J's Lunch Counter

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 episodes and for being a part of this important show.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape or sexual assault, or if you would like to learn more about how you can offer support and be an ally for those who have been affected, you can connect with one of the networks or organizations below.

Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN) - www.rainn.org

Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs - www.kasap.org

Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center - www.bluegrassrapecrisis.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

To learn more about some of the work being done on certain college campuses to combat sexual violence, check out the link below:

https://inside.uncc.edu/news-features/2017-10-03/university-participating-%E2%80%98it%E2%80%99s-time-say-enough%E2%80%99

Thanks for listening!

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 [email protected].   

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 follow the show on Instagram @JsLunchCounter.  Check out our website at www.jslunchcounter.com for more podcast and blog content each week!

SUPPORT THE SHOW. This show has weekly expenses that are required to keep it going.   From web services to hosting fees to equipment costs, this venture is certainly not cheap.  If you would like to support the show, you can make a PayPal donation to [email protected] or by clicking HERE.  Any amount you can give would help support the show, and all donations will go towards the expenses listed above! 

LEAVE A REVIEW ON ITUNES.  Enjoying what you've heard so far?  Then take a moment to leave a review on iTunes.  Reviews help us move up the ranks so that more people will have access to the show!   Thanks again for all your support!

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 as viewers consume scary movies and whether or not we take that danger as serious as we should.   Plus, hear our favorite scary movies of all time, the movies we can't bear to watch again, the films we can't get enough of, and of course, the SCARIEST FILM OF ALL TIME!   All that and much more on Episode 49!    Turn the lights off, grab your popcorn, listen, and ENJOY!

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 accountability, and management.   We look at the role politics has played in shaping the charter school conversation, and we also discuss the realistic metrics for success in charter schools.   Mrs. Jones shares valuable insights about her time with Capital Prep in Hartford, CT and Harlem, NY, its 100% matriculation rate, and their school's unique approach to supporting the personal growth and development of each student beyond their academic coursework.   I also ask her what it's like to be a founder of a new school in New York with an icon like Diddy, and what it means for individuals with unparalleled platforms to lend their voice to these education discussions.

This is an illuminating conversation about charter schools, and one that can offer guidance around a controversial topic.   Please take a moment to listen and enjoy this important episode.  Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

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 [email protected].   

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 follow the show on Instagram @JsLunchCounter.  Check out our website at www.jslunchcounter.com for more podcast and blog content each week!

SUPPORT THE SHOW. This show has weekly expenses that are required to keep it going.   From web services to hosting fees to equipment costs, this venture is certainly not cheap.  If you would like to support the show, you can make a PayPal donation to [email protected] or by clicking HERE.  Any amount you can give would help support the show, and all donations will go towards the expenses listed above! 

LEAVE A REVIEW ON ITUNES.  Enjoying what you've heard so far?  Then take a moment to leave a review on iTunes.  Reviews help us move up the ranks so that more people will have access to the show!   Thanks again for all your support!

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 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 [email protected].   

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 follow the show on Instagram @JsLunchCounter.  Check out our website at www.jslunchcounter.com for more podcast and blog content each week!

SUPPORT THE SHOW. This show has weekly expenses that are required to keep it going.   From web services to hosting fees to equipment costs, this venture is certainly not cheap.  If you would like to support the show, you can make a PayPal donation to [email protected] or by clicking HERE.  Any amount you can give would help support the show, and all donations will go towards the expenses listed above! 

LEAVE A REVIEW ON ITUNES.  Enjoying what you've heard so far?  Then take a moment to leave a review on iTunes.  Reviews help us move up the ranks so that more people will have access to the show!   Thanks again for all your support!

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 its realistic to expect Russia to be held accountable for their actions.   This show is jam-packed with news and information about the past 8 days of news and information, and we're here to try and make sense of everything.

Below are a list of links from stories and articles referenced on today's show, along with a series of links and videos that can help aid your understanding of the information shared on the show:

Bill Clinton Fired An FBI Director Two Decades Before Trump - http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/10/politics/fbi-william-sessions-firing/

Trump Interview With Lester Holt: President Asked Comey If He Was Under Investigation - http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-reveals-he-asked-comey-whether-he-was-under-investigation-n757821

Trump defends sharing ‘facts’ with Russia for ‘humanitarian reasons’ - http://www.politico.eu/article/trump-defends-sharing-facts-with-russia-for-humanitarian-reasons/

Trump’s tweets, interviews could cost him executive privilege - https://thinkprogress.org/trumps-tweets-interviews-could-cost-him-executive-privilege-d49d667290e7

Syria's war: Who is fighting and why - Syria's war: Who is fighting and why [Updated]

From Spy To President: The Rise of Vladimir Putin - From spy to president: The rise of Vladimir Putin

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 [email protected].   

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 follow the show on Instagram @JsLunchCounter.  Check out our website at www.jslunchcounter.com for more podcast and blog content each week!

SUPPORT THE SHOW. This show has weekly expenses that are required to keep it going.   From web services to hosting fees to equipment costs, this venture is certainly not cheap.  If you would like to support the show, you can make a PayPal donation to [email protected] or by clicking HERE.  Any amount you can give would help support the show, and all donations will go towards the expenses listed above! 

LEAVE A REVIEW ON ITUNES.  Enjoying what you've heard so far?  Then take a moment to leave a review on iTunes.  Reviews help us move up the ranks so that more people will have access to the show!   Thanks again for all your support!

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. 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 [email protected].   

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 follow the show on Instagram @JsLunchCounter.  Check out our website at www.jslunchcounter.com for more podcast and blog content each week!

SUPPORT THE SHOW. This show has weekly expenses that are required to keep it going.   From web services to hosting fees to equipment costs, this venture is certainly not cheap.  If you would like to support the show, you can make a PayPal donation to [email protected] or by clicking HERE.  Any amount you can give would help support the show, and all donations will go towards the expenses listed above! 

LEAVE A REVIEW ON ITUNES.  Enjoying what you've heard so far?  Then take a moment to leave a review on iTunes.  Reviews help us move up the ranks so that more people will have access to the show!   Thanks again for all your support!

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 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 [email protected].   

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 follow the show on Instagram @JsLunchCounter.  Check out our website at www.jslunchcounter.com for more podcast and blog content each week!

SUPPORT THE SHOW. This show has weekly expenses that are required to keep it going.   From web services to hosting fees to equipment costs, this venture is certainly not cheap.  If you would like to support the show, you can make a PayPal donation to [email protected] or by clicking HERE.  Any amount you can give would help support the show, and all donations will go towards the expenses listed above! 

LEAVE A REVIEW ON ITUNES.  Enjoying what you've heard so far?  Then take a moment to leave a review on iTunes.  Reviews help us move up the ranks so that more people will have access to the show!   Thanks again for all your support!