817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show
  • 4.1 (52)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice Podcast of the Year"Fort Worth's Monday morning meeting." - Bud KennedyDo you love Fort Worth and care about what goes on in our amazing city? Well, welcome to the 817 Podcast, a weekly Monday morning show hosted by two Fort Worthians who banter and dissect the biggest stories in local culture, politics, and business. EJ Carrion is a local entrepreneur, and Ann Zadeh is a former city council member.Ann and EJ  will host a diverse guest list of local leaders that drive Fort Worth’s future. We believe Fort Worth can be a nationally known destination for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity. However, the climate in the city today is polarizing between an evolving community that deals with historic Cowtown roots and a wave of progressive newcomers. What we do today and in the next decade is crucial to the future of the Funk. How we respond to political friction, wealth inequality, and social injustice in our communities can make or break our national reputation. Join us weekly as we do our part to prevent either from happening. Do you have a story you want us to highlight? DM us @817pod on Instagram or email us at 817podcast@gmail.com.

  1. 7H AGO

    817Pod's Year in Review

    This week EJ, Ann, & Wesley bring you a special episode where we look back on all that happened in 2025, and look ahead to the possibilities for 2026. We would love your feedback. Please fill out this form to let us know your favorite guests & episodes from 2025, and how we can improve the podcast. Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    57 min

  2. DEC 22

    O'Hare We Go Again: Silencing Voters and Getting Sued

    For this week's Big Story, check out our previous episode where we interviewed Bradford William Davis. Ann is out this week for the holidays, so it's just EJ & Wesley. SHORT STORY 1: Marc Veasey backs out Congressman Marc Veasey drops out of Tarrant County judge race SHORT STORY 2: Voter suppression in Tarrant County Thousands of Tarrant County voter applications saw delays ahead of Nov. 4 election Pastor alleges Tarrant County judge violated First Amendment by removing him from meeting SHORT STORY 3: All 3 FW Chambers in favor of state takeover Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce urging community to support recent TEA takeovers WINS:  Suicide among youths dropped dramatically in Tarrant County. Other cities have noticed New, environmentally friendly buses part of Trinity Metro’s $12M upgrade These Tarrant cities to clean up litter, increase recycling thanks to thousands in state funds LOSSES:  ‘He never actually stopped’: Former Fort Worth councilman remembered for lifetime of helping others Fort Worth emerges as hub for driverless vehicles More details emerge about $10 billion Fort Worth data center    ACTIONS: January 6th - First Public Comment for FW City Council January 18th - First 817 Gather of the year January 21st - Early Voting for TX SD 9 Runoff Election  Happy holidays & have a great new year! Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    43 min

  3. DEC 22

    The Role of Local Journalism with Bradford William Davis

    We spoke with award-winning journalist Bradford William Davis, the former opinion columnist at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who was recently laid off after writing several amazing articles that were critical to Mayor Mattie Parker. We focused on three of his most recent stories: Mayor Mattie Parker should listen to her own words as she faces her criticsDon’t be so quick to judge intent behind a casket left at mayor’s houseFather cared for disabled son for years, until ICE took him awayAnd we also talked about the series of articles he's working on about the relationship between transit, sports, and climate impact. Join the 817 Gather Discord Follow us on Instagram & TikTok Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1 hr

  4. DEC 15

    An Interview with Tiffany Burks, Tarrant County Criminial District Attorney Candidate

    BIG STORY: We talk with Tiffany Burks about how the District Attorney's office has changed over the years, what power it holds, what problems it has created, and how Tiffany plans to solve them. Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 2m

  5. DEC 15

    Who's Running for Tarrant County in 2026

    BIG STORY: Our interview with Tiffany Burks went so long that we made this a 2-part episode, so stay tuned for the full interview with Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney candidate, Tiffany Burks. SHORT STORY 1: Who filed to run in 2026. Filing deadline drama sets up primary elections. Here are the Tarrant County candidates Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. SenateDemocrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional DistrictFort Worth’s Marc Veasey running for Tarrant County judge instead of Congress SHORT STORY 2: Arlington City Council votes against gay rights. Arlington votes to end LGBTQ protections in anti-discrimination ordinance Media blitz opposes removal of LGBTQ protections in Arlington SHORT STORY 3: Tim O'Hare attacks free speech & democracy Here’s what got a pastor tossed from Tarrant County Commissioners Court Tarrant County commissioner upset over number of polling places for TX Senate runoff WINS:  First phase of Fort Worth Convention Center’s $701M revamp completed Over 90 acres of open space, parkland OK’d by Fort Worth officials New Arlington parks director looks to prioritize natural areas, open space accessibility LOSSES:  Gov. Greg Abbott launches plan to open Turning Point USA chapters in all Texas high schools / ‘Completely new leadership’ coming for Lake Worth ISD as Texas takes control What fewer vaccinated students could mean for Tarrant County as exemptions rise ACTIONS: December 16 - People’s Commissioners Court at Blanc Coworking & Studio at 6pm. December 17 - Support Fort Worth Art meeting at The Pool at 6pm. January 6 Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    40 min

  6. DEC 8

    FW City Council Copies the Tim O’Hare Playbook

    BIG STORY: Last Public Comment of the Year Removal of attendees, Christmas tree lighting plans punctuate Fort Worth council meeting SHORT STORY 1: Star-Telegram fires their most outspoken columnist Bradford Davis talks about his firing on LinkedIn. Mayor Mattie Parker should listen to her own words as she faces her criticsDon’t be so quick to judge intent behind a casket left at mayor’s houseFather cared for disabled son for years, until ICE took him away SHORT STORY 2: The potential to reshape city council City Council pay raises, term limits among potential amendments to Fort Worth charter SHORT STORY 3: A look at who’s running in 2026. Filing open for 2026 primary elections. Here are the Tarrant County candidates so far. WINS:  Civilian-led police unit aims to build public trust, ensure Fort Worth’s accountability Nearly 300 seek spot on FWISD’s state-appointed board following takeover / How many applicants for Fort Worth ISD’s state-appointed board live in district? Trinity Metro to lease up to 40 buses daily for FIFA World Cup LOSSES:  Supreme Court orders Texas to use 2025 map amid legal battle Both lawsuits accusing Tarrant County of racial gerrymandering have been dropped or dismissed Single-family homes focus of Fort Worth’s potential $5M affordable housing bond ACTIONS: December 11 - Community Design Fort Worth’s Transit Crawl starting at Central Station at 4:30pm. December 14 - 817 Gather’s Festivus Potluck. December 17 - Support Fort Worth Art meeting at The Pool at 6pm. Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 3m

  7. NOV 25

    Mayor Mattie Parker's Damage Control PR Tour

    BIG STORY: Mayor Mattie Parker’s Damage Control PR Tour Mayor’s Chair Not for the Thin-Skinned by Fort Worth Magazine Tarrant residents get fewer chances to speak at local government meetings. What does that mean?  SHORT STORY 1: Texas Congressional Redistricting Chaos Texas redistricting ruling upends candidates’ plans for 2026 Court order on Texas redistricting forces election officials, county parties to scramble — again Supreme Court temporarily restores Texas’ new congressional map Filing deadline is December 8th, and candidates don’t even know what district they live in! SHORT STORY 2: Transportation & Safety Stories Free parking in downtown Fort Worth garages will be in your rearview mirror next year Highway collision injures Buddhist monks from Fort Worth on 2,300-mile Walk for Peace Bedford plans to remove student artwork from crosswalks to comply with Abbott's roadway directive SHORT STORY 3: FWISD appeals State Takeover Trustees fighting FWISD takeover, cite need for deeper review WINS:  Ten Commandments displays in FWISD, Tarrant-area districts must be removed, judge orders Brandi Waller-Pace’s concert at Keith House Natalia Margarita’s art show at The Pool LOSSES:  Attorney at center of Keller ISD split tapped to lead Tarrant County GOP as chair High demand forces Tarrant County rental assistance program to close applications after 4 hours North Texas Maternal Health Accelerator launches at TCU with $25M North Texas leaders talk oil, gas, growing nuclear industry at conference Google investing $40B into Texas for AI, new data centers ACTIONS: November 25 - Future of the Community Arts Center meet Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    54 min

  8. NOV 24

    Who Runs Fort Worth in 2025

    For the 30th anniversary of infamous article in D Magazine, "Who Runs Fort Worth?", we spoke with the journalist who made The Fort Worth Way known to all, Katie Sherrod. Read the article here. We talk about how folks define The Fort Worth Way, what (if anything) has changed in the last 30 years, and what we do about fixing The Fort Worth Way. We hope you enjoy this very special episode. Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 7m
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4.1
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52 Ratings

About

Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice Podcast of the Year"Fort Worth's Monday morning meeting." - Bud KennedyDo you love Fort Worth and care about what goes on in our amazing city? Well, welcome to the 817 Podcast, a weekly Monday morning show hosted by two Fort Worthians who banter and dissect the biggest stories in local culture, politics, and business. EJ Carrion is a local entrepreneur, and Ann Zadeh is a former city council member.Ann and EJ  will host a diverse guest list of local leaders that drive Fort Worth’s future. We believe Fort Worth can be a nationally known destination for innovation, creativity, and economic opportunity. However, the climate in the city today is polarizing between an evolving community that deals with historic Cowtown roots and a wave of progressive newcomers. What we do today and in the next decade is crucial to the future of the Funk. How we respond to political friction, wealth inequality, and social injustice in our communities can make or break our national reputation. Join us weekly as we do our part to prevent either from happening. Do you have a story you want us to highlight? DM us @817pod on Instagram or email us at 817podcast@gmail.com.

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