The Preamble

Rainn Wilson — actor and author known for Dwight Schrute — talks spirituality, community, and activism. Conversation jumps from Depression-era community gardens as practiced hope to the loneliness epidemic. He reflects on moving from atheism toward spiritual belief and urges building meaningful habits and communal rituals instead of slacktivism.

Are we heading toward a second civil war? No, but what might happen could still be unsettling. Sharon has an honest conversation with YouTube civics creator Mr. Beat about radicalization, propaganda, and why there’s a difference between optimism and hope.  Plus, in a culture that rewards compliance and punishes pushback, Dr. Sunita Sah tells us why saying no can be courageous and the most effective thing you can do.  And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers 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 (00:00:00) Could the US have another civil war? (00:12:13) Optimism vs hope (00:20:58) Saying no in a world that demands yes 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

Here on The Preamble, we look for the historical context and the factual clarity behind the headlines because we know that understanding the "why" helps us navigate the "what." But as we look at the big stories driving our future, we can’t ignore the smaller, quieter stories happening in our own lives—the transitions, the pivots, and the big questions about our own purpose. Questions like: “What should I actually do with my life?” and “How do I make the hard decision to stay or go?” Today, I’m sharing a special introduction to a voice that brings that same commitment to clarity and honesty to the art of self-discovery: Suzy Welch. Suzy is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and the professor at the helm of NYU’s most popular class on authentic purpose. She is a leading expert on decision-making, but she delivers her expertise with a refreshing, irreverent wit. On her podcast, Becoming You, Suzy tackles the "freaking truth" about life and work today without leaving you in despair. Find Becoming You with Suzy Welch wherever you get your podcasts. 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

Sharon tells us why sugarcoating history doesn’t help any of us. Truly loving your country means acknowledging the not-so-great and even horrible moments of its past.  Plus, Condoleezza Rice was banned from restaurants and movie theaters as a child because of the color of her skin. She went on to become Secretary of State. And somehow, after everything she's seen, and where we are now, she's still optimistic about democracy. You'll want to hear why. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers 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 (00:00:00) What it really means to be a patriot (00:08:29) Condoleezza Rice on growing up in the segregated south (00:23:42) The future of democracy 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

Did you know that only 4% of new marriages in America happen between Democrats and Republicans? Or that three quarters of white Americans don't have a single friend who isn't white? David McCullough III — grandson of the beloved historian — shares his bold idea for fixing what's tearing us apart. Then, author Katherine May puts into words something most of us feel but can't quite name — that exhausting loop of bad news, social media outrage, and dread. She says the antidote is closer than you think.  And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers 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 (00:00:00) Getting out of your bubble (00:12:50) Studying “abroad” in the US (00:22:36) The antidote to doomscrolling anxiety 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

Ana Raquel Minian, historian of U.S. immigration and author of In the Shadow of Liberty, joins to map a long history of exclusion and detention. She traces 19th-century exclusion laws, Ellis Island as a detention site, 20th-century repatriations and Operation Wetback, and how policy shifted toward mass detention. The conversation highlights recurring tactics and rhetoric that shape today's immigration landscape.

Taya Miles, historian and author focused on Black faith and freedom, and Elyse Myers, comedian, musician, and new memoirist. They trade funny personal tales and discuss neurodivergence, journaling, and finding community. Taya explores Harriet Tubman’s visions, faith-driven courage, and practical rescue tactics. The conversation mixes humor, healing, and historical resilience.

Katie Couric, veteran journalist and media commentator, reflects on journalism’s shift amid polarization and threats to press freedom. Ernest Krim, former history teacher and author, talks about teaching Black history, civic education, and community advocacy. They discuss classroom constraints, civic engagement, attacks on the press, and how media and education shape democracy.

Adam Kinzinger, former Republican congressman and Air National Guard veteran, talks GOP identity and how to stay engaged without burning out. Jodi Picoult, bestselling novelist who tackles racism, gun violence, and LGBTQ+ rights, warns about book bans and urges action like school board involvement and library defense. They discuss court compliance, accountability, and ways to resist censorship and political polarization.

Kahlil Greene, a Gen Z historian and Peabody-winning commentator, traces 19th-century slave patrols to modern ICE tactics. Karen Hao, journalist and author of Empire of AI, explores how AI billionaires treat tech like a creed and the costs of that pursuit. They discuss policing parallels, corporate ideology, environmental impacts, and paths for resistance.