My recommendations this week
Coming to you from a NYT #1 bestseller!
I still can’t believe this week is the week I became a New York Times #1 bestselling author. I truly cannot thank you enough for celebrating with me — all of your posts on social media warm my heart.
I am jam-packed with book events this weekend, so here are some things for you to catch up on while I am busy!
First, here’s what you might have missed on The Preamble:
#1 on the NYT!
I honestly feel like I won a gold medal. I also wanted to share a bit of the conversation I had with legendary filmmaker Ken Burns. We sat down last week, the day after my book was released, and yes, I made him speechless.
There’s One Thing About the VP Debate That’s Bugging Me
And it’s related to something every candidate for office should know.
The Democrats Move to the Right
I talked to former Representative Adam Kinzinger, a lifelong Republican, about the realignment of the political parties, and what history tells us about the weaponization of religion in government.
What I am reading…
Tribal
By Michael Morris
Acclaimed cultural psychologist and Columbia professor Michael Morris argues that our tribal instincts are humanity’s secret weapon.
Politically charged rumors and conspiracy theories about Helene flourish on X
By Huo Jingnan, NPR
On X, formerly known as Twitter, rumors and misinformation about emergency response to Hurricane Helene are free-flowing. X was once considered a useful source of information in a disaster, but now it is contributing to the chaos in Helene's wake.
Harris, Trump deadlocked in every battleground state, polls show
By Andrew Howard, Politico
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump remain neck and neck in all seven battleground states, according to new polls released this week from the Cook Political Report.
Conversations I had this week…
Leadership And Life Lessons From People You’ve Never Heard Of
Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes
I was honored to be profiled in Forbes and talk about the systematic dismantling of Social Studies and civic education over the past 30 years, as well as why I believe The Small and the Mighty will encourage people to step up and contribute to their communities.
Sharon McMahon Tells Maria About Her New Book—Stories of Ordinary Americans Who Changed History (and Ways You Can, Too)
Maria Shriver Sunday Paper
I talked to Maria Shriver about how we all have a choice — to get involved, be mighty, and lean into hope, even when it feels like the system is broken.
Podcasts I was on…
Behind the Scenes of The Small and the Mighty, Episode 3
In our final behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Small and The Mighty, I explain the last stages of the book writing process, from copyediting to marketing, and what fun things to expect when you go to my book tour events!
A Guide Through History and Election Season with Sharon McMahon
I talked to Annie about The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement, my 14 hour work days, how to navigate all the news sources, voting on policies or character, and why we vote.
Sharon McMahon on Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History
Keen On
I went on Andrew Keen’s show to discuss how some of my heroes are more unsung than others, but how they all capture the moral agency & can-do spirit that reflects the best of America.
Just the Facts Ma'am with Sharon McMahon
We’ve Got Issues
The Internet is rife with misinformation and despair. What can we do? I talk about it with Political and Cultural commentators Emily Amick and Jo Piazza about why I try to bring my audience a mixture of happiness and facts every day. We also talked about how to try to change people's minds with respect and empathy.
Sharon McMahon | Navigating Social Dynamics in Education
Unmistakable Creative
I talk about my transformative journey from a high school "nerd" to government teacher and the profound influence of social groups on her career choices.
Bloomberg Businessweek: America's Government Teacher
We talk about ways to foster more civil online discourse and inform the public on political misinformation, the history and function of the US government, and ways to support democracy. We also discuss why The White House and government agencies like the State Department are now reaching out to influencers like me to help to educate people about current events.
What I want to remind you to do…
Register to vote! (Or check your registration!)
Deadlines are coming up, and everyone should stay on top of their own registration. I made a website for you where you can register, learn about early voting, find your polling location, and more. And the best part is you can sign up for reminders so all of the info you need goes straight to your inbox.
What I am looking forward to…
I have been so energized and overjoyed by meeting all of you so far during this tour. It takes a lot for me to leave my house, as y’all know, but you are worth it. I can’t wait to see you at my upcoming stops!
I still have tickets open in some cities, including:
Austin (there are only like 20 tickets left!)
So excited to see you in Phoenix tonight!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Ugh! The politically charged posts on social media regarding Helene made me so mad this week! People have died and lost their homes and businesses. So many have stepped up to help. Let’s focus on that and getting the work done. I’m in the area but not impacted.