What happens when one mother’s grief and rage transform into a national movement? In this gripping episode of The Determined Society, Shannon Watts — activist, author of Fired Up, and founder of Moms Demand Action — joins Shawn French for a raw, emotional, and empowering conversation about how she turned a single Facebook post into one of the most powerful grassroots networks in the country. From the early days of doubters and death threats to building bipartisan coalitions and influencing gun policy, Shannon pulls no punches. She shares what it takes to stay in the fight, how to lead without being liked, and why being underestimated is her superpower. This episode covers: -Her new book Fired Up and the next chapter of her mission -The origin story of Moms Demand Action after Sandy Hook -Why being “just a mom” became her greatest strength -Building political power from the ground up -What real impact looks like — and what it doesn’t -Motherhood, activism, and staying in the game If you’re looking for fire, leadership, and purpose in action—this is it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.