817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show
  • 4.1 (54)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    The Potential of Arlington City Council with Rojo Meixueiro, Candidate for City Council District 4.

    Rogelio “Rojo” Meixueiro is a prolific long-time activist and organizer in Arlington, also the founder of Sunrise Tarrant, is now running for Arlington City Council District 4. We talk about his 817 story, his history of organizing, his campaign, and his vision for Arlington, the American Dream City. Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    42 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Beyond Fort Worth and Public Comments: How 2026 Is The Moment

    SHORT STORY 1: Public Comment & City Council Drama Fort Worth residents get more chances to speak during council meetings  Fort Worth City Council member arrested, faces DWI charges SHORT STORY 2: Tarrant County doubles down on ICE & Christian Nationalism Tarrant County to beef up ICE partnership Ten Commandments monument Tarrant County commissioners approve funding for legal counsel in jail death, redistricting lawsuits SHORT STORY 3: Pete Hegseth & the War Machine Hegseth visits F-35 plant in Fort Worth WINS:  Tarrant Democrats seek to remove GOP candidates from ballot Fort Worth Report staff is unionizing! Majority of Fort Worth council wants more money for affordable housing Landmark designation sought for historic TXU plant at Panther Island Pedestrian safety improvements planned for Fort Worth intersections New leadership for Near Southside as president exits for Trinity Metro Protest for answers about Samaria LOSSES:  Tarrant County GOP promises to explore hand-counting ballots in future elections, but not this year’s  $80M cooling equipment plant considered as more data centers built in Fort Worth North Texas will have a ‘Charlie Kirk Parkway’ to honor Turning Point USA founder UT Arlington to offer buyouts to employees amid federal funding cuts Fort Worth missed our chance to move elections to November. (Wesley has details). ACTIONS: January 21 - Early Voting for Taylor Rehmet January 31 - Election Day for TX SD 9 February 2 - Filing opens for Fort Worth City Council District 10 February 17 - Early Voting begins for Primaries February 20 - 817 Live recording at Tarrant County Democratic Party fundraiser March 3 - Election day for Primaries Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 12

    How ICE is Affecting Tarrant County with The Tarabishi Family

    BIG STORY: An interview with Shahd Arnaout of the Tarabishi Family. Father cared for disabled son for years, until ICE took him away‘Bring Maher home’: Family of Arlington man detained by ICE makes plea to TrumpGoFundMe for Wael Tarabishi SHORT STORY 1: ICE Protest Fort Worth protest against ICE decries fatal shooting of Minneapolis woman SHORT STORY 2: Public Comment Fort Worth council considers restoring more chances for public to speak SHORT STORY 3: Tarrant GOP challenging Dem signatures Tarrant County GOP chair challenges 7 Democratic candidates, removes Republican House candidate | Fort Worth Report WINS:  817 Gather at the Table Could This State Senate Runoff Be a Tipping Point for Tarrant County? Texas teachers' union sues state over disciplinary actions tied to Charlie Kirk posts Fort Worth eyes library, community center spaces for local art exhibitions African American museum seeks $40K from Fort Worth to complete construction plans Prominent Fort Worth art museum named Texas’ top free attraction Daytripping on TEXRail: Grapevine, North Richland Hills popular with riders A bus route extension from Stop Six to Cultural District is coming Arlington council hears new recommendations on plan to reimagine downtown A dumpling dream: Big restaurant, gathering spot begins construction Fort Worth event planner hosts gatherings to uplift artists, weave communities together A decade strong, The Welman Project moves toward more support for North Texas teachers West Fort Worth nonprofit fills emergency food gaps, continues distribution into 2026 LOSSES:  Texas child care programs could see funding delay during national crackdown Arlington's Handitran service could see changes in the way users pay for rides Court dismisses pastor's lawsuit alleging Tarrant County judge violated free speech rights Developer behind $10B Fort Worth data center requests more land ACTIONS: January 13 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court at 10am January 13 - Fort Worth city council public comment vote at 6pm (Sign up to speak) January 18 - 817 Gather at 10am January 21 - Early Voting for Taylor Rehmet January 31 - Election Day for TX SD 9 February 17 - Democratic Primary for midterms (P.S. There were so many articles this week that we hit the character limit and weren't able to link them all. Sorry.) Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 12m

  4. JAN 5

    Why Young People Should Run For Office with Junior Ezeonu, Candidate for TX HD 101

    BIG STORY: Junior Ezeonu After running for Gran Prairie at 21 while still he college, he beat a 12-year incumbent and became the Mayor Pro Tem. Now he's running in the Democratic Primary for Texas House of Representatives District 101. He talks about his journey and why it's so important that young people run for political office. SHORT STORY 1: Mercy Cult goes national Fort Worth’s Mercy Culture announces expansion with new churches in D.C., California SHORT STORY 2: Fort Worth’s economic growth City manager: Fort Worth’s economic growth continues to look strong SHORT STORY 3: Alicia Ortiz to run for FW City Council District 10 votealiciaortiz.com WINS:  TEXRail expansion moving forward with revised $33M contract Gateway Park to see new amenities soon. This local group is helping enact plans Yard tools to your door: Fort Worth mobile shed loans equipment to residents for free Fort Worth shelters plan continued improvement, less canine euthanasia in 2026 LOSSES:  DFW one of the hardest areas for minimum-wage workers to afford rent, study says ‘Bring Maher home’: Family of Arlington man detained by ICE makes plea to Trump 2 killed in related shootings after a fight in east Fort Worth park, police say Tarrant County Jail inmate dies after being found unresponsive in her cell ACTIONS: Right Now - Fort Worth City Council Report Card January 6 - FW Public Comment at 6pm in New City Hall January 7 - 817 Gather At The Table at 6:30pm in Arlington January 13 - Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court January 18 - 817 Gather at 10am January 21 - Early Voting for Taylor Rehmet January 31 - Election Day for TX SD 9 Join the 817 Gather Discord, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.

    1h 22m

  5. 12/29/2025

    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

  6. 12/22/2025

    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

  7. 12/22/2025

    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

  8. 12/15/2025

    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
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4.1
out of 5
54 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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