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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.

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S2 · E28
Yesterday · 35 min
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.
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S2 · E27
August 17 · 26 min
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.
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S2 · E26
August 3 · 41 min
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.
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S2 · E25
July 27 · 33 min
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.
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S2 · E24
July 20 · 36 min
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.
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S2 · E23
July 13 · 36 min
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.
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S2 · E22
June 29 · 21 min
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.
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S2 · E21
June 22 · 44 min
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.
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S2 · E20
June 12 · 27 min
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.
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S2 · E19
June 1 · 36 min
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.
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S2 · E18
May 22 · 46 min
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.
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S2 · E17
May 18 · 1 hr
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.
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S2 · E16
May 11 · 36 min
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.
- Transcript
S2 · E15
May 4 · 31 min
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.
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S2 · E14
April 20 · 24 min
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.
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S2 · E13
April 13 · 32 min
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.
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S2 · E12
April 6 · 32 min
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.
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S2 · E11
March 23 · 32 min
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.
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S2 · E10
March 12 · 1 hr 22 min
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.
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S2 · E9
March 9 · 1 hr
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.
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