<![CDATA[Dream City Podcast]]>A new conversation about the politics and business of hometown Washington. Longtime journalists Cuneyt Dil and Tom Sherwood bring exclusive reporting, sharp analysis and real curiosity to the forces shaping D.C.’s political and business scene. It’s the stories everyone’s talking about — and the ones they aren’t.

]]>https://www.dreamcity.newsRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:34:01 GMTMon, 10 Nov 2025 03:25:28 GMT60Dream City Podcast<p><b>A new conversation </b>about the politics and business of hometown Washington. Longtime journalists Cuneyt Dil and Tom Sherwood bring exclusive reporting, sharp analysis and real curiosity to the forces shaping D.C.’s political and business scene. It’s the stories everyone’s talking about — and the ones they aren’t.</p>episodicDream City Podcastcuneyt@dreamcity.newsno<![CDATA[The Great D.C. Foie Gras Fight]]>Cuneyt and Tom dig into one of the strangest fights on D.C.’s otherwise sleepy November ballot: Initiative 86, which would ban the force-feeding of ducks and geese to produce foie gras.

Celebrity chef José Andrés has come out against the measure, while Butterworth’s owner Bart Hutchins is responding with a $150 four-course foie gras tasting menu — complete with a foie gras “Twinkie.”

Then, they preview Election Day, the transition to a likely Janeese Lewis George administration and Robert White’s expected move to Congress — before turning to another big money question: whether D.C. should put $300 million toward expanding and roofing Audi Field.

00:00 D.C.’s Foie Gras Food Fight

08:39 Election Preview: JLG, Robert White, and the Transition

12:15 Ranked-Choice Voting Gets Confusing

14:09 What’s Next for Kenyan McDuffie?

16:13 Audi Field’s $300 Million Expansion Fight

26:20 Commanders and Nationals Sports Check

29:06 Hacks and Flacks Returns

The Dream City Podcast is supported by SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>https://www.dreamcity.news/4147955c-8531-490c-8e7e-fb04c142d68aMon, 26 Oct 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>Cuneyt and Tom dig into one of the strangest fights on D.C.’s otherwise sleepy November ballot: Initiative 86, which would ban the force-feeding of ducks and geese to produce foie gras.</p><p>Celebrity chef José Andrés has come out against the measure, while Butterworth’s owner Bart Hutchins is responding with a $150 four-course foie gras tasting menu — complete with a foie gras “Twinkie.” </p><p>Then, they preview Election Day, the transition to a likely Janeese Lewis George administration and Robert White’s expected move to Congress — before turning to another big money question: whether D.C. should put $300 million toward expanding and roofing Audi Field.</p><p>00:00 D.C.’s Foie Gras Food Fight</p><p>08:39 Election Preview: JLG, Robert White, and the Transition</p><p>12:15 Ranked-Choice Voting Gets Confusing</p><p>14:09 What’s Next for Kenyan McDuffie?</p><p>16:13 Audi Field’s $300 Million Expansion Fight</p><p>26:20 Commanders and Nationals Sports Check</p><p>29:06 Hacks and Flacks Returns</p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by <a href="https://spotlightdc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</strong></b></a>.</p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>Blue Dot Sessions</strong></b></a></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:31:17231The Great D.C. Foie Gras Fightfull<![CDATA[Tourists Are Skipping D.C. What Will the Next Mayor Do?]]>The Dream City Podcast digs into a troubling sign for the local economy: D.C.’s tourism industry is struggling during a year that was supposed to bring a historic influx of visitors.

And with Election Day just weeks away, Cuneyt and Tom look for clues about how mayor-in-waiting Janeese Lewis George could govern.

00:00 Why Tourists Are Staying Away From D.C.

05:21 National Guard Troops at D.C. Ballot Drop Boxes

09:53 JLG Wins Her Campaign Finance Fight — Now What Happens to OCF?

15:10 Is Therme’s D.C. Mega-Spa Dead?

18:28 D.C.’s New Parking Enforcement Fight

The Dream City Podcast is supported by SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>https://www.dreamcity.news/0a12d928-e99d-43a1-904e-631ef88a966cMon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The Dream City Podcast digs into a troubling sign for the local economy: D.C.’s tourism industry is struggling during a year that was supposed to bring a historic influx of visitors.</p><p>And with Election Day just weeks away, Cuneyt and Tom look for clues about how mayor-in-waiting Janeese Lewis George could govern.</p><p>00:00 Why Tourists Are Staying Away From D.C.</p><p>05:21 National Guard Troops at D.C. Ballot Drop Boxes</p><p>09:53 JLG Wins Her Campaign Finance Fight — Now What Happens to OCF?</p><p>15:10 Is Therme’s D.C. Mega-Spa Dead?</p><p>18:28 D.C.’s New Parking Enforcement Fight</p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by <a href="https://spotlightdc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</strong></b></a>.</p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>Blue Dot Sessions</strong></b></a></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:23:30230Tourists Are Skipping D.C. What Will the Next Mayor Do?full<![CDATA[A Mistrial, a Mega-Garage, and D.C.’s Giant Spa]]>Cuneyt and Tom dig into the fallout from Trayon White’s federal bribery trial after a hung jury resulted in a mistrial. White acknowledged taking $35,000 during the trial — raising a separate question for the D.C. Council: even without a conviction, will his colleagues censure, reprimand or even try to expel him again? Tom shares what he's hearing.

Then, they turn to RFK Stadium, where residents of nearby Kingman Park are fighting plans for an enormous eight-story, 3,600-space parking garage stretching nearly 800 feet along their neighborhood.

Plus: D.C.’s surprisingly serious plan for a roughly 500,000-square-foot waterfront spa at Poplar Point. Tom thinks it’s a terrible use of prime Anacostia River land. Cuneyt makes the case that every great civilization deserves its bathhouse.

00:00 Inside D.C.’s Political Boat Party

03:38 Will the Council Punish Trayon White?

10:00 RFK Stadium Has a Massive Parking Problem

17:03 Does D.C. Really Need a Giant Waterfront Spa?

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>171212f2-913a-4556-b133-bb135303e3a7Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>Cuneyt and Tom dig into the fallout from Trayon White’s federal bribery trial after a hung jury resulted in a mistrial. White acknowledged taking $35,000 during the trial — raising a separate question for the D.C. Council: even without a conviction, will his colleagues censure, reprimand or even try to expel him again? Tom shares what he's hearing.</p><p>Then, they turn to RFK Stadium, where residents of nearby Kingman Park are fighting plans for an enormous eight-story, 3,600-space parking garage stretching nearly 800 feet along their neighborhood.</p><p>Plus: D.C.’s surprisingly serious plan for a roughly 500,000-square-foot waterfront spa at Poplar Point. Tom thinks it’s a terrible use of prime Anacostia River land. Cuneyt makes the case that every great civilization deserves its bathhouse.</p><p>00:00 Inside D.C.’s Political Boat Party</p><p>03:38 Will the Council Punish Trayon White?</p><p>10:00 RFK Stadium Has a Massive Parking Problem</p><p>17:03 Does D.C. Really Need a Giant Waterfront Spa?</p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a href="https://spotlightdc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</strong></b></a>.</p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><b><strong>Blue Dot Sessions</strong></b></a></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:27:54229A Mistrial, a Mega-Garage, and D.C.’s Giant Spafull<![CDATA[Trayon White Heads to Court as D.C.’s Finances Flash Red]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom preview Ward 8 Council member Trayon White’s long-awaited federal bribery trial.

They also dig into a stark warning from D.C.’s chief financial officer that the city’s economic and revenue signals are “flashing red."

It points to Janeese Lewis George's biggest task ahead: rebuilding D.C.'s economy.

00:00 We're back + Cuneyt's Travels

02:59 Tom vs. Bowser Over the IndyCar Race

04:41 Trayon White Heads to Trial on Bribery Charges

11:39 The Council Returns: Waymo, Taxes, Budgeting

14:41 D.C.’s Finances Are “Flashing Red”

22:54 Five Ways D.C. Could Start Acting Like a State

34:11 Commanders vs. Eagles + Closing Banter

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>3c545ff3-ffe3-4547-8e1e-8ff2e136f51cMon, 14 Sep 2026 16:13:46 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom preview Ward 8 Council member Trayon White’s long-awaited federal bribery trial.</p><p></p><p>They also dig into a stark warning from D.C.’s chief financial officer that the city’s economic and revenue signals are “flashing red." </p><p></p><p>It points to Janeese Lewis George's biggest task ahead: rebuilding D.C.'s economy. </p><p></p><p>00:00 We're back + Cuneyt's Travels</p><p>02:59 Tom vs. Bowser Over the IndyCar Race</p><p>04:41 Trayon White Heads to Trial on Bribery Charges</p><p>11:39 The Council Returns: Waymo, Taxes, Budgeting</p><p>14:41 D.C.’s Finances Are “Flashing Red”</p><p>22:54 Five Ways D.C. Could Start Acting Like a State</p><p>34:11 Commanders vs. Eagles + Closing Banter</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:35:38228Trayon White Heads to Court as D.C.’s Finances Flash Redfull<![CDATA[The Trumpification of Washington Continues]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom (happy 80th!) take stock of the many ways President Trump is physically reshaping Washington.

They talk about the two-year Kennedy Center renovation, new blinged-out images of Trump’s White House ballroom, and plans to surround Lafayette Park with a new fence.

00:00 Trump’s Two-Year Kennedy Center Makeover

07:13 Gold, a Six-Story Bunker, and Trump’s New White House

11:32 The Fight Over Fencing Off Lafayette Park

15:38 National Guard Deployment Becomes a Long-Term Reality

18:52 Whatever Happened to Washington’s Quiet August?

21:01 Trump’s IndyCar Race Takes Over the National Mall

24:54 Vacation Talk + Tom Sietsema’s Bowser Dinner

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>b7ea7ecc-d995-43d0-beee-a99436eb70c9Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:18:02 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom (happy 80th!) take stock of the many ways President Trump is physically reshaping Washington.</p><p></p><p>They talk about the two-year Kennedy Center renovation, new blinged-out images of Trump’s White House ballroom, and plans to surround Lafayette Park with a new fence.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Trump’s Two-Year Kennedy Center Makeover</p><p>07:13 Gold, a Six-Story Bunker, and Trump’s New White House</p><p>11:32 The Fight Over Fencing Off Lafayette Park</p><p>15:38 National Guard Deployment Becomes a Long-Term Reality</p><p>18:52 Whatever Happened to Washington’s Quiet August?</p><p>21:01 Trump’s IndyCar Race Takes Over the National Mall</p><p>24:54 Vacation Talk + Tom Sietsema’s Bowser Dinner</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:26:25227The Trumpification of Washington Continuesfull<![CDATA[D.C.’s Identity Crisis]]>Washington Post reporter Paul Schwartzman joins Cuneyt as Tom Sherwood celebrates his 80th birthday.

They talk about President Trump’s $22.5 billion plan for Dulles Airport, in the context of Trump's desire to play the part of big city mayor.

Then, they turn to why Congress’s effort to restrict D.C.’s taxation a felt like a sneak attack, the business community’s anxiety over mayor-in-waiting Janeese Lewis George, and the city's biggest question: How does Washington rebuild as the federal government shrinks?

00:00 Tom Sherwood Turns 80 + Paul Schwartzman Joins

00:55 Trump’s $22.5 Billion Dulles Airport Makeover

10:56 Trump’s Builder Mythology + Reflecting Pool Mess

14:57 Who Will Pay for the New Dulles?

17:33 Congress' Sneak Attack

23:30 Business Anxiety Over Janeese Lewis George

26:56 D.C.’s Economic Upheaval and Identity Crisis

31:37 Mendelson, Bowser, and City Hall’s New Power Structure

38:31 New York Bagels and D.C. Pizza

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>4b744ef4-b6f0-41eb-9faa-aeddfd14bc92Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:15:00 GMT<p>Washington Post reporter Paul Schwartzman joins Cuneyt as Tom Sherwood celebrates his 80th birthday.</p><p></p><p>They talk about President Trump’s $22.5 billion plan for Dulles Airport, in the context of Trump's desire to play the part of big city mayor.</p><p></p><p>Then, they turn to why Congress’s effort to restrict D.C.’s taxation a felt like a sneak attack, the business community’s anxiety over mayor-in-waiting Janeese Lewis George, and the city's biggest question: How does Washington rebuild as the federal government shrinks?</p><p></p><p>00:00 Tom Sherwood Turns 80 + Paul Schwartzman Joins</p><p>00:55 Trump’s $22.5 Billion Dulles Airport Makeover</p><p>10:56 Trump’s Builder Mythology + Reflecting Pool Mess</p><p>14:57 Who Will Pay for the New Dulles?</p><p>17:33 Congress' Sneak Attack</p><p>23:30 Business Anxiety Over Janeese Lewis George</p><p>26:56 D.C.’s Economic Upheaval and Identity Crisis</p><p>31:37 Mendelson, Bowser, and City Hall’s New Power Structure</p><p>38:31 New York Bagels and D.C. Pizza</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:41:36226D.C.’s Identity Crisisfull<![CDATA[D.C.’s DoorDash Revolt and Southwest’s Once-in-a-Century Rebuild]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Tom returns to break down why D.C. activists are calling for a DoorDash boycott after the company supported congressional legislation restricting the District’s ability to change local taxes and fees.

Cuneyt and Tom also explore the once-in-a-century opportunity to remake Southwest Washington’s sprawling federal enclave, including the possible demolition of the hulking Forrestal Building and plans for new housing, offices, schools and cultural attractions.

Plus: former DOGE staffers become government contractors, Trump addresses the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a possible revival for White’s Ferry, and a new report detailing how MPD’s crime-statistics safeguards broke down.

00:00 Tom Returns

02:14 Why D.C. Activists Are Boycotting DoorDash

09:04 Is Robert White Doing Enough With Republicans?

11:11 Southwest’s Once-in-a-Century Redevelopment Opportunity

22:42 Speed Round: Former DOGE Staffers Become Federal Contractors

25:15 Speed Round: Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

27:42 Speed Round: Could White’s Ferry Finally Reopen?

29:49 Speed Round: What Went Wrong With MPD’s Crime Stats

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>6e63f326-9917-4330-b494-7c2d2402462bMon, 27 Jul 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Tom returns to break down why D.C. activists are calling for a DoorDash boycott after the company supported congressional legislation restricting the District’s ability to change local taxes and fees.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt and Tom also explore the once-in-a-century opportunity to remake Southwest Washington’s sprawling federal enclave, including the possible demolition of the hulking Forrestal Building and plans for new housing, offices, schools and cultural attractions.</p><p></p><p>Plus: former DOGE staffers become government contractors, Trump addresses the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a possible revival for White’s Ferry, and a new report detailing how MPD’s crime-statistics safeguards broke down.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Tom Returns</p><p>02:14 Why D.C. Activists Are Boycotting DoorDash</p><p>09:04 Is Robert White Doing Enough With Republicans?</p><p>11:11 Southwest’s Once-in-a-Century Redevelopment Opportunity</p><p>22:42 Speed Round: Former DOGE Staffers Become Federal Contractors</p><p>25:15 Speed Round: Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner</p><p>27:42 Speed Round: Could White’s Ferry Finally Reopen?</p><p>29:49 Speed Round: What Went Wrong With MPD’s Crime Stats</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:33:26225D.C.’s DoorDash Revolt and Southwest’s Once-in-a-Century Rebuildfull<![CDATA[Waymo vs. Labor: Does D.C. Want Robotaxis?]]>Waymo’s head of policy for the east, Matt Walsh, joined Dream City to make the company’s case for operating in D.C., right as council members debate one of the country’s most ambitious robotaxi bills.

Cuneyt presses Walsh on labor’s warnings about lost driving jobs, the company’s safety record, and whether a multibillion-dollar technology company is prepared to make a significant investment in D.C.

They also get into Waymo’s response to labor's accusations that it is trying to “steamroll” the city, the possibility of a deal with unions and Janeese Lewis George, and when riders might finally be able to take a driverless car to DCA or Dulles.

00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast

01:14 Getting Over the Fear of a Driverless Car

05:08 Is D.C. Falling Behind Other Cities?

05:49 Charles Allen’s Robotaxi Bill, Vehicle Caps, and New Fees

09:15 Why D.C.’s Robotaxi Report Is Years Late

11:52 Waymo, Tesla, Uber, and the Robotaxi Competition

13:28 How Many Driving Jobs Could Be Lost?

16:22 Waymo Responds to Labor’s “Steamrolling” Charge

21:30 Waymo’s Investment and Job Plans for D.C.

24:26 Are Robotaxis Really Safer Than Human Drivers?

27:31 Waymo’s Collision Record in D.C.

28:12 Robotaxis, First Responders, and Motorcades

30:50 Are Waymos Learning to Drive Like New York Cabbies?

33:19 The Cameras, Lidar, and Radar Behind a Waymo

35:05 No, Waymo Cannot See Through Your Clothes

35:35 When Could Waymo Reach DCA and Dulles?

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>fea2c741-737c-4ede-9d87-e45c2c6f517dMon, 20 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Waymo’s head of policy for the east, Matt Walsh, joined Dream City to make the company’s case for operating in D.C., right as council members debate one of the country’s most ambitious robotaxi bills.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt presses Walsh on labor’s warnings about lost driving jobs, the company’s safety record, and whether a multibillion-dollar technology company is prepared to make a significant investment in D.C.</p><p></p><p>They also get into Waymo’s response to labor's accusations that it is trying to “steamroll” the city, the possibility of a deal with unions and Janeese Lewis George, and when riders might finally be able to take a driverless car to DCA or Dulles.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast</p><p>01:14 Getting Over the Fear of a Driverless Car</p><p>05:08 Is D.C. Falling Behind Other Cities?</p><p>05:49 Charles Allen’s Robotaxi Bill, Vehicle Caps, and New Fees</p><p>09:15 Why D.C.’s Robotaxi Report Is Years Late</p><p>11:52 Waymo, Tesla, Uber, and the Robotaxi Competition</p><p>13:28 How Many Driving Jobs Could Be Lost?</p><p>16:22 Waymo Responds to Labor’s “Steamrolling” Charge</p><p>21:30 Waymo’s Investment and Job Plans for D.C.</p><p>24:26 Are Robotaxis Really Safer Than Human Drivers?</p><p>27:31 Waymo’s Collision Record in D.C.</p><p>28:12 Robotaxis, First Responders, and Motorcades</p><p>30:50 Are Waymos Learning to Drive Like New York Cabbies?</p><p>33:19 The Cameras, Lidar, and Radar Behind a Waymo</p><p>35:05 No, Waymo Cannot See Through Your Clothes</p><p>35:35 When Could Waymo Reach DCA and Dulles?</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:36:33224Waymo vs. Labor: Does D.C. Want Robotaxis?full<![CDATA[D.C.'s Next Big Fight: Robotaxis]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Mark Segraves of NBC4 break down Vice President JD Vance’s plans to rent a sprawling estate in Middleburg — including questions about the property’s owner, the lease, and what the Veep's arrival could mean for the quiet Virginia town.

They then dig into the coming fight over legalizing Waymo and other robotaxis in D.C., as labor unions raise concerns about jobs and City Hall prepares for a marathon hearing.

Plus: the valuable naming rights and seat licenses included in the Commanders stadium deal, and the surprising local history behind “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as the song enjoys another World Cup-fueled revival.

00:00 Introduction + JD Vance Eyes a Middleburg Estate

10:05 Waymo and D.C.’s Coming Robotaxi Fight

17:17 Robotaxis, Union Opposition, and the Future of Driving Jobs

21:11 Commanders Stadium Naming Rights and Seat Licenses

24:08 The Local Roots Behind “Country Roads" + Its World Cup Fame

29:54 How “Country Roads” Became a Royalty Goldmine

33:50 Mark Segraves’ After Dark Fund

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>85b58247-f5bf-469f-8d22-8a410df379b1Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Mark Segraves of NBC4 break down Vice President JD Vance’s plans to rent a sprawling estate in Middleburg — including questions about the property’s owner, the lease, and what the Veep's arrival could mean for the quiet Virginia town.</p><p></p><p>They then dig into the coming fight over legalizing Waymo and other robotaxis in D.C., as labor unions raise concerns about jobs and City Hall prepares for a marathon hearing.</p><p></p><p>Plus: the valuable naming rights and seat licenses included in the Commanders stadium deal, and the surprising local history behind “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as the song enjoys another World Cup-fueled revival.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction + JD Vance Eyes a Middleburg Estate</p><p>10:05 Waymo and D.C.’s Coming Robotaxi Fight</p><p>17:17 Robotaxis, Union Opposition, and the Future of Driving Jobs</p><p>21:11 Commanders Stadium Naming Rights and Seat Licenses</p><p>24:08 The Local Roots Behind “Country Roads" + Its World Cup Fame</p><p>29:54 How “Country Roads” Became a Royalty Goldmine</p><p>33:50 Mark Segraves’ After Dark Fund</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:36:09223D.C.'s Next Big Fight: Robotaxisfull<![CDATA[Trump Attacks Janeese Lewis George]]>President Trump is calling out Janeese Lewis George — attacking her as a "communist," but says he'd meet with her. In this week's Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down whether D.C.’s incoming left can find any workable ground with the White House.

Plus: The next major battle at the Wilson Building will be over taxes.

They dig into the pressure to raise new revenue after the city’s budget crunch, what kinds of tax hikes progressives may pursue, and how much room they really have with Congress still looming over D.C. affairs.

00:00 Trump Calls Janeese Lewis George a “Communist”

03:24 Can JLG Actually Work With Trump?

07:31 The Next Big D.C. Fight: Taxes

13:13 Will the Left Raise Taxes on the Rich?

19:39 Fourth of July Sendoff

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>c56a5fd9-ecd7-4af2-93c7-d4a6c6cf8c8aMon, 29 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT<p>President Trump is calling out Janeese Lewis George — attacking her as a "communist," but says he'd meet with her. In this week's Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down whether D.C.’s incoming left can find any workable ground with the White House.</p><p></p><p>Plus: The next major battle at the Wilson Building will be over taxes.</p><p></p><p>They dig into the pressure to raise new revenue after the city’s budget crunch, what kinds of tax hikes progressives may pursue, and how much room they really have with Congress still looming over D.C. affairs.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Trump Calls Janeese Lewis George a “Communist”</p><p>03:24 Can JLG Actually Work With Trump?</p><p>07:31 The Next Big D.C. Fight: Taxes</p><p>13:13 Will the Left Raise Taxes on the Rich?</p><p>19:39 Fourth of July Sendoff</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:21:28222Trump Attacks Janeese Lewis Georgefull<![CDATA[The Socialist Sweep: How This Election Changes D.C.]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom are joined by veteran D.C. strategist Chuck Thies to break down Janeese Lewis George’s sweeping mayoral primary victory, why Kenyan McDuffie’s campaign never found its footing, and what the results say about the city’s political direction.

Cuneyt also talked to Ward 1 D.C. Council Democratic primary winner Aparna Raj, a tenant organizer who describes why the democratic socialist platform resonated this year.

00:00 Chuck Thies’ Election Night Call Was Right

01:51 Aparna Raj on the Democratic Socialist Wave in Ward 1

04:48 How Aparna Raj Became a Tenant Organizer

06:51 Why DSA Just Won Big in D.C.

09:06 Aparna Raj’s Vision for Ward 1

12:09 Can a More Progressive D.C. Still Grow the Economy?

16:54 Janeese Lewis George’s Big Win

18:44 Why Kenyan McDuffie Lost

22:43 How JLG Ran the Table Across D.C.

26:10 The Empty McDuffie Tent That Said It All

28:24 Elissa Silverman’s Comeback

30:47 Robert White’s Huge Delegate Victory

33:51 What the Election Means for D.C.’s Budget Crisis

38:24 Tax Hikes, Unions, and City Hall's Fights Ahead

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>84ec393a-e10d-4ef5-bb70-039f9cf5228fMon, 22 Jun 2026 09:45:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom are joined by veteran D.C. strategist Chuck Thies to break down Janeese Lewis George’s sweeping mayoral primary victory, why Kenyan McDuffie’s campaign never found its footing, and what the results say about the city’s political direction.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt also talked to Ward 1 D.C. Council Democratic primary winner Aparna Raj, a tenant organizer who describes why the democratic socialist platform resonated this year.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Chuck Thies’ Election Night Call Was Right</p><p>01:51 Aparna Raj on the Democratic Socialist Wave in Ward 1</p><p>04:48 How Aparna Raj Became a Tenant Organizer</p><p>06:51 Why DSA Just Won Big in D.C.</p><p>09:06 Aparna Raj’s Vision for Ward 1</p><p>12:09 Can a More Progressive D.C. Still Grow the Economy?</p><p>16:54 Janeese Lewis George’s Big Win</p><p>18:44 Why Kenyan McDuffie Lost</p><p>22:43 How JLG Ran the Table Across D.C.</p><p>26:10 The Empty McDuffie Tent That Said It All</p><p>28:24 Elissa Silverman’s Comeback</p><p>30:47 Robert White’s Huge Delegate Victory</p><p>33:51 What the Election Means for D.C.’s Budget Crisis</p><p>38:24 Tax Hikes, Unions, and City Hall's Fights Ahead</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:44:50221The Socialist Sweep: How This Election Changes D.C.full<![CDATA[Trump Just Jumped Into D.C.'s Mayoral Race]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down the final days of D.C.’s mayoral race — including President Trump slamming Janeese Lewis George, Muriel Bowser’s all-but-official endorsement for Kenyan McDuffie, and the different paths each candidate has to victory.

They also look at the other races on the ballot, the growing role of outside spending and dark money, and how Trump’s supersized fireworks show will make July 4 very different this year.

00:00 Trump Jumps Into D.C.’s Mayor Race

04:32 Bowser’s Unofficial Endorsement of Kenyan McDuffie

06:16 How Janeese Lewis George or Kenyan McDuffie Can Win

18:27 The Other Races to Watch

19:24 Dark Money and Outside Spending Flood the Election

20:24 Trump’s Unprecedented Freedom 250 Spectacle

22:41 July 4 Fireworks Chaos and Business Backlash

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>05a7035c-fefa-40a8-b2f6-7381f98dac6dFri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down the final days of D.C.’s mayoral race — including President Trump slamming Janeese Lewis George, Muriel Bowser’s all-but-official endorsement for Kenyan McDuffie, and the different paths each candidate has to victory.</p><p></p><p>They also look at the other races on the ballot, the growing role of outside spending and dark money, and how Trump’s supersized fireworks show will make July 4 very different this year.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Trump Jumps Into D.C.’s Mayor Race</p><p>04:32 Bowser’s Unofficial Endorsement of Kenyan McDuffie</p><p>06:16 How Janeese Lewis George or Kenyan McDuffie Can Win</p><p>18:27 The Other Races to Watch</p><p>19:24 Dark Money and Outside Spending Flood the Election</p><p>20:24 Trump’s Unprecedented Freedom 250 Spectacle</p><p>22:41 July 4 Fireworks Chaos and Business Backlash</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank"><b>Blue Dot Sessions</b></a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:27:06220Trump Just Jumped Into D.C.'s Mayoral Racefull<![CDATA[Mayoral Sprint, a 250 Mess, and D.C.'s Crazy Expensive Fire Alarm]]>Will Sommer, senior reporter at the Bulwark and former Loose Lips columnist at Washington City Paper, joined the Dream City Podcast as guest co-host this week.

Cuneyt and Will broke down the Kenyan McDuffie vs. Janeese Lewis George sprint to the finish — the ground game, the prediction markets, the Chipotle moment, and what ranked choice voting could mean for the outcome.

Plus: DC somehow spent a million dollars on human fire alarms, Freedom 250 is a mess, and the mayoral candidates reveal their favorite DC restaurants.

00:00 Intro— Will Sommer Guest Co-Hosts
03:26 DC Spent $1 Million on Human Fire Alarms
07:09 The Mayor's Race Final Sprint
15:36 Mayoral Polls, Prediction Markets, and McDuffie's Chipotle Bump
23:18 Freedom 250 Turmoil in DC
30:50 Speed Round: Capital Weather Gang Goes Independent
32:13 Speed Round: Mayoral Candidates' Favorite DC Restaurants
34:28 Speed Round: Snake Experts Rate RFK Jr.
35:29 Speed Round: Kangaroo Boxing Club Throwback

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

Music credit: Highway 430 by Blue Dot Sessions

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>e935f4b1-9171-4fb8-b49d-2ba17caebc79Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Will Sommer, senior reporter at the Bulwark and former Loose Lips columnist at Washington City Paper, joined the Dream City Podcast as guest co-host this week.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt and Will broke down the Kenyan McDuffie vs. Janeese Lewis George sprint to the finish — the ground game, the prediction markets, the Chipotle moment, and what ranked choice voting could mean for the outcome.</p><p></p><p>Plus: DC somehow spent a million dollars on human fire alarms, Freedom 250 is a mess, and the mayoral candidates reveal their favorite DC restaurants.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro— Will Sommer Guest Co-Hosts <br />03:26 DC Spent $1 Million on Human Fire Alarms <br />07:09 The Mayor's Race Final Sprint <br />15:36 Mayoral Polls, Prediction Markets, and McDuffie's Chipotle Bump <br />23:18 Freedom 250 Turmoil in DC<br />30:50 Speed Round: Capital Weather Gang Goes Independent <br />32:13 Speed Round: Mayoral Candidates' Favorite DC Restaurants <br />34:28 Speed Round: Snake Experts Rate RFK Jr. <br />35:29 Speed Round: Kangaroo Boxing Club Throwback</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>Music credit: Highway 430 by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/381497" target="_blank">Blue Dot Sessions</a></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:36:57219Mayoral Sprint, a 250 Mess, and D.C.'s Crazy Expensive Fire Alarmfull<![CDATA[Why Robert White Thinks He Should Be D.C.’s Next Delegate]]>D.C. Council member Robert White joined the Dream City Podcast for a wide-ranging interview about why he’s running for Congress, how he’d take on President Trump, and what he thinks about some of the biggest stories right now — including that Chipotle brawl.

Cuneyt and Tom talk with White about his D.C. roots, why he pivoted from a Bowser rematch mayoral run to the delegate race, and what sets him apart from Council member Brooke Pinto. Also discussed: Youth curfew zones, RFK Stadium, downtown redevelopment, Congress, civil rights, and what he'd actually say if Trump picked up the phone.

This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates competing to shape Washington’s future.

00:00 Introduction
00:59 Robert White’s Five Generation D.C. Family Story
06:31 Why He Thinks He Would've Beat Bowser for Mayor
09:14 What Sets Him Apart From Brooke Pinto
10:23 How He’d Use the Delegate Seat’s 'Immense Power'
13:54 Why He Opposes D.C. Youth Curfew Zones
19:26 Building Influence in Congress Without Seniority
22:37 The Delegate Seat Is a “Civil Rights Seat"
23:49 What He’d Do First if Democrats Take Back the House
25:37 Why He Voted Against the RFK Stadium Deal
29:25 Could He Still Work With the Commanders?
31:13 Does He Want to be Delegate for the Long Haul?
33:08 Robert White’s Trump Strategy
35:05 What He’d Actually Say to Trump: Puerto Rico-Style Tax Break
40:01 Working With Business to Rebuild Downtown D.C.
41:57 Height Act, Casinos, AI, and Waymo

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>d9d739c5-3b77-4919-ad89-6426161cc796Fri, 22 May 2026 09:45:00 GMT<p>D.C. Council member Robert White joined the Dream City Podcast for a wide-ranging interview about why he’s running for Congress, how he’d take on President Trump, and what he thinks about some of the biggest stories right now — including that Chipotle brawl.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt and Tom talk with White about his D.C. roots, why he pivoted from a Bowser rematch mayoral run to the delegate race, and what sets him apart from Council member Brooke Pinto. Also discussed: Youth curfew zones, RFK Stadium, downtown redevelopment, Congress, civil rights, and what he'd actually say if Trump picked up the phone.</p><p></p><p>This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates competing to shape Washington’s future.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction<br />00:59 Robert White’s Five Generation D.C. Family Story<br />06:31 Why He Thinks He Would've Beat Bowser for Mayor<br />09:14 What Sets Him Apart From Brooke Pinto<br />10:23 How He’d Use the Delegate Seat’s 'Immense Power'<br />13:54 Why He Opposes D.C. Youth Curfew Zones<br />19:26 Building Influence in Congress Without Seniority<br />22:37 The Delegate Seat Is a “Civil Rights Seat"<br />23:49 What He’d Do First if Democrats Take Back the House<br />25:37 Why He Voted Against the RFK Stadium Deal<br />29:25 Could He Still Work With the Commanders?<br />31:13 Does He Want to be Delegate for the Long Haul?<br />33:08 Robert White’s Trump Strategy<br />35:05 What He’d Actually Say to Trump: Puerto Rico-Style Tax Break<br />40:01 Working With Business to Rebuild Downtown D.C.<br />41:57 Height Act, Casinos, AI, and Waymo</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:46:38218Why Robert White Thinks He Should Be D.C.’s Next Delegatefull<![CDATA[Metro Boss Randy Clarke Has a Message for Trump]]>WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke joined Dream City for a wide-ranging conversation about how he helped turn D.C.'s Metro system around, what America gets wrong about transit, and why the future of Washington depends on getting transportation right.

Randy talked with Cuneyt and Tom about everything from fare evasion, permitting, and union tensions to the politics of building faster, the challenge of funding transit in a fragmented region, and what D.C. can learn from other cities around the world.

They also get into RFK Stadium, the Gold Line, federal layoffs, and whether Clarke has any interest in a future Secretary of Transportation job.

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Randy Clarke's LA Visit

04:39 The Man Behind the Local Celebrity

12:56 Fixing Metro

16:27 What America Gets Wrong About Transit

20:30 Why Big Transit Projects Take So Long in America

22:13 Automation, Unions, and the Fight Over Metro Staffing

28:18 Randy Clarke vs. the Washington Post Editorial Board

30:52 Fare Evasion, Free Buses, and Who Should Pay for Transit

33:19 Why Metro Funding Is So Fragmented

36:08 The Bus Network Redesign and the Push for Dedicated Bus Lanes

41:19 RFK Stadium, the Gold Line, and Metro’s Future in D.C.

47:53 “You Either Hate the Way Things Are, or You Hate Change”

48:14 Does He Want To Be Secretary of Transportation?

53:40 Trump, Federal Layoffs, and Metro’s Future Under the New Administration

56:08 Randy Clarke’s Message to Trump

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>55cf30bf-904c-4145-bc2a-47e2070282efMon, 18 May 2026 09:45:00 GMT<p>WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke joined Dream City for a wide-ranging conversation about how he helped turn D.C.'s Metro system around, what America gets wrong about transit, and why the future of Washington depends on getting transportation right.</p><p></p><p>Randy talked with Cuneyt and Tom about everything from fare evasion, permitting, and union tensions to the politics of building faster, the challenge of funding transit in a fragmented region, and what D.C. can learn from other cities around the world.</p><p></p><p>They also get into RFK Stadium, the Gold Line, federal layoffs, and whether Clarke has any interest in a future Secretary of Transportation job.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>01:00 Randy Clarke's LA Visit</p><p>04:39 The Man Behind the Local Celebrity</p><p>12:56 Fixing Metro</p><p>16:27 What America Gets Wrong About Transit</p><p>20:30 Why Big Transit Projects Take So Long in America</p><p>22:13 Automation, Unions, and the Fight Over Metro Staffing</p><p>28:18 Randy Clarke vs. the Washington Post Editorial Board</p><p>30:52 Fare Evasion, Free Buses, and Who Should Pay for Transit</p><p>33:19 Why Metro Funding Is So Fragmented</p><p>36:08 The Bus Network Redesign and the Push for Dedicated Bus Lanes</p><p>41:19 RFK Stadium, the Gold Line, and Metro’s Future in D.C.</p><p>47:53 “You Either Hate the Way Things Are, or You Hate Change”</p><p>48:14 Does He Want To Be Secretary of Transportation?</p><p>53:40 Trump, Federal Layoffs, and Metro’s Future Under the New Administration</p><p>56:08 Randy Clarke’s Message to Trump</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>https://spotlightdc.org/</b></a>.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no01:00:54217Metro Boss Randy Clarke Has a Message for Trumpfull<![CDATA[The Scandal Behind D.C.’s Crime Numbers]]>On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt is joined by Mark Segraves to break down the fallout from MPD’s crime stats scandal, what it means for Mayor Bowser’s legacy, and how it could affect trust in the police department.

They also talk about growing White House pressure on D.C. ahead of this summer’s America 250 celebrations, new courtroom drama tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner suspect, and the latest on Trump’s plans for East Potomac Golf.

And yes, they close on a lighter note: Gary Goodweather’s campaign dance moves.

00:00 Introduction + Mark Segraves Joins the Show
02:14 MPD Crime Stats Scandal and Bowser’s Legacy
21:25 America 250, White House Pressure, and D.C. Security Planning
26:12 Speed Round: White House Correspondents’ Dinner Suspect Back in Court
28:40 Speed Round: Trump’s East Potomac Golf Takeover Moves Ahead

30:46 Speed Round: DC Water Sewage Spill Cleanup and Cost Fight
33:04 Speed Round: Gary Goodweather’s Viral Dance Campaign

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>41b197c1-5010-4eb8-a53d-68fd01ad9dc9Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt is joined by Mark Segraves to break down the fallout from MPD’s crime stats scandal, what it means for Mayor Bowser’s legacy, and how it could affect trust in the police department.</p><p></p><p>They also talk about growing White House pressure on D.C. ahead of this summer’s America 250 celebrations, new courtroom drama tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner suspect, and the latest on Trump’s plans for East Potomac Golf.</p><p></p><p>And yes, they close on a lighter note: Gary Goodweather’s campaign dance moves.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction + Mark Segraves Joins the Show<br />02:14 MPD Crime Stats Scandal and Bowser’s Legacy<br />21:25 America 250, White House Pressure, and D.C. Security Planning<br />26:12 Speed Round: White House Correspondents’ Dinner Suspect Back in Court<br />28:40 Speed Round: Trump’s East Potomac Golf Takeover Moves Ahead</p><p>30:46 Speed Round: DC Water Sewage Spill Cleanup and Cost Fight<br />33:04 Speed Round: Gary Goodweather’s Viral Dance Campaign</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>https://spotlightdc.org/</b></a>.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:36:08216The Scandal Behind D.C.’s Crime Numbersfull<![CDATA[Trump's Golf Grab, D.C.’s Mayor Race Is Getting Real, and Metro's Future]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down a packed stretch in D.C. politics: the mayor’s race entering a sharper new phase, new questions around labor and Janeese Lewis George’s campaign, and who Kenyan McDuffie hopes turns out to vote this year.

They also dig into President Trump’s move to take over East Potomac Golf, plus a speed round on Metro’s funding problem, D.C.’s online casino push, a chilly spring forecast, and Ben’s Chili Bowl reopening.

00:00 Intro + Labor’s Power Dinner

03:26 Inside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Scare

09:28 D.C.’s Mayor Race Hits Crunch Time

10:20 Union Power and Janeese Lewis George's Campaign Questions

19:00 Trump Moves to Take Over East Potomac Golf

23:37 Cuneyt’s Golf Swing

24:36 Commanders x Langston Golf Course?

26:02 Speed Round: Metro’s Budget Debate

27:32 Speed Round: A New Online Casino Fight in D.C.

29:10 Speed Round: Why May Might Feel Like April

29:52 Speed Round: Ben’s Chili Bowl Is Back

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>79bc7c94-ccd1-47d2-aa35-5bedd1bd7733Mon, 04 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom break down a packed stretch in D.C. politics: the mayor’s race entering a sharper new phase, new questions around labor and Janeese Lewis George’s campaign, and who Kenyan McDuffie hopes turns out to vote this year.</p><p></p><p>They also dig into President Trump’s move to take over East Potomac Golf, plus a speed round on Metro’s funding problem, D.C.’s online casino push, a chilly spring forecast, and Ben’s Chili Bowl reopening.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro + Labor’s Power Dinner</p><p>03:26 Inside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Scare</p><p>09:28 D.C.’s Mayor Race Hits Crunch Time</p><p>10:20 Union Power and Janeese Lewis George's Campaign Questions</p><p>19:00 Trump Moves to Take Over East Potomac Golf</p><p>23:37 Cuneyt’s Golf Swing</p><p>24:36 Commanders x Langston Golf Course?</p><p>26:02 Speed Round: Metro’s Budget Debate</p><p>27:32 Speed Round: A New Online Casino Fight in D.C.</p><p>29:10 Speed Round: Why May Might Feel Like April</p><p>29:52 Speed Round: Ben’s Chili Bowl Is Back</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>https://spotlightdc.org/</b></a>.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:31:22215Trump's Golf Grab, D.C.’s Mayor Race Is Getting Real, and Metro's Futurefull<![CDATA[D.C.'s Elections Get Ugly]]>On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt and Tom break down the fallout from "Oppo-gate" — Brooke Pinto’s dossier release, the return of youth curfew politics at the D.C. Council, and new signs that the mayor’s race is getting more negative.

00:00 Introduction + On The Road
01:21 Brooke Pinto’s Oppo-gate Fallout
07:24 D.C. Curfew Politics Return to the Council
10:01 Robert White’s Money Problem
13:00 Why the Mayoral Race Is Getting Ugly
17:48 Kenyan McDuffie Says He Was Threatened
20:53 Jack Evans Is Out, but Mendelson Isn’t Clear
23:24 Closing Banter

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>64837b3b-1270-4864-9338-f218d7ed6041Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt and Tom break down the fallout from "Oppo-gate" — Brooke Pinto’s dossier release, the return of youth curfew politics at the D.C. Council, and new signs that the mayor’s race is getting more negative.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction + On The Road<br />01:21 Brooke Pinto’s Oppo-gate Fallout<br />07:24 D.C. Curfew Politics Return to the Council<br />10:01 Robert White’s Money Problem<br />13:00 Why the Mayoral Race Is Getting Ugly<br />17:48 Kenyan McDuffie Says He Was Threatened<br />20:53 Jack Evans Is Out, but Mendelson Isn’t Clear<br />23:24 Closing Banter</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank">https://spotlightdc.org/</a>.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.<br /><br />The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:24:41214D.C.'s Elections Get Uglyfull<![CDATA[Bowser’s Budget Squeeze, White House Pressure, and Tysons Casino Saga]]>On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt and Tom break down D.C.’s worsening budget squeeze, Mayor Bowser’s push to spur redevelopment of empty federal buildings, and the political fight over teen curfews as White House pressure grows.

They also dig into Cuneyt's reporting on how a proposed Tysons casino collapsed in Virginia — and what it means for the rest of the DMV. Plus, what the first cleanup work at the RFK site says about the future of the Commanders project.

00:00 Introduction

02:46 Bowser’s Shrinking Budget and D.C.’s Fiscal Squeeze

13:06 Tax Breaks for Federal Building Redevelopment

16:41 Teen Curfews Expire as White House Pressure Builds

21:57 Reporter’s Field Trip: Why Fairfax Rejected a Tysons Casino

29:46 RFK Cleanup Begins + Commanders Jersey Talk

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>0b472cd5-aa4b-4bb4-b475-a2b2b2c332f0Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City roundup, Cuneyt and Tom break down D.C.’s worsening budget squeeze, Mayor Bowser’s push to spur redevelopment of empty federal buildings, and the political fight over teen curfews as White House pressure grows.</p><p></p><p>They also dig into Cuneyt's reporting on how a proposed Tysons casino collapsed in Virginia — and what it means for the rest of the DMV. Plus, what the first cleanup work at the RFK site says about the future of the Commanders project.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>02:46 Bowser’s Shrinking Budget and D.C.’s Fiscal Squeeze</p><p>13:06 Tax Breaks for Federal Building Redevelopment</p><p>16:41 Teen Curfews Expire as White House Pressure Builds</p><p>21:57 Reporter’s Field Trip: Why Fairfax Rejected a Tysons Casino</p><p>29:46 RFK Cleanup Begins + Commanders Jersey Talk</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:32:26213Bowser’s Budget Squeeze, White House Pressure, and Tysons Casino Sagafull<![CDATA[Teen Curfew Reaches White House, City Hall's Ethics Probe, and New Nats Deal]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Tom breaks some news about growing White House pressure on D.C. over youth curfews and teen takeovers. There's also a new ethics investigation involving Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and Cuneyt and Tom talk about the deal to keep the Nationals in Washington through 2058.

Plus: campaign season weirdness, including sign wars and what it all says about the mood of local politics right now.

00:00 Introduction

04:29 Teen Takeovers, Youth Curfews, and White House Pressure

11:27 Phil Mendelson Ethics Investigation Explained

24:19 D.C. Locks In the Nationals Through 2058

29:20 Campaign Sign Wars and Election Season Warnings

31:01 Closing Banter

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>70d44297-4a65-4e7a-87d9-9575ced4ec92Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Tom breaks some news about growing White House pressure on D.C. over youth curfews and teen takeovers. There's also a new ethics investigation involving Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and Cuneyt and Tom talk about the deal to keep the Nationals in Washington through 2058.</p><p></p><p>Plus: campaign season weirdness, including sign wars and what it all says about the mood of local politics right now.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>04:29 Teen Takeovers, Youth Curfews, and White House Pressure</p><p>11:27 Phil Mendelson Ethics Investigation Explained</p><p>24:19 D.C. Locks In the Nationals Through 2058</p><p>29:20 Campaign Sign Wars and Election Season Warnings</p><p>31:01 Closing Banter</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p><p></p>no00:32:05212Teen Curfew Reaches White House, City Hall's Ethics Probe, and New Nats Dealfull<![CDATA[Bike Lane Wars, Mayor Trump, and Teen Takeovers]]>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom unpack a chaotic new chapter in the D.C. mayor’s race after a heated debate between the frontrunners — plus a surprising comeback bid by former council member Jack Evans.

They also dive into a growing clash between the Trump administration and local leaders over plans to remove a key bike lane near the National Mall, and what it signals about the future of home rule.

Later, they discuss renewed concerns about large youth gatherings across the city and the political fight over temporary curfews.

In the speed round: looming parking garages in the Commanders’ RFK stadium plans, Congress targeting D.C.’s traffic cameras, Robert Mueller’s legacy (and style), and why Mayor Bowser’s upcoming budget could reshape the campaign.

00:00 Introduction + Gridiron Dinner

04:09 Mayoral Debate Goes Off The Rails

07:30 Jack Evans Comeback Bid vs Phil Mendelson

09:53 Trump Admin Wants to Remove 15th St Bike Lane

19:04 Teen Takeovers and Youth Curfews

23:19 Speed Round: RFK Stadium's Big Parking Garages

26:27 Speed Round: Congress Targets D.C. Traffic Cameras

28:52 Speed Round: Robert Mueller, D.C. Style Icon

30:30 Speed Round: Bowser’s Budget and April 1 Showdown

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>b0281955-6ae8-46d1-9638-cf4975874767Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:22:51 GMT<p>On this week’s Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom unpack a chaotic new chapter in the D.C. mayor’s race after a heated debate between the frontrunners — plus a surprising comeback bid by former council member Jack Evans.</p><p></p><p>They also dive into a growing clash between the Trump administration and local leaders over plans to remove a key bike lane near the National Mall, and what it signals about the future of home rule.</p><p></p><p>Later, they discuss renewed concerns about large youth gatherings across the city and the political fight over temporary curfews.</p><p></p><p>In the speed round: looming parking garages in the Commanders’ RFK stadium plans, Congress targeting D.C.’s traffic cameras, Robert Mueller’s legacy (and style), and why Mayor Bowser’s upcoming budget could reshape the campaign.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction + Gridiron Dinner</p><p>04:09 Mayoral Debate Goes Off The Rails</p><p>07:30 Jack Evans Comeback Bid vs Phil Mendelson</p><p>09:53 Trump Admin Wants to Remove 15th St Bike Lane</p><p>19:04 Teen Takeovers and Youth Curfews</p><p>23:19 Speed Round: RFK Stadium's Big Parking Garages</p><p>26:27 Speed Round: Congress Targets D.C. Traffic Cameras</p><p>28:52 Speed Round: Robert Mueller, D.C. Style Icon</p><p>30:30 Speed Round: Bowser’s Budget and April 1 Showdown</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:32:40211Bike Lane Wars, Mayor Trump, and Teen Takeoversfull<![CDATA[Kenyan McDuffie on Affordability, Speed Cameras, and How He'd Run D.C.]]>D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie is running for mayor — and he joined Dream City for a wide-ranging conversation about affordability, crime, and how he’d deal with President Trump.

McDuffie opened up about growing up in Stronghold during the crack epidemic, losing friends to gun violence, and the experiences that shaped his public safety agenda. He argued he's the most prepared candidate in the race, pointing to his housing record, public safety legislation, and push for “baby bonds” to address generational poverty.

Cuneyt and Tom pressed him on tough questions — from police staffing levels and property tax relief to campaign strategy and criticism that he hasn’t been visible enough on the trail.

They also talked about the future of Washington: redeveloping federal buildings downtown, funding Metro, robo-taxis and AI.

This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates competing to shape the city’s next chapter.

00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast

00:54 Growing Up in Stronghold + D.C.'s Crack Epidemic

07:43 Trauma, Gun Violence, and Losing Friends

10:21 Postal Service Job That Changed His Life

15:15 From Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office to Civil Rights Lawyer

18:14 Why He’s Running for Mayor

19:06 Making D.C. the “Most Affordable City”

21:36 His Housing Record vs Bowser + Opponents

27:53 Property Taxes, Parking Tickets, and Campaign Missteps

34:52 Baby Bonds and Breaking Generational Poverty

43:35 The NEAR Act + Public Health Approach to Crime

50:46 Police Staffing, Overtime, and Public Safety Debate

55:10 Campaign Strategy + “Low Energy” Criticism

01:00:37 How He’d Handle President Trump

01:03:41 Redeveloping RFK, Union Station, and Federal Buildings

01:09:35 Metro Funding and Economic Growth Strategy

01:11:02 K Street Transitway, Bike Lanes, and Transportation Vision

01:14:15 Waymo, AI, and Height Act

01:18:53 Management Style + Staying Grounded in Politics

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>faf1e457-41c0-4833-9eed-76b482abe8cfThu, 12 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT<p>D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie is running for mayor — and he joined Dream City for a wide-ranging conversation about affordability, crime, and how he’d deal with President Trump.</p><p></p><p>McDuffie opened up about growing up in Stronghold during the crack epidemic, losing friends to gun violence, and the experiences that shaped his public safety agenda. He argued he's the most prepared candidate in the race, pointing to his housing record, public safety legislation, and push for “baby bonds” to address generational poverty.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt and Tom pressed him on tough questions — from police staffing levels and property tax relief to campaign strategy and criticism that he hasn’t been visible enough on the trail.</p><p></p><p>They also talked about the future of Washington: redeveloping federal buildings downtown, funding Metro, robo-taxis and AI.</p><p></p><p>This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates competing to shape the city’s next chapter.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast</p><p>00:54 Growing Up in Stronghold + D.C.'s Crack Epidemic</p><p>07:43 Trauma, Gun Violence, and Losing Friends</p><p>10:21 Postal Service Job That Changed His Life</p><p>15:15 From Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office to Civil Rights Lawyer</p><p>18:14 Why He’s Running for Mayor</p><p>19:06 Making D.C. the “Most Affordable City”</p><p>21:36 His Housing Record vs Bowser + Opponents</p><p>27:53 Property Taxes, Parking Tickets, and Campaign Missteps</p><p>34:52 Baby Bonds and Breaking Generational Poverty</p><p>43:35 The NEAR Act + Public Health Approach to Crime</p><p>50:46 Police Staffing, Overtime, and Public Safety Debate</p><p>55:10 Campaign Strategy + “Low Energy” Criticism</p><p>01:00:37 How He’d Handle President Trump</p><p>01:03:41 Redeveloping RFK, Union Station, and Federal Buildings</p><p>01:09:35 Metro Funding and Economic Growth Strategy</p><p>01:11:02 K Street Transitway, Bike Lanes, and Transportation Vision</p><p>01:14:15 Waymo, AI, and Height Act</p><p>01:18:53 Management Style + Staying Grounded in Politics</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no01:22:35210Kenyan McDuffie on Affordability, Speed Cameras, and How He'd Run D.C.full<![CDATA[Brooke Pinto on Running for Congress, Trump, and D.C.'s Future]]>In a wide-ranging interview, D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto shares her journey from childhood in Connecticut to her political career, why she wants to represent D.C. in Congress, and how she would deal with President Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Pinto is running to succeed retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton in a crowded race that includes her council colleague Robert White. She explains what sets her apart — pointing to her public safety record, her role passing the Secure DC crime bill, and her strategy for building influence in Congress despite the delegate’s lack of a vote.

Cuneyt and Tom cover a lot of ground, from crime trends and ICE in D.C. to the politics of the delegate race and the challenge of negotiating with a Republican-controlled Congress.

They also dive into the future of the city: the Height Act, the expansion of gambling parlors in D.C., the future of Waymo, the redevelopment of federal buildings downtown, and what Pinto would tell Trump ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates shaping the future of Washington.

00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast

00:37 Growing Up in Connecticut + Early Influences

02:41 The “Saltine Crackers” School Story

05:11 The “Believe in Magic” Sign + Ikigai Philosophy

07:31 Coming to DC, Georgetown Law, and Working for Karl Racine

11:32 Why Pinto Ran for DC Council

15:02 Why Her Campaign Color Is Pink

17:10 Why She’s Running for Congress

17:54 Her Case Against Robert White

20:44 Her Secure DC Act + Reducing Crime

22:50 How Will She Represent Black Washingtonians?

29:36 How a Non-Voting Delegate Builds Influence in Congress

33:24 Negotiating With — or Confronting — Republicans

41:45 Campaign Fundraising and Momentum

43:03 What She’d Say to Donald Trump

48:40 Future of Downtown Development + Federal Buildings

52:07 The Height Act and Building More Housing

54:16 Gambling and Casinos

56:58 Waymo and Futuristic Tech

59:21 Closing Remarks

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>fb07595f-6e2d-4947-83db-8e37acaf02bfMon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT<p>In a wide-ranging interview, D.C. Council member Brooke Pinto shares her journey from childhood in Connecticut to her political career, why she wants to represent D.C. in Congress, and how she would deal with President Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill.</p><p></p><p>Pinto is running to succeed retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton in a crowded race that includes her council colleague Robert White. She explains what sets her apart — pointing to her public safety record, her role passing the Secure DC crime bill, and her strategy for building influence in Congress despite the delegate’s lack of a vote.</p><p></p><p>Cuneyt and Tom cover a lot of ground, from crime trends and ICE in D.C. to the politics of the delegate race and the challenge of negotiating with a Republican-controlled Congress.</p><p></p><p>They also dive into the future of the city: the Height Act, the expansion of gambling parlors in D.C., the future of Waymo, the redevelopment of federal buildings downtown, and what Pinto would tell Trump ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.</p><p></p><p>This is part of Dream City’s interview series with candidates shaping the future of Washington.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast</p><p>00:37 Growing Up in Connecticut + Early Influences</p><p>02:41 The “Saltine Crackers” School Story</p><p>05:11 The “Believe in Magic” Sign + Ikigai Philosophy</p><p>07:31 Coming to DC, Georgetown Law, and Working for Karl Racine</p><p>11:32 Why Pinto Ran for DC Council</p><p>15:02 Why Her Campaign Color Is Pink</p><p>17:10 Why She’s Running for Congress</p><p>17:54 Her Case Against Robert White</p><p>20:44 Her Secure DC Act + Reducing Crime</p><p>22:50 How Will She Represent Black Washingtonians?</p><p>29:36 How a Non-Voting Delegate Builds Influence in Congress</p><p>33:24 Negotiating With — or Confronting — Republicans</p><p>41:45 Campaign Fundraising and Momentum</p><p>43:03 What She’d Say to Donald Trump</p><p>48:40 Future of Downtown Development + Federal Buildings</p><p>52:07 The Height Act and Building More Housing</p><p>54:16 Gambling and Casinos</p><p>56:58 Waymo and Futuristic Tech</p><p>59:21 Closing Remarks</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no01:00:5429Brooke Pinto on Running for Congress, Trump, and D.C.'s Futurefull<![CDATA[Mayor's Race Gets Punchy, D.C.'s Height Act, and Budget Woes]]>Cuneyt and Tom talk about D.C.'s mayoral candidates throwing jabs as the election heats up. Plus, the city's finances are a mess, now made worse by Congress overturning the city's tax code.

In the speed round, Cuneyt talks about a new effort to get rid of the Height Act while Tom finds a Gallup survey that says basically no one wants to go back to the office.

00:00 Introduction

02:13 Overheard at DC Restaurant: Iran Strikes

05:51 A Simmering Mayor's Race

09:08 Kenyan McDuffie Meets With Adrian Fenty

15:43 Zohran's Oval Office Stunner

20:54 DC's Financial Challenges

25:17 DC Could Use a Tabloid

26:59 "Let DC Build" Wants Height Act Nixed

28:43 Basically No One Wants To Go Back To The Office

30:48 Local Tea Success Story

31:49 In memoriam: Graylan Hagler

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>56c58493-2517-49cc-a0d9-deb5e714bc2eMon, 02 Mar 2026 15:03:36 GMT<p>Cuneyt and Tom talk about D.C.'s mayoral candidates throwing jabs as the election heats up. Plus, the city's finances are a mess, now made worse by Congress overturning the city's tax code. </p><p></p><p>In the speed round, Cuneyt talks about a new effort to get rid of the Height Act while Tom finds a Gallup survey that says basically no one wants to go back to the office. </p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>02:13 Overheard at DC Restaurant: Iran Strikes</p><p>05:51 A Simmering Mayor's Race</p><p>09:08 Kenyan McDuffie Meets With Adrian Fenty</p><p>15:43 Zohran's Oval Office Stunner</p><p>20:54 DC's Financial Challenges</p><p>25:17 DC Could Use a Tabloid</p><p>26:59 "Let DC Build" Wants Height Act Nixed</p><p>28:43 Basically No One Wants To Go Back To The Office</p><p>30:48 Local Tea Success Story</p><p>31:49 In memoriam: Graylan Hagler</p><p></p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:32:4528Mayor's Race Gets Punchy, D.C.'s Height Act, and Budget Woesfull<![CDATA[D.C. Mayoral Candidate Janeese Lewis George on Trump, ICE, and Affordability]]>Council member Janeese Lewis George is running for D.C. mayor — and she joined to talk about how she'd handle President Trump, how she'd pay for a child care expansion, and her vision for the future of Washington.

Cuneyt and Tom covered a lot of ground, from her stance on zero cooperation with ICE to ways JLG would try to find areas of agreement with the Trump administration (see: downtown development).

This is the first in what we hope will be a 2026 mayoral race interview series.

00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast

01:06 Growing up in D.C.

06:57 How Will You Fund Child Care For All?

10:55 Addressing Education and Truancy Issues

15:28 Are There Wasted Dollars In Big Education Budget?

19:04 JLG's Management Style

21:14 D.C. Police Staffing + Public Safety

26:09 D.C.'s Youth Curfew + Crime

27:46 JLG's Stance On ICE

30:12 Exploring Areas of Common Ground With Trump Admin

32:34 Vision For Downtown D.C.'s Future

36:06 Democratic Socialism

37:21 Addressing Affordability

39:29 JLG Defends Her Record

41:27 Artificial Intelligence

42:33 Robotaxis and Waymo

43:17 RFK Stadium development

45:47 Being Mayor

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>13bdd600-83c6-45db-8281-59def2c3e975Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>Council member Janeese Lewis George is running for D.C. mayor — and she joined to talk about how she'd handle President Trump, how she'd pay for a child care expansion, and her vision for the future of Washington. </p><p></p><p>Cuneyt and Tom covered a lot of ground, from her stance on zero cooperation with ICE to ways JLG would try to find areas of agreement with the Trump administration (see: downtown development).</p><p></p><p>This is the first in what we hope will be a 2026 mayoral race interview series. </p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Dream City Podcast</p><p>01:06 Growing up in D.C.</p><p>06:57 How Will You Fund Child Care For All?</p><p>10:55 Addressing Education and Truancy Issues</p><p>15:28 Are There Wasted Dollars In Big Education Budget?</p><p>19:04 JLG's Management Style</p><p>21:14 D.C. Police Staffing + Public Safety</p><p>26:09 D.C.'s Youth Curfew + Crime</p><p>27:46 JLG's Stance On ICE</p><p>30:12 Exploring Areas of Common Ground With Trump Admin</p><p>32:34 Vision For Downtown D.C.'s Future</p><p>36:06 Democratic Socialism</p><p>37:21 Addressing Affordability</p><p>39:29 JLG Defends Her Record</p><p>41:27 Artificial Intelligence</p><p>42:33 Robotaxis and Waymo</p><p>43:17 RFK Stadium development</p><p>45:47 Being Mayor</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p><p></p>no00:48:3027D.C. Mayoral Candidate Janeese Lewis George on Trump, ICE, and Affordabilityfull<![CDATA[Is D.C. In a Recession?]]>D.C.'s newest (interim) council member Doni Crawford joins to talk about whether D.C. is in a recession, how city hall will budget during one of the most difficult years in recent memory, and how she got to the Wilson Building.

00:00 Introduction to Council member Doni Crawford

01:28 Is DC In a Recession?

02:45 Congress Smacks Down DC Tax Changes

06:44 DC's Recession-Like Budget Year

10:27 Doni Crawford's Personal Life Story

16:02 Behind the Scenes: An Unprecedented DC Council Appointment

20:20 Council Chairman Phil Mendelson Behind the Scenes

22:40 Affordability in DC

24:33 Why Doesn't the DC Council Have an Education Committee?

25:29 Campaigning for the Seat

28:05 DC Snow Response and Accountability

31:20 Will You Endorse Mayoral Candidate?

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>ab38fd5f-df02-4613-baf5-654776db5b47Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:30:00 GMT<p>D.C.'s newest (interim) council member Doni Crawford joins to talk about whether D.C. is in a recession, how city hall will budget during one of the most difficult years in recent memory, and how she got to the Wilson Building.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Council member Doni Crawford</p><p>01:28 Is DC In a Recession?</p><p>02:45 Congress Smacks Down DC Tax Changes</p><p>06:44 DC's Recession-Like Budget Year</p><p>10:27 Doni Crawford's Personal Life Story</p><p>16:02 Behind the Scenes: An Unprecedented DC Council Appointment</p><p>20:20 Council Chairman Phil Mendelson Behind the Scenes</p><p>22:40 Affordability in DC</p><p>24:33 Why Doesn't the DC Council Have an Education Committee?</p><p>25:29 Campaigning for the Seat</p><p>28:05 DC Snow Response and Accountability</p><p>31:20 Will You Endorse Mayoral Candidate?</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:32:3526Is D.C. In a Recession?full<![CDATA[D.C.'s Recession, Poo-tomac River, and Metro's Rebound]]>In this President's Day Episode, Cuneyt and Tom talk about city hall bracing for a recession-like budget, after DOGE hammered D.C. jobs economy. Mayor Bowser says tough choices are ahead. Progressives warn the social safety net is is being dismantled.

Plus, one of the worst sewage spills in U.S. history is happening in the Potomac River. Local leaders should speak up more about the environmental disaster, Tom says.

And last but not least, Cuneyt and Tom bat around a lightning round of topics, including Metro's rebounding ridership and a DOGE'd federal worker who's now running for mayor.

00:00 Introduction and Presidents Day Fun

01:00 DC's Recession-Like Budget Challenges

02:49 Impact of Federal Tax Changes on DC Budget

04:36 Spending Grew During Pandemic

05:02 Childcare Subsidy and Budget Trade-offs

08:28 Progressives Fight Against Dismantling of Safety Net

11:11 Mamdani Effect

11:54 Environmental Disaster: Sewage Spill in Potomac

13:20 Public Health Concerns and Sewage Management

16:10 Fishing and Recreational Impact on Potomac

19:15 News Speed Round and Local Developments

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>a47fd72c-c833-41d4-87f2-8149619d54c2Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:30:00 GMT<p>In this President's Day Episode, Cuneyt and Tom talk about city hall bracing for a recession-like budget, after DOGE hammered D.C. jobs economy. Mayor Bowser says tough choices are ahead. Progressives warn the social safety net is is being dismantled.</p><p></p><p>Plus, one of the worst sewage spills in U.S. history is happening in the Potomac River. Local leaders should speak up more about the environmental disaster, Tom says. </p><p></p><p>And last but not least, Cuneyt and Tom bat around a lightning round of topics, including Metro's rebounding ridership and a DOGE'd federal worker who's now running for mayor. </p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction and Presidents Day Fun</p><p>01:00 DC's Recession-Like Budget Challenges</p><p>02:49 Impact of Federal Tax Changes on DC Budget</p><p>04:36 Spending Grew During Pandemic</p><p>05:02 Childcare Subsidy and Budget Trade-offs</p><p>08:28 Progressives Fight Against Dismantling of Safety Net</p><p>11:11 Mamdani Effect</p><p>11:54 Environmental Disaster: Sewage Spill in Potomac</p><p>13:20 Public Health Concerns and Sewage Management</p><p>16:10 Fishing and Recreational Impact on Potomac</p><p>19:15 News Speed Round and Local Developments</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:22:3625D.C.'s Recession, Poo-tomac River, and Metro's Reboundfull<![CDATA[The Post Script: D.C. Media Plots Its Future After WaPo Turmoil]]>The Washington Post laid off 300 journalists in an apocalyptic week for local media. Then embattled CEO Will Lewis also got the boot. Cuneyt and Tom discuss what's next for the Post — and reveal the media scheming underway to fill the void.

Plus, it's a heated election season as fundraise reports come due in the mayoral and D.C. delegate races.

And Trump world is obsessed with classical architecture — so much so that it wants the new Commanders stadium to look even more, erm, classical, thank you very much.

00:00 Turmoil at the Washington Post After Mass Layoffs

09:44 Media Companies Jockey To Enter Void

14:39 Following the Money on Campaign Fundraising

20:01 Trump Allies Want More Classical Design at Commanders Stadium

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>0048df4a-4ef8-4737-af5a-10849b7863a5Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:30:00 GMT<p>The Washington Post laid off 300 journalists in an apocalyptic week for local media. Then embattled CEO Will Lewis also got the boot. Cuneyt and Tom discuss what's next for the Post — and reveal the media scheming underway to fill the void.</p><p></p><p>Plus, it's a heated election season as fundraise reports come due in the mayoral and D.C. delegate races.</p><p></p><p>And Trump world is obsessed with classical architecture — so much so that it wants the new Commanders stadium to look even more, erm, classical, thank you very much.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Turmoil at the Washington Post After Mass Layoffs</p><p>09:44 Media Companies Jockey To Enter Void</p><p>14:39 Following the Money on Campaign Fundraising</p><p>20:01 Trump Allies Want More Classical Design at Commanders Stadium</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:27:2024The Post Script: D.C. Media Plots Its Future After WaPo Turmoilfull<![CDATA[Bowser's No Good, Very Bad Snow Day and Trump the DMV Mayor]]>Mayor Bowser caught flak last week after the city struggled to clear out snow and ice. Mayoral candidates swooped in with their own criticisms.

In this episode, Tom Sherwood is out this week, and joining Cuneyt is Michael Schaffer, longtime D.C. journalist and co-host of the City Cast D.C. podcast.

Mike talked about his exclusive interview with John Norton, the son of the retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, about the behind-the-scenes persuading it took to get her 88-year-old mother to bow out.

And we took another lap around what Trump is up to as DMV mayor. This episode was recorded before Trump made even more news — announcing late Sunday night he would close the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation. Cuneyt and Mike talked about Trump's plans for a Grand Prix race and his gigantic 250-foot arch.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:44 Snowstorm Aftermath and Public Response

05:38 Mayor Bowser's Missteps

08:32 Snow Politics In Mayor's Race

15:35 Interview with John Norton, Son of Eleanor Holmes Norton

24:14 Trump the DMV Mayor: Grand Prix Race and Building Massive DC Arch

39:09 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>c4b52c3e-c0ba-4df6-bf00-273eb0af7e21Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:34:37 GMT<p>Mayor Bowser caught flak last week after the city struggled to clear out snow and ice. Mayoral candidates swooped in with their own criticisms. </p><p></p><p>In this episode, Tom Sherwood is out this week, and joining Cuneyt is Michael Schaffer, longtime D.C. journalist and co-host of the City Cast D.C. podcast.</p><p></p><p>Mike talked about his exclusive interview with John Norton, the son of the retiring Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, about the behind-the-scenes persuading it took to get her 88-year-old mother to bow out. </p><p></p><p>And we took another lap around what Trump is up to as DMV mayor. This episode was recorded before Trump made even more news — announcing late Sunday night he would close the Kennedy Center for a two-year renovation. Cuneyt and Mike talked about Trump's plans for a Grand Prix race and his gigantic 250-foot arch.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction</p><p>02:44 Snowstorm Aftermath and Public Response</p><p>05:38 Mayor Bowser's Missteps</p><p>08:32 Snow Politics In Mayor's Race</p><p>15:35 Interview with John Norton, Son of Eleanor Holmes Norton</p><p>24:14 Trump the DMV Mayor: Grand Prix Race and Building Massive DC Arch</p><p>39:09 Closing Thoughts and Reflections</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p><p></p>no00:42:0323Bowser's No Good, Very Bad Snow Day and Trump the DMV Mayorfull<![CDATA[A Mayoral Slugfest, Council Shuts Out Public, and Commanders Stadium Revealed]]>The 2026 D.C. mayoral race is off to a heated start, with claims to fundraising records by both candidates Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George.

In this episode of the Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom are joined by NBC4's Mark Segraves to talk about how the D.C. Council cut out the public as it picks an interim council member.

Plus, we talk about the new Commanders stadium's monumental design — and the path ahead, including whether fans will be priced out.

00:00 Headlines

02:37 Kenyan McDuffie Jumps into the Mayoral Race

03:47 McDuffie's Stance on ICE and DC

07:49 Affordability

09:30 Fundraising Wars: McDuffie vs Janeese Lewis George

11:42 Janeese's Big Howard Theatre Rally

13:39 Who Else Might Run?

14:23 Tom Sherwood's Not Running

15:23 The Interim Council Member Appointment Process

20:46 Political Dynamics in D.C. Council

22:35 Budgeting Challenges Ahead

23:41 The New Commanders Stadium Design

28:01 Gambling Parlor at New Stadium

28:52 Future of Old RFK Stadium Artifacts

31:16 Will Fans Get Priced Out?

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>aa92f79c-470d-480b-a296-c822909c4934Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>The 2026 D.C. mayoral race is off to a heated start, with claims to fundraising records by both candidates Kenyan McDuffie and Janeese Lewis George.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of the Dream City Podcast, Cuneyt and Tom are joined by NBC4's Mark Segraves to talk about how the D.C. Council cut out the public as it picks an interim council member.</p><p></p><p>Plus, we talk about the new Commanders stadium's monumental design — and the path ahead, including whether fans will be priced out.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Headlines</p><p>02:37 Kenyan McDuffie Jumps into the Mayoral Race</p><p>03:47 McDuffie's Stance on ICE and DC</p><p>07:49 Affordability</p><p>09:30 Fundraising Wars: McDuffie vs Janeese Lewis George</p><p>11:42 Janeese's Big Howard Theatre Rally</p><p>13:39 Who Else Might Run?</p><p>14:23 Tom Sherwood's Not Running</p><p>15:23 The Interim Council Member Appointment Process</p><p>20:46 Political Dynamics in D.C. Council</p><p>22:35 Budgeting Challenges Ahead</p><p>23:41 The New Commanders Stadium Design</p><p>28:01 Gambling Parlor at New Stadium</p><p>28:52 Future of Old RFK Stadium Artifacts</p><p>31:16 Will Fans Get Priced Out?</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:37:2922A Mayoral Slugfest, Council Shuts Out Public, and Commanders Stadium Revealedfull<![CDATA[Trump's D.C. Golf Takeover]]>In this episode of the Dream City Podcast, hosts Cuneyt and Tom discuss Trump's new takeover project — D.C.'s public golf courses.

The Trump administration terminated the leases of a local nonprofit managing the courses, while the organization hires a high-powered law firm to potentially fight back. Meanwhile, Trump reportedly wants a Ryder Cup or PGA event — the conversation highlights why that might be farfetched. The episode highlights the importance of municipal golf as a community resource and the potential impact of Trump's plans on local residents and the future of these iconic courses.

Joining the co-hosts is former D.C. Council member Bill Lightfoot and writer and head of architecture content at Fried Egg Golf newsletter, Garrett Morrison.

00:00 Introduction to the Controversy

01:51 The National Links Trust and Its Ambitions

07:11 Historical Significance of Langston Golf Course

08:55 Trump's Vision for DC Golf Courses

12:59 Community Impact and Future Prospects

17:46 Lease Termination Examined

20:08 Legal Challenges and Bureaucracy

22:18 Navigating Trump Diplomacy

25:13 Why the Ryder Cup Is Unlikely

29:00 The Value of Municipal Golf

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>38d57e60-3c49-4bdd-87e8-cf9daf4c1dc7Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Dream City Podcast, hosts Cuneyt and Tom discuss Trump's new takeover project — D.C.'s public golf courses. </p><p></p><p>The Trump administration terminated the leases of a local nonprofit managing the courses, while the organization hires a high-powered law firm to potentially fight back. Meanwhile, Trump reportedly wants a Ryder Cup or PGA event — the conversation highlights why that might be farfetched. The episode highlights the importance of municipal golf as a community resource and the potential impact of Trump's plans on local residents and the future of these iconic courses.</p><p></p><p>Joining the co-hosts is former D.C. Council member Bill Lightfoot and writer and head of architecture content at Fried Egg Golf newsletter, Garrett Morrison.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Controversy</p><p>01:51 The National Links Trust and Its Ambitions</p><p>07:11 Historical Significance of Langston Golf Course</p><p>08:55 Trump's Vision for DC Golf Courses</p><p>12:59 Community Impact and Future Prospects</p><p>17:46 Lease Termination Examined</p><p>20:08 Legal Challenges and Bureaucracy</p><p>22:18 Navigating Trump Diplomacy</p><p>25:13 Why the Ryder Cup Is Unlikely</p><p>29:00 The Value of Municipal Golf</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>. </p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:34:3021Trump's D.C. Golf Takeoverfull<![CDATA[Police Chief Slams Haters, Following the Money, and Trump Stadium]]>There's a new police chief in town, but not before Pamela Smith gave a stunning farewell speech, blasting her haters with an "F-U." Smith leaves after a rollercoaster 2.5 years, and under pressure from Republicans over allegedly cooked crime stats. Which got Tom and Cuneyt thinking: How will new chief Jeffery Carroll handle the White House?

Meanwhile, Council member Kenyan McDuffie is quitting the council, setting up his mayoral bid.

The city is not doing a great job getting affordable housing credits out the door, as told in an investigative report by Washington City Paper and SpotlightDC.

Aaand last but not least, Cuneyt and Tom check in on the football stadium. President Trump wants his name on it, and his allies want it to look neoclassical.

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism. Now through the end of 2025, donations to the nonprofit SpotlightDC are doubled.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>603c847e-7468-42ca-8236-2ce05c6f1d21Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:39:43 GMT<p>There's a new police chief in town, but not before Pamela Smith gave a stunning farewell speech, blasting her haters with an "F-U." Smith leaves after a rollercoaster 2.5 years, and under pressure from Republicans over allegedly cooked crime stats. Which got Tom and Cuneyt thinking: How will new chief Jeffery Carroll handle the White House?</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Council member Kenyan McDuffie is quitting the council, setting up his mayoral bid. </p><p></p><p>The city is not doing a great job getting affordable housing credits out the door, as told in an investigative report by Washington City Paper and SpotlightDC.</p><p></p><p>Aaand last but not least, Cuneyt and Tom check in on the football stadium. President Trump wants his name on it, and his allies want it to look neoclassical.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>. Now through the end of 2025, donations to the nonprofit SpotlightDC are doubled.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:25:0516Police Chief Slams Haters, Following the Money, and Trump Stadiumfull<![CDATA[Progressives Plot Big 2026, Waymo Is Delayed, and Trump the DMV Mayor]]>Mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George is off to the races, and with so many open D.C. Council seats, progressives hope that 2026 will be their big year in local politics. Cuneyt and Tom talk about the future of D.C.

Speaking of the future, Cuneyt reports that Waymo is way behind on its D.C. rollout, thanks to a delayed DDOT study and bureaucracy standing in the way. The robotaxi future is on hold.

And Cuneyt and Tom check in on Trump's latest DMV projects — his new architect for the White House ballroom and his Dulles Airport shakeup.

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism. Now through the end of 2025, donations to the nonprofit SpotlightDC are doubled.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>45f9d042-415d-41f2-ade2-dc5438af6be0Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:10:23 GMT<p>Mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George is off to the races, and with so many open D.C. Council seats, progressives hope that 2026 will be their big year in local politics. Cuneyt and Tom talk about the future of D.C.</p><p></p><p>Speaking of the future, Cuneyt reports that Waymo is way behind on its D.C. rollout, thanks to a delayed DDOT study and bureaucracy standing in the way. The robotaxi future is on hold.</p><p></p><p>And Cuneyt and Tom check in on Trump's latest DMV projects — his new architect for the White House ballroom and his Dulles Airport shakeup.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>. Now through the end of 2025, donations to the nonprofit SpotlightDC are doubled.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:28:5815Progressives Plot Big 2026, Waymo Is Delayed, and Trump the DMV Mayorfull<![CDATA[End of the Bowser Era]]>After ten years, Mayor Bowser is bowing out. Cuneyt and Tom record a special episode on Bowser's decision to not seek a fourth term, discussing her legacy and who wants to be mayor next.

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>f012e8f6-22d1-407e-aa9b-77333889f175Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:20:41 GMT<p>After ten years, Mayor Bowser is bowing out. Cuneyt and Tom record a special episode on Bowser's decision to not seek a fourth term, discussing her legacy and who wants to be mayor next.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:23:1114End of the Bowser Erafull<![CDATA[Overheard at Tune Inn, Bowser vs. Mamdani, and Saving Streeteries]]>Cuneyt and Tom have a big Thanksgiving week episode, breaking down what lessons Mayor Bowser could take from NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's chummy visit to the Oval Office.

Plus: Cuneyt got leaked the mayoral ambitions of Janeese Lewis George, thanks to a spy overhearing it all at Capitol Hill restaurant Tune Inn.

We also talk about why streeteries might get a lifeline, just in time before regulations threaten to bring down many of D.C.'s pandemic-era outdoor cafes, including Le Diplomate's "chalets."

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>2c10cbc8-3701-4f83-a43e-ecd3cf0f1c78Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT<p>Cuneyt and Tom have a big Thanksgiving week episode, breaking down what lessons Mayor Bowser could take from NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's chummy visit to the Oval Office.</p><p></p><p>Plus: Cuneyt got leaked the mayoral ambitions of Janeese Lewis George, thanks to a spy overhearing it all at Capitol Hill restaurant Tune Inn.</p><p></p><p>We also talk about why streeteries might get a lifeline, just in time before regulations threaten to bring down many of D.C.'s pandemic-era outdoor cafes, including Le Diplomate's "chalets."</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:24:3213Overheard at Tune Inn, Bowser vs. Mamdani, and Saving Streeteriesfull<![CDATA[Mayor Bowser + Trump Behind the Scenes, Election Intrigue, and 'Mar-A-Lago Face']]>Two very special guests join the Dream City Podcast to discuss the week's biggest stories. Cuneyt and Tom are joined by NBC4 reporter Mark Segraves to discuss the Washington Post's exclusive reporting on the behind the scenes relationship between Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Trump administration.

Plus, Tom gives a pulse check on the Mayor Bowser Re-election Needle — whether or not she's leaning toward running for a fourth term.

And Cuneyt talks to Axios D.C. colleague Mimi Montgomery about her story chronicling how "Mar-A-Lago face" is becoming a big trend for plastic surgery in Washington. It's another way the MAGA crowd is changing the city's scene.

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>e7617118-3cc6-4713-84cf-552ead1c86adMon, 17 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT<p>Two very special guests join the Dream City Podcast to discuss the week's biggest stories. Cuneyt and Tom are joined by NBC4 reporter Mark Segraves to discuss the Washington Post's exclusive reporting on the behind the scenes relationship between Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Trump administration. </p><p></p><p>Plus, Tom gives a pulse check on the Mayor Bowser Re-election Needle — whether or not she's leaning toward running for a fourth term. </p><p></p><p>And Cuneyt talks to Axios D.C. colleague Mimi Montgomery about her story chronicling how "Mar-A-Lago face" is becoming a big trend for plastic surgery in Washington. It's another way the MAGA crowd is changing the city's scene. </p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank"><b>SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</b></a>.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:35:1712Mayor Bowser + Trump Behind the Scenes, Election Intrigue, and 'Mar-A-Lago Face'full<![CDATA[Qatargate, D.C.'s Zohran Mamdani, and Trump Stadium]]>In the Dream City Podcast launch, Cuneyt and Tom talk about Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2023 trip to Qatar getting mixed up in media reports about a DOJ investigation. Axios reported that Bowser is not a target of the investigation, hours after the NY Times (gift link) reported that there was a probe into potential bribery and campaign finance violations.

We also talk about who could be the Zohran Mamdani of D.C.’s mayoral race — that’s Council member Janeese Lewis George. Plus, why Guam might beat D.C. to become the 51st state.

The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism.

The Dream City Podcast will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.

The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.

]]>2022b849-c422-4bb2-aaf1-9df14d1fb61bMon, 10 Nov 2025 03:33:26 GMT<p><b>In the Dream City Podcast launch,</b> Cuneyt and Tom talk about Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2023 trip to Qatar getting mixed up in media reports about a DOJ investigation. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/dc-mayor-bowser-doj-trump-white-house?utm_source=www.dreamcity.news&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=dream-city-podcast-qatargate" target="_blank"><i>Axios reported</i></a> that Bowser is <b><i>not</i></b> a target of the investigation, hours after the NY Times (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/us/politics/trump-muriel-bowser-qatar-investigation.html?unlocked_article_code=1.zU8.ClDn.LEm8xOhitH4g&amp;smid=url-share&amp;utm_source=www.dreamcity.news&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=dream-city-podcast-qatargate" target="_blank"><i>gift link</i></a>) reported that there was a probe into potential bribery and campaign finance violations.</p><p></p><p>We also talk about who could be the Zohran Mamdani of D.C.’s mayoral race — <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/07/janeese-lewis-george-dc-mayor-candidate-speculation?utm_source=www.dreamcity.news&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=dream-city-podcast-qatargate" target="_blank"><i>that’s Council member Janeese Lewis George</i></a>. Plus, why Guam might beat D.C. to become the 51st state. <br /><br />The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://spotlightdc.org/" target="_blank">SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism</a>. <br /></p><p><b>The Dream City Podcast </b>will hold the powerful accountable and take you inside D.C.’s business and political worlds. Along the way: Revelatory conversations with city officials, business leaders, and the best-sourced journalists in town.</p><p></p><p>The Dream City Podcast is a product of COSMOS Media LLC.</p>no00:31:2911Qatargate, D.C.'s Zohran Mamdani, and Trump Stadiumfull