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Artwork for The Preamble

The Preamble

Sharon McMahon
Jimmy Carter
1979 Hostage Crisis
Wonder
Iranian Revolution
Anxiety
Shah Of Iran
Fear
Discombobulation
Human Connection
Enchantment
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes486Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryEducation

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Artwork for The Preamble

Latest Episodes

Secret Police, CIA operatives, The Pentagon Papers, and The Most Dangerous Man in America. There was a time in the not-so-distant past, when the nightly news changed the game in how Americans felt about the war in Vietnam, the first “television war.”... more

As the decade devolved into war at home and abroad, Apollo 13 flew high above Earth with the hope of landing safely on the surface of the moon. But then, disaster struck, and time was on no one’s side. Meanwhile, thousands of miles below the Apollo 1... more

During the Great Depression, Detroit officials carved up vacant lots and handed exhausted families seeds and tools. It wasn't a hobby — it was survival. And a lesson for today: hope isn't just a feeling, it's a habit you practice.

Then Rainn Wilson ... more

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 ... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Fred Haise
Astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 13
NASA
Episode: Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 1
Rainn Wilson
Actor and activist
The Office (Cast)
Episode: Growing Hope: What Depression-Era Gardens and Rainn Wilson Teach Us About Hard Times
Matt Beat
teacher, podcast host, and musician known as MrBeat
YouTube/MrBeat channel
Episode: America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
Sunita Sah
Cornell Professor and author of Defy, The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes
Cornell University
Episode: America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
Suzy Welch
Host of Becoming You, three-time New York Times bestselling author, NYU professor
Becoming You / NYU
Episode: Welcome to Becoming You with Suzy Welch
Condoleezza Rice
Former U.S. Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Episode: Condoleezza Rice on Democracy, Patriotism, and Why She Still Has Hope
David McCullough III
Grandson of a famed biographer and historian; founder of the American Exchange Project
American Exchange Project
Episode: Learning From Our Differences and the Antidote to Doomscrolling Anxiety
Katherine May
Author of Enchantment, Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age
Author, Enchantment
Episode: Learning From Our Differences and the Antidote to Doomscrolling Anxiety
Elyse Myers
Comedian, musician, and author
Episode: Elyse Myers’ New Book and Harriet Tubman’s Faith

Host

Sharon McMahon
Host and Executive Producer

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 18.2k ratings
  • Love it!

    Great podcast. Thoughtful guests and when there isn’t a guest there is always great information. I also really REALLY enjoyed the Mayhem 70’s series. Highly recommended especially what is going now days here is the USA in regards to Iran. Sharon , please PLeASe do other decades. Thank you so much

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jolanta De La Rosa
    United Statesa month ago
  • Champions for knowledge

    It is nice to be able to gather insight with the encouragement to DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH not just follow blindly. Sharon has always promoted this as long as I’ve followed her platforms. Hanging on any one persons every word without looking for other viewpoints and credible sources, even those we don’t agree with, is irresponsible… So I will keep coming back for more! Outside of the horrible things that happen there is also good and Sharon shares both!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mrs.Millzy
    United States2 months ago
  • 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 States4 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 States5 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 States6 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
#67
United States/Education
Apple Podcasts
#90
Israel/Education

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
Q: How can listeners begin to practice defiance in their daily lives?
Anticipate common pressure points, script what you will say, role-play, and train your mind and mouth to express defiant statements while staying within constructive boundaries.
America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
Q: What role do coalitions play in moving big issues forward in a pluralistic democracy?
Coalitions are essential because most important legislative changes have historically required building broad, diverse support and crossing normal ideological boundaries to achieve common goals.
America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
Q: Your book is about defiance in a world that demands yes. How do you define being defiant in practical terms?
Defiance means acting in accordance with your own true values when there is pressure to do otherwise, and recognizing that true consent comes from within rather than from external expectations.
Growing Hope: What Depression-Era Gardens and Rainn Wilson Teach Us About Hard Times
Q: How did Rainn describe his shift from atheism to spirituality?
Rainn explained his journey through questioning faith, exploring spiritual questions, and ultimately embracing a spiritual perspective that informs his approach to life and creativity.
Learning From Our Differences and the Antidote to Doomscrolling Anxiety
Q: And is dropping 1500 kids in a different city for a couple of weeks, what do you hope that is going to do to transform the landscape of American discourse?
Dropping 1500 students across different communities is meant to create a ripple effect: it propels a broader cultural shift where people see value in learning from those who are different, inspiring schools, families, and communities to imagine a larger civic role for youth and a future where cross-cultural exchange becomes a common rite of passage.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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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. For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast
4. Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
5. Faith Adjacent

How many episodes of The Preamble are there?

The Preamble launched 5 years ago and published 486 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. Fred Haise
2. Rainn Wilson
3. Matt Beat
4. Sunita Sah
5. Suzy Welch
6. Condoleezza Rice
7. David McCullough III
8. Katherine May

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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