this imperative and dramatic case is not taught in history class, or how the world could have forgotten such a horrific crime that continues to have an impact more than 100 years later. Join us for part one of...

2024-03-1833 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting A Heart on Fire with Danielle Coke BalfourOn today’s episode, Sharon welcomes back Danielle Coke Balfour, who you may know as founder and illustrator of “Oh Happy Dani.” Sharon chats with Dani about her new book, “A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well.” At a time when it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the 24-hour news cycle and information overload, Danielle pauses and shares that it’s important to, “let each day be the evidence of a heart on fire,” by living in alignment with your values. In her book, she helps reframe the daunting realities of daily life by identifying common themes, and...

2023-08-3040 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Republican Presidential Nomination with Doug BurgumSharon is joined by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to hear directly from the Republican Presidential candidate ahead of the presidential debate. In a time of cold wars, culture wars, and economic unknowns, Burgum makes the argument that it’s time for the federal government to refocus its priorities. Burgum also took the position that it’s time to “get away from the celebrity President and get back to the idea that the President is an operating job, and needs to focus on the job description.” Burgum and Sharon discuss how the Republican nominee will need to win over some pol...

2023-08-2334 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Until Justice Be Done with Kate MasurToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with author Kate Masur, whose book, Until Justice Be Done, shines a light on what we can consider to be the first Civil Rights Movement–the movement for free Black Americans to gain equality from our country’s inception through Reconstruction after the Civil War. We often think of the fight to gain rights as a movement that happened in the 1950s and 1960s, but even in the early 1800s, there was an organized effort to resist racist laws and policy.Special thanks to our guest, Kate M...

2023-07-1037 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting I Won't Shut Up with Ally HennyWriter Ally Henny joins Sharon today to talk about Bruno. But in this context, Bruno–always around, but only talked about in hushed tones–is race. Ally and Sharon have a candid conversation about the pitfalls of Respectability Politics and how white people can do better when it comes to getting uncomfortable in conversations about race. Ally’s new book, I Won’t Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You, is a great place to start if you are looking to understand the ways in which racism persists in America today.Special...

2023-06-1641 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Break It Up with Richard KreitnerOn today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with author of the book Break It Up: Secession, Division, and the Secret History of America's Imperfect Union, Richard Kreitner. Richard and Sharon talk about the theme of division throughout American history. We may say we are one nation, united, but there have always been ideas, events, and people who have challenged that notion of unity and union, even back at the very start of the nation’s founding.Special thanks to our guest, Richard Kreitner, for joining us today. You can purchase Break...

2023-06-1435 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Value of Building Civic Friendships with Dr. Kerry SautnerOn today’s episode of Here’s Where It gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes guest Dr. Kerry Sautner, the chief learning officer at the National Constitution Center. Kerry and Sharon talk about civic education, and how it can be a building block for a great democracy–but just as important as learning from our past is learning how to communicate and collaborate in the present. Join us to learn more about the National Constitution Center, and the value of civic friendships and access to America’s full history.Special thanks to our guest, Dr. Kerry Sautner, for joining...

2023-06-1244 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Eight Iconic American Symbols with David RubensteinToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes back David Rubenstein to talk about his new PBS series, Iconic America. The series takes a look at eight different American symbols, from Cowboys to the Hollywood sign. These recognizable pieces of America have surprising histories, and Sharon and David discuss how symbols evolve and take on new meaning over time.Special thanks to our guest, David Rubenstein, for joining us today. Catch his new PBS series, Iconic America, streaming now. Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: David RubensteinExecutive Pro...

2023-06-0934 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Teachers with Alexandra RobbinsSharon’s guest on today’s episode on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting is author Alexandra Robbins, the author of several New York Times bestsellers. Her newest book, The Teachers, goes behind the scenes to show readers what life is like for teachers in America. She follows three teachers through their trials and triumphs over the course of one school year. Learn about their challenges with being under-resourced and over-scrutinized while they try to make connections and safe learning environments in their classrooms.Special thanks to our guest, Alexandra Robbins, for joining us today. Order your c...

2023-06-0740 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting An America Divided by Region with Colin WoodardJoining Sharon today is Colin Woodard, the director of the Nationhood Lab. Colin is an expert on the regional cultures that make up the United States, and while we tend to think of regional differences as disagreements about our political views, the cultural history goes much deeper than that. Colin has studied how these geographical regional divides pertain to gun violence in America, and his conclusions may surprise you.Special thanks to our guest, Colin Woodard, for joining us today. Learn more about the Nationhood Lab through the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy...

2023-06-0547 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Real Dr. King with Jonathan EigToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Jonathan Eig, the author of the new Martin Luther King Jr. biography, King: A Life. Eig spent six full years researching and writing about King’s life. He shares countless moments and pieces of King’s story that get left out of the general image we have of the I Have a Dream preacher. He also argues that, through honoring the Civil Rights activist with a holiday and through flashy quotes and merch like mugs and tees, we lose sight of the real King and his radicalism....

2023-06-0240 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Life Worth Living with Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-LinzOn today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Yale professors and two of the authors behind Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. Initially a class in Yale’s humanities program, Life Worth Living sought to find answers to the age-old philosophical question: what’s the meaning of life? The book brings the classroom lessons to a new audience, and Sharon talks to Volf and McAnnally-Linz about how to go beyond TikTok and Cheetos and find true fulfillment.Special thanks to our guests, Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz, for join...

2023-05-3139 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Drama Free with Nedra TawwabTo kick off a new season of guest interviews, Sharon sits down with the amazing Nedra Tawwab: bestselling author, relationship therapist, and boundaries expert. Nedra and Sharon talk about some of the key ideas Nedra shares in her latest book, Drama Free, and about how to navigate unhealthy family dynamics and relationships and move them into a healthier space. The change starts with us.Special thanks to our guest, Nedra Tawwab for joining us today. Find Drama Free here.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Nedra Tawwab...

2023-05-2938 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The First Lady of World War II with Shannon McKenna SchmidtToday on the show, Shannon McKenna Schmidt joins Sharon to talk about the trifecta of listener-favorite subjects: an American First Lady, World War II, and a secret adventure. Shannon’s new book, The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back, chronicles Eleanor Roosevelt’s journey to the Pacific theater during wartime. The five week trip took her through the South Pacific, and began as a secret when she hitched a ride on a transport airplane next to sacks of mail. Tune in to hear what happened when she touched down in Aust...

2023-04-2838 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting An American Love Story with Ilyon WooOn this episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Ilyon Woo, author of the new book, Master Slave Husband Wife, a love story between William and Ellen Craft. You may not be familiar with their names, but the Crafts were a determined enslaved couple who made their escape through disguise and performance, and in their success, defied the limitations of gender and race.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Ilyon WooExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderResearcher: Valerie Hoback...

2023-04-2637 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting What's Our Problem? with Tim UrbanToday, on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, co-founder of the website Wait But Why? joins Sharon to talk about a few big ideas, like censorship, the future of big tech, the role of government, and what we can do to combat corruption. They also talk about bad drawings of stick figures, and his new book, What’s Our Problem?: A Self-Help Book for Societies.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Tim UrbanExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderResearcher: Valerie Hoback

2023-04-2444 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Nazi Conspiracy with Brad Meltzer and Josh MenschOn today’s episode, authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch sit down with Sharon to discuss their New York Times bestselling book, The Nazi Conspiracy. The pair discusses their research and writing process, including what it's like to collaborate on a book together. The Nazi Conspiracy takes readers deep inside the events of the Second World War and the semi-secret, in-person meeting between FDR, Churchill, and Stalin in Tehran. The Nazis grew wise to the meeting and conspired to assassinate all three leaders. What followed was a calculated series of spy missions, intelligence gathering, and strategic moves between the All...

2023-04-2140 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Shipwrecked: Diving with a Purpose with Dr. Sean KinglseyToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes Marine Archeologist Dr. Sean Kinglsey. Learn about how marine archeology is carried out, what the divers look for when they dive and explore shipwrecks, and how the information is pieced together to fill in gaps of the history of human migration--specifically, the transatlantic slave trade, in which 12.5 million Africans were transported around the world against their will. Dr. Kingsley's latest book is Enslaved: The Sunken History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Sean KingsleyExecutive Producer: Heather Ja...

2023-04-1937 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Life in Five Senses with Gretchen RubinToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin joins Sharon to talk about her newest book, Life in Five Senses. Gretchen talks about how to use our sensory experiences to draw closer to other people and evoke our memories. She is a fan of practical application–trying small things throughout our day to enrich our senses and open us up to more beauty, happiness, and passion for the ways in which we decide to enrich our lives.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Gretchen RubinExecutive Producer: Heather Jack...

2023-04-1737 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting An Immense World with Ed YongSharon welcomes guest Ed Yong to Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. Ed’s newest book, An Immense World, How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us. It’s a fascinating look at the rich sensory world of animals, and Ed speaks to Sharon about how exploring this world opens up big, philosophical questions about life. Every creature, humans included, are only really perceiving a very thin sliver of the fullness of reality, and while our perceptions may be limited, we should continue to explore, and let our curiosity guide us into new experiences.Hosted by: Sh...

2023-04-1439 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Dinner with the President with Alex Prud'hommeToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon sits down with author Alex Prud'homme about his book, Dinner with the President, all about White House food. He is the coauthor of his aunt Julia Child's memoir, My Life in France, and merges Presidential history with dishes that were the height of sophistication at one point. An on ramp to this book and conversation can be summarized in this passage: “Presidential meals often had personal meaning, and sometimes contained coded political messages. James Garfield and Dwight Eisenhower liked bowls of squirrel soup. William Howard Taft had a...

2023-04-1238 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting A Fever in the Heartland with Timothy EganToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Timothy Egan, a Pulitzer Prize—winning reporter, lifelong journalist, and the author of ten books, most recently the highly acclaimed A Pilgrimage to Eternity and The Immortal Irishman, a New York Times bestseller. His book on the Dust Bowl, The Worst Hard Time, won a National Book Award for Excellence in Nonfiction. His account of photographer Edward Curtis, Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher, won the Carnegie Medal for nonfiction.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Timothy EganExecutive Producer: Heather Jacks...

2023-04-1037 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Viewing Earth from Space with Ellen OchoaTo round out the week on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman who went to space. Ellen flew in space on four different occasions, and after her career as an active astronaut, she became the director of the Johnson Space Center. Listen in to Ellen’s story, and why, in her retirement from NASA, she continues to encourage women, Hispanics, and other underrepresented groups to pursue leadership and STEAM roles.Thank you to our guest, Dr. Ellen Ochoa.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Dr. Elle...

2023-03-1040 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Tragedies and Legacy of the Royal Romanovs with Helen RappaportOn today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, writer and historian Helen Rappaport joins Sharon to talk about a topic our listeners are fascinated by: the last royal family of Russia. The Romanov murder and legacy has long persisted in popular culture. Learn more about their lineage and the parts that often get overlooked. Often, the truth is more interesting than the myth. Special thanks to our guest, Helen Rappaport.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Helen RappaportExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderRe...

2023-03-0835 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Extraordinary Life of The Sergeant with Dean CalbreathToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes journalist and author Dean Calbreath, who has spent nearly twenty years researching the life of Nicholas Said, a Civil War Sergeant whose life has become a forgotten history. Siad’s adventures begin in a thousand year-old African kingdom. He was a master of language, a collector of knowledge, a friend to kings and tsars… and he arrived in America as the country warred over enslavement.Thank you to our guest, Dean Calbreath.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Dean CalbreathExec...

2023-03-0630 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Pursuing the Truth in History Education with Jasmine HolmesToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, we welcome guest Jasmine Holmes. Jasmine is an educator and an author and she sits down with Sharon to talk about the state of history education in America: what it looks like and what it should look like. Why has it become a central topic in our current culture wars and how can we prevent the exclusion of our full and complex history?Thank you to our guest, Jasmine Holmes.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Jasmine HolmesExecutive Producer: Heather Jackson...

2023-03-0340 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Edith Wilson: the Seat of Untold Power with Rebecca Boggs RobertsHistorian Rebecca Boggs Roberts joins Sharon on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting to talk about her upcoming book, Untold Power. Long time listeners are no strangers to the lives of First Ladies, and today we talk about Edith Wilson, who was so much more than just her husband’s wife. When she met Woodrow Wilson, she was an independent, fashionable small business owner, and she had no plans to stand in the shadows.Thank you to our guest, Rebecca Boggs Roberts.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Rebecca Boggs Roberts

2023-02-2744 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting An Assassin in Utopia with Susan WelsJoining Sharon on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting is Susan Wels, whose new true crime book, An Assassin in Utopia, proves that real life really is stranger than fiction. Stay tuned as we dive into the intimacies of the utopian Oneida cult community–its famous members, its principles, and the unthinkable murder that tarnished its reputation… but not its silverware.Please note that this episode contains mature content and may not be suitable for young children.Thank you to our guest, Susan Wels.Hosted by: Sharon McMaho...

2023-02-2439 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting I Saw Death Coming by Kidada WilliamsOn today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes guest Dr. Kidada Williams, author of the book, I Saw Death Coming. Dr. Williams shares her expertise on a complex period of U.S. history that's regularly distilled down to its simplest policy highlights: Reconstruction. She digs further, and speaks to the daily challenges and realities of the Reconstruction Era for Black Americans.Thank you to our guest, Kidada Williams.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Kidada WilliamsExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAu...

2023-02-2241 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Building the Support Network for Sex Trafficking Survivors with Kat WehuntToday on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with fellow Jefferson Award Recipient, Kat Wehunt. Kat is a leading voice in bringing awareness to the human trafficking movement. A survivor, Kat shares facts about human trafficking that may surprise you. Her non-profit, The Formation Project, serves as a community-centered organization for survivors of trafficking, providing them with support, understanding, and empowerment.Please note that this episode contains mature content and is not suitable for young children.Thank you to our guest, Kat Wehunt, Founder of The Formation Project

2023-02-2041 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: A New Era UnfoldsBefore we wrap up our series on how Women Won World War II, we need to talk about what happened next. It was the question on everyone’s mind in the summer of 1945. The Axis Powers had been defeated, soldiers were on their way home, and the destruction from the war had devastated countless cities across Europe. In America, citizens wondered, “What happens now?”Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin...

2023-02-1731 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: With a Flash and a RumbleFor 3 years, scientists in secret cities around the U.S. had been in a race against time to complete the world’s first atomic weapon. And in July of 1945, the very first plutonium bomb was ready. Constructing “The Gadget” as it was called, had taken 2 billion dollars and the collective work of 400,000 people. It was ready to be tested. And it needed to work. Join us to hear more about the infamous Trinity test, and what followed for our women scientists who finally had a clearer picture about the work they had been doing.Hosted by: Sharon...

2023-02-1531 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: Caught by the EnemyToday, in our documentary series, How Women Won WWII, we learn about WWII's most decorated spy: a woman whose spirit and determination in the face of danger is unparalleled. Born in France, Odette Sansom joined Britain's SOE and used her unassuming, motherly demeanor to successfully grow the resistance network throughout the French countryside. But the work was perilous, and the Nazis closed in on Odette and her team. Tune in to learn her survival story.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched...

2023-02-1336 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: The Confidante, Anna RosenbergOn today's episode, we hear from author Christopher Gorham, whose new book, The Confidante, is the first-ever biography written about one of the United State's most powerful women: Anna Rosenberg. Join us as Christopher and Sharon share about Anna's life and contributions to the modern shaping of our American Government.Thank you to our guest, Christopher C. Gorham. Preorder The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America, out Feb 21st.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonGuest: Christopher C. GorhamExecutive Producer: Heather...

2023-02-1032 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: AABBA and the Art of CodebreakingToday on Here's Where It Gets Interesting, let's break some secret wartime codes. Shakespeare and Al Capone. What could possibly be a link between these two men who were born centuries apart? A master codebreaker named Elizebeth Smith Friedman. If her name doesn’t sound familiar, there’s a reason for that. Even though she is one of the pioneers of cryptanalysis, very few people knew about her war-changing contributions until after her files were declassified in 2008.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and r...

2023-02-0836 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: Sabotage and a Jewish SpymasterToday in our series, we return to the art of espionage. During World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill understood that boots on the ground were only one piece of the puzzle to drive out the enemy. In order to sabotage German operations across Europe, he knew Britain needed to build an army of secret agents. And one of its most successful leaders was a Romanian-born Jewish woman named Vera Atkins.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon...

2023-02-0632 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: The Booming Work of Women ScientistsIn a previous episode of our series, we had a conversation about the combined efforts of the Allied science community to beat Germany in the race to understand and build atomic weapons. It was a team effort, and you know what? We barely scratched the surface. Today, we’ll peek into the minds of some of the greatest women scientists during World War II.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin

2023-02-0334 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: British Wrens at WarToday in our series, How Women Won WWII, let’s head to Great Britain and learn about a military organization that recruited women into the war effort all across the country. Women volunteered in great numbers and, throughout the war, thousands of women participated. You might even call them…a flock.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-02-0131 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: By the Glow of RadiumToday on Here's Where It Gets Interesting, we talk about how the United States successfully produced and detonated the first atomic bomb. That success happened through a combination of random events and intricately planned schemes that fed into the speeding train that was atomic technology. The U.S. pops up along those tracks, but the spark that would lead to the bomb began across the Atlantic.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy...

2023-01-3036 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: A Starlette Spies for FranceIn today's episode, let’s talk about a person–a larger than life woman–who utilized her fame and charm to secretly gather intel for the Allies during World War II. She put herself in danger, fought for freedom, saved countless lives… and she did it all while she shimmied her way across Europe in tiny sequined costumes.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

2023-01-2733 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: The Women of the Secret CitiesToday, on How Women Won WWII, we talk about The Manhattan Project. The top-secret program ran for three war-filled years and employed over 120 thousand people. Most of those people had no idea that they were working on one of the most powerful projects of all time: creating nuclear weapons.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-01-2534 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How Women Won WWII: Rosie the Riveter Was Just the BeginningWelcome to our new series, How Women Won World War II. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the incredibly varied and complex roles women stepped into during World War II. No, they weren’t GIs. They didn’t land at the beach on Normandy on D-Day, or face military combat, but without a doubt, the roles they performed shaped the way the war was both fought and won.Hosted by: Sharon McMahonExecutive Producer: Heather JacksonAudio Producer: Jenny SnyderWritten and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valeri...

2023-01-2334 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting How to Human with Carlos WhittakerToday, host Sharon McMahon welcomes back her friend, Carlos Whittaker, to Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. Sharon and Carlos talk about his new book, How to Human. Carlos wants people to pause and think, how do we human (used as a verb!) with intention and goodness? Carlos is a podcast guest favorite, and you'll hear why when you listen in to this conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy ...

2023-01-1340 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting BONUS Episode! Re:Thinking with Adam Grant: If Teachers Took Over the Government with Sharon McMahonListen to Adam Grant's Re:Thinking Podcast interview with Sharon about how we can rethink the qualifications for elected office, who decides to run, and what information voters should weigh. They also address ways to sharpen critical thinking and ponder how to improve Congress with a few thought experiments–including a total takeover of the House and Senate by none other than America’s government teachers. Hear more episodes of Re:Thinking on the TED Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To learn more about listener data and...

2022-11-0846 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Northern Mariana Islands: A Deep and Vast History with Sharon McMahonIn today’s episode, Sharon continues her tour of the U.S territories by talking about the history of the Northern Mariana Islands. This island territory is not well-known to mainland Americans–we don’t talk about them very often–so consider this your crash course! The Northern Mariana Islands are a submerged mountain chain in the Pacific Ocean near Guam. Learn the name the explorer Ferdinand Magellan gave to the island chain, and who it was ultimately named after, along with other facts, like the cultures that have influenced the islands, the incredible depths of the Mariana Trench, and which fa...

2022-04-1526 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting U.S. Virgin Islands: Pirates, Rum, and a Steep Price Tag with Sharon McMahonIn today’s solo episode, Sharon continues to talk about the territories of the U.S., this time focusing on the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI spent many centuries as a colony of Denmark and a hot spot in the European trade routes. What prompted the U.S. to become interested in the acquisition of the islands? Sharon shares the reason… and the high price tag! You’ll also hear some fun facts about the islands, including the history of its famous rum and where you can find some of the best bioluminescent bays in the world. Hosted on Aca...

2022-04-0822 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Washington DC: The Secret Illnesses of Presidents with Sharon McMahonIn today’s solo episode, Sharon dives into a topic the American public has long been interested in: the illnesses of past presidents. Sharon gives details about the secretive ways three of our former presidents–Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt–kept the people in the dark about their surgeries and sicknesses. She talks about how presidential health was often tied to the nation’s health and success, and how that ultimately shifted during the Eisenhower Administration as transparency and medical technology evolved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-03-1829 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Wisconsin’s Master Architect with Sharon McMahonIn today’s episode, Sharon dives beyond the basics to talk about the life and career of a man with whom you may already be familiar: Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s legendary career spanned seventy years but his personal life is just as often talked about as his revolutionary building style. Learn a little more about his eccentricities, his love of fancy, expensive things, his scandalous romances, and even a word we use regularly today that didn’t exist before Frank made it up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. T...

2022-03-0930 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting 95. Virginia: The Women Who Did The Next Needed Thing with Sharon McMahonIn this solo state episode, Sharon returns us to a tumultuous time in US history: Reconstruction. After the Civil War, rebuilding the country was a messy task, but Black Americans knew that creating educational opportunities for their children was highly important. What started in rural Virginia as the success of one teacher–Virginia Randolph–who put love, care, and oftentimes her own salary into her one-room school, grew into an unstoppable educational evolution for Black students. Learn about Randolph’s philosophies, the creation of the Jeanes Foundation, and the teachers who continuously pushed themselves to do the next needed thing for th...

2022-02-2331 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Utah: The Magic of the Osmonds with Sharon McMahonIn this solo state episode, Sharon takes us back to the 1970s to follow the rise of two of the most iconic names in showbiz… Donny and Marie Osmond. Follow along as we learn about the siblings’ long history in entertainment, from five year old Donny’s first appearance on the Andy Williams Show to Marie’s number one country hit at the tender age of thirteen. The brother and sister pair have spent their entire lives in the public eye, but have risen to the challenges of the business with talent and dedication. Think you know all the Donny and Mari...

2022-02-1428 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting South Carolina’s Islands of History, Mystery, and Monkeys with Sharon McMahonIn today’s solo episode, Sharon dives into some of the unique stories of South Carolina’s beautiful barrier islands. The Sea Islands in South Carolina populate the coastal Lowcountry region and are rich in history, natural beauty and… monkeys. Join in as Sharon takes us on a tour, telling tales of famous authors, big sea battles, a mid-century Coney Island of the South, the culture of the Gullah, and Morgan Island’s colony of four thousand Rhesus monkeys. (No, you’re not allowed to pet them, or even step foot on the shores of their South Carolina island home!) Hos...

2022-01-2621 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Pennsylvania: The Sweet History of Hershey with Sharon McMahonIn this solo episode, Sharon sets her sights on the sweet life of Milton S. Hershey and his innovation in the world of chocolate. Today, the Hershey Company produces over a billion pounds of chocolate each year, but its origins are much more humble. Milton Hershey, armed with only four years of elementary education, spent decades learning and honing his chocolate-making craft. His hard work and business acumen led to the company’s rapid success, as well as the growth of an entire town and tourist destination. Hershey is one of the most recognizable and most philanthropic companies in the na...

2022-01-1725 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting The Oregon Trail from Westward Expansion to Computer Game with Sharon McMahonIn this solo episode, Sharon dives into some of the myths vs. facts about Manifest Destiny and the Oregon Trail. What did it really look like, in the mid-1800s, for a family to travel the trail from Independence, Missouri to the beautiful Willamette Valley region of Oregon? All-in-all, about 400,000 people traveled along the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s, hoping to move from crowded Eastern communities to work the riches of the land out West. Much of what we know was probably gleaned from playing the computer game, The Oregon Trail. Chances are, it was one of the first...

2022-01-1230 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Oklahoma: The American Frontier and its Legendary Musical with Sharon McMahonSharon returns for a solo episode about the musical that opened the floodgates to the nation’s obsession with Broadway. Oklahoma!, the infamous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, opened on a Broadway stage in the spring of 1943. It was wildly successful from the get-go, and it ushered in the golden age of musical theater. Listen while Sharon explains why Oklahoma! hit such a nostalgic chord with audiences who longed for the simple joys of homesteading on the American Frontier. You’ll also learn how the musical was reworked from its original play which had been written by a Cherokee man who came...

2022-01-0722 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting North Dakota: The Wunnerful Lawrence Welk with Sharon McMahonIn this solo episode, Sharon shares the prolific life and career of vintage musical icon Lawrence Welk. Welk, a household name, and host of his own show (that you probably only watched at your grandma’s house), was one of the wealthiest entertainers in the U.S before his death in the early 1990s. He came from humble beginnings, growing up on a farm in North Dakota with his German immigrant parents and several siblings. Over the course of his long musical career, Welk became the sound of an era; his “champagne music” stirring nostalgia in a generation who socialized at pub...

2021-12-2932 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting New York: The Schuyler Family Connection with Sharon McMahonIn this solo episode, Sharon dives into the history of one of New York’s most prominent families during the birth of the nation: the Schuylers. Certainly, Hamilton has made famous the Schuyler sisters, but did you know that Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy were just three of the fifteen children born to Philip and Catherine Schuyler? Follow along as Sharon unfurls the Schuyler family tree and shares stories of a foiled kidnapping and the family's surprising connection to the Statue of Liberty and one of our nation’s most recognized poems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

2021-12-1723 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Nevada: The Wild Rise of Sin City with Sharon McMahonIn this episode, Sharon walks through the last two centuries of history in Las Vegas to uncover the making of America’s “Sin City.” The Las Vegas strip has not always been glitz and glamour and its history is marked by brushes with Spanish settlers, the mafia, wall street millionaires, the Mormon Church, and most of all, the U.S. government. Tracing back to the 1820s, Sharon explores how Las Vegas developed from illegal speakeasies during prohibition to modern mega-resorts that attract over 42 million visitors annually. Listen to learn how the Hoover Dam, the 18th amendment, and atomic bombs turned Las Ve...

2021-11-2426 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Montana: The Unlikely Fort Shaw Basketball Champions with Sharon McMahonSharon 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...

2021-11-1526 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Michigan: Exploring the Magic of Michigan with Sharon McMahonIn 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 S...

2021-10-2738 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Maryland: The Man Who Gave America its Anthem with Sharon McMahonIn this episode, Sharon talks about a 19th century American Lawyer, Francis Scott Key, whose best-known contribution to American history was writing the US National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. We all know the words “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,” but what do we know about the man who penned them? Listen to learn the true legacy of Francis Scott Key, a man with drastically incongruent convictions about matters of national security, including war and slavery. Francis Scott Key will challenge you to question how we interpret and fulfill historic articles of our nation’s history from the St...

2021-10-1832 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Kansas: An Accidental Election with Sharon McMahonIn 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...

2021-09-2722 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Indiana: President Of The Month with Sharon McMahon 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...

2021-09-1732 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting 26. Idaho: The Iron Cage of the Law with Sharon McMahonIn 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 r...

2021-08-3025 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Georgia: A Grand Mansion of Sound with Sharon McMahonIn 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 he...

2021-08-2325 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting 17. Sharon Answers Your Questions #1Introducing 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 wa...

2021-08-1627 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Why Texas Can’t Secede with Sharon McMahonIn 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 s...

2021-08-0914 min $Here\'s Where It Gets Interesting$

Here's Where It Gets Interesting Introducing the Sharon Says So Podcast with Sharon McMahonWelcome to the Sharon Say So podcast with Sharon McMahon. You may know Sharon from her viral Instagram, SharonSaysSo, or you might have seen her feature on “Good Morning America.” Maybe you’re brand new! However you found this podcast - glad you could make it! It’s time to have some fun. As a former government and law teacher, Sharon created Sharon Says So with the goal of providing fascinating information about US politics and history in the most entertaining way possible. With dazzling true stories you simply can’t find in the history books and a plethora of guests sha...

2021-07-1302 min