Episodes
312
Latest episode
Nov 2026
Language
EN-US
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.
This special post-election episode takes a look at all the races in Tarrant County, where Democrats swept all statewide & countywide offices, and the impact that they will have on the future of Tarrant County and the state of Texas. The future is looking very bright for Texas & Tarrant County! Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
SHORT STORY 1: Ballot Board Concerns Libertarians allege political discrimination in Tarrant County midterm ballot review process Tarrant GOP ballot board judge accused of violating Texas election law Tarrant woman accused of stealing campaign sign listed as ballot board member SHORT STORY 2: Mattie Parker’s Endorsements Fort Worth’s mayor backs Democrats in Texas races but skips key race / Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker endorses across party lines in key races SHORT STORY 3: Fort Worth Data Centers & Flock Fort Worth offers Nvidia supplier tax deal for $1.3B plant, 600+ jobs Deflock Fort Worth WINS: TEXRail is expanding in Fort Worth. Here’s where the train will go in 2030 Lone Star Film Festival celebrates 20th anniversary. What to expect this year Fort Worth Film Commission rolls out the red carpet for Oscar-qualifying films City’s affordable housing goal more than 60% complete halfway through 5-year plan Fort Worth has the artists and the passion. Leaders seek city support to grow the arts Fort Worth vintage record store expands to a second location LOSSES: Tarrant County domestic violence homicides more than doubled in last two years Parents, advocates press FWISD to deliver promised special education services Library budget cuts to mean fewer digital checkouts, longer waits for some titles ACTIONS: November 3 - Election Day! November 4 - 817 Gather (District 11) November 9 - Arts Incubator Public Meeting Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
We spoke with Chris Tackett of See It Name It Fight It to go over the early voting numbers in Tarrant County's midterm election. data.seeitnameitfightit.com Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
For this special episode, we spoke with Gina Hinajosa on her last visit to Fort Worth before she's elected governor of Texas. And with friend of the podcast, Nydia Cardenas before she's elected the new Tarrant County Commissioner for Precinct 4. We spoke about what candidates are hearing from voters, and the concerns they plan to address once they're in office at the state & local level. Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
We spoke with our next County Judge, Alisa Simmons, the Democratic County Commissioner for Precinct 2, who will unseat Republican Tim O'Hare, and finally be able to get to work fixing the damage that's been done to Tarrant County. votealisasimmons.com Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
SHORT STORY 1: County Republicans vote against Latino Media Latino-led media groups reject Tarrant County’s Hispanic heritage resolution Related: Tarrant County commissioner: Most critics speaking at meetings are paid ( Barry Shlachter’s response ) SHORT STORY 2: Mattie Parker Endorses Tim O’Hare Mattie Parker endorses Tim O’Hare ( Barry Shlachter’s response ) Star Telegram doing NO endorsements ( Barry Shlachter’s response ) Fort Worth council member slams police union GOP endorsements SHORT STORY 3: Early Voting Numbers Day 1: Tarrant Showed Up Day 2: Still Coming Day 3: The Other Side Woke Up WINS: Fort Worth only top 10 US city without arts, culture department. Should that change? Fort Worth Public Library celebrates 125th birthday at city hall Mayor Parker announces private-public open space conservancy to further protect natural land Tarrant neighbors fought for years to stop a concrete plant. They just won Flora Brewer Bridge Program housing for houseless seniors ArtsGoggle! LOSSES: Fort Worth judge denies request to reinstate 92 polling sites for Tarrant County midterms In 7th in-custody death this year, Tarrant County inmate, 41, dies at hospital Mercy Culture ACTIONS: EARLY VOTING IS HAPPENING! October 29 - TEXrail groundbreaking November 3 - Election Day! Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: The Power of Tarrant County Voters What Tarrant County's 30-Day Reports Tell Us by See It Name It Fight It Tarrant judge race: West Texas billionaires vs. New York and California donors / ( Chris Tackett’s response ) Tarrant candidates make plea for cash after mystery poll shows Dems ahead Inside Downballot Dems' Effort to Flip Texas' Key County Battleground The right can't stop Texas from changing. Tarrant County shows what happens when it tries. SHORT STORY 1: Fort Worth Report Candidate Forums Should TAD revert to annual property appraisals? Candidates discuss ahead of Nov. 3 election Tarrant County candidates make their case as Nov. 3 election nears Texas House candidates talk taxes, education and data centers ahead of Tarrant County midterms SHORT STORY 2: FWISD Students Speak Up Fort Worth ISD students petition against scripted lessons / Fort Worth ISD board president responds to student petition over scripted lessons SHORT STORY 3: Juneteenth Museum Groundbreaking The beginning: Demolition of Southside center clears way for National Juneteenth Museum / Opal Lee celebrates 100th birthday with Juneteenth Museum Fort Worth Southside Community Center gets new home in same neighborhood WINS: 817 Podcast named Editor’s Choice for Best Podcast by Fort Worth Weekly (3 years in a row) Goldee's BBQ wins a Michelin star 2 Tarrant jailers arrested, charged with assault and official oppression (the first inkling of accountability we’ve seen from Tarrant County Jail) LOSSES: ArtsGoggle will pause in 2027 following the Fort Worth festival’s run this month Mayor’s Committee on Persons with Disabilities makes quorum (Sad it makes headlines when such an important committee finally gets to meet). The deaths of two rising stars leaves North Texas theater community reeling One year later, Arlington man remains in ICE custody over social media posts ACTIONS : October 13 - Day of Activism (Commissioner’s Court, FWISD, City Council) October 14 - Gather at the Table (District 10) October 17 - No Kings October 18 - 817 Gather at 3pm October 19 - EARLY VOTING BEGINS! Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: We spoke with Kevin Burge, the Democratic candidate to represent Texas District 24 in US Congress, who will unseat Republican Beth Van Duyne. https://www.burgeforcongress.com/ Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
Sign Up to Speak on Day of Activism: https://forms.gle/Ljzq51FHZV7n5ZqAA SHORT STORY 1: City Council drama “You know nothing about courage” - Mattie Parker SHORT STORY 2: FWISD Guardrails Managers draft FWISD goals, superintendent limits. Here’s what they propose / Fort Worth ISD board creates goals, superintendent limits after hearing feedback SHORT STORY 3: Day of Activism Commissioners Court Agendas and Videos FWISD Board Meetings How to Appear or Speak Before City Council WINS: Renewable energy plant will convert landfill emissions, support Fort Worth’s trash demands Undaunted by permit denial, Southlake Pride festival schedules block party Weekend Worthy: Explore Fort Worth’s dynamic live theater & Ajax LOSSES: World Cup brought nearly 30% more sales tax to Arlington, though most money was spent around stadium City of Fort Worth looking to sell downtown buildings to Kent family group Fort Worth approves incentives for possible $192.7M manufacturing plant $430M data center planned for this North Texas tech hub, as Abbott halts permits ACTIONS: October 5 - last day to register to vote October 5, 7, & 8 - Fort Worth Report candidate forums October 10 - Stop Data Centers Art Show at Weston Gardens October 13 - Day of Activism (Commissioner’s Court, FWISD, City Council) October 14 - Gather at the Table (District 10) October 17 - No Kings October 18 - 817 Gather at 3pm October 19 - EARLY VOTING BEGINS! Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
BIG STORY: We spoke with Danny Minton, the Democratic candidate to represent Texas District 6 in US Congress, who will unseat Republican Jake Ellzey. dannyfortexas.com Join the 817 Gather , donate to the 817 Gather , and follow us on Instagram & TikTok .
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Jessica Lorello and Maddison Donchez
Statera Asset Management
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