Sharon McMahon, bestselling author of "The Small and Mighty" and civics teacher, discusses her passion for enhancing democracy and her role as a guiding voice for her "Governerds" online. She tackles the pitfalls of party loyalty and advocates for voting system reforms, blending humor with insightful analysis. They explore how everyday actions can drive significant societal changes and reflect on maintaining positive engagement in politically charged conversations. Plus, Sharon shares her favorite character from her book and a mantra for resilience in uncertain times.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Interest in Government
Sharon McMahon's interest in government started with her paper route at age 12.
Reading newspapers and Newsweek fostered her knowledge, solidified by teaching.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Instagram Beginnings
Sharon McMahon began posting explainer videos on Instagram before the 2020 election.
She aimed to counter misinformation and provide accessible civics lessons.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Unexpected Philanthropy
A Venmo fundraiser intended as a small act of kindness unexpectedly raised $125,000.
This showed McMahon the public's trust and inspired her philanthropy.
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Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement
Sharon McMahon
In *The Small and the Mighty*, Sharon McMahon highlights the stories of ordinary Americans who, through their courage and resilience, shaped the course of American history. The book features a diverse cast of characters, including a woman riding a white horse down Pennsylvania Avenue, a young boy detained at a Japanese incarceration camp, and a formerly enslaved woman on a mission to reunite with her daughter. McMahon’s thorough research and engaging storytelling bring these untold histories to light, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of background, can make a significant impact on the nation’s future.
Sharon McMahon is a government expert, but that doesn’t mean she wants to run for office. As an author, podcaster and civics teacher, Sharon finds that her time is best spent kindly correcting people on the internet and leading her millions of Instagram followers — who call themselves the Governerds — in conversations about how to improve democracy. She joins Adam live at the Authors@Wharton series for an energetic discussion about American democracy, from the pitfalls of party loyalty to the benefits of changing voting systems. The two also chat about how to have better conversations online, reflect on one of Sharon’s favorite characters from her bestselling book The Small and Mighty and share a mantra to help you stay centered in uncertain times.
Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
Worklife with Adam Grant 
