Here's Where It Gets Interesting

Dive into the riveting lives of two remarkable women named Theodosia, who profoundly influenced Aaron Burr. Discover Theodosia Bartow's fierce patriotism and her defiance against British loyalty during the Revolution. Explore her complex relationship with Burr, marked by love, intellect, and societal challenges. Unravel the mystery of Theodosia Burr Alston's tragic disappearance at sea and the family secrets that linger. This exploration reveals the intertwining of ambition, loss, and legacy in a dramatic historical context.

Discover the compelling life of Martha Washington, America's first First Lady. From her spirited youth in colonial Virginia to the challenges of raising a blended family during the Revolutionary War, her story is rich with personal trials. Learn about her significant role in shaping the presidency and the nation, and how her journey from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia marked her transition into the political sphere. The podcast also delves into the controversial legacy of slavery, featuring the story of Ona Judge, who escaped from Martha's household.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, takes us on a personal journey through the 1960s. She shares her exciting adventure of uncovering over 300 boxes of memorabilia from her husband Richard's time, unearthing history's hidden gems. The discussion delves into the contrasting leadership styles of JFK and LBJ, emphasizing character's significance. Doris also reflects on the impact of the Kennedy assassinations and the vital role of collective action in driving social change, encouraging listeners to actively engage in democracy.

In this engaging discussion, Akhil Reed Amar, a Yale constitutional law professor and first-generation American, emphasizes the U.S. Constitution's role in uniting diverse citizens. He reflects on his journey to understanding citizenship and the importance of constitutional knowledge as foundational for democracy. Amar dives into the complexities of amendments, advocates for consensus in today's polarized climate, and discusses the contemporary debate on term limits, highlighting the necessity of personal relationships in fostering bipartisan cooperation.

What would it take to update the Constitution and should we try? Sharon is joined by former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold to explore this question from his book, The Constitution in Jeopardy. Together, they unpack the tools the framers gave to evolve the founding document, including the never before used, and deeply controversial, Constitutional Convention. Could such a convention be a path to necessary reform, or a backdoor to dismantling democracy itself? Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio 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://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With approval ratings of The Supreme Court at a historic low, what can Congress and the average American citizen do to hold the court accountable, and foster transparency? Sharon welcomes law professor Stephen Vladeck to nerd out about all things Supreme Court. Stephen dives into the elusive behind-the-scenes “shadow docket,” and how 99% of what the court does is in the shadows – without public hearings, and without explanation. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio 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://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hadley Vlahos, a registered nurse and bestselling author of *The In-Between*, shares her profound insights from years as a hospice nurse. She discusses the deeply emotional connections forged during patients' final moments and the surprising encounters some have with deceased loved ones. Vlahos emphasizes the importance of open conversations about death, comforting those involved, and embracing the dignity of dying. Her stories challenge conventional beliefs, urging listeners to rethink the significance of life's last moments.

Matthew Desmond, a Princeton sociology professor and author of *Poverty, By America*, dives deep into the complexities of poverty in a wealthy nation. He reveals the staggering prevalence of financial instability and advocates for systemic change. The conversation addresses the skewed welfare benefits favoring the affluent, while calling for a collective responsibility to abolish poverty. Desmond emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies like housing investments and uplifting community initiatives to create a more equitable society.

Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt delve into the challenges facing American democracy. They discuss the concept of 'tyranny of the minority' and explore the flaws within the U.S. Constitution. The duo highlights the pivotal role of young people in shaping a multiracial democracy and the importance of historical lessons from past democracies. They address the manipulative tactics of political leaders and advocate for necessary reforms like modifying the filibuster to enhance democratic participation.

Matson Browning, a former undercover operative in white supremacist groups, and Tawni Browning, co-author of The Hate Next Door, share their eye-opening experiences. They explore how extremists recruit and radicalize individuals, especially targeting disenfranchised youth online. Matson discusses the psychological toll of his undercover work and the challenges of returning to a normal life. Their powerful anecdotes highlight the importance of empathy, community, and open communication as essential tools in combating hate and fostering unity.