J's Lunch Counter

This past weekend, the country watched as hundreds of thousands of students gathered for the "March For Our Lives" Rally, to advocate for gun control reform in the United States.   Today, I am joined by Katie Kerns, who attended the march in Washington D.C.  Katie shares her perspective and experience at the march, and together we look at the most significant themes and messages shared this weekend.   We talk about the diversity of the speakers, how these students intentionally opened the stage for students from Chicago and D.C. and Oakland, to talk about the larger problem around gun violence in America, beyond mass shootings in schools.   We talked about the courage of students like Naomi Wadler, DeAngelo McDade, and the students of Parkland, FL.  Both Katie and I were emotionally moved by the stories of these students and their messages of survival and calls for action.  I hope listeners can enjoy and appreciate our recap of such an important moment in this movement.   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a

#DeleteFacebook?  I don't know if we need to go that far - but you do need to check out this week's podcast about Facebook, Cambridge Analytica, and the way our social media information is now used.   This was on display during the 2016 election, and now as part of the investigation into the collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign.  Michael Oghia, an internet security specialist working in Internet Governance, joins me on the show to discuss the meaning of social media data, how it's used for good, how it's used illegally, and how it influences our spending, our information gathering and media consumption, and of course, our politics.       TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about each show!   STAY CONNECTED. Stay connected to the show!  Submit

On today's show, I am joined by Kelsey Hayes, 8th grade teacher and policy advocate, to talk frankly about the challenges that teachers face in the classroom, and in the modern political climate.  In our home state of Kentucky, we are in the middle of a serious pension crisis, and the Republican Governor and Republican leadership has proposed a pension reform bill that would dramatically and negatively impact teachers.   Listen to our discussion about the hardships teachers face, and the ways they overcome these financial, educational, and political obstacles to be able to educate future generations.   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about each show!   STAY CONNECTED. Stay connected to the show!  Submit your questions about news, politics, popular c

Episode 58 is a follow-up conversation with my good friend Meredith Scalos, discussing the latest developments in the FBI's special investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about each show!   STAY CONNECTED. Stay connected to the show!  Submit your questions about news, politics, popular culture, social justice, entertainment, music, and sports, and we will cover them for a future Mailbag segment.   You can send your questions to jslunchcounter@gmail.com.      JOIN THE CONVERSATION. We would also love for you to follow along on social media!   Like us on Facebook.  www.facebook.com/jslunchcounter.  Follow us on Twitter and tweet us at www.twitter.com/jslunchcounter. You can also f

Episode 57  is an important show about gun control and the Second Amendment.   In the wake of mass shootings in Parkland, Florida and Marshall County in Kentucky, J's Lunch Counter takes an in-depth look into the debate around gun control.  We are joined by special guest Paul S. John, Manager for Mayoral Outreach of the non-profit organization Everytown for Gun Safety.   We explore why its so difficult for us to talk about guns, whether there are certain gun control regulations that most Americans agree, and whether or not guns or mental health play a bigger role in the gun violence we see in these mass shooting incidents but also in communities plagued by ongoing violence.  This is an important conversation that you won't want to miss!

After years of waiting, we have finally arrived at the premiere of Marvel's Black Panther! Today we're discussing all things Black Panther - from the casting of such a dynamic roster of talented actors and actresses, to one of Marvel's best stories to date, the superb directing job of Ryan Coogler, and the display of the African utopia of Wakanda.  I am joined by my wife Chioma Brown, along with our friends and comic book superfans Coy and Laneshia Conner, to discuss our collective reaction to the Black Panther debut.  We discuss the societal impact of this cultural landmark in entertainment, the significance of the black and African excellence on display in this movie, why so many non-Marvel fans were drawn to this film, and how the film lives up to the much-deserved hype.   Black Panther certainly represents a moment in time for the culture, and we are here for it.   *THIS SHOW CONTAINS SPOILERS* so if you haven't seen the movie yet - 1) get yourself together 2) go see it NOW!   There is so much to  unpack

Once I hit the record button, this Friday *Happy Hour* show took a bit of a turn.  Listen today as I share some open thoughts about ONE of the challenges to discussing politics in this Administration, hear how I've been shaped and moved by this recent immigration debate, and hear the real reason why I was upset with the totally appropriate Democrat response to the government shutdown.     TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about each show!   STAY CONNECTED. Stay connected to the show!  Submit your questions about news, politics, popular culture, social justice, entertainment, music, and sports, and we will cover them for a future Mailbag segment.   You can send your questions to jslunchcounter@gmail.com.      JOIN THE CONVERSATION. We would also love f

On today's show, I am joined by Cara Stewart of the Kentucky Equal Justice Center to discuss three important healthcare stories that have gotten lost in recent political coverage.  We discuss the future of U.S. HIV/AIDS policy and research in the wake of President Trump firing the members of the Presidential Council on HIV/AIDS, the likelihood of Congress securing funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and how this affects families in Kentucky and across the country, and the impact of the GOP Tax bill on healthcare policy.   I learned a great deal from this conversation with Cara, and I hope that it can be the same experience for you!   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about each show!   STAY CONNECTED. Stay connected to the show!

We're back again for part 2 of our 2017 recap, joined by my guests Junis Baldon and Griffin Brixey, to continue our conversation about the highs and lows and most important stories of 2017.   We begin this show where Part 1 left off, with an in-depth discussion about the biggest stories in sports, including Colin Kaepernick and the NFL Protests, and President Trump's war of words with professional athletes, plus Griffin's hot take on Kevin Durant and the Warriors and another look at the impact of Lavar Ball and the Big Baller Brand.   We dive into the some of the tragedies that we witnessed in 2017, including the Manchester bombing, the Las Vegas shooting, the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise, and the numerous devastating Hurricanes that pummeled Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Puerto Rico.  Finally, we explore the year in politics, including Donald Trump's first year in office, the firing of James Comey and the Mueller special investigation, the GOP attempts to repeal and replace Obamacare, the GOP tax bill, th

On today's show, we look back at 2017, with a reflection on some of the biggest stories of the year.   My guests and I explore the year in music, television, film, and all of entertainment.  From the generational enthusiasm of Jay-Z's 4:44 to the rise of Cardi B, we take a closer look at how music shaped the culture in 2017.   We also discuss arguably the biggest story of the year - the ongoing allegations of sexual harassment and assault against high profile figures in media and politics.   From Donald Trump to Bill Cosby to Harvey Weinstein and more, my guests have interesting takes on the driving force behind this story.     This is part 1 of our in-depth look at 2017, so stay tuned for part 2 next week!   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about ea

Today, I am joined by Michael Oghia, an Independent Consultant who focuses on internet governance, and together we are discussing the controversial subject of net neutrality.   Net neutrality deals with our current access to the internet in many forms, and how that access could be threatened if the FCC rolls back existing Open Internet regulations, which would allow Internet Service Providers (ISP's) like phone and cable companies like Time Warner or ATT, to control and limit access to certain websites, software, apps, and content, while charging for access to preferred content and software.   This can have a tremendous impact on how we access the internet, exchange information, consume media, and communicate across the world.    If you haven't been paying attention, it's time to take notice.  Elections have consequences, and this is certainly one of the serious consequences of this current administration - one that we have overlooked but will affect all of us.

We made it 50 episodes!  Hurrah!   On this 50th episode, we begin a very important conversation around sexual assault, rape culture, and the recent wave of courageous individuals coming forward to share their stories about sexual violence.   Today I am joined by Asst. Professor of Social Work, Laneshia Conner, and Taryn Henning, Director of Community Engagement for the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center.  My guests and I explore the many facets of sexual violence - in the media, in the news, in popular culture, on college campuses, along with the alarming statistics that reveal that we all are affected by this problem.   We look at the perceptions around sex and sexual expression and how these perceptions have led to the troubling culture we experience today.   In the wake of Cosby, Weinstein, Trump, and so many others in the headlines - the only thing that is clear is that we all have a lot to learn, and hopefully this conversation can be a part of that for many of you.   Thank you for supporting us through 50 epi

If it's Halloween…it must be SAW!   Ep. 49 isn't just spooky, it's downright sick!  We go in depth on mine and your favorite scary movies of all time!!!!!! With the release of the latest installment of JIGSAW, I am joined by good friends and horror aficionados Coy and Laneisha Connor, for an epic 2-hour scary movie show!   Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Chucky, Hannibal Lecter, that one zombie guy that won't die, Jeff Goldblum in The Fly, The Birds, all 8 Wrong Turn movies (can you believe there were 8 of those?!?) and EVERYTHING in between - we're discussing on the show.  What makes a scary movie so scary?  Where did all classic movies go?  Are children really scary?   Which lines should never be crossed in horror movies?  We delve into the deepest darkest, most twisted depths of horror, fiction and real life, a serious discussion about the social cues of horror, the boundaries that much of Hollywood crossed a long time ago, when fictional horror intersects with real life terror, and how we a

J's Lunch Counter's latest episode is now available, and if its Friday, then it's HAPPY HOUR!  On this show, we talk about the tenor of our public discourse, and how we communicate.   Through the lens of Kaepernick's collusion case against the NFL, Eminem's cypher against Donald Trump and his supporters, Trump's comments to Gold Star families and the ensuing controversy, and George W. Bush's speech about American values.  This was an unfiltered solo show with my thoughts on where we are as a country, how frustrating our debate has become, and a challenge for those who truly fight for justice, in every sense of the word.

We’re officially BACK!!!!! After a 4-month hiatus, J’s Lunch Counter finally returns with Episode 47. Listen for a quick update on the show, where I’ve been, and then dive right in to the discussion about the latest with the NFL protests, ESPN’s suspension of Jemele Hill, Trump the provocateur, and a recap of the original meaning of Colin Kaepernick’s protest.   All I can say is - it’s great to be back!!!!

On today's show, I am joined by a special guest, Ms. Danita Jones, founding principal of Capital Prep Harlem in Harlem, New  York, for an important, unique conversation about charter schools.  Mrs. Jones is a lifelong educator and principal of the newly-inaugurated Capital Prep Harlem, founded by fellow educator and charter school founder and advocate, Dr. Steve Perry, along with entertainment mogul, Sean "Diddy" Combs.   In the wake of the Kentucky legislature enacting a bill to allow charter schools in Kentucky, I wanted to have a frank conversation with this experienced educator and charter school proponent about the realities, strengths, and challenges of the charter school system.   Mrs. Jones shares her experience as an educator, her motivation to become a teacher and to influence the lives of other students, and shares her journey to the Capital Prep network with Dr. Perry.   We discuss the more controversial issues around charter schools including funding, innovation opportunities, standards and accou

J's Lunch Counter Episode 44 takes a look at the most interesting sports stories in the news.   I am joined by Renaldo and Dakarai Dorsett of 10th Year Seniors, to discuss the wrestling persona of Lavar Ball and the Big Baller Brand and how Lavar's antics will impact his son, and whether Lavar is taking a worthy gamble on the success of his sons.   We also explore a the layoffs at ESPN and whether the network's liberal politics have impacted its success.   Finally, we take a quick look at the NBA Playoffs, the inevitability of Warriors-Cavs, the future of John Wall and the Wizards, the end of the Spurs, and how Renaldo's Trailblazers will never win a championship.   Listen and enjoy!   Below are a list of links from stories and articles referenced on today's show: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/05/02/did-too-much-caitlyn-jenner-doom-espn-215093   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a fri

J's Lunch Counter Episode 43 covers the latest in the firing of FBI Director James Comey and the subsequent fallout.   I am joined by my good friend and political scientist Meredith Scalos, and together we explore the impact of President Trump's recent behavior in firing the FBI Director after months of attempting to influence Comey to end the investigation between the Trump campaign and Russia.   We look at the relationship between President Trump and his FBI Director and the information being reported by various news outlets about Trump's attempt to influence the investigation into his ties to Russia.   We look at the testimony of former attorney general Sally Yates regarding Michael Flynn, and whether Trump may have obstructed justice by interfering into the Flynn investigation.  We take a look at the unprecedented nature of this presidency and how difficult its become to keep this story in the proper perspective.  We also look at Russia's role in influencing the U.S. election, Putin's motives, and whether

J's Lunch Counter Episode 42 is available for download! Today I'm going solo, and there are a few news items I needed to discuss.  First, I explore and examine the criticism leveled against President Barack Obama for accepting $400,000 speaking fees from Wall Street, and why it's wrong to hold our public officials  (and all of our public servants) to an unfair, unrealistic standard. I also discuss Trump's waffling with North Korea, and how his words and actions breed terror instead of confidence.  Finally, I look at his recent comments about the civil war, and how they demonstrate his complete ignorance about American History, and how much we have had to settle with this President.   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so please help others join the convo! Tell a friend about the show and help grow our audience!   Share our posts on Facebook and Twitter and let your friends know what you find most interesting about each show!   STAY CONNECTED.

Episode 41 is live and available for download! Today on the show, my guests Cara Stewart, Charles Badger, Christian Motley and I cover President Trump's first 100 days in office.  From the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court to the failed attempt to repeal and replace Obamacare, the Trump administration has struggled to demonstrate any measurable success thus far.   We take a look at the healthcare fight, the Trump-Russia investigation, the Muslim Ban and more of the policy fights that have plagued this administration. We also take a deeper look into the loyalty of the Trump base and how much losing they will actually stand for.   In the mailbag, we discuss Bill O' Reilly, whether ongoing protests are useful or a waste of time, whether Jared and Ivanka can move Trump in a positive direction and whether the first 100 days tells us anything about what will happen in next years midterms.   TELL A FRIEND. J’s Lunch Counter is a platform for each of you to engage in conversation that matters, so pleas