Explore every episode of the podcast Dream City Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trayon White Heads to Court as D.C.’s Finances Flash Red | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:35:38 | |
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. | |||
| The Trumpification of Washington Continues | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:26:25 | |
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. | |||
| D.C.’s Identity Crisis | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:41:36 | |
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. | |||
| D.C.’s DoorDash Revolt and Southwest’s Once-in-a-Century Rebuild | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:33:26 | |
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. | |||
| Waymo vs. Labor: Does D.C. Want Robotaxis? | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:36:33 | |
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. | |||
| D.C.'s Next Big Fight: Robotaxis | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:36:09 | |
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. | |||
| Trump Attacks Janeese Lewis George | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:21:28 | |
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. | |||
| The Socialist Sweep: How This Election Changes D.C. | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:44:50 | |
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. | |||
| Trump Just Jumped Into D.C.'s Mayoral Race | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:27:06 | |
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. | |||
| Mayoral Sprint, a 250 Mess, and D.C.'s Crazy Expensive Fire Alarm | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:36:57 | |
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 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. | |||
| Why Robert White Thinks He Should Be D.C.’s Next Delegate | 22 May 2026 | 00:46:38 | |
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 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. | |||
| Metro Boss Randy Clarke Has a Message for Trump | 18 May 2026 | 01:00:54 | |
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 Scandal Behind D.C.’s Crime Numbers | 11 May 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
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 30:46 Speed Round: DC Water Sewage Spill Cleanup and Cost Fight The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/. | |||
| Trump's Golf Grab, D.C.’s Mayor Race Is Getting Real, and Metro's Future | 04 May 2026 | 00:31:22 | |
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/. | |||
| D.C.'s Elections Get Ugly | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:24:41 | |
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 The Dream City Podcast is supported by launch partner https://spotlightdc.org/. | |||
| Bowser’s Budget Squeeze, White House Pressure, and Tysons Casino Saga | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:32:26 | |
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. | |||
| Teen Curfew Reaches White House, City Hall's Ethics Probe, and New Nats Deal | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:32:05 | |
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. | |||
| Bike Lane Wars, Mayor Trump, and Teen Takeovers | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:32:40 | |
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. | |||
| Kenyan McDuffie on Affordability, Speed Cameras, and How He'd Run D.C. | 12 Mar 2026 | 01:22:35 | |
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. | |||
| Brooke Pinto on Running for Congress, Trump, and D.C.'s Future | 09 Mar 2026 | 01:00:54 | |
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. | |||
| Mayor's Race Gets Punchy, D.C.'s Height Act, and Budget Woes | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:32:45 | |
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. | |||
| D.C. Mayoral Candidate Janeese Lewis George on Trump, ICE, and Affordability | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:48:30 | |
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. | |||
| Is D.C. In a Recession? | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:32:35 | |
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. | |||
| D.C.'s Recession, Poo-tomac River, and Metro's Rebound | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:22:36 | |
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. | |||
| The Post Script: D.C. Media Plots Its Future After WaPo Turmoil | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:27:20 | |
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. | |||
| Bowser's No Good, Very Bad Snow Day and Trump the DMV Mayor | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:42:03 | |
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. | |||
| A Mayoral Slugfest, Council Shuts Out Public, and Commanders Stadium Revealed | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:37:29 | |
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. | |||
| Trump's D.C. Golf Takeover | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:34:30 | |
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. | |||
| Police Chief Slams Haters, Following the Money, and Trump Stadium | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:25:05 | |
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. | |||
| Progressives Plot Big 2026, Waymo Is Delayed, and Trump the DMV Mayor | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:28:58 | |
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. | |||
| End of the Bowser Era | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:23:11 | |
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. | |||
| Overheard at Tune Inn, Bowser vs. Mamdani, and Saving Streeteries | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:24:32 | |
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. | |||
| Mayor Bowser + Trump Behind the Scenes, Election Intrigue, and 'Mar-A-Lago Face' | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:35:17 | |
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. | |||
| Qatargate, D.C.'s Zohran Mamdani, and Trump Stadium | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:31:29 | |
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 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. | |||