817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show
Fort Worth Weekly Critic's Choice Podcast of the Year
"Fort Worth's Monday morning meeting." - Bud Kennedy
Do 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.
817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show
The Backslide to Fascism and How Fort Worth Can Stop It
This has been a tough week for Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and Texas, as we see each level of government take further steps towards fascism. In this week's episode we discuss the leaders who are standing up, those who are giving in, and how the people are showing up for the fight.
Big Story 1: Fort Worth City Council votes to suspend DEI initiatives, due to 2 latino councilmembers joining conservtive councilmembers in caving to Trump's threat to withhold federal funding, despite near unanimous public outcry in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core value of Fort Worth.
Short Story 2: Tarrant County Commissioners Court cut meetings to once a month, and shuts down its Human Services department, with one Democrat joining the 3 Republican commissioners.
Short Story 3: Texas House Democrats break quorum to keep Republicans from passing gerrymandered redistricting maps.
Wins:
Freehaw - Trinity Metro offered free rides from August 4th - 10th
Fort Worth’s live theater venues hold space for local actors to grow their careers
Affordable townhomes under construction near Fort Worth hospital
Displaced tenants sue Fort Worth apartment complex after six-alarm fire
Losses:
Keller City Council approves partnership with ICE despite public protest
Fort Worth approves $40M for public parking at Texas A&M campus downtown
Actions:
8/12 Fort Worth City Budget presented at city hall work session at noon.
8/14 Fort Worth police chief candidates public forum at city hall from 5:30 - 8pm.
8/16 - 5th Anniversary party for 817 Podcast at Carpenter's Cafe from 6 - 9pm.