Claim OwnershipThe Tanya Acker Show
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TV host, author and attorney Tanya Acker talks to newsmakers, trendsetters, and leaders of every stripe about the forces that drive their decisions and how their choices impact everyone else. How do they move forward in an environment where lies spread faster than truth? How do they see the glass as half full when someone is sucking the liquid out of it with a jumbo straw? When do they know it’s time to take on a battle and when is it time to redirect energy? And how does anyone have any fun in the middle of all this? Join Tanya and her guests as they dig into all.
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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 defined his life, not just as a career but as a bridge across generations and communities, and he celebrates his latest album release, Humble Magic, Vol. 1, now available everywhere
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.
The CNN host discusses his new book, Race Against Terror, and the current state of American politics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Tanya and Mark talk about why they brought the fight to the government and what happens next.
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.”
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 woven by algorithms and how we can begin breaking free from it.
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.”
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this is an awesome topic that needs to be discussed. thank you for bringing this up.