The Situation & The Weekend with Michael Brown

Published by Denver's Talk Station 630 KHOW

News
News Commentary

Smart. Funny. Connected. Former Under Secretary of Homeland Security & FEMA Director Michael Brown provides provocative insight into culture, current events and politics. Get an insider's view of what the mainstream media won't be telling you. He delivers incisive content with humor, wit and smartness. He gives you an honest inside look that no one else is willing to do.

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Recent episodes

8-1-26 The Weekend Hour 1: The gas price charade

Aug 1, 2026

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8-1-26 The Weekend Hour 2: How the AAUP turned the professoriate into a one-party faculty, one party classroom

Aug 1, 2026

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8-1-26 The Weekend Hour 3: MEMRI and how Arab gulf states are reporting on Iran. A new perspective.

Aug 1, 2026

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07 31 26 11am Taxpayer Relief Shots

Jul 31, 2026

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07 31 26 Daily Talkback

Jul 31, 2026

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07 31 26 10am Where the majority of homicides occur also Portland Police too busy to nab naked man

Jul 31, 2026

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07 31 26 9am No reasonable path to victory in Colorado also Elon Musk's offer to fund the UN World Food Programme

Jul 31, 2026

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7-30-26 - 9am - The psychology of justifying shoplifting also Apple has launched a product leasing program called Apple Upgrade

Jul 30, 2026

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7-30-26 - 10am - Permits For Photography in Colorado?!

Jul 30, 2026

This episode is a wild ride, folks, as our host takes on two topics that'll make you laugh, think, and maybe even question everything you thought you knew about the environment and the world of wildlife conservation. In this episode, our host tackles two seemingly unrelated stories that are actually connected by a thread of efficiency and the pursuit of truth. First, they dive into a real-life petition filed in Colorado that proposes a permit system for photographing and selling wildlife images, and the host's hilarious take on why this idea is a category error and a potential First Amendment problem. Then, they explore a recent study from Oxford University that claims organic, free-range eggs are worse for the climate than eggs from caged chickens, and the host's sharp analysis of why this finding is a game-changer. You'll hear our host's signature blend of humor, expertise, and straight talk as they dissect these topics and challenge the conventional wisdom. They'll also share some surprising facts and stats that'll make you think twice about the environmental movement and the way we approach wildlife conservation. So if you're ready to have your mind expanded and your perspectives challenged, tune in to this episode and get ready to engage with the conversation. Our host is calling on listeners to join the discussion and share their thoughts on these important topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7-30-26 - 11am - Colorado Can Learn From New Mexico

Jul 30, 2026

This week's episode is a wake-up call for Colorado residents. The speaker takes a hard look at the state's economy and governance, comparing it to neighboring New Mexico, which has been thriving despite its reputation for being "crappy." The conversation centers around the oil and gas industry, which has been a major contributor to New Mexico's success, generating a whopping $75 billion sovereign wealth fund. The speaker argues that Colorado's approach to the industry has been misguided, with a series of wrong decisions made over the past two decades that have led to a $1.5 billion budget shortfall. In contrast, New Mexico has been welcoming responsible oil and gas development, taxing production at rates comparable to Texas or North Dakota, and stashing a significant portion of the revenue into a permanent trust fund. This has allowed them to fund essential services and build a cushion against economic downturns. The speaker highlights the importance of treating the oil and gas industry as a partner, rather than a villain, and notes that responsible energy production is a public good. They also emphasize the need for a Colorado governor and legislature willing to say so out loud and to prioritize building a permanent fund, even if it's a decade late. If you're interested in learning more about the lessons Colorado can learn from New Mexico's approach to the oil and gas industry, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's thought-provoking analysis and insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7-30-26 - Daily Talkbacks

Jul 30, 2026

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07 29 26 11am Use of a smartphone duress PIN might land a man in prison also Victor Marx asks for gubernatorial debate

Jul 29, 2026

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07 29 26 Daily Talkback

Jul 29, 2026

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07 29 26 10am How many people died FROM COVID also Governor Jared Polis says we're number 1

Jul 29, 2026

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07 29 26 9am Anthony Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment at Senate Covid hearing

Jul 29, 2026

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07 28 26 11am The upcoming congressional recess also Douglas County to replace its contract with Flock Safety

Jul 29, 2026

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07 28 26 10am Colfax Avenue improvements more of a detriment also Senate election in Michigan

Jul 28, 2026

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07 28 26 9am The NYC Matching Funds Program matches all campaign contributions also the DSA's priorities

Jul 28, 2026

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

Jul 27, 2026

In a world where the truth is often shrouded in sensationalism, a local weather report recently sparked a heated debate about the severity of a record-breaking heatwave in Denver. But is the drama really justified? The speaker takes a closer look at the facts behind the forecast and challenges the way we're presented with information. This episode delves into the world of climate change, family dynamics, and the human psyche. The speaker shares a fascinating story about two brothers who discovered they were switched at birth, and explores the science behind our intuition about family relationships. We also examine the concept of "genealogical bewilderment" and how it affects people who don't know their biological parents. The speaker also tackles a more serious topic, discussing the Denver City Council's recent decision to move $18.8 million from the city's general fund to a special reserve fund. But what's behind this move, and what does it mean for the city's finances? The speaker breaks down the details and asks the tough questions. If you're curious about the truth behind the headlines, the science behind our intuition, and the inner workings of local government, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's take on these topics and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Jul 27, 2026

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.