City Cast Houston

By City Cast

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, t... more

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FAQs about City Cast Houston:

How many episodes does City Cast Houston have?

The podcast currently has 1,172 episodes available.

City Cast Houston episodes:

September 02, 2025Your Guide to September 2025 in Houston
Do you feel that? It’s the weather slowly, but surely, getting a bit cooler. That means we can head outside more and do more fun things in H-Town. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting you ready with a curated guide featuring insider tips for the month with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis on what to do, what stories to know, and where to eat in September!
Want even more great places to eat this month? Check out our guide for the best Caribbean food in H-Town.

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.
For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Houston, check out Hey Houston’s guide on the best patio and picnic spots around town.

Places and stories we talked about on today’s show:
Harris County leaders clash over looming budget deficit

Lina Hidalgo's proposed Harris County budget cuts would hurt Baytown and Deer Park | Opinion

Texas AG warns school districts to comply with Ten Commandments law despite court block

How The Trump Burger Saga Unfolded in Houston

El Pueblito de Frida

Atomic Wings Houston | Big City Wings | Pluckers

Savoir

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 2nd episode:
Downtown Houston+
Wise
Inprint
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.

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!
Photo: Alisa Matthews/Unsplash
...more
27min
August 29, 2025Elon Musk’s Flood Tunnels, Teachers vs. HISD, & Galveston’s Blue Water
We’re heading into the long weekend, but not before breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by political insider Rafael Lemaitre to break down what exactly is happening with Harris County’s budget deficit. Plus, how one politician is pushing for Elon Musk’s Boring Co. flood tunnel project. And, why teachers are taking HISD to court. Stories we talked about on today’s show:
A Texas Congressman Is Quietly Helping Elon Musk Pitch a $760M Plan to Build Tunnels Under Houston to Ease Flooding

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Judge Lina Hidalgo hold separate budget briefings

Harris County leaders clash over looming budget deficit

Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas’ newly drawn congressional seats

Pay-for-performance dispute between Houston ISD and its largest teachers union continues in court Thursday

Houston Furniture Bank

Should Texans stop being surprised when the Gulf of Mexico is blue?
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 29th episode:
British International School of Houston
The Holdsworth CenterTurboTenant
Downtown Houston+Wise
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.
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!
Photo: Ed Uthman/Creative Commons
...more
32min
August 28, 2025 Our Pettiest Houston Gripes
Look, we LOVE Houston, but we also have some complaints about our city. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on local business owner and the voice of the streets KB Brown to air out our pettiest Houston gripes. Plus, we dig into a few of the 500+ grievances Houstonians left on reddit.
Want to see all 500+ petty gripes from the Houston subreddit? Check it out here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode:
British International School of Houston
The Holdsworth Center
TurboTenant
Wise
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.
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!
...more
31min
August 27, 2025Where To Go for Houston’s Best Caribbean Food
Houston’s Caribbean population is small, but is making a huge impact on the culinary scene. On today’s show, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to James Beard Award-winning food and travel journalist and Senior Editor at eater, Kayla Stewart about where to go to get the best Caribbean food in H-Town. From classics like jerk chicken to fusion dishes blending Houston influences with island vibes, these spots are definitely worth checking out.
Places we talked about on today’s show:
Taste of the Caribbean

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill

Jamaica Pon di Road

Val’s Jerk Pan

700 Isles Cafe

Reggae Hut Cafe

Helen’s Kitchen

ChopnBlok

Buboy by Chef Tristen Epps

Sonia’s Kreyol Kitchen

Griot Gardens

Read Kayla’s work on Eater
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode:
British International School of Houston
The Holdsworth Center
TurboTenant
Wise
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.
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!
...more
26min
August 26, 2025Former Officer Runs Facebook Marketplace Scam, Funplex Closes, and Redistricting’s Impact
Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to talk about how the state’s new proposed congressional maps that are on Governor Abbott's desk will impact Houston. Plus, they’re breaking down how a former detention officer was caught running a Facebook Marketplace scam, and they say goodbye to a legendary Houston gem.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Texas Legislature sends Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan to Gov. Abbott’s desk

Fresh off Texas Senate’s approval, new congressional map is target of lawsuit

Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas’ newly drawn congressional seats

In response to failures and grieving parents, Texas lawmakers advance flood bills

I taught Chloe to obey authority. At Camp Mystic, that got her killed. | Opinion

Former Harris County officer and former inmate worked together to steal and sell luxury car: docs

Houston Police cruiser crashes into Heights pool where children were swimming

Exclusive: Alief's FunPlex, a Houston amusement park, has closed after 40 years

How This Houston Voice Became America’s First Ismaili Sportscaster

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
British International School of Houston
The Holdsworth Center
TurboTenant
Wise
Photo: CY/Unsplash
...more
31min
August 25, 202520 Years Later: How Hurricane Katrina Changed Houston
It’s been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and in a time of crisis, Houstonians stepped up. Today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with former Houston Mayor Bill White about how his administration responded. Plus, author Kionna Walker LeMalle shares her story of evacuating New Orleans and what she’s learned about trauma, grief, and healing.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
⁠Behind the Waterline ⁠

⁠Ten years later, Katrina evacuees now part of Houston fabric⁠

Want to hear more? Check out the event ⁠The Lingering Storm ⁠coming to Houston in September.

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode:
⁠British International School of Houston⁠
⁠The Holdsworth Center⁠
⁠TurboTenant⁠

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at⁠ citycast.fm/survey⁠—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our ⁠membership program⁠.
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!⁠
Photo: Jeswin Thomas/Unsplash
...more
44min
August 22, 2025Ten Commandments Court Ruling, Lawmakers Ignore Constituents, and Radioactive Shrimp
It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big news from the week with the best and brightest journalists from the city. Today, he’s joined by Gwen Howerton, Chron.com’s Texas Culture Reporter and the Houston Chronicle’s religion reporter Haajrah Gilani to talk about the latest from Governor Abbott’s second special session and court rulings on displaying the Ten Commandments in public classrooms! Plus, a fun news quiz!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Texas House approves GOP congressional map after two-week delay from Democrats’ walkout

Why these transgender people told their stories at the Texas Capitol

Federal judge blocks Texas law requiring Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms

Car crashes into Houston restaurant, narrowly misses influencers filming review

This major Houston highway is getting a makeover—thanks to the World Cup

Make sure you don't have these radioactive shrimp in your freezer

Why Austin's Pride Month is different from other Texas cities
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 22nd episode:
Apollo Chamber Players
British International School of Houston
Downtown Houston+

Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.

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!
Photo: CY/Unsplash
...more
35min
August 21, 2025Is Houston Better for Gen X, Gen Z, or Millennials?
Houston was named one of the best cities for Gen Z, but how does it fare for other generations today? Host Raheel Ramzanali is debating with producer Carlignon Jones and Houston Public Media’s Jim Kovacik about which generation has it best in H-Town. From cost of living to dating, each person makes a case why Houston is best for them.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Texas ranked No. 1 destination for Gen Z adults in the nation, study says

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 21st episode:
Apollo Chamber Players
British International School of Houston
We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.

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!
Photo: Jermaine Thomas II/City Cast
...more
31min
August 20, 2025Why Are So Many Top-Rated Restaurants Closing in Houston?
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 after four decades in Houston

The Saddest Houston Restaurant Closings to Know This June

Is Tipping Fatigue Hitting Houston?
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 13th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Port Aransas
Apollo Chamber Players

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

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.citycast.fm

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!
Photo: Laura Isensee/City Cast
...more
21min
August 20, 2025We Pick the Most Iconic Houston Foods
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 Closing in Houston?

Lucille’s

Ninfa’s

Brennan’s Houston

Taste Kitchen + Bar

Cake Station Express

House of Pies

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Perry’s Steakhouse

Davanti Ristorante

Pizzeria Solario

CasaEma

Schulze’s Bar-B-Q and Catering

Truth BBQ

The Breakfast Klub

Da Gama

Aga’s Restaurant

Pico’s Houston

The Cooking Girl
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 20th episode:
Apollo Chamber Players
British International School of Houston
We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.
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!
Photo: timnewman via Getty Images
...more
27min

FAQs about City Cast Houston:

How many episodes does City Cast Houston have?

The podcast currently has 1,172 episodes available.

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