Claim OwnershipHello Houston: The Commuter Cut
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Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut is your connection to the heart of the Bayou City, but shorter, for our busy commuters. Every weekday, we dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians — from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of life in our vibrant city.
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In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk about the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who tells us his predictions for this year’s ceremony.Next, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound join us to discuss what they do, their upcoming performance, and members of the ensemble treat us to a special performance.Plus, we discuss the rise of prediction markets with Dustin Gouker, publisher of the Substack newsletter The Event Horizon, who helps us better understand this fast-moving industry and where the idea of betting on anything came from.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Dr. Sergio Lira, President of Greater Houston LULAC, who explains the organization’s recent decision to cancel this year's Cinco De Mayo parade.Next, we discuss Houston’s premier community biking event, Tour De Houston, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation, who tells us all about this year’s upcoming event and its three route options.Also, we discuss the rising cost of housing and the debate over whether investment companies should be allowed to buy single-family homes with The Texas Tribune’s Urban Affairs reporter, Joshua Fechter.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our second live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who discusses how the city and county work with each other to put this large event together every year, and the current issues affecting the city of Houston.Then, we hear from Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the HLSR’s Commercial Exhibits Committee, who tells us about the rodeo’s food vendors, along with the winners of this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, Joey Rousso of Rousso's Fat Bacon, and Mark Zable of Darlin's Fried Chicken, who tell us all about their award-winning food creations.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down what’s behind the large number of job losses in the latest jobs report with Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who also explains what this means for Houstonians.Next, we hear from Oliver James, a literacy activist, motivational speaker, and influencer, who shares the story of his struggles with adult illiteracy before making the decision to learn to read and how TikTok played a role in achieving this goal.Plus, we learn all about the local non-profit Keep Houston Beautiful, with Alan Steinberg, a volunteer board member for the organization, who discusses how they tackle their mission of cleaning up the city, and what individuals can do to help.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste talk with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who joins us to discuss the rising cost of oil due to the Iran conflict and what this could mean for consumers.Then, we learn about the upcoming Brains in Society conference, which will bring neuroscientists and other experts together to talk about how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, and technology, with Simon Fischer-Baum, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice University.Plus, Jassi Bindra, a Houston-based chef and restaurateur, talks to us about being a contestant on the new season of the popular reality competition series Top Chef, the food he’s passionate about, and the story of his culinary journey.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we’re joined by Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who discusses a new report that examines large-scale air pollution events in Houston and what caused them.Also, Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, explains what people can do to prevent sexual assault incidents during Spring Break, as well as what victims should do if an incident does occur.Plus, our hosts discuss the latest things they’re obsessed with for this week’s edition of Current Obsessions, and share a rundown of events happening in Houston this weekend for our regular Friday feature, "Last Minute Plans."
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Allen Kaminski, founding member of the Tours Committee, who discusses the Agventure attraction, where kids can learn all about agriculture and farm animals.Also, we hear from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s new chief show operations officer, Kyle Olsen, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at rodeo operations for this large-scale event, and what goes into putting it together every year.Plus, Angela Hernandez, an HLSR board member, committee member, and past Trailblazer Honoree, talks to us about the rise in women’s roles at the rodeo over the years, as well as her experience volunteering with the event for now 22 years.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Texas Monthly senior writer Michael Hardy discusses Lina Hidalgo's tenure as Harris County Judge, as well as how clashes with local politicians and her leadership style reshaped her time in office.Then, actor Edward Staudenmayer, who’s playing Meyer Wolfsheim in the national tour of The Great Gatsby, joins us to tell us about what audiences can expect from this musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, currently running at the Hobby Center.Also, we discuss possible human trafficking at the upcoming FIFA World Cup games here in Houston, with David Reid, founder of the Houston-based non-profit redM, who also explains how the group is working to raise awareness and support survivors of human trafficking.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus joins us on Election Day for the 2026 Primary Election to break down key races and to help us make sense of what comes next. Then, we’re joined by Emmett Hopkins, Transportation Policy Manager at the Climate & Community Institute, who discusses the Trump administration’s new transportation proposal, which is looking to scale back federal funding for public transit.Plus, Morgan Zeringue, Director of Program Services at the Houston-based social service agency Alexander JFS, tells us about what they do, the services they provide to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, and how they’ve been affected by funding cuts to SNAP.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Celeste talk with interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne, who discusses how the county ensures elections are kept fair and how voters’ rights are protected.Then, NPR Pentagon reporter Tom Bowman joins us to break down this weekend’s attack on Iran by the United States, as well as what’s next following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Also, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones tells us about the plans and expected economic impact of the forthcoming “Toro District,” a mixed-use development that will serve as the new home of the Houston Texans' headquarters.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Tony Payan, Fellow in U.S.-Mexico Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, explains what we’re seeing with the violence taking place in Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.Also, we hear from actress Pantea Ommi, who tells us about the Pulitzer Prize-winning play she’s starring in, English, which is running at Alley Theatre through March 8.Plus, Jamie Bryant, president and CEO of Housing Alliance HTX, joins us to discuss what the organization does, addresses its recent name change from the Houston Housing Authority, and what he has planned for his second year in his leadership role and afterwards.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste talk with actor, comedian, and screenwriter Mae Martin, who discusses their comedy career, comedic influences, and their show at the Cullen Performing Arts Center tomorrow.Then, Ernie is joined by Texas Tribune reporter Eleanor Klibanoff, who gives us the latest on a scandal involving U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who’s saying he will not resign following the release of explicit text messages between him and a former aide.Also, Eric Broussard, curator of the Bryan Museum in Galveston, joins us to discuss the museum’s large collection of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West, as well as the stories behind them.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Alan Sealls, an American Meteorological Society Fellow, gives us his take on the EPA’s decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to public health.Then, we’re joined by Nat Zegree, who discusses his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Theatre Under the Stars production of the musical Million Dollar Quartet, what audiences can expect, and how he brings this music legend to life on stage.Plus, we also hear from Dee Dee Dochen, a producer of the upcoming Houston event, ReelMusic, who talks to us about this yearly concert and how it showcases the talents of musicians and performers living with disabilities.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” University of Houston Law Center’s Nikolas Guggenberger joins us to unpack a landmark trial examining whether social media companies designed their platforms to be addictive for younger users.Then, we hear from New York Times best-selling author Meg Medina, known for writing for kids of all ages, who joins us to discuss her books, how she approaches writing for different ages, and her upcoming event in Houston later this week.Plus, we discuss how social media influencers are driving the Texas Democratic Senate race, with Texas Tribune reporter Kayla Guo, who also shares her thoughts on what this growing influence says about how political discourse in Texas is evolving.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Priya James, associate director of community engagement at NEDA, discusses National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the factors that cause eating disorders, and the stigma surrounding these kinds of disorders.Then, filmmakers Angela Tucker and Tyrone Dixon tell us about The Inquisitor, a documentary about the life and legacy of former Texas congresswoman and civil rights icon Barbara Jordan. The documentary will premiere tonight on PBS Channel 8.Plus, Houston-based photographer Ed Finger joins us to tell us all about his photography work and an upcoming exhibition that will feature photographs from his many travels, having been to over 90 different countries.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Houston artist David McGee and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art curator Katia Zavistovski tell us about an upcoming exhibition dedicated to McGee’s work that will soon be on view at the museum.Then, Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin, currently serving District 47, joins us to discuss her campaign for Texas Lieutenant Governor, the issues important to her in this race, what sets her apart from her opponents, and more. Plus, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress share their plans for the weekend, as well as a list of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and News 88.7 news anchor Matt Harab talk with David Gordon and Dallas and Austin Burkhalter, organizers of SpringStock Music Festival, an upcoming all-ages experience brought to life by Houston artists and musicians.Then, we’re joined by Greg Carter, a filmmaker and University of Houston film professor, who discusses a new online graduate certificate program to address the demands of the film industry’s growth in Houston by preparing a workforce of leaders in this space. Plus, we also hear a rundown of things our hosts and listeners are obsessed with this week as part of our regular Thursday feature – Current Obsessions.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Harris County Flood Control District executive director Dr. Tina Petersen discusses FEMA’s draft for the updated floodplain maps for Harris County, what they show, and what happens next.Then, we discuss the Houston-area non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston, with CEO Lisa Descant, who tells us more about their mission and work across the Greater Houston area.Also, we hear from acclaimed playwright James Anthony Tyler, who joins us to discuss his career, the playwrighting process, and his role as the head of the University of Houston’s Playwriting & Dramaturgy program.
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the latest on the Nancy Guthrie abduction case with Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI senior profiler and professor of forensic science, who also explains how profilers aid in the search for missing persons.Then, we’re joined by former district Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, who tells us about her incredible career, which includes being the country’s youngest sitting federal judge at the time of her appointment, and what she thinks about current legal issues.Also, to celebrate Fat Tuesday, we chat with Doc’s Houston artistic director and drummer Graeme Francis and Houston-based vocalist Nicoya Baker, who discuss the musical traditions of Mardi Gras and New Orleans-style jazz.
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, who tells us about a proposed apartment inspection ordinance that aims to help crack down on unsafe and unsanitary rental buildings.Also, FotoFest executive director Steven Evans joins us to tell us about the contemporary arts organization’s upcoming 40th anniversary biennial, which will reflect on the work presented in their biennials from the past four decades.Plus, we also talk with entertainment attorney and actress Jalene Mack, who joins us to share her success story, as well as her insight on entertainment law, and tell us about her local non-profit, Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC).
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