Hello Houston

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Matt Moreland, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office, who discusses the latest weather updates surrounding the winter storm that’s expected in Texas this weekend.Also, we hear from Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who calls in to tell us about the City of Houston’s preparations for the winter storm, what Houstonians can do to prepare, and what resources will be available to those in need.Then, Nerdtropolis founder and editor Sean Tajipour joins us to share his thoughts on the recently announced 2026 Oscar nominations, as well as discuss which nominees are likely to win, and the new Best Casting category.In the second hour of the show, TxDOT’s Leo Flores explains what they’re doing to make the roads safe for this weekend’s weather event, and shares advice for how Houstonians can stay safe while traveling on the road.And finally, we’re joined by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, who discusses her new health book, The Forever Strong Playbook, and the new U.S. dietary guidelines. Plus, we also chat with former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick, who talks about her training and health mindset.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with Nathan Brownell, Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery at CenterPoint Energy, who tells us about the company’s readiness plan for the winter storm expected in Texas this weekend.Then, we hear from Kathryn Guerra, the current TCEQ Campaign Director with Public Citizen, who explains why the agency isn’t prepared to enforce regulations on AI Data centers, and University of Houston archivist Mary Manning tells us about the Tommy Tune collection that will be archived at the university.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who shares his thoughts on the Texas power grid and whether it will be able to hold up for the upcoming winter storm.Also, we discuss the ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival and its impact, with Paige Shoemake, Director of Rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann and Jeff Feinstein, founder of Walk & Roll for SCI and a leader behind the festival’s ReelCommunity events, who also shares the story of his resiliency.Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the things that are currently taking over all their free time as part of our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions, and weigh in on the nominations for the upcoming Oscars.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Eric Sandler, the food and culture editor at CultureMap Houston, who explains why so many Houston restaurants appear to be closing and what this means for the future of dining in Houston.Also, Houston Museum of Natural Science astronomer Hannah Lange joins us to tell us all about the museum’s Astro Year in Review & Preview event, which will reflect on the most exciting space stories of 2025, while also sharing a glimpse of what we can expect in 2026.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Dr. Beth Gilmore, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Houston–Downtown, who discusses the use of force by law enforcement, as well as what rights individuals have when they’re stopped or pursued by law enforcement.Plus, we also hear from Chloe McGhee and Siumy Coreas of the local all-female mariachi band "Las Chabelitas," who tell us more about the group and the growing influence of female mariachi bands despite the genre traditionally being male-dominated.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including discussing the arctic cold front that’s expected to bring freezing or near-freezing temperatures in Houston this weekend with ABC13 Chief Meteorologist Travis Herzog, USPS warning voters not to wait to mail their voter registration forms or mail-in ballots, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by News 88-7 reporter Bianca Seward in the first hour of the show, who breaks down the results of a new study on HISD after the state takeover, as well as what the findings could mean for the district.Then, Registered Dietitian Catherine Kruppa shares her thoughts on the new U.S. dietary guidelines and takes questions from Hello Houston listeners on how to get your diet right for the new year.In the show’s second hour, we hear from Houstonian Terry Estes, who joins us to share her experience with mission work, and Dr. Ben Adesope, CEO of the Houston area non-profit Faith In Practice, tells us more about the organization's work leading medical mission trips to Guatemala.Plus, Rice University psychologist Kirsten Adam tells us about her work understanding how visual distractions pull our attention away and how the brain works to regain that focus.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including NASA moving forward with a possible Artemis II launch and the one-year anniversary of the start of President Trump’s second term. 

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston Emergency Center Director Roderick Jackson in the first hour of the show, who explains how the center stays ready when Houstonians need help the most.Then, we talk with actor, singer, and comedian John O’Hurley, best known for playing J. Peterman in Seinfeld, who tells us more about his film and television career, as well as his upcoming one-man show here in Houston.In the show’s second hour, legendary Houston sportswriter and Texas Hall of Famer, John McClain, joins us, along with film producer Rob Lynch, to discuss The PVIL Story: Separate…But Equal, a sports documentary he’s hosting about the Prairie View Interscholastic League.And finally, we share a list of events happening this MLK Day weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”And, as always, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress discuss today’s top headlines at the top of each hour, including a new poll showing Texas State Rep. James Talarico leading U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic Senate primary, President Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if the anti-ICE protests in Minnesota continue, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss the future of Houston’s iconic landmark, the Astrodome, with Beth Wiedower Jackson, executive director of the Astrodome Conservancy, who also tells us about the group’s efforts to save the dome.Then, we’re joined by DACAMERA Artistic Director Sarah Rothenberg and cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton, who tell us about D’Est en musique, an upcoming live performance that will run for two nights at the Hobby Center.In the show’s second hour, Brian Ellison, senior program manager for the area non-profit Project Row Houses, breaks down their Business Residency Program, an initiative that provides affordable space and support to help local entrepreneurs grow while staying rooted in Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood.Plus, our hosts and listeners share a rundown of the things that are currently taking over all their free time, as part of our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top headlines at the top of each hour, including Texas health officials proposing significant fee increases for hemp businesses and Gov. Greg Abbott calling for people who obstruct immigration enforcement to be arrested.

On today’s Hello Houston, interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne joins us in the first hour of the show to share his thoughts on the recent threats Governor Greg Abbott has made about taking over Harris County elections and what comes next.Then, we revisit a conversation Frank had with Karen Winston, a licensed master social worker and former psychotherapist to the Houston Texans, for his Friends of Frank series.In the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and a candidate for Harris County Judge, who talks to us about his platform as well as takes questions from Hello Houston listeners.Plus, Houston-based musician, author, filmmaker, and professional storm chaser Hank Schyma joins us to tell us more about his storm chasing career and his recently released book, Storm: Chasing Nature’s Wildest Weather.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including parents filing a lawsuit against a man accused of sexually assaulting their child at a Houston Texans game, several Texas private schools being barred from the state’s new school voucher program, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by John Diamond, senior director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute, who helps break down the job market outlook for 2026 as well as what lies ahead for workers and employers.Also, in the first hour, we learn all about the upcoming MLK Unity Parade - which unites two of Houston’s longstanding Martin Luther King Day parades into a single event - with local radio personality Madd Hatta, who’s one of the parade’s grand marshals.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by newly elected Houston City Councilmember Alejandra Salinas, who discusses the latest city council issues, shares her vision and priorities for 2026, and fields questions from Hello Houston listeners.Plus, Brett Ishida, artistic director of the ISHIDA Dance Company, choreographer Kristian Lever, and dancer Maddie Medina, join us to tell us more about the nationally recognized dance company and their upcoming program, Rara avis, which is being presented by Asia Society Texas.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas faith leaders urging public school boards not to adopt rules setting aside time for prayer, the introduction of a bill to make Greenland the 51st state, and Texas Democrats calling for an investigation into Elon Musk’s AI chatbot on X.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus, who breaks down where Texas is headed politically in 2026 and which races we should be paying attention to.Then, Sharon Fletcher, executive director of the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy, joins us to tell us more about the history behind this historic Houston neighborhood and how the Conservancy is keeping its story alive for future generations.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by the new director of the University of Houston’s Institute for Ecological Resilience, Jaime González, who discusses his vision for the institute and why ecological resilience matters for the future of our region.Plus, Raheel Ramzanali, formerly of ESPN radio and CityCast Houston, joins us to share his thoughts on tonight’s big playoff game between the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as what’s at stake for the Texans.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Governor Greg Abbott threatening a takeover of Harris County elections, the nationwide protests following last week’s shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician at UTHealth Houston, who discusses the surge in flu and COVID cases around the country over the holiday season, as well as what’s driving this increase.  Then, we’re joined by Anthony Brandt, a professor of composition and music theory at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, who tells us all about the school’s new Music, Mind and Body Lab, and what it will be focused on studying.In the show’s second hour, Houston entrepreneur Jerome D. Love fills us in on What is Rich, a new docuseries he is hosting, which explores how people across the country, from entrepreneurs to everyday Americans, are redefining wealth beyond just money.Also, Bernie Tretta, the Athletes with Disabilities Captain for the Chevron Houston Marathon, talks to us about the marathoners with disabilities who participate in the event and her work with them.And, as always, Celeste and guest host Doug Miller talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the controversial plan to expand Ben Taub Hospital into Hermann Park, the unclear future of the Astrodome, and more.Plus, University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs joins in to share his thoughts on oil executives meeting at the White House to discuss plans for Venezuela.

On today’s Hello Houston, Celeste and guest host Doug Miller begin the show by talking with the Baker Institute for Public Policy’s Tony Payan, who joins us to discuss yesterday’s tragic shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent.Also, in the first hour, Dr. Debalina Sengupta, Assistant VP and COO of the University of Houston’s Energy Transition Institute, explains what the government can do to improve recycling rates in the U.S. and the challenges preventing these changes from happening.In the show’s second hour, Brett Singer, a sports dietician with the Memorial Hermann Rockets Sports Medicine Institute, joins in to share his thoughts on the new U.S. dietary guidelines unveiled yesterday, and the food groups being prioritized.Then, we hear another edition of Frank Billingsley’s “Friends of Frank” series, in which he sits down with podcaster, author, content creator, and former Houston news anchor of nearly 30 years, Dominique Sachse.Plus, our hosts and listeners share a rundown of the things they’re currently obsessed with this week, for our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with State Representative and chair of the House Democratic Caucus Committee on Free Speech, Donna Howard, who shares her thoughts on educators leaving the state of Texas due to free speech issues. Also, in the show’s first hour, we learn more about the popular health challenge Dry January, in which people abstain from alcohol for the entire 31-day month, with Julian Braithwaite, CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who joins us to share his vision and priorities for 2026, including investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community services across the precinct.Then, Beauty and the Beast director and choreographer Matt West tells us all about the 30th anniversary production of the hit musical, which is on stage now at the Hobby Center through Sunday, January 18.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Pentagon reviewing women in ground combat jobs to ensure their "effectiveness," and Dr. Peter Hotez joins in to discuss the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reducing the number of vaccines routinely recommended for children.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former FBI agent and federal prosecutor Tony Box, a first-time candidate running to be the democratic nominee for Texas Attorney General, who tells us about his platform and why he decided to run.Then, Ernie and Celeste share a rundown of predictions they have for the new year for Hello Houston’s 2026 Bingo Card.In the second hour of the show, author Linda Dodge joins us to discuss her new book A Museum is Born: How the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Came to Be, as well as tell us more about the museum's history and why its story still resonates today.Plus, we find out how we can manage our New Year’s resolutions and follow through on our self-improvement goals with Durrell Douglas, director of TEDxThirdWard.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the criminal trial of former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales, the non-displaying of a plaque honoring the police who defended the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, in the wake of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Rice University’s Dr. Richard Stoll, who breaks down the recent developments and how this situation impacts Houston.Then, we’re joined by Bill King, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, who discusses his new book, Depopulation: Our New Demographic Reality, which is about how shifting population changes will reshape our world.In the second hour of the show, we continue our coverage of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who shares his thoughts on President Trump wanting to bring in American oil companies to fix the country’s oil infrastructure.Also, Jack Massing, executive director of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, and one half of the legendary artist duo “The Art Guys,” joins us to discuss the 25th anniversary of one of their most recognizable works – “SUITS: The Clothes Make the Man.”Plus, we also learn more about pet health and nutrition with Houston-area veterinarian Dr. Kristen Cleary and Barbara Marshall, owner of the organic dog food company Wag Tantrum.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department, who explains what’s being done to address the disparities in healthcare access in Houston, and what changes could be made to make healthcare more accessible.Then, Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch and Jennifer Sommers, director of the Houston Ballet Academy, tell us all about this year’s annual production of The Nutcracker, which is running through December 28.In the second hour of the show, in the wake of the tragic death of actor/director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle, we pay tribute to his legacy with a portion of Ernie Manouse’s conversation with Reiner from 2010 for his series “InnerVIEWS.” To watch the full interview, click here.Plus, Ernie talks with actor, playwright, and director John Cameron Mitchell, ahead of his upcoming event with Arthouse Houston. And finally, our hosts share a list of holiday-themed events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the White House adding plaques that criticize some of President Trump’s predecessors, President Trump signing an executive order reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agreeing to unseal his divorce case.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, Dr. Nikolas Guggenberger, in the first hour of the show, who helps break down the potential takeover of Warner Bros. by Netflix.Then, we hear from Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston cardiologist Dr. Khash Hematpour, who explains how people can maintain a healthy heart during the holidays and why there’s an increase in heart attacks during this time of the year.In the second hour, we talk with Midtown Management District board members Jeanette Criglar and Maggie Segrich about the 10-year, $38 million plan to reinvent Houston’s Midtown, as well as how the plan will be implemented, and what other improvements we can expect.Also, Matt Bailey, founder of the music analytics company Your Hit Momentum Report, joins Ernie, Frank, and Celeste for a special Christmas music edition of our regular Thursday feature, "Current Obsessions."And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories, including President Trump’s primetime address to the nation yesterday, and at the top of the second hour, we’re joined by Harris County Judge candidate and former Houston Mayor, Annise Parker, who discusses her recent criticisms by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by discussing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ interview with Vanity Fair in which she discusses President Trump’s first year in his second term, and what was revealed from the interview.Then, we hear from psychologist Dr. Kelly Cosgrove, who shares her thoughts on whether Australia’s ban on social media for kids under 16 would be effective in the United States, and Moody Gardens PR Manager Jared Schaller tells us all about their annual Holiday in the Gardens Festival and what’s new this year.In the show’s second hour, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joins us to discuss the county’s budget shortfall, her comments about possible successors, and more. Also, AP Reporter Juan Lozano breaks down his report on the Justice Department quietly ending its monitoring of illegal dumping in Houston neighborhoods.And finally, we hear Celeste talk with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas just ahead of his broadcast tonight from Houston, as part of the network’s “Reporting for America” campaign.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’ll talk with Adam Langley, associate director of tax policy at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, who helps break down Governor Abbott’s proposed plans for lowering property taxes in Texas and their long-term impact.Also, Adam-Cohen Aslatei, CEO of the modern matchmaking service Three Day Rule, shares his thoughts on how singles and new and existing couples can navigate the difficulties of dating during the holidays.Then, in the show’s second hour, we discuss “Trump Accounts," new government-funded savings accounts that offer $1000 to every newborn in the United States, with financial planner Juan HernandezAriano, who explains how these accounts will affect the parents’ finances.Plus, Houston-based actress Courtney Markowitz joins us to tell us about her role in the Theatre Under the Stars production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, which is currently at the Hobby Center through December 24.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas universities possibly using AI to rework how some courses discuss race and gender, and President Trump signing an executive order that designates fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with legendary Houston broadcaster Shara Fryer, who discusses her colleague and co-anchor from 1986 to 2003, Dave Ward, following his passing at the age of 86 on Saturday. Also, Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow at the University of Houston, breaks down the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by the Trump administration, and Ernie talks with Kelli Soika and Michael Fahey of the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO), who discuss what they have in store ahead of the New Year.In the second hour of the show, we are joined by longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson, who, after recently announcing her retirement, reflects on her more than four decades at the station, the stories that shaped Houston, and what comes next as she enters this new chapter of her life.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day, including Alejandra Salinas winning the runoff election to fill a vacant at-large seat on the Houston City Council, Houston Mayor John Whitmire being reprimanded by the Harris County Democratic Party, and the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Chet Garner, host of the six-time Emmy Award-winning travel series, The Daytripper, who tells us more about the series and where you and your family can travel during this holiday season.Then, Daniel Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at MFAH, joins us to tell us all about Christmas Village at Bayou Bend and how the museum’s historic mansion is transformed into an immersive holiday experience.In the second hour of the show, Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau, helps break down President Trump’s $12 billion aid package for American farmers, and whether this aid package will be enough to support farmers dealing with deep financial losses. Plus, our hosts share a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including subsidies for the Affordable Care Act expiring by the end of the year and the Trump administration ordering national parks to remove any merchandise from their gift shops that promotes DEI.