City Cast Houston

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

Did We Really Need A "King of the Hill" Reboot?!

August 18, 2025 • 25 mins
After more than 15 years, our beloved TV show “King of the Hill” is back with a new season. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Kate Sánchez, founder of the pop culture website "But Why Tho?", to talk about if the revival does the original justice, their favorite moments, and if it’s the greatest TV show ever about Texas.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  REVIEW: ‘King Of The Hill’ Season 14 Is the Best Revival Eve...
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Trump Burger With a Side of Murder-for-Hire, Hospital vs. Parks, & Raises for Constables?

August 15, 2025 • 35 mins
There are wild stories, and then there’s Trump Burger. Host Raheel Ramzanali teams up with conservative commentator Charles Blain and executive producer Laura Isensee to unpack the week’s biggest headlines — from the latest twists in the Trump Burger saga to the redistricting showdown between Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Democrats. Plus, they share the moments that brought them the most joy this week! Stories we talked about on to...
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Are Houston Summers Causing Seasonal Affective Disorder?

August 14, 2025 • 22 mins
Summer break is over, but it’s still hot in H-Town. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is learning about how the summer heat can impact our mental health from Dr. Asim Shah, chief of psychiatry and director of mood disorder research at the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital. Plus, Dr. Shah gives us tips on how to prevent it from impacting you.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Holocaust Museum Houston's Director of Collections...
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Why Are So Many Top-Rated Restaurants Closing in Houston?

August 13, 2025 • 20 mins
Houston has been building its national reputation as a foodie city, but some of our top-rated and longtime restaurants are closing down. What’s going on?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Culture Map Houston’s editor Eric Sandler about what’s behind the closures and what it means for chefs and restauranteurs in the future.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  Top-rated Houston restaurant will close after 8 years in ...
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HISD Superintendent Miles on Back-to-School, Student Progress, & School Closures

August 12, 2025 • 31 mins
Today marks the first day of back-to-school for over 170,000 students and some 10,000 teachers in the Houston Independent School District. State-appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is joining host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about the latest state ratings, potential school closures, teacher turnover and more changes you need to know for the new year.   Stories we talked about on today’s show:  HISD has no F-rated schools i...
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Is Houston Really Prioritizing Road Safety?

August 11, 2025 • 20 mins
Houston traffic fatalities hit record numbers last year — so why is City Hall pushing back against road designs that researchers say are safer? Executive producer Laura Isensee is talking with Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement for the Houston Chronicle, about the controversial road design changes on Telephone Road, what this means for all Houstonians, and how the city’s growth plays into all this. Why isn't...
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Texas Redistricting Wars, Secretive Crypto & Job Losses for Black Women

August 8, 2025 • 33 mins
All eyes were on Texas this week as dozens of House Democrats fled the state, temporarily blocking the GOP’s push to redraw political maps and gain five new seats in Congress. Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, about what makes this quorum break different — and what might come next. Plus, they dig int...
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BBQ, NASA, or the Rodeo? We Pick the ‘Most Houston’ Thing Ever

August 7, 2025 • 37 mins
There are so many uniquely Houston institutions, foods, pop culture icons, and moments in time that have become symbols of the city. But which one best defines H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are making the case for their favorites in an epic, multi-round competition, with Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU, stepping in as judge.  So, which local icon was dubbed the “Most Houston” ...
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Best Back-to-School Snacks for Grown-Ups & Kids

August 6, 2025 • 19 mins
School is almost back in session, so it’s the perfect time to step up your snack game. Whether you have kids in school or just love a good treat yourself, this episode is for you. Emily Hill with Texas Grocery Finds joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to talk about best snacks for this season. Plus, where you can get the best bang for your buck! Follow Emily on Instagram for even more Texas grocery finds!  Learn more about t...
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The Great Astrodome Debate: Tear It Down, or Renovate?

August 5, 2025 • 29 mins
It’s the Eighth Wonder of the World, and one of Houston’s most iconic landmarks. The Astros played there. George Strait and Selena performed there. But for more than a decade, the Astrodome has sat empty and neglected. Now, a new poll shows a majority of Houston voters support spending public money to renovate it. So, could this FINALLY be the moment we do something with the Dome? City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still te...
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Can Mayor Whitmire Really End Homelessness in Houston?

August 4, 2025 • 33 mins
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has launched an ambitious campaign to solve a complex problem in Houston: Getting thousands of people off the streets and into stable housing. To find out exactly how he plans to accomplish this, and how much money it will take, City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is sitting down with Director of Housing and Community Development Mike Nichols. Dive deeper into today’s episode: Stern and Marks: P...
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Traffic Still Sucks, Fallout From Redistricting, and ‘King of the Hill’ Returns!

August 1, 2025 • 36 mins
Traffic is really out of control … officially! Also, how will your representative in Congress change if the new Texas GOP maps get passed? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Houstonia Magazine’s Erica Cheng to break down these and other big stories from this week. You won’t believe what game is taking over the city, and Raheel is PSYCHED that one of his favorite shows is returning to TV.  Stori...
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Your Guide to August 2025 in Houston

July 31, 2025 • 29 mins
August in Houston is notorious for its steamy heat and back-to-school rush. So, we’ve curated a list just for you to stay cool, enjoy the last taste of summer, and know what stories to watch this month. In this episode, you’ll hear insider tips for an Astros’ game, the best spot for ice cream in Montrose, and a new bookstore-plus-bar that’s worth the drive to the ‘burbs! Want to recreate your iconic childhood summers in Houston? C...
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Top Picks for Houston Restaurant Weeks. Plus, Will Shipley Donuts Change?!

July 30, 2025 • 26 mins
Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking food with the editor of Culture Map Houston, Eric Sandler. They start by breaking down the big news in food: Shipley Donuts getting bought out by another private equity firm. Will our beloved donut chain remain the same or are we getting another Whataburger situation? Plus, everything you need to know about Houston Restaurant Weeks — especially where to eat — and our hottest food takes from the mont...
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Trump Threatens Beyoncé, Downtown Scooter Ban, and Detaining U.S. Citizens

July 29, 2025 • 35 mins
Not many of us were ready for a President Trump vs Beyoncé showdown, but that could be happening soon … in the courts. Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are catching you up that story down plus the proposed scooter ban in downtown, the latest on redistricting, and Texas under Trump.  Get more from City Cast Houston when you become a City Cast Houston Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, i...
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What Will Lawmakers Do About the THC Ban, Redistricting, and More

July 28, 2025 • 32 mins
Governor Abbott’s special session is underway with a lot of items on the agenda. So, how will this special session impact Houston specifically? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter for Chron.com, about four items on the agenda: redistricting, the THC ban, flooding, and the STAAR test.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28th episode: Holocaust Museum Houston Visit Port Aransas H...
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Judge Hidalgo’s Low Approval Ratings, Penny Tax for Childcare & Mayor Whitmire’s Club Crackdown

July 25, 2025 • 36 mins
It’s Friday, so host Raheel Ramzanali is catching you up on on the week’s biggest news with conservative commentator Charles Blain. They dig into the redistricting efforts in the Texas Legislature’s special session and what it means for Houston. Plus, how voters feel about Harris County officials and why Mayor Whitmire is going after clubs instead of crime. And, of course, we can’t close the week without our moments of joy! Stor...
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Must-Try Water Parks & Roller Rinks for the Ultimate Houston Summer

July 24, 2025 • 25 mins
Astroworld, Funplex, the neighborhood pool, and so many other places defined some of our favorite summer memories as kids in Houston. But, where do we go now to recreate them? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to talk about their favorite summer memories and where you can go now as adults to relive them.  Places we talked about on today's show:  ...
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How to Get the Cheapest Flights From Houston

July 23, 2025 • 27 mins
Looking for a last-minute summer getaway? Or planning a fall trip? We’re helping you save money on flights on today's episode of City Cast Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes to get his best 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 July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up ...
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Why Car Break-Ins in Montrose Have Houstonians Feeling Helpless

July 22, 2025 • 32 mins
KB Brown LOVES Montrose. She’s the self-proclaimed Mayor of Montrose and owns several businesses there, but recently she’s feeling pretty frustrated about car break-ins in the neighborhood. Host Raheel Ramzanali talsk with KB about what’s causing the problem, what Houston police are doing about it, and what this means for Montrose.  Stories we talked about on today’s show:  ‘We need help down here’: Montrose residents raise ...
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