Battletested with Tanya Acker
Battletested with Tanya Acker is a podcast that explores how people overcome life's toughest challenges. Host Tanya Acker shares insights from personal, professional, and national battles, drawing lessons for living in the present. New episodes air every Wednesday.
Episodes
Judge Michael Corriero on Being Tested By A System He Fought to Change, and Keeping the Faith So Others Don’t Lose Theirs
Judge Michael Corriero spent years adjudicating small claims cases on hot Bench, and before that he was one of New York’s fiercest advocates for an efficient and intelligent way of punishing juvenile offenders. And yet - something happened that tested his own faith in the system, and that also gave him the chance to keep the faith, keep his word, and stand as a reminder of what justice means in re
When the Smoke Clears: Holding Power Accountable in an Age of Disaster
It’s been roughly a year and a half since LA burned. And other disasters - fires, tornadoes, threats of every kind - are on the rise. Who’s looking out for us? And what happens during the next disaster? CBS News National Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti discusses these and other questions in his new book, Torched: How A City Was Left to Burn And the Olympic Rush to Rebuild LA. What we learn about
The Battle Over the Vote - Did The Supreme Court Just Reshape American Elections?
On April 29, the Supreme Court handed down Louisiana v. Callais — upending the protections of the Voting Rights Act and allowing states to gerrymander districts irrespective of the impact on individual voting rights. Wendy Weiser, Vice President for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU, joins Tanya to unpack what the 6-3 decision actually does, who it affects, and why Justice Kagan s
The Battle Over Social Media Has Its Day In Court
Meta and Google lost - and there are thousands more lawsuits coming. Zamaan Quereshi is the Co-Founder and Director of Campaigns and Policy of Design It For Us, and he explains what’s behind the lawsuits against social media companies, and how the internet can do better.
Why Listening to this Special Episode About President Trump, The Wall Street Journal, and Rupert Murdoch Is Important for Your Budget
Maybe you already know. But it's something to think about when you’re fighting in court and Tanya can’t stop reminding you.
The Partisan Divide That Started it All: Hamilton, Jefferson and the Battle for America’s Soul
Jeffrey Rosen, author of Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America, discusses the Supreme Court, the occasional rebellion and “structured disagreement” that was at the heart of the Founders’ vision for America, and why today’s partisan divide is particularly dangerous.
From The People’s Court to Justice For The People: Judge Marilyn Milian’s First Podcast Ever
The legendary television judge has overseen battles of every type. Listen as she and Tanya talk immigration, incivility (and worse) on the internet, and life in a TV courtroom. Plus, what to do when the dinner table is politically divided!
Divided Now, Divided Then! The American Revolution as a Civil War (with David Schmidt)
Tanya and David Schmidt discuss the PBS docuseries The American Revolution (produced and co/directed by David, Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein) and what that conflict can tell us about managing today’s animosities.
Challenging Power and Insisting On Our Own (with Senator Michael Bennet)
A conversation about the Iran War, executive power, economic opportunity and the continuing fight for voting rights – with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO).(recorded 3/11/26)
A Battle for a City’s Life - MS NOW's Jacob Soboroff discusses Firestorm: The Great LA Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster
The Los Angeles Fires were a battle to contain one of the worst wildfire disasters in U.S. history. They were a battle for lives, for homes, for community - they were a race against an all-consuming disaster. They also involved a battle for truth and information in a time of crisis. MS NOW reporter Jacob Soboroff explores these different battlefields in his new book, and he and Tanya discuss the b
Welcome to Battletested with Tanya Acker
We’ve all been hit by something hard when we didn’t expect it. We’ve come through battles of every kind - personal, professional, national - and still are fighting some of them. What have we learned from them - and what can our past battles teach us about how to live in the present moment.New episodes of Battletested begin next Wednesday, March 11th, with MS Now journalist Jacob Soboroff.What's yo
Beth Macy (“Dopesick”) Decides to Tell the Whole Story
I sit down with Beth Macy for an honest conversation about truth, empathy, and finding common ground in divided times. We talk about how to navigate family and friendship across political and ethical lines, the growing challenges to free press, and the responsibility of storytelling in shaping public understanding. Beth also shares insights from her new book Paper Girl, a deeply personal return to
Congressman Jake Auchincloss Decides To Correct False Narratives
In this conversation, Massachusetts Rep. Jake Auchincloss and I discuss the government shutdown, the abundant falsities in modern media, the true value and meaning of serving our country, and more.
Grammy Winner Adam Blackstone Decides to Play Life in His Own Key
What does it mean to live life through music? In this conversation, Adam Blackstone reflects on its power to heal, inspire, and connect, even in the face of censorship and politics. He recalls the unforgettable experience of performing in the Grace for the World Tour at the Vatican (now streaming on Hulu and Disney+), where artists from around the world united in song. Adam shares how music has de
Walter Mosley Decides to Give His Characters New Dimensions
Legendary American novelist Walter Mosley and I discuss his purpose for writing, the importance of the right kind of representation, and learning to understand the world we live in through literature and film.
Jake Tapper Decides To Take On A Race Against Terror
The CNN host discusses his new book, Race Against Terror, and the current state of American politics.
Yvette Nicole Brown Decides to Conquer
Yvette Nicole Brown opens up about living life on her own terms throughout her celebrated entertainment career, sharing how she cares for family, nurtures her community, and embraces true love. Now, she steps into an exciting new chapter with her latest film, Code 3.
Manny Rutinel Decides to Flip the Script in Congress
The Colorado state representative talks to Tanya about his run for Congress and why it’s time to create a new chapter in American politics.
Dwayne Betts Decides to Write His Own Story: Part 2
In part two of this conversation, poet and lawyer Reginald Dwayne Betts shares how he built Freedom Reads from an idea into a national initiative, the unexpected ways prison shaped his understanding of justice, and why bringing world-class literature to people behind bars is a radical act of hope.
Dwayne Betts Decides to Write His Own Story: Part 1
In part one of this conversation, poet and lawyer Reginald Dwayne Betts reflects on his journey from incarceration to Ivy League education, how reading reshaped his life, and the beginnings of Freedom Reads—a project that brings books into prisons and reimagines what justice can look like.
Ezzedine Fishere Decides to Urge Palestinians and Israelis to Make the Second Best Decision for Ending the Crisis in Gaza
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.
Deciding to Stop Online Sextortion (with SC State Senator Brandon Guffey)
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.
Public Counsel Decides to Take On the Fight Against Masked ICE Raids
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 concern about civil rights violations. Listen as
Amanda Litman (“When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership”) Decides That Power Needs a Refresh
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.”
Special Re-Release: Emmy Nominee Katherine LaNasa (“The Pitt”) Decides to Embrace the Moment
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 Decides to Take On the Future of AI in “Coded Justice”
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.
ACLU President Deborah Archer Decides To Blow The Whistle on Segregation’s (Not-So-Secret) Strategies for American Cities
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.
Deciding to Reshape Your Relationship to the Internet (with Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker)
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
Journalist Alex Thompson (Axios) Decides to Pull Back the Curtain at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
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.
Special Re-Release: CNN's Laura Coates on the Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial
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.
Hurl Taylor Decides to Master Life (and Business) at 86
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!
Special Re-Release: Author Martha Wells (‘The Murderbot Diaries’) Has Helped Create the Show of the Summer
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.
Author Kyra Davis Lurie Decides To Tell A Hidden Story
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.”
Deciding to Fight for Your Differently-Abled Child
Celebrity hairstylist Angela Stevens talks about navigating an unexpected and difficult diagnosis, the importance of early advocacy, and finding your tribe.
Deciding What to Make of the Sean “Diddy” Combs Trial (with Laura Coates)
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.
Katherine LaNasa (“The Pitt”) Decides to Embrace the Moment
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.
Deciding To Be Intentional About the Aging Journey - Caregivers Need Care Too
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.
Author Kennedy Ryan (“Before I Let Go”) Decides to Tell Love Stories
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.”
FYC: Writer and Showrunner Shaye Ogbonna (“Fight Night”) Decides to Tell a New Heist Story
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.
Ronald Young Jr. (‘Weight For It’) Decides That Radical Acceptance Is the Path
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.
Author Martha Wells (‘The Murderbot Diaries’ ) Decides to Tell a Story About Humanity
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.
Deciding What to Make of the Tariffs - With Peter Harrell
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.
We're Back!
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
Why is LA Burning? Tanya talks to NYT energy reporter Ivan Penn
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
Writer and Showrunner Shaye Ogbonna ("Fight Night") on Telling New Stories and the Art of the Heist
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.
Deciding How to Define-A Conversation with author Nicola Yoon about her latest book, One of Our Kind
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.
A Trip to His Late Father’s Homeland With Vice President Kamala Harris. A Decision to Tell Untold Stories.
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 o
Tanya talks to Vanity Fair Special Correspondent Gabriel Sherman
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.
Deciding to Protest and Wanting to Win – Tanya talks to ESPN Reporter Ramona Shelburne
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
How Do We Stop Hating the Internet?
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 woven
Tanya talks to Host and Journalist Tamron Hall
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.
Tanya talks to Rahsaan Thomas
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!
Special Re-Release: Zamaan Qureshi On How to Make Social Media Safer
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 Zamaan Qureshi (a college student a
Special Re-Release: Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer, producer and director Ann Druyan
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.
Maryam Keshavarz On Telling American Stories and Her New Film, The Persian Version
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.
Special Re-Release: Overcoming Miseducation and Illiteracy (with Oliver James)
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.
Talking Invisible Beauty with Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng
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.
Holding Social Media Companies Accountable - Between Classes
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.
The Art that Makes You Happy!
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)
A Timely Conversation with Congressman Ro Khanna
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 miss this!
People Lie. When to Make them Pay. When to Move On.
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?
Tanya Talks to Justice Kyra Harris Bolden of the Michigan Supreme Court
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)
Crypto for Beginners, FTX, and One of the Biggest Financial Frauds on Record
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 aired: 12/22)
Fentanyl Poisoning Took Her Sons - How She Fights Back
Tanya talks to Rebecca Kiessling about loss, healing, and fighting the fentanyl crisis.
Special Re-Release: Triumph in Uvalde
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.
Tanya Talks Music with Kelefa Sanneh (The New Yorker)
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.
Great Hoaxes: The Time People Believed A Woman Gave Birth to Rabbits
Tanya talks to Karen Harvey, author of The Imposteress Rabbit Breeder: Mary Toft and Eighteenth-Century England
Great Hoaxes: The Time People Believed There Were Praying Man-Bats on the Moon
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.
Adulting When Governing
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.
Great Mom, Great Vision, and a Lemonade Stand
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.”
Tanya talks to Musician Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool & The Gang
Tanya talks to the Kool And The Gang frontman about being the most sampled group in hip hop; how the music business has changed over the years; music education for kids; and, making champagne.
Standing Up For Kindness
Diana Grossman of Mallory’s Army Foundation talks to Tanya about her daughter Mallory’s legacy and what we all can learn from it.
They Didn’t Like the Way Schools Treated Their Kids. So They Did Something.
Janelle Wood founded Black Mothers Forum to address concerns about how schools were treating Black children. Listen as she and Shannon Hayes talk about the alternative option BMF offers to all children, in the hope of providing a better educational experience.
Overcoming Miseducation and Illiteracy - A Conversation with Oliver James
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.
Human Trafficking and Gilgo Beach
Tanya talks to human trafficking expert Dottie Laster about the consequences of sex trafficking and the impact of the Gilgo Beach cases on the families of the victims.
He Invented the Barcode!
Tanya talks to Paul McEnroe, author of The Barcode: How a Team Created One of the World’s Most Ubiquitous Technologies, about innovation at the dawn of the Computer Age.
The Price of Lies
They helped secure a $787 million settlement for their client, Dominion Voting Systems, against Fox News. Tanya talks to Megan Meier, Daniel Watkins, Dustin Pusch and Andy Phillips of Meier, Watkins Phillips Pusch LLP about when to sue and when to move on.
The Gilgo Beach Murders Were Cold For Years. Why?
Tanya talks to John Ray, attorney for the families of Gilgo Beach victims Shannan Gilbert and Jessica Taylor, about the investigation, recent developments in the case, and additional evidence he’s collected that he hopes the prosecution will consider.
Building Trust - Trusting Rule of Law
Tanya talks to (her cousin!) Major Marisa Barnes of the Kansas City Police Department about keeping communities safe while building trust; why her career compels her; and the excitement of exposing young people to careers as first responders.
He Served His Sentence For Filing A False Tax Return - Now The FCC Wants To Take His Business.
WJBE-Knoxville owner completed his sentence for a tax crime but the FCC is threatening his license anyway. Listen as he talks about why he believes his fight for Knoxville’s only Black station is so important.
