Michael Brown

Michael Brown

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

11-12-26 - 9am - NVIDIA Spy

11-12-26 - 10am - Bow Mar Gate

In a small Colorado town, a heated debate is brewing over a proposed gate that's set to restrict access to a major arterial street. The town of Beaumont is planning to install a gate with a barrier arm, key tags, and license plate cameras, but the city of Denver and the city of Littleton are pushing back, arguing that it's a form of extortion. This episode delves into the details of the lawsuit and the constitutional implications of the gate, as well as the town's motivations and the potential consequences of its actions.

The town of Beaumont claims that the gate is necessary to manage traffic and improve public safety, but critics argue that it's a thinly veiled attempt to restrict the rights of residents and commuters. The lawsuit, which was filed by Denver and Littleton, alleges that the gate is unconstitutional and that the town is overstepping its authority. The case raises questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights, and whether a town can restrict access to a public road.

The town of Beaumont has a history of controversy, with a previous attempt to restrict access to a street in the 1970s ending in a lawsuit. This time around, the stakes are higher, with the town facing a potential loss of state funding and the cities of Denver and Littleton threatening to take matters into their own hands. As the case makes its way through the courts, one thing is clear: the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the town and its residents.

Tune in to this episode to hear the full story and learn more about the constitutional implications of the gate, the town's motivations, and the potential consequences of its actions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-12-26 - 11am - Selling In New York

In a shocking move, the city of New York has passed a law that gives community organizations the first shot at buying eligible homes, effectively taking the power out of the hands of owners who want to sell to whoever they please. This law, known as COPA, has sparked heated debate and raised questions about the role of government in real estate transactions.

This episode delves into the details of COPA and its potential impact on the city's real estate market. The speaker shares a story about a property manager, Engel, who invested heavily in his buildings, only to see the city's rent laws and regulations make it impossible for him to recoup his costs. The conversation also touches on the city's own housing department's concerns about the law, including the potential for delayed closings and the impact on the city's budget.

The speaker also explores the concept of "takings" and how it relates to the law, citing a Supreme Court case from 1982 that ruled that a permanent physical occupation is a taking, no matter how small it is. This raises questions about the city's ability to take control of private property without due process.

If you're interested in learning more about COPA and its implications for the city's real estate market, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's thoughts on the matter and the potential consequences of this new law.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-12-26 - Daily Talkbacks

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-11-26 - 9am - Henry Gunther, A Minute Too Soon and Data Center Voting

This episode takes a somber tone as the speaker reflects on the true meaning of Veterans Day, which was born on the morning of November 11, 1918, when the armistice was signed, ending World War I. The speaker shares a powerful story about Henry Gunther, a 23-year-old private from Baltimore who was killed just 60 seconds before the armistice took effect, as he charged towards German machine guns. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of considering the consequences of military actions.

The speaker delves into the history of Veterans Day, explaining how it was originally known as Armistice Day and was later renamed to honor all who have served. They discuss how the holiday was born out of the silence at 11 o'clock on November 11, 1918, and how it's often reduced to a simple fact or a pub quiz answer. The speaker emphasizes the importance of honoring the people who give the orders and considering the cost of every single life lost, including those on the last morning of the war.

The episode also touches on the topic of data centers, discussing how voters in various cities and states have been pushing back against the construction of these massive facilities due to concerns about their impact on local communities. The speaker shares a story about a man named Ray Zabluski, who fought against the construction of a data center in his neighborhood, and how his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. They also discuss how data centers are becoming a contentious issue in local politics, with many voters expressing concerns about their impact on the environment and local communities.

As the episode comes to a close, the speaker encourages listeners to tune in to hear more about the importance of considering the human cost of war and the impact of data centers on local communities. They also invite listeners to join them in reflecting on the true meaning of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring those who have served.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-11-26 - 10am - Consequences of Losing AI Race to China

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks the AI race is just a distant concern. The speaker dives into the consequences of losing this race to China, where the rules are already being written, and the surveillance state is a reality. But it's not just about the tech – it's about our freedoms and the kind of world we want to live in.

The conversation touches on the recent data center moratoriums in Colorado, where cities like Aurora and Fort Collins are taking a closer look at the impact of these massive facilities on their communities. The speaker shares his expertise on state and local government law, explaining the difference between a moratorium and a ban, and how the latter can be a slippery slope. He also highlights the importance of transparency and public hearings in making informed decisions.

The episode also explores the intersection of politics and education, as the speaker critiques Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's plan for universal childcare, which he believes is a thinly veiled attempt to fund a costly program without a clear plan or budget. He digs into the numbers, showing how the program's costs could far exceed the initial estimates, and how the state's own records suggest that universal preschool programs often come with unintended consequences.

If you're concerned about the future of our communities, the impact of technology on our freedoms, and the importance of transparency in government, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation and hear the speaker's take on the issues that matter most.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-11-26 - 11am - Thank A Veteran Today

In a poignant reflection on the true meaning of Veterans Day, the speaker shares a powerful story about a World War II veteran who sat alone at a restaurant, overlooked by the people around him. This episode delves into the importance of honoring our nation's heroes and the often-overlooked consequences of war.

The speaker discusses the city of Denver's proposed universal preschool program, highlighting the potential pitfalls of a well-intentioned but poorly executed plan. They point out that the city's current preschool program, which offers a sliding scale of tuition credits, has been successful, but the proposed universal program may compromise quality and prioritize those who can afford it over those who need it most. The speaker also touches on the city's frozen child care program for low-income families and the mayor's plan to introduce a universal program without a clear price tag.

The conversation also explores the long-term costs of war, using the example of the Civil War pension system, which continued to pay out benefits for 155 years after the war ended. The speaker argues that the country's failure to account for the true cost of war has led to a lack of transparency and accountability. They also discuss the current situation in Iran, where the war has resulted in significant costs, both in terms of human lives and financial expenses.

As we celebrate Veterans Day, the speaker encourages listeners to take a moment to thank a veteran and acknowledge the sacrifices they've made. They share a personal story about meeting a World War II veteran and the impact of a simple gesture of gratitude. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the importance of honoring our nation's heroes and the need for transparency and accountability in our government's actions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-11-26 - Daily Talkbacks

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-10-26 - 9am - Ramp Metering Lights

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever sat in traffic, wondering why the roads are so congested. The speaker shares a personal experience on the C-470 ramp, where they noticed a peculiar phenomenon - a line of brake lights stretching back for miles, with drivers waiting at a red light that's been stuck for years. But what's even more fascinating is the speaker's investigation into the history of ramp meters, which led them to a surprising conclusion.

The speaker delves into the world of traffic engineering, discussing the concept of "friction" and how it affects our daily commutes. They explore the idea that ramp meters are meant to prevent congestion, but often end up causing more problems than they solve. With a healthy dose of skepticism, the speaker questions the effectiveness of these meters and shares some surprising statistics from a study in Minnesota that turned off all ramp meters in the Twin Cities.

The conversation takes a humorous turn as the speaker shares their own experiences with ramp meters, including a memorable encounter with a white BMW that decided to run the red light. But the discussion quickly turns serious as the speaker highlights the real issue at hand - the lack of transparency and accountability in traffic engineering. They call out CDOT for not providing clear data on the effectiveness of ramp meters and suggest that the solution lies in a more nuanced approach to traffic management.

If you're tired of sitting in traffic and wondering why the roads are so congested, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker's investigation into the world of traffic engineering will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about ramp meters and the way our roads are managed. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of traffic and transportation, and discover the surprising truth behind the roads we drive on every day.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11-10-26 - 10am - Colorado Gun Ownership

This episode is a wake-up call for gun owners across the country. The speaker shares a personal story about a friend who waited in line for hours to get his concealed carry permit, only to realize that the real challenge is just beginning. As the speaker delves into the world of gun laws, we're taken on a journey through the complexities of the Second Amendment and the ways in which governments are making it increasingly difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to bear arms.

The speaker discusses the recent changes in Colorado, where the state's permit to purchase law has taken effect, requiring applicants to take a state-approved course and undergo a background check before buying semi-automatic rifles. We also hear about the impact of these laws on gun owners, including the increased costs and time-consuming process. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his own concealed carry permit expiring soon and his uncertainty about what to do next.

The conversation also touches on the national implications of these laws, including the Democrats' push for federal gun control and the potential impact on the Supreme Court. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of gun laws and the ways in which they can be used to infringe on our rights. We're also introduced to the concept of the "stack" – the accumulation of regulations that can make it nearly impossible for citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

If you're a gun owner or simply someone interested in the complexities of gun laws, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker's personal story and in-depth analysis will leave you informed and motivated to take action. Join us as we explore the world of gun laws and the fight for our Second Amendment rights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.