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.
Episodes
279 episodes
Save FWISD's International Newcomer Academy and the Fight for Public Education
BIG STORY: FWISD's Potential INA ClosureInternational Newcomer Academy may close as part of FWISD t...
What You Need To Know About Fort Worth’s Bond & Charter Election with Tara Maldanado-Wilson
EJ's gone this week, so we're joined by Tara Maldanado Wilson to talk about all the propositions on the May 2nd Band & Charter Election in Fort Worth.817 Gather's Voter R...
Why You Should PAY Attention to Arlington’s Election with Dream City Pac
Why should Arlington’s local election matter to you? In this episode, we sit down with members of Dream City PAC to break it all down. Our guests share their personal stories, what inspired their involvement, and the latest developments shap...
Is Tarrant County Ready to Vote for a Democratic Socialist?
We talk with the Democratic Socialists of America, break down the Data Center Abatement deal, examine Jay Chapa’s influence at City Hall, and cover new classroom rules and the latest board meeting at Fort Worth Independent School District.
The Prairieland Defendants: Beyond the Verdict and What Should this Trial mean to you
This week we discuss the Prairieland trial verdict and what it could mean for activism and criminal charges tied to demonstrations. We also cover the delayed Fort Worth data center vote, the city’s hiring freeze, and key updates from Commission...
Abolishing ICE in Tarrant County with Blake Vera and Ayesha Hassan
We sat down with Blake Vera and Ayesha Hassan to discuss the movement to abolish ICE cooperation in Tarrant County and what it could mean for local communities. We also dive into FWISD’s new superintendent and board of managers, political narra...
Why Tarrant County Sends the Most Youth to State Prison with Attorney Brian Willett
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...
Into The Election Numbers With Chris Tackett At See It Name It Fight
This week we spoke with Chris Tackett from See It Name It Fight It to break down the data around primary voting in Tarrant County, how that compared to Texas, and past elections, and what that means for the future of our county & state in t...
Primary Election Results, Karen Molinar, and Data Centers: Shifting Power in Tarrant County.
SHORT STORY 1: Election Results BreakdownParty leaders forecast energetic election seaso...
How the Fort Worth Way Impacts Culture with Brandi Waller-Pace
Brandi Waller-Pace is the founder of Decolonizing the Music Room and the Fort Worth African-American Roots Music Festival which will be in its 6th year on March 21st.For more information, visit fwaamf...
Union Busting, Shadow PACs, and ICE Protestors on Trial: Speaking Truth to Power.
SHORT STORY 1: Union busting at Fort Worth ReportFort Worth Reporter's Guild response to union bustingSHORT STORY 2: PACs funding Republican precinct chai...
Live from the Tarrant County Democratic Party Fundraiser with Salman Bhojani & Ramon Romero Jr.
For our very first live episode, we recorded at the VIP party for Tarrant County Democratic Party's annual fundraiser, Beyond Darkness.We spoke with Texas State Representatives Salman Bhojani & Ramon Romero Jr about harnessing the po...
Turning Tarrant Blue with Nydia Cardenas, Candidate for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 4
BIG STORY: Nydia Cardenas, candidate for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 4.SHORT STORY 1: Early Voting turnout
Resisting ICE in Tarrant County and the Future of Data Centers in Fort Worth
SHORT STORY 1: ICE in North TexasNew rules limit public speaking, discussion topics at ...
How Tarrant County is the Epicenter of Change with Alexander Montalvo
We spoke with grassroots organizer, Alexander Montalvo, the co-founder of Tarrant 4 Change and The Catalyst Project LLC. He shared with us why this momen...
Meet the Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 2 Candidates
BIG STORY: Candidates for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 2Jared WilliamsAmanda Arizola
Taylor Rehmet's Win & What It Means For The Future Of Tarrant County
BIG STORY: Taylor Remet wins TX SD9 SHORT STORY 1: James Talarico & Jasmine Crockett debateSHORT STORY 2: Wael Tarabishi died due to ICE
The Potential of Arlington City Council with Rojo Meixueiro, Candidate for City Council District 4.
Rogelio “Rojo” Meixueiro is a prolific long-time activist and organizer in Arlington, also the founder of Sunrise Tarrant, is now running for Arlington City Council District 4.We talk about his 817 story, his history of organizing, his c...
Beyond Fort Worth and Public Comments: How 2026 Is The Moment
SHORT STORY 1: Public Comment & City Council DramaFort Worth residents get more chances to speak during c...
How ICE is Affecting Tarrant County with The Tarabishi Family
BIG STORY: An interview with Shahd Arnaout of the Tarabishi Family.Father cared for disabled son for years, until ICE took him away
Why Young People Should Run For Office with Junior Ezeonu, Candidate for TX HD 101
BIG STORY: Junior EzeonuAfter running for Gran Prairie at 21 while still he college, he beat a 12-year incumbent and became the Mayor Pro Tem. Now he's running in the Democratic Primary for Texas House of Representatives District ...
817Pod's Year in Review
This week EJ, Ann, & Wesley bring you a special episode where we look back on all that happened in 2025, and look ahead to the possibilities for 2026.We would love your feedback. Please ...
O'Hare We Go Again: Silencing Voters and Getting Sued
For this week's Big Story, check out our previous episode where we interviewed Bradford William Davis. Ann is out this week for the holidays, so it's just EJ & Wesley.SHORT STORY 1: Marc Veasey backs out
The Role of Local Journalism with Bradford William Davis
We spoke with award-winning journalist Bradford William Davis, the former opinion columnist at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who was recently laid off after writing several amazing articles that were critical to Mayor Mattie Parker.We f...