Welcome to the first episode in our series, Secrets of the Civil War. This won’t be a history of the Civil War like you’re expecting. The Union and the Confederacy, divided though they were, experienced incredible changes in medicine, technology, food science, and transportation during four years of conflict. It may surprise you to learn that it wasn’t solely an era of suffering and hardship; it was also an era of innovation and advancement, spies and social evolution. We’re going to explore it ...
Mar 13, 2023•38 min•Season 7Ep. 1
To round out the week on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman who went to space. Ellen flew in space on four different occasions, and after her career as an active astronaut, she became the director of the Johnson Space Center. Listen in to Ellen’s story, and why, in her retirement from NASA, she continues to encourage women, Hispanics, and other underrepresented groups to pursue leadership and STEAM roles.Thank you to our guest, Dr. Ellen...
Mar 10, 2023•43 min•Season 6Ep. 9
On today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, writer and historian Helen Rappaport joins Sharon to talk about a topic our listeners are fascinated by: the last royal family of Russia. The Romanov murder and legacy has long persisted in popular culture. Learn more about their lineage and the parts that often get overlooked. Often, the truth is more interesting than the myth. Special thanks to our guest, Helen Rappaport. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Guest: Helen Rappaport Executive Producer...
Mar 08, 2023•37 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Today on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes journalist and author Dean Calbreath, who has spent nearly twenty years researching the life of Nicholas Said, a Civil War Sergeant whose life has become a forgotten history. Siad’s adventures begin in a thousand year-old African kingdom. He was a master of language, a collector of knowledge, a friend to kings and tsars… and he arrived in America as the country warred over enslavement. Thank you to our guest, Dean Calbreath. Hosted by: S...
Mar 06, 2023•32 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Today on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, we welcome guest Jasmine Holmes. Jasmine is an educator and an author and she sits down with Sharon to talk about the state of history education in America: what it looks like and what it should look like. Why has it become a central topic in our current culture wars and how can we prevent the exclusion of our full and complex history? Thank you to our guest, Jasmine Holmes. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Guest: Jasmine Holmes Executive Producer: Heather Jac...
Mar 03, 2023•42 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Today on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes New York Times Federal Reserve reporter Jeanna Smialek. Let’s face it, the Federal Reserve (not a prison), is a public-private partnership that’s a little hard to understand. What’s its history? Why do they make the decisions they make–like to raise interest rates–and how do those decisions impact our economy? How much power do they have over financial policy? Jeanna answers these questions with easy-to-understand explanations. Hosted on...
Mar 01, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Historian Rebecca Boggs Roberts joins Sharon on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting to talk about her upcoming book, Untold Power. Long time listeners are no strangers to the lives of First Ladies, and today we talk about Edith Wilson, who was so much more than just her husband’s wife. When she met Woodrow Wilson, she was an independent, fashionable small business owner, and she had no plans to stand in the shadows. Thank you to our guest, Rebecca Boggs Roberts. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Guest: Reb...
Feb 27, 2023•47 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Joining Sharon on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting is Susan Wels, whose new true crime book, An Assassin in Utopia, proves that real life really is stranger than fiction. Stay tuned as we dive into the intimacies of the utopian Oneida cult community–its famous members, its principles, and the unthinkable murder that tarnished its reputation… but not its silverware. Please note that this episode contains mature content and may not be suitable for young children. Thank you to our guest, Susan Wels...
Feb 24, 2023•42 min•Season 6Ep. 3
On today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon welcomes guest Dr. Kidada Williams, author of the book, I Saw Death Coming. Dr. Williams shares her expertise on a complex period of U.S. history that's regularly distilled down to its simplest policy highlights: Reconstruction. She digs further, and speaks to the daily challenges and realities of the Reconstruction Era for Black Americans. Thank you to our guest, Kidada Williams. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Guest: Kidada Williams Exec...
Feb 22, 2023•43 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Today on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with fellow Jefferson Award Recipient, Kat Wehunt. Kat is a leading voice in bringing awareness to the human trafficking movement. A survivor, Kat shares facts about human trafficking that may surprise you. Her non-profit, The Formation Project, serves as a community-centered organization for survivors of trafficking, providing them with support, understanding, and empowerment. Please note that this episode contains mature content and is no...
Feb 20, 2023•43 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Before we wrap up our series on how Women Won World War II, we need to talk about what happened next. It was the question on everyone’s mind in the summer of 1945. The Axis Powers had been defeated, soldiers were on their way home, and the destruction from the war had devastated countless cities across Europe. In America, citizens wondered, “What happens now?” Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sh...
Feb 17, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 12
For 3 years, scientists in secret cities around the U.S. had been in a race against time to complete the world’s first atomic weapon. And in July of 1945, the very first plutonium bomb was ready. Constructing “The Gadget” as it was called, had taken 2 billion dollars and the collective work of 400,000 people. It was ready to be tested. And it needed to work. Join us to hear more about the infamous Trinity test, and what followed for our women scientists who finally had a clearer picture about th...
Feb 15, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Today, in our documentary series, How Women Won WWII, we learn about WWII's most decorated spy: a woman whose spirit and determination in the face of danger is unparalleled. Born in France, Odette Sansom joined Britain's SOE and used her unassuming, motherly demeanor to successfully grow the resistance network throughout the French countryside. But the work was perilous, and the Nazis closed in on Odette and her team. Tune in to learn her survival story. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Produ...
Feb 13, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 10
On today's episode, we hear from author Christopher Gorham, whose new book, The Confidante, is the first-ever biography written about one of the United State's most powerful women: Anna Rosenberg. Join us as Christopher and Sharon share about Anna's life and contributions to the modern shaping of our American Government. Thank you to our guest, Christopher C. Gorham. Preorder The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America, out Feb 21st. Hosted by: Shar...
Feb 10, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Today on Here's Where It Gets Interesting, let's break some secret wartime codes. Shakespeare and Al Capone. What could possibly be a link between these two men who were born centuries apart? A master codebreaker named Elizebeth Smith Friedman. If her name doesn’t sound familiar, there’s a reason for that. Even though she is one of the pioneers of cryptanalysis, very few people knew about her war-changing contributions until after her files were declassified in 2008. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Ex...
Feb 08, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Today in our series, we return to the art of espionage. During World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill understood that boots on the ground were only one piece of the puzzle to drive out the enemy. In order to sabotage German operations across Europe, he knew Britain needed to build an army of secret agents. And one of its most successful leaders was a Romanian-born Jewish woman named Vera Atkins. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Wr...
Feb 06, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In a previous episode of our series, we had a conversation about the combined efforts of the Allied science community to beat Germany in the race to understand and build atomic weapons. It was a team effort, and you know what? We barely scratched the surface. Today, we’ll peek into the minds of some of the greatest women scientists during World War II. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McM...
Feb 03, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Today in our series, How Women Won WWII, let’s head to Great Britain and learn about a military organization that recruited women into the war effort all across the country. Women volunteered in great numbers and, throughout the war, thousands of women participated. You might even call them…a flock. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin Hosted on Acast. ...
Feb 01, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Today on Here's Where It Gets Interesting, we talk about how the United States successfully produced and detonated the first atomic bomb. That success happened through a combination of random events and intricately planned schemes that fed into the speeding train that was atomic technology. The U.S. pops up along those tracks, but the spark that would lead to the bomb began across the Atlantic. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and...
Jan 30, 2023•39 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In today's episode, let’s talk about a person–a larger than life woman–who utilized her fame and charm to secretly gather intel for the Allies during World War II. She put herself in danger, fought for freedom, saved countless lives… and she did it all while she shimmied her way across Europe in tiny sequined costumes. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watk...
Jan 27, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Today, on How Women Won WWII, we talk about The Manhattan Project. The top-secret program ran for three war-filled years and employed over 120 thousand people. Most of those people had no idea that they were working on one of the most powerful projects of all time: creating nuclear weapons. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson, Sharon McMahon, Valerie Hoback, and Amy Watkin Hosted on Acast. See acast...
Jan 25, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Welcome to our new series, How Women Won World War II. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the incredibly varied and complex roles women stepped into during World War II. No, they weren’t GIs. They didn’t land at the beach on Normandy on D-Day, or face military combat, but without a doubt, the roles they performed shaped the way the war was both fought and won. Hosted by: Sharon McMahon Executive Producer: Heather Jackson Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder Written and researched by: Heather Jackson...
Jan 23, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 1
On today’s episode, Sharon talks about the importance of state legislatures with Melissa Walker, an expert from The States Project. Melissa, and The States Project, aims to educate the public on the very real powers that our governing state bodies hold. Don’t like a new law in your state? Don’t blame your senator, hold your state legislators accountable. And the same goes for the reverse: if you want to create real change, you may want to concentrate on influencing your state leaders. Hosted on ...
Jan 20, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Today on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon speaks with award-winning journalist Rebecca Nagle. Sharon and Rebecca talk about an important case that SCOTUS will rule on later this spring: Haaland v. Brackeen. Learn about the history of the Indian Child Welfare Act and how the Brackeen case was built. Rebecca uses easy-to-follow language to break down the intricacies of the lawsuit, from its beginnings as an adoption case in family court to its gathering legal momentum and multiple appeals....
Jan 18, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 10
On today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks to author and public library advocate, Jermaine Fowler. Jermaine and Sharon talk about the value of seeing history outside of the binary of either unflawed or unredeemable. We, and our children, need access to a well-rounded history that’s free from white-washing or censorship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.co...
Jan 16, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Today, host Sharon McMahon welcomes back her friend, Carlos Whittaker, to Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. Sharon and Carlos talk about his new book, How to Human. Carlos wants people to pause and think, how do we human (used as a verb!) with intention and goodness? Carlos is a podcast guest favorite, and you'll hear why when you listen in to this conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https:/...
Jan 13, 2023•42 min•Season 4Ep. 8
On today's episode, Sharon chats with the duo, author Andrew Weiss and illustrator Brian Brown, who are behind the new graphic novel, Accidental Czar, which takes a look at Vladimir Putin's life and his rise to power. As we approach the one year anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Andrew and Brian give insights into why they chose a graphic novel platform to connect the public to a complex history of Russia’s ruling powers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. To lear...
Jan 11, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 7
On today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, we hear from comedian Adam Conover. Sharon and Adam talk about the intersection of education and comedy. Oftentimes, when we’re ready to laugh, we’re also ready to learn. It’s a philosophy Adam has relied on during his successful career as a comedian who shares interesting facts about the ways the world works. Follow along as the pair talk about their similar childhood experiences with always being “that kid” who asks questions for the shee...
Jan 09, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Today on Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon and guest Mark Atwood Lawrence talk about Presidential Libraries. Mark is the director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum situated in Austin, Texas. Mark answers questions about Presidential Libraries: how are they funded, what kinds of documents and artifacts does a Presidential Library preserve and why does it need preserving? Sharon and Mark also talk about the LBJ Presidency itself, as well as Lady Bird Johnson’s role as the firs...
Jan 06, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 5
On today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon talks with Pulitzer Prize winning author Stacy Schiff about her masterful bestseller, The Revolutionary Samuel Adams. These days, we think of Sam Adams as a face on a beer bottle, but how much do we know about his role in bringing revolution to Colonial America? As Stacy puts it, Adams was playing chess while Britain was playing checkers; he was always hustling, always fervent in the fight for independence. Tune in to hear Stacy brin...
Jan 04, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 4
