In this episode of Viewpoints, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Adam Swart, founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, to pull back the curtain on the protest industry. Adam shares his unique perspective from years of organizing advocacy campaigns—ranging from high-profile demonstrations to publicity stunts—and challenges the idea of what makes a protest truly “grassroots.” The conversation explores the ethics of paid activism, foreign influence campaigns, the pitfalls of violent protest, and the surprising realities behind movements like #DeleteFacebook and BLM. Adam also weighs in on how money shapes political action, the fine line between advocacy and astroturfing, and why he believes true free speech is under threat. It’s an unfiltered look at protest culture, media narratives, and the future of free expression.
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