Michael Brown

Michael Brown

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

7-17-26 - 9am - Jimmy Sengenberger Fills In For Michael

7-17-26 - 10am - Jimmy Sengenberger Fills In For Michael

This episode of the podcast delves into a pressing issue in Colorado, where the state's largest energy utility, Excel, is seeking a massive rate increase to fund its clean energy plan. The plan, which aims to make Colorado a leader in renewable energy, has been touted as a crucial step towards a net-zero future. However, critics argue that the plan's focus on electrification and grid hardening is misguided, and that the costs will be borne by ratepayers.

The discussion touches on the financial implications of the plan, with the speaker highlighting the potential for rate increases to double or even triple in the coming years. The speaker also explores the social cost of blackouts, citing examples of businesses and communities that have suffered significant losses due to power outages. Meanwhile, the speaker argues that the state's focus on electrification is misguided, and that other forms of energy, such as nuclear power, could provide a more reliable and affordable solution.

The episode also touches on the topic of the WNBA and its handling of Caitlin Clark, a basketball player who has been at the center of controversy. Olympian Eli Bremmer joins the conversation to share his perspective on the issue, arguing that the WNBA's focus on social justice and politics has led to a decline in the league's focus on its core mission of promoting women's sports.

In this episode, the speaker also discusses the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, highlighting the comments of Senator John Fetterman, who has stated that he would leave the party if it becomes anti-Israel. The conversation raises important questions about the role of politics in sports and the importance of standing up for what one believes in.

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7-17-26 - 11am - Jimmy Sengenberger Fills In For Michael

This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and technology. The conversation delves into the world of election security, where misinformation and disinformation can have serious consequences. The speaker discusses the recent address by a high-profile figure, which sparked a heated debate about the integrity of the US election system. But what's behind the rhetoric, and what does it mean for voters?

The episode explores the complexities of election security, including the use of AI and the potential risks of relying too heavily on technology. The speaker talks to an expert in the field, who shares insights into the measures being taken to protect the electoral process. From the use of paper ballots to the importance of voter verification, the conversation covers it all. But what's clear is that the stakes are high, and the consequences of getting it wrong could be severe.

The discussion also touches on the role of social media in shaping public opinion and the need for critical thinking in the face of misinformation. The speaker highlights the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before accepting it as true. It's a timely reminder that in the age of fake news, it's more important than ever to be informed and engaged citizens.

If you're interested in staying ahead of the curve on election security and the latest developments in this field, tune in to this episode to hear the expert's take on the issues and the speaker's analysis of the implications.

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7-16-26 - 9am - Jimmy Sengenberger Fills In For Michael

This episode is a must-listen for anyone following the latest developments in US politics. The speaker shares their thoughts on President Trump's upcoming address, where he's expected to talk about elections, and the potential implications of his words. Meanwhile, the conversation also touches on the topic of voter ID laws and the Save America Act, which has been making headlines lately.

This episode covers a range of topics, from the current state of US politics to the importance of election security. The speaker discusses the recent news about President Trump's address and the potential impact it could have on the country. They also delve into the world of voter ID laws and the Save America Act, which has been a topic of debate in recent weeks. Additionally, the conversation touches on the latest developments in the Middle East, including the US's stance on Iran.

One of the key points discussed in this episode is the importance of election security and the need for voter ID laws. The speaker shares their thoughts on the Save America Act and why they believe it's a step in the right direction. They also discuss the recent news about President Trump's address and the potential implications of his words. Furthermore, the conversation touches on the topic of Iran and the US's stance on the country.

If you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest developments in US politics and the Middle East, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker shares their insightful thoughts on the current state of affairs and the potential implications of the latest news. Tune in to hear their analysis and discussion on the topics that matter most.

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7-16-26 - 10am - Jimmy Sengenberger Fills In For Michael

As the drama unfolds in Denver Public Schools, the question on everyone's mind is: what's next for Superintendent Alex Marrero? Will he be ousted by the board, or will he continue to lead the district? This episode of the podcast delves into the latest developments and explores the complex relationships between the superintendent, the board, and the community.

The conversation with co-hosts Alan Gottlieb and Alexis Menochle Harrigan from the Board Hawk podcast sheds light on the governance model in place at DPS, which has been criticized for being overly restrictive and favoring the superintendent. The hosts discuss the superintendent's contract, which includes a generous severance package and a clause that allows him to take his full salary if he's let go. They also touch on the recent controversies surrounding Morero's leadership and the board's handling of the situation.

The discussion highlights the challenges facing DPS, including stagnant student achievement and growing achievement gaps between low-income students and their more affluent peers. The hosts also examine the board's decision to hire an independent legal counsel, which has raised concerns about conflict of interest. With a special meeting scheduled for July 27th, the stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain.

Tune in to this episode to hear the full conversation and get a deeper understanding of the complex issues at play in Denver Public Schools. Join the discussion and share your thoughts on the future of DPS and the role of its superintendent.

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7-16-26 - 11am - Jimmy Sengenberger Fills In For Michael

In a surprise move, President Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address to the nation tonight, and the topic is expected to be the 2020 election. The speaker is questioning whether this is a good idea, given the current state of affairs and the fact that the American people are looking for leadership on pressing issues like the rising cost of living and the war in Iran.

The speaker is skeptical about the President's decision to focus on the 2020 election, especially since it's six years away from the next presidential election. They point out that the President's address could be seen as relitigating the past and not addressing the present. The speaker also mentions that the President has recently endorsed Mike Lindell, a prominent figure in the "stolen election" conspiracy theory, which raises questions about the credibility of the information the President will present.

The speaker discusses the potential implications of the President's address, including the possibility of it being a "mistake waiting to happen." They also touch on the topic of Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for governor in Colorado, who has been criticized for his background and campaign finance issues. The speaker notes that Marx's nomination could drag down the rest of the Republican ticket in the state.

Tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's analysis of the President's prime-time address and the implications of Victor Marx's nomination for the Republican Party in Colorado.

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7-16-26 Interview - Alan Gottlieb and Alexis Menocal Harrigan on DPS & Superintendent Marrero

Denver Public Schools is at a crossroads, with Superintendent Alex Marrero's future hanging in the balance. This episode of the Board Hawk podcast delves into the controversy surrounding Marrero's leadership and the school board's decision to potentially fire him without cause.

The conversation centers around the superintendent's contract, which includes a clause that would allow him to leave with a year's salary and benefits if the board decides to terminate him without cause. This has sparked debate among board members and community leaders, with some arguing that it's time for a change in leadership and others advocating for Marrero to fulfill his responsibilities until the end of his contract in 2028.

The discussion also touches on the school board's governance model, which has been criticized for being overly restrictive and giving the superintendent too much power. The board's decision to hire an independent legal counsel has also raised concerns about conflict of interest, with some arguing that the general counsel's ties to the superintendent make it difficult to get objective advice.

Tune in to this episode to hear the perspectives of Board Hawk co-hosts Alexis Minocle Harrigan and Alan Gottlieb as they break down the complexities of the situation and discuss what's at stake for Denver Public Schools.

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7-15-26 - 9am - George Teal Rigged The System & Gov't ID Laws

This episode is a wild ride, folks, and it's not just about a single overpriced plane ticket. It's about how government works, or rather, how it doesn't. We're talking about a county commissioner in Colorado who took a luxury trip to Dubai, and the story that unfolds is a perfect example of how the system can be rigged to protect those in power.

The speaker takes us on a journey through the world of government contracts, nonprofit organizations, and taxpayer-funded expenses. We learn about a county commissioner who charged a $17,000 business class ticket to the taxpayers, despite the county's own policy stating that business class travel is not allowed. The commissioner then tries to pass the buck to a nonprofit organization, which is funded by the county, and the story gets even more complicated from there.

The episode delves into the world of government ID laws, where we find out that Colorado is actually one of the more privacy-protective states. The speaker explains that Colorado requires reasonable suspicion of a crime before demanding identification, and that refusing to identify oneself is not a crime in itself. This conversation is a great reminder that our constitutional rights are still relevant today, and that we should be mindful of how our government is using its power.

If you want to learn more about how government works, and how the system can be manipulated to protect those in power, tune in to this episode. The speaker breaks down the complex issues and makes it easy to understand, and it's a must-listen for anyone interested in politics, government, and accountability.

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7-15-26 - 10am - The Story Behind Daylight Saving Time

This episode is a wild ride, folks, as our host takes a humorous detour into the world of cuckoo clocks and ice cream trucks before diving into a serious discussion about daylight saving time. But don't worry, it's not just another rant about the pros and cons of springing forward or falling back. Our host digs into the history of daylight saving time, from its origins to its current state, and shares some surprising facts along the way.

You'll learn about the man who actually proposed the idea of daylight saving time, and how it was initially met with enthusiasm but ultimately failed to deliver on its promise of energy savings. You'll also hear about the current state of the debate, with some lawmakers pushing to make permanent daylight saving time a reality. But our host isn't just here to tell you what's happening - they're also here to give you the receipts, so to speak, and show you the data that suggests this whole thing might not be as beneficial as we've been led to believe.

From the oil crisis of the 1970s to the current state of the energy market, our host takes a closer look at the numbers and finds some surprising results. You'll hear about the study that shows permanent daylight saving time has a negligible overall impact on energy use, and how the energy savings that were originally touted as a benefit of the practice are actually a myth.

So if you're tired of the same old arguments about daylight saving time, and you want to hear a fresh perspective on this contentious issue, tune in to this episode and get ready to have your mind blown. Our host is here to give you the facts, and to ask the question: is it time to stop messing with the clock?

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7-15-26 - 11am - Denver's New Climate Initiative Falls Short

The city of Denver's new climate campaign, the One Effect, is making waves, but is it really making a difference? This episode delves into the campaign's tactics and the city's approach to addressing climate change, but what's behind the scenes? The speaker takes a closer look at the campaign's funding, its impact on the city's residents, and the real reasons behind the city's actions.

The One Effect campaign encourages residents to take small actions to reduce their carbon footprint, but is it enough? The speaker questions the campaign's effectiveness in reducing CO2 emissions and points out that the city's actual progress in reducing emissions comes from larger-scale changes, such as replacing coal-fired power plants with natural gas plants. The speaker also critiques the campaign's reliance on voluntary actions, suggesting that it's a way to soften up residents for future mandates.

The city's approach to climate change is also put under the microscope, with the speaker highlighting the disconnect between the city's actions and its rhetoric. The city's leaders are spending millions on a campaign that makes puns on the word "doom," while ignoring more effective solutions, such as building nuclear power plants or fixing the permitting process for transmission lines. The speaker argues that the city's actions are more about shaping residents' behavior than actually addressing the climate crisis.

To understand the complexities of the One Effect campaign and the city's approach to climate change, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's in-depth analysis and insights.

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