[Podcast #235] Why Moms Make the Best Advocates with Shannon Watts
Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a six-million member organization she describes as “maybe the world’s largest real life field experiment for what happens when you show women how their abilities and their burning desires and their values align, and how they come alive and can achieve things they never imagined possible.”
We are thrilled to have her on the Brave Writer podcast today to talk about her upcoming book, Fight Like a Mother.
In this episode, we talk about:
- how both misogyny and motherhood shape women’s journey to, and through, advocacy,
- how to withstand blowback and the discomfort that comes with growth, including celebrating small wins and “finding your people,”
- and how social media has allowed women to bypass traditional media gatekeepers.
Our conversation with Shannon about the intersection of motherhood, feminism, and activism is one that will keep us fueled for a long time. We hope you enjoy it.
Show Notes
Moms and Advocacy
The fierce protective nature commonly found in moms can help them bust through the misogynistic baggage that’s been heaped upon them their whole lives. Whether it’s advocating for common sense gun laws or advocating for a child in the education system, the love a mother has for her child can bring out the best in her as an advocate and as a fully empowered adult.
Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Just like being pregnant or parenting teens, moms have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable when being activists. Bucking authority and facing backlash can make many stop their advocacy before it even really starts. In her book, Shannon acknowledges this and gives concrete ways women can overcome these obstacles and build stamina for the fight.
Media Gatekeepers
Despite creating one of the largest grassroots groups in American history, and being an expert on policy, Shannon still often gets shut out from major media appearances. When she is let in, she’s often relegated to the role of describing the emotional side of the issue. Shannon talks about how social media has been huge for her and other women to bypass traditional media gatekeepers to get their voices heard.
Our conversation with Shannon about the intersection of motherhood, feminism, and activism is one that will keep us fueled for a long time.
Resources
- Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
- Pre-order a copy of Julie’s new workbook, Becoming a Critical Thinker.
- Check out Shannon’s book and other books we’ve recommended on the podcast in the Brave Writer Bookshop.
- Get involved at MomsDemandAction.org.
- Sign up for Shannon’s Substack
- Follow Shannon’s on Instagram: @ShannonWatts
- Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
- Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
Connect with Julie
- Instagram: @juliebravewriter
- Threads: @juliebravewriter
- Twitter: @bravewriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter
Connect with Melissa
- Website: melissawiley.com
- Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
- Instagram: @melissawileybooks
- Twitter: @melissawiley
Produced by NOVA Media