City Cast Houston

We all do things as Houstonians that we’re not proud of…like honking at people driving 20mph below the speed limit or always showing up late to an event because of traffic! So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones and Tessa Barrera, co-host of Houston Life on KPRC, to confess their toxic Houston traits and learn some from you, the listeners!  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 17th episode: Visit Port Aransas Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Unpacks Purpose | PLUS What Tariffs Mean For Fashion from The Run-Through with Vogue.Follow the show: The Run-Through with Vogue After winning three (!) Tonys for his play Appropriate, Branden Jacobs Jenkins is back on Broadway with another epic family drama: Purpose. This time, it's directed by the one-and-only Phylicia Rashad (swoon) and centers a Black Political elite who finds themselves at a crossroads. Chloe and Vogue’s Features Editor Marley Marius talk with Branden about identity, writing characters for the stage and how he feels about being back in the Condé Nast offices after his long-ago stint at The New Yorker.PLUS: How does Trump’s Tariffs affect customers and the fashion industry? We invite Vogue Business Executive Americas Editor Hilary Milnes to break down the news.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

Now that almost every business interaction seems to end with a tip screen, we asked ourselves: What are the new rules of tipping in Houston? And have we reached a tipping point with tipping? Helping host Raheel Ramzanali dig into this is Houstonia Magazine’s editor-in-chief Emma Balter and Ryan Lachaine, chef and co-owner of RIEL in Montrose.  Stories we talked about on today’s show and more about our guests:  Texans among worst tippers in America, but still better than California Has U.S. Tipping Culture Reached a Tipping Point? Check out Emma’s work in Houstonia Magazine  Learn more about Ryan Lachaine’s journey at Riel Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Visit Port Aransas Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably seen them parked at bus stops, or at the edge of a parking lot: abandoned shopping carts. They might seem like just a nuisance, but dealing with them is more complicated than you think. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks it through with Ryan Nickerson, the Houston Chronicle’s quality of life reporter. Dive deeper into today’s story: Abandoned shopping carts are a persistent problem in Houston. Here's how the city wants to solve it. What impacts your quality of life the most in Houston? Houston Architecture Information Forum on Abandoned Shopping Cart Stolen, abandoned shopping carts draw ire of Houston leaders Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: Visit Port Aransas Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Cozy Earth - Use code HOUSTON for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Photo: David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been plenty of controversy over bike lanes in Midtown. Mayor Whitmire initially removed protected lanes on Austin Street without warning, later reversing course in a compromise with the biking community. But some worry that his track record could put other protected bike lanes at risk. Host Raheel Ramzanali digs into the bike lane battles with Joe Cutrufo, executive director of BikeHouston, to talk about how the mayor’s decisions affect safety, what’s at stake on 11th Street in the Heights, and why expanding bike lanes matters for all Houstonians. Stories we talked about on today’s show:  Pivoting, Whitmire says Austin Street will get a dedicated bike lane, but no physical barrier Houston cyclists decry 'armadillo' removal as city eyes new measures City of Houston draft report touts 11th Street's success Mayor Whitmire on Hello Houston Derek Fincham explaining how physical barriers saved his life  Learn more about BikeHouston  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: Visit Port Aransas Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on some of Houston’s smartest and most in-the-know journalists and commentators to recap the week’s bigest news. He’s joined by Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at the Houston Landing, and Charles Blain, conservative commentator and president of the Urban Reform Institute, to preview a major GOP showdown, changes to teacher pay, a tragic attack on Afghan girls in a lunchroom, and more.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  Texas AG Ken Paxton officially joins U.S. Senate race challenging John Cornyn John Cornyn’s Statement on X  Mike Miles: HISD to launch ‘largest pay-for-performance plan in the nation’ in fall 2026 Houston ISD federal bribery trial enters its third week. Here's what to know. New home, same care: Former Texas Children’s midwives join Woman’s Hospital of Texas New study finds maternal mortality in Texas rose faster than national rate HISD completes transfer after alleged assault of Afghan girls GOAL! Meet the Latina behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup Houston poster Art Car Parade Learn more Houston Health Department’s Community Re-Entry Network Program 12th Annual Lyons Ave. Renaissance Festival  More things to do in April! Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode: Visit Port Aransas British International School of Houston Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Photo: Chen Chen/Xinhua via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the final stretch of that perfect spring weather in Houston, and host Raheel Ramzanali wants to soak it all up, without spending a fortune. So, he’s challenged executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to plan the perfect spring day in H-town for under $50!  Brooke’s Perfect Spring Day in Montrose:  Coffee at Empire Cafe  Shopping at Space Montrose, Leopard Lounge, and others Lunch at ChopnBlok  Visit The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel  Laura’s Perfect Spring Day:  Heights Blvd. Morning Walk  Brunch at EMA Check out the stores on 19th Street  Donation-based yoga at Black Swan Yoga Happy Hour at Padre’s Wine Company or Onion Creek  Pizza at Coltivare  Raheel’s Perfect Spring Day:  Blue Moon latte at Summer Moon  Brunch at Shykatz Cafe Free beach on the west side of Galveston or under Murdoch’s Happy hour at Fish Taco Company  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode: Visit Port Aransas British International School of Houston Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can thank the Czech settlers in the 1800s for bringing kolaches to Texas. Now they’ve become one of our favorite breakfast treats in Houston. But with so many places, picking the best kolache spot can can be overwhelming. So, Houston food content creator Shawn the Food Sheep joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give his recommendations of places you need to try ASAP. From sweet fruity fillings to savory and spicy options, these kolaches will have you ready to conquer the day. This episode originally aired on June 27, 2023. Check out the recommendations from today’s conversation: Kolache Shoppe  Koala Kolache  Koffeteria Shipley Donuts The Original Kolache Shoppe Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode: Visit Port Aransas British International School of Houston Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 5,000 Houstonians rallied at City Hall to protest President Trump and Elon Musk, plus even more rallies in Montgomery County and across the country. Plus, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. visited the epicenter of Texas’ measles outbreak, and local nonprofits supporting refugees say their crisis is deepening. Executive Producer Laura Isensee is breaking it all down with Chron.com trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen. Learn more about the stories we talked about today: Thousands rally at City Hall for Hands Off! protest against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump Exclusive: Trump order disrupts $100 million in aid for Houston refugees. Can it be recovered? A second Texas child has died from measles; RFK Jr. visits How Long Will the Texas Measles Outbreak Last? Pivoting, Whitmire says Austin Street will get a dedicated bike lane, but no physical barrier Cougar fans take over San Antonio as Final Four festivities get underway WATCH: Clumsy robber fumbles gun, slips and falls during attempted armed robbery at Houston convenience store  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th episode: Visit Port Aransas British International School of Houston Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A second unvaccinated child with measles has died in West Texas, as the measles outbreak reaches nearly 500 cases and shows no signs of slowing. While U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., visited the epicenter of the crisis on Sunday, we wanted to know: how long will the measles outbreak last? And how can Houstonians protect themselves and their kids? Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with Dr. Sandi Cohan and Lorena Mottu, both with Legacy Community Health, to learn more. Dive deeper into today's conversation: A second Texas child has died from measles; RFK Jr. visits Measles outbreak could last a year, health official in Texas says Texas is poised to make measles a nationwide epidemic, public health experts say With measles in the news, adults are wondering, do I need a vaccine booster? Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: Visit Port Aransas British International School of Houston Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Producer Carlignon Jones and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz break down the week’s biggest stories, from the city’s record-breaking overtime crisis to a national protest against President Trump coming to Houston. Plus, more on game room raids across the city, why the mayor’s removing bike lanes in Midtown, and their moments of joy! Learn more about the stories we talked about today: Mayor Whitmire, Controller Hollins spar over Houston’s $137M in overtime pay for city employees Houston protest decries Trump and Musk cuts affecting services 'families rely on' Houston businesses brace for costs as Trump's tariffs loom Whitmire stresses maintaining public safety as fears grow over future of Houston's bike lanes City official says Austin Street bike lane hindered HFD — firefighters say they used it Houston game rooms raided: Numerous locations targeted by authorities Houston's Top 6 Food Festivals to Check Out This Spring Enjoy Houston’s Intoxicating Jasmine Air While You Can Learn more about the sponsors of this April 4th episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning a spring getaway or summer trip? You don’t need to splurge to take your dream vacation, at least for your flight. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes is sharing his top tips for finding cheap flights out of Houston, whether it’s from Hobby Airport or Bush Intercontinental Airport.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston is buzzing with parties, but host Raheel Ramzanali has discovered one that’s a perfect match for his love of coffee. Meanwhile, how much would you shell out for exclusive access to a members-only bar? Plus, find out why the drama over a new matcha brand in H-town has gone viral. Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, joins Raheel to break down the latest food trends in Houston. Want to know more? Check out the stories we talked about today: Coffee shop raves are becoming the next big thing in Houston The Tea on All That Matcha Girl Drama in Houston Members-only clubs and bars with hefty price tags are on the rise in Houston Exclusive, members-only wine club 55 Seventy is coming to Houston Dollar dogs, crazy nachos, margaritas: the foods, drinks of Astros games Dallas-based Tex Mex chain Mi Cocina shutters last Houston location Talespin Pizza is blowing up on social media. Here's what it tastes like. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April screams spring in H-Town with that final stretch of perfect weather and exciting outdoor events! To help you make the most out of it, the City Cast Houston team has hand-picked the best things to do this month — events you won’t find anywhere else.  From a picnic for adults to a Grammy-nominated Houston band…Oh, and amazing Black-owned restaurants to try, we’ve got your April plans covered! Want to enjoy even more things around Houston this month? Check out the top 6 food festivals we’re excited about this month!  Check out all our insider tips here: Art Car Parade Big Blanket Picnic Khruangbin at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Black Restaurant Week Bungalow Dining Mo’ Brunch + Brews Lucille’s HTX Storytellers - Family Third Ward Annual Easter Block Party Earth Day Celebration Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Photo: Brett Coomer Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 50 years ago, more than two dozen teenage boys in Houston were tortured and murdered by the "Candy Man," one of the country's most prolific serial killers. But the crime was ignored for too long. Now a new book reveals how a scientist restored the long-lost identity of several victims and why the case still matters today. City Cast Houston executive producer Laura Isensee sat down with Lise Olsen, author of “The Scientist and the Serial Killer,” and forensic anthropologist Sharon Derrick to learn more. And just a heads up, this episode focuses on a topic that is graphic in nature. To learn more about the case, check out these upcoming book events: Book launch at Murder by the Book on April 1 Conversation with Maggie Galehouse at the Barnes & Noble in Webster on April 11 Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali and political commentator Rafael Lemaitre break down the week’s biggest stories—from the Texas Lottery scame to new cuts to the federal workforce that will impact us in Houston. Plus, why your allergies are flaring up, the latest on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s THC ban, and their moments of joy! Stories we talked about on today’s show:  The Trump administration restructures federal health agencies, cuts 20,000 jobs 'I want my money back': How Texas could recover cash from $95 million stacked-odds Lotto game Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he’ll push for special session if THC ban, bail changes fail No, funds from the Texas Lottery do not mostly support Texas education Think you know which Texas city has the worst allergies? Think again. Maps show when allergy season will peak near you Houston oak pollen count breaks record for month of March If you enjoyed today's interview with A.D. Players Theater's Director of Education and Theatre for Young Audiences, Andy Pederson, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 28th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artechouse St. Thomas High School Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston’s food scene is amazing, from taco trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. But did you know that we also have some incredible food festivals? With spring the perfect time to indulge, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Marco Torres, taco columnist at the Houston Chronicle, on the top six food festivals you don’t want to miss. Oh, and Raheel has a bonus pick, so grab your stretchy pants!  Check out Marco’s recommendations and more about H-town’s food festivals and other things we talked about on the show:  Oyster & Seafest Festival 2025 CultureMap Houston Tastemaker Awards Houston Barbecue Festival Tacos and Tequila Festival Houston Brazilian Food & Music Festival Top Taco  22 Houston-area spring festivals celebrating food, music and art How Lucha Libre Wrestling is Changing This Houston Community Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artechouse St. Thomas High School Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Houston are you? Host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis about things you have to experience to make you a REAL Houstonian. From honking in traffic to seeing a herd of cattle run all over 45 north, you’re not a real Houstonian until you’ve… Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Magic Island City Cast Houston’s Taco Guide Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artechouse St. Thomas High School Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Raheel Ramzanali and Axios Houston’s Shafaq Patel break down H-Town’s biggest stories. They recap all the records the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo broke this year, why Tilman Ferttita might leave Landry’s, and a wild theft scandal in Houston’s little league sports! Stories we talked about on today’s show:  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sees over 2.5M attendees during 2025 season Houston Rodeo volunteers let Colin Drum into the Rodeo because he looks like CJ Stroud Tilman Fertitta resigning from Landry's role as he prepares to become U.S. ambassador to Italy Why Texas could face a steeper burden if Trump slashes FEMA Trump travel ban may hit Astros players from Cuba, Venezuela With passage of SB 3, Texas Senate green-lights ban on THC products in the state Expect a strong bluebonnet season in Houston President of northwest Houston little league club removed after thousands of dollars goes missing Read more of Shafaq’s stories here  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artechouse St. Thomas High School Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas is getting closer to making school vouchers a reality, sending public money to families for private school tuition. But who stands the gain the most — and who would lose out? Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it all down with Brooke Kushwaha, education reporter at the Houston Landing, and Felicia Martin, executive director at the watchdog agency Texas Freedom Network. Plus, find out how the program would impact YOU!  Dive deeper into today’s conversation: Different pace and priorities separate Texas Senate and House on school vouchers School Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona’s Budget. Answer Key: Could my child get school vouchers under proposed Texas plan? How Voucher Vendors Could Make Millions from ‘School Choice’ in Texas Answer Key: How many Texas students might get private school vouchers? Answer Key: How much money could Texas public schools lose from vouchers? Here’s what we know. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artechouse St. Thomas High School Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices