Firestarters with Shannon Watts

Mar 10 2025 22 ep. 37 mins 6
Firestarters with Shannon Watts Podcast artwork

Firestarters is a podcast filled with inspiring interviews of women living audacious lives and encouraging others to do the same. shannonwatts.substack.com

shannonwatts.substack.com

  Society & Culture
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18: Alencia Johnson on how to be a disruptor for good

Mar 10 2025 39 mins  
“For women, people of color, and anyone on the margins, there’s a culture and society that wants to dominate us; to keep us oppressed and in line. The more that we fight through it, the better off we are and the more fires we can start to disrupt the world around us.”Alencia Johnson is an award-winning commentator, political advisor, leader and now an author who is teaching p

17: Luvvie Ajayi Jones on how to be a professional troublemaker

Feb 24 2025 44 mins  
"For those of us not in immediate danger of losing our livelihoods, our lives, our ability to move through the world, this is the moment we need to step up. Right now, more than anything, we all have to be firestarters. Light the match."Luvvie Ajayi Jones is an author, speaker, and mentor who tells stories that inspire and dare people to live more boldly. She started her career as

Shannon Watts and Brooke Baldwin discuss SEX

Feb 17 2025 26 mins  
Regardless of who you’re having sex with — yourself or someone else — research shows that women over age 50 are having the best sex of their lives. Watch my live conversation with former CNN anchor and fellow Gen Xer Brooke Baldwin, and read my piece about all of the treatments and technology available to make sex even better, from hormones to the MonaLisa Touch laser to pelv

16: Poppy Harlow on how to navigate the messy middle

Feb 10 2025 30 mins  
"I'm hesitant to use the word luck because women use the word luck way too much. I was ready. I was prepared. Ready when the breaks came, and persistent to get them."Today on the Firestarters podcast, I’m talking with Poppy Harlow, an award-winning, Emmy-nominated journalist, podcast host, author, and the previous anchor of CNN Newsroom. Poppy has interviewed some of the world’

Shannon Watts and Charlotte Clymer on the state of activism and politics

Feb 03 2025 45 mins  
Today I spoke with Charlotte Clymer about the state of activism and politics in America, how we got here, why it can change quickly, and ways everyday citizens can force their elected leaders to fight back against fascism … NOW. Mentioned in this conversation is my Substack piece on the ways we can put public pressure on Democrats.And be sure you’re following Charlotte’s Subs

15: How to dismantle the patriarchy with Reshma Saujani

Jan 27 2025 47 mins  
"Imposter syndrome, this feeling that we think we're not good enough, we're not smart enough, we're not prepared enough, we're not ready enough has really held us back. And that imposter syndrome is a con. It's a lie we've been told to keep progress dismantled."Today on the Firestarters podcast, I’m talking with Reshma Saujani, an incredible activist who has spent more than a dec

Emily Amick and Shannon Watts reflect on resilience, activism, and how we build community

Jan 20 2025 39 mins  
And then read our joint Substack post, The hope you deserve on Inauguration Day, and let us know in the comments what drives you, gives you purpose, and how you’re preparing for the next four years.My upcoming book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is now available for preorder! This book is my guide to figuring out what lights you up and w

14: Karla Welch on how saying "yes" can change your life

Jan 07 2025 35 mins  
"I'm brutally shy, but I’ve never questioned my ability to work hard. So I say yes to things that were way outside my comfort zone. I can be afraid, but I do it anyway."On my latest Firestarters podcast, I’m talking with CEO, stylist, and activist Karla Welch. Not only is Karla one of the most powerful stylists alive, but she’s also the co-founder of sustainable period underw

13: How to tell the truth with Sarah Jones

Dec 03 2024 45 mins  
"If we don't tell the truth, we're doing a disservice to everyone. Racism hurts white people. Sexism hurts men. Homophobia hurts straight people. When you dehumanize the 'other,' you're actually dehumanizing yourself."Today on the Firestarters podcast, I’m talking with Sarah Jones, a Tony Award-winning visionary and solo performer. Sarah is an actor, comedian, writer, producer, a

12: First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on the power of women in action

Nov 12 2024 32 mins  
“If we could get all these different female leaders who care about these different issues—whether it's repro rights or gun violence or care—focused on our common humanity and common lived experience as women, I feel like we could move policy forward in a way that's never been moved.”Today on the Firestarters podcast, I’m talking with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom,