The Preamble

Dive into the life of Anna Harrison, the overlooked First Lady who faced unique challenges. From eloping against her father's wishes to running a homeschool on the Ohio frontier, her journey is filled with surprises. Explore her impactful education and how she became a notable political host, despite the short presidency of her husband, William Henry Harrison. Reflect on her absence during his funeral and her later life, shedding light on the often-missed contributions of women in history.

Join political and data scientist Andrea Jones-Rooy, also a stand-up comedian, as she explores the importance of data literacy. She skillfully breaks down how to identify manipulation in statistics and emphasizes the necessity of understanding data in daily life. Additionally, she delves into the evolution of Hanukkah celebrations at the White House, from Jimmy Carter's first outdoor menorah lighting to Bush's establishment of an annual tradition, showcasing the growing inclusivity of holiday observances in American politics.

Dr. Julia Garcia, a psychologist and author known for her work on mental health, discusses her book, The Five Habits of Hope. She dives into the importance of distinguishing hope from happiness and highlights emotional risk-taking as key to building resilience. The conversation also touches on the dangers of nihilism, which can erode empathy and connection. In addition, the podcast explores how beavers shaped America's development and Jackie Kennedy's creative legacy of themed Christmas traditions at the White House.

In this engaging discussion, philosopher Alex Madva, co-author of *Somebody Should Do Something*, dives deep into our feelings of powerlessness and the false consensus often blocking meaningful action. He shares why embracing a growth mindset can empower individuals and institutions alike. Shifting gears, the conversation humorously explores quirky White House holiday traditions, from early Christmas gatherings to FDR's candle-lit trees and the dramatic West Wing fire of 1929. Uncover the surprising connections between civic engagement and festive history!

In this captivating conversation, James Clyburn, a veteran Democratic congressman from South Carolina and author of *The First Eight*, reflects on his childhood, the struggles of Black political leaders, and the crucial role history plays in contemporary politics. He shares chilling parallels between Reconstruction-era challenges and today's issues, advocating for equity over simple equality. Clyburn also recounts personal insights about influential figures like Septima Clark, emphasizing the importance of hope and vigilance in the fight for justice.

Dive into bold discussions about thriving in midlife! Explore how cultural expectations shape women's experiences and discover why this phase should be all about empowerment. Dr. Mary Claire Haver and her guests delve into vital topics like hormones, identity, and financial independence, offering tools to live well longer. The journey is all about reclaiming healthspan, where living well matters just as much as living longer. Tune in for insightful conversations that inspire women to embrace their second act!

Akhil Reed Amar, a leading constitutional scholar and author, joins to discuss his book, Born Equal, illuminating the significance of the 14th Amendment and birthright citizenship. He delves into the Civil War Amendments' impact on U.S. equality and clarifies the original meaning of 'subject to the jurisdiction.' Amar also challenges the scope of these amendments, arguing for broader interpretations beyond formerly enslaved individuals. Plus, Sharon tackles listener questions on tariffs, mortgage proposals, and Senate leadership changes.

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.

Five centuries ago, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press shattered the barriers to knowledge. Today, AI is doing the same. Sharon takes you on a journey into history that is strikingly similar to where we are today. Plus, she’s joined by Randi Weingarten, author of Why Fascists Fear Teachers whom critics have called “the most dangerous person in the world.” Together, they explore why teachers remain democracy’s first line of defense against authoritarianism. And Sharon answers your most pressing questions: Why is the US giving Argentina a $40 Billion bailout? Are there ways Trump could run for a third term?  Can Biden’s pardons be overturned? If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join the 350,000 people 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 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

Ryan Holiday, a New York Times bestselling author and Stoic philosophy expert, dives into his book, Wisdom Takes Work. He emphasizes the importance of reading as a superpower and discusses the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism. Ryan shares insights into historical figures like Lincoln and how self-education shaped their leadership. The conversation also touches on the U.S. government shutdown, the delay in swearing-in Rep. Grijalva, and the demolition of the White House's East Wing, highlighting the intertwined nature of history and current events.