Count Time Now!

Fred Ward hosts Eric Brakken on Count Time Now to shift from discussing barriers to sharing solutions in the re-entry community, focusing on affordable, energy-efficient housing with dignity. Brakken, a 30-year organizer from Florida, describes work with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Desmond Meade, including the 2018 voting rights expansion restoring rights to 1.4 million returning citizens, and Florida’s $15 minimum wage, while noting housing costs remain a major obstacle. Ward explains how organizing changed his life and why immediate needs like housing must be addressed alongside civic engagement. He details launching the “Miracle Mile” vision in Cleveland’s Glenville, completing a renovated home that filled instantly, then partnering with Brakken—who invested his own money—to build a proof of concept that expanded from one house to six plus two commercial buildings, aiming to attract capital to rebuild communities.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:48 Eric Brakken Background
02:48 Florida Voting Rights Win
04:36 Housing Becomes Priority
05:45 Fred Organizing Journey
08:03 Miracle Mile Vision
10:14 First House Proof
12:31 Eric Joins the Build
15:52 Scaling Up the Model
16:53 Investing Capital Locally
19:59 Capitalism and Redlining
21:23 Philanthropy and Power
25:50 Closing Mission and Tease

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.