Podcast Title: My So-Called Midlife with Reshma Saujani

Episode: Midlife Isn’t a Crisis. It's a Call to Action! with Shannon Watts

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of My So-Called Midlife, host Reshma Saujani delves into the transformative power of midlife, challenging the conventional notion of it being a crisis. Joining her is Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, who shares her inspiring journey from a stay-at-home mom to a leading activist in the fight against gun violence.

Shannon's Journey into Activism

Shannon Watts opens up about her unexpected path to activism. Initially an introverted individual with severe ADHD, Shannon's life took a pivotal turn following the tragic Sandy Hook shooting in 2012. This event ignited a profound anger and sense of moral clarity within her, compelling her to take action.

[04:04] Shannon Watts: "I just woke up the next day and I couldn't do nothing. I had to do something."

Leveraging the power of social media, Shannon created a Facebook page titled One Million Moms for Gun Control, which quickly gained traction, eventually evolving into Moms Demand Action.

Facing Challenges and Overcoming Fear

Shannon candidly discusses the immense challenges she faced while establishing her movement. From receiving threats of violence to navigating a highly polarized environment, the journey was fraught with obstacles.

[10:07] Shannon Watts: "Oh, I am terrified... our lives are about to be upended."

Despite these fears, Shannon chose to double down on her commitment, refusing to be silenced or intimidated.

[11:48] Reshma Sajani: "And you decide to double down."

Midlife: A Catalyst for Change

Reshma and Shannon explore the concept of midlife not as a period of decline but as a powerful phase ripe for initiating meaningful change. Shannon emphasizes that midlife offers a unique blend of experience, clarity, and resilience, enabling individuals to make significant impacts.

[24:04] Reshma Sajani: "You know, I love this quote you have, is that women in midlife are the backbone of most grassroots movements."

Embracing Incrementalism and Community Engagement

Shannon highlights the importance of incremental progress and community-focused activism. She recounts how Moms Demand Action pivoted from seeking federal legislation to focusing on local initiatives, understanding that real change often starts at the grassroots level.

[25:00] Shannon Watts: "Incrementalism is what leads to revolutions."

This strategic shift allowed the movement to build momentum, ultimately contributing to significant legislative victories in states like Virginia.

Stories of Resilience and Success

Shannon shares poignant stories from her book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, showcasing women who overcame repeated failures to achieve their dreams. These narratives underscore the central theme of persistence and the transformative power of continued effort despite setbacks.

[36:47] Shannon Watts: "She got in at 40 years old... She graduates from law school, she becomes the first black president of her law school, and now her fulfillment comes from getting other women of color into law schools across the country."

Balancing Personal Sacrifice and Legacy

The conversation deepens as Shannon and Reshma discuss the personal sacrifices involved in activism. Shannon reveals that her children appreciate her dedication to her cause, emphasizing that pursuing one's passions does not have to come at the expense of family relationships.

[41:17] Shannon Watts: "They all say, number one, I'm so grateful you had something else to focus on besides my homework and my life. And number two, you set an example me to follow my desires and to pursue what I want."

Final Advice and Empowerment

In wrapping up, Shannon offers empowering advice to women in midlife and beyond. She encourages embracing failure as feedback and stresses the importance of building a supportive community. Her message is clear: it's never too late to ignite one's passion and leave a meaningful legacy.

[43:23] Shannon Watts: "You are just getting started."

Conclusion

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that midlife can be a period of profound impact and personal fulfillment. Shannon Watts' story exemplifies how resilience, community engagement, and a commitment to one's values can transform perceived crises into opportunities for meaningful action.

Reshma wraps up by highly recommending Shannon's book, urging listeners to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and activism.

[45:59] Reshma Sajani: "Shannon's book is called Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. As I said, I loved it and I highly recommend it."

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Watts ([04:04]): "I just woke up the next day and I couldn't do nothing. I had to do something."
• Shannon Watts ([10:07]): "Oh, I am terrified... our lives are about to be upended."
• Shannon Watts ([24:59]): "Incrementalism is what leads to revolutions."
• Shannon Watts ([43:23]): "You are just getting started."

This episode is a testament to the strength and influence of women in midlife, showcasing how personal experiences and challenges can fuel movements that drive societal change. Shannon Watts' journey from a concerned mother to a national activist provides invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to make a difference at any stage of life.