Host
EJ Carrion
EJ Carrion is the founder of 817 Podcast and is an entrepreneur in the field of education & social impact.
He started the 817 Podcast with his neighbor Jimmy Sweeney on August 17th, 2020.
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.
Contributors
Co-host
Ann Zadeh
Ann Zadeh is a former Fort Worth city council member for District 9, and is currently the executive director of Community Design Fort Worth.
Ann has co-hosted the 817 Podcast with EJ Carrion since June 2023.
Producer
Wesley Kirk
Wesley Kirk was born & raised in Fort Worth. He runs a film & photo production company Vision & Verve, an arts advocacy organization Support Fort Worth Art, and does Development & Community Outreach for Amphibian Stage.
Wesley has produced the 817 Podcast since May 2025, finally bringing video to the podcast.