Going Through It

Nora McInerny Couldn’t Have Planned This Jul 14, 2023

When author and podcast host Nora McInerny found herself forming a blended family with a new partner not long after the death of her first husband, she had to leave behind any plans she thought she had.

Jenifer Lewis Gains – and Gives – Wisdom Jul 14, 2023

As a young actor in Hollywood, Jenifer Lewis never planned on starting a family. But since then she’s played some of the most influential mother roles on TV and in movies. Along the way she’s found many different ways to mother.

Sasha Velour Wants to Be a Drag Sibling, Not a Drag Mother Jul 07, 2023

In many ways, Drag Superstar Sasha Velour’s Drag Mothers were her grandmas, who encouraged her exploration of drag at a young age. The lessons she learned from them inform her approach to mentoring other drag queens today.

Elle Duncan Thought She Failed Jul 07, 2023

ESPN host Elle Duncan planned her two pregnancies meticulously, just like she planned her career as a sports anchor. But, health complications with her second child forced her to confront the inescapable uncertainty of parenting.

Negin Farsad Felt a Sense of Duty to her Family Jun 30, 2023

Comedian Negin Farsad’s parents never pressured her to have kids. But when her dad told a story about her own birth that she’d never heard before, she felt a surprising sense of duty to continue her family’s line in America.

Amy Blackstone is Comfortable Knowing She Can’t Have It All Jun 30, 2023

When the desire to have kids never kicked in, sociologist Dr. Amy Blackstone thought there was something wrong with her. When she turned to her profession for answers, she learned that “maternal instinct” is largely a myth.

Hank Green Didn’t Know How to Hold a Baby Jun 23, 2023

For most of his life, Hank Green, the Internet’s science teacher, didn’t know how to hold a baby, let alone raise one. Now that he’s a dad himself, it’s the small moments that make him feel like a pro.

Jessica Rose Loves Her Child, but Not Motherhood Jun 23, 2023

Content creator Jessica Rose built a brand around talking about motherhood online – specifically the parts she doesn’t like about it. And she’s come to realize that regretting parenthood doesn’t necessarily make you a bad parent.

Elizabeth Gilbert Gave Herself Permission to Be Free Jun 16, 2023

Author Elizabeth Gilbert thought motherhood was inevitable. But one night at a friend's dinner party, she realized it didn’t have to be that way… and that she’d have to make some big changes if she wanted to rewrite her future.

Shan Boodram Thought She Was One and Done Jun 16, 2023

Sexologist Shan Boodram did not want a second child. So when she found out she was pregnant again and her feelings about it were not entirely positive, she had to reckon with the imperfect parts of herself.

Chasten Buttigieg’s Call Finally Came Jun 09, 2023

Chasten Buttigieg always wanted to be a father, but wasn’t sure it was possible for him as a gay man. After his husband Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign ended, they embarked on another challenging journey: adoption.

Austin Channing Brown will be OK, Either Way Jun 09, 2023

After seven years of marriage, activist and author Austin Channing Brown was pretty sure she didn’t want children. But a conversation with a friend made her wonder if she was following her desire… or her fear.

Roxane Gay is Not Concerned About Age Jun 02, 2023

Writer Roxane Gay and her wife Debbie still haven’t decided if they’ll have children. But instead of feeling pressured by the choice (or by the clock), Roxane finds freedom in their options and sees many ways to parent.

Going Through It: Season 4 - Trailer May 26, 2023

Ashley C. Ford is 36, married, and trying to decide: should she have kids? On the fourth season of Going Through It, Ashley talks to 13 noteworthy guests about how they made the choice and what creating family looks like for them.

Permission to Grow Old with Margaret Cho May 09, 2022

Margaret Cho grew up watching Joan Rivers perform standup on TV. When Margaret became a comic herself, Joan supported her with words, actions, and jokes.

Look to the Hills with Tia Mowry May 02, 2022

In a family filled with strong women, the spirit, wisdom and love of Tia Mowry’s grandmother endures.

Mango Island with Fawzia Mirza Apr 25, 2022

When Fawzia Mirza was 18, her mom enlisted her to smuggle her mom’s favorite fruit, Pakistani mangoes, from Canada to the US. Now, as a queer Muslim fimmaker, she still values the mango as a way they still connect.

Introducing: A new season of Partners Apr 18, 2022

Any successful partnership—business, romantic, or creative—starts with a meaningful connection between 2 people. Partners is a podcast about the people whose journey together led to the creation of something extraordinary.

A Way of Thanking Her with Alexander Chee Apr 18, 2022

Cultural constraintskept Alexander Chee’s grandmother from pursuing Chinese Calligraphy until late in life. Alex created the Yi Dae Up Fellowship in her name to help give women writers of Asian descent the chance she didn’t get.

You Have to Fall and See if the Wings Work with Franklin Leonard Apr 11, 2022

When Franklin Leonard found himself out of his big-wig Hollywood job, he wanted to mope. His mentor, the legendary Hollywood attorney Nina Shaw, wasn’t having it.

He Healed Me Without Knowing It with Aunjanue Ellis Apr 04, 2022

The late actor Michael K. Williams and Aunjanue Ellis’s grandmother had one thing in common: neither needed words to tell Aunjanue how to follow her calling and be her truest self with confidence.

An Intervention in the Middle of Kenya with Zohran Mamdani Mar 28, 2022

Zohran Mamdani’s college road trip through East Africa with his dad and uncle was a blissful tour of his heritage. Then he got his report card back.

The Confidence to Try Anything with Sasheer Zamata Mar 21, 2022

When Sasheer Zamata enrolled at her university, she didn’t know where she was headed. A staging of a play by the school’s brand-new theater professor helped her find her purpose, her identity, and the confidence to try anything.

Whatever You Want to Do for the Rest of Your Life with Melissa Proctor Mar 14, 2022

At 15, all Melissa Proctor wanted was a job at the local mall. Instead, advice from her mother helped her make history as the Miami Heat’s first ball girl.

You’re So Much More Interesting Than This with Ijeoma Oluo Mar 07, 2022

As a teenager, Ijeoma Oluo thought male attention would validate her as a person worth knowing. A late night proclamation from a friend’s older sister snapped her back to reality.

They’re Human and You’re Human with Chani Nicholas Feb 28, 2022

Chani Nicholas first learned of astrology and healing from her step-grandmother. Although they didn’t remain close, Chani still honors her influence by trusting her own inner voice.

The World is Bigger Than the Bad with Chanda Prescod-Weinstein Feb 21, 2022

Being a leader in a field is hard. Being a leader in theoretical physics as a Black woman is a unique battle. When the weight of being one of the first became too heavy, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein turned to her mom for perspective.

You Need to Drop Out with Randa Jarrar Feb 14, 2022

When Randa Jarrar started her MFA program, she thought she was taking the next step on the path to success. That is until her professor, Leslie Marmon Silko, told her to drop out.

Congratulations with Chase Strangio Feb 07, 2022

Lorena Borjas taught Chase Strangio many things over their decade of working together, including how to show up and fight for trans people in New York City. Her most important lesson? There’s always something to celebrate.

Making An Honest Living with Kelly Marie Tran Jan 31, 2022

When Kelly Marie Tran was in middle school, a simple question from her dad – an immigrant to the US from Vietnam – changed the way she understood class, race and success in America.

Going Through It - Season 3 (Trailer) Jan 27, 2022

With new host Jenny Yang, Going Through It returns for its third season featuring 15 notable guests reflecting on what they learned from the elders who influenced them at just the right time.

Tamron Hall Oct 13, 2020

In this special live episode, Tracy sits down with TV host Tamron Hall at Vulture Fest to discuss being fired from The Today Show. She also shares what it has been like to launch her new talk show and becoming a new mother.

Tika Sumpter Oct 06, 2020

Tracy sits down with actress Tika Sumpter to talk about the ups and downs that come with following your dreams. Tika shares the journey of being a waitress in New York City to becoming the actress she always dreamed of.

Angela “The Kitchenista” Davis Sep 29, 2020

Tracy chats with Angela Davis, aka The Kitchenista, about how she pivoted to following her passion for cooking full time. Angela highlights the importance of focusing your time on the things you love.

Lena Waithe Sep 22, 2020

Tracy talks with Emmy award-winning writer, screenwriter and actress Lena Waithe about the power of self-determination and recognizing that struggles are a normal part of our journey.

Raquel Willis Sep 15, 2020

Tracy welcomes transgender activist Raquel Willis to discuss speaking up for yourself and standing in your truth. Raquel also shares how her life trajectory changed after learning of the passing of a young transgender girl.

Mara Brock Akil Sep 08, 2020

Tracy is joined by Girlfriends creator, Mara Brock Akil to chat about betting on yourself. Mara also shares the moment she was ready to risk it all for a chance at earning it all.

Ashley C. Ford Sep 01, 2020

Tracy chats with writer, podcaster, and educator Ashley C. Ford about how a toxic relationship temporarily halted the bigger visions she had for her life. Ashley also shares how self-love led to her biggest breakthrough.

Meagan Good Aug 25, 2020

Tracy talks with actress Meagan Good about her infamous fashion moment at the 2013 BET Awards. Meagan shares exactly what happened, the backlash she faced, and how she found strength in her faith despite the criticism.

Jenna Wortham Aug 18, 2020

Tracy is joined by New York Times culture writer and podcast host of Still Processing, Jenna Wortham. Jenna discusses how her dad’s illness propelled her to have more awareness for her own health and self-care.

Naj Austin Aug 11, 2020

Tracy sits down with Naj Austin, Founder and CEO of Ethel’s Club and Somewhere Good. Naj shares what prompted her to create Ethel’s Club and the questions she faced as a young, Black entrepreneur in the startup world.

Cori Murray Aug 04, 2020

Tracy chats with Essence Magazine’s Entertainment Director, Cori Murray, to talk about the lessons she learned working at the longstanding media company and the importance of supporting the multitudes of Black culture.

Danielle Brooks Jul 28, 2020

Tracy is joined by awarding-winning actress and performer, Danielle Brooks. The pair talk about the surprises in store for Danielle when she gave birth to her first child.

Ilhan Omar Jul 21, 2020

Tracy and Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 5th district, discuss Ilhan’s journey from Somalia to America and how she remains strong amid criticism on the public stage.

Josie Duffy Rice Jul 14, 2020

Tracy and Josie Duffy Rice, President of The Appeal and host of Justice in America, unpack violence and police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how Josie re-evaluated what “making change” meant for her career.

Going Through It - Season 2 (Trailer) Jul 09, 2020

Back for a second season, Tracy Clayton hosts Going Through It, a podcast featuring 14 notable Black women discussing a pivotal moment when they decided it was time to make a change.

Antje Danielson Was Fired By Her Best Friend Apr 15, 2019

In 1999, Antje Danielson wanted to start a car-sharing company. But she was a scientist, not a businesswoman, and she knew she couldn’t do it alone. After launching Zipcar with her friend Robin Chase, Danielson had to come to terms with one of her biggest mistakes: asking a close friend to become an equal partner in her company. Danielson tells host Ann Friedman what happened when Chase fired her, and why her choice to walk away ultimately saved the company.

Ellen Pao Lost Her Lawsuit, And Her Job Apr 15, 2019

In 2012, Ellen Pao was fighting discrimination on two fronts: in the courtroom, where she brought a gender discrimination lawsuit against her former employer Kleiner Perkins, and at work, where she attempted to change the culture of Reddit as its interim CEO. Before the end of that year, Pao both lost her case, and resigned. She talks to host Ann Friedman about her decision to keep working to change the tech industry, even after everything fell apart.

Charlotte Cho Thought Her Skincare Hobby Could Never Be Her Career Apr 15, 2019

When Charlotte Cho moved to South Korea, she didn’t have a professional passion or much of a plan. But she did discover the power of the 10-step skin care routine. Now, she’s the founder of Soko Glam, one of the largest retailers of Korean beauty products in the United States. Cho tells host Ann Friedman about how she learned to invest in her company, and herself.

Soledad O’Brien’s Dream Job Wasn’t A Dream At All Apr 15, 2019

Years before broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien delivered the news to millions of Americans, she was an entry-level reporter in San Francisco. To become the news anchor she wanted to be, O’Brien had to make strategic decisions. She talks to host Ann Friedman about what happened when that first on-air position — which was her dream role at the time — started looking like a dead-end job.

Jessamyn Stanley Couldn't Stop Saying "I'm Sorry" Apr 15, 2019

Jessamyn Stanley didn’t set out to be a yoga instructor. But after a death in her family, yoga became one of the few tools that helped her cope with depression. Stanley talks to host Ann Friedman about how she unexpectedly came to the practice, how it forced her to address things she didn’t even know she needed to change, and how she became someone who leads other yoga practitioners on their own journeys.

Samin Nosrat Wanted to Be a Writer, Not a Chef Apr 15, 2019

Samin Nosrat built her career and her identity as a chef. She studied cooking in Italy, worked at the revered Chez Panisse, and launched her own pop-up catering company to overnight success. But none of this was what she actually wanted to do. Nosrat wanted to write. She talks to host Ann Friedman about how scary it was to push the reset button on her life.

Glennon Doyle Fell in Love with Someone Who Wasn't Her Husband Apr 15, 2019

The night Glennon Doyle stood in front of an audience to announce the release of Love Warrior, a book about repairing her relationship with her husband, was the same night she met the love of her life — soccer star Abby Wambach. In the months between their fateful meeting and her book tour, Doyle had to decide: Would she follow her heart to be with Wambach, or make the “safe” choice and stay in her marriage?

Claressa Shields Was Told to Wait Four More Years For The Olympics Apr 15, 2019

When the Olympics announced in 2012 that women’s boxing would be an official event for the first time in history, Claressa Shields started to prepare for a match that could change her life. But when the president of USA Boxing told her she wasn’t old enough to compete, Shields’ dedication to the sport was thrown into question. She tells host Ann Friedman about how close she came to giving up her dream.

Hillary Clinton Almost Dropped Out... of College Apr 15, 2019

In the fall of 1965, 18-year-old Hillary Rodham left home and moved almost 1,000 miles away from everything that was familiar. Far from her parents, and far from her small Midwestern community where she was an academic superstar. And she began her first year at Wellesley College, a place she never expected would bring out her deepest insecurities. What happens when you’re afraid you can’t hack it, and you’re tempted to just give up?

Cameron Esposito Got Her Big Break...And Then It Fell Apart Apr 15, 2019

Cameron Esposito had always looked at her career in comedy as if she was running a small, DIY business. But when she was approached by Seeso, an online streaming network, to make a TV series based on her life, she felt that Hollywood was finally taking notice. Esposito tells host Ann Friedman about launching her series, getting rave reviews…and how she coped with the fall out after the network shut down.

Amanda Nguyen Took Congress To Task For Survivors’ Rights Apr 15, 2019

Amanda Nguyen was appalled to find that the laws around the preservation of her rape kit would make it difficult for her to seek justice after her sexual assault. Outraged, she marched onto Capitol Hill, determined to get Congress to listen to her story and change the laws. But she was ignored again and again. Nguyen tells host Ann Friedman the story of how she eventually caught the attention of the people in power, and “penned her own civil rights into existence.”

Rebecca Traister Went Freelance and Almost Went Broke Apr 15, 2019

When journalist Rebecca Traister quit her full-time job after she got pregnant, she had a plan: she was going to write her second book while spending time at home with her first child. But she didn’t prepare for the writer’s block, financial insecurity, and postpartum depression that also marked her first year as a mother. Traister talks to host Ann Friedman about how she lost herself to a book and a newborn, and how she found her way back.

Audri Scott Williams Ran An Unlikely Congressional Race Apr 15, 2019

Audri Scott Williams’ announcement to run in the 2018 primary election wasn’t just historic because she was running in Alabama’s notoriously conservative District 2. She was part of a wave of over 70 black running for office in her state that year. But Williams was accustomed to being on front lines of political change. She tells host Ann Friedman about integrating her elementary school in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and how that moment would shape how she faced the long odds of her political race.

Kathleen Hanna Hated Being the Face of Riot Grrrl Apr 15, 2019

Ever since childhood, Kathleen Hanna loved singing. When she and her friends started the band Bikini Kill , she used her voice to challenge the male-dominated punk scene and center the women around her. But her success came with unexpected consequences. Hanna tells host Ann Friedman the story of what it was like to be declared the face of Riot Grrrl, and how the community she advocated for eventually turned against her.

Introducing Going Through It Apr 05, 2019

Introducing Going Through It, a new podcast from Mailchimp. Coming to a podcast provider near you on April 15th.

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