Tania's Take race, culture and the culture of race

Tania performs an excerpt from her upcoming memoir Black Girl From a White Suburb: Finding My Light, Using My Voice in Steppenwolf Theatre's LOOKOUT series. Thanks to Jeremy Owens, producer of You're Being Ridiculous @taniastake @taniawritesmind

Tania speaks with her one-on-one coaching client and friend, Kel Haney. You'll get a sense of how their work has developed over the past two years and continues to challenge and transform them both. They cover the issues surrounding Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility, how "bad ideas can't wait," approaching DEI with a "humans first" mentality, how white supremacy is rooted in all of us, and what we can do about it. Tania's Take offers keynotes and specialized interactive workshops in addition to one-on-one coaching. Follow @taniastake on Instagram

Tania clarifies a few points she made during last week's episode about And Just Like That, Season 2. What did she really mean about LTW's husband and the cab incident, Cynthia Nixon's walk and what it means to be Black famous? AND hear about the new direction she is taking the podcast.  Follow @taniastake on Instagram 

Tania and podcaster Cheryl Graeff (Friends I'm No Longer Friends With) talk about And Just Like That, Season 2. How have the writers handled the intersectionality, the sex, the relationships, the storylines, the stand up comedy, the new characters, marriage, the kids, Tony Danza, New York, fashion, wealth, privilege and more? Have they doubled down on some of the more cringey elements? Do they love their Sex and the City fans or hate us? Find out! Follow @tanaistake on Instagram Follow @cherylgraeff on Instagram Cheryl's podcast: Friends I'm no Longer Friends With  

Governor Ron DeSantis is running for president while waging a war on social issues in Florida. He recently signed into a law that public colleges will not receive funding if they have any programming that supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Tania dispels the fear mongering by sharing how she teaches about DEI in her workshops and how antiracism education simply makes us better humans. All that in under 15 minutes! Follow @taniastake on Instagram

Tania examines three current events that illustrate how bias impacts double standards. Tania points out why antiracists need to be ready to use the examples to shift the dominant narrative and dismantle systemic racism.  Rate, Review, Subscribe, Like wherever you listen to this podcast. Follow Tania @taniastake on Instagram 

Tania and her guest/sister Gina Pearson book club "On Critical Race Theory Why it matters and Why you should care". It's a deep dive on intersectionality, marginalized identities, language, white feminism, trans rights, the importance of knowing America's historical timeline, the right to vote, how white suffragists aligned themselves with white men, Dr. Drew, Megyn Kelly, Sally Field, Michelle Yeoh, Ke Key Quan, the danger of victory laps, scary and prophetic quotes from politicians and haunted book clubs. They interrogate the author's title and whether he delivers on what it says AND they come up with their own solutions with plenty of take aways for all.

Tania and her guest comedian and OUT Chicago host Scott Duff talk all things Drag Race. They explore the intersection of race, identity, sexuality, gender, bias, evolution, revolution, making mistakes, making amends and ALL the tea about this iconic show. You don't have to be a fan to get something out of this episode BUT you will likely be a fan when you're through.  Follow @taniastake on Instagram Scott Duff @scottdangerduff on Instagram OUT Chicago Sundays 11-1 (CST) on WCPT 820 AM 

What would you do if someone told you they wanted to strangle you and meant it as a compliment? Tania shares a story about a wild micro-aggression she experienced in an Aqua Zumba class. AND she tells another story about a wrong she made into a right. Find out how Tania responded in both cases and what she learned. Take aways include how you can engage in small acts of activism that have a big impact.  Follow @taniastake on Instagram

Tania speaks with Traci Thomas the host and producer of @thestackspodcast about what it takes to run a business, work life balance, setting attainable goals, reading tips and briefly but so importantly The Bachelor! Rate, Review, Subscribe! Follow Tania @taniastake You can listen to Traci's podcast at The Stacks In this episode Traci mentions: Invisible Child by Andre Elliott For ebooks and audiobooks Scribbed   Acuity for online scheduling  

Tania talks about her top five celebrity memoirs of 2022. Hello, Molly by Molly Shannon, I was better last night by Harvey Fierstein, This Time for Me by Alexandra Billings Finding Me by Viola Davis Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir by cultural critic Rebecca Carroll. Themes include diversity, equity, inclusion, the search for belonging and chosen family. Tania settles the score on audiobooks vs books. PLUS she reads an excerpt from her upcoming memoir Black Girl in a White Suburb. Follow Tania @taniastake on Instagram  Rate, review, subscribe wherever you find the podcast. 

Part II is my conversation with director Lili-Anne Brown. As a Black director who directed five plays nationwide this past season Lili-Anne brings a unique perspective on the state of American Theatre. Part I  Approximate Timestamps: 14:00 Should a person of color head a predominantly white institution? 28:00 Tania talks about her successful collaboration as the DEI Rehearsal Consultant for Goodman Theatre's production of Life After. 38:00 Does white leadership mean an institution is broken? 45:00 Actors have PTSD 56:00 Open letter to New York Time Theatre Critic Jesse Green @taniastake on Instagram Gyrls in the Hood     Become a Hood Angel and be a holiday blessing to a young woman  

In Part I of two parts Tania talks about the importance of assessing the current state of American theatre and where it is going since the summer of George Floyd and the document We See You White American Theater was released. Then she shares a POV timeline of events she has read about, witnessed or experienced in the theatre community since 2020 in an effort to give context and to encourage theatre practitioners from all over the country to do the same. Part 2 coming out next week includes a conversation with director Lili-Anne Brown who has traveled all over the country this year directing 5 productions with predominantly Black casts. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you get notification as soon as the episode goes up. Follow Tania @taniastake on Instagram Contact Tania at www.taniarichard.com if you create your own POV timeline and she'll add it to the spread sheet.  We See You White American Theater

Tania and her sister Gina talk all things Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with NO SPOILER ALERTS. You'll also hear about horizontal racism, what it means to be an ensemble actor, Tania's reaction to a video of Chadwick Boseman predicting his future and Leticia Wright's (Shuri) emotional journey. Tania rants about why Angela Bassett doesn't have an Oscar and why Winston Duke (M'Baku) isn't a mega star. They honor Chadwick Boseman, recall seeing the first Black Panther and more.  

Tania reflects on current events including Buffalo, NY, Roe vs. Wade and the baby formula shortage. She talks about being in action vs reaction and recommends various organizations that need immediate support.  Planned Parenthood New Moms Target baby registry  Follow me @taniastake on Instagram  You can support Tania's Take at Buy Me A Coffee Please like, subscribe rate and review on your podcast platform

How did a group of friends singing Beatles songs turn into white women insisting on singing negro spirituals and Civil Rights songs? Tania's sister Gina shares an outrageous story about a singing group that descended into a pit of casual racism and micro-aggressions for the record books. How did Gina handle it? Why does stuff like this keep happening? What do we need white women to do when it's happening? A classic example of casual racism in a social setting with all the usual players. Gentrification and opportunity hoarding is discussed too. This is a must listen episode; two Black women honestly talking about experiencing the Wild Wild West of "best intentions" gone wrong. Celebrate Gina speaking her truth in the moment and in this conversation. And learn the urgent importance of tasty chips and guacamole.    I mention this Tania's Take episode on Transracial Adoption   I also mention my friend's podcast When We Were Young   Follow me @taniastake on Instagram   Please subscribe, rate, review and share Tania's Take

In this mini episode Tania talks about being a Black, female, teacher and her experience with the only Black teacher she ever had. She also shares historic news from her daughter's school district and reviews Molly Shannon's new book "Hello, Molly".     Follow @taniastake on Instagram

Tania celebrates Ketanji Brown Jackson's historic confirmation while roasting the Republican Senators who voted against her. Make no mistake their choice is a display of upholding white supremacy. Tania explains why. A special tribute at the end. CORRECTION: The final vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson was 53 Yay/47 Nay. In the episode Tania says 47-3 by mistake. ---- ***For a deeper dive on the difference between racism, being a racist, white supremacy and being a white supremacist listen to this  episode of Tania's Take.   Follow @taniastake on Instagram Please like, follow, subscribe and rate Tania's Take on all platforms.         

Tania shares her take on Ketanji Brown Jackson's "performance" at her Supreme Court Justice hearing and all the opinions on Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. In this mini episode Tania's perspective will leave you with things to think about and action items as you go about your business. Plus she has a book recommendation! @taniastake on Instagram Like, Rate, Subscribe, Review

Tania and podcaster Cheryl Graeff (Friends I'm no longer friends with) use the final episode of "And just like that..." to unpack the Magical Negro trope, "woke" vs. "being awake", patriarchy, the basis of white supremacy and more. Did the AJLT writers' attempt to integrate new characters succeed? And what needs to happen in writers' rooms moving forward? Something for everyone in this episode especially writers and content creators.  Please follow, subscribe, rate and review @taniastake on Instagram Friends I'm no longer friends with

TW: Just kidding unless you need a trigger warning to hear two women speak openly and honestly about menopause. Episode 9 of "And just like that..." sparked a conversation between Tania and fellow podcaster Cheryl Graeff (Friends I'm no longer friends with) about their experience with menopause. What exactly is menopause? When does it start? Sweet God, when does it end? Also, what's PMDD? Why is menopause a punchline in our culture?  What's a vagina workshop? What about sex? And how is Tania supposed to find time for alternate remedies and solutions when she's exhausted by 7pm.? We have questions and some answers with plenty of laughs along the way.  NEWCOMERS! This is not a usual episode. If you are seeking episodes focused more on antiracism here are a few of my favorites: How to be an antiracist by Ibram X Kendi pros and cons The Difference between a racist, a white supremacist, racism and upholding white supremacy Follow, rate and subscribe please! Follow @taniastake on Instagram Cheryl's podcast: Friends I'm no longer friends with Resources mentioned on the episode: Whole Health Chicago A Black Woman's Guide to Menopause

Tania uses episode 8 of "And just like that..." to talk about inclusion, writing archetypes vs real humans, the notion of "coming out" or just living one's life not getting lulled back to sleep when it comes to antiracism and dismantling systems, gaslighting 101, the Trump administration and toppling white supremacy. All that in a 22 minute episode. Podcaster Cheryl Graeff (Friends I'm no longer friends with) joins Tania for this intersectional, educational and funny conversation.  Follow Tania @taniastake Support Tania and find essays and antiracism content on Buy me a Coffee For information on antiracism consultations and workshops  Friends I'm no longer friends with  

Tania's back on the mic talking about the "Sex and the City" reboot "And just like that..." It's the perfect opportunity to examine a pop culture moment through the lens of race. Is the new series' attempt to be more intersectional and inclusive a success? How do you collaborate in a diverse collective and keep power dynamics in check? What do Tania and her guest Cheryl Graeff (NEW podcast "Friends I'm no longer friends with") think about how the series is handling aging? Join Tania and Cheryl in the next few weeks as they discuss the remaining two episodes. And stay with Tania's Take for new episodes on race, culture and the culture of race.    11:40 What Tania thinks happened in the Writer's Room 16:52 What's the difference between cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation? 22:00 How do Tania and Cheryl navigate getting older? 25: What would Tania have pitched in the writer's room of "And just like that..."? Follow Tania @taniastake on Instagram  For information on antiracism education and workshops go to www.taniarichard.com Support Tania's work at "Buy Me A Coffee"

There is so much in this episode it's best to share the topics covered: Beyonce, Barbara Streisand, Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, iconography, what makes an icon?, Peter Frechette, theatre, writing, playwriting, inclusion, BIPOC, LGBTQIA plus representation in theatre and film, tropes, writing hacks that use marginalized characters as devices to make white, cisgender, heteronormative characters more interesting or forgivable, being ones authentic self, why gay people can play straight but straight people shouldn't play gay, BIPOC and LGBTQIA plus supporting characters who we want to see with their own shows, agency, what we will no longer do as artists, advice to writers who want to write for characters from marginalized groups and the future of theatre. Tania and Mitchell also discuss a play they both were in where the gay and Black characters are misused and misrepresented, plus in a moment of healing, Tania shares for the first time an experience she had doing a play that was full of micro-aggressions that created a hostile work environment. This whole discussion serves as a cautionary tale for storytellers across all genres moving forward. Mitchell J. Fain is an actor and activist with 30 years of experience in theatre, improvisation, circus performance and teaching. He is the cohost of The Queer View with Alexandra Billings. His credits include The Santa Land Diaries, The Red Line, Into the Breeches, Midnight Circus and more.  Here are a few quotes from the episode: "We are not tropes and our lives are huge...Just because you're not invited to the gay club or barbecue doesn't mean it doesn't happen." Mitchell J. Fain "Don't desex me. Sex isn't just about sex. Since sex is the one thing that everyone thinks separates queer people from straight people, then you don't get to take it away from me. Don't take away the fullness of an existence." Mitchell J. Fain  "You don't get to control my narrative." Tania Richard "I will only show up as my full, authentic self." Tania Richard If you want exclusive bonus content for this episode as well as access to antiracism educational content, original essays, cultural commentary, pop culture deep dives and comedy become a member at Buy Me A Coffee. Follow @taniastake on Instagram @mjf1600 on Instagram  The Queer View  with Mitchell J. Fain and Alexandra Billings  

"To celebrate, honor and AVENGE Nell Carter." That is Tania's mission in this bonus episode of Tania's Take. Tania and her guest Steven Strafford discuss Ms. Carter's genius. They talk about her sitcom Gimme A Break, her amazing performances across genres and consider why she has never received the flowers she deserves. They also talk about being performers, the science of comedy, falling in love with theatre and performance during their formative years, addiction, race, body image and a performance of Nell Carter's at the 1992 Golden that Tania is determined to avenge. Yes, the words "F*** Michelle Pfeiffer" are spoken. Twice. Find out why. Tania shares a regret that she has related to Nell Carter and a revelation. AND there's even some valuable take aways on how to be an antiracist and how to challenge your bias.  If you liked this episode you can show your support and Buy Me A Coffee OR if you become a member at Buy me a Coffee you will have exclusive access to a video  of the the episode recording session with clips of the performances mentioned.  Follow @taniastake on Instagram Steve Strafford mentions his solo show Methtacular. Here is the link www.methtacular.com/show/ Twitter @stevenstrafford

Tania shares her reasons for going on hiatus with the podcast. She has a message for BIPOC activists and a call to action for accomplices who are ready to take it to the next level of antiracism. What are her thoughts on the Derek Chauvin verdict? What revelation did she have after the murder of Ma'Khia Bryant? What inspirational quote does she share with listeners and what does she have coming up? All that in under 15 minutes! Tania will stay active on Instagram @taniastake

Tania speaks with Chelsea Devantez a comedian and podcaster who is also the head writer for Jon Stewart's new show on Apple TV. Chelsea's podcast is The Celebrity Book Club Podcast . She has a diverse set of authors and guests on the show and created a submission process for hiring Jon Stewart's writing staff that removed obstacles and broadened the net. We talk about how Chelsea is inclusive, intersectional in her life and work and we break down how she does it so listeners can apply actionable items to do the same. We need to be the change we want to see in the world and this episode gives you steps for your antiracist journey.  @18:48 bursting bubbles to create inclusion @26:14 personal stories as the key to intersectional understanding @30:43 being open to feedback @36:19 on comedy; pushing boundaries while respecting others @40 removing obstacles: The submission process for Jon Stewart's new show  

Tania wants to learn more about her mother and Haitian culture so she speaks with childhood family friend and founder of Daughters of Haiti-Chicago Cyndee Newman. Their mothers were friends and in some ways Tania feels Cyndee got to see sides of her mother that she didn't. The women talk about Haitian pride, food, history, resilience and being 2nd generation. They examine how to pass Haitian culture and identity to their children and the importance of knowing where you came from and who your people are. It's never too late to grab back the reigns of your history. @00:10  A love letter to my mother Dr. Edna Richard @11:56 The Haitian approach to living @17:56  Haiti's rich culture and history @19:54 Haitian American vs. African American  @24:09 Learn about Daughter of Haiti-Chicago  @29:50 Tania wants to be a debutante Join Daughters of Haiti's Bold, Beautiful and Black: A celebration on March 28th at 6p CST Instagram @tdreaud Like Tania's Take on FB Rate, review, subscribe, follow Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean  

Tania is pulling a Beyonce and "dropping" a surprise episode cuz there's just too much going on in pop culture about race for her not to comment. She addresses the controversy around the Meghan and Harry Oprah Interview (TW: Suicide), the latest updates on The Bachelor franchise including their decision to television a conversation that should never made it on air and she talks about the Master Class on white tears gaslighting gave displayed on the daytime talk show The Talk. All of the events are classic examples of what not to do if you want to be an anti-racist.  @2:02 Tania gives the latest on The Bachelor and why they should have never aired a conversations between Matt James and his Dad @8:16 A message to organizations who are hiring Diversity and Inclusion Consultants @10:22 Why don't have to accept an apology @13:02 Meghan and Harry: a major takeaway and why Tania doesn't think Harry is a hero @22:04 The Talk, white tears and the dynamic that happens everywhere between white women and Black women Follow @taniastake on Instagram Rate, Review, Subscribe Also on Stitcher and Apple Podcasts  

"It's the process of living. Doing, learning, repeat." In this episode Tania shares the things she learned about life, love, relationships, loss and herself as we approach the 1 year anniversary of the lockdown. With each lesson Tania gives the listener a prompt for their own self reflection. Tania goes deep with some of the revelations she has had, her experience with having cover and pneumonia and the collective impact of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery. She also shares her observations as an Antiracism Educator and gives some tips on how organizations can move forward in their antiracism journeys. Tania shares some of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA activist/fabulous humans she has discovered during the pandemic and she reveals the mission she has added to her activism.    @2:17 The case for therapy  @13:10 A parenting hack  @22:37 BIPOC and LGBTQIA activists amplified @25:02 Takeaways for organizations on their antiracist journey Subscribe, rate, review and share Follow us on Instagram @taniastake Like us on FB

Tania and her guest screenwriter, playwright and actress Jocelyn Bioh break down this season of The Bachelor, the cultural relevance of the franchise featuring its first Black bachelor and the controversial conversation between The Bachelor host Chris Harrison and first Black bachelorette Rachel Lindsay. You don't have to be a Bachelor fan to get something out of this episode. Find out why Chris Harrison gave a master class on how conversations about race can be hijacked by "well meaning allies". Tania and Jocelyn talk about the mathematics and calculations Black women do on a daily basis just to get by in white spaces. Is The Bachelor reaching its logical, necessary end? Did Rachel Lindsay do the right thing by holding back in the conversation or should she have told Chris Harrison off? Did the producers of The Bachelor use Matt James? Tania says this to the Bachelor franchise, "The clock is ticking, it is time to be authentically inclusive or see ya later." This episode is a perfect example of how pop culture reflects so much of what we need to learn, know and do about race. 

Tania and Gina cover everything Brandy's Cinderella from its cultural impact to Tania's Cinderella rush. Does Tania need a Cinderella intervention? How many times did she sob while watching? Is Gina secretly a musical theatre geek? How did the combination of Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, R&B star Brandy even happen? And has Hollywood learned anything about inclusion since Cindrella's history making success? A celebration of the power of Whitney, the magic of Disney, the wonder of Whoopi and the love of sisters.  This episode is dedicated to our dear sister Melissa Mary Richard who left us too soon. Also on iTunes    

From Chicago to Los Angeles to Africa, Tania covers the gamut with actor and friend Morocco Omari. Morocco is starring in Wendy Williams The Movie on Lifetime. He talks about how much a child needs their village, his many almost wrong turns, how he has been guided by instinct and his ancestors, his experience in the military and dealing with PTSD. He shares his "never say die" attitude , Wendy Williams and his plans to bring his family to Rwanda. Morocco has had recurring roles on Empire, P-Valley, Homeland and was in 12 Bridges with the late Chadwick Boseman.   Also on Apple Podcasts

Tania and Gina (Sister Says) talk about One Night in Miami starring Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton) and a power house cast of Black actors. Tania talks about being in a movie with director and Oscar winner Regina King. Learn about the pledge Regina made to promote inclusion on film sets. The sisters grapple with why English actors are so often cast as American; particularly icons. And they find small degrees of separation between all the movies they've discussed. Does building your own table actually uphold supremacy? Is there a day off from activism? Was Malcolm X sexy? And who would they invite to a fantasy dinner party? For laughs, introspection, cultural context and observations give it a listen.    Also on iTunes and Stitcher.   

Tania and Gina share their thoughts on Pixar's "Soul" and grapple with the pros and cons of the storytelling. Is this Pixar's first movie with a Black lead in theory or in truth? What has band teachers enraged? Was Mrs. Cosby a cold mother? And what was Tina Fey thinking when she accepted the offer to voice a character who takes over a Black man's body? All that, and Tania and Gina confirm that they communicate telepathically.     

Tania and her sister Gina (Sister Says) talk about Netflix's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman. What did they love? What made them go hmmm? Why is Tania questioning Meryl Streep? And why does Gina think Miles Davis is James Brown? They talk the impact of Pulitzer Prize Winning playwright August Wilson's work, the award worthy performance of Ms. Davis and the gift Chadwick Boseman gave us all.  Information on The August Wilson Monologue Competition for students Watch "Giving Voice" on Netflix a documentary about students competing in The August Wilson Competition  Music credits:Amazing Grace instrumental Kevin McLeod    

Tania and her sister Gina from Sister Says review the Netflix movie Jingle Jangle (@10:27) which is really just a vehicle for them to key into JOY, laughs, movie trivia, memories of holidays past and even a little representation in storytelling 101. It's been a dark season, it's time for look for the light. 

No pandemic will keep Tania from a Zoom podcast recording with dear friend, awesome director and all around bad-ass Lili-Anne Brown. (Tania never officially introduces Lil in the episode so keep reading) Tania and Lil have known each other forever and recently (and finally) got to work together at The Goodman Theatre in School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play (Tania acted/Lil directed) Find out how these women are dealing with everyone's "new normal", how they're dealing with the jolt of having the show suspended 3 days before opening night, how Lil sees her self in the reflection of her friends, what it's like to "be a boss" and run a rehearsal room, why Lil doesn't want to be a unicorn, the grief of losing both their parents, bingeworthy shows, making space for other black women and more. It's Lil's birthday the day this episode posts. This glimpse of her fabulousness is a great way to celebrate her born day.  Like us on Facebook @tdreaud on Instagram 

Tania vents about her kids' school district decision to participate in the national Black Lives Matter at school week February 3-7. Find out why Tania can't wait for the week to be over, why her kid is totally stressed out and how regardless of whether the movement itself has good intentions the curriculum and the delivery of the curriculum can cause more harm than good. Tania talks about when she tried to opt her child out for the half hour the lessons were taught she learned that the district school board had determined that the only way a parent could opt their child out was to keep them out of school for the week. (21:51)This information has made Tania feel some kind of way and she is on a mission to "get the week gone" for good. Tania examines this issue on a micro level as a mom and as someone who had to endure the "slavery chapter" as the only black kid in her grade school (4:19) She also examines the issue on a macro level as a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant who recommends using the 5 w's when determining how to discuss traumatic events related to marginalized groups. And she shares various resources that will guide educators and school districts in properly implementing anti-racist education. Whether you are a parent, an educator a tax paying community member or somebody who likes to listen to some good old fashion venting with sound solutions to boot this episode is for you.  Like us on Facebook! @tanaistake on Instagram

Tania talks with actress and writer Penelope Walker (Work in Progress) to talk about their top 10 favorite movies of all time (in no certain order because Tania forgot to ask Penelope to keep that in mind) You'll hear about the movies that shaped their lives from childhood to adulthood and they give shout outs to their 2019 faves. (53:46) As members of the Screen Actors Guild they talk about the nominating process for the SAG awards and #sagawardssowhite (which has clearly been stolen from #oscarsowhite) Plus Tania spills the beans on what she does as an act of rebellion.(3:57) Is their list of favorites all black films? Why does JoBeth Williams' name pop up 3 times? Should Al Pacino have beat Denzel Washington for Scent of a Woman? (The answer is no.) Is Morpheus from The Matrix a magical negro? (45:45) Blue pill? Or red pill? Which would you choose? Get a peek at Tania and Penelope's love of movies and Tania's penchant for fun trivia. In dark times joy is an act of rebellion.  Join the Tania's Take book club and read Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo. She'll be discussing it in an upcoming episode with guests.  Follow @taniastake on Instagram Like the Tania's Take FB page  

Tania is Black (you probably already know that). Mia is not. In this episode Tania and Mia talk about topics that range from what it means to be an accomplice, interrupting bias, friendship (theirs in particular), the use of pronouns, losing their mothers, the grief process, family secrets, the writing process and more. Find out what part of the brain can help you challenge your bias (18:53). Mia shares what she believes White people don't think about enough. (22:37) Tania talks about a great conversation between Stephen Colbert and Jill Soloway that pinpoints the ease in using they/them pronouns. (37:03) And Tania checks in with Mia on their mutual membership in the "Dead Moms Club" (46:12) And more. Listen for a dose of intersectional feminism in action. More about Mia McCullough @tdreaud on Instagram Like us on Facebook Also on iTunes

In this episode Tania and actress/singer/teacher/fellow mom friend Karla Beard Leroy cover topics ranging from their personal and professional experiences with colorism (8:59), black moms having light skinned babies and the challenges in helping biracial kids develop their identities (23:00). What's the way to teach kids about slavery in school? (32:43) What's a great metaphor for racism? (36:50 ) Is marginalization a gift? Tania has a message for parents raising black and brown kids (42:07) and the women talk about how the younger generations' propensity toward inclusion gives them hope for the future (48:25). If you want to listen to two black women living out loud with a dash of book and movie talk to boot this episode is for you. Plus Karla sings! Instagram @tdreaud Also on iTunes  

Should Tania produce a third season of Tania's Take to keep chipping away at systemic racism? In this bonus episode Tania is back with her sister Gina to decide. She shares some of her experiences in the field as a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant ranging from the folx who think they are ready but aren't and consulting on an ongoing Presidential campaign. What is the impact of the podcast? Is it possible to have the "ugliest conversation in the world" about race? (5:58) Do Affinity Groups work? Is simply yelling at White people a job option? (11:48) How do Tania and Gina define success? Is a large social media presence and followers worth death threats? Is the radical act of black women being themselves the direction the podcast is going? (20:24) What does Gina know for sure? (33:05) These questions and more answered. A decision on continuing the podcast is made. 

Tania talks about turning inward and listening to one's inner voice when there are so many external forces trying to tell us what to think, say and feel. She had a doozy of a cab ride from hell with a self-proclaimed probably racist "historian" and she saw the controversial Slave Play by Jeremy O. Harris. Both experiences pushed her to think about her identity, how she presents as an antiracist and how important it is to follow you true north. Plus some thoughts on a great episode of Spike Lee's Netflix series "She's Gotta Have it" called #IAMYourMirror. Like us on FB @taniastake on Instagram Also on iTunes and Stitcher

Tania talks the pros and cons of the book "How to be an antiracist" by Dr. Ibram X Kendi with guest Karla Thomas: a black, gay, immigrant, parent and fellow antiracist activist. Whether you have read the book or not there is something for you here. With the intention of offering more perspectives and challenging some ideas that are problematic  Tania and Karla delve into ideas that could be weaponized and discuss what they think about Kendi's thesis that "black people can be racist"(10:38) while also talking gun powder, labradoodles, "cleaning up the mess you made" and more. And at 38:54 Tania addresses a point about trauma that felt personal and relates it to the murders of Botham Jean and Joshua Brown. (Tania apologize for mispronouncing Mr. Jean's first name)***During the intro Tania teases an announcement but the episode ended in a direction she didn't expect so she will make the announcement online.***  Like us on FB  @taniastake on Instagram Also on iTunes and Stitcher

Tania is back from hiatus and rarin' to go. Her community is up in arms because some schools in the district are no longer celebrating Halloween during the school day. Tania breaks down an article from the Chicago Tribune that covers the controversy exposing the bias, charged language, successes and failures of leadership in the article while sharing   ways to effectively lead communities and organizations through change, what inclusion means and doesn't mean, why assimilation is a 4 letter word and what really matters for our kids. This episode is about a local issue that could be going on in anyone's community. It's not just about Halloween it's about the future of equity and inclusion and resistance to change.   "When we are trying to make systemic changes, when we are changing policy, when we are making an effort toward being more equitable or inclusive you have to cater to the smaller quotient." Like us on FB  Follow on @taniastake on Instagram Also listen on iTunes and Stitcher

Tania celebrates her 50th birthday by commiting the "radical, political act" of sharing who she is as a black, female antiracist in 2019. She explores her life in four parts: Consumption, Restoration, Connection and Action and encourages her listeners to do the same (20:38). Find out if you are soul tired or body tired and what it has to do with antiracism.  (7:05) Tania talks old and new relationships, introverted-extroversion, menopause, screen time, food and racial illiteracy, and more. Plus she has a recommendation on how to start getting involved in the 2020 election (32:55) so Trump is not reelected. Fair Fight 2020 10 Disturbing signs it's not your body, but your soul that's tired Tania's Take on FB @taniastake on Instagram Also on iTunes and Stitcher  

In this episode Tania talks about how to be an anti-racist advocate in schools, communities and organizations. With actionable items like "how to write an anti-racist email" and unbelievable stories on "equity and inclusion fails" plus a list of items to pack in your Anti-racist backpack Tania hopes to provide listeners with information that inspires, empowers and enables them to fight the good fight toward anti-racism.  Like Tania's Take on FB @taniastake on Instagram  Also on iTunes And Stitcher   

In this episode Tania asks white men to show up in the fight towards anti-racism with actionable items they can employ right away. She zeroes in on the violence of white male hatred and entitlement and asks her listeners to consider how the message fed to white men in this culture is a lie of the mind and how that lie is integral to sustaining patriarchy and supremacy. Tania gives a call to action that includes self reflection, creating an anti racism manifesto, mentoring young white men and inspring colleagues, friends and family to reject the lie too. All this is guided by the life and death of Toni Morrison whose words are a part of this episode and whose message inspired Tania to complete it. This episode is for anyone who wants to be anti-racist and part of solving this American crisis. Like the Tania's Take FB page Instagram @taniastake Also on iTunes and Stitcher

In this "Hey girl heyyyyy" segment Tania speaks with Penelope Walker a dear friend and fellow actress who leads with joy and thrives in universality. Penelope emphasizes that "there are things that are so simple that can aid us in knowing ourselves better and not being so distracted by...things outside of ourselves." She challenges us to consider how we are taking care of ourselves, to honor our creativity and shares what she does as "a person who is just trying to be better than I was yesterday" They talk about the different ways a person can have an impact, how activism can become an identity or a source of distraction and how it's important to lead with other parts of ourselves as well. They talk about the power of being silly and honoring your creativity. And once and for all they provide evidence that not "all black people look alike" in other words they are not the same person.   Tania's Take FB page       @taniastake on Instagram   Also on iTunes    

Tania breaks down the differences between a racist, a white supremacist, racism and upholding white supremacy. She warns that the misguided conversations about race amongst Democrats will get Trump re-elected and she has a call to action for her listeners who don’t want to see that happen. Is Nancy Pelosi racist? Did Joe Biden hold up supremacy? How about LBJ? Can a black person be racist? Are all white people racist? What's up with famous Canadian actors? Tania answers all these questions, exposes her bias and prejudice and challenges her listeners to examine their own.   Like Tania's Take FB page   Follow @taniastake on Instagram   Also on iTunes