Are you tired of eating at the same old fast-food restaurants with your kids? Host Raheel Ramzanali and Meagan Clanahan, co-founder of HoustonMoms.com , have you covered! They’ve put together their recommendations for the best kid-friendly restaurants in Houston. From toddlers to teens, these places are great for parents, AND the grandparents, aunties, friends, caretakers and anyone else taking kids out to eat! Check out their recommendations: Little Matt’s in West University Hobbit Cafe Clay’s ...
Jan 15, 2025•28 min
Oil and gas companies are a big part of Houston and Texas, but who’s going to pay for the growing cost to clean up abandoned oil wells? We’re watching that. Plus, what’s in and what’s out for 2025 in H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanlali and executive producer Laura Isensee team up to break down those stories. And you won’t believe today’s Only in H-Town, where rats are eating up thousands of pounds of marijuana in storage at the Houston Police Department. Stories we talked about on today’s show: The R...
Jan 14, 2025•31 min
The 89th Texas Legislative Session starts this week, and what happens in Austin over the next six months could dramatically change life in Houston, from schools to betting on sports and much more. So, host Raheel Ramzanli is teaming with our friends at City Cast Austin to lay out the issues you need to know. Joining him are Eva Ruth Moravec, City Cast Austin’s executive producer, and KUT Austin’s political reporter Blaise Gainey to preview the session, highlight key lawmakers, and share some wil...
Jan 13, 2025•29 min
Houston’s winter blast hit our unhoused neighbors hard, with few warming shelters available. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with advocate Patricia Olivares, who’s spent nights on the streets to push for change. Plus, Monique Welch with the Houston Landing highlights how Black midwives are helping solve Houston’s Black maternal health crisis. And why does Gov. Abbott want Houston to sell water to West Texas? We’ve got the details! Stories we talked about on today’s episode: Man found dead near Metro...
Jan 10, 2025•35 min
Houston is a GREAT city, but let’s be honest, between hours spent in traffic to endless amazing restaurants , it’s a real challenge to stay in shape! So, today host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Jack “Swole” Sultan, longtime fitness coach and nutritionist , to share healthy habits to stay on track for your wellness journey in 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 9th episode here: Holocaust Museum Houston Museum of Fine Arts Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our mor...
Jan 09, 2025•25 min
Are you recovering from all of those holiday parties and cutting out alcohol for Dry January? If so, you’re in luck because Houston is packed with amazing mocktails and zero-proof drinks. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner, the duo behind Sipple, Texas’ first non-alcoholic bottle shop, to learn why more people are embracing a month without booze, and where to get the best dry drinks in H-town. Check out the places we talked about on today’s episode : Events at Si...
Jan 08, 2025•17 min
As if the winter weather wasn’t enough to worry about, we now have to be on the lookout for a flesh-eating parasite. Yep, welcome to Texas! Host Raheel Ramzanali and Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, are breaking down the biggest stories so far this week. They kick it off with former Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s new gig and then discuss why local universities are asking international students to return to campus early from winter break. (Hint, Inauguration Day i...
Jan 07, 2025•31 min
It’s been one year since John Whitmire hung up his hat as a state lawmaker and took office as mayor of Houston. And H-town went through A LOT! So, how did Mayor Whitmire handle Houston’s ongoing challenges, and some unexpected surprises? Abby Church, the Houston Chronicle’s City Hall reporter , and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz join host Raheel Ramzanali to discuss Whitmire’s big wins, his misses, and what’s ahead for his administration in 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this January...
Jan 06, 2025•28 min
Happy new year! It’s already been a busy start to 2025 in Houston, so host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping some of the big news of the week with Monica Flores Richart, education activist and attorney, and Charles Blain, conservative commentator from the Urban Reform Institute. Plus, they’re making bold predictions for 2025 by filling out their Houston bingo cards — from potential new taxes at City Hall, new laws from the 89th Texas State Legislative session, wild weather, and so much more! Death t...
Jan 03, 2025•33 min
Happy New Year! We’re starting the year off by taking full advantage of everything to do around H-Town this month. From trying out new food to joining community events that will give us a new appreciation for the city, and, of course, some recommendations for those new health goals you have, this is your guide to January 2025 in Houston! January also marks the start of new administrations in our city government. Want to learn more about how Harris County's new District Attorney Sean Teare is goi...
Jan 02, 2025•29 min
They say there’s no such thing as a stupid question, but is that really true? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the stereotypes and answering the questions our out-of-town friends have asked us about Houston, from why we call it a feeder road to how often we really wear cowboy boots and hats. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston editor Brooke Lewis, and former executive producer Dina Kesbeh to answer these pressing “stupid” questions. Did we miss anything?...
Dec 30, 2024•27 min
Whether you’re looking for an authentic Indian curry, the best hummus in Houston, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Hillcroft Street is the place to go. Not only is Hillcroft a foodie’s dream, it’s also one of the city’s most diverse streets, stretching from west of the Galleria through Gulfton and Bellaire. But where to start? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Sharan Gahunia of Raja Sweets, Houston’s first-ever Indian restaurant, to dish on some of ...
Dec 26, 2024•29 min
What’s the “Most Houston” thing ever? In a city known for its sports teams, celebrities, and cultural — as well as culinary — institutions, it’s not an easy question to answer. But this fall, with the help of Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU , host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee gave it the old college try, and even put together a tournament bracket to help narrow down the many contenders. So, which local icon was dubbed the “Most Houston” thing ever, and ...
Dec 23, 2024•37 min
It’s been a week since Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez was tragically killed by a train on his way to school. Now, Union Pacific is making some safety changes. But why isn’t more being done to protect communities of color from trains?! Host Raheel Ramzanali dives into that big question with ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia and Monique Welch, diverse communities reporter at Houston Landing. Plus, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s interesting donations as she leaves office, another chapter ...
Dec 20, 2024•31 min
The new year is right around the corner, and one of your New Year’s resolutions may be to get out of your comfort zone. So, today, host Raheel Ramzanali is helping you get a jump start on your goals. He’s bringing on producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee to get their top tips to leave your comfort zone and explore more what Houston has to offer! This episode originally aired on June 20th, 2024. LINKS: Well Done cooking classes ...
Dec 19, 2024•23 min
Today on City Cast Houston, the holidays are finally here, and host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Emma Balter, editor-in-chief at Houstonia Magazine, for her top picks for Christmas Day, whether you're dining out or grabbing takeout. They also debate if New Year’s Eve is overrated and offer some options for a chill celebration. Plus, they dish on Tilman Fertitta’s eye-popping $1,000 steak in Uptown and why Whataburger just isn’t the same anymore. Rainbow Lodge Hugo’s Fege’s BBQ Aga’s Hamsa Axelr...
Dec 18, 2024•23 min
Last week, a Houston-area toddler was killed and his grandmother injured while in a crosswalk, but the driver involved wasn’t arrested — despite a state law that could have led to felony charges. That’s the big story for today’s episode with host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee. They also dive into the latest moves from Attorney General Ken Paxton on abortion and Harris County’s guaranteed income program. And don’t miss how a glitch at Amazon caused a local community to iss...
Dec 17, 2024•24 min
It’s the City Cast Houston Awards — our first ever end of the year awards for Houston’s most influential people. The Houston Chronicle’s editor of opinion, Lisa Falkenberg, and ABC 13’s anchor, Rita Garcia, join host Raheel Ramzanali to decide who influenced Houston the most in 2024, for better or worse. Plus, we have a bonus round for guest awards after our official awards show! Stick around to hear some memorable moments from the team and contributors from 2024. The City Cast Houston Awards ar...
Dec 16, 2024•40 min
It’s been a difficult week in Houston, since a Milby High School student was struck and killed by a train on his way to school. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali dives into that difficult story and solutions to prevent another tragedy with Claire Partain, Houston ISD reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Lucio Vasquez, reporter at Houston Public Media. Plus, they talk about outgoing Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s unprecedented move for capital murder cases, our Texas travel bucket list fo...
Dec 13, 2024•34 min
H-town is packed with holiday attractions. But which ones are actually worth your time and money? Today at City Cast Houston, we’re starting a new game called Worth It or Skip It. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova and his friend Iman Virani Umatiya to discuss which holiday attractions are worth going to, and which ones you can skip. From the trendy Frosty’s Original Christmas Bar to the famous Santa’s Wonderland, and, of course, ice skating rinks, t...
Dec 12, 2024•27 min
Holiday pop-up bars are all over H-town, plus so many of our favorite bars and lounges have special menus this season. To help you plan your next night out with friends or a special someone, Executive Producer Laura Isensee is bringing on Brittany Britto Garley, editor of Eater Houston. They’ll help you toast the holiday season with the best cozy cocktails, mulled wine and cider, and mocktails. (And don’t miss Brittany’s guide on how to find the best Houston Carajillos this holiday season!) Here...
Dec 11, 2024•20 min
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And also a time when holiday shoppers in H-town can become victims of crime. So we’re playing back our convesation with Houston Police Department Sgt. Jeremy Lahar. Host Raheel Ramzanali gets his top tips to protect yourself from jugging and other street crimes this holiday season. Learn more about HPDs safety tips here. And don’t forget to vote in our first-ever City Cast Houston Awards. Voting closes soon! This episode originally aired July 31, 2023. L...
Dec 10, 2024•17 min
On January 1st, 2025, Sean Teare will become Harris County’s new District Attorney, an important office that’s has been held by Kim Ogg for the last eight years. The office is dealing with fallout from thousands of cases dismissed, overcrowding at the jail, and other issues. A veteran prosecutor, Teare joins host Raheel Ramzanali to lay out his plan on how he’s going to fix what he calls a “broken” DA’s office. Stay tuned to find out his top priorities on day one, from a new domestic violence bu...
Dec 09, 2024•29 min
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week and how they impact YOU. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to talk about a teacher cheating scandal, and how local school districts are responding, why there’s a fight at Houston City Hall about what some call a loophole in the firefighter’s contract, what Houstonians listened to most this year, and more! Stories we talked about today: Trump tariffs would cost Houston dearly, economist warns 13...
Dec 06, 2024•30 min
If it’s free, then you know host Raheel Ramzanali wants to know more. Today, he’s getting the scoop on the best free holiday events to check out around H-Town from Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMom.com. From free pictures with Santa to a free holiday boat parade, there’s something for everyone … And it’s all free! Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode here: A.D Players Theater BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST The Women's Home Buffalo Bayou Looking fo...
Dec 05, 2024•19 min
It’s Wednesday so host Raheel Ramzanali is talking food! Today, he’s joined by Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, to break down the highlights of Houston’s 2024 food scene. They cover everything from the best restaurants to viral trends, plus must-try dishes you might’ve missed. They also discuss the downfall of the Turkey Leg Hut and make some bold predictions for Houston’s foodie scene in 2025. Here’s more about the stories and restaurants they talked about in today’s episode: Mala Sichu...
Dec 04, 2024•28 min
Is Texas about to become even more conservative? In Austin, the state legislature has shifted further to the right, and already there are thousands of bills filed for the upcoming session. And in the federal courts, President-elect Donald Trump could replace potentially four life-time judges in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter for Chron.com, to break those stories down. Plus, Texas is getting more new residents than any other state, a wild rescue...
Dec 03, 2024•30 min
There are so many fun celebrations taking place in Houston in December. So, we’re giving you our top recommendations to make the most out of December in H-Town. From holiday lights to penguin encounters, and of course, great eats, this is your guide to December 2024 in Houston. Going to be traveling this December? We put together the best travel hacks for Bush and Hobby airports so you can have a stress free flight ! Our Recommendations for December 2024: Classic Christmas in Houston Radiant Nat...
Dec 02, 2024•26 min
Thanksgiving in Houston might actually feel like Thanksgiving as a double cold front heads our way. So we want to get into those cold weather vibes and replay our chat City Cast Houston food contributor Shawn the Food Sheep. He shares his picks for the best cozy dishes around H-town for cooler weather. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Shawn are creating a list that will help you get into the season, from steaming bowls of pho to hearty curries, and more! Learn more about the sponsors of this November 2...
Nov 27, 2024•18 min
It’s a holiday week with Thanksgiving around the corner, but the news does not stop in H-town. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down the biggest stories of the week with Hey Houston newsletter editor, Brooke Lewis. They dive into the much needed upgrades at NRG Stadium, plus the latest in the push to restore the Astrodome. (And spoiler, Brooke is Team Astrodome!) Then they get into the impact Trump’s immigration policies could have on our local construction industry, Houston’s newest title of most l...
Nov 26, 2024•27 min
