Summoning Your Audacity with Shannon Watts, Activist & Founder of Moms Demand Action

The Jen Marples Show

Hello Gorgeous Listeners! In this episode, we dive into an incredible story of strength, resilience, and the power of women coming together to create real change.

In December 2012, our nation was rocked by the devastating events at Sandy Hook. As moms across the country watched in disbelief, a collective rage and sadness swept through us all. Our guest this week, the incomparable and indefatigable Shannon Watts, was one of those moms who felt the profound impact of that tragedy.

Shannon is a force and one of my Sheroes! She's an activist, speaker, author, and the Founder Emerita of Moms Demand Action, which stands as the largest women's volunteer organization in America. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable and I’m so honored to have her as a guest!
Shannon has earned titles such as a "summoner of women's audacity," bestowed upon her by Glennon Doyle (another one of my Sheroes), a Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. Her book, "Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World," published in 2019, is a testament to her dedication. Shannon is currently working on a new book, set to be released in 2025, and publishes weekly in her Substack community, "Playing with Fire."

In our conversation, Shannon shares her journey starting Moms Demand Action after the Sandy Hook tragedy and the resistance she faced from powerful gun lobbies. We also delve into her recent decision to step down from leading the organization.

We also touch on the unique challenges women face in midlife, from loneliness and making friends, to the sometimes overwhelming symptoms of menopause.

Throughout our conversation, Shannon delivers an inspiring message: Women should never let fear hold them back from pursuing their passions. She emphasizes the importance of supporting one another and cultivating meaningful friendships in midlife.

This episode is a celebration of midlife growth, support, and the unstoppable force of women who dare to dream, act, and change the world. Read: Summoning Audacity!

So, join us for this powerful and transformative conversation! It's a reminder that we're never too old to chase our dreams and create a better world!

Side note: I had to summon my own audacity to ask her to be a guest and look what happened! Go for what you want, ladies! Be audacious!

Keep the conversation going with us by joining The Midlife Conversation on Facebook HERE!

Unedited AI Transcript Here

CONNECT WITH SHANNON WATTS:

Moms Demand Action

LinkedIn

Instagram

X (Formerly Twitter)

Website

Fight Like a Mother by Shannon Watts (Amazon)

CONNECT WITH JEN MARPLES:

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