On this episode of “What Makes America Tick?” I sat down with actor, activist, and generational talent Wendell Pierce to discuss the intersection of arts and activism, growing up in the historical black neighborhood of Pontchartrain Park, and his recent performance as Othello at the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C.
19 May 2026
Episode 13: Voting Rights & Redistricting Town Hall
Election day in Louisiana was drastically altered by the devastating SCOTUS decision in Louisiana v. Callais. But the fight is far from over.
I recently held a town hall with Mayor Helena Moreno, the Orleans legislative delegation, and members of the New Orleans City Council, focused on voting rights and redistricting. On this special episode of “What Makes Americans Tick?,” you can listen to that conversation.
30 Apr 2026
Episode 12: Alma C. Stewart Allen
On this episode of “What Makes America Tick?” I sat down with Alma C. Stewart Allen, President and Founder of Louisiana Health Equity. We discussed how we worked together to create Louisiana’s first-ever Office of Women’s Health and how we’re still working side-by-side to fight for justice and equity in health care.
27 Mar 2026
Episode 11: Dan Gillison, NAMI
Mental health challenges affect everyone, but communities of color often face stigma and limited access to care. On this episode of “What Makes America Tick?,” I sat down with Dan Gillison, CEO of NAMI, to discuss access to mental health resources, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the critical need for culturally competent care—an issue I’m working to address through the Mental Health Workforce Act.
26 Feb 2026
Episode 10: Leader Hakeem Jeffries
On our Black History Month episode of “What Makes America Tick?”, I sat down with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to talk about what’s at stake for our democracy.We discussed attacks on voting rights as we await a key decision from the Supreme Court in Louisiana V Callais, ICE’s assault on our communities, and how we used a discharge petition to fight for extending ACA tax credits to protect affordable health care.
29 Jan 2026
Episode 9: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson
The American people are facing serious threats to our democracy – from skyrocketing health care costs, to violent actions by ICE, and efforts to undermine voting rights. On this episode of What Makes America Tick?, I sat down with Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, to discuss the challenges facing our communities and how we’re pushing back.
23 Dec 2025
Episode 8: We Survived the Storm -Did We Survive the System?
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. hosts Representatives Jim Clyburn, Russel Honore, and Norman Robinson to reflect on Hurricane Katrina's 20th anniversary and discuss community resilience in this interview episode.
12 Nov 2025
Episode 7: April Verrett
SEIU President April Verrett discusses the power of labor unions in supporting workers, breaking cycles of poverty, and dismantling structural racism in an interview with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
21 Oct 2025
Episode 6: Dr. Sholas
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. interviews Dr. Maurice Sholas about the critical role of NIH research funding and the potential risks associated with reducing Medicaid and Medicare, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing mental health.
23 Sept 2025
Episode 5: Ross Dellenger
Ross Dellenger and Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. discuss NIL and the SCORE Act, focusing on protecting young athletes in college football in this interview.
21 Sept 2025
Episode 5 Teaser
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. previews an upcoming interview with Ross Dellenger from Yahoo Sports, focusing on NIL and the SCORE Act in college football.
4 Aug 2025
Episode 4: Senator Cory Booker
Senator Cory Booker discusses his tireless advocacy for Americans, addressing the impact of policies and his personal vegan lifestyle in this interview with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
31 Jul 2025
Episode 4 Trailer: Senator Cory Booker
Senator Cory Booker discusses his tireless advocacy for Americans, the impact of Trump's policies, and his vegan lifestyle in an interview with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
5 Jul 2025
Episode 3: Marc Morial
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. interviews Marc Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League, about his legacy, advocacy, and the impact he had on Essence Fest.
30 May 2025
Episode 2: Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. discuss maternal health, the SAVE Act, Medicaid cuts, and A.I. in this interview episode.
29 May 2025
PODCAST TEASER: Episode 2
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. interviews Congresswoman Yvette Clarke about maternal health, the SAVE Act, Medicaid cuts, and the Congressional Black Caucus's response to these issues.
18 Apr 2025
Episode 1: Essence
In this episode, Congressman Troy Carter sat down for a candid conversation with the top leadership of Essence Festival and Essence Magazine.
16 Apr 2025
PODCAST TEASER “What Makes America Tick” — Hosted by Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
What makes Essence the cultural force it is today?
I sat down for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation with the top leadership of Essence Festival and Essence Magazine—the minds and hearts driving the movement.
We explored:
• The evolution from magazine to movement
• The magic behind the Essence Festival
• The unapologetic power of Black women leading the charge
It’s fun, it’s provocative, it’s informative—
It’s Essence.
This is What Makes America Tick.
Hosted by me, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Subscribe now. Don’t miss this one.
Who has been a guest on "What Makes America Tick?" with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jim Clyburn
Russel Honore
Norman Robinson
April Verrett
Maurice Sholas
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact "What Makes America Tick?" with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of "What Makes America Tick?" with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
