The Internet is rife with misinformation and despair. One of the bright shining beacons of hope online is Sharon McMahon and her @SharonSaysSo Instagram account that offers fact-based information from the former history and government teacher. And now Sharon has a new book, The Small and the Mighty, which celebrates some of the unsung heroes of American history. Sharon brings us happiness and hope and facts every single day. She's a national treasure and today we are going to talk about how to try to change people's minds with respect and empathy.

Order Sharon's book The Small and the Mighty here.

The RFK Jr. affair scandal is not just gossip; it has serious implications for journalism. It's also so juicy and just plain WEIRD. In this episode, hosts Emily Amick and Jo Piazza delve into the RFK Jr. affair, exploring its implications on journalism, media ethics, and gender dynamics. They discuss the salacious details of the affair, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the impact on journalist Olivia Nuzzi's career. The conversation also touches on RFK Jr.'s political aspirations and the broader implications for journalism in today's digital age.

Some key takeaways:

• Media ethics are increasingly blurred in the digital age.
• Gender dynamics play a significant role in how media covers scandals.
• RFK Jr.'s behavior raises questions about his suitability for political office.
• The media often vilifies women while excusing men's behavior.
• The curiosity gap drives public interest in political scandals.
• Digital journalism prioritizes speed over accuracy, leading to misinformation.
• The conversation around this affair reflects broader societal issues regarding power and consent.

Subscribe to Emily's substack here.

Subscribe to Jo's Over the Influence newsletter here.

What does it mean to Americans when a woman dies during pregnancy? Do we actually care? Do we engage in law making and political decision making with a default posture of … not wanting women to die?

Because women are dying right now under circumstances where doctors should be able to save their lives.

Are we going to allow this? This is reality, not some political spin and we are the ones who have to keep the conversations going. This is something we have to be talking about every single day.

Subscribe to the @EmilyinYourPhone newsletter here.

Follow Emily on Instagram @EmilyinYourPhone.

Find Jo on Instagram @JopiazzaAuthor.