The Counter

The Power Of Positive Thinking with Garrett Morris

From Saturday Night Live to hit television sitcoms, Broadway, and recently, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Garrett Morris has had an extraordinary career. He has also experienced great highs and painful lows in his personal life. Through it all, he has been active in the fight for civil rights, reproductive equality, religious freedom, a just legal system, and more. Please join us at The Counter with the one and only Garrett Morris!
To watch the Garrett Morris interview with DJ Vlad, please visit VLAD TV’s YouTube channel HERE
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
Garrett Morris
Though Garrett Morris is best known as one of the original cast members of NBC's Saturday Night Live, he has appeared in numerous television shows and movies since the early 1970s (2 Broke Girls, Hunter, The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin, The Jeffersons, The Longshots, Carwash, and Cooley High).  
His musical roots go back to his youth starting as a church-choir singer. Trained at The Juilliard School of Music, and a graduate of Dillard University, he soloed with the Harry Belafonte Singers early on in his career and performed in a number of Broadway musicals (Hallelujah, Baby! and Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death).
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Fighting For Democracy with Reilly Neill

The influence of dark money in politics has harmed our country's democracy. The ability of corporations and the wealthy to sway elections by targeting candidates and flooding communities with attack ads has proven to be a threat to the very foundation of our country and the laws that safeguard our freedoms.
Citizen involvement, whether through running for office, serving on advisory boards, or attending public meetings, is crucial for bringing about positive change in communities and countering the influence of dark money.
The importance of citizens advocating for their rights, interests, and freedoms is more critical than ever. We invite you to join us at The Counter for our discussion with Reilly Neill, author, former Montana state legislator, and candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montana's 2nd Congressional District.
To learn more about Reilly Neill, please visit her website at www.neill4congress.com
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
 
Reilly Neill
Reilly Neill is a former Montana State House Representative, member of the Water Policy Interim Committee, and longtime newspaper publisher. She organized and facilitated statewide reproductive rights rallies in 2021 and after the Dobbs decision in 2022 and remains the administrator of a 5,000-strong online Montana reproductive rights group.Reilly and her husband Brad live near Livingston in Park County where they've invested in their community for over 25 years. They continue to raise their family through the academic and sports programs of Montana’s public schools and universities.
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

All Politics Is Personal with Jamie Lynn Maniscalco

There are multiple paths to becoming a political candidate. We need authentic candidates who connect with real-life issues. In this episode, we discuss the importance of engaging young women in the political process, and how language plays a key role in empowering young girls and encouraging them to see themselves as leaders. Additionally, we talk about the necessity for individuals who are not millionaires, lawyers, or lobbyists to run for office.
Join us for this enlightening and empowering conversation with political campaign expert Jamie Lynn Maniscalco! 
To learn more about Emerge, please visit their website at emergeamerica.org
To learn more about Theia Solutions, please visit their website at theiasolutionsinc.com
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
Jamie Lynn Maniscalco
Jamie Lynn Maniscalco (she/her) is the CEO of Theia Solutions Inc., the Deputy Training Director at Emerge, and a Yoga Alliance RYT-200-hour certified yoga, breathwork, and meditation instructor. Jamie integrates mindfulness with her 18 years of experience in the political process to be a catalyst for change. She trains and advises women, non-binary, and BIPOC candidates on running for office and winning campaigns to elect leaders that embody the democratic values of the United States.
 
In 2019, Jamie launched her consulting firm, Theia Solutions - A Catalyst for Change, with a focused vision of advising women, millennials, Gen Z, and BIPOC candidates to win elections. In 2020, she created and directed RUN NOW, the National Organization for Women’s (NOW) first virtual training program, teaching members how to run for office and become professional political operatives.
Jamie served on fundraising teams for President Obama’s PAC Organizing For Action, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Party of Virginia, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Jennifer McClellan’s Gubernatorial PAC, Governor Terry McAuliffe’s PAC, Governor Ralph Northam’s PAC, Former Virginia Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Georgia Secretary of State Candidate Bee Nguyen, and various special election and local campaigns. Theia Solutions' current and previous clients include: Nate Douglas for FL State House, Virginia Delegate Adele McClure, Bee Nguyen for GA Secretary of State, Georgia State Representative Regina Lewis-Ward, Alexsis Rodgers for Virginia State Senate, and Ellen Spiegel for Nevada State Controller.
Jamie began her political journey as a Field Organizer for President Barack Obama in North Carolina and served on his Second Presidential Inaugural Committee as a Day of Service Lead. She is a graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Philosophy. She also sits on the Board of the Center for Survey Research at East Carolina University. 
Jamie hails from Long Beach, New York, and now lives in Miami with her fiancé. She's a proud caretaker of her rescue dog, Khaleesi.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Resistance and Resilience Against Fascism with Dr. and Rabbi Uri Barnea

Personal stories of those affected by fascism highlight its real-world consequences. In this episode, Dr. and Rabbi Uri Barnea shares his family’s story of escape and death during the Holocaust and provides insights into fascism. He explores its historical roots, its manifestations in contemporary society, and the dangers it poses today. The rise of authoritarianism can happen through democratic means. This is why we must continue to share stories of resistance and resilience against fascism.
To learn more about the Holocaust, please visit the following websites: 
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center   
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
Uri Barnea Bio
A native of Israel and a naturalized U.S. citizen since 1982, Uri Barnea has had two careers, one in music (violin, viola, orchestral conducting, composition, teaching and singing) and the other in the rabbinate. After his military service in Israel, he received his B. Music degree from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, with a minor in Biblical and Jewish studies at the Hebrew University. While in Jerusalem he was selected to sing (both tenor and baritone) with the professional chorus of Kol Yisrael, Israel’s radio and television broadcast services.
In 1971 he was invited to serve as Music Director of the Jewish Community Center in Minneapolis. As well, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota Graduate School with a major in conducting and composition and a minor in Middle Eastern studies, earning M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. During his years in the Twin Cities, Uri Barnea was Music Director and Conductor of the Youval, First Unitarian Society, and Kenwood chamber orchestras, and also was Assistant Conductor of the University of Minnesota Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.
In 1978 he moved with his wife to Galesburg, Illinois, where he served as Assistant Professor at Knox College and Music Director of the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, as well as visiting Assistant Professor at Monmouth College. In 1984 the Barneas moved to Billings, Montana, where Dr. Barnea was Music Director of the Billings Symphony (1984-2004) and the Montana Ballet (1993-2004). His conducting career included engagements with over twenty orchestras in the U.S. and abroad.
Barnea’s interest in Judaism continued to grow over the years and in 2004 he left his musical career and enrolled in the Rabbinical School of Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. While at HUC he served as Teaching Assistant of the Midrash and Post-Talmudic Halakhic Codes courses, and was an intern and student rabbi for congregations in Nashville, Tennessee, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and LaSalle, Illinois. In 2007 he was ordained and began his position as full-time rabbi for Congregation B’nai Israel in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In June of 2014, he retired from the rabbinate.
Along with his musical career, Dr. Barnea was active in Jewish congregations in Galesburg, Illinois and Billings, Montana, including serving as cantorial soloist during the High Holy Days. He has had other similar cantorial engagements in Richmond, Virginia, Overland Park, Kansas, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, LaSalle, Illinois, and Michigan City, Indiana.
Among Barnea’s accolades are the first prize in composition from the 1976 Aspen Music Festival for his String Quartet and other prizes for his Sonata for Flute and Piano and for his ballet Ruth. He has also received an honorary citation from the Montana Human Rights Network as well as an honorary doctorate from Rocky Mountain College and the Montana Governor’s Arts Award.
Uri Barnea is fluent in Hebrew and English. His rabbinic thesis is an annotated translation from Hebrew to English of the autobiography of the Hebraist Zevi Scharfstein.
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Media Literacy with Rosemary Smith

Diversity of perspectives and voices is essential for a healthy democracy and learning. However, when it comes to media, do we choose a diversity of perspectives, or do we choose to feed our biases? As technology advances, our choices for news and information increase, but does our intake of differing voices and sources of information also increase? Or do we stick to a strict diet of what agrees with our already-formed opinions?
Media literacy empowers individuals to resist manipulation by sensational or negative news and to consider other opinions. It also builds trust by helping individuals identify the intent behind media messages and make informed decisions about their responses.
Please join us at The Counter for an engaging conversation with media literacy expert Rosemary Smith from the Getting Better Foundation!
To learn more about the Getting Better Foundation, please visit their website at gettingbetterfoundation.org
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
 
Rosemary Smith Bio
Rosemary Smith has accumulated considerable international experience in the media over the last three decades.  She began her career in media as a co-owner of FCC licensed radio stations throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.  Rosemary is a media literacy expert, Montana’s state lead for Media Literacy Now, and envoy to the U.S. State Department’s American Film Showcase.  She manages Montana based Getting Better Foundation, spearheads its global distribution of award-winning “Trust Me” Documentary and the film’s educational curriculum in partner with News Literacy Project.
In addition to her experience as a broadcaster, Rosemary has authored many blogs and is working on her first children’s book about media literacy.  She’s delivered presentations and contributed to publications on media and citizenship-related issues in dozens of countries.  Rosemary remains interested by the challenges posed by emerging media forms and issues relating to media literacy, mental health, peace, and democracy.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Is Louisiana The Test State For Project 2025? with Dustin Granger

Louisiana has shifted to become a deeply red state due to factors such as the use of divide-and-conquer politics by the Republican Party. In this episode, Louisiana State Democratic Party leader, Dustin Granger, talks about the need for the Democratic Party to stand firm in its values and not shift to the right to make a meaningful impact. He also addresses two far-right extremist laws recently passed in Louisiana, the requirement for the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school and the strict elimination of teaching Critical Race Theory in K-12 public schools. Join us for this spirited, straightforward conversation!  
To learn more about the Louisiana State Democratic Party, please visit their website at louisianadems.org
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
 
Dustin Granger Bio
Dustin is a seasoned financial advisor and investment manager with over 20 years of experience, having guided thousands of families through economic crises like the Great Recession, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and devastating hurricanes in Louisiana. A lifelong resident of Louisiana and alumnus of Sulphur High School and Louisiana State University, he has a deep understanding of the state's challenges and opportunities.
After his run for State Treasurer ended in November 2023, Dustin has been actively involved in rebuilding the Louisiana State Democratic Party. He was elected to the Democratic State Central Committee in District 35B and in April 2024, became the Treasurer of the State Party, playing a key role in the election of the new Chair. Additionally, Dustin serves on the Calcasieu Parish Democratic Executive Committee, where he has helped initiate fundraising efforts for the first time in decades to support GOTV initiatives in the parish.
Dustin's commitment to public service continues as he represents Louisiana as a delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. He frequently appears on KPLC News, holding leaders accountable and advocating for progressive changes. Dustin is also passionate about leveraging social media to advocate for a revitalized Louisiana, focusing on ending the systemic issues that hinder the state’s progress.
"Let’s embrace the technologies of the future and invest in a new Louisiana energy revolution."
Dustin ran for State Treasurer to challenge the mismanagement of state finances, characterized by excessive tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts to critical public services. His campaign highlighted the need to unite and invest in communities to foster growth across Louisiana. Today, he continues to champion these ideals, working tirelessly to strengthen the Democratic infrastructure and ensure a vibrant future for all Louisianans.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Cruelty Exposed with Ellie Hansen

Laboratory experimentation on dogs has a long history, dating back to the 1800s, and beagles have become the predominant breed used due to their size and gentle temperament. As methods for scientific research developed and improved, it became clear that dog experimentation is no longer necessary for human life, as animals and humans are genetically different, and the failure rate of drugs tested on animals is high. In 1998, the U.S. Congress began working on bills to overturn the outdated 1938 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) law requiring animal testing for certain drugs and products. In December of 2022, the U.S. Congress passed, and President Biden signed the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 into law.
This bill authorizes the use of certain alternatives to animal testing, including cell-based assays and computer models, to obtain an exemption from the FDA to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a drug.
The bill also removes a requirement to use animal studies as part of the process to obtain a license for a biological product that is biosimilar or interchangeable with another biological product.
Even with this knowledge and changes in laws, some research labs are still using canines and other animals for cruel experiments that science has shown do not benefit humans.
Ellie Hansen, an animal rights activist, and an award-winning writer joins us at The Counter to talk about why research laboratories are still using dogs to test for cosmetics and other products designed for humans and how she and her husband are working to end this cruel practice.
We invite you to listen and learn how you can help to make America more just for all of us, including animals.
Trigger Warning: The descriptions used in this conversation are mild compared to what the dogs experience. However, some may find the information distressing.
To learn more about Dog Research Exposed, please visit their website at dogresearchexposed.com.
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com.
For more information on the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, see the following:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/5002
https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(23)00254-1/fulltext
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10617761/
https://cn-bio.com/us-fda-modernization-act-2-what-does-it-mean/
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/12/1148529799/fda-animal-testing-pharmaceuticals-drug-development
https://centerforahumaneeconomy.org/2024/02/06/fda-required-to-implement-animal-testing-reforms
https://www.science.org/content/resource/new-path-new-drugs-finding-alternatives-to-animal-testing
 
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
 
Ellie Hansen Bio
Ellie Hansen is an award-winning writer and animal rights activist. She holds a B.A. degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations from Bloomsburg University. Ellie’s published works include two books and magazine articles focusing on profound human relationships with dogs.
In 2015, Ellie adopted two beagles who were used for much of their lives for pharmaceutical research in undisclosed U.S. laboratories. Both dogs were severely traumatized and needed extensive rehabilitation to acclimatize to their new lives outside the laboratory. Witnessing their resilience and uncovering the facts about dogs used for research inspired Ellie to write her second book Laboratory Dogs Rescued: From Test Subjects to Beloved Companions (2021, McFarland & Company Inc. Publishers). 
Ellie is currently the producer and host of the Dog Research Exposed Podcast dedicated to disseminating information related to ending this cruel and outdated practice of using dogs in chemical and biomedical research worldwide. In early 2024 she embarked on a national tour with Dog Research Exposed to personally deliver signed petitions to facilities still using dogs for experiments. As of August 2024, Hansen has visited over 20 research facilities in 13 states and driven over 13,000 miles. Hansen also successfully planned and orchestrated the first-ever protest at Marshall Farms in New York State—the largest factory farm breeder of beagles and other animals for experimentation in the U.S. 
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Protecting Public Libraries with Patrick Sweeney

Public libraries and librarians are currently experiencing a significant increase in book bans and attacks. There are legislative efforts to eliminate books from entire states and even to arrest librarians. These attacks are largely motivated by political organizations aiming to utilize them as a means of fundraising and as a way to gain political power and influence. Join us for an informative and engaging conversation with Patrick Sweeney, the Political Director for EveryLibrary.
To learn more about EveryLibrary, please visit their website at everylibrary.org
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host:  Penny Ronning
Writer:  Penny Ronning
Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Editor:  Ty Lowe
Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe
Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack
Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe
Website:  Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
Patrick Sweeney Bio
Patrick Sweeney is a 2007 San Jose School of Library and Information Sciences graduate, Patrick is a former school librarian, Administrative Librarian, and was Executive Director of EveryLibrary California, a statewide initiative to support library propositions.  He was awarded Library Journal’s “Movers and Shakers” award in 2015 for his library advocacy work.  He is co-author of “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding” as well as “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding.”  He was recently recognized with a “40 Under 40” award by the American Association of Political Consultants for his work fighting for libraries at EveryLibrary.  He is a lecturer at the San Jose Information School where he teaches courses on politics and libraries.  He is active across social media as PC Sweeney.
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Art As Activism with Jon Lawrence Rivera

In their thought-provoking discussion, Penny Ronning and Jon Lawrence Rivera delve into the significance of the arts, particularly live theater, in today's socio-political environment. They shed light on how artists harness their work as a form of activism and response to pressing social issues. Emphasizing the pivotal role of diversity in the arts, they also address the need for authentic representation on stage and call for theater companies to honor their commitments to diversity. The conversation concludes with a constructive exploration of how artists can push boundaries and contribute to building a more just and inclusive society.
To learn more about Playwrights’ Arena, please visit their website at playwrightsarena.org
To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com
Host: Penny RonningWriter: Penny RonningProducers: Penny Ronning, Ty LoweEditor: Ty LoweSound Designer/Engineer: Ty LoweMusic: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov
Intro Vocals:  Roy PackGraphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty LoweWebsite: Ty Lowe
Social Media:  Emma Trunkle
 
 
Jon Lawrence Rivera Bio
 
Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director, Playwrights’ Arena is the recipient of the first Career Achievement Award from Stage Raw (2015) and its Queen of Angels Award (2024). Most recently, Rivera directed the following critically acclaimed world premieres for Playwrights’ Arena: MIX-MIX by Boni B. Alvarez, THREE by Nick Salamone, A HIT DOG WILL HOLLER by Inda Craig-Galván, SOUTHERNMOST by Mary Lyon Kamitaki, BABY EYES by Donald Jolly, LITTLE WOMEN by Velina Hasu Houston, @THESPEEDOFJAKE by Jennifer Maisel, and THE ANATOMY OF GAZELLAS by Janine Salinas Schoenberg. Other recent works include KIM’S CONVENIENCE by Ins Choi, BINGO HALL by Dillon Chitto, FAIRLY TRACEABLE by Mary Kathryn Nagle, CRIERS FOR HIRE by Giovanni Ortega, STAND-OFF AT HWY #37 by Vicky Ramirez, FLIPZOIDS by Ralph B. Peña (also in Manila). Rivera is the recipient of a NY Fringe Festival Award, an LA Weekly Award, and five-time Ovation Award nominations.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

The Counter - Show Introduction

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.  Despite being refused and threatened, they remained seated.  Their courageous, non-violent actions inspired others to rise and change our country.
For years, Diners across America had counters where customers could sit alongside one another and talk.  Conversations focused on local, state, and national issues.  Newspaper articles were discussed, and thoughts were shared over a meal and coffee.  Folks talked about how to make their communities better.
Counters are where history is made, communities are built, and change is born.  
The Counter is where democracy grows.  
Come, sit with us at The Counter, for conversations about a more just America.