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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.
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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
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As the holiday season begins, it is easy 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!
Here is a link to some of the organizations we support:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
National Network of Abortion Funds
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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.
Support Noor’s nonprofit: ISeeYou Foundation
Listen to the “Rep” podcast here: Rep on Apple Podcasts
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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.
Follow Enes’s activist work here: http://enesfreedom.org
Learn more about Turkey’s human rights violations here: https://turkeypurge.com
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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 why Roy’s stand up sets have become more political over the years, his take on cancel culture, and his 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.
Join Roy in improving literacy in children: I See Me, Inc.
Help Roy in supporting childhood education: Our Vision | Genius MAP
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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.
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.
Read Jemele’s new memoir: Uphill: A Memoir - MahoganyBooks
Listen to Jemele’s podcast: Jemele Hill is Unbothered | Podcast on Spotify
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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.
Learn more about Vote Mama: Vote Mama
Check out Busy’s weekly podcast: Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best
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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.”
Learn more about Man Enough: Man Enough
Learn about Justin’s nonprofit Be Love: BeLove
Check out Justin’s newest book here: Boys Will Be Human – HarperCollins
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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.
Learn more about Kendrick’s work with BLD PWR: BLD PWR
Special thanks to our season sponsor Mercedes Benz.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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:
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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/
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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!
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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/
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Turning pain into purpose can often be the cornerstone of activism. Dr. Lucy Kalanithi exemplifies that in her work as a physician. In this episode, Lucy walks us through her unconventional journey into activism. She explains what it means to find joy in the midst of suffering, the importance of discovering your purpose, and why she’s fighting to make the healthcare system more human and more humane.
Check out Lucy’s podcast Gravity
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In this week’s episode, Isha is joined by author, comedian, and activist, Baratunde Thurston. From the hallways of Sidwell Friends School to behind the mic of his How To Citizen podcast, Baratunde employs humor, compassion, and a little bit of anger to convey his thoughts on race, culture, and politics. Isha and Baratunde discuss the significance of one’s upbringing, what it means to be an activist in today’s day and age, and the pillars of being an engaged citizen.
Baratunde’s 2019 Ted Talk - How to deconstruct racism, one headline at a time
Check out Baratunde’s podcast How To Citizen with Baratunde!
Organizations and programs that Baratunde supports:
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Alyssa Milano has been on our screens for decades. But she’s also been on the front lines championing the issues she believes in for just as long. Her roles on Who's the Boss?, Melrose Place, and Charmed are as iconic as her activism. While most of us choose one cause, Alyssa has dedicated herself to many. In this episode, Alyssa shares the origin story of her activism, how love propels us, and how to face the critics.
Mentioned tweet: https://twitter.com/alyssa_milano/status/919659438700670976?lang=en
Check out Alyssa’s podcast Alyssa Milano: Sorry Not Sorry!
Resources:
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