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Artwork for The Preamble

The Preamble

Sharon McMahon
Jimmy Carter
1979 Hostage Crisis
Wonder
Iranian Revolution
Anxiety
Shah Of Iran
Enchantment
Discombobulation
Human Connection
Fear
Ayatollah Khomeini
Social Media
2024 Presidential Election
Leo Frank
Jim Crow South
Thomas Jefferson
Islamic Republic
United States
Air New Zealand Flight 901
Dystopia

The world feels complicated. The Preamble is where it starts to make sense. Hosted by Sharon McMahon — known for making sense of complex issues — she and her guests dive deep into the stories and ideas driving our future, bringing clarity and honesty to every headline. If you want real insight, bold conversation, and answers that matter, this podcast is your must-listen. Hit play, and join the mov... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes479Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationHistory

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Artwork for The Preamble

Latest Episodes

Before ICE raids, there were pamphlets warning Americans about immigrant "peasants" stealing their jobs and "hell ships" dumping people into the Mexican desert with no food, water, or way to reach their families. Sharon looks back at the parallels be... more

You might know her as the woman who got dragged to a taco bell where her date ordered one hundred tacos and she got stuck paying for them. Elyse Myers’ hilarious re-telling of that story launched her career, and now she’s out with a new book, That’s ... more

Simply teaching the facts in and out of the classroom has become an act of courage, and sometimes, real risk. Former history teacher Ernest Crim joins Sharon McMahon to talk about why Black history, civics, and knowing your rights are crucial to navi... more

Americans are being offered a false choice: safety or rights, as though “law and order” means obedience from citizens and exceptions for the government. Sharon’s take on ICE violating 96 court orders in Minnesota in just one month. Plus, Jodi Picoult... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Elyse Myers
Comedian, musician, and author
Episode: Elyse Myers’ New Book and Harriet Tubman’s Faith
Ernest Crim
Educator, producer, and author of 'How Black History Can Save Your Life'
Episode: The State of Black History and Journalism in 2026
Katie Couric
Longtime journalist and television presenter
Episode: The State of Black History and Journalism in 2026
Jodi Picoult
Bestselling author and advocate for free expression.
Episode: If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does, Banning Books, and How to Find Hope
Adam Kinzinger
Former Republican congressman and political commentator.
Episode: If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does, Banning Books, and How to Find Hope
Kahlil Greene
Known as the Gen Z Historian and a regular contributor to The Preamble
Episode: How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols, and What AI Tech Billionaires Really Want
Karen Hao
Author of 'Empire of AI', investigating the AI industry
Episode: How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols, and What AI Tech Billionaires Really Want
Elise Labott
Journalist covering global affairs and politics for more than two decades, regular contributor to The Preamble Magazine
Episode: Inside ICE: Recruitment, Congressional Accountability, and Absolute Immunity
Angie Craig
Congresswoman representing Minnesota's 2nd district
U.S. House of Representatives
Episode: Inside ICE: Recruitment, Congressional Accountability, and Absolute Immunity

Host

Sharon McMahon
Host and Executive Producer

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 18.2k ratings
  • The Best

    Sharon is such a gifted storyteller. And I am learning so much more the I have in any history class!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KarlyMarie
    United States3 months ago
  • Listen to Sharon!!

    After reading and loving "The Small and the Mighty" I was inspired to tune into The Preamble. An amazing podcast that I've returned to time and again, for its spunky common sense thinking that is a much needed breath of fresh air. Plus a liberal dose of real encouragement about where we are today as a nation and as thoughtful human beings. If you love the stories that are part of our national and regional history you'll benefit from fascinating podcasts that provide a depth of understanding ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aging Potential
    United States3 months ago
  • Love the new format

    I love the new format of the podcast! Sharon is a gifted teacher and is catching me up on my abysmal history and government education! Keep up the GOOD work. It is needed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fragrantican
    United States4 months ago
  • Great listen.

    I really enjoy Sharon McMahons work. She knows great little stories from throughout our history and they find their way into her work, making for a very entertaining show. And the first episode features Ryan Holiday, who’s an excellent listen/read as well. Enjoy!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    IgroWEED
    United States4 months ago
  • Yes

    Have loved Sharon for years, this is the pivot I have been craving! THANK YOU for all you do! 🤍From one teacher to another

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    swezea
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate Sharon's engaging storytelling and ability to clarify complex issues, often expressing gratitude for the depth of historical insights provided.
Feedback highlights the importance of having politically relevant conversations, with a call for continuous integrity in news and media reporting.
Some reviews indicate a perception of bias, with contrasting views regarding the host's political stance and perspectives on certain issues.
Many commend the podcast for its educational value, stating it has enhanced their understanding of important societal topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#94
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#246
Spain/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Elyse Myers’ New Book and Harriet Tubman’s Faith
Q: Can you help us understand what Harriet Tubman did?
Tiya explains that Tubman not only escaped slavery but also dedicated her life to helping others escape, demonstrating incredible bravery and resourcefulness.
Elyse Myers’ New Book and Harriet Tubman’s Faith
Q: What made you feel like I need to write a book and it needs to be now?
Elyse shares that she always wanted to write a book, and during a difficult time when her son faced health issues, it became a therapeutic outlet for her.
The State of Black History and Journalism in 2026
Q: What can parents, teachers, and community members do to advocate for proper representation of Black history in schools?
One vital role is to engage in local politics, attend school board meetings, and demand that schools implement more comprehensive Black history education, using personal stories and lived experiences to support their arguments.
The State of Black History and Journalism in 2026
Q: What motivated you to begin teaching important content like social science?
Ernest Crim shared that he was motivated by his own educational experiences, particularly a black history course he took, which made him realize the importance of understanding systemic issues affecting Black individuals.
If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does, Banning Books, and How to Find Hope
Q: What can everyday Americans do to combat book bans?
Adam Kinzinger highlights the importance of civic engagement, encouraging individuals to run for school boards, attend meetings, and advocate for freedom of expression.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Preamble

What is The Preamble about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners are guided through a complex realm of history, politics, and societal issues, as the host engages in enlightening conversations with guests from various backgrounds. Episodes typically address themes such as Black history, immigration policies, media integrity, and the historical narratives that shape contemporary America. The approach blends personal storytelling with historical perspectives, allowing for a rich exploration of how past events influence current societal dynamics. This podcast stands out for its commitment to honesty and clarity in discussing often polarizing topics, making it a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intricacies of modern life.

Noteworthy is the host's ability to connect... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Preamble?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Preamble:

1. Pantsuit Politics
2. Mo News
3. The Lazy Genius Podcast
4. The Popcast With Knox and Jamie
5. For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast

How many episodes of The Preamble are there?

The Preamble launched 5 years ago and published 479 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Preamble?

Recent guests on The Preamble include:

1. Elyse Myers
2. Ernest Crim
3. Katie Couric
4. Jodi Picoult
5. Adam Kinzinger
6. Kahlil Greene
7. Karen Hao
8. Elise Labott

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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