The Legal Battle Against Racist Gerrymandering with LULAC & Texas Civil Rights Project Artwork

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.

All Episodes

817 Podcast - Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

The Legal Battle Against Racist Gerrymandering with LULAC & Texas Civil Rights Project

November 17, 2025 • Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

BIG STORY: We spoke with Alberto Govea from LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) & Stephanie Drenka from Texas Civil Rights Project about the legal battle against the racist gerrymandered maps that Republicans on Tarrant County Commissioners Court passed this year in an attempt to diminish black & brown voices.

SHORT STORY 1: Tarrant County GOP’s plan to destroy elections

Tarrant County Democratic Party chair Allison Campolo's response

Mercy Culture creates online candidate classes for Christian Nationalists running for office

SHORT STORY 2: Mattie Parker’s PR campaign to uphold the establishment

Mayor talks FWISD takeover, taxes and maintaining Fort Worth’s ‘vibe’ during TribFest

SHORT STORY 3: An update on the Fort Worth Community Arts Center

WINS:

The Welman Project gets a new location!

The Librarians screening at The Modern

Filing open for 2026 primary elections. Here are the Tarrant County candidates (so far)

Dallas moves municipal elections to November of odd numbered years

TxDOT: Car-dominant Texas needs more public transit