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
Why Tarrant County Sends the Most Youth to State Prison with Attorney Brian Willett
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
This week we give you a deep dive into Brian Willett and the Tarrant Juvenile Court, controversy over data center donations, fallout from César Chávez’s legacy, and backlash to a Texas Rangers statue - along with progress on the Trinity Railway Express’ $43.5M double-track project and a recap of FWAAM fest.
BIG STORY: Brian Willett & Tarrant Juvenile Court
https://www.brianwillettlaw.com/
https://www.instagram.com/brianwillettlaw/
https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneybrianwillett?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
SHORT STORY 1: City Council’s Data Center Donations
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article315075197.html
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article315081893.html
SHORT STORY 2: Reactions to César Chávez’s destroyed legacy
https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/19/cesar-chavezs-name-removed-across-fort-worth-following-sex-abuse-allegations/
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article315091478.html
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article315112577.html
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article315117419.html
SHORT STORY 3: Texas Rangers’ Racist Statue
https://www.readeyeblack.com/p/reviving-the-racist-history-of-the-texas-rangers-was-a-team-effort
https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2026/03/rangers-statue-davis-texas/
WINS:
FWAAMFest
https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/19/trinity-railway-express-43-5m-double-track-project-moves-forward-with-new-contracts/
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article315046343.html
LOSSES:
https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/19/oil-leak-closed-birders-beloved-drying-beds-fort-worth-to-sue-for-millions-in-damages/
https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2026-03-18/texas-enforce-drag-ban-ongoing-lawsuit-aclu
ACTIONS:
March 26 - Beyond the Fort Worth Way!
March 28 - No Kings
March 31 - Data Center vote
April 1 - Gather at the Table (District 4)
May 2 - Fort Worth Bond & Charter Election
Join the 817 Gather Discord, donate to the 817 Gather, and follow us on Instagram & TikTok.
