22 episodes

For acclaimed journalist Isha Sesay, being surrounded by news of activism was the norm. But becoming an activist herself was never a role she envisioned—until now. In this series, Isha sits down with an array of cultural icons who have also found themselves unexpectedly inhabiting a role as “activist.” She explores the motivating circumstances behind their passions, all while revealing the human condition that unites us all: a desire to make a difference in the world.

The Accidental Activist Wonder Media Network

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 27 Ratings

For acclaimed journalist Isha Sesay, being surrounded by news of activism was the norm. But becoming an activist herself was never a role she envisioned—until now. In this series, Isha sits down with an array of cultural icons who have also found themselves unexpectedly inhabiting a role as “activist.” She explores the motivating circumstances behind their passions, all while revealing the human condition that unites us all: a desire to make a difference in the world.

    Bonus: White Picket Fence Returns

    Bonus: White Picket Fence Returns

    We're bringing you another podcast from Wonder Media Network that we think you'll love: White Picket Fence. White Picket Fence interrogates the structures of inequity affecting women since America’s founding. On the newest season, host Julie Kohler investigates mothers as a political force — how motherhood has been utilized for political gain and why the identity of “mother” remains so politically potent.

    In the fall of 2020, a group of mothers gathered around a kitchen table. They were concerned that public school administrators were making decisions about their children's health and education that overstepped their bounds. It felt like they were losing control over their kids. So they decided to band together and fight for their parental rights. Pretty compelling, right? It's hard to argue with moms. The GOP knows that. And that's why they've weaponized our reverence for motherhood by propping up Moms for Liberty — the “grassroots” organization that’s leading the charge in the culture wars in American public schools.

    White Picket Fence's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.

    White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.

    • 34 min
    Billy Porter (Actor)

    Billy Porter (Actor)

    Billy Porter has been blazing trails his entire career — from his Tony Award-winning performance in “Kinky Boots” to his starring role in FX’s “Pose” to his daring, gender-bending red carpet fashion. In the season two finale, Isha and Billy talk about his journey from the church choir to the heights of television and Broadway success. Billy opens up about the homophobia he endured in his church community and the indignities he experienced early in his theater career as a gay Black man. Billy also talks about his decision to reveal his HIV diagnosis after years of keeping it a secret from the public. And, of course, he and Isha talk politics — from Billy’s anger about current threats to LGBTQ+ civil rights to how we can remain hopeful for the future.

    • 54 min
    A Message from The Accidental Activist Team

    A Message from The Accidental Activist Team

    As the holiday season begins, it is easy for us to get caught up in the thrill of consumerism. But this should also be a season of gratitude and generosity. That’s why the Accidental Activist team is observing Giving Tuesday. We ask that our listeners look inwards and think about some of the issues we’ve discussed this season: from reproductive rights to racial justice to the assault on human rights in Turkey. We welcome you to use giving Tuesday as an opportunity to support these causes — or any others that matter most to you. Thank you, and enjoy the holiday season!

    • 2 min
    Noor Tagouri (Journalist)

    Noor Tagouri (Journalist)

    This week, Isha is joined by fellow journalist Noor Tagouri. From her childhood obsession with Oprah to launching her journalism career when she was only 15 years old, Noor has demonstrated a tireless commitment to storytelling. Isha and Noor delve into how she uses her years of reporting and life experience to tell honest, human stories about communities that don’t often get nuanced coverage. She opens up about her choice to wear the hijab while reporting and how that decision has been covered by media outlets over the years — usually negatively, according to Noor. They also discuss her recent podcast “Rep,” which delves into how Muslims have been portrayed in the media over the last few decades. And Noor explains why she wants to do more than combat harmful stereotypes — to tell stories that leave people and communities at the center.

    • 44 min
    Enes Kanter (NBA Player/Activist)

    Enes Kanter (NBA Player/Activist)

    This week, Isha is joined by former NBA player and activist Enes Kanter Freedom. Enes has always understood the value of free speech — he grew up in Turkey under a dictatorship. Now, he’s using his platform to combat global human rights violations, from media suppression in his home country to the genocide of Uyghur Muslims in China. Enes and Isha break down his journey to activism and just how much his public stances against injustice have cost him and his family. They also revisit the pivotal game when Enes risked — and lost — his NBA career, and why he still doesn’t regret it.

    • 44 min
    Roy Wood Jr. (Comedian, The Daily Show)

    Roy Wood Jr. (Comedian, The Daily Show)

    This week, Isha is joined by comedian Roy Wood Jr. Roy is a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, where he uses comedy to force viewers to pay attention to the injustices happening around them. Isha and Roy discuss how growing up as a young Black man in Birmingham, Alabama shaped his understanding of American racial politics, and why he didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a civil rights journalist. They also talk about comedy and cancel culture, and Roy’s next steps as Trevor Noah leaves The Daily Show after a seven-year run. Oh, and Roy does a great West African accent — just ask Isha.

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
27 Ratings

27 Ratings

britlikeslimes ,

Amazing show

This show has it all. It’s entertaining, informative and fun! I look forward to it every week!!

Soccergirl_7 ,

Fantastic!

I’ve listened to every episode twice! I love the premise and it’s such a fun mix of motivation and chill vibes :)

bigcat1238 ,

Love this show!

I love this show! Isha is such a wonderful interviewer and asks such thoughtful follow up questions to her guests. I love learning the activism stories of the guests as it helps me to view them in a completely different light. Cannot wait for next week’s episode!

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