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The Accidental Activist

The Accidental Activist

Wonder Media Network

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.
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Top 10 The Accidental Activist Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Accidental Activist episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Accidental Activist for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Accidental Activist episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

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 the institution of marriage to uncover what’s behind this latest push for the return of a traditional family structure. Join us in exploring where America—and Americans—have fallen short and what we can do to create a better future.

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The Accidental Activist - Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams

The Accidental Activist

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05/27/22 • 61 min

To close season one of The Accidental Activist, Jesse Williams joins the show. Steeped in an activist background, Jesse shares how his activism started, where his fire comes from, and how he operates as an actor and activist in Hollywood. Jesse and Isha break down what it means to be an activist and how we all have a responsibility to serve others. Finally, Jesse sheds light on the single greatest moment that threatened to turn him away from activism.

2016 BET Awards Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbJUzqw1E-g

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Billy Porter (Actor)

Billy Porter (Actor)

The Accidental Activist

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12/02/22 • 54 min

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” and 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 experienced 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 LBTQ+ civil rights to how we can remain hopeful for the future.

Read Billy’s memoir: Unprotected: A Memoir a book by Billy Porter

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Welcome to Season 2

Welcome to Season 2

The Accidental Activist

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09/30/22 • 2 min

All season long, join Isha Sesay as she talks with celebrity changemakers who are pushing themselves far beyond their comfort zones with the intention of making the world a better place. From issues like reproductive rights to racial justice, these Hollywood icons share how they found themselves inhabiting the role of activist – and what they’re thinking ahead of the midterms this Fall. Leave these conversations inspired to take action and get involved.

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Roxane Gay (Author)

Roxane Gay (Author)

The Accidental Activist

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05/20/22 • 41 min

In this episode, Roxane and Isha explore the obsession with the scrutinization of our bodies and the role misogyny plays in that scrutiny. As a writer and social commentator, Roxane explains why she not only doesn’t claim the title of activist, but she also doesn’t do the work she does with the intention of activating. She is simply telling her story and sharing her experience. But sometimes that's enough to get put on the proverbial pedestal.

You can hear more from Roxane in her newsletter, The Audacity, and on her podcast, The Roxane Gay Agenda.

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Alyson Stoner (Actress, Singer, Dancer)
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05/13/22 • 54 min

Alyson Stoner has been in the limelight since childhood. But now she is speaking out against the lack of support for children in the industry. In this week’s episode, Alyson sheds light on the ways in which Hollywood and society fall short of protecting children in the business. She discusses her experience and why she’s chosen to use her platform to better conditions. Alyson emphasizes the importance of taking care of your mental health and how we can all do our small part to make the world a better place.

To support Alyson and the causes she believes in, check out the organizations below:

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker

The Accidental Activist

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05/06/22 • 44 min

This week, Isha is joined by Oscar winner and founder and CEO of Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, Forest Whitaker. Forest shares how his early childhood exposure to violence in his community served as a driving force in both his acting career and his activism. He teaches Isha the lesson of the importance of being strategic and methodical with every decision you make and the two bond over their shared experience of running a not-for-profit.

You can find out more about The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative https://www.wpdi.org/

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho

The Accidental Activist

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04/29/22 • 49 min

Margaret Cho has been making us laugh for years. But now it’s time to get serious. This week, Margaret joins Isha to help spotlight the rise of anti-Asian hate in America. Born out of fear, Margaret’s activism works to dismantle the toxic labels about and within the Asian American community. Margaret challenges the myths and stereotypes that harm how we see and interact with each other while demonstrating the power of turning fear into fuel.

Check out Margaret's podcast Mortal Minority!

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Masai Ujiri (Toronto Raptors President)
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04/22/22 • 47 min

This week, Isha is joined by her friend and fellow activist, Masai Ujiri. As a former athlete and current President of the Toronto Raptors, Masai has a mental fortitude that extends well beyond basketball. This is the same fortitude he had to exhibit when one of the highlights of his career took a dark turn. In this episode, Masai illustrates why he credits his multinational upbringing for much of his success and why he chooses to invest in the youth.

To support Masai’s organization, go to https://giantsofafrica.org/

Follow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Accidental Activist - Bonus: White Picket Fence Returns

Bonus: White Picket Fence Returns

The Accidental Activist

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03/22/23 • 34 min

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.
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FAQ

How many episodes does The Accidental Activist have?

The Accidental Activist currently has 24 episodes available.

What topics does The Accidental Activist cover?

The podcast is about Racism, Movement, Society & Culture, Interview, Celebrity, Activism, Personal Journals, Policy, Journalism, Podcasts, Activist, Politics and Government.

What is the most popular episode on The Accidental Activist?

The episode title 'Roxane Gay (Author)' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Accidental Activist?

The average episode length on The Accidental Activist is 40 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Accidental Activist released?

Episodes of The Accidental Activist are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The Accidental Activist?

The first episode of The Accidental Activist was released on Feb 11, 2022.

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