Michael Brown

Michael Brown

Smart. Funny. Connected. Former Under Secretary of Homeland Security & FEMA Director Michael Brown provides provocative insight into culture,...Full Bio

8-14-26 - 9am - DougCo County Commissioners and Colorado Relocation

8-14-26 - 10 am - Colorado Job Loss and Medicare For All

In this episode, the speaker takes aim at the state of Colorado's economic woes, specifically the jobs losses and the state's reliance on fees and mandates. The conversation delves into the world of economics and politics, where the speaker argues that the state's progressive socialist government is driving businesses away with its policies.

The speaker discusses the concept of the "mandate stack," where businesses are burdened with a multitude of regulations and fees, making it difficult for them to operate. This, combined with the state's reliance on fees, has led to a significant decline in jobs, from 17,000 to 6,000. The speaker also touches on the idea that the state's government is not doing enough to address these issues, and that the Republican Party is not doing enough to take action.

The speaker also critiques a study from Yale University that claims a single-payer healthcare system would save the US $1 trillion dollars a year and save 114,000 lives. However, the speaker argues that this study is based on flawed assumptions and hopes, rather than actual data. The speaker breaks down the study's claims, pointing out that the numbers are based on a study from Taiwan and a report that argues the opposite of what the Yale study claims.

The conversation is a thought-provoking exploration of the state of Colorado's economy and the impact of government policies on businesses and citizens. If you're interested in learning more about the issues facing Colorado and how they can be addressed, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and critique of the state's economic woes.

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8-14-26 - 11am - Tax Payer Relief Shots

This episode of the podcast is a wild ride, folks, with a series of shocking stories that'll leave you on the edge of your seat. From a homeowner who shoots and kills a would-be burglar in Florida, to a domestic violence incident in Connecticut that ends in a police-involved shooting, this episode covers it all.

We're diving into the world of self-defense and the importance of protecting ourselves and our loved ones. The speaker shares a series of real-life scenarios where individuals have used force to defend themselves, and the consequences that follow. We're also exploring the complexities of the justice system and how it handles cases involving self-defense.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of understanding your rights and the laws surrounding self-defense. The speaker highlights the need for education and awareness on this topic, and how it can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation. We're also discussing the role of law enforcement and the challenges they face when dealing with these types of situations.

If you're interested in learning more about self-defense and the stories behind these shocking incidents, tune in to this episode of the podcast. The speaker shares his insights and expertise, and provides a unique perspective on the importance of protecting ourselves and our communities.

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8-14-26 - Daily Talkbacks

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8-13-26 - 9am - Thermostat Control and White House Food & Snacks

This episode is a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of technology, power, and human behavior. The speaker shares a fascinating story about a woman who was locked out of her home by a utility company's demand response program, highlighting the unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies. But what's really going on here? Is it just a case of a glitchy system or something more?

The speaker delves into the world of utility companies and their conservation programs, revealing the complexities of the energy grid and the trade-offs between efficiency and individual rights. Along the way, they also take a detour into the world of the White House, where they share some surprising insights into the inner workings of the presidential aircraft and the Secret Service's food arrangements. It's a wild ride that's full of unexpected twists and turns.

As the conversation unfolds, the speaker raises important questions about the role of technology in our lives and the need for transparency in the way we're presented with information. They encourage listeners to think critically about the stories they read and the headlines they see, to look beyond the surface level and consider the context and motivations behind the narrative.

If you're interested in exploring the fascinating topics discussed in this episode, including the intersection of technology and human behavior, the complexities of the energy grid, and the importance of critical thinking, tune in to hear the full conversation.

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8-13-26 - 10am - Denver Sues Over Butts and Michigan's 7th District

In a bizarre lawsuit, the city of Denver is taking on Big Tobacco, but not for the reasons you might think. This time, it's not about the health risks of smoking or the littering of cigarette butts, but rather the design choice of cigarette filters that don't break down in the environment.

In this episode, the speaker delves into the intricacies of the lawsuit, which argues that the city should be compensated for the costs of cleaning up cigarette butts that don't biodegrade. The city is suing nine tobacco companies, claiming that they knew or should have known that their filters would end up on the ground and cause harm to the environment. The speaker explores the city's case, which is built on a 1979 report and a 1996 survey that found 96% of smokers admitted to throwing butts on the ground.

The lawsuit has some strong arguments, particularly when it comes to the harm caused by cigarette filters clogging storm drains and leaching arsenic and nicotine into waterways. However, the speaker also points out that the city's case is not as clear-cut as it seems, and that the city may be overreaching by suing the tobacco companies for the costs of cleaning up cigarette butts that are already being swept up as part of regular street maintenance.

The speaker also touches on the broader implications of the lawsuit, including the potential for it to set a precedent for other companies that produce non-biodegradable products. If the city wins, it could lead to a new wave of lawsuits against companies that produce plastic waste. But if the city loses, it could set a precedent for companies to argue that they shouldn't be held responsible for the environmental impact of their products. To hear more about this fascinating case and its potential implications, tune in to this episode.

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8-13-26 - 11am - Oil Ships & the Fear of the Strait

Imagine being stuck in a situation where you're not sure if you'll make it home, or if the insurance company will write a check for a ship that's at the bottom of the gulf. This is the reality for many captains navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that's been the focal point of a geopolitical crisis. But what's really going on here? Is the Strait truly under total control, or is it a ghost town? This episode delves into the complexities of the situation, exploring the intersection of economics, politics, and fear.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, with a significant portion of the world's oil passing through it. But despite the claims of total control, the reality is that many ships are avoiding the area due to fear of attack. This has led to a significant increase in insurance costs, making it even more difficult for ships to navigate the strait. The speaker takes a closer look at the numbers, revealing that the situation is more nuanced than it seems.

The conversation also touches on the topic of the Democratic Socialists of America's (DSA) proposed policies, including universal healthcare, free college, and reparations. The speaker critiques the DSA's plan, pointing out that the estimated costs are staggering, with some estimates ranging from $71 trillion to $212 trillion over the next decade. This would require a significant increase in federal revenue, which the speaker argues is not feasible.

If you're interested in understanding the complexities of the Strait of Hormuz and the implications of the DSA's proposed policies, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and discussion.

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8-13-26 - Daily Talkbacks

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8-12-26 - 9am - Trump Changes Planes and Data Center Water & Power

This episode is a wild ride, folks, as our host delves into the world of data centers, tax breaks, and the water they use. But don't worry, it's not just about the tech – it's about the politics, the economics, and the environmental impact of these massive facilities. Buckle up and get ready to have your mind blown.

This episode is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of technology and governance. Our host takes us on a journey to Douglas County, Colorado, where a data center tax break sparked a heated debate. We learn about the intricacies of tax exemptions, the importance of public hearings, and the surprising ways in which data centers use water. But it's not just about the numbers – it's about the people and the communities affected by these decisions.

As our host digs deeper, we discover the complexities of the water-cooling systems used by data centers. It turns out that these systems don't use much water on site, but they do demand a lot of electricity, which in turn uses water at power plants elsewhere. This raises questions about the true environmental impact of these facilities and the need for transparency in their operations.

So, if you're curious about the hidden costs of data centers, the politics of tax breaks, and the environmental implications of our technological advancements, tune in to this episode. Our host will guide you through the twists and turns of this complex issue, and you'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the importance of critical thinking and transparency in our decision-making processes.

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8-12-26 - 10am - The Jones Act and Prop NN

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who's ever wondered why gas prices seem to skyrocket during times of crisis. The speaker takes a deep dive into the Jones Act, a 100-year-old law that's supposed to protect American shipping, but is actually causing more harm than good. With a personal anecdote from his experience as the under Secretary of Homeland Security, the speaker reveals how this law is standing in the way of getting fuel to the people who need it most.

The Jones Act requires that any goods traveling between two US ports be on a ship built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Sounds patriotic, but in reality, it's led to a tiny fleet of just over 100 qualifying ships. The speaker argues that this law is outdated and is causing prices to rise for people living in coastal communities, who are already struggling to make ends meet. He also touches on the recent waiver of the Jones Act, which was meant to help during the war, but was narrowed down to a specific list of goods and added a new layer of bureaucracy.

The speaker also tackles the topic of Proposition 116, a ballot measure that's supposed to fund schools, but may actually be a sneaky way to abolish the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). He shares his concerns about the way the state is handling tax revenue and how it's affecting seniors living on fixed incomes.

If you're curious about how the Jones Act is affecting your wallet and the state's handling of tax revenue, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and personal experiences.

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