Best 3 Designers in DFW Podcasts (2025)

1
Fort Worth Election Results: Extremism Loss and How We Can Take This Fight to Redistricting! 42:41

4d ago42:41

42:41

Ann and EJ review the election results. Turnout was at its lowest level in over a decade, yet extremism lost. What does this mean moving forward as we prepare for Tim O'Hare's obsession with gerrymandering Tarrant County? Sign up to make your voice heard! Join the online community. Come to the 817 Gather on May 18th! SHOW NOTES: SHORT STORY #1: Ele…

1
Campaign Finances, O'Hare's Prayer Luncheon, Convo with Dr. Mia Hall, Council District 6 Candidate 1:27:45

11d ago1:27:45

1:27:45

Ann and EJ are back from a big weekend of events to give you three short stories, one BIG story, and wins and losses for the city of Fort Worth. Our big story is an interview with Dr. Mia Hall, who is running for City Council District 6. Our three short stories are a collection of articles that analyze who gets the money in council races, why Tim O…

1
TCU Cuts DEI, O'Hare Gets His Law Firm, Interview with Daryl Davis, II Council District 6 Candidate 1:22:19

25d ago1:22:19

1:22:19

Ann and EJ sit down with Daryl Davis II, a candidate for City Council District 6, this week for the big story. We also discuss how anti-DEI is impacting TCU and TCC. We give you updates on redistricting talks at the county level as Tim O'Hare's voter fraud law firm gets approved for tens of thousands of our tax dollars. SHORT STORY #1: Anti-DEI imp…

1
Measles in Tarrant, Fort Worth Candidates Raise $1M+, and Convo with Cowtown Democrats 1:07:57

1M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Ann and EJ present three short stories and an interview with Cowtown Democrats President Geoffrey Hyder, who will host the new Texas Democrat Party Chair, Kendall Scudder, on April 15th! Enjoy the episode, and we apologize for the audio, as we had to move into an outdated studio. We will be better in the future! SHORT STORY #1: Measles Exposure in …

1
Where Do Fort Worth Democrats Go From Here? 58:27

1M ago58:27

58:27

Democrats have been making gains across the country in special elections, but what does that mean for Tarrant County, where our GOP Judge is looking to rezone the county in his favor and the Tarrant Democratic Party can barely afford rent? Ann and EJ analyze the city, county, and state situation and believe hope exists. Be a part of the hope and at…

1
Speaking Up with César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County 57:27

2M ago57:27

57:27

Today, we sit down with the president and a lead organizer of the César Chávez & Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County, Maricela Jimenez and Maria Morales, to discuss the upcoming March for Justice. If you want to join us, we will gather at 9:30 am at the JFK Memorial on March 29th. If you cannot make the walk, they also have a link to donate.…

1
DFW is no longer the fastest growing metro: What is Fort Worth's Outlook? 1:07:57

2M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Ann and EJ are guest-less this pod, which is the first in weeks! Ann attends a Mayoral panel where the last four mayors of Fort Worth talk about the past, present, and future of Fort Worth. This leads to the question: Is Fort Worth better today than pre-pandemic or post Betsy Price? SHORT STORY #1: Keller ISD Remains One District - Keller ISD aband…

1
The Rise of the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival with Brandi Waller-Pace 1:26:40

2M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

Brandi Waller-Pace, the organizer and visionary behind Fort Worth's African American Roots Festival, joins us in the studio. She shares her motive for bringing such a curated experience to the city and how Fort Worth can be a destination for art and music that uplifts marginalized voices. As usual, we go through our short stories, wins, and losses!…

1
FWISD Teachers Speak Out Against Abbott's Voucher Bill and What We Know About School Closures 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

Ale Checka, an award-winning public school teacher with 17 years of experience in FWISD, organized an opinion piece in the Star-Telegram to oppose Governor Abbott's Voucher Program. This voucher program aims to defund public schools while subsidizing private schools for privileged families. FWISD is already facing budget cuts and school closures, a…

1
Fort Worth Wants Infrastructure Now: Jason Ballmann for City Council District 3 1:19:19

2M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

Ann and EJ sit down with Jason Ballmann, who is running for city council District 3. Jason was a former council member in Marfa, Texas, and is currently a brand strategist at Texas Instruments. Fort Worth is growing fast, and we need leadership that puts people first, not just developers and big real estate interests. Jason shares how he has seen f…

1
Keller ISD Students Share Their Voice: Why Will the School Board Not Listen? 47:16

3M ago47:16

47:16

Today, the 817 Pod community hears from Lara and Zephyr, two students at Keller High School who are part of the Keller Student Activism Organization. This grassroots movement was initiated by a small but determined group of students who have made their voices heard at recent board meetings and organized a school walkout to protest the board's propo…

1
Anti-DEI and The Fort Worth Way's Impact on Black Success with Carpenter's Cafe 1:27:47

3M ago1:27:47

1:27:47

Ann and EJ sit down with a friend of the podcast, Katrina Carpenter, with Carpenter's Cafe. EJ and Ann riff on short stories, giving you all updates on election filers, federal executive orders, and the shenanigans in District 6. ENJOY! SHORT STORY #1: Who has filed to run and events you should know about - Who's running for Fort Worth City Council…

1
The Bigger Story Behind School Vouchers in Texas with Chris and Mendi Tackett 2:14:52

3M ago2:14:52

2:14:52

This week, the big story is a sit down with Chris and Mendi Tackett from See It. Name It. Fight It. Chris was a former school board trustee and an influential voice on CNN's Deep in the Pockets of Texas. He shares his expansive research and foresight since the show and his upcoming workshop for those interested in running for their community's scho…

1
What You Need to Know about Keller ISD and How It Can Impact Your Schools and Children 53:36

3M ago53:36

53:36

Today, we have a conversation with Laney Hawes, a mother of four children who attends schools at Keller ISD. She is also the co-founder of the TX Freedom to Read Project, which seeks to connect, support & mobilize parent-led groups fighting to protect students' right to read throughout the state. Her conversation is timely as Keller ISD's next scho…

1
Interview with Mayoral Candidate Josh Lucas plus Keller ISD and More Deaths in our Jail 1:22:49

4M ago1:22:49

1:22:49

Ann and EJ sit down with Josh Lucas, an emerging star in Fort Worth who is running for Mayor in this election cycle. In this episode, we discuss the deaths occurring in the Tarrant County jail and the spread of Christian White Nationalism in Texas churches. Enjoy the discussion, and be sure to support Josh! SHORT STORY #1: How what is going on in K…

1
Considering Running for Local Office? What to know with Tara Maldonado 1:40:01

4M ago1:40:01

1:40:01

This week, filing starts to put your name on the ballot in a local Texas election. We sit down with Tara Maldonado, a progressive candidate who ran three times for city council in Fort Worth. Ann and Tara share stories and perspectives that give average listeners a genuine look inside what it takes. SHORT STORY #1: Censoring Art: Modern Exhibit Rec…

1
Fort Worth passes Austin as 4th Largest City, Granger's Health Exposed, and O'Hare Speaks to the Media 1:33:43

4M ago1:33:43

1:33:43

Ann and EJ come back from the holidays, bursting into the new year with many new takes and concerns! Recent census data show Fort Worth is now the 4th largest city in Texas, surpassing Austin. The duo proceeds the show discussing ageism in politics after reports of Kay Granger's health get exposed by right-wing media. The big story is that Tim O'Ha…

1
Predatory Churches, Flying Taxis, and Endless Sprawl: Who Controls the Connectedness of Fort Worth? 1:23:54

5M ago1:23:54

1:23:54

Ann and EJ finish out the year talking about an important topic that brings together all the recent local news into one big question -- Who controls the connectedness of Fort Worth? The show includes updates on Mercy Culture and recent updates on crucial development projects. Oh! How could we forget transit news from Ann! SHORT STORY #1: How Did Me…

1
🚨 BONUS POD: Mayor Parker Champions Mercy Culture Preying on Sex Trafficked Victims 51:53

5M ago51:53

51:53

We've created a unique bonus pod to help you cope with yesterday's shenanigans. So many people inspired us yesterday, and we hope you hear allyship and frustration from your favorite Fort Worth podcast. For context, the city council approved Jay Chapa as city manager and granted Mercy Culture their exploitation center. Join the 817 Gather…

1
Behind Closed Doors: Chris Nettles Speaks Out on Fort Worth’s City Manager Search 1:30:16

5M ago1:30:16

1:30:16

Did you miss us?!? We are back with a full episode, including a conversation with councilmember Chris Nettles, who shares his authentic concerns about how the Mayor and council have hired the city's next CEO. December 10th is going to be a historic council meeting. The council will vote on whether Jay Chapa will be our next city manager and whether…

1
Conservative Media Loves Tarrant and Why Texas Isn’t Turning Blue 59:32

6M ago59:32

59:32

Ann and EJ record the last episode of the month as we enter into Thanksgiving break. Before the recording, they had an in-person experience with listeners and friends called 817 Gather. In this episode, they talk about Elon Musk, Dr. Phil, and Mercy Culture. SHORT STORY #1: Commute Times Increase in FW: The Solution? NOT ROADS - Theft ring suspects…

1
Analyzing the Election Results: Where Do We Go From Here? 1:14:39

6M ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Ann and EJ share their thoughts about the election results. They discuss what stood out, where they are concerned, and what we can do from here. ELECTION REFERENCES 1. An Election Wrap-Up (Texas Focused) - Chris Tackett 2. County Results 3. The educated professional class is out of touch with America 4. Wisconsin young voters with to Trump by doubl…

1
Tarrant County’s True Colors: The Lost Script of Transportation, Housing, and Democracy 1:24:15

6M ago1:24:15

1:24:15

The election is tomorrow. Ann and EJ analyze early voting data while also discussing important topics such as transportation and housing. SHORT STORY #1: Election Day in Tarrant County: What to know, what to watch for and when we’ll get results - Early voting up, mail ballots down compared to 2020 in Tarrant County voting SHORT STORY #2: The State …

1
County Jail and Leaders Get National Coverage: Time to Vote Out Extremism 1:12:36

7M ago1:12:36

1:12:36

Ann and EJ introduce 817 Gather, a new opportunity for listeners to come together to create capacity and community so that we can create a more inclusive city. If you want to attend the pilot meeting, RSVP here. The show has a full docket as Tim O'Hare gets highlighted by the national news site Pro Publica, and the county jail cannot stop exposing …

1
Colin Allred and Ted Cruz Hosted Events in Tarrant County: Who will win? 55:29

7M ago55:29

55:29

Ann and EJ record early in the week due to some travel. They share updates about Mercy Culture, FWISD's Supt Payments, and Anthony Johnson's Lawsuit. The big story is Colin Allred's and Ted Cruz's visits to Tarrant County, and national progressives are campaigning in Texas. SHORT STORY #1: Mercy Culture Mobilizes Congregation: Will It Matter? - Mer…

1
AI Data Centers Expand in DFW, Mercy Culture Attacks the Mayor, and Commissioners Defund JPS 56:44

7M ago56:44

56:44

This week we hit an array of topics. Do not forget today is the last day to register to vote! Enjoy! SHORTY STORY #1: AI Data Centers Expand in DFW SHORT STORY #2: Mercy Culture Attacks the Mayor SHORT STORY #3: You likely won’t find love in Fort Worth. A new study on dating explains why BIG STORY: JPS Loses Tax Revenue: What is at Risk? - Will tax…

1
Land Of The Free-For-All: Fort Worth Wants No Rules! 1:01:30

7M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Short Story #1: Fort Worth ISD school board accepts voluntary resignation of Superintendent Angélica Ramsey - Read the complete statement of Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Angélica Ramsey after her resignation. Short Story #2: Fort Worth’s new LGBTQ advisory committee sparks backlash, support from City Council Short Story #3: Should we be worried ab…

1
Are We Winning the War Against Extremism? A Conversation with Tarrant 4 Change 1:18:18

8M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

This is our second conversation with Alexander Montalvo, the CEO of the Catalyst Project and co-founder of Tarrant 4 Change. Alex is a community organizer who works with grassroots organizations to make change and give power back to the most marginalized people in our county. His work gives him a great perspective and how we can influence the polit…

1
TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP: FWISD Teacher of 17 Years Speaks Up (Part Two) 52:39

8M ago52:39

52:39

The second conversation of this series is with Ale Checka, a former district teacher of the year and FWISD student herself. She has taught in the district for seventeen years and loves students and books. You truly get to hear from one of the city's best teachers, who we have the fortune to sit down with for an intimate conversation. We appreciate …

1
RELEASE THE TAPE: A Conversation with Anthony Johnson's Sisters (Part One) 48:56

8M ago48:56

48:56

We break this week's episode into two crucial conversations. The first one is with Janell and Chanell Johnson to hear their experience as they mourn the loss of their brother and fight for justice. We do zero short stories and wins and losses in this episode out of respect for the conversation that holds so much weight by itself.…

1
Voter Suppression in Tarrant County: No Voting Locations on College Campuses 54:00

8M ago54:00

54:00

Ann and EJ record early because they are out of town this week. They discuss the lack of early voting locations on college campuses. Short Story #1: Ann meeting at Texas A&M - With national brand growing, TCU draws majority of students from outside Texas Short Story #2: Amtrak gets $64M in federal funds for high speed rail between Dallas and Housto…

1
How Do We Fund Fort Worth's Future with Less Taxes? 1:24:24

8M ago1:24:24

1:24:24

Ann and EJ give the people of Fort Worth extended episodes, including spicy takes and intellectual dialogue about the city. The dynamic duo starts with David Cooke retiring and then navigates into transportation, where much progress was made. The big story is about taxes and how lowering them defunds our schools and keeps our potential gridlock by …

1
A Convo with The Dock Bookshop: Juneteenth Museum, Kamala Harris, and the Trinity River Book Festival 50:30

9M ago50:30

50:30

Ann and EJ meet with Donna and Donya from The Dock Bookshop, an Eastside bookstore that has become a cultural powerhouse in the city. They are one of the few African American brick-and-mortar bookstores in America. The episode will share their 30-year journey as Fort Worth residents, from competing against Amazon to navigating a pandemic, and their…

1
Is Mayor Mattie Parker Running Again? What does a raised hand mean? 1:05:40

9M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

We are living in Fort Worth at a time when the Tarrant GOP is pushing for power while our city leaders seem unsure if they want the mantle. During an event that Ann Zadeh attended, Mattie Parker and others were asked if they plan to run again. The big story is what we should do if Mattie Parker does or doesn't run and what could be the worst outcom…

1
UTA Approved to Build A Campus to the West: What does it mean for Fort Worth? 58:57

9M ago58:57

58:57

Ann and EJ spent time analyzing UTA's new west campus, which is projected to open in 2028 on Walsh Ranch. The duo also updates you on proclamation drama between the council, Tarrant County Jail updates, and the impact of the new appraisal rules on new homeowners. SHORT STORY #1: Fort Worth’s proclamation process has council members divided. SHORT S…

1
David Cooke is Retiring. Who Should Lead Fort Worth's Future? 1:10:31

9M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Buckle up as EJ and Ann takes you through an array of stories about Fort Worth's future and the political landscape of the metroplex. SHORT STORY #1: Who Attends Great Replacement Theory Event? SHORT STORY #2: Tarrant County GOP Attacking FW DEI Efforts - FW hire DEI Consultant - Bo French's shenanigans SHORT STORY #3: Most Texas adults support sch…

1
Biden's Legacy. Harris's Future. How will Tarrant County Respond? 1:06:28

9M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Ann and EJ were off for two weeks, and boy, were there historical moments while we were gone. They go through all the national news and break down Biden's legacy. They also share their excitement for Kamala Harris and what it means to the future of America. SHORT STORY #1: Mercy Culture Church files permits for ‘religious discipleship center’ in Fo…

1
Does Fort Worth Do Tourism Right? More Stockyards. No Sports Team. 1:16:48

10M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Short Story #1: Fort Worth’s ban on discriminatory events on city property ‘very likely’ to be removed Short Story #2: Reforming the County and State Criminal Courts in Tarrant County Short Story #3: Education Round-Up - Texas kids lose up to 4 months of learning with new uncertified teachers, study finds - Zeros on STARR writing test - FWISD said …

1
Fort Worth is Planning for 2050: Help Design the City's Future 1:27:01

10M ago1:27:01

1:27:01

Short Story 1: Media - Six Takeaways From the First Presidential Debate - Texas Ethics Commission will require influencers to disclose when they’re paid for advertisement - Traffic to traditional news outlets in the US is collapsing Short Story 2: Development - Council Approves Phase 2 of the Stockyards - East Fort Worth’s Woodhaven neighborhood co…

1
Who Do We Welcome to Fort Worth: How Do We Grow from Here? 1:20:09

11M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

We have a firehose of information to share this week! We will not be doing an episode next week, so please enjoy and listen deeply to the topics we discuss. Fort Worth is at a pivotal time, and for once, we have a say on what the city can be. Let's jump in! SHORT STORY #1: Fort Worth Cancels Pride Month Proclamation SHORT STORY #2: Fort Worth Allow…

1
The Future of Tarrant County Health: Are We in Good Hands? 55:59

11M ago55:59

55:59

Ann and EJ record early and update you on TAD, the Election Integrity Committee, and an overview of what was shared at the Democratic National Convention in El Paso. The big story is Cooks Children fighting for their Medicaid program and Dr. Brian Byrd becoming the Tarrant County Public Health Director. SHORT STORY #1: Chair of Tarrant Appraisal Di…

1
FWISD parents veto closing middle schools and Abbott has votes for vouchers. 1:00:23

11M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Ann and EJ discussed the cancellation of the plan to consolidate a few FWISD middle schools, as well as how the election results have provided Abbott with the necessary votes to pass vouchers. They also delved into the topic of housing stock in both urban and suburban areas, exploring ways to expand housing affordability. Enjoy! SHORT STORY #1: Ele…

1
Beto O'Rourke: The Importance of Tarrant County to the Future of Texas 56:06

12M ago56:06

56:06

Ann and EJ sit down with Beto O'Rourke, a legendary Texan who served as the U.S. representative for Texas's 16th congressional district from 2013 to 2019. He has invested time in all 240 counties, running grassroots campaigns for senate and governor. He founded and currently leads Powered by People, a Texas-based organization that works to expand d…

1
Is Fort Worth Ready to Surpass Austin? Challenges growing a world-class city 1:31:10

12M ago1:31:10

1:31:10

SHORT STORY #1: Tarrant County Jail Deaths. TAKE ACTION NOW! - WATCH: Video shows knee on Johnson’s back before death - Silence from the sheriff - Tarrant commissioner supports calls for sheriff’s resignation - Jailer’s attorney joins those calling for the release of the full video SHORT STORY #2: FWISD 3Bs -FWISD proposes first balanced budget in …

1
O'hare Owns TAD, Citizens Speak Up for Simmons, and Mayor Parker's Rail Committee 1:05:00

12M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Ann and EJ are back together catching up on stories and sharing updated insights after a slew of interviews. Topics we cover in this episode include transportation news, county commissioner politics, and the May 4th election results. Enjoy! SHORT STORY #1: County Politics Awaken Community at May 7th Meeting - Supporters of County Judge Tim O’Hare, …

1
Navigating the Political Landscape with TCU Professor Jim Riddlesperger 1:29:20

1y ago1:29:20

1:29:20

Legendary professor and local political expert Jim Riddlesperger joins Ann and EJ on the 817 podcast. You may see Jim on TV or quoted in the paper. His 40+ year career at TCU allowed him to see the evolution of Fort Worth and provide a rich perspective on what we have accomplished and what is ahead of us as local residents. Enjoy! SHORT STORY #1: T…

1
PAY ATTENTION: Shining a Light on Tarrant County with Commissioner Simmons 1:42:00

1y ago1:42:00

1:42:00

Anna and EJ sit down with Commissioner Alisa Simmons to discuss county politics and why residents should spend more time voting and cross checking county government. The agenda is below: Short Story #1: Should West 7th property owners pay a tax for safety? How Fort Worth’s plan would work - Which Fort Worth entertainment district has the most crime…

1
Interview with County Commissioner Candidate Roderick Miles 1:20:40

1y ago1:20:40

1:20:40

EJ and Ann sit down with Roderick Miles, who is running for County Commissioner Precinct 1. The election is May 28th. He is going head to head with Kathleen Hicks for the coveted seat Democrats have held for decades. We start the show with the same format: we dive into short stories impacting Fort Worth and end with Wins and Losses. SHORT STORY #1:…

1
Bud Kennedy: The Past, Present, and Future of Fort Worth Politics 1:33:58

1y ago1:33:58

1:33:58

Ann and EJ are joined by a legend of Fort Worth media, Bud Kennedy. Bud is a Fort Worth Star-Telegram opinion columnist. In a 52-year Texas newspaper career, he has covered two Super Bowls, a presidential inauguration, seven Republican and Democratic national conventions, and 18 Texas Legislature sessions. SHORT STORY #1: Homeless and Eviction Data…

1
The State of Fort Worth Journalism with Kaley Johnson 1:12:18

1y ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Ann and EJ had the privilege of sitting down with former Star-Telegram reporter Kaley Johnson to discuss what it takes to report the news in a city the size of Fort Worth. We addressed the lifestyle of journalists, the business, and where we can go from here.By Fort Worth's Monday Morning Show

Podcasts Worth a Listen

3 Designers In DFW Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide