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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.
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Episodes

The Best Kolaches in Houston

Pigs in a blanket? Kolaches? Klobasnek? What do you call our iconic breakfast treats? No matter what you call them, we can all agree that they are delicious! With so many great bakeries to choose from, where should you go first to celebrate National Pigs in a Blanket Day? Houston food content creator Shawn the Food Sheep joins host Raheel Ramzanali to give his recommendations of places you need to try ASAP. From fruit fillings to hearty meat choices, these kolaches will have you ready to conquer...

Apr 24, 202416 min

Is Buc-ees Overrated? Plus, New H-Town Scams and Rising Measles Cases

Today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to talk about the biggest stories impacting H-Town to start the week. From a look at the latest information from HPD regarding the suspended cases to new scams impacting residents, Raheel and Brooke break it all down! Featured stories: 34 charges filed in review of suspended cases Houston Texans jersey leaked online Measles cases are on the rise Houston concert goers get scammed Early voting is under...

Apr 23, 202424 min

Liver Transplant Scandal, Maternal Mortality Rates, & Adoption vs. Abortion

We’re known for our medical center and health innovations here in H-Town, but recent headlines are making host Raheel Ramzanali question what’s going at the med center. First, he’s talking to Houston Chronicle health reporter Julian Gill about the Memorial Herman transplant scandal and what exactly happened with patients being taken off a donor database. Then, he’s talking to Dr. Erica Giwa of Legacy Community Health about why black maternal mortality rates are so high in a city that is known fo...

Apr 22, 202427 min

Whitmire vs Montrose, Houstonians Are Miserable, and Outrageous Nail Salon Bill

It was another busy week in H-Town, but don’t worry, we’re recapping everything that happened with host Raheel Ramzanali, Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz, and media personality Antre’chelle Nova. From Mayor Whitmire blocking much-needed improvements in Montrose to a wild nail salon story you have to hear, the trio is talking about it all to end the week! Learn more: Houston ranked as a miserable city Murder and violent crimes down in Houston Organization fighting to help citizens with sewage ...

Apr 19, 202428 min

What We Can Do To Prevent Child Abuse in Houston

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month so host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with Megan Green from the DePelchin Children’s Center about how we can help recognize and prevent child abuse in Houston. From tips to share with parents to tips on how to report child abuse, Megan is breaking it all down for us on today’s episode. Learn more: Resources for Parents and families from DePelchin’s Children Center Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Foll...

Apr 18, 202418 min

A Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball in Houston

Pickleball is here to stay, but knowing where to start can be hard. So, host Raheel Ramzanali and is talking to pickleball enthusiast Johnny Lee on how every beginner in Houston can jump into their new addiction…pickleball! From the courts you should play at to the delicious eats at the many facilities, the duo will get you ready to go from beginner to pro in no time! Start your pickleball journey with the links below! How to play pickleball PKL Social Free into to pickleball class Chicken n Pic...

Apr 17, 202422 min

Healthcare Disparities, IRS Office Fight, & Is a Hemp Crackdown Coming?

It’s already a busy start to the week with so many stories to know about so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on ABC13 reporter Chaz Miller to recap some of the big ones. The duo start things off with by talking about the economic impact of healthcare access disparities, then jump to rapid fire where hemp products might get regulation, and then they’re ending with a story so wild that it can only happen in H-Town! Featured stories: How unequal access to healthcare is impacting our citizens and e...

Apr 16, 202422 min

Is Houston Really Going Broke? City Controller Chris Hollins Explains!

It’s been 100 days since Chris Hollins took over as city controller and A LOT has happened! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Controller Hollins about the hardest part of job so far, how the new firefighter settlement will impact the city’s financial future, and how the city can help balance the budget. Learn more about Controller Hollins SENDS: Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Th...

Apr 15, 202424 min

Home Insurance Crisis, Harris County Sued, and Art Car Parade!

Today on the show, Host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Even Mintz are recapping the biggest stories of the week. First, they’re talking about Ken Paxton suing Harris County for a program that other Texas cities have implemented. Then, the duo focus on stories like President Joe Biden’s push to get the Houston to Dallas train done, a new midtown housing project that’s sparking debate, Art Car Parade weekend, and more! Learn more: President Joe Biden to discuss Houston to Dallas trai...

Apr 12, 202421 min

How To Make Your Garden Flourish in the Houston Heat

The weather might be perfect right now in Houston, but it’s about to get really hot. That’s why host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with Brent Moon, Horticulture Manager at the Houston Botanic Garden, on what we should be planting right now to have that perfect garden in the summer. From fruits and veggies to tips on keeping your grass green, Brent is breaking it all down for you! Want to know more? Check out the links below Classes and Events at the Houston Botanic Garden Learn more about the Hou...

Apr 11, 202423 min

Your Guide to Black Restaurant Week in Houston

Get your eating pants on because it’s time for Houston Black Restaurant Week! From upscale choices to outstanding Caribbean fare, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting the best spots to try from Falayn Ferrell, Black Restaurant Week Managing Partner, and RC Simmons, founder of Park Place Steakhouse! Check out our recs: Learn more about Houston Black Restaurant Week Kindred Stories LetsDoThisHouston Brown Sugar Cafe A lil Taste of the South Mikki’s Esther’s Aunt Bill’s Dandelion Cafe The Funnel Cake P...

Apr 10, 202425 min

Tailgate Thefts, Illegal Butt Injections, and Will Houston Ever Legalize Weed?

We’re rounding up the news a little differently today with a very special episode of CCH! We’re bringing our live taping from the Toyota Center straight to your ears, and discussing all the crazy stories that happened over the weekend. Dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and producer Carlignon Jones join host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about everything from metered parking to illegal butt injections. Plus, Director of Social Media for the Housto...

Apr 09, 202435 min

How Racial Profiling During Traffic Stops Impacts Houston

Diversity is celebrated in Houston so why is racial profiling still occurring when it comes to traffic stops? New data shows just how bad racial profiling was in 2023 for black Houstonians. So, what are the impacts of these traffic stops and how can we stop them? Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting answers about these questions from Christopher Rivera from the Texas Civil Rights Project. Learn more here: Black drivers were pulled over at disproportional rates Texas Civil Rights Project’s report on ...

Apr 08, 202419 min

Mayor vs City Council, Ted Cruz’s iHeartMedia Relationship, & Tubi Helps Houstonians

It was another busy week in Houston so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down all of the big stories with independent journalist Camilo Hannibal Smith. The duo are talking about a government official’s son being killed in a targeted hit, Senator Ted Cruz’s relationship with iHeartMedia, tensions flaring at Houston City Council, and more! Learn more here: Targeted shooting kills son of Dominican Republic government official Tempers flare during council meeting Council members looking to extend pa...

Apr 05, 202424 min

How Ex-Houston Cops Corrupted a Small Town Police Force

Coffee City, Texas just another small town in Texas until a former Houston cop made his way up there. What followed was corruption, indictments, and an entire police for being disbanded. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by KHOU investigative reporter Jeremy Rogalski to learn about how he uncovered this shocking story and why it should matter to every Houstonian. Learn more: Jeremy’s reporting on Coffee City More reporting on Coffee City Watch all of Jeremy’s work here Looking for more Houston new...

Apr 04, 202429 min

Your Guide to the Best Craft Beers and Breweries in Houston

The Houston craft beer scene has exploded in the last few years, but getting started in it and knowing where to go can be overwhelming. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Lennie Ambrose, Chief Marketing Officer at Saint Arnold Brewing and Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s Board Chair, of the best breweries and beers to try around H-Town! Check out our mentions: Learn more about Saint Arnold Brewing 8th Wonder Brewery Walking Stick Brewing Company Senate Avenue Brewing Company No...

Apr 03, 202422 min

Trill Burgers Lawsuit, Cloudy Solar Eclipse, and EPA’s Contamination Report

It’s a busy start to the week so host Raheel Ramzanali is tagging in Houston Landing’s education reporter Asher Lehrer-Small to break down the stories you should know about in Houston this week. From the EPA’s contamination report in Greater Fifth Ward to the recent changes at Houston Public Library, they’re talking about it all on today’s episode. Featured stories: Asher’s story on HISD students Major changes at Houston Public Library EPA releases first reports on cancer cluster City Cast Houst...

Apr 02, 202427 min

How the New Firefighters Contract Will Impact Houstonians

Earlier this month Mayor Whitmire and the firefighters union agreed on a settlement that solved a longstanding contract dispute, but what will be the impacts of that deal on Houstonians? From potential tax implications to talks of a trash fee, Houston Public Media’s government reporter Andrew Schneider joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain it all. Learn more here: Response times and financial impacts of the new firefighters deal Check out more of Andrew’s work here City Cast Houston is hitting ...

Apr 01, 202420 min

Record Breaking Hurricane Season, Whitmire Throws Shade, & Was Justice Served?

It was another busy week in Houston news so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking it all down with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. The duo is starting with the biggest news about Mayor Whitmire working on resolving issues with short-term rentals and Ken Paxton agreeing to a deal in his securities fraud case, then they’re talking about the new deal with the firefighters and outlook for the hurricane season, and finally their ending the episode with the moments of joy! Featured stories: Transfer y...

Mar 29, 202424 min

Your Guide to April in Houston

April is shaping up to be a busy month in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is creating the ultimate guide for the month with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis. From tips on seeing the path of totality on April 8th to Earth Day events, the trio is getting you ready to take full advantage of everything April has to offer! Learn more: NASA’s Solar Eclipse Tracking Map Blessed Wings in Houston Houston Botanic Gardens Earth Day at Discovery Green Pappadeaux Location...

Mar 28, 202425 min

Is Houston's Food Scene Michelin Star Worthy?

Since 1900, Michelin has been awarding restaurants stars in their Michelin Guides, but no Houston restaurant has earned any since the inception of the Guide. Why is that? Houstonia Magazine’s Editor in Chief Emma Balter joins host Raheel Ramzanali to explain why our dynamic restaurants never get stars and why it shouldn’t matter. Learn more here: The Economics of Everyday Things episode on the history of Michelin Stars Read Emma’s work here Try out these spots! Katami March Jun Nancy’s Hustle St...

Mar 27, 202421 min

610 Closure, Controversial HISD Plan Reversed, and the Legendary Golden Cobra

Opening Day is almost here for the Houston Astros, but could their window to win another title be closing? Plus, after a long board meeting, HISD is changing course over a controversial policy. And, are you ready to hear about the legendary Golden Cobra?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping those stories and more with Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis. Featured stories: Texans enrolling in Affordable Care Act hits 3.3 million HISD changing course over policy Multi-car pileup brings traff...

Mar 26, 202423 min

How To Protect Yourself From Cyber and Phone Scams in Houston

Every week there’s a new cyber or phone scam that Houstonians fall victim to, but we’re fighting back! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dr. Allen Harper, EVP of Cyber Security at T-Rex Solutions, about the common phone and cyber scams you should know about, how to prevent falling victim to them, and you should contact in Houston if you fall victim to a scam! Check out the resources below: Learn more about Dr. Harper Donotcall.gov LastPass HPD Cyber and Financial Crimes department Brave browse...

Mar 25, 202422 min

Immigration Law Battle, Houstonians Hate Airbnb, and Little Rascal Robbers

It’s time to recap the week with host Raheel Ramzanali and dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova. The duo are talking about it all! The duo are starting things off by talking about the “Little Rascals” robbers and the latest on SB4. Then, they focus on how Houstonians are fed up with short-term rental properties and potential solutions. Finally, they go through a wishlist for performers at the rodeo in 2025 and their moments of joy! Featured stories: The court process of SB4 Gov. Abbott co...

Mar 22, 202431 min

How a Conference in Houston Changed the Course of Women’s Rights

Houston has been the scene for many historical moments, but did you know the course of history for women’s rights changed in 1977 because of H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanali is celebrating Women’s History Month by talking to Dee Coleman about the importance of the 1977 National Women’s Conference, what it was like being at the conference, and why Houston was picked as the city to host this landmark event. Learn more: All of the planks discussed at the National Women’s Conference A feature on Dee Co...

Mar 21, 202416 min

Your Guide to Eating Healthy in Houston

Houston is one of the best food cities in the nation, but today we’re putting down those epic meals and instead focusing on healthy eating in honor of National Nutrition Month. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dolores Woods, RDN, a registered dietitian with UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, about ways to incorporate healthy eating in your life and around Houston! Learn more: More nutrition tips from UTHealth Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Ho...

Mar 20, 202417 min

Houston Population Boom, Constable Investigation, and June Bugs Invade

Today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali and Shafaq Patel, Houston reporter for Axios, are getting you set for the week with the stories you need to know. From how local counties will have to deal with our population boom to a sports curse that might impact the Cougars, the duo are talking about it all! Featured stories: Read Shafaq Patel's story on Houston's population boom Read Shafaq Patel’s work here God Save Texas documentary Houston Chronicle’s investigation into Harris County Constable Pr...

Mar 19, 202420 min

How City Council Is Fighting Back Against Illegal Dumping

Have you looked out the window and noticed a random mattress or construction debris on the side of the road? Houston has had a long history of issues with illegal dumping, but what’s being done to combat it? Houston Chronicle city council reporter Abby Church joins host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about what solutions can help slow down the rampant illegal dumping in our city. Learn more: Abby’s story on illegal dumping Read all of Abby’s work here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for ou...

Mar 18, 202417 min

Houston Affordability, New Galveston Ferry, and Could Ted Cruz Lose?

It’s time to recap the news from the week with host Raheel Ramzanali and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. From Collin Allred outraising Sen. Ted Cruz to Mayor Whitmire announcing a new independent panel to investigate HPD, the duo are breaking it all down for you to end the week! Featured stories: Colin Allred outraises Ted Cruz Is Ted Cruz in danger of losing to Allred? John Cornyn and Ted Cruz vote against infrastructure bill Federal money coming in to help with sidewalks in Kashmere Garden...

Mar 15, 202421 min

How Lucha Libre Wrestling is Changing This Houston Community

Every Sunday night the East End community gathers in a non-descript warehouse to watch Lucha Libre wrestling. Beyond the entertainment, these wrestling events give us an insight into the history, culture, and future of the East End. Host Raheel Ramzanali is learning more about the East End with luchadore wrestler La Spooky! Learn more: Raheel goes to watch wrestling in the East End Camilo Hannibal Smith’s story on the East End wrestling scene Follow La Spooky on Instagram Interested in advertisi...

Mar 14, 202416 min
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