The Counter

Tribal Knowledge Can Save The Planet with Dr. Cristina Eisenberg

Indigenous communities have been stewarding the land for millennia, yet their knowledge has often been overlooked in mainstream conservation efforts. That’s changing.
In this episode, Dr. Cristina Eisenberg—Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Director of Tribal Initiatives in Natural Resources at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry—shares how Indigenous science is shaping climate action. As an advisor to the White House and an invited speaker at the United Nations, Dr. Eisenberg is at the forefront of efforts to integrate Tribal sovereignty and traditional ecological knowledge into global environmental policies.
Join us as we discuss how Indigenous perspectives are transforming conservation, the power of restoring land stewardship to Native communities, and why Indigenous leadership is essential in the fight against climate change.
🎧 Tune in now to learn why the future of the planet depends on honoring its original caretakers.
To learn more about Dr. Eisenberg’s work with the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Lab through the College of Forestry at Oregon State university, please visit their website at tek.forestry.oregonstate.edu
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
 
 
 
Dr. Cristina Eisenberg Bio
Dr. Cristina Eisenberg is the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Maybelle Clark Macdonald Director of Tribal Initiatives in Natural Resources at the Oregon State University College of Forestry. She is the Director of the Indigenous Natural Resource Office and the TEK Lab. 
She is of Raramuri and Western Apache heritage and has partnered with Indigenous communities globally for nearly 20 years to lead research about how Indigenous Knowledge, cultural stewardship practices, and cultural keystones can restore climate resilience to forests and grasslands. She leads two long-term ecocultural restoration research projects for the BLM on the northern great plains in Montana, working with the Fort Belknap Indian Community, and in western Oregon working with several Tribal Nations. 
She partners with the US Forest Service in facilitating ecocultural Tribal Roundtables in the US and works with federal leaders and the US White House in developing policies to support Tribal sovereignty, focusing on natural resource stewardship.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Personal Responsibility In Democracy with Betsy Myers

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 Leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School, and as Chief Operating Officer for President Obama’s historic 2008 campaign, Betsy has spent her career studying what makes leaders succeed—or fail.
In this conversation, we explore what distinguishes great leaders, how personal responsibility shapes democracy, and why the future of politics depends on each of us stepping up—not just those in power.
🎧 Tune in to The Counter for an inspiring message of hope, leadership, and the role we all play in shaping our democracy.
To learn more about Betsy Myers, please visit her website at betsymyers.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
 
Betsy Myers Bio
Betsy Myers is on a mission to improve leadership by developing leaders and teams who infuse passion and purpose into their organizations by leading from both the head and the heart. Betsy's insightful keynotes and workshops have inspired executives and managers worldwide to level up their leadership. Her practical guidance helps attract and retain top talent, build an inspirational culture, and achieve impactful results in the rapidly changing workplace. 
Betsy is a renowned expert on emerging leadership trends and women’s leadership and is the author of Take the Lead: Motivate, Inspire, and Bring Out the Best in Yourself and Everyone Around You. She is currently a senior advisor at the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute at the University of Cincinnati. She also serves on the Council on Advancing Women in Business for the US Export-Import Bank and the Board of the International Leadership Association. She has extensive experience in the corporate world, government settings, and in higher education. 
Previously, she was the founding director of the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University and the executive director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard's Kennedy School. A senior adviser to two U.S. presidents, Betsy served as President Clinton's White House Advisor on Women's Issues and was the Chief Operating Officer and Chair of Women for Obama during President Obama's historic 2008 national campaign. Her extensive leadership background also includes roles at the U.S. Small Business Administration, including heading the Office of Women's Business Ownership. 
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Banned, Bold, and Brilliant: A Conversation with Ellen Hopkins

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’s books were among the 11 most banned titles during the 2022–2023 school year, placing her alongside literary icons like Harper Lee, Toni Morrison, Judy Blume, and Margaret Atwood on the list of most challenged authors.
In this episode of The Counter, we explore the power of words, the fight against censorship, and why some institutions fear the very stories that help young people navigate the world. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with one of my heroes, Ellen Hopkins!
🎧 Tune in now!
To learn more about Ellen Hopkins’ writings, please visit ellenhopkinsbooks.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
 
 
Ellen Hopkins Bio
 
Ellen Hopkins is a former freelance journalist and the award-winning author of twenty nonfiction books for kids, four novels for adult readers, two middle grade novels, and fourteen NY Times bestselling young adult novels. 
After six decades in California and Nevada, she recently moved with her extended family and two spectacular German Shepherds to five acres of Missouri woods.
 
The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Garrett Morris: A Life of Laughter and Liberation

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 unwavering commitment to justice. His story is one of resilience, activism, and the belief that laughter and liberation go hand in hand.
🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation with the one and only Garrett Morris—where comedy meets courage, and art fuels activism.
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.

Dark Money, Democracy, and the Fight for Transparency with Reilly Neill

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 Reilly Neill—author, former Montana state legislator, and candidate for Congress—to discuss the dangers of dark money, its impact on local and national elections, and what we can do to take back our democracy.
Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. Citizen involvement—running for office, serving on advisory boards, attending public meetings, and demanding transparency—is more critical than ever.
🎧 Join us for a conversation on how we can fight back against dark money and reclaim the power of the people.
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

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 women in the political process, the power of language in shaping leadership, and why representation matters now more than ever.
If we want a government that truly serves the people, we need candidates who understand the struggles of everyday Americans—and that starts with empowering new voices to step up and lead.
🎧 Join us for this inspiring conversation on breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and making politics personal.
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 Barneaa

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 recognize its modern-day manifestations. Most importantly, he calls for collective action—building strong, informed communities that can resist authoritarianism before it takes hold.
Who we are today is who we would have been then—bystanders, enablers, or resisters. The choice is ours.
🎧 Tune in now and join the movement for resistance and resilience.
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 in the Age of Misinformation with Rosemary Smith

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 explore the dangers of misinformation, the importance of critical thinking, and how media literacy can empower us to separate fact from fiction. We discuss how understanding media intent, questioning narratives, and seeking diverse perspectives can help build trust, strengthen democracy, and foster informed decision-making.
🎧 Join us for an eye-opening conversation on navigating today’s media landscape—and why media literacy is more essential than ever.
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.

Project 2025 and the Fight for Democracy with Dustin Granger

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 State Democratic Party leader Dustin Granger to discuss the urgent need for Democrats to hold firm in their values rather than shift right, the dangers of Project 2025, and how extremist policies—like mandating the Ten Commandments in public schools and banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory—are being used to reshape education and restrict freedoms.
Democracy isn’t self-sustaining—it requires vigilance and action. 🎧 Join us for this bold, no-nonsense conversation on the fight to protect our rights and the future of our country.
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.

Ending Cruelty—The Fight to Stop Dog Experimentation with Ellie Hansen

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 award-winning writer—to discuss why laboratories are still using dogs for experiments, the misconceptions about animal testing, and what can be done to end this unethical and ineffective practice.
Laws are changing, but progress depends on public awareness and action. 🎧 Join us to learn how you can be part of the movement to make America more just—for all living beings.
🚨 Trigger Warning: While descriptions in this conversation are mild compared to what the dogs endure, some listeners may find the content 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.