Fred Ward sits down off-script with longtime friend Natasha Watts to talk about coming from the mud, the strength of their mothers, and why her bail bond business became a ministry rooted in dignity, family, and showing up for people. They connect the streets, the courts, and reentry realities to voting power, low turnout, and how systems can work exactly as designed, including privatized prisons and collateral sanctions that block people coming home.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:15 Mothers and Strength
03:22 Bail Bonds as Ministry
06:17 Judges and Voting Power
08:02 Survival Mode and Preparation
11:54 Traps for Young Men
14:58 Mentoring and Listening
20:23 Reentry Jobs and CQE
24:02 Turnout and Political Neglect
29:20 Marijuana Law Changes
32:39 Tax Funds Taken Away
34:03 Weed Tax Money Taken
35:43 Stadium Deal Outrage
36:23 Local Leaders Accountable
40:14 Crime Inside Government
41:23 Voting vs Giving Up
44:51 Unrestricted Power Explained
48:28 Civic Death Concept
52:07 Be the Light Action
53:12 Vote or Get Counted Out
56:10 Programs Starved of Funds
What is Count Time Now! ?
Fred Ward introduces 'Count Time Now,' a new podcast aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with felony convictions. The podcast will focus on education and narrative to assist in societal reintegration, discussing topics like the impact of the 13th Amendment and the importance of collective power. It aims to destigmatize felony convictions and encourage civic engagement, highlighting the importance of voting and legislative change. The name 'Count Time' is significant, as it relates to the institutional practice of counting inmates, now it's time for us ALL to be counted.