Work in Progress: Shannon Watts Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, iHeartPodcasts | Release Date: June 5, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia engages in an enlightening conversation with Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action. Shannon shares her journey from grassroots activism to authoring her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. The discussion delves deep into themes of hope, community, gender equity, and personal growth.

Shannon Watts: From Activism to Authorship

Shannon Watts reentered the public sphere after stepping down from her role at Moms Demand Action, dedicating her time to authoring her first solo book. She explains, "Hope is a discipline that's always been my mindset... if you practice hope, you can stay engaged and come back to the work" (05:18). This philosophy underpins both her activism and her approach to personal well-being.

Key Points:

• Transition from Activism: After 11 years of full-time volunteer work, Shannon chose to write a book instead of taking a traditional sabbatical, emphasizing the importance of continuing to contribute even while stepping back from leadership roles.
• Purpose of the Book: Fired Up serves as a guide for women to harness their inner fire, turning personal sparks into collective flames. Shannon believes storytelling is a powerful tool to inspire and empower.

The Power of Joy in Activism

Shannon highlights the crucial role of joy in sustained activism. She recounts incorporating dance parties into Moms Demand Action events to foster a sense of community and joy among volunteers.

"What is the point of activism or life without joy?" she asks (06:35). This approach not only increased participation but also prevented burnout, demonstrating that activism must be sustainable and enjoyable to be effective.

Gender Equity and Financial Empowerment

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the disparities in how men and women are treated regarding financial empowerment and societal roles.

Highlights:

• Obligations vs. Desires: Shannon observes that women are often taught to fulfill obligations, while men are encouraged to pursue their desires. This disparity extends to financial opportunities, where women are expected to give, whereas men are invited to invest and grow their wealth.

  "Women are taught to give and give and give... Men are taught to seek and be poured into" (09:12).

• Passion Tax: Shannon introduces the concept of the "passion tax," where women's passion and volunteer efforts often go uncompensated, unlike their male counterparts who receive financial incentives for similar endeavors.

Legacy and Reclaiming Personal Fulfillment

Shannon reflects on legacy, emphasizing that it’s not just about financial contributions but about living a life true to oneself.

"I don't want to have lived a life that is not fulfilling to me, and that doesn't make you a bad parent" (14:16).

She encourages women to reclaim their time and pursue passions without guilt, modeling this behavior for the next generation to foster a healthier, more balanced approach to personal and professional life.

Overcoming Challenges: ADHD and Personal Growth

Both Sophia and Shannon share personal experiences with ADHD, shedding light on how it has shaped their approaches to work and life.

Shannon's Insights:

• Diagnosed at 14, Shannon discusses the challenges of living with ADHD without adequate support and how it fueled her hyper-focus, enabling her to lead Moms Demand Action effectively.
• She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing neurological differences as strengths rather than weaknesses.

Sophia's Reflections:

• Sophia relates to Shannon's experiences, describing her own struggles with ADHD and the strategies she's developed to manage it, such as the "30 on, 5 off" technique for maintaining focus and self-care.

Building and Sustaining Community

A central theme of the episode is the power of community in driving social change. Shannon elaborates on how Moms Demand Action became a "real-life laboratory" for understanding what empowers women.

"When you combine voices and votes, we're unstoppable" (37:22).

She underscores the importance of women coming together, supporting one another, and leveraging their collective power to influence policy and societal norms.

Encouraging Political Participation

Shannon advocates for increased female representation in political offices, linking it to more effective advocacy for women's and community needs.

"There's a moral imperative for women to run for office... Only having 25% of the elected positions means we're not pulling the levers of power that really make the policies that protect our families and communities" (37:23).

She highlights organizations like Emerge America that train and support women to run for office, urging listeners to consider political participation as a means to enact meaningful change.

Navigating Resistance and Maintaining Momentum

Shannon addresses the backlash faced by activism, particularly from entrenched interests like the gun lobby. She shares strategies for resilience, such as anticipating opposition and understanding that progress is incremental.

"Politics is cyclical. What we're going through now will not last forever. So build that foundation you can build on when we win again" (70:38).

She encourages women to view activism as a marathon and a relay race, where passing the baton and supporting one another ensures sustained progress.

Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

As the conversation wraps up, Shannon discusses her ongoing projects, including Firestarter University, a year-long online program based on her book. She remains committed to empowering women to harness their courage and passion.

"I live to summon the audacity of other women and encourage them to step up, to run, showing them they can do anything" (74:10).

Notable Quotes

• Shannon Watts (05:18): "Hope is a discipline that's always been my mindset... if you practice hope, you can stay engaged and come back to the work."
• Shannon Watts (06:35): "What is the point of activism or life without joy?"
• Shannon Watts (09:12): "Women are taught to give and give and give... Men are taught to seek and be poured into."
• Shannon Watts (14:16): "I don't want to have lived a life that is not fulfilling to me, and that doesn't make you a bad parent."
• Shannon Watts (37:22): "When you combine voices and votes, we're unstoppable."
• Shannon Watts (70:38): "Politics is cyclical. What we're going through now will not last forever. So build that foundation you can build on when we win again."
• Shannon Watts (74:10): "I live to summon the audacity of other women and encourage them to step up, to run, showing them they can do anything."

Conclusion

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers a profound exploration of Shannon Watts' journey, her insights into women's empowerment, and the strategies for sustaining activism through community and joy. Shannon's blend of personal anecdotes and actionable advice provides listeners with both inspiration and practical tools to ignite their own flames of change.

Note: Time stamps correspond to the provided transcript for reference.