Truth Be Told: Why America’s Best Days Are Ahead with Secretary Linda McMahon

In the premiere episode of Truth Be Told, host Stacey Schieffelin welcomes Secretary of Education Linda McMahon for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about leadership, public service, women’s empowerment, and the future of American education. Opening with reflections on McMahon’s extraordinary career in business and government, Stacey highlights her unique role as the only female cabinet official to serve President Trump in two administrations. From leading WWE and building one of the most recognizable brands in the world to her current role at the Department of Education, McMahon brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial experience, policy leadership, and personal conviction to a moment of major national change.

A central focus of the conversation is McMahon’s mission to return education to the states and reduce Washington bureaucracy in the classroom. She explains the goal is not to end education but to move decision-making closer to parents, teachers, and local leaders who know students best. McMahon believes that states are better equipped to care for their kids, especially those with disabilities or special needs, than federal bureaucrats who are far removed from the classroom. In her view, restoring local control is a matter of common sense, accountability, and trust in families and communities.

The episode also explores the broader role America First Policy Institute played in shaping conservative policy and preparing leaders for public service. McMahon reflects on helping launch AFPI with Brooke Rollins and Larry Kudlow after the first Trump administration to preserve and advance America First principles. She and Stacey discuss how the organization became not just a think tank but a “do tank,” developing policy, training personnel, and building groundwork for a second Trump administration. McMahon describes AFPI as a trusted resource whose research, preparation, and talent pipeline helped the administration move quickly and effectively from day one.

Throughout the conversation, Stacey and McMahon return to themes of leadership, resilience, and opportunity, especially for women. McMahon reflects on lessons learned from business setbacks, personal risk, and public life, emphasizing that failure is often the greatest teacher and that confidence matters as much as preparation. She encourages women to speak up, advocate for themselves, and not be afraid to pursue promotion, responsibility, and influence. At the same time, she stresses the importance of balance, personal well-being, and staying grounded in values that sustain family, faith, and purpose.

With warmth, humor, and deep mutual admiration, the debut of Truth Be Told sets the tone for a series rooted in honesty, conviction, and real conversation. Secretary McMahon offers insight into education reform and public policy and a powerful example of principled leadership in practice. The result is a premiere episode both personal and substantive, combining policy, life lessons, and patriotism in a way that reflects the spirit of the show and the moment.

OXO Stacey