Battletested with Tanya Acker

Latest Episodes:

Congressman Jake Auchincloss Decides To Correct False Narratives Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

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 Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

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

Walter Mosley Decides to Give His Characters New Dimensions Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

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 Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

The CNN host discusses his new book, Race Against Terror, and the current state of American politics.

Yvette Nicole Brown Decides to Conquer Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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 Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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 Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

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 Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

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 Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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) Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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.