The Accidental Activist

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this week’s episode, Isha is joined by actor and director Justin Baldoni. He is best known for his charming performance as Rafael on “Jane the Virgin,” but in recent years, Justin has also been making waves as an activist for men’s mental health. Isha and Justin talk candidly about his early years in Hollywood and his struggles with identity and masculinity. He also opens up about his continued efforts to help men and boys challenge the societal belief structure of what it means to be a man — from his “Man Enough” podcast to his brand new book “Boys Will Be Human.”

When BLM protests swept across the country in 2020, many celebrities shared their support on social media. Actor Kendrick Sampson (Insecure, The Vampire Diaries) actually joined protestors in the streets and hasn’t stopped fighting since. In the first episode of season two, Kendrick joins Isha to talk about his ongoing efforts to push the movement for Black liberation forward. He doesn’t shy away from tough conversations about police brutality and systemic racism — and shares how his personal experiences with both have shaped the impactful work he is doing today.