The Counter

Democracy thrives when its leaders—and its people—embrace self-awareness, authenticity, and personal responsibility. Leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about balancing intellect with empathy, making tough decisions with integrity, and fostering trust in a time when trust is scarce.

Few understand this better than Betsy Myers. From working in the White House to serving as Executive Director of the Center for Public Leadersh...

Ellen Hopkins is no stranger to controversy—or the bestseller list. As the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 21 novels, Ellen has captivated readers with her raw, unfiltered explorations of relationships, love, and the struggles that shape us. Her latest young adult novel, SYNC, hit shelves last August, continuing her tradition of tackling tough, real-life issues.

But with fearless storytelling comes pushback. Three of Ellen’...

Garrett Morris is a legend—from Saturday Night Live to Broadway, hit television sitcoms, and now a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But beyond his groundbreaking career in entertainment, he has been a lifelong advocate for civil rights, reproductive equality, religious freedom, and a just legal system.

In this episode of The Counter, Garrett shares his personal journey—the triumphs, the struggles, and the moments that shaped his...

The unchecked flow of dark money in politics is eroding our democracy. Since the Citizens United ruling, corporations and the ultra-wealthy have been able to sway elections, drown out individual voices, and flood communities with attack ads, all while operating in the shadows. This isn't just about politics—it’s about power, accountability, and the very foundation of our freedoms.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with Re...

Politics isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. And the more authentic, diverse voices we bring into the political arena, the stronger our democracy becomes.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with political campaign expert Jamie Lynn Maniscalco to discuss why all politics is personal and why we need leaders who reflect real-life experiences—not just millionaires, lawyers, or lobbyists. We explore how to engage young...

Fascism doesn’t just belong to history books—it thrives when societies grow complacent. In this urgent and deeply personal episode, Dr. Uri Barnea shares his family’s story of survival and loss during the Holocaust, illuminating the devastating consequences of authoritarian rule.

But remembrance alone is not enough. Dr. Barnea explores how fascism takes root, how it manipulates democratic systems to seize power, and how we can reco...

In a time when information is more accessible than ever, are we truly expanding our perspectives—or just reinforcing our biases? The rise of digital media has given us an endless stream of news and opinions, but with it comes misinformation, manipulation, and echo chambers that threaten democracy itself.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with media literacy expert Rosemary Smith from the Getting Better Foundation to explo...

American democracy is at a crossroads, and Project 2025 is a warning sign we can’t afford to ignore. This radical blueprint for consolidating power threatens civil rights, public education, and the very foundations of our democracy. Nowhere is this shift more evident than in Louisiana, where divide-and-conquer politics have pushed the state deep into far-right territory.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with Louisiana St...

For over a century, dogs—especially beagles—have been used in laboratory experiments, enduring unnecessary suffering for products designed for humans. Despite scientific advancements and the passage of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which allows alternatives to animal testing, many research labs continue these outdated and cruel practices.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with Ellie Hansen—animal rights activist and awar...

Public libraries and schools have long been pillars of democracy, providing access to knowledge, diverse perspectives, and the freedom to learn. But today, they are under attack. Book bans are surging, librarians are being threatened with arrest, and political groups are using these assaults as fundraising tools to gain power and control over public education.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with Patrick Sweeney, Politi...

Art is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful force for cultural change and democratic strength. Throughout history, artists have used their work to challenge injustice, amplify diverse voices, and inspire movements for social change. In today’s socio-political climate, the arts—especially live theater—remain a vital space for activism and transformation.

In this episode of The Counter, Penny Ronning and Jon Lawrence Rivera explor...

America is in trouble. Our democracy is being threatened.

We are not up against individual candidates.  

We are up against organized and well-funded far-right movements to replace our nation’s democracy with their authoritarian government.

It’s time for a countermovement.  

It’s time for The Counter.

On February 1, 1960, four black college students sat at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, and politely asked for service...