What happens when a stay-at-home mom in Indiana gets so fired up about injustice that she starts a movement that changes America? Shannon Watts, founder of Mom's Demand Action and author of the instant New York Times bestseller "Fired Up," knows exactly what it feels like to go from folding laundry to fighting the most powerful lobby in the country. Her story isn't just about gun safety—it's about every woman who's ever been told she's not the right person to create change. How do you know when it's time to stop letting someone else handle it and start taking action yourself?

Shannon's journey from corporate communications executive to one of America's most powerful activists didn't happen overnight, and it sure as hell wasn't easy. In this raw, honest conversation, she breaks down exactly what it means to live "on fire"—and why the blowback you'll face for stepping into your power is not only predictable but completely worth it. We're diving deep into the messy middle of creating change, the double bind of "fucksgiving" that women navigate, and how to sustain yourself when fighting for what matters feels impossible.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The bias towards action vs. letting someone else do it - and how to recognize when it's your turn to step up

• Why blowback is predictable and none of it is personal - plus practical strategies for handling criticism when you're creating change

• The "fire formula" for identifying your abilities, values, and desires to live authentically

• How to distinguish between "false fires" (purpose, happiness, busyness) and what actually fulfills you

• Why taking no pay for 11 years was Shannon's biggest mistake - and the martyrdom trap that keeps women small

• The double bind of "fucksgiving" - being expected to give all the fucks about everything while giving zero fucks about criticism

• How to build sustainable activism that doesn't burn you out (hint: it's about winning and finding your people)

• The bridge-building strategies for having political conversations across divides without compromising your values

Shannon's story proves that you don't need permission, credentials, or the "right" background to create massive change. But here's what hit me hardest: her revelation that women's biggest fear isn't failure—it's that pursuing what they want will make them bad mothers.

What would change in your life if you stopped believing that taking up space meant taking something away from others? Ready to discover what's limiting you and what's calling you? Follow me on Instagram for more conversations that challenge everything we've been taught about playing small.

Links & Mentioned Resources

• Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age by Shannon Watts

• Firestarter University - Register at firedupbook.com when you order the book 

• Mom's Demand Action

• Eve Rodsky's book "Fair Play"

Tips/Takeaways

• Trust your gut over credentials - Shannon had no experience in gun violence prevention but was exactly the right person for the job

• Reframe blowback strategically - Consider the source, separate what's personal vs. predictable, and remember you're modeling courage for others

• Practice the "fire formula" - Regularly assess your abilities, values, and desires instead of just fulfilling obligations

• Avoid the martyrdom trap - Taking no compensation to avoid criticism actually sets a terrible example for other women

• Build community for sustainability - People stick with causes when they feel they're winning and when they find their people

• Think marathon, not sprint - All meaningful change happens across generations, so focus on building foundations for others

Allison Hare's Links

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• Instagram - Steps to heal yourself, move society forward, and slinging memes and dancing (seriously, Allison is also a dance fitness instructor)

• Late Learner IG

• YouTube Channel

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• TikTok - documenting my journey one lo-fi video at a time

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• Personal Brand - need help building yours? Schedule a call with me here and let's discuss.

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