These gals really pack a punch with their counter topics, comedic cacophony, and the best theme song ever. WE LOVE TENNESSEE HAYRIDE!

Not just because it’s my daughter

Counter programming is the podcast epitome of artistic creation during the monotony of quarantine. The entrepreneurial spirit is certainly found within these hosts. Certain mediums struggle to find content which will engage people, and throughout the year, hosts Arielle and Shira have found joy in shining light on a previously under-scrutinized part of every day life. We all have countertops. In one way or another, people come across them on an almost daily basis. Their podcast, Counter Programming, examines the world of countertop design, designers, with details about each selections history (and possible future?). Most entertainment television shows are filmed far in advance from when they are aired; Movies more obvious to this point. But podcasting can be done with cursory research and planning. That is not to say that all podcasts do not take great care in planning their content. One would only have to look at the astonishing work of Dan Carlin with Hardcore History. But what of the productions which throw caution to the wind and simply know the topic which they would like to discus? Joe Rogan exemplifies this point. The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) typically has a guest on to sit down and merely chat with the show’s host. Although the JRE may have a specific topic in mind, and the host graciously knows about their guest, Joe Rogan typically allows the typic to be discovered by the listener through a conversation with the guest. Counter Programming has a slight hybrid approach to their own production. While it’s clear a more than modest amount of research has been done, the hosts often make new discoveries as the topic is presented to the listeners. There are moments of conversation which will direct one host to do a quick google search, or to swiftly skim Wikipedia. The hosts learn along with the audience. This type of model shows a well structured yet fluid form of presentation, which allows free flowing conversation to remain informative. As the podcast series continues, the hosts expand the definition of their initial content expectations. People needed to adapt and deal with quarantine creatively, and media reacted to the people’s adaptations. The long standing question of whether or not art mirrors society, or shapes it is emboldened by this podcast. Quarantine lead two creative individuals to produce a show dedicated to the mundane and lead them down a path of harmonious paragons. The series eventually moves into reviewing and discussing topics related to the root of their story, “counter.” At the time of this writing, their latest episode is dedicated to the “Counter Protests”. Defining it, expounding the idea, and comparing modern examples to history. Many people have tried to find creative ways to spend their time during the mass quarantine of 2020. The abundance of artistic expressions and aspirations has lead many entrepreneurs to find niche audiences previously underserved. Podcasting is versatile, with hardly any limits for possible listeners. Building a show so dedicated to a niche concept which holds the attention of a listener who otherwise would continue living in naïveté of an everyday asset, is the epitome quarantine creativity. This, almost sub-genre or art we have become accustomed to, will be fondly remembered by those who went through this experience in 2020. For me, this podcast will be the epitome of this sub-genre, for its unexpected arrival of an unlikely topic during a time of stress and upheaval in the modern world. I encourage everyone to listen to the full series, and to find a way to showcase your own creativity through whatever means you have available.

Love this show and the hosts! So good to pass the time during quarantine and beyond ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

These ladies are so clever and charming. Super fun concept! Super fun show!

who is leaving all of these good written reviews? this is absolutely one to skip...

This will keep my busy for hours

*chris traeger voice* literally. hysterical.

Gotta love this show. Ari and Shira are the best 🥰🥰

👍🏼

Shira and Arielle have figured out the magic formula! Just the right amount of education, humor, and pop culture. Love listening to this duo.

Love listening - as they bring to light a great balance of real information and irreverence. Somehow they always find a way to make me laugh!

I absolutely love this show, the hosts, and the wide range of topics they cover. Hosts Arielle and Shira have great personalities and compliment each other well. I highly recommend this show!

A lighthearted and educational listen. Check it out!

The hosts have a really flow, and it’s both entertaining and informative. I’ve been liking the newer episodes a lot too. Would recommend!

Shira and Arielle are a delightful pair. I live for fun facts, and this podcast completely scratches my itch! It also helps that these two are extremely funny. These episodes are the most I’ve laughed in a long time!

Honestly started listening to this because I thought it would be a simple escape from reality and while it surely is that, I’m finding that I’m also learning so much about all of these random topics?! I feel wayyy more informed about countertops, for example. I’m counting (!) my lucky stars that you’ll keep the podcast up and continue to wow us with randomness and joy.

From kitchen counters to Count Dracula, this is one podcast you can COUNT on being released every Wednesday. If I had to SUM UP this podcast in one phrase it would be “Better Than The Joe Rogan Experience.” My methodology was simple, I simply ADDED all the times I laughed during Joe Rogan’s episode with Jordan Peterson and then TALLIED all time times I laughed during Counter Programming. If my counting calculations are correct, Counter Programming is 2-3 times as funny as JRE. I don’t want to _______ my chickens before they hatch, but I 100% guarantee that you’ll love this podcast.

Arielle and Shira make me laugh out loud in this podcast. Thank you for keeping me company while I wash dishes, go for a walk, and try to remember what day it is. This is exactly the show I needed right now!!

Like a breath of fresh air during this crazy pandemic. I love the hosts, they’re so engaging and positive and funny. It’s super inspiring how they are finding the good things you can do during quarantine.

Count..me..in! Love it already shishi fontana de la Rosa!

Loved learning about countertops. Looking forward to counter espionage one day. Arielle- Good luck with the dog. Shira- if you came out to suburbia you could go running without having to worry about other people. Love, Your Mother

I’m arielle, one of the creators of this pod. Thank you for listening! Please leave a review and we’ll shout you out in the pod :)

Finally a show that people really need. Counter Programming is bad news free! Do yourself a favor and check out this podcast. It would be counterintuative for you to pass this one up. Keep it up, Shira and Arielle! We're counting on you!

Super excited to have a fun and carefree podcast to get me through these difficult times. Shira and Arielle are energetic, entertaining and easy to listen to! I’m excited to learn more random facts about counters of all types.

Funniest people on the internet? Probably. Excited for more episodes. Count me a countee. Can you discuss counts of nobility? Count Dracula? Count Olaf? Count of Monte Cristo?