What are this city’s best places to relax with friends? To meet them for a night of drinks? Or after a heartbreak? The City Cast crew — Lisa, Carlignon, AK and Brooke — have loads of ideas. Some Karaoke at Spotlight? Or maybe canoeing in Conroe? How about some ritual healing then? Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here . Want to see what we are thinking? Follow our Twitter Want to see what we are doing? Follow our Instagram Don’t have social media and want to...
Sep 29, 2022•29 min
ChopnBlok serves up smoky jollof rice with a side of West African culture, and in less than a year, it’s become one of Houston’s most talked-about restaurants. But its founder, Ope Amosu, is still surprised when people call him “chef.” To keep up with ChopnBlok, follow it on Instagram . Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here . Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts...
Sep 28, 2022•26 min
Houston is the most diverse city in America, but one thing that makes us even more unique is the deep rooted hispanic history here that's unlike any other place in the U.S.! It goes far beyond Tex-Mex and our love for Latin music. Today producer Carlignon Jones sits with University of Houston History professor Raul Ramos to discuss the wide variety of Hispanic cultural contributions from a community that is increasingly defining the core of the city. KHOU 11's Our Story History's 'Texas would n...
Sep 27, 2022•18 min
Hispanics, Latinos, Latinx people. However you define this overlapping set of groups, whatever you call it. It is clearly the fastest growing demographic in the state of Texas. And one that does not yet command the political power that its numbers would make you expect. Today we’re talking to Tony Diaz, a political analyst and college professor, about his definite ideas as to why that is the case. Tip of the Pyramid , Tony’s new book More on Nuestra Palabra Want more local Houston news? Sign up ...
Sep 26, 2022•16 min
It’s been a long week, which means we have a lot of news to roundup! Don’t worry, Lead Producer Dina Kesbeh is here with editor at OutSmart Magazine Olivia Flores Alvarez and City Cast Houston producer AK Almoumen to cover all the stories you may have missed! From book bans to Hungry Howies expansion. Book Ban Fort Bend County Judge Hungry Howie's Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you hav...
Sep 23, 2022•30 min
Today the team chats all things museums in Houston. In addition to producer Carlignon Jones and newsletter writer Brooke Lewis, joining us is our newest producer, AK Al Moumen, who is here to help out the team as lead producer Dina Kesbeh prepares to head out for Maternity leave. Join us for our weekly roundtable discussions where we gush over the best things in Houston. Station Museum The Menil Collection Buffalo Soldiers Museum Children's Museum Houston Want more local Houston news? Sign up fo...
Sep 22, 2022•32 min
Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing grew up in Third Ward and is raising her own kids there now. Today she gives us a crash course on the neighborhood: Where to go and what you should know. Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Sep 21, 2022•19 min
With cooler temperatures on the horizon, City Cast contributor Evan Mintz can’t wait for Houston’s best season to grow veggies. Year-Round Food Gardening: For Houston And Southeast Texas Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on the show, leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 we'll be happy to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
Sep 20, 2022•19 min
Today, host Lisa Gray sits down with Phyllis Frye. She's dubbed the grandmother of transgender rights who pioneered transgender law. She's also an activist who fought hard to put the T in LGBTQ+. Phyllis is the subject of a new biography called Phyllis Frye and the Fight for Transgender Rights, by Michael G. Long and Shea Tuttle. Learn more about it here . Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR i...
Sep 19, 2022•15 min
It’s that time of the week y’all where we dive into a weeks worth of news. Today, producer Carlignon Jones is joined by contributors Shiyam Galyon and Abdulla Kais ALMoumen. They’ll chat about how well the Astros are doing, Ted Cruz’s reaction to gun control, gun buybacks, and so much more. More on gun buybacks More on Little Mermaid Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston OR if you have thoughts on ...
Sep 16, 2022•26 min
Today, in our weekly team chat, we’re tackling our favorite things to do this Fall season. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh talks about how Kemah Boardwalk becomes THE place to be in October; producer Carlignon Jones shares how her wardrobe changes the moment the leaves change color, and Brooke Lewis drops her favorite comfort food places to visit. Kemah Boardwalk Rooftop Cinema Club Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival Want more local Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . You can also follow ...
Sep 15, 2022•27 min
Joshua Martin is the Youngest SGA President in history at the University of Houston after winning his freshman year on campus, and with that title he’s making big plans, including getting more students out to vote! With Election day stiffly approaching on November 8 and early voting kicking off October 24th, Joshua has started an initiative to get at least 2,000 students registered by the October 11th deadline. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh sits down with Joshua to find out just how he plans on doin...
Sep 14, 2022•13 min
Today, DJ, producer, journalist, and podcast host Donnie Houston is here to chat with producer Carlignon Jones about how he got to work with some of the biggest names in our city and just how he made a name for himself. Listen to the Donnie Houston podcast here You can also watch it on Youtube ! Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @ImDonnieHouston! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here . Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave ...
Sep 13, 2022•20 min
American alligators, the kind that live in the Houston area came off the endangered species list in the 1990s. But now they're facing a whole new round of threats. Today, host Lisa Gray is joined by City Cast contributor Scott Solomon, biology professor at Rice University and alligator expert Cord Eversole to explain how you study an alligator next and what risks face the alligator population at Brazos Bend Park. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here . Follo...
Sep 12, 2022•18 min
It's that time of the week where we look back at a weeks worth of news! Today, you'll hear a special shout out from our contributor Antrechelle Dorsey, host Lisa Gray talks about the state of the elections, lead producer Dina Kesbeh spotlights the Spring Branch ISD school that broke a losing streak and so much more. More on the inflation rates here More on the 7.5 million grant here More on Spring Branch ISD school here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here ...
Sep 09, 2022•28 min
Houston spawns talent. (You’re welcome, world.) Today lead producer Dina Kesbeh will rave about Mo Amer, producer Carlignon Jones talks about Meghan Thee Stallions' love for our city, newsletter writer Brooke Lewis spot lights a special Gray's Anatomy star that happens to be from Houston, and host Lisa Gray shares the inspirational Karamo Brown. To enter the giveaway, be sure to email or text us your full name, email address and answers to houston@citycast.fm or text us +1 713-489-6972 Looking f...
Sep 08, 2022•26 min
Today, we're bringing back one of our favorite episodes. The one where we talk about DJ Screw. In the early 90's, Houston hip-hop artist DJ Screw developed a sound called "chopped and screwed." It drew from artists he'd appreciated from a decade earlier – like DJ Glove, Ice T's DJ whose appearance on the movie Breakin' inspired him.Screw was not drawn by the rappers in that movie, nor the breakdancers, but, rather, the turntables and what the spinning of albums at different speeds could do to a ...
Sep 07, 2022•22 min
Hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, and floods: Thinking about Houston's natural world can be stressful. But investing in nature not only makes our city more resilient against all those threats, it also boosts Houstonians' mental health. City Cast nature and ecology contributor Jaime Gonzalez is here talking with host Lisa Gray about how to get more of the goodness of nature in such an urban place. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here . Follow us on Twitter a...
Sep 06, 2022•16 min
It’s that time of the week where we dive into a weeks worth of news. Today, host Lisa Gray is joined by producer Carlignon Jones and Rachel Carlton, a report for America fellow for Community Impact Newspapers. They discuss the violence prevention conference at NRG, the mysterious case of a woman who was poisoned by a napkin, Serena Williams' retirement and so much more. Napkin Poisoning A Final Wish NASA Artemis Launch Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here ....
Sep 02, 2022•22 min
If you’re looking to thrift on a budget or hunt for the latest designer items for half the cost, we’ve got it all covered. Today, producer Carlignon Jones shares the deal she scored on a designer wallet. Lead producer Dina Kesbeh highlights how Harwin is the place to shop for just about anything. And host Lisa Gray shares her favorite Estate Sale purchase. Harwin Outlet Mall Estate Sales Family Thrift Center Sarah Furniture More Than You Can Imagine Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up fo...
Sep 01, 2022•23 min
The iconic Shamrock hotel was torn down decades ago, but its presence still looms large in Houston legend. It was filled with glitz, green glamour, and big stars; making it one of the biggest ritziest hotel and club that oil money could buy in the 1940s and fifties. Host Lisa Gray is with David Bush and Jim Parsons, the executive director and programs, director of preservation Houston to reminisce on one of Houston's old gems. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newslette...
Aug 31, 2022•19 min
Today, Beekeeper Nicole Buergers, from Bee2Bee Honey Collective , responds to an episode we aired earlier this month called Why Houston’s Bees Are at War With Each Other , where we discussed environmentalists’ concerns for native bees. Nicole shares with host Lisa Gray about how Houston’s rich biodiversity has created the perfect environment for honeybees to thrive. The fun doesn't stop here! We've got even more Houston news here when you sign up for our morning newsletter. We love hearing from ...
Aug 30, 2022•13 min
Charter schools, private schools, public schools and more! Houston, has so many options when it comes to schooling.. possibly more than any city in America. So how do you choose what’s best for your kids? Well, host Lisa Gray is here with City Cast contributor Evan Mintz to help you weigh your options and narrow things down. The fun doesn't stop here! We've got even more Houston news here when you sign up for our morning newsletter. We love hearing from you! Give us a call, text, or leave us a v...
Aug 29, 2022•20 min
It’s that time of the week where we dive into a weeks worth of news from around Houston. Today host Lisa Gray is joined by lead producer Dina Kesbeh and Bloomberg energy reporter Sergio Chapa. They’ll talk about how a Katy ISD police officer temporarily removed what some parents call a controversial book from the school library. And Dina and Sergio gush over Houston star Mo Amer’s new Netflix show Mo , that is filmed in Alief. More on Mo Amer here More on Katy ISD here Read Sergio Chapa's articl...
Aug 26, 2022•28 min
This week, we dive into the best date night spots from around the city. Producer Carlignon Jones is a thrill seeker who convinces the team that go-karting around downtown Houston is an experience worth having. Newsletter writer Brooke Lewis will share her go-to first date ideas that offer both food and entertainment. Host Lisa Gray dishes her favorite intimate spot for a fancy night out. And, lead producer Dina Kesbeh offers two practical ideas for a quick date night that eliminates any hassle o...
Aug 25, 2022•22 min
Lead producer Dina Kesbeh, who grew up in Alief, discusses the neighborhood with two of her high school classmates, Firas Abulawi and Christina Phan — and shouts out restaurants worth getting to know. Want more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . We're on social media too! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram You can also leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 24, 2022•30 min
Magnolias are a symbol of the Old South — but they’re also so much more. Lisa Gray talks with City Cast environmental contributor Jaime González about the trees’ past and future in Houston. Want to know more about magnolias? Here are a few resources: Magnolias and Pollination Magnolias, a symbol of the Old South, should we plant it? (One perspective) About Southern Magnolias Houston nicknames, including the 'Magnolia City' Have an idea you want to share or thoughts? Give us a call/text at 713-48...
Aug 23, 2022•17 min
Texas teachers are leaving the profession in droves, and to get a grip on the problem, the governor has appointed a task force. But we thought, why not ask former teachers why they left? So here’s a frank, emotional talk with two Houston-area women who recently left the job they used to love. Searching for more Houston news? Sign up for our morning newsletter here . We're also on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Have thoughts about the show? Leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 ...
Aug 22, 2022•24 min
In this week’s Houston news: The Farmer’s Almanac chilling prediction; new developments in a 50-year-old serial-killer case; and how Megan Thee Stallion repped Houston (salty! hot!) on the Tonight Show. Contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez joins producer Carlignon Jones and host Lisa Gray to kick around the developments. More on The Farmer's Almanac here More on Megan Thee Stallion reppin' our city here More on the serial killer Elmer Wayne Henley here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up fo...
Aug 19, 2022•29 min
Do you brunch? Even if you don't after you hear this episode we promise you'll walk away with a robust list of top brunch spots that you must try! Producer Carlignon Jones talks about the high bar set by Taste Bar for amazing mac and cheese, newsletter writer Brooke Lewis gushes about her love for the Breakfast Klub's fried chicken, host Lisa Gray convinces us of a salad at Local Foods that combines watermelon and Brussels sprout and lead producer Dina Kesbeh tries to convince the team of eating...
Aug 18, 2022•22 min
