Watch the video of this episode on YouTube here.
In this episode, Russell–who this guest would lovingly call a “governerd”–welcomes Sharon McMahon, who has been called “America’s government teacher,” known online as Sharon Says So and through her Substack The Preamble. They talk about why so many Americans feel either helpless or furious in the public square, and what it would look like to rebuild sanity without sliding into cynicism.
McMahon explains how she stays out of partisan leanings by anchoring herself to the Constitution and to moral commitments that can critique both sides—without dehumanizing the people who vote differently. The conversation ranges from digital burnout and practical tools to build better habits to what genuine civic hope looks like, and McMahon makes a case for a “small and mighty” faithfulness: history is shaped by ordinary people who keep doing the next needed thing. Ultimately, the conversation ends with a heed: spend less energy proving you’re right and more energy living in a way that makes love believable.
If the churn of back-and-forth political rhetoric has you feeling whiplash, anchor yourself in this conversation, which reminds that democracy isn’t sustained by viral takes or ideological purity, but by normal people doing the next faithful thing. Sharon says so.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
- We Are Mighty by Sharon McMahon (releasing May 2026).
KEEP UP WITH RUSSELL:
- Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he’s enjoying.
- Submit a question for the show at questions@russellmoore.com
- Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription.
“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producer: Clarissa Moll
Host: Russell Moore
Producer: Leslie Thompson
Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill
Senior Producer: Matt Stevens
Audio engineering by Kevin Morris
Video producer: Sam Cedar
Theme Song: “Citizens” by Jon Guerra
