Michael Brown

Michael Brown

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

7-27-26 - 9am - Why Do We Always Exaggerate the Weather?

7-27-26 - 10am - Denver Spending a LOT on Liability Claims

In a shocking revelation, a city's financial records have been shedding light on a concerning trend that's leaving taxpayers scratching their heads. The city in question is Denver, where a recent document has revealed a staggering amount of money being spent on liability claims. We're talking about a whopping $23 million, more than 11 times the city's usual budget for this line item.

This episode delves into the details of Denver's financial situation, where a $2.6 million fund has been depleted to cover liability claims, including a significant portion for the 2020 George Floyd riots. The city's mayor and council have been criticized for their handling of the situation, with some arguing that they're not being transparent enough about the settlements and payouts. The city's accountability gap has been highlighted, with some questioning whether the council is doing enough to ensure that taxpayers are aware of how their money is being spent.

The city's financial records show a concerning trend of payouts for liability claims, with the largest single line item being the ongoing bill for the 2020 George Floyd riots. The city's own accounting puts the total protest-related payout at over $22 million. The city's council has acknowledged its accountability problem, passing an ordinance requiring quarterly general fund reporting from the Department of Finance. However, critics argue that this isn't enough, and that the city needs to do more to be transparent about its financial dealings.

If you're a taxpayer in Denver, you need to know about this. The city's financial situation is a complex web of liability claims, settlements, and payouts. This episode breaks down the details, and we're not just talking about numbers – we're talking about the people and policies behind them. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Denver's financial situation and what it means for taxpayers.

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7-27-26 - 11am - Latest with the US-Iran Conflict

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of the current situation in the Middle East. The speaker delves into the complexities of the Iran-US conflict, questioning the effectiveness of the US's military strategy and the implications of a prolonged pause in the bombing campaign.

The conversation centers around the recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has effectively taken control, and the US is struggling to find a way to regain its footing. The speaker discusses the various strategies employed by the US, from regime crippling to coercive diplomacy, and how they've led to a stalemate. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding the Iranian people's perspective and the role of covert operations in empowering them to stand up against their government.

The speaker highlights the need for a clear strategy and a plan to achieve the US's goals, which include ensuring free passage through the Strait and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, the conversation reveals that the current approach may be more about preserving resources than achieving a decisive victory. The speaker also raises questions about the effectiveness of the US's military efforts and the potential consequences of a prolonged conflict.

To gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of this situation, tune in to this episode and hear the speaker's insightful analysis of the current state of affairs.

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7-27-26 - Daily Talkbacks

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7-25-26 The Weekend Hour 1: The Coolest Rebellion in Europe

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7-25-26 The Weekend Hour 3: The Colby Doctrine

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7-25-26 The Weekend Hour 2: The 1913 Problem

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7-24-26 - 9am - The Asset Act is Unfair to Legal Citizens

Colorado's economic woes have been a hot topic lately, but one issue that's flying under the radar is the state's generous tuition policies for out-of-state students. Specifically, the Asset Act, which allows illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition, is under fire from the Department of Justice. This episode delves into the controversy surrounding this policy and the potential consequences for Colorado taxpayers.

The Asset Act, passed in 2013, allows students who attended a Colorado high school to qualify for in-state tuition, regardless of their immigration status. However, this policy has been deemed unconstitutional by the federal government, which has led to a lawsuit against the state. The speaker argues that this policy is not only unfair to out-of-state students but also a misuse of taxpayer dollars. They point out that the federal government has explicit constitutional authority over immigration and that this policy overrides a 30-year-old federal statute.

The speaker also touches on the issue of fairness, highlighting the fact that American citizens are being charged three times more than illegal aliens for the same education. They also discuss the fiscal responsibility aspect, pointing out that every dollar spent on subsidizing tuition for people here illegally is a dollar not spent on something else or extracted from a taxpayer elsewhere.

If you're interested in learning more about this issue and the potential consequences for Colorado taxpayers, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's in-depth analysis and discussion on the Asset Act and its implications.

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7-24-26 - 10am - Results of Prop 123 Have Been Disappointing

This episode is a scathing critique of Colorado's housing affordability policies, specifically Proposition 123, which was passed by voters in 2022. The speaker takes aim at Governor Polis's claims that the proposition will deliver on housing affordability, arguing that the policy is a feel-good solution that doesn't actually address the root causes of the problem.

The speaker delves into the details of Prop 123, explaining how it takes money from taxpayers that was previously refundable under the state's TABOR cap and redirects it towards affordable housing. However, the speaker argues that this approach is misguided, as it reduces the pool of private capital available for people to buy or rent housing on the open market. The speaker also points out that the majority of the units funded by Prop 123 are aimed at renters earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income, which is a far cry from truly affordable housing.

The speaker also discusses the results of Prop 123, which have been disappointing. Despite promises of 17,000 affordable housing units over 20 years, the actual number of units built is far lower, and the state is losing existing affordable units faster than it's building new ones. The speaker argues that the primary driver of housing costs in Colorado is a supply problem, not a gap in subsidies, and that the state's regulatory environment is exacerbating the issue.

If you're concerned about the state of housing affordability in Colorado, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker offers a clear and compelling analysis of the issue and proposes a different approach to addressing the problem. Tune in to hear the full discussion and learn more about the complexities of Prop 123 and the state's housing policies.

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7-24-26 - 11am - Taxpayer Relief Shots

The best part of every week... Taxpayer Relief Shots!

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