Sharon McMahon—aka "America’s Government Teacher"—is proving that social media doesn’t have to be a battlefield. Instead, it can be a place for learning, connection, and meaningful conversations. By staying curious—even when facing criticism and controversy—she’s built a large, engaged community that thrives on thoughtful discussion. In this episode, Sharon reveals how one small, fact-based video changed the course of her career, leading her to educate millions about government, history, and civic engagement. She opens up about the discomfort of going viral, the resilience it takes to navigate online discourse, and the philosophy that guides her: “Just do the next needed thing.” Whether she’s breaking down political complexities or mobilizing her followers to raise millions for medical debt relief, Sharon demonstrates how stepping into discomfort can lead to meaningful change. A former high school government teacher turned social media educator, Sharon McMahon is the author of The Small and the Mighty, a New York Times bestseller highlighting unsung heroes who shaped American history. She also hosts the popular podcast Here's Where It Gets Interesting, where she brings history to life with engaging storytelling and deep dives into civic topics. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged and instead of getting defensive, you chose to lean into the discomfort? Email your story to uncomfy@byu.edu or share it on Instagram and tag us @uncomfy.podcast, and we’ll share it! And if you enjoyed this episode, you should check out the conversation we had with Kurt Gray a few weeks ago on why we get so angry and what we can do about it - https://youtu.be/Hkzm9iQmAsk Related Links: Sharon McMahon’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso/ Sharon McMahon’s Book, The Small and the Mighty - https://sharonmcmahon.com/book Sharon McMahon’s Podcast, Here’s Where It Gets Interesting - https://sharonmcmahon.com/podcast Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.

Aging is a natural part of life, but it can bring challenges—especially when it comes to caring for elderly loved ones. In this episode, Scottie Gassner reflects on how his relationship with his aging parents shifted after working with his longtime client, Dave, who started training with him at 79. Over the course of their 12 years together, Scottie saw firsthand the realities of aging—both the struggles and the small victories. That experience gave him a new perspective on what it means to grow older and helped him approach his parents with more patience and understanding. Julie and Scottie talk about the complexities of caring for aging parents, the importance of being present, and how small acts of compassion can make a big difference. Scottie also shares his approach to staying engaged and purposeful at any stage of life. Scottie Gassner is a personal trainer, life coach, and host of the podcast Just Be with Scottie G. Related Links Scottie Gassner’s website - https://heyjustbe.com/ Top of Mind episode on aging - https://www.byuradio.org/adc3edb5-6e8f-4be9-848f-2fe549704153/top-of-mind-with-julie-rose-hope-or-dread-lets-rethink-our-obsession-with-aging Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast Threads - https://www.threads.net/@uncomfy.podcast

Ever had a moment where you were certain you were in the right—only to realize the other person felt just as strongly that they were the real victim? That’s exactly what happened to psychologist Kurt Gray. As a teenager, Gray nearly caused a car accident while driving with his friends. What followed was an explosive confrontation—one fueled by outrage and the deep conviction that each party had been wronged. That heated moment didn’t just shake him—it sparked a career-long fascination with moral psychology. Why do we get so emotionally charged in moments of perceived injustice? And more importantly, how can we break through these cycles of outrage to find common ground? Gray, now a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina and author of Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground, explores how our moral instincts shape our reactions—and how understanding them can help us bridge the divides that seem deeper than ever. Can you think of a time when you felt your perspective or worldview challenged, and instead of getting defensive, you chose to stick with the discomfort? We’d love to hear your story! Send it our way at uncomfy@byu.edu, or reach out on Instagram @uncomfy.podcast. And if this episode got you thinking, share it with a friend—you never know what kind of conversation it might spark! If you enjoyed this episode, you won’t want to miss another Uncomfy conversation where a car accident takes an unexpected turn, leading to an unlikely friendship. - https://youtu.be/zO6bQJ4M23M Related Links Gray’s book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground - https://outragedbook.com/ Gray's Website - https://www.kurtjgray.com/ Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUncomfyPod/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uncomfy.podcast/ Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncomfypodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Uncomfy.Podcast Threads - https://www.threa