Best The Tanya Acker Show Podcasts (2025)

1
Ezzedine Fishere Decides to Urge Palestinians and Israelis to Make the Second Best Decision for Ending the Crisis in Gaza 39:07

6d ago39:07

39:07

The Dartmouth distinguished scholar and former Egyptian and UN diplomat proposes a solution to the Gaza crisis that may be no one’s first choice, which is precisely why it might work.By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding to Stop Online Sextortion (with SC State Senator Brandon Guffey) 27:40

11d ago27:40

27:40

After online sextortionists drove his son Gavin to suicide, South Carolina state senator Brandon Guffey changed the law and created a forum for saving young people through his charity, LessThan3.com (<3). LessThan3 provides resources for targets and potential victims of sextortion and an important reminder too - Tomorrow Needs You.…

1
Public Counsel Decides to Take On the Fight Against Masked ICE Raids 37:42

18d ago37:42

37:42

In this powerful episode, Tanya sits down with Public Counsel's Senior Special Counsel Mark Rosenbaum to discuss the recent legal victory against ICE's immigration raids in Los Angeles. Described by LA Mayor Karen Bass as a 'reign of terror,' these raids, targeting non-criminals based on appearance and Spanish language, have raised significant conc…

1
Amanda Litman (“When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership”) Decides That Power Needs a Refresh 33:27

20d ago33:27

33:27

The President and Co-Founder of Run for Something talks about breaking the “gerontocracy,” empowering new leadership, and how not to be a “Bad Boomer Boss.”By Tanya Acker

1
Special Re-Release: Emmy Nominee Katherine LaNasa (“The Pitt”) Decides to Embrace the Moment 32:19

25d ago32:19

32:19

The veteran actor talks about what it means to have audiences embrace “The Pitt” and her character, Nurse Dana; the influences that led her from the ballet stage to acting; and how much she loves the fun of it all.By Tanya Acker

1
Stacey Abrams Decides to Take On the Future of AI in “Coded Justice” 38:36

27d ago38:36

38:36

Stacey Abrams discusses her prescient new novel “Coded Justice”, the dangers of unregulated AI, and how reclaiming personal power is essential in the fight against authoritarianism.By Tanya Acker

1
ACLU President Deborah Archer Decides To Blow The Whistle on Segregation’s (Not-So-Secret) Strategies for American Cities 33:40

1M ago33:40

33:40

The NYU law professor, president of the ACLU, and author of Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality, discusses her book, the importance of rule of law, and why she still remains an optimist.By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding to Reshape Your Relationship to the Internet (with Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker) 23:37

1M ago23:37

23:37

Over the last decade, our Internet experience has become increasingly dictated by algorithms- data-driven equations that try to anticipate (and elicit) our desires. The problem is, they often get it wrong. The math doesn't math. Kyle Chayka (staff writer, The New Yorker) has written a new book on the subject entitled "Filterworld." This week, Tanya…

1
Journalist Alex Thompson (Axios) Decides to Pull Back the Curtain at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue 45:29

1M ago45:29

45:29

Axios National Political Correspondent and co-author of “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” discusses the controversy around the book, the media’s role in holding power accountable, the hidden history of presidential health cover-ups, and the deeper issues shaping both major parties in Ame…

1
Special Re-Release: CNN's Laura Coates on the Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial 39:11

1M ago39:11

39:11

With this week's decision on the Sean Combs case, we return to our talk with Emmy-nominated CNN anchor Laura Coates. Together, Laura and Tanya break down the inner workings of the courtroom and defense that led to Comb's acquittal of sex-trafficking.By Tanya Acker

1
Hurl Taylor Decides to Master Life (and Business) at 86 36:45

2M ago36:45

36:45

The Army veteran and “lifelong learner” became, at 86, the oldest graduate of Emory’s 2025 class when he received his Masters in Business for Veterans. He talks to Tanya about solving problems, learning new things, addressing conflict while not losing oneself, and dating!By Tanya Acker

1
Special Re-Release: Author Martha Wells (‘The Murderbot Diaries’) Has Helped Create the Show of the Summer 22:57

2M ago22:57

22:57

We're throwing it back to one of our favorite episodes of the season, with author Martha Wells. We talk all things “The Murderbot Diaries” (now streaming on Apple TV+), the innovation of the new sci-fi series, and what it means to be human.By Tanya Acker

1
Author Kyra Davis Lurie Decides To Tell A Hidden Story 47:25

2M ago47:25

47:25

The author of The Great Mann discusses the real-life inspiration for the novel, how she fights back against historical erasure, and “holding love for the work of deeply-flawed people.”By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding to Fight for Your Differently-Abled Child 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

Celebrity hairstylist Angela Stevens talks about navigating an unexpected and difficult diagnosis, the importance of early advocacy, and finding your tribe.By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding What to Make of the Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial (with Laura Coates) 39:11

2M ago39:11

39:11

The Emmy-nominated CNN anchor breaks down what’s happening inside the courtroom, the strategic choices the prosecution and defense have made so far, and what we can expect next.By Tanya Acker

1
Katherine LaNasa (“The Pitt”) Decides to Embrace the Moment 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

The veteran actor talks about what it means to have audiences embrace “The Pitt” and her character, Nurse Dana; the influences that led her from the ballet stage to acting; and how much she loves the fun of it all.By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding To Be Intentional About the Aging Journey - Caregivers Need Care Too 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

Tanya talks to Carlene Davis, co-founder of Sistahs Aging with Grace and Elegance (SAGE) about doing better by our elders and how caretakers - both current and future - can take better care of themselves, too. Plus, what the “Missing Middle” can do to ensure it has the resources it needs to look after themselves and the people they love.…

1
Author Kennedy Ryan (“Before I Let Go”) Decides to Tell Love Stories 44:23

2M ago44:23

44:23

Tanya talks to bestselling author Kennedy Ryan about why she tells the stories she does, her ability to remain so prolific, navigating depression during the pandemic, and how “love shines brightest when it’s tested.”By Tanya Acker

1
FYC: Writer and Showrunner Shaye Ogbonna (“Fight Night”) Decides to Tell a New Heist Story 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Tanya interviews Shaye Ogbonna, creator of the Peacock series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. They discuss the context behind this 1970s Atlanta story, his advice for aspiring filmmakers, the impact of Issa Rae, and the beauty and representation he was determined to capture in the series.By Tanya Acker

1
Ronald Young Jr. (‘Weight For It’) Decides That Radical Acceptance Is the Path 31:27

3M ago31:27

31:27

Tanya talks to the influencer and host of the award-winning podcast “Weight For It” about body, learning to love the moment, and living your best life when life happens.By Tanya Acker

1
Author Martha Wells (‘The Murderbot Diaries’ ) Decides to Tell a Story About Humanity 22:38

3M ago22:38

22:38

Tanya talks to the author of The Murderbot Diaries (now playing on Apple TV+) about her innovative sci-fi series and what it means to be human.By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding What to Make of the Tariffs - With Peter Harrell 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

Tariffs here and tariffs there. What is this tariff situation about? Why is it happening and what does it mean? Listen as Tanya and Peter Harrell, host of the podcast “Security Economics,” break it all down.By Tanya Acker

1
We're Back! 1:48

3M ago1:48

1:48

After a brief hiatus, The Tanya Acker Show is back with The Art of Deciding series. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Tanya will sit with newsmakers, trendsetters, and leaders of every stripe to talk through the forces that drive their decision making. New episodes begin this Thursday, May 15th, featuring tariff expert and host of podcast Security Econom…

1
Why is LA Burning? Tanya talks to NYT energy reporter Ivan Penn 32:37

7M ago32:37

32:37

Today, Tanya discusses the devastating Los Angeles wildfires with New York Times reporter Ivan Penn. They dive into how power grid issues may have contributed to the fires, ongoing investigations, detected electrical faults, and the complexities of power line infrastructure. They also unpack the city's efforts to upgrade the grid and, in turn, resp…

1
Writer and Showrunner Shaye Ogbonna ("Fight Night") on Telling New Stories and the Art of the Heist 28:08

7M ago28:08

28:08

Tanya interviews Shaye Ogbonna, creator of the Peacock series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. They discuss the context behind this 1970s Atlanta story, his advice for aspiring filmmakers, the impact of Issa Rae, and the beauty and representation he was determined to capture in the series.By Tanya Acker

1
Deciding How to Define-A Conversation with author Nicola Yoon about her latest book, One of Our Kind 31:33

9M ago31:33

31:33

Tanya and the New York Times bestselling author talk about her latest novel, One of Our Kind, which explores what “community” means and how we see ourselves.By Tanya Acker

1
A Trip to His Late Father’s Homeland With Vice President Kamala Harris. A Decision to Tell Untold Stories. 29:20

9M ago29:20

29:20

Tanya talks to KBLA White House correspondent Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, author of Kamala, The Motherland and Me, about his trip to Africa with Vice President Kamala Harris and in particular, his visit to Ghana, from where his late father emigrated to America. From that trip came a determination not only to build new relationships between Americans…

1
Tanya talks to Vanity Fair Special Correspondent Gabriel Sherman 29:04

9M ago29:04

29:04

Vanity Fair Special Correspondent Gabriel Sherman decided to write a movie, The Apprentice, about former President Trump’s early days in New York. Why did Sherman decide to take on such a project? Because he had to.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Deciding to Protest and Wanting to Win – Tanya talks to ESPN Reporter Ramona Shelburne 1:01:09

10M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

The Los Angeles Clippers wanted a ring and were closer than ever when they had to confront a dark story that was one of sports’ open secrets. What pressures came to bear and how did they manage them? And what was the domino effect of decisions that forced them to confront what others had long ignored? Tanya talks to ESPN Reporter Ramona Shelburne, …

1
How Do We Stop Hating the Internet? 23:37

1+ y ago23:37

23:37

Over the last decade, our Internet experience has become increasingly dictated by algorithms- data-driven equations that try to anticipate (and elicit) our desires. The problem is, they often get it wrong. The math doesn't math. Kyle Chayka (staff writer,The New Yorker) has written a new book on the subject entitled "Filterworld." This week, Tanya …

1
Tanya talks to Host and Journalist Tamron Hall 33:52

1+ y ago33:52

33:52

Tanya talks to the Emmy Award-winning television show host and best-selling author about her latest novel, Watch Where They Hide, and how she's plotted her own life’s path.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Tanya talks to Rahsaan Thomas 36:17

1+ y ago36:17

36:17

Tanya and the podcaster, journalist, filmmaker and advocate talk about how he is “proof of concept” about the benefits of opportunity and inclusion. Listen as they discuss justifiable fears; not fearing too much; and how to change lives, communities, and cultures - all while growing the tax base!By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Special Re-Release: Zamaan Qureshi On How to Make Social Media Safer 28:00

1+ y ago28:00

28:00

This week the Senate pressed chief executives of Meta, TikTok, X, Snap and Discord over what lawmakers are calling “a crisis in America” -- accusing the tech giants of ignoring the harmful content against children on their respective platforms. It's a conversation we first had on this program back in November of last year, when Tanya sat down with …

1
Special Re-Release: Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer, producer and director Ann Druyan 46:16

1+ y ago46:16

46:16

Tanya talks to Ann Druyan about space, love, facts, and voting. Plus, how to come back when people laugh at you for being smart and curious.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Maryam Keshavarz On Telling American Stories and Her New Film, The Persian Version 31:59

1+ y ago31:59

31:59

Tanya talks to the filmmaker about her latest film, reclaiming the narrative of what it means to be an American, and why hope always must win.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Special Re-Release: Overcoming Miseducation and Illiteracy (with Oliver James) 24:49

1+ y ago24:49

24:49

For 35 years Oliver James was functionally illiterate - even though he had a high school diploma. Listen to what happened when he decided to stop mimicking life and start living it.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Talking Invisible Beauty with Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng 31:47

1+ y ago31:47

31:47

Tanya talks to the directors of the film Invisible Beauty, which tells the life story of the groundbreaking Bethann Hardison. From emulating the strength of the Samurai, to insisting that fashion is more than just one type, to reminding us to vote, Bethann’s story is many things all at once.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Holding Social Media Companies Accountable - Between Classes 28:00

1+ y ago28:00

28:00

Tanya talks to Zamaan Qureshi, a college student co-founder of Design It For Us, about the campaign to make social media safer for young people, and his lawsuit against the SEC.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
The Art that Makes You Happy! 25:18

1+ y ago25:18

25:18

Tanya talks to artist, illustrator and entrepreneur Angie Quintanilla Coates about the art of keeping us on the bright side. (Original air date: April 7th, 2022)By The Tanya Acker Show

1
A Timely Conversation with Congressman Ro Khanna 26:22

1+ y ago26:22

26:22

This week Tanya talks to Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) about the war in Ukraine, our relationship with China, the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and the resulting war in Gaza. They also discuss in-office sit-ins, the threatened brawls on Capitol Hill and, for a pleasant change, civil discourse with a political opponent. Tanya and Ro cover a lot so don’t…

1
People Lie. When to Make them Pay. When to Move On. 35:04

1+ y ago35:04

35:04

Tanya talks to the lawyers who helped Dominion Voting Systems achieve a $787 million settlement in its defamation case against Fox News over false claims of a “stolen” election. When is the lie someone tells, or spreads, worth money? When should you just move on?By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Tanya Talks to Justice Kyra Harris Bolden of the Michigan Supreme Court 24:47

2y ago24:47

24:47

Tanya talks to the history-making justice about the family tragedy that led her to the bench, and busting through other people’s assumptions to do what you must. (Original air date: 3/22/23)By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Crypto for Beginners, FTX, and One of the Biggest Financial Frauds on Record 24:58

2y ago24:58

24:58

Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the now bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, faces up to 100 years in jail for his role in one of the biggest financial frauds on record. In this re-release, Tanya talks to journalist Sylvan Lane, Finance and Economic Policy Reporter at The Hill, about how cryptocurrency works and what happened at FTX. (Originally air…

1
Fentanyl Poisoning Took Her Sons - How She Fights Back 28:57

2y ago28:57

28:57

Tanya talks to Rebecca Kiessling about loss, healing, and fighting the fentanyl crisis.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Special Re-Release: Triumph in Uvalde 17:14

2y ago17:14

17:14

While Uvalde remains a community that mourns, heals, and remembers its victims, it is also a community that moved Albert Martinez to drive 140 miles to teach music at Uvalde High School. This is the story of how he got a group of unlikely musicians to open up, and how they all brought victory and triumph to Uvalde.…

1
Tanya Talks Music with Kelefa Sanneh (The New Yorker) 39:25

2y ago39:25

39:25

Tanya talks to the author of Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres, about the significance of musical genres; our fandom and our tastes; and some of music’s most powerful moments.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Great Hoaxes: The Time People Believed A Woman Gave Birth to Rabbits 22:55

2y ago22:55

22:55

Tanya talks to Karen Harvey, author of The Imposteress Rabbit Breeder: Mary Toft and Eighteenth-Century EnglandBy The Tanya Acker Show

1
Great Hoaxes: The Time People Believed There Were Praying Man-Bats on the Moon 27:37

2y ago27:37

27:37

Tanya talks to Matthew Goodman, author of The Sun and the Moon: The Remarkable True Account of Hoaxers, Showmen, Dueling Journalists and Lunar Man-Bats in Nineteenth Century New York. The story is crazier than you can believe and no description here will do it justice. Enjoy the show.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Adulting When Governing 25:54

2y ago25:54

25:54

Tanya talks to Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels about voting rights, building relationships across party lines, and new ideas for helping working people get a leg up.By The Tanya Acker Show

1
Great Mom, Great Vision, and a Lemonade Stand 13:18

2y ago13:18

13:18

9-yr old Grayson Roberts was born with little sight but great vision and an extraordinary mother, Terica. Listen as they talk about what it means to be “limitless.”By The Tanya Acker Show

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