The Preamble A Stranger Saved My Husband’s Life, Why You Think the Way You Do, and Answers to Your Questions
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Nov 10, 2025 Join historian and journalist Colin Woodard as he delves into the roots of America’s polarization in a captivating discussion. He explores how distinct regional cultures created rival colonial identities that still influence modern politics and societal issues. Sharon McMahon shares a poignant personal story of how a stranger’s kindness saved her husband’s life through a miraculous kidney donor chain. They tackle pressing listener questions about government debt, military action in Nigeria, and the role of partisanship in federal communications.
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Community Service And Quiet Humility
- Sharon describes Chris's lifelong community service and reluctance to ask for help, showing why a donor chain was needed.
- Her mother ultimately donated and a 26-year-old electrician's kidney (Magnus) began working immediately in Minnesota.
America Is Many Regional Cultures
- Colin Woodard argues the U.S. contains multiple long-lived regional cultures originating from distinct colonial projects.
- These 'nations' still shape politics, health outcomes, and behaviors down to the county level.
Immigration Increased Regional Differences
- Woodard shows immigration settled unevenly across regions, amplifying cultural differences rather than diluting them.
- That maldistribution explains persistent patterns like the Southern Baptist zone and prevalence of Christian nationalism.
