Battletested with Tanya Acker

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.

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.

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.

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 and Kyle talk about this ever-tightening web wove...

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 America.

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Economics, Peter Harrell. Follow and subscribe wherever...

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, respond to increasing wildfire risks amidst climate ch...

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.

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.

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 and Africa, but also between Americans and each...

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.

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, host and creator of the podcast The Sterling Affai...