Show overview
The Preamble has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 490 episodes, alongside 5 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 300 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a several-times-a-week cadence, with the show now in its 19th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 33 min and 43 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 20 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2022, with 153 episodes published. Published by Sharon McMahon.
From the publisher
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 movement that will shape history. An Audacy Podcast.
Latest Episodes
View all 490 episodesMayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 6
Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 5
Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 4
Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 3
Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 2
Mayhem: The 1970s You Never Knew, Episode 1
Growing Hope: What Depression-Era Gardens and Rainn Wilson Teach Us About Hard Times
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 — yes, Dwight Schrute — joins Sharon to talk about the loneliness epidemic, the rise of cynicism, and why posting about something isn't the same as changing it. Be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) A story on how to practice hope (00:07:50) The loneliness epidemic (00:22:41) Rainn Wilson’s on his faith To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
America at 250: Staying Hopeful, plus Saying No in a World That Demands Yes
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 hope. Plus, in a culture that rewards compliance and punishes pushback, Dr. Sunita Sah tells us why saying no can be courageous and the most effective thing you can do. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) Could the US have another civil war? (00:12:13) Optimism vs hope (00:20:58) Saying no in a world that demands yes To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to Becoming You with Suzy Welch
bonusHere on The Preamble, we look for the historical context and the factual clarity behind the headlines because we know that understanding the "why" helps us navigate the "what." But as we look at the big stories driving our future, we can’t ignore the smaller, quieter stories happening in our own lives—the transitions, the pivots, and the big questions about our own purpose. Questions like: “What should I actually do with my life?” and “How do I make the hard decision to stay or go?” Today, I’m sharing a special introduction to a voice that brings that same commitment to clarity and honesty to the art of self-discovery: Suzy Welch. Suzy is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and the professor at the helm of NYU’s most popular class on authentic purpose. She is a leading expert on decision-making, but she delivers her expertise with a refreshing, irreverent wit. On her podcast, Becoming You, Suzy tackles the "freaking truth" about life and work today without leaving you in despair. Find Becoming You with Suzy Welch wherever you get your podcasts. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Condoleezza Rice on Democracy, Patriotism, and Why She Still Has Hope
Sharon tells us why sugarcoating history doesn’t help any of us. Truly loving your country means acknowledging the not-so-great and even horrible moments of its past. Plus, Condoleezza Rice was banned from restaurants and movie theaters as a child because of the color of her skin. She went on to become Secretary of State. And somehow, after everything she's seen, and where we are now, she's still optimistic about democracy. You'll want to hear why. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) What it really means to be a patriot (00:08:29) Condoleezza Rice on growing up in the segregated south (00:23:42) The future of democracy To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Learning From Our Differences and the Antidote to Doomscrolling Anxiety
Did you know that only 4% of new marriages in America happen between Democrats and Republicans? Or that three quarters of white Americans don't have a single friend who isn't white? David McCullough III — grandson of the beloved historian — shares his bold idea for fixing what's tearing us apart. Then, author Katherine May puts into words something most of us feel but can't quite name — that exhausting loop of bad news, social media outrage, and dread. She says the antidote is closer than you think. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) Getting out of your bubble (00:12:50) Studying “abroad” in the US (00:22:36) The antidote to doomscrolling anxiety To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Long History of Demonizing Immigrants: From the Great Depression to Today
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 between the mass deportations of the past and what’s happening now. Plus, historian and author Ana Raquel Minian joins Sharon to discuss her book In the Shadow of Liberty and the cruelty of immigrant detention in the United States. She explains why brutality was the point. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) The Long History of Demonizing Immigrants (00:13:03) Ellis Island Was a Prison (00:27:48) Mass Incarceration of Immigrants To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Elyse Myers’ New Book and Harriet Tubman’s Faith
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 a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You. She joins Sharon to talk about her struggles as a kid, and what happened when she learned her brain worked differently, and there was nothing wrong with that. Plus, Tiya Miles is here to discuss Harriet Tubman, and how her faith guided her. Even if you think you’re an expert on Harriet Tubman, you’ll learn something. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) The Worst First Date Ever (00:12:25) Learning to Accept Your Differences (00:19:06) Harriet Tubman’s Unwavering Faith To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The State of Black History and Journalism in 2026
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 navigating power abuses, injustice, and democracy. He tells us why he keeps speaking up even when the system falls short. Plus, is reporting the facts partisan? Sharon speaks with Katie Couric about the changes in journalism over the last few years, and how polarization, paywalls, and fear of retaliation are reshaping news coverage. And be sure to read our newsletter at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) How to Teach Black History in Today’s Climate (00:20:39) Pam Bondi Congressional Hearing and Journalism in the Trump Era (00:32:54) Political Polarization and What Comes Next To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does, Banning Books, and How to Find Hope
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 is one of the most banned authors in the country. Why? She writes about racism, gun violence, and LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging young people to use their critical thinking, rather than becoming permission seekers. She shares how to fight back against book bans, and why we need to be louder than the vocal minority. And Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Sharon to talk about the future of the Republic Party, why nobody has gotten in trouble over the Epstein files, and how you can stay engaged without burning out. If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) If Court Orders Don’t Matter, Nothing Does (00:11:13) Book Bans with Jodi Picoult (00:28:32) How to Find Hope with Adam Kinzinger To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols, and What AI Tech Billionaires Really Want
Gen Z Historian Kahlil Greene explains how today’s ICE enforcement has chilling parallels to the slave patrols of the 19th Century, designed to hunt human beings for profit and power. Then, Sharon speaks with author Karen Hao to talk about her new book Empire of AI, and why the biggest names in tech aren’t just building tools, but chasing a quasi-religious vision of control. Karen reveals how that ideology is reshaping democracy, draining the planet, and quietly harming people right now… but, she says, there are ways to change the future of AI before it gets worse. If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) How ICE Is Mimicking 19th Century Slave Patrols? (00:16:36) What AI Tech Billionaires Really Want? (00:29:27) How AI Is Hurting Us, and the Planet, and What We Can Do About It? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inside ICE: Recruitment, Congressional Accountability, and Absolute Immunity
This episode was recorded before Border Patrol agents shot and killed Twin Cities nurse Alex Pretti. What happens when the people enforcing the law no longer seem bound by it? Our contributor Elise Labott reports on ICE’s expansive recruitment campaign and training program. Sharon is then joined by MN Representative Angie Craig to discuss the escalating situation in Minnesota and what Congress may, or may not, do in response. Plus, do ICE agents have absolute immunity, as JD Vance claims? Our guest, former DOJ attorney Liz Oyer says absolutely not. If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) What’s Drawing Recruits to ICE? (00:15:52) What is Congress Doing About ICE? (00:31:18) Do ICE Agents Have Absolute Immunity? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The War on Drugs, and the Truth Behind the Viral Claims of Fraud at Minnesota Daycares
The War on Drugs is being used to justify U.S. military actions, including a covert operation in Venezuela, but is that going to have an effect on the opioid crisis? Sharon is joined by Beth Macy, author of the bestselling book Dopesick, for a powerful conversation about her new release, Paper Girl, and the addiction, poverty, and deep political divides plaguing communities. Plus, Sharon breaks down the viral video claiming daycare fraud in Minneapolis, walking through what the video alleges, and what investigators have actually found. Since the recording of this episode, the Minnesota Attorney General has charged health care owner Mohamed Abdirashid Omarxeyd with 8 felonies for allegedly using his Health Services agency to steal $3.2 million from the Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program. If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) The U.S. War on Drugs and Interview with Beth Macy (00:22:29) Viral Claims of Fraud at Minnesota Daycares (00:30:47) What Fraud Has Been Found In Minnesota To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Pentagon Papers, Why Nobody Wants Venezuelan Oil, and Answers to Your Questions
The story you didn’t know: The Pentagon Papers. Politics Professor Casey Burgat tells us about the government lies, coverup, and the reporters who exposed all of it. Then Sharon talks with economist and Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman about the lies you often hear about immigration and its effects on the economy, why American oil companies actually don’t want Venezuelan oil, and his predictions for the 2026 economy. Plus Sharon answers your most pressing questions: What Happens Now with Venezuela? Was Removing Nicolás Maduro Illegal? Can the US take Greenland by force? If you’d like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) The Pentagon Papers with Casey Burgat (00:16:55) Interview with Paul Krugman (00:30:48) Q&A To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Margaret Taylor, From Army Wife to Reluctant First Lady
Margaret “Peggy” Taylor was a true pioneer woman, so the White House was never the life she wanted. She spent decades roughing it at remote army posts, surviving war, illness, and devastating loss alongside her soldier husband. When Zachary Taylor became president, Peggy quietly stepped away from Washington society, choosing instead to focus on her faith and family. It’s a reminder that not every First Lady wanted the job. If you’d like to submit a question for Sharon to answer, head to ThePreamble.com/podcast – we’d love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it’s free! Join hundreds of thousands of people who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices