The Accidental Activist

Wonder Media Network
  • 4.7 (26)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Accidental Activist

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.

  1. Bonus: Introducing the Brown Girls Guide to Politics Unpacking Project 2025 Mini Series

    OCT 28 · BONUS

    Bonus: Introducing the Brown Girls Guide to Politics Unpacking Project 2025 Mini Series

    Hey listeners, we're bringing you an episode of another Wonder Media Network show we think you'll love: The Brown Girls Guide to Politics. This season, A'shanti is doing a deep dive into Project 2025. The 920 page document represents a vision for government unlike anything we've seen before. In this first episode, A'shanti speaks with Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Dr. Tammy Greer about the authors and vision of Project 2025, and why former President Donald Trump has been quick to distance himself from it. Plus: how its policy proposals would change the way the U.S. government operates. The Brown Girls Guide to Politics Podcast is all about amplifying the voices of women who are too often forgotten in media coverage. Host A’shanti Gholar leads conversations with women changing the face of politics. In the BGG to Politics blog, A’shanti created a space for women of color to learn about the current state of politics, to support others breaking into the political sphere, and to celebrate incredible women changing the course of the country. A’shanti founded the blog in 2018 and Wonder Media Network is thrilled to extend her platform to audio.

    33 min

  2. 12/02/2022

    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

  3. 11/25/2022 · BONUS

    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

  4. 11/18/2022

    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

  5. 11/11/2022

    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

  6. 11/04/2022

    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.

    46 min

  7. 10/28/2022

    Jemele Hill (Sports Journalist)

    Jemele Hill isn't shy about speaking her mind — about playoffs or politics. From her time as an anchor on ESPN’s Sportscenter to her current role at the Atlantic, Jemele has faced backlash from sports fans who prefer to keep politics out of the game. This week, she joins Isha to talk about how her long career has led her to become an outspoken advocate for Black athletes. Jemele opens up about breaking into sports media as a young Black woman and how she’s learned to call out injustice and bigotry when she sees it, even when it’s risky.

    46 min

  8. 10/21/2022

    Busy Philipps (Actress)

    This week, Isha is joined by actress Busy Philipps. Busy got her start starring in the beloved teen dramas “Freaks and Geeks” and “Dawson’s Creek,” but she does a lot more than acting these days. In addition to growing her online following, Busy’s been a huge leader in the fight against abortion restrictions. Isha and Busy discuss her decision to publicly and proudly share her personal abortion experience and how she’s continuing to advocate for equal access to reproductive healthcare. Busy also opens up about how she balances a packed schedule with parenting two children — and how she’s helping to get more working moms elected to public office through the organization Vote Mama.

    46 min
See All (22)

Trailers

Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

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.

Information

More From Wonder Media Network

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada