Michael Brown

Michael Brown

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

9-30-26 - 9am - Colorado Is Trying to Bribe Aerospace to Stay

9-30-26 - 10am - Is Denver the Best Place to Live?

In a city where crime rates are on the rise, a $2.5 million advertising campaign is touting Denver as the best place to live. But is the city's perception problem or a real one? This episode delves into the numbers behind the campaign's claims and the city's actual crime statistics.

The campaign, led by the Downtown Denver Partnership, boasts about a 45% drop in homicides and a 71% decrease in stolen cars. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals that the city's homeless population is still a major concern. The campaign's numbers on homelessness are based on a single night's count in January, which may not accurately reflect the actual number of people experiencing homelessness throughout the year.

The city's own data shows that homelessness is not decreasing, but rather being hidden from view. The city's auditor found that the city doesn't track how many people it houses who end up back on the streets, and that $20 million in program costs were never reported. Meanwhile, the city's shoplifting rate has more than doubled since 2022, with 10 of Denver's 78 neighborhoods accounting for almost 50% of the arrests.

This episode explores the disconnect between the city's perception and reality, and what it means for the people who live and visit Denver. Join us as we examine the numbers and the stories behind the city's crime statistics and the $2.5 million advertising campaign.

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9-30-26 - 11am - Tech Industry vs. Government: Artificial Intelligence

Imagine a world where the government decides who gets to build the most powerful machines on the planet, and who doesn't. Sounds like science fiction, but it's not. This episode explores the tension between the tech industry and the government over the regulation of artificial intelligence. The speaker takes us on a journey through history, from the early days of elevators to the present day, where companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI.

The conversation delves into the recent White House Accord on Superintelligence, where tech giants like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg came together to discuss the future of AI. But is this accord a step in the right direction, or is it just a way for the big players to write the rules and keep the little guys out? The speaker also examines the lawsuit filed by Florida against OpenAI, which seeks to regulate the development of AI models and impose strict guidelines on their use.

The episode also touches on the concept of liability and who should be held responsible when AI goes wrong. Should it be the companies that build the AI, or the government that regulates it? The speaker argues that the companies should be held accountable for their creations, just like any other product.

If you're interested in understanding the complex world of AI regulation and the implications for the future of technology, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's thoughts on the matter.

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9-30-26 - Daily Talkbacks

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9-29-26 - 9am - We Don't Have Enough Cows

This episode is a wild ride, folks, as our host shares a personal story about a mysterious truck driver with seven kids, including two twins, who might just be the most interesting man in the world. But that's not all - we're also diving into the world of beef, where a recent ICE operation in southwest Kansas has left the cattle industry reeling. And if you're a fan of conspiracy theories, you'll love the story about the screw worm, a fly that eats the larvae of living flesh.

This episode is all about the intersection of politics, economics, and everyday life. Our host shares a personal anecdote about a steak dinner with his family, but it quickly turns into a discussion about the beef industry and the impact of recent ICE operations on the supply chain. We're also talking about the cattle industry's struggles, including a shrinking herd and a lack of skilled workers. And if you're a fan of true crime, you'll love the story about a family who was stopped by a federal immigration agent on the road home from a meatpacking plant.

The cattle industry is facing some big challenges, including a shrinking herd and a lack of skilled workers. Our host shares some surprising statistics about the number of cattle in the US, and we're discussing the impact of recent ICE operations on the supply chain. But it's not all doom and gloom - we're also talking about some potential solutions, including the possibility of importing more beef from Argentina.

Want to hear more about the beef industry, the screw worm, and the mysterious truck driver with seven kids? Tune in to this episode to hear the rest of the story and learn more about the issues that are affecting our food supply.

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9-29-26 - 10am - Immigration Enforcement and Fake Moose

This episode is a wild ride, folks, with a dash of humor and a whole lot of insight into the world of politics and hunting. Our host takes us on a journey from the White House to the great outdoors, discussing everything from immigration policy to the art of hunting a moose. Along the way, we get a glimpse into the inner workings of the Trump administration and the challenges of being a federal law enforcement leader.

This episode is a thought-provoking conversation that covers a range of topics, from the complexities of immigration policy to the importance of patience and nerve in the face of adversity. Our host shares a fascinating story about a man who waited 18 years for a moose tag and the incredible experience he had when he finally got his chance. We also delve into the world of politics, discussing the latest developments in the Trump administration's immigration policies and the challenges of being a leader in a high-pressure environment.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of clear communication and leadership in times of uncertainty. Our host shares a personal anecdote about the importance of putting policies in writing and the challenges of navigating the complexities of the White House. We also get a glimpse into the world of hunting and the respect that comes with it, as our host shares the story of a man who waited 18 years for a moose tag and the incredible experience he had when he finally got his chance.

If you're looking for a thought-provoking conversation that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this episode is a must-listen. Our host's unique blend of humor and insight makes for a compelling listen, and the stories he shares are sure to leave you inspired and motivated. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get ready to dive into the world of politics and hunting with this episode.

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9-29-26 - 11am - It's Just a Machine

In a world where technology is advancing at an incredible pace, we're seeing the rise of artificial intelligence that's becoming increasingly sophisticated. But what happens when we start to blur the lines between humans and machines? This episode explores the implications of treating AI like people, and the potential consequences of giving rights to machines.

The conversation delves into the world of chatbots, where companies like Anthropic are creating AI companions that can have conversations with us, but also raises questions about their true nature. A recent lawsuit filed by the parents of a 13-year-old girl who died after talking to a chatbot highlights the issue. The company behind the chatbot, Character AI, designed it to act like a human, complete with emojis and a "romantic" conversation. But did this design contribute to the girl's death?

The episode also touches on the idea that we're anthropomorphizing these chatbots, giving them human-like qualities that make us forget they're just machines. This can lead to serious consequences, as seen in the case of a 14-year-old boy who died after talking to a chatbot. His parents sued the company, and a federal judge in Florida refused to throw the case out on free speech grounds.

As we navigate this complex issue, it's essential to remember that these chatbots are just products, designed to respond to our inputs and provide a service. But what happens when we start to give them human-like qualities, and what are the implications for our society? Join us as we explore the fascinating and sometimes unsettling world of AI companions.

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9-29-26 - Daily Talkbacks

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9-28-26 - 9am - Facebook Editorial Judgement and Accused Teacher

In a shocking verdict, a New Mexico jury found Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, guilty of violating the state's Unfair Practices Act. The company was ordered to pay up to $219 billion in fines, with the state claiming that Facebook's failure to delete misinformation and hate speech was a form of consumer fraud. But what does this mean for free speech and the future of social media moderation?

This episode delves into the details of the case, exploring the tension between Facebook's promises to users and its actual practices. The speaker discusses the implications of the verdict, including the potential for other states to use similar laws to target social media companies. We also examine the role of the First Amendment in protecting editorial judgment and the importance of transparency in moderation practices.

The speaker highlights the case of a New Mexico teacher who was put on paid administrative leave for posting a TikTok video supporting a teacher strike, raising questions about the limits of free speech for public employees. We also discuss the Supreme Court's recent decision in the case of Moody v. Net Choice, which emphasized the importance of editorial judgment in moderation practices.

If you're concerned about the future of free speech and the role of social media in our democracy, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the complexities of this case and its implications for our online lives.

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9-28-26 - 10am - Fear in the Advancement of Tech

In a world where change is the only constant, we're often left wondering what's next. But what if the next big thing isn't something to be feared, but something to be celebrated? This episode explores the idea that the latest technological advancements, particularly AI, are not a threat to our way of life, but rather an opportunity to evolve and grow.

The speaker takes us on a journey through history, highlighting how each new innovation, from the automobile to the internet, was initially met with fear and skepticism. Yet, as we look back, we see that these changes brought about unprecedented growth and freedom. The question is, will we make the same mistake with AI? The speaker argues that we're not just replacing jobs, but rather, we're upgrading the skills we need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is the importance of adapting to change and embracing the new tools that are available to us. The speaker shares a powerful story about a social studies teacher who risked his own life to save a neighbor from a burning building, highlighting the kind of courage and compassion that will be needed in this new era.

If you're feeling anxious about the future of work and technology, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the possibilities and challenges of the AI revolution and discover how we can thrive in a world where the only constant is change.

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