Counter Programming with Shira & Arielle Shira & Arielle

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.