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City Cast Houston

Arts & Culture Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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New City Fees, Crime Prevention & Will Mike Miles Be Removed?

5/3/2024
It’s been a busy week in Houston and host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to help him recap all of the news. From the teacher’s union calling for the removal of Mike Miles to a former mayor potentially challenging Judge Hidalgo, the trio are talking about it all! Learn more here: Former Mayor coming for Judge Hidalgo’s job Third Ward crime prevention HISD teachers union calls for removal of Mike Miles Express is closing down City Council approves study for waste department Vision Zero Summit starts in Houston Evan’s column on Crape Myrtles Joy’s column on Galveston Cy Fair’s budget problems Your Guide to May in Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:29:18

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How to Ruin a Houstonian's Day in One Sentence

5/2/2024
Today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Houston comedian Barry Laminack and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to ruin a Houstonians day in one sentence! From quirky food takes to driving on certain roads, the trio is having some fun all while learning about what bothers Houstonians the most. Check out these links! Watch Barry on Deck daily here Find Barry’s touring schedule here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:30:12

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Your Guide to May in Houston

5/1/2024
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Houston community. There are so many things to do in May around H-Town, but trying to figure out the best of the best is really hard! That’s why we’re talking about all of the big cultural celebrations, outdoor dining spots, and even a trip to space in our guide for May. Do you want to spend more time outside during our last stretch of great weather? Our recent episode on tips to play pickleball in Houston is a great way to enjoy the weather and good food around the city! For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Houston, check out Hey Houston’s take on what to do this month. Check out our mentions: The Infinite MCPC Comedy Banquet Mother’s Day Edition The Sound of Music at Houston Grand Opera Jazzy Sundays at Discovery Green BB’s Tex Orleans Moonlight Movies at MFAH Le Jardinier Fish and Chips Houston Outsider’s Guide to Houston’s Asiatown Aga’s Restaurant KPot Crawfish and Noodles AAPI Celebration Dinner ComicPalooza and ComiCast Podcast taping BIPOC Book Fest 2024 List of Cinco de Mayo events in Houston Reset Houston Crawl Cinco de Mayo at Marquis Houston Cinco de Mayo at Miller Outdoor Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:28:17

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Hollywood Comes to Houston, Charles Barkley vs Galveston, & Texans Player Shot

4/30/2024
We’re already off to a busy start of the week in H-Town so host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on producer Carlignon Jones to recap some of the biggest stories trending right now. From HPD increasing their presence in Third Ward to a warehouse transformation that could spark an increase in movie productions in Houston, the duo are talking about those stories and more! Featured stories: Charles Barkley makes fun of Galveston Why Galveston Doesn’t Suck Tank Dell suffers minor injuries in shooting Making Third Ward safer Southwest Airlines leaves Bush Airport Consumers are getting more protections from airlines New soundstage coming to Fondren area Turkey Leg Hut back in the news with fire nearby Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:28:56

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Is Houston ACTUALLY Safe?

4/29/2024
New crime data is out regarding crimes in Houston and host Raheel Ramzanali is digging into it with Houston Public Media’s digital reporter Adam Zuvanich in hopes of answering one big question: Is Houston ACTUALLY safe? Learn more: Crime data report Read all of Adam’s work here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:16:06

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Officer’s Fourth Deadly Shooting, Another Hot Summer, & H-E-B Isn’t King?

4/26/2024
A Houston police officer was involved in his fourth deadly shooting and he’s back on duty. We’re learning why he’s back on the force. Plus, last year’s historically hot summer might be the new norm. And, you won’t believe which grocery store has taken the top spot from H-E-B. Axios Houston reporter Jay Jordan and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz join host Raheel Ramzanali to recap those stories and more! Learn more here: Houston police officer back on duty after another deadly shooting Another hot summer is coming What to know about the current election Houston is most diverse large city HEB isn’t the top dog anymore Is there tension between the mayor and the police union? SLAB culture The Houston Astros aren’t good right now Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:26:25

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Do These Houston Restaurants Deserve 1-Star Reviews?

4/25/2024
We’ve all come across some wild 1-star reviews online, but can you guess a place based on those reviews? Today on the show, producer Carlignon Jones is assuming the role of gameshow host and putting host Raheel Ramzanali and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis on the hot seat to see if they can guess the Houston restaurant based on their worst review. The reviewed restaurants: Whataburger Frenchy’s Lotus Seafood Timmy Chan’s Ninfas Pappasito’s Cantina Turkey Leg Hut Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:27:23

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The Best Kolaches in Houston

4/24/2024
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 the day. Check out these spots: Kolache Shoppe Koala Kolache Koffeteria Shipley Donuts The Original Kolache Shoppe Shawn The Food Sheep on Instagram and TikTok Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:16:26

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

4/23/2024
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 underway for May 4th election Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office warns residents of scams How to protect yourself from cyber and phone scams episode Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:24:15

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

4/22/2024
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 for healthcare. Learn more: Julian Gill’s reporting on the Memorial Herman transplant scandal Help the Chronicle find patients impacted by the transplant scandal Learn more about Dr. Erica Giwa Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:26:34

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

4/19/2024
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 issues Houston granted extension to spend Hurricane Harvey recovery money Epic Nail Salon drama Houston church helping with financial literacy Montrose Blvd. project delayed LNG exports are thriving Oyster Hut popup drama Saltmarsh Caterpillar season Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:28:14

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What We Can Do To Prevent Child Abuse in Houston

4/18/2024
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 Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:17:52

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A Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball in Houston

4/17/2024
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 Pickle in Webster Bumpy Pickle Houston Parks and Recreation pickleball courts Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:22:05

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

4/16/2024
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 economy It’s about to get really hot again The trial of Brian Coulter Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick takes aim at Delta-8 and Delta-9 products Why this sailboat has been stranded on Galveston shores Houston mom leaves kids alone for cruise IRS event canceled after fight Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:22:13

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

4/15/2024
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? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:23:44

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

4/12/2024
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 train Art Car Parade Weekend Schedule The moon is made up of gas Insurance crisis in California Home Insurance rates in Texas and Houston are HIGH Texas AG sues Harris County over Uplift Harris program New midtown project to help unhoused individuals sparks debate Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:21:29

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How To Make Your Garden Flourish in the Houston Heat

4/11/2024
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 Houston Botanic Garden Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:23:25

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Your Guide to Black Restaurant Week in Houston

4/10/2024
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 Place Comfort Foodies Park Place on the Boardwalk in Katy Kiss The Warwick Houston Davis Street Lucille’s Sophisticated Delight’s Private Catering Birria Queen Guzel Cakes Jamaica pon di road Tropical Diner Blue Nile ChopNBlok Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris LA burgers and Daiquiris Wing Quarter 7spice cajun Just Chef Enterprises LLC Chef Willie Holmes Chef Moe Russell Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:25:07

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

4/9/2024
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 Houston Rockets Hiren Joshi is here to tell us about the pressure of managing accounts with over ten million followers. Featured stories: Tailgate thefts Houston ranks low on list of healthiest cities in America Houston suburb gets its first marijuana dispensary Water Taxis on Buffalo Bayou Houston city officials to consider extending metered parking hours to 2 a.m. 15 Houston billionaires make Forbes list of world's wealthiest people Illegal Butt Injections Don’t forget to follow the rockets on social media @houstonrockets Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:35:09

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How Racial Profiling During Traffic Stops Impacts Houston

4/8/2024
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 traffic stops Learn more about the Texas Civil Rights Project here Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:18:33