Going Through It artwork

Going Through It

61 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 552 ratings

Going Through It is a podcast about how hard it can be to figure out when to quit and when to keep going. On season four, Ashley C. Ford talks to 13 noteworthy people about how they decided whether or not to have children – all while navigating that question for herself.

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Episodes

Jenifer Lewis Gains – and Gives – Wisdom

July 14, 2023 14:00 - 22 minutes

As a young actor in Hollywood, Jenifer Lewis never planned on starting a family. But since then she’s played some of the most influential mother roles on TV and in movies. Along the way she’s found many different ways to mother.

Nora McInerny Couldn’t Have Planned This

July 14, 2023 14:00 - 28 minutes

When author and podcast host Nora McInerny found herself forming a blended family with a new partner not long after the death of her first husband, she had to leave behind any plans she thought she had.

Sasha Velour Wants to Be a Drag Sibling, Not a Drag Mother

July 07, 2023 16:26 - 30 minutes

In many ways, Drag Superstar Sasha Velour’s Drag Mothers were her grandmas, who encouraged her exploration of drag at a young age. The lessons she learned from them inform her approach to mentoring other drag queens today.

Elle Duncan Thought She Failed

July 07, 2023 16:19 - 29 minutes

ESPN host Elle Duncan planned her two pregnancies meticulously, just like she planned her career as a sports anchor. But, health complications with her second child forced her to confront the inescapable uncertainty of parenting.

Amy Blackstone is Comfortable Knowing She Can’t Have It All

June 30, 2023 14:00 - 26 minutes

When the desire to have kids never kicked in, sociologist Dr. Amy Blackstone thought there was something wrong with her. When she turned to her profession for answers, she learned that “maternal instinct” is largely a myth.

Negin Farsad Felt a Sense of Duty to her Family

June 30, 2023 14:00 - 24 minutes

Comedian Negin Farsad’s parents never pressured her to have kids. But when her dad told a story about her own birth that she’d never heard before, she felt a surprising sense of duty to continue her family’s line in America.

Jessica Rose Loves Her Child, but Not Motherhood

June 23, 2023 13:00 - 25 minutes

Content creator Jessica Rose built a brand around talking about motherhood online – specifically the parts she doesn’t like about it. And she’s come to realize that regretting parenthood doesn’t necessarily make you a bad parent.

Hank Green Didn’t Know How to Hold a Baby

June 23, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes

For most of his life, Hank Green, the Internet’s science teacher, didn’t know how to hold a baby, let alone raise one. Now that he’s a dad himself, it’s the small moments that make him feel like a pro.

Shan Boodram Thought She Was One and Done

June 16, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes

Sexologist Shan Boodram did not want a second child. So when she found out she was pregnant again and her feelings about it were not entirely positive, she had to reckon with the imperfect parts of herself.

Elizabeth Gilbert Gave Herself Permission to Be Free

June 16, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes

Author Elizabeth Gilbert thought motherhood was inevitable. But one night at a friend's dinner party, she realized it didn’t have to be that way… and that she’d have to make some big changes if she wanted to rewrite her future.

Chasten Buttigieg’s Call Finally Came

June 09, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes

Chasten Buttigieg always wanted to be a father, but wasn’t sure it was possible for him as a gay man. After his husband Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign ended, they embarked on another challenging journey: adoption.

Austin Channing Brown will be OK, Either Way

June 09, 2023 13:00 - 26 minutes

After seven years of marriage, activist and author Austin Channing Brown was pretty sure she didn’t want children. But a conversation with a friend made her wonder if she was following her desire… or her fear.

Roxane Gay is Not Concerned About Age

June 02, 2023 13:00 - 27 minutes

Writer Roxane Gay and her wife Debbie still haven’t decided if they’ll have children. But instead of feeling pressured by the choice (or by the clock), Roxane finds freedom in their options and sees many ways to parent.

Going Through It: Season 4 - Trailer

May 26, 2023 13:00 - 3 minutes

Ashley C. Ford is 36, married, and trying to decide: should she have kids? On the fourth season of Going Through It, Ashley talks to 13 noteworthy guests about how they made the choice and what creating family looks like for them.

Permission to Grow Old with Margaret Cho

May 09, 2022 15:17 - 26 minutes

Margaret Cho grew up watching Joan Rivers perform standup on TV. When Margaret became a comic herself, Joan supported her with words, actions, and jokes.

Look to the Hills with Tia Mowry

May 02, 2022 14:00 - 19 minutes

In a family filled with strong women, the spirit, wisdom and love of Tia Mowry’s grandmother endures.

Mango Island with Fawzia Mirza

April 25, 2022 13:53 - 25 minutes

When Fawzia Mirza was 18, her mom enlisted her to smuggle her mom’s favorite fruit, Pakistani mangoes, from Canada to the US. Now, as a queer Muslim fimmaker, she still values the mango as a way they still connect.

Introducing: A new season of Partners

April 18, 2022 13:57 - 3 minutes

Any successful partnership—business, romantic, or creative—starts with a meaningful connection between 2 people. Partners is a podcast about the people whose journey together led to the creation of something extraordinary.

A Way of Thanking Her with Alexander Chee

April 18, 2022 13:45 - 20 minutes

Cultural constraints kept Alexander Chee’s grandmother from pursuing Chinese Calligraphy until late in life. Alex created the Yi Dae Up Fellowship in her name to help give women writers of Asian descent the chance she didn’t get.

You Have to Fall and See if the Wings Work with Franklin Leonard

April 11, 2022 13:45 - 25 minutes

When Franklin Leonard found himself out of his big-wig Hollywood job, he wanted to mope. His mentor, the legendary Hollywood attorney Nina Shaw, wasn’t having it.

He Healed Me Without Knowing It with Aunjanue Ellis

April 04, 2022 14:08 - 21 minutes

The late actor Michael K. Williams and Aunjanue Ellis’s grandmother had one thing in common: neither needed words to tell Aunjanue how to follow her calling and be her truest self with confidence.

An Intervention in the Middle of Kenya with Zohran Mamdani

March 28, 2022 13:40 - 27 minutes

Zohran Mamdani’s college road trip through East Africa with his dad and uncle was a blissful tour of his heritage. Then he got his report card back.

The Confidence to Try Anything with Sasheer Zamata

March 21, 2022 08:00 - 19 minutes

When Sasheer Zamata enrolled at her university, she didn’t know where she was headed. A staging of a play by the school’s brand-new theater professor helped her find her purpose, her identity, and the confidence to try anything.

Whatever You Want to Do for the Rest of Your Life with Melissa Proctor

March 14, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes

At 15, all Melissa Proctor wanted was a job at the local mall. Instead, advice from her mother helped her make history as the Miami Heat’s first ball girl.

You’re So Much More Interesting Than This with Ijeoma Oluo

March 07, 2022 16:20 - 23 minutes

As a teenager, Ijeoma Oluo thought male attention would validate her as a person worth knowing. A late night proclamation from a friend’s older sister snapped her back to reality.

They’re Human and You’re Human with Chani Nicholas

February 28, 2022 17:12 - 22 minutes

Chani Nicholas first learned of astrology and healing from her step-grandmother. Although they didn’t remain close, Chani still honors her influence by trusting her own inner voice.

The World is Bigger Than the Bad with Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

February 21, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes

Being a leader in a field is hard. Being a leader in theoretical physics as a Black woman is a unique battle. When the weight of being one of the first became too heavy, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein turned to her mom for perspective.

You Need to Drop Out with Randa Jarrar

February 14, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes

When Randa Jarrar started her MFA program, she thought she was taking the next step on the path to success. That is until her professor, Leslie Marmon Silko, told her to drop out.

Congratulations with Chase Strangio

February 07, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes

Lorena Borjas taught Chase Strangio many things over their decade of working together, including how to show up and fight for trans people in New York City. Her most important lesson? There’s always something to celebrate.

Making An Honest Living with Kelly Marie Tran

January 31, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes

When Kelly Marie Tran was in middle school, a simple question from her dad – an immigrant to the US from Vietnam – changed the way she understood class, race and success in America.

Going Through It - Season 3 (Trailer)

January 27, 2022 16:18 - 2 minutes

With new host Jenny Yang, Going Through It returns for its third season featuring 15 notable guests reflecting on what they learned from the elders who influenced them at just the right time.

Tamron Hall

October 13, 2020 08:00 - 55 minutes

In this special live episode, Tracy sits down with TV host Tamron Hall at Vulture Fest to discuss being fired from The Today Show. She also shares what it has been like to launch her new talk show and becoming a new mother.

Tika Sumpter

October 06, 2020 13:41 - 32 minutes

Tracy sits down with actress Tika Sumpter to talk about the ups and downs that come with following your dreams. Tika shares the journey of being a waitress in New York City to becoming the actress she always dreamed of.

Angela “The Kitchenista” Davis

September 29, 2020 13:44 - 18 minutes

Tracy chats with Angela Davis, aka The Kitchenista, about how she pivoted to following her passion for cooking full time. Angela highlights the importance of focusing your time on the things you love.

Lena Waithe

September 22, 2020 08:00 - 33 minutes

Tracy talks with Emmy award-winning writer, screenwriter and actress Lena Waithe about the power of self-determination and recognizing that struggles are a normal part of our journey.

Raquel Willis

September 15, 2020 13:06 - 30 minutes

Tracy welcomes transgender activist Raquel Willis to discuss speaking up for yourself and standing in your truth. Raquel also shares how her life trajectory changed after learning of the passing of a young transgender girl.

Mara Brock Akil

September 08, 2020 15:49 - 30 minutes

Tracy is joined by Girlfriends creator, Mara Brock Akil to chat about betting on yourself. Mara also shares the moment she was ready to risk it all for a chance at earning it all.

Ashley C. Ford

September 01, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes

Tracy chats with writer, podcaster, and educator Ashley C. Ford about how a toxic relationship temporarily halted the bigger visions she had for her life. Ashley also shares how self-love led to her biggest breakthrough.

Meagan Good

August 25, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes

Tracy talks with actress Meagan Good about her infamous fashion moment at the 2013 BET Awards. Meagan shares exactly what happened, the backlash she faced, and how she found strength in her faith despite the criticism.

Jenna Wortham

August 18, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes

Tracy is joined by New York Times culture writer and podcast host of Still Processing, Jenna Wortham. Jenna discusses how her dad’s illness propelled her to have more awareness for her own health and self-care.

Naj Austin

August 11, 2020 08:00 - 31 minutes

Tracy sits down with Naj Austin, Founder and CEO of Ethel’s Club and Somewhere Good. Naj shares what prompted her to create Ethel’s Club and the questions she faced as a young, Black entrepreneur in the startup world.

Cori Murray

August 04, 2020 08:00 - 28 minutes

Tracy chats with Essence Magazine’s Entertainment Director, Cori Murray, to talk about the lessons she learned working at the longstanding media company and the importance of supporting the multitudes of Black culture.

Danielle Brooks

July 28, 2020 08:00 - 30 minutes

Tracy is joined by awarding-winning actress and performer, Danielle Brooks. The pair talk about the surprises in store for Danielle when she gave birth to her first child.

Ilhan Omar

July 21, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes

Tracy and Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 5th district, discuss Ilhan’s journey from Somalia to America and how she remains strong amid criticism on the public stage.

Josie Duffy Rice

July 14, 2020 08:00 - 35 minutes

Tracy and Josie Duffy Rice, President of The Appeal and host of Justice in America, unpack violence and police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how Josie re-evaluated what “making change” meant for her career.

Going Through It - Season 2 (Trailer)

July 09, 2020 16:14 - 2 minutes

Back for a second season, Tracy Clayton hosts Going Through It, a podcast featuring 14 notable Black women discussing a pivotal moment when they decided it was time to make a change.

Antje Danielson Was Fired By Her Best Friend

April 15, 2019 08:30 - 21 minutes

In 1999, Antje Danielson wanted to start a car-sharing company. But she was a scientist, not a businesswoman, and she knew she couldn’t do it alone. After launching Zipcar with her friend Robin Chase, Danielson had to come to terms with one of her biggest mistakes: asking a close friend to become an equal partner in her company. Danielson tells host Ann Friedman what happened when Chase fired her, and why her choice to walk away ultimately saved the company. 

Ellen Pao Lost Her Lawsuit, And Her Job

April 15, 2019 08:28 - 20 minutes

In 2012, Ellen Pao was fighting discrimination on two fronts: in the courtroom, where she brought a gender discrimination lawsuit against her former employer Kleiner Perkins, and at work, where she attempted to change the culture of Reddit as its interim CEO. Before the end of that year, Pao both lost her case, and resigned. She talks to host Ann Friedman about her decision to keep working to change the tech industry, even after everything fell apart.

Charlotte Cho Thought Her Skincare Hobby Could Never Be Her Career

April 15, 2019 08:26 - 21 minutes

When Charlotte Cho moved to South Korea, she didn’t have a professional passion or much of a plan. But she did discover the power of the 10-step skin care routine. Now, she’s the founder of Soko Glam, one of the largest retailers of Korean beauty products in the United States. Cho tells host Ann Friedman about how she learned to invest in her company, and herself. 

Soledad O’Brien’s Dream Job Wasn’t A Dream At All

April 15, 2019 08:25 - 16 minutes

Years before broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien delivered the news to millions of Americans, she was an entry-level reporter in San Francisco. To become the news anchor she wanted to be, O’Brien had to make strategic decisions. She talks to host Ann Friedman about what happened when that first on-air position — which was her dream role at the time — started looking like a dead-end job.

Guests

Josie Duffy Rice
1 Episode