# 721: Easy Optimism vs Durable Hope with Sharon McMahon

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-holy-post-440475/721-easy-optimism-vs-durable-hope-with-sharon-mcmahon
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-holy-post-440475/721-easy-optimism-vs-durable-hope-with-sharon-mcmahon.md
Podcast: [The Holy Post](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-holy-post-440475)
Published: 2026-05-20T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thephilvischerpodcast.libsyn.com/721-easy-optimism-vs-durable-hope-with-sharon-mcmahon
Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/claritaspod.com/measure/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thephilvischerpodcast/HP721.mp3?dest-id=121777
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-holy-post-440475/episodes/721-easy-optimism-vs-durable-hope-with-sharon-mcmahon
Duration seconds: 5139

## Resource

MAGA politicians, pastors, and influencers gathered on the National Mall this weekend to rededicate America to God. Unlike biblical ceremonies of rededication, however, this one included no repentance or lament. Elon Musk is upset that a black woman was cast as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey." Sharon McMahon is back to explain how political backlash and violent threats canceled her commencement speech at Utah Valley University, and why the message she planned to deliver is more relevant than ever. Also this week—religious skeptics used to ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" So, why is Gen Z asking a different question, "Why don't bad things happen to bad people?" Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/721-easy-vs-hope-158706698/ Bonus Interview with Sharon McMahon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/158708712/ 0:00 - Theme Song 3:14 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you 4:13 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month! 5:58 - Rededication of America 21:06 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/ HOLYPOST 22:06 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org 22:40 - Sponsor - Garrett Theological Seminary - Garrett has a program for you! Apply by July 15 to start a master's degree this fall! https://www.garrett.edu/holypost 50:06 - Interview 52:11 - Commencement Speech Cancellation 1:12:14 - Du…

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