817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show
209 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★ - 6 ratingsDo 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 tech entrepreneur, and Ann Zadeh is a former city council member and the current Director of Community Design Fort Worth.
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 keep either from happening. Have a story you want us to highlight? DM us @817pod on Instagram or email us at [email protected].
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Episodes
A Recap of Fort Worth's Election Results and What We are Voting for Next
May 16, 2022 08:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBJimmy and Ej recorded this episode in the middle of the week to bring us their opinions and perspectives on the election results. They also highlight the upcoming May 24th election and discuss the city's obsession with funding cops.
How did we get here? Profitizing Fort Worth and Eliminating Women's Right to Choose
May 09, 2022 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBEJ and Jimmy recorded this pod on election day. They talk about the investments Fort Worth is willing and not willing to make, and the impact voting has on all of us.
Cowtown and Crypto? What does Mining Bitcoin Mean for Fort Worth's Growth?
May 02, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBThis week Fort Worth felt like a big city as we gain national media attention for being the fist city to mine Bitcoin. Is this a good thing for the city? Listen to this episode to get a full perspective. The guys also discuss what happened at Paschal and why we should all be voting against Proposition D in the current bond election. Make sure to share with a friend and check-in for new pods every Monday morning!
Early Voting Starts Today: What to know about Fort Worth's historic $560M Bond Package
April 25, 2022 08:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBJimmy is back from being an international icon and has graced the 817 podcast with his presence again to talk propositions in this upcoming bond package. Today is the start of early voting and every day is a fight for a city we love to be prosperous. We talk Beto, Mercy Church, and the lack of leadership among Tarrant County's jail system. This is a full episode as even the wins and losses could have been short stories. So stay tapped in and enjoy the hang with your favorite local podcast! ...
Mayor of the Stockyards Endorses Deborah Peoples for County Judge
April 11, 2022 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBThis week Fort Worth hosted not one but TWO art festivals downtown! Ryan and EJ reviewed the Downtown Inc. 40th annual meeting and the 10-year plan that the org has for the city. Take this survey if you want the org to hear your feedback. https://www.dfwi.org/plan2033 They also discuss The Neighborhoods of East Fort Worth Alliance's paper outlining its communities' views on short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. The big story is Demoract county judge candidate Deborah Peoples getting a...
Does Reata Need Downtown?
April 04, 2022 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBWe talk about map Anna, the upcoming bond election, and what we should know about our city council's trip to pitch FC Barcelona in this episode. The big story is Reata and where should the iconic steak restaurant go if they decide to leave downtown. EJ is joined by Ryan Tiglas, a long-time listener and friend of Jimmy's who will be out the next few weeks. It is also Fort Worth Reports year birthday, so give them some love and donate: https://checkout.fundjournalism.org/memberform?org_id...
Zeros and Hero's: Who was Showing Out in Fort Worth this week?
March 28, 2022 08:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBThe city council selects a map for redistricting. Jimmy and EJ went through the revisions and what were some challenges along the way. They then discuss the impact Senate Bill 1 is having on elections. The big story is a 'Zero and Hero' segment highlighting people who are doing good work and those who are harming the city's growth. Lastly, the guys finished with wins and losses. Here are two campaigns they mentioned that could use community support: Funkytown Fridge: https://www.gofundme....
Can Fort Worth Be a Sport City?
March 21, 2022 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBWith March Madness in town, Jimmy and EJ discuss the idea of Fort Worth becoming a sports city. Several journalist in the area has wrote articles about this strategy for economic growth and if its a good one to grow a city. Tomorrow is the last public meeting for redistricting so the guys also go through the three versions of Map X that is being discussed.
Why Fort Worth? (SXSW Edition)
March 14, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBJimmy and EJ were in Austin for SXSW! Shout out to Visit Fort Worth for allowing us to be a part of their setup for the city at the Container Bar. Jimmy and EJ get right into discussing Mercy church's illegal involvement in politics, Texas Wesleyan's Hunger Strike, and Sundance Square's new small business opportunity. During the big story, they spend time telling people around the world what they should know about Fort Worth and then share their wins and losses for the week.
Biden Headed to Fort Worth, Price is Defeated, and Council Moves Forward with a Map
March 07, 2022 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBTarrant County's primary results are concerning and it shows how event the old-guard Republicans are threatened by Mercy culture. At a national and state level we are seeing how crucial Tarrant County is for both Republicans and Democrats. Beto and Abbott were here last week and Biden is coming on Tuesday. We have a lot of updates as we prepare to head to SXSW next week!
Attacks on Trans Rights, More Redistricting Meddling, and a New (?) Economic Development Plan
February 28, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBThis is a crucial week for us Fort Worthian... but with international news taking priority, we might miss the opportunity to make some real change. Jimmy and EJ talk about the upcoming redistricting meeting today (we thought it was on Thursday when recording the pod) and why you should vote Republican on Tuesday (including for Cary Moon if you are in his district). The big story is again economic development as penalties for AirBnBs heighten, and Techstars, a tech accelerator, join the inno...
Should Fort Worth be Celebrating?
February 21, 2022 09:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBVisit Fort Worth had their grand annual event last week, which led to Jimmy and EJ bantering about missing the shindig and if we should be celebrating in the first place. Based on the stories this week, the 817 tag team duo has some not-so-friendly opinions to get off their chest around economic development, our tourist obsessed economy, and redistricting.
What Fort Worth is Voting for in March and May
February 14, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBEarly voting has started! Jimmy and EJ discuss how to optimize your vote in March by taking advantage of Texas's open primaries. We also discuss the upcoming bond packages, including increasing salaries for the council and mayor.
Who can apply for CDFI funding? Convo with Fort Worth's Chief Equity Officer Christina Brooks
January 31, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 47 MBCDFI Friendly Fort Worth expects to see up to $250 million in new CDFI lending over the next five years and Christina Brooks and her team are leading the launch. We sit with her to discuss her first two years in this brand new position as Chief Equity Officer of Fort Worth and also understand the basics of the CDFI application process. We start the pod with short stories and end the pod with an assortment of L's. Apply now: https://www.cdfifriendlyfortworth.org/borrowers
Panther Island Has Funding: What's Next?
January 24, 2022 09:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBJimmy and EJ have a jampacked episode for listeners! This is a full episode where you want to stick around until the end. They start with CTFI providing $200+ million funding to underrepresented Fort Worthians and then move into school board/ city redistricting. The big story is Panther Island and its boost from the federal government of $403 million.
Transforming a KKK Building and the Search for a New Superintendent
January 17, 2022 09:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBThis week, EJ and Jimmy focus on a number of small stories from around Tarrant County, on top of reflecting on Colleyville being the center of international news on Saturday. The old KKK building on N Main looks at progress to become a safe space for Fort Worth, and with the announcement of Kent Scribner retiring, we look at what may be next for Fort Worth ISD.
Growth, Redistricting, and Getting to Know A City: An Interview with Star-Telegram Reporter Harrison Mantas
January 10, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBThis week we have a jam-packed episode that includes a guest interview with Harrison Mantas. Harrison is a government reporter at Star-Telegram who joins us to hit an array of topics, including discussing the seven maps selected by the redistricting committee and upcoming agenda items for the city council. To participate in the next redistricting meeting, click here. Jimmy and EJ start the pod by talking about this NY Times article that shows Fort Worth in the top 20 most expensive plac...
The Fort Worth Road Dilemma: What projects will get funded in the 2022 Bond Program?
January 03, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBHappy New Year to all of you who make us a part of your life! We appreciate you and are excited to continue to deliver a fresh perspective on the news in Fort Worth. The big story today is about the funding for roads and how North Fort Worth councilmen are fighting for projects when recent data shows that stretches of road where concentrations of people have been killed or seriously hurt in crashes in Fort Worth are predominantly in neighborhoods where at least 75% of the residents are peopl...
How does Fort Worth use its property? And 2022 Resolutions for the City
December 27, 2021 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBWE ARE BACK!! Did you miss us? We have a lot to catch up on so we jump right in. EJ shares his perspective about Rivian. Jimmy leads us through several articles about property in the city and how we invest in affordable housing, community nature areas, and hotels. Here is a list of new restaurants to get excited for in 2022 -> https://www.star-telegram.com/entertainment/restaurants/eats-beat/article256432231.html
A New State Park West of Fort Worth and an Update on Aaron Dean's Trial
December 06, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBJimmy and EJ catch up after the holidays and share a lot of updates from the past two weeks. The big story was Palo Pinto Mountains State Park and Aaron Dean's lawyer trying to push the trial outside of Tarrant County. We also share why redistricting meetings were canceled in December and how no one was aware of Panther Island being drawn out of Kay Granger's district.
Are we thankful for the Fort Worth Way?
November 22, 2021 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBJimmy and EJ share updates on dates to participate in redistricting and the new city council schedule. Aaron Dean's trial is finally set but some believe the trial should be held outside of Tarrant County. The big story is about elites coming to Hotel Dryce and causing a ruckus.
Are we thankful for the Fort Worth Way?
November 22, 2021 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBJimmy and EJ share updates on dates to participate in redistricting and the new city council schedule. Aaron Dean's trial is finally set but some believe the trial should be held outside of Tarrant County. The big story is about elites coming to Hotel Dryce and causing a ruckus.
Fort Worth home to Aggieland North, Cary Moon violates DWI probation, and Tara Wilson's run for vacant District 4 council seat
November 15, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBJimmy and EJ find it ironic that the person in a position to lead District 4 after Careless Cary is a caretaker. The two sit down with Tara Wilson, an ER nurse who recently announced her campaign for the newly vacant city council seat. Before the conversation with Tara, the guys discuss Aggieland North and how Texas A&M plans to build a new $250M research campus in downtown Fort Worth. **Support Tara Wilson's campaign by donating or volunteering -> https://www.votetarawilson.com/
Nov. 2nd Election Results and Upcoming Redistricting Schedule
November 08, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBJimmy and EJ's involvement in the city led them down interesting perspectives around redistricting and election results. EJ discusses interesting data from the Economist that supports Jimmy and his perspective on the struggle for progress in the city and America as a whole. Economist article EJ references through out the big story: https://www.economist.com/briefing/2021/11/06/the-democrats-social-spending-package-cannot-repair-the-american-dream Submit a redistricting map before Nov 12th...
Nov. 2nd Election Results and Upcoming Redistricting Schedule
November 08, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBJimmy and EJ's involvement in the city led them down interesting perspectives around redistricting and election results. EJ discusses interesting data from the Economist that supports Jimmy and his perspective on the struggle for progress in the city and America as a whole. Economist article EJ references through out the big story: https://www.economist.com/briefing/2021/11/06/the-democrats-social-spending-package-cannot-repair-the-american-dream Submit a redistricting map before Nov 12th...
National Juneteenth Museum in FW, Cary Moon's future, and new data shows who is moving to Tarrant County
November 01, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBJimmy and EJ start the pod ecstatic about the building of a National Juneteenth Museum. They also discuss councilmen Moon's future on city council as he explores state House District 93 state seat. The big story is new data around who is moving to Tarrant County based on research done by Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.
What’s on the Nov. 2 Ballot?
October 25, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBThis week, EJ and Jimmy break down everything you need to know about the November 2 election! Here is the link they are working off during the episode: https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_Proposition_5,_State_Commission_on_Judicial_Conduct_Authority_Over_Candidates_for_Judicial_Office_Amendment_(2021)
Where is Fort Worth's Entrepreneurial Spirit?
October 18, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBEJ sits down with two ecosystem builders to discuss the state of entrepreneurship in Fort Worth. We will discuss this white paper about Fort Worth's startup scene (http://startupfortworth.com) and how to participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week (https://gewfortworth.org/) next month!
Judge Glen Whitley Calls Out Anti Vaxxers, Why Evans & Rosedale Development is Gentrification, and Updates on State Redistricting
October 11, 2021 08:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBJimmy is back and shares his takes on recent developments in Fort Worth while he was out. They discuss new information about the Evans & Rosedale development that makes this pod an important one to listen to.
Changes in District Maps, POC Neighborhoods, and the City's Brand around Renewable Energy
October 04, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBThis is a robust episode as there were a lot of significant updates to get through this week. The main story discusses the new congressional maps and the impact they have on Fort Worth. The small stories get deep as EJ and Tony nerd out about real estate and the chase for Rivian in Fort Worth. They go down a long conversation around gentrification and why it is time for Texas to upgrade its image around energy. Below are the stories mentioned: SHORT STORY #1 What are we voting for in Novem...
Is Fort Worth a Fair and Transparent City? We. will. see.
September 27, 2021 08:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBJimmy is out so Tony joins the pod again to riff with EJ about several important stories that have happened in the last two weeks. Tarrant County will go through an election audit. The city budget is finalized. Redistricting is on the way. Who will get an additional seat? EJ and Tony share their perspective. District Map and Income Data: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19L9ZaiCUaxAbyx3Qnvm7gOcUzzqv1Dp-/view?usp=sharing STORIES MENTIONED: $1,000 Vaccination Bonus: https://www.star-telegram...
Why People Live Where They Live in Fort Worth with Kyle Walker
September 20, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBThis week's guest is Kyle Walker, associate Professor of Geography and Director of the Center for Urban Studies at Texas Christian University. His research includes US immigration politics, the demography of cities and suburbs, and open data science. Check out his new book: Analyzing US Census Data: Methods, Maps, and Models in R
Where is Fort Worth's diversity moving?
September 13, 2021 08:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBThis is a jampacked episode. We start the pod by talking about how Fort Worth made the Top 15 Cities in the U.S. according to Travel + Leisure's new list and what PBR's national rodeo event means to the city's brand. The main story is urban development and how the suburbs are more diverse than we think.
One Year Anniversary Show 🎉🎉🎉 (Part Two)
September 06, 2021 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis week show is a continuation of our anniversary pod as we dive into listener interviews to learn about the 817 pod community. We speak to Kent who grew up in Fort Worth and shares some important orgs with us, Ben an amateur comedian who is passionate about the arts, and Anthony a business professional who cares about giving back and keeping young talent in Tarrant County. Enjoy the show and your labor day weekend!
One Year Anniversary Show 🎉🎉🎉 (Part One)
August 30, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBEnjoy this very special episode which is part one of a two part show where Jimmy and EJ talk with listeners and celebrate a year of working together. Thank you to all of you!!
Crime Control Prevention District gets budget increase and UT Arlington earns prestigious designation
August 23, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBJimmy and EJ highlight the increase in funding for the Crime Control Prevention District and discuss what UT Arlington's new designation means for the city of Fort Worth.
Crime Control Prevention District gets budget increase and UT Arlington earns prestigious designation
August 23, 2021 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBJimmy and EJ highlight the increase in funding for the Crime Control Prevention District and discuss what UT Arlington's new designation means for the city of Fort Worth.
Funding the Future: FWISD's $1.5B bond proposal and the possibility of a $5B EV factory
August 16, 2021 08:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MBIn a week focused on masks in FWISD, EJ and Jimmy look to focus on some major stories that made slightly smaller headlines. First, they talk about two companies announcing potential relocation of major manufacturing facilities. Then, we start trying to unpack all of the budget decisions coming up, starting with the city budget for FY2022, and followed by the $809 million coming to Tarrant County through the American Rescue Act. Finally, they break down the proposed $1.5 billion bond program...
Is Fort Worth's Growth Sustainable? Property Tax Goes Down but Value Goes Up.
August 09, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBThis week Tony and EJ dissect the rapid growth in Fort Worth as they review an article in the Star-Telegram about property taxes. We are seeing 15,000 to 20,000 people moving to the city year over year making us the second-fastest growing city in the country. You also see the growth in the number of local podcasts we have about the city with the newest member being the mayor herself Mattie Parker.
Fort Worth's Future is NOW: City council meetings start this week, 2022 bond program, and schools face Delta variant
August 02, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBThis week we have a jammed pack episode with important updates about the city budget and the proposed 2022 bond package. EJ is joined by Tony who works in teacher recruitment and is a friend of the pod. Tony provides a great perspective on what we should expect as Delta, Abbott, and federal funds impact our schools this year for all very different reasons. City Council Information: (https://fortworthreport.org/2021/07/25/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-city-of-fort-worths-budget/) Attend ...
Would Fort Worth benefit from a soccer complex?
July 26, 2021 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBJimmy and EJ recap the news for the week. The big story is Cary Moon's soccer complex initiative. They also get into a debate about tourism and how much should a city rely on it. If you want your voice to be heard about tourism fill out Visit Fort Worth's tourism survey now. https://survey.cmix.com/959F22C2/7E301C4Q/en-US
TX House Democrats flee to D.C and Tarrant Regional Water District makes waves
July 19, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBJimmy and EJ are back reviewing the big stories in Fort Worth. They discuss Democrats leaving the state and what is next to protect voting rights. They also spend time sharing new data around homelessness and evictions in the city. They finally also have a chance to walk through the Tarrant Regional Water District story reported by the Fort Worth Report.
The story of Smooth Vega: From Promoter to Politics
July 12, 2021 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBJimmy and EJ have an intimate conversation with Smooth Vega to learn his Fort Worth origin story as a Mexican American with big dreams and why politicians ask for his endorsement. In 2019 Smooth was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame and has worked to put on shows with Nipsey Hussle, Joyner Lucas, Royce 5’9, Joe Budden, Dave East, Bun B, Chamillionaire, The Game, Ginuwine, Erik B. & Rakim, Scarface, and countless others across the state of Texas. On July 31st he is throwing a highly an...
The History of Juneteenth - How Does Texas Change Its Story?
July 05, 2021 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBAnnette Gordon-Reed is an American historian and law professor at Harvard University. Dr. Gordon-Reed won sixteen book prizes, including the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2009 and the National Book Award in 2008, for The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. Today she joins Jimmy and EJ to talk about her new book On Juneteenth and what Texas can do to correct its history to represent the truth rather than Hollywood. You can get her book at The Dock Bookshop at 6637 Meadowbrook Dr. Fo...
Redistricting Schedule, 2022 Budget Process, and an Interview with director of a new Fort Worth documentary called Murdaworth: Black Gold in a Gangsta Town
June 28, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBThis episode is jampacked. Jimmy and EJ go over important info around redistricting schedule and the upcoming budget approval process for the city council. We also sit down with Supreme, a director of a new documentary about Fort Worth's gang history. FW Redistricting Schedule: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z1iTWxwVnksF9FZ_voKC0Ewj-LQg_fX5?usp=sharing Budget Process: https://fortworthreport.org/2021/06/20/the-budget-is-the-new-council-members-first-big-task-but-their-impact-could...
ERCOT Blackout Warnings, Fort Worth's $180M Stimulus, and Celebrating Juneteenth
June 21, 2021 08:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBFort Worth was at the center of national news this weekend as Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday. What is next for the city and how do we continue with the momentum from the inspiring Opal Lee? Jimmy starts the pod telling all of us about the ERCOT debacle and how we should all have a plan this summer to leave Texas when the grid goes down. EJ breakdown the $180M stimulus Fort Worth is receiving and how the city plans to use the funds. Largest Rubber Duck comes to Fort Worth: https://...
New Fort Worth education report, 12 Mighty Orphans premiere, and Betsy Price's next battle
June 14, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBJimmy and EJ get back to sharing weekly local news stories starting with discussing the recent education report that was shared with city council last week and the release of For Worth film 12 Might Orphans. The big story for today's episode is about how Mayor Betsy Price is wanting to become Judge Betsy Price. Education Report Story (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/education/article251998108.html) 12 Mighty Orphans (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRLSGC0NFAY) Betsy Price's Next...
New Fort Worth education report, 12 Might Orphans premiere, and Betsy Price's next battle
June 14, 2021 08:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBJimmy and EJ get back to sharing weekly local news stories starting with discussing the recent education report that was shared with city council last week and the release of For Worth film 12 Might Orphans. The big story for today's episode is about how Mayor Betsy Price is wanting to become Judge Betsy Price. Education Report Story (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/education/article251998108.html) 12 Mighty Orphans (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRLSGC0NFAY) Betsy Price's Next...
Fort Worth's Hidden Rap Culture with Lou Charle$ (BONUS POD 🚨)
June 10, 2021 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBAre you aware of Fort Worth's robust hip-hop scene? Today we sit down with Hear Fort Worth ambassador Lou Charle$ who is a top Fort Worth rapper who hosts an annual hip hop show called Louapalooza. Jimmy and EJ get deep with Lou learning about his new album Life Goes On, how it was as a local artist during the pandemic, and his opinions on Judge Alex Kim's comments about rap culture.
What do the runoff election results mean to the future of Fort Worth? With Dr. Emily Farris
June 07, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBThe results are here! The people of Fort Worth have voted. Now, what?!? Jimmy and EJ have been looking forward to this episode after months of breaking down the mayoral and city council races. They sit down with a friend of the pod and political science professor at TCU, Emily Farris, to share her analysis and give some potential next steps for the people of Fort Worth.