AUDIO: How History Can Give Us Hope
Discover more from Footnotes by Jemar Tisby
AUDIO: How History Can Give Us Hope
Listen to my conversation of Sharon McMahon of the super popular "Sharon Says So" podcast.
The reason I get to be on major platforms like the “Sharon Says So” podcast is because I have the flexibility to do the work and research to help me learn about racial justice. Will you support this effort by becoming a paid subscriber today?
The events of 2020—historic racial justice uprisings, a viral pandemic, a vitriolic political landscape—caused a lot of us to re-assess our online presence.
Some of us logged off and deleted accounts. Others began railing against what they saw as the worst evils and greatest threats in our society.
A few—like Sharon McMahon of the “Sharon Says So” Instagram page and podcast—found a way to put their extensive knowledge and love of people to good use.
In 2020—disturbed by rampant misinformation and the increased levels of online rancor—McMahon began posting explainer videos on her Instagram page. She talked about how the electoral college worked, what each side liked about Biden or Trump, and she answered an endless stream of questions from her growing audience.
Today, McMahon has 1 million Instagram followers and a podcast that regularly ranks among the most-listened-to shows on the topic of government and politics.
She blends her deeply researched insights with humor and relatability that often has listeners considering others’ points of view in a manner that seems so rare lately.
I had the singular opportunity to be a guest on Sharon McMahon’s podcast, and it’s a conversation I’ll be pondering for a long time. We talked about the difference between guilt and responsibility when it comes to racism, what kinds of fears prevent people from standing up for racial justice, and how history can be a source of hope in difficult times.
Most podcasts I do remain focused on external events and historical data. These conversations are helpful, but I was grateful that my conversation with Sharon was so…soul-full. We talked about the deeper emotional and spiritual factors that go into the work of justice. It was a realistic but determined dialogue about racism in the U.S. today and what we can do about.
It’s time well-spent if you give this podcast episode a listen.
LISTEN: How History Can Give Us Hope with Dr. Jemar Tisby
AUDIO: How History Can Give Us Hope
Loved this podcast with two of my favorite people to learn from! You're experts in your fields, working for a better world and compassionate. Thank you!