Battletested with Tanya Acker

Tanya and Dr. Samuel talk about the lessons we learn from conflict and how it makes us stronger. They also discus having a vision worth fighting for and why it’s important to remember the end game.

Tanya talks to Justice Bolden, the first Black woman to sit on Michigan’s Supreme Court, about the injustice that drew her to a career in law and the passion for fairness that drives her today.

Take a break from the fight and do something kind. Tanya talks to Dr. David Cregg about his study on how good deeds make for better mental health.

Tanya talks to New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal about the bill that would prevent insurrectionists from serving in governments they’ve attempted to overthrow.

Tanya talks to political strategist Atima Omara about polls, why they go so wrong, and ways to give our democracy the constant love it always needs.

Tanya talks to Attorney Josh Tepfer, whose work has resulted in the exoneration of hundreds of wrongfully convicted people.

Tanya talks to the nationally recognized family and matrimonial law attorney about navigating divorce without losing more money —or peace —than necessary.

Tanya talks to the accomplished trial lawyer (and her former Hot Bench colleague) about fighting in court and litigation shenanigans.

Tanya talks to Patrick Elliott, Senior Counsel for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, about his perspective on Coach Joe Kennedy’s Supreme Court fight and what his victory means for advocates of secular liberty.

Tanya talks to Jeremy Dys, a lawyer for Coach Joe Kennedy, about what the coach’s victory before the United States Supreme Court means for advocates of religious freedom. 

Tanya talks to author and historian H.W. Brands ("Money Men", "American Colossus") about our fights over what money is, how we came to trust greenbacks (we were forced to!), and what those fights mean for the future of new currencies.

Tanya talks to journalist Sylvan Lane, Finance and Economic Policy Reporter at The Hill about crypto and the FTX fallout.

Tanya talks to the dynamic songwriting duo, now inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, about making music and their many, many hits throughout the years.

What happens when you go to battle against something that is just wrong? Sometimes, not what you think. In this re-release, Tanya talks to the two women who brought down the largest Social Security fraud in history.

Tanya talks to Mallory about the challenges of making baby formula in the US; the formula shortage; judging new parents’ feeding decisions (don’t do this) and providing resources for families in times of crisis.

Tanya talks to the author of All Boys Aren’t Blue and Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week 2022 about telling stories, honoring ancestors, and keeping history alive.

Tanya talks to the author of Yoga: A Love Story about his first novel; the writing process; finding your space in any environment and carving your own path.

Tanya talks to Nora Langdon, a champion powerlifter with many titles (!!) about her recipe for a great life. 

Tanya and Loyola University history professor Robert Bucholz geek out over British royal family stuff: the late Queen (a war vet); the new King (we know him but do we?); Nazi sympathizers in the family from generations past (don’t we all have those? No.) and reconciling the past with what comes next.

Tanya talks to the author of (After the Ivory Tower Falls: How College Broke the American Dream and Blew Up Our Politics―and How to Fix It) about higher education and how we can do a better job of fulfilling more American dreams.

Tanya talks to Evan McMullin, Independent candidate for the open U.S. Senate seat in Utah, about what it takes to win in a polarized two-party environment.

This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes from this year: a talk with the first African-American woman to command a Navy ship and the highest ranked woman in Naval history, Admiral Michelle J. Howard. We discuss rescuing a U.S. captain from Somali pirates; her advice to young people who feel disaffected and disengaged; and renaming Confederate monuments.

Tanya talks to the BAFTA Award-winning costume designer of We Are Lady Parts about her work on that very funny show; the art of building wardrobes in music, TV and film; and appreciating the unicorn within.

Tanya talks to Prince George’s County (MD) State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy about incarceration; rehabilitation; keeping communities safe and earned second chances.

This week we're revisiting our talk with Judge Nelson (Tanya's first boss out of law school!) and Acting President of Santa Clara University Lisa Kloppenberg.