She was the first female cabinet secretary, but secretly, out of the spotlight, Frances Perkins also saved countless lives during World War II. Author Rebecca Brenner Graham shares incredible stories from her new book, Dear Miss Perkins, which showcases the letters of people who wrote to Perkins, desperate for her help to escape Nazi Germany. As the longest-serving Labor Secretary, Perkins stared down personal attacks and fierce opposition to do what she knew was right: making quick decisions that would protect those at a time when many turned their backs.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio 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

How did an award-winning librarian become the target of an online hate campaign? Sharon McMahon chats with Amanda Jones about her new book, “That Librarian,” and her experience speaking out against book bans and censorship. Amanda talks about the consequences she’s faced, including death threats and her address being posted online, and why she’s so passionate about making books accessible to everyone. From the misinformation fueling these bans, to the crucial role libraries play in communities, Amanda tells us why standing up for what’s right matters more than ever.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio 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

What role should the US play in international conflicts? Pulitzer prize finalist and historian H.W. Brands joins Sharon McMahon to discuss his latest book, “America First.” They dig into the America First movement inside the United States during the 1930s and early 40s. As World War II was raging, President Franklin Roosevelt was looking to gin up support for the US to help its allies fight the war. But celebrity aviator Charles Lindbergh and the America First Committee were standing in his way. Brands explains why Lindbergh’s anti-intervention message was so appealing to Americans at the time, and how that message compares to the America First movement that is playing out today.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio 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

Was there a secret conspiracy between Ronald Reagan’s campaign and Iran to help him win the 1980 election? NYT bestselling author Craig Unger unpacks the plot in his most recent book, “Den of Spies,” a story he worked on for 30 years. The Iran hostage crisis had plagued Jimmy Carter’s presidency, and was seen as one of his biggest failures. Reagan’s campaign worried that an October hostage release would give Carter a boost to win reelection. So, Unger explains, Reagan’s team hatched a plan to get Iran to hold the hostages until Reagan was president, trading weapons for their cooperation. It’s a real-life spy thriller filled with CIA operatives, code names, and countless people who tried to stop Unger from uncovering the truth.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio 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

Why do we tend to feel like ideas coming “our side” are good, and ones coming from the “other side” are bad, even if they are the same exact ideas? Keith Payne, professor of psychology and neuroscience at UNC and author of “Good Reasonable People,” breaks down why we see the world so differently—especially in the world today. He dives into how our backgrounds shape our beliefs and why throwing facts at someone rarely changes their mind. Keith offers advice on how to have more meaningful conversations with friends and family when political disagreements arise.Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonSupervising Producer: Melanie Buck ParksAudio 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

Katherine Rundell, a #1 NYT Best-Selling author known for her work on 'Vanishing Treasures,' joins to explore conservation efforts for extraordinary animals. She shares intriguing tales of the Greenland shark, which can live over 600 years, and the American Wood frog that can freeze and restart its heart. The conversation highlights the urgency of protecting endangered species and the intricate balance of human-animal coexistence, encouraging a deeper appreciation for nature and active involvement in preservation.

Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, co-creators of Upworthy and authors of the NYT Best Seller 'Good People,' dive into the power of storytelling that champions kindness and humanity. They discuss the importance of promoting uplifting narratives in a world overwhelmed by negativity. Their journey from social media to publishing highlights over 100 inspiring stories that remind us of the impact of small acts of kindness. Emphasizing a mindful 'media diet,' Lucia and Gabriel inspire listeners to engage with positive content and foster a compassionate community.

Tiya Miles, a Harvard historian and NYT best-selling author, dives into the enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman. She shares how Tubman's humor, resourcefulness, and deep faith helped her lead over 700 people to freedom. Exploring Tubman's childhood and spiritual journey, Miles reveals how her connection with nature shaped her fight against oppression. In a world filled with fear, the discussion highlights why Tubman's story of resilience continues to inspire hope and reflects on its relevance to today’s struggles for equality.

Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychologist and author of "Hope for Cynics," dives into the pitfalls of cynicism in our lives. He discusses its evolutionary roots and how it can negatively impact mental health and relationships. Zaki offers strategies for escaping the 'cynicism trap' by nurturing trust and hope. He emphasizes the power of everyday activism, promoting small, constructive actions over grand gestures. Listeners are encouraged to challenge their assumptions and embrace a more optimistic, connected approach to life.

Timothy Snyder, a renowned historian and author of "On Freedom," redefines the concept of freedom in this thought-provoking discussion. He challenges the conventional belief that freedom is merely the absence of constraints, emphasizing a positive vision that includes grace, honesty, and community support. Snyder critiques American misconceptions about freedom, suggesting that true autonomy thrives within supportive societal structures. He warns against the dangers of emotional manipulation in politics while advocating for a more collaborative approach to freedom in shaping a better future.