The Preamble

Journalist and conspiracy theorist expert, Mike Rothschild, discusses the history of conspiracy theories rooted in anti-Semitism, including the Rothschild family's involvement as bankers to European royalty. The podcast explores the origins of anti-Semitic sentiments, the connection between QAnon and anti-Semitic tropes, and the role of influential figures in shaping public opinion regarding conspiracy theories. It also debunks misconceptions surrounding conspiracy theories involving Jewish space lasers and George Soros.

On today’s episode, Sharon welcomes NPR’s Steve Inskeep, who has written a number of books about history including his newest release, Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America. In a time when it’s common to cancel or cut ties with those we disagree with, what can we learn from Abraham Lincoln about how to disagree fundamentally, while maintaining the relationship? Even when at odds with a dear friend over the issue of slavery,  Lincoln wrote, “If for this you and I must differ, differ we must.” Does Democracy require us to agree to disagree? How can this be applied to the very divided America we see today, to hold the country together?Special thanks to our guest, Steve Inskeep, for joining us today. Host/Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonGuest: Steve InskeepAudio Producer: Jenny Snyder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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

Well-known reporter Taylor Lorenz discusses the evolution of social media from blogger culture to the uncurated aesthetic of TikTok. She explores the impact of social media on traditional entertainment and entrepreneurship, the love-hate relationship with social media, and the challenges faced by content creators in monetizing their work. The podcast also delves into the shifting paradigm of social media, the importance of shock value and curiosity in YouTube videos, and the desire for authentic connections in online spaces.

Comedian and author Maria Bamford joins and discusses her career, book, and mental health. They explore fundraising benefits, susceptibility to cult-like mentality, and cultural shift towards discussing mental health. They talk about standup comedy challenges and tailoring content to audiences. They express frustration with benefits and discuss the allure of rigid cults. They also touch upon limitations of self-care in abusive situations.

Heather Cox Richardson, political historian, author, and professor, discusses her new book 'Democracy Awakening' and tackles big picture questions about America's current standing as a Democracy. Topics include when did political parties change sides, America as a Democracy or Constitutional Republic, preserving Democracy as a global symbol, and reclaiming Democratic principles. Special thanks to guest Heather Cox Richardson for the insightful conversation.

In today’s episode, Sharon’s guest is Dylan Penningroth, whose new book, Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights, brings to light a new narrative of Black life in America. It’s a fascinating history of how African American communities used law, talked about law, and thought about law for almost two centuries, in ways that enabled the Civil Rights Movement before it even began. Pulling back the curtain, it explores how race actually works in American law, and does so by looking at local court cases that are not directly about race. When we zoom out, a new more complex story emerges of how law impacted Black Americans in ways that stretched far beyond segregation and race relations. Special thanks to our guest, Dylan Penningroth, for joining us today. Host/Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonGuest: Dylan PenningrothAudio Producer: Jenny Snyder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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

Joining Sharon today is Jennifer Ackerman who has written a new book titled, What an Owl Knows, to discuss some new, rich scientific discoveries about these captivating and intriguing birds. Owls have often been a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, but what does an owl truly know? In a conversation both kids and adults can enjoy, Jennifer shines a light on the 260+ species of owls, to understand the depth and complexities of these enchanting creatures. Scientists are still discovering owl species due to their eerily quiet flight and camouflaged nature, but if you have ever wondered about their uniquely sophisticated communication sounds and family dynamics, or questioned how their brains work, this episode is for you. Special thanks to our guest, Jennifer Ackerman, for joining us today. Host/Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonGuest: Jennifer AckermanAudio Producer: Jenny Snyder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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 is joined today by cultural historian and author Colin Dickey, to discuss America’s fascination with conspiracies, and fear of secret societies. In his new book, Under the Eye of Power, Colin walks through the history of how paranoia is woven into the very fabric of The United States from its inception, and how conspiratorial thinking and even the most irrational beliefs reach the mainstream. From the Salem Witch Trials to Freemasonry to the Satanic Panic, the Illuminati, and QAnon, Colin breaks down this cycle in history and explains why people of all walks of life subscribe to conspiracy theories, and what can be done to break the cycle.Special thanks to our guest, Colin Dickey, for joining us today. Host/Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonGuest: Colin DickeyAudio Producer: Jenny Snyder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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

Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, discusses navigating the challenges of growing up in the digital age. Topics include guiding children's online behavior, preparing them for online dangers, and the detrimental effects of excessive surveillance. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, character development, and supporting kids who are growing up in a digital world.

On today’s episode, Sharon is joined by author and professor Laurence Jurdem to discuss his book, The Rough Rider and the Professor, about the unusual thirty-five-year political friendship between President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. While Roosevelt famously “rose like a rocket,” in the political spotlight with his larger-than-life personality, it was arguably his machiavellian friend Cabot who lit the fuse, and used his vast social network to boost Roosevelt. In his research, Laurence Jurdem immersed himself in 2,500 letters of archives from the Massachusetts Historical Society to write the story of this unique Presidential friendship, and to remind us that close, meaningful friendships do not always have to perfectly align politically. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Special thanks to our guest, Laurence Jurdem, for joining us today.Host/Executive Producer: Sharon McMahonGuest: Laurence JurdemAudio Producer: Jenny Snyder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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