City Cast Houston
Food, culture, news and nature in the sweaty Bayou City. Join Host Raheel Ramzanali and the City Cast Houston team as we celebrate and interrogate this sprawling place with our favorite journalists, thinkers, leaders, neighbors and gadflies. Learn more and subscribe to our daily morning newsletter, Hey Houston, at houston.citycast.fm.
Episodes
March 21, 2025 • 33 mins
It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the biggest stories in Houston this week. Today, he’s joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter for The Texas Newsroom. They discuss the details of a Houston-area midwife arrested under the state’s near-total abortion ban. Plus, the wildfire near Sam Houston National Forest, and why Houston was ranked one of America’s ‘unhappiest’ cities!
Stories and links from...
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March 20, 2025 • 31 mins
Imagine waking up as a billionaire—just like Tilman Fertitta, the Arnolds, and other Houston billionaires. How would you improve Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali joins executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to brainstorm how they'd transform H-Town with a billion dollars. From the arts to bikes and parks, they share fun and personal ideas for an even better Houston!
Learn more about the spons...
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March 19, 2025 • 18 mins
Can you feel it? Spring is here in Houston, and the weather is PERFECT! To make the most of these breezy, beautiful days, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine, to share her top five outdoor dining and drink spots in H-Town!
Check out the recommendations from today’s show and more:
Truck Yard
Eight Row Flint
Axelrad
Ladybird’s
Tiny Boxwoods
Heights & Co
D’Amico...
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March 18, 2025 • 27 mins
Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the news you need to know with Danya Pérez, diverse communities reporter for the Houston Landing. They start with how Houston Police Department is now calling ICE because of a new database. Then, Mayor Whitmire is offering buyouts for city employees, but will it be enough to close the budget gap? Plus, we’re psyched for March Madness as the University of Houston gears up as one of the top contende...
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March 17, 2025 • 26 mins
In Texas, we’re no stranger to DEI bans. State lawmakers have already banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public colleges. But now, executive orders from former President Donald Trump are pushing even further, prompting companies and private institutions like Rice University to rethink their programs. Producer Carlignon Jones talks with Niiobli Armah IV, founder and principal of the strategy firm We-Collab, to explo...
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March 14, 2025 • 30 mins
It’s the Friday News Roundup! We’re diving into Houston’s biggest ICE operation yet under the new Trump administration and what a new self-deportation app could actually mean. Monique Welch of the Houston Landing joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to break it all down. Plus, we cover free cancer screenings in the Fifth Ward and East End residents protesting a multibillion-dollar upgrade to the downtown convention center. Stick ...
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March 13, 2025 • 25 mins
Houston’s weather may feel perfect right now, but that summer heat isn’t far off. That’s why host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with with Brent Moon, Horticulture Manager at the Houston Botanic Garden, to talk about what to plant this spring for a thriving summer garden. Whether you’re growing fresh veggies or trying to keep your lawn lush, Brent has all the expert tips you need! This episode originally aired April, 11, 2024.
Learn ...
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March 12, 2025 • 28 mins
City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali loves the wild food at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—but does it truly reflect our diverse food scene? Chron.com food reporter Erica Cheng shares how she thinks it could better represent all of H-town. Plus, they dig into Trill Burgers' expansion and the political red meat behind Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s push to rename the New York Strip steak after Texas. Stick around to hear the be...
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March 11, 2025 • 31 mins
It’s spring break in H-Town, but the news isn’t taking a vacation! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia to talk about a sharp rise in violent teen crime, long lines at Big Bend and other national parks, and why Rice University students are standing up for science. Plus, move over, Miami — Houston is apparently the new hot spring break destination!
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Spring break travel beg...
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March 10, 2025 • 34 mins
Today on City Cast Houston, Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee about his fight against President Trump’s current administration. They’ll examine how Trump's executive orders are impacting Houstonians, from the Texas Medical Center’s medical research funds being taken away to federally funded programs being stopped in Harris County. Can Chrisitan Menefee legally win against President Trum...
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March 7, 2025 • 35 mins
Houston lost a longtime political leader this week, with the death of former mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner. Host Raheel Ramzanali discusses his legacy with Aswad Walker, associate editor at The Houston Defender, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Plus, did you catch what Rep. Al Green shouted at President Donald Trump this week before his censure? We break down his message. Oh, and our moments of joy!
Stories we disc...
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March 6, 2025 • 31 mins
Staying in town for spring break? Lucky for you, there are A LOT of fun things to do, but not all of them might be worth a visit. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down which attractions are worth the visit with freelance journalist and mom Brianna Griff and City Cast Houston contributor and social media influencer Antre’chelle Nova. From resort style getaways to immersive art adventures, the trio will help you make the most of your bre...
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March 5, 2025 • 26 mins
Over 200,000 Muslims call Greater Houston home, and they’re flocking to halal restaurants across the city to celebrate Ramadan with family and friends. But, you don’t have to be Muslim or even fasting to enjoy the world-class halal food that’s available in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Nida Ashraf, the blogger behind the popular @NidaEatsHalal on Instagram, to get her top recommendations for halal restaurants we can ...
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March 4, 2025 • 36 mins
When Superintendent Mike Miles took over HISD, he promised no immediate school closures. But with enrollment dropping, school closures are now on the table. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, break that story down. Plus, how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada will impact your car insurance and craft beer. And finally, with the freeze of federal funding, how will H...
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March 3, 2025 • 19 mins
Houston is known as the energy capital of the world, but could it also become a major tech hub? With Apple announcing plans to build a factory for AI servers in Greater Houston, it’s a question we’re wondering. So, Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Houston Chronicle business columnist Chris Tomlinson about why Apple picked Houston and what this deal means for local jobs.
Dive deeper into today’s episode:
Apple's new manufacturi...
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February 28, 2025 • 33 mins
It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston at KHOU Channel 11. They dig into the news you need to know from this week, from the measles outbreak in Texas to the big drop in HISD’s enrollment, and what it all means for Houstonians. Plus, it’s time to rodeo! H-town’s iconic event kicks off today with the BBQ cook-off, trail riders and much more!
Learn more about the stor...
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February 27, 2025 • 27 mins
March might be one of the City Cast Houston team’s favorite months in H-town. It’s rodeo season, the weather is actually nice so we can enjoy the outdoors more, and, of course, we got great eats. In this episode, we’ve got expert tips and recommendations that you won’t hear anywhere else, from kite festivals to fusion restaurants that can only be found in H-Town.
Our picks for March:
City Cast Houston at Mardi Gras Galveston
...
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February 26, 2025 • 24 mins
Sure, the epic concerts and world-class rodeo events are a big draw for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but the incredible food has become one of the main attractions as well! From trending desserts to gigantic turkey legs, the rodeo has some wild and delicious food. Host Raheel Ramzanali is putting together a list of the ones you need to try with the man behind all the wild creation, Dominic Palimieri aka The Midway Gourmet!...
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February 25, 2025 • 31 mins
Thirty years ago, Selena made history at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with her iconic concert. But this year, the Rodeo didn’t include any tribute for the Tejano superstar— and booked few women and artists of color to perform. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle’s music critic and writer, about attending that legendary performance in person, how the rodeo can improve its lineup, and why Selena’s lega...
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February 24, 2025 • 29 mins
It’s Rodeo Week on City Cast Houston! We’re kicking things off with a look at Black cowboy culture and its impact on today’s rodeo. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Dr. Alicia Odewale, a University of Houston professor, about how Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture, and how we can celebrate it all year long!
Plus, don’t miss our special Rodeo Week playlist on Spotify, inspired by this conversation and oth...
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