Battletested with Tanya Acker

At 15, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He wrote a brief that helped overturn his conviction and win his release, and now serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Minnesota State Board of Public Defense. She is a social worker who treats victims of trauma, and who advocates a more nuanced approach to public safety.

Tanya talks to Elizer Darris, Co-Executive Director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund and Marika Reese, Executive Director of Ubuntu Care Services.

Tanya talks to Washington Post reporter Sarah Ellison about the continuing assault on truth and what fairness requires of journalists.

Tanya takes a look back at 2021 and gives a big thank you to our listeners. Here’s another one: THANK YOU. Happy New Year!

Tanya talks to Lloyd Grove about how the news business has changed; the problem of news deserts; the difference between fairness and objectivity and what’s next for him in his 45-year career after his move to France.

Tanya talks to the CEO of the Center for Heirs Property Preservation about the importance of a will; how family disputes can threaten shared property held without one; and why holding on to the land matters.

Tanya talks to Stephen Battaglio, Staff Writer for the Los Angeles Times, about the rules of journalism; what led to Chris Cuomo’s downfall at CNN; and whether he can find a way back. 

Tanya talks to the iconic actor about carving out his own path during his 52 years in the entertainment industry and his advice for young people today.

Tanya talks to her Hot Bench co-host about her new book, From the Kitchen to the Courtroom: Doing Justice to Pasta.

Tanya talks to the author of Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres, about the significance of musical genres; our fandom and our tastes; and some of music’s most powerful moments.

Happy holidays! This week we're re-releasing Tanya's talk with the legendary songwriters and music producers about their new album, Volume One.