Battletested with Tanya Acker

Tanya talks to Russ Feingold, President of the American Constitution Society and former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, about picking Supreme Court justices, why ACS believes the Court should be reformed, and the high dramedy that has replaced political decision making.

Tanya talks to the first African-American woman to command a Navy ship and the highest ranked woman in Naval history about her passion for service; rescuing a U.S. captain from Somali pirates; her advice to young people who feel disaffected and disengaged; and renaming Confederate monuments.

At 15, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He wrote a brief that helped overturn his conviction and win his release, and now serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Minnesota State Board of Public Defense. She is a social worker who treats victims of trauma, and who advocates a more nuanced approach to public safety. Tanya talks to Elizer Darris, Co-Executive Director of the...

At 15, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He wrote a brief that helped overturn his conviction and win his release, and now serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Minnesota State Board of Public Defense. She is a social worker who treats victims of trauma, and who advocates a more nuanced approach to public safety. Tanya talks to Elizer Darris, Co-Executive Director of the...

Tanya talks to Washington Post reporter Sarah Ellison about the continuing assault on truth and what fairness requires of journalists.

Tanya takes a look back at 2021 and gives a big thank you to our listeners. Here’s another one: THANK YOU. Happy New Year!

Tanya talks to Lloyd Grove about how the news business has changed; the problem of news deserts; the difference between fairness and objectivity and what’s next for him in his 45-year career after his move to France.

Tanya talks to the CEO of the Center for Heirs Property Preservation about the importance of a will; how family disputes can threaten shared property held without one; and why holding on to the land matters.

Tanya talks to Stephen Battaglio, Staff Writer for the Los Angeles Times, about the rules of journalism; what led to Chris Cuomo’s downfall at CNN; and whether he can find a way back. 

Tanya talks to the iconic actor about carving out his own path during his 52 years in the entertainment industry and his advice for young people today.

Tanya talks to her Hot Bench co-host about her new book, From the Kitchen to the Courtroom: Doing Justice to Pasta.

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.

Happy holidays! This week we're re-releasing Tanya's talk with the legendary songwriters and music producers about their new album, Volume One.

Tanya talks to her  Hot Bench  co-host about his 28-years on the New York bench, his successful efforts to create systems for rehabilitating juvenile offenders, and how his own upbringing inspired a passion for justice and fairness.

Tanya talks to the author of  The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth  about how the fear of Black children creates racial disparities in the criminal justice system; how we can (and must) do better; and why  everyone  should care. 

Tanya talks to Jamila Glass. Tanya talks to the series choreographer of Dear White People and artistic director of the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company about communicating through the art of dance, following passions, and kicking imposter syndrome to the curb as often as possible.

Tanya talks to the New York Times bestselling author and self-trained chef about how her approach to food laid the groundwork for her journey to wellness, and why healthy/delicious cuisine is the new black. 

Tanya talks to author, educator and wealth justice activist Chloe McKenzie about money and our relationship to it.

This week, we present a rerelease of Tanya's talk with Dr. Sherril Rieux (an actual physician as opposed to the Facebook variety). They discuss the basis for vaccine hesitancy in certain communities and why people should get vaccinated now. Come back next Wednesday for new episodes of The Tanya Acker Show!

Tanya talks to the 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist about Olympic tragedy and triumph; the 2021 Games; and mental and physical wellness.

Tanya talks to Washington Post reporter DeNeen L. Brown about her film, Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten; her reporting about the Black Wall Street massacre that led to the film; and why telling true stories still matters.

Tanya talks to the legendary songwriters and music producers about their new album, Volume One.

Tanya talks to Seth David Radwell, author of  American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing Our Nation , about the disunity that is a part of the nation’s DNA and how to keep the breach from breaking us apart. 

Tanya talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, Jon Meacham, about the rise of misinformation in the American political mainstream and his new podcast, Fate of Fact.

Tanya talks to Moe Vela about prospects for bipartisanship; how to move forward when times are dark; and growing American Dreams on his new show, "Unicorn Hunters."