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The Preamble

The Preamble

By: Sharon McMahon
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The world feels complicated. The Preamble is where it starts to make sense. Hosted by Sharon McMahon — known for making sense of complex issues — she and her guests dive deep into the stories and ideas driving our future, bringing clarity and honesty to every headline. If you want real insight, bold conversation, and answers that matter, this podcast is your must-listen. Hit play, and join the movement that will shape history. An Audacy Podcast.© 2021 Sharon McMahon 41774 Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 1

    Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 1
    Apr 6 2026
    As the decade devolved into war at home and abroad, Apollo 13 flew high above Earth with the hope of landing safely on the surface of the moon. But then, disaster struck, and time was on no one’s side. Meanwhile, thousands of miles below the Apollo 13 spacecraft, a nationwide uprising among college students ended in disaster at Kent State and Jackson State Universities. With special guest Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. Thank you to the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives. 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://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Growing Hope: What Depression-Era Gardens and Rainn Wilson Teach Us About Hard Times

    Growing Hope: What Depression-Era Gardens and Rainn Wilson Teach Us About Hard Times
    Mar 30 2026
    During the Great Depression, Detroit officials carved up vacant lots and handed exhausted families seeds and tools. It wasn't a hobby — it was survival. And a lesson for today: hope isn't just a feeling, it's a habit you practice. Then Rainn Wilson — yes, Dwight Schrute — joins Sharon to talk about the loneliness epidemic, the rise of cynicism, and why posting about something isn't the same as changing it. Be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) A story on how to practice hope (00:07:50) The loneliness epidemic (00:22:41) Rainn Wilson’s on his faith 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://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes

    America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
    Mar 23 2026
    Are we heading toward a second civil war? No, but what might happen could still be unsettling. Sharon has an honest conversation with YouTube civics creator Mr. Beat about radicalization, propaganda, and why there’s a difference between optimism and hope. Plus, in a culture that rewards compliance and punishes pushback, Dr. Sunita Sah tells us why saying no can be courageous and the most effective thing you can do. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) Could the US have another civil war? (00:12:13) Optimism vs hope (00:20:58) Saying no in a world that demands yes 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://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
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Sharon provides historical stories that not many people are aware of. She is a vibrant and entertaining. I look forward to consuming all her content every week.

Fun and Informative storytelling.

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Sharon is a historical savant. Her knowledge of all things history and all things random and unknown is vast and far reaching.
She’s a fascinating story teller and great at capturing the essence of those she brings back from the dead. I love being a part of her book club and I love even more listening to her podcast.

Historical savant

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Sharon is so informative and just a great person to listen to. Love her and her podcast!

Love Sharon

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I absolutely love Sharon! I've tried other podcasts and just couldn't get into them. this one I love so much I listen to while I run and I usually cannot run without music! I'm so excited every Monday to listen to her new episodes!! every story is so good and if there isn't a story it's always about how you can better your life and the way you act with others in your life!! 100/100!! I love it so much!

Everything you never knew you wanted to know!

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great podcast fill of interesting facts and amazing stories mixed with a Minnesota accent and fun guests. great job Sharon

Fun,entertaining,and educational

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