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 Montrose Picos, a trailblazer in regional Mexican cuisine, will close afte...
Aug 20, 2025•21 min
Houston’s award-winning food scene features a ton of great dishes, but picking one is hard! So, today we’re drafting our ultimate Houston food plate with host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee. This draft is a full-on battle where each person will draft an appetizer, two sides, an entree, and a dessert from any Houston restaurant. Restaurants we talked about today: Why Are So Many Top-Rated Restaurants Clo...
Aug 20, 2025•26 min
Texas Democrats are back in Austin for Gov. Greg Abbott’s second special session, but guess who’s weighing in on redistricting? One hint: “Hasta la vista, baby!” Plus, there’s a new app for Houstonians to track train traffic, but City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still frustrated. Find out why as he breaks down these stories and more with Chron.com’s trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen. Stories we talked about on today’s show: When Texas Democrats head home. Will the GOP's redistric...
Aug 19, 2025•28 min
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 Ever Why ‘King of the Hill’ Is the Most Significant Work of Texan Culture of ...
Aug 18, 2025•26 min
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 today’s show: The untold origin story of Trump Burger: A $250K murder-...
Aug 15, 2025•36 min
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 & Exhibitions, Trevor Boyd, learn more here . Learn more about...
Aug 14, 2025•22 min
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 in 2025, Mike Miles says ahead of official TEA rating release More than 2,30...
Aug 12, 2025•32 min
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 City Hall putting safety first on Telephone Road? | Editorial Houst...
Aug 11, 2025•21 min
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 into why rising unemployment for Black women is especially concernin...
Aug 08, 2025•33 min
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” thing ever, and do you agree with our conclusions? We invited list...
Aug 07, 2025•37 min
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 the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Houston Restaurant Weeks Downt...
Aug 06, 2025•20 min
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 team “tear it down,” but he’s bringing on his buddy and sportscaste...
Aug 05, 2025•29 min
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: Philanthropy isn't the answer to bad government Houston City Council ef...
Aug 04, 2025•34 min
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. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Houston commute woes worsen—now...
Aug 01, 2025•37 min
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? Check out these must-try water parks and roller rinks ! And don’t ...
Jul 31, 2025•30 min
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 month. Check out the places and stories we talked about today: Houst...
Jul 30, 2025•26 min
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, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.ci...
Jul 29, 2025•35 min
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 Houston Restaurant Weeks Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for ...
Jul 28, 2025•33 min
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! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Why Is Mayor Whitmire Scrapping...
Jul 25, 2025•36 min
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: Six Flags: Fiesta Texas The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art Should Y...
Jul 24, 2025•26 min
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 to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Visit Boerne Holocaust Museum Housto...
Jul 23, 2025•28 min
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 safety concerns ahead of Pride Weekend If you enjoyed today's interview wi...
Jul 22, 2025•33 min
Texas’ private school voucher program is here and while many lawmakers and education leaders criticized it during the legislature, the program has some people excited about the future of education in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Cassandra Bandy, former HISD board member and education consultant, about why she’s looking forward to the program launching this year and how it will benefit both students and schools. Stories we talked about today: Private school vouchers are now law in T...
Jul 21, 2025•28 min
We made it to Friday! Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the biggest stories of the week with ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia. From why a Palestinian man was detained without reason at Bush Airport to Mayor Whitmire’s new plan on solving homelessness, Raheel and Pooja are talking about it all. Plus, an update on the Tropic Storm Dexter and how TikTok created a rush of panic in our city. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Why Is Mayor Whitmire Scrapping an Approved Montrose Bike Lane? Houst...
Jul 18, 2025•28 min
If you don’t know by now, we REALLY love Houston. So, today host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by City Cast Houston executive producer Laura Isensee, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to write a love letter to the city to explain why H-Town will always hold a special place in their hearts. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Visit Port Aransas Jones Dairy Farm Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houst...
Jul 17, 2025•29 min
Food trucks are a great way to get a taste of our diverse and innovative culinary scene, but with so many to pick from, it can be overwhelming! So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine, about which food trucks we need to check out! Places we mentioned on today's show: 403 Eats Food Truck Park Boat Basin Food Truck Park Gourmandize Tacos Laguna Our Favorite 25 Tacos in Houston Foreign Policy Food Truck Tacos Tierra Caliente Cheaters Crea...
Jul 16, 2025•16 min
Mayor Whitmire and his administration just scrapped a planned bike lane in Montrose. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dominic Anthony Walsh, reporter at Houston Public Media, about why this administration is taking out another bike lane, what the public response has been to this move, and what this means for other parts of the city. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Montrose loses another planned bike lane as Houston Mayor John Whitmire preserves width of car lanes Houston Subreddi...
Jul 15, 2025•29 min
Houston is home to more than 1 million immigrants — and for many, the path to legal status is confusing, expensive, and painfully slow. Just ask our host Raheel Ramzanali — his family went through it. So on today’s show, he talks with immigration attorney Zulfiqar Prasla to break down why the process is so broken and how it’s impacting immigrants in our city. Dive deeper into today’s topic: What we know (and don’t know) about immigrants living in the Houston area without legal permission DOJ ann...
Jul 14, 2025•24 min
It’s been an intense week of news here in Houston and Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement for the Houston Chronicle, discuss how we can prevent future flooding tragedies in Texas. Plus, they talk about Governor Abbott’s special session agenda and his viral quote about the floods and football. Then, it’s a new meeting time for City Council, dress code reform and a crowded race for Harris County Judge. Oh, and of course they’re ending the week wi...
Jul 11, 2025•31 min
713 Day is coming up this weekend — July 13 named after Houston’s OG area code. So, we’re getting you ready with the best deals and events from Houston influencer ShawnTheFoodSheep! From block parties to drink specials, these recommendations will have you set to celebrate H-Town. Recommendations from Shawn: Meow Wolf x Saint Arnold Block Party Lil Flip and Friends at Karbach 713 Day Fest at Wonky Power 713 Day at the Houston Food Bank 713 Day Adoption Event at the Houston Humane Society Houston ...
Jul 10, 2025•24 min
