New Witherspoon Lecture Series to bring ‘Pantsuit Politics’ podcasters to MC
Nov. 14, 2022
The hosts of a popular podcast dedicated to “grace-filled political conversations” will speak at Maryville College in February, thanks to the generosity and vision of alumni Newell Witherspoon ’52 and Mary Lee Witherspoon ’56.
Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, the voices behind the widely acclaimed “Pantsuit Politics” podcast, will help attendees engage in better political dialogue in a Feb. 7 address titled “Building Relationships and Community Amidst Division.” It is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre of the Clayton Center for the Arts.
Following the hosts’ keynote address, Maryville College President Dr. Bryan Coker will moderate a Q&A session.
“Building Relationships and Community Amidst Division” is the inaugural presentation of the Newell and Mary Lee Witherspoon Lecture Series, which the alumni couple established through an endowment earlier this year. The Witherspoons, longtime residents of Huntsville, Alabama, were motivated to endow a series that would support the mission and build the reputation of the College by bringing interesting and thought-provoking speakers and artists to campus.
The purpose of the lecture series is to strengthen relationships between members of the campus community and also between the campus and the wider region by creating opportunities to learn about and discuss topics that are important, timely and of broad interest. Events and guest speakers will strive to express the value of differing views, while seeking common ground and acknowledging the dignity in all.
President Coker announced news of the endowment and recognized the Witherspoons during the College’s Oct. 21 Founder’s Day program, where they were in attendance.
“We believe this [Feb. 7] event will set the tone for future lecture series that bring people together and build community,” he said. “Newell and Mary, thank you so much for supporting this need.”
The Witherspoons have been active in the ministries of Huntsville’s Covenant Presbyterian Church and of the larger Presbyterian Church (USA). They have led and championed peace-building work; advocated for quality education, disadvantaged children and justice; and supported the arts. In 2006, Mary was awarded the College’s Alumni Citation for her numerous contributions to humankind.
“In establishing the purpose of the Newell and Mary Lee Witherspoon Lecture Series, we wanted to honor what has been important to the Witherspoons throughout their lives,” said Karen Beaty Eldridge ’94, executive director for marketing and communications and co-chair of the Witherspoon Lecture Series Committee. “We believe this first lecture does just that, and we are excited for future guests, future topics and the potential to build stronger communities through this programming.”
Podcast and hosts have large following
Named one of Apple Podcast’s Best Podcasts of 2021, “Pantsuit Politics” has a large following, with more than 20 million downloads since launching in 2015. Today, it reaches tens of thousands of listeners each month and has been featured in the New York Times and The Atlantic.
The hosts, native Kentuckians Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, met while enrolled at Transylvania University in Lexington. They each have law degrees (Holland from American University and Silvers from the University of Kentucky), and frequently speak to people at universities, businesses and civic organizations about improving political dialogue.
The pair have authored two books, 2019’s “I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening),” and this summer’s release, “Now What? How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything).” Both books aim to help people build and maintain relationships in a polarizing political climate.
Eldridge said plans are underway to coordinate related book club readings. The Maryville College website and social media channels will provide details as they are known.
Maryville College students, faculty and staff will be admitted to the Feb. 7 lecture for free. The event is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket — $15 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens and local students. Group rates also apply for persons buying 10 or more. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Clayton Center Box Office. Visit claytonartscenter.com or call 865-981-8590.
