On Thursday's show: We’re keeping a close eye on the rapidly intensifying Hurricane Rafael in the Gulf of Mexico. Could it head here? We discuss the latest of what’s known about the storm’s track with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard.

Also this hour: Former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House. Ted Cruz will stay in the U.S. Senate. So, now what? Longtime activist Sam Daley-Harris offers his advice for what to do in the periods between elections as he encourages everyday citizens to get involved in government. Harris is the author of Reclaiming Our Democracy and we talk with him ahead of a visit to Houston.

Then, we revisit a 2018 conversation with Jon Meacham about his book, The Soul of America, which examines some particularly trying times in our nation’s history when presidents and ordinary citizens came together to overcome fear and hate.

And we revisit a 2018 conversation with writer Mitch Albom, who’s headed to Houston this weekend to discuss his latest book at the annual Jewish Book & Arts Festival.

Finally, we learn about the music agency Wonky Power, which produces live concerts in Houston and helps define Latino music and culture here.