City Cast Houston

By City Cast

The daily podcast for food, culture, news, and nature in the sweaty Bayou City. Join host Raheel Ramzanali and the City Cast Houston team every weekday morning as we celebrate and interrogate this spr... more

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FAQs about City Cast Houston:

How many episodes does City Cast Houston have?

The podcast currently has 1,209 episodes available.

City Cast Houston episodes:

June 02, 2025How Bad Will This Hurricane Season Be?
Hurricane season is officially underway, and we’re getting a hype-free preview of what to expect from Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza. He joins host Raheel Ramzanali about NOAA’s official forecast, what lessons we learned from Hurricane Beryl, and how you can prepare.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
With calm Houston weather, we take a very early look at hurricane season

NOAA predicts 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be ‘above normal’

Tips To Get You Hurricane Ready in Houston

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode:
Comicpalooza
Fresh Arts
Visit Port Aransas
Contemporary Arts Museum 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!
...more
28min
May 30, 2025Mail Theft Ring, Throwing THC at Reporters, and Pools Open!
It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big stories of the week in H-Town. Today, he’s joined by ABC-13’s Pooja Lodhia to talk about her story on a mail theft ring that was busted this week and why victims can’t find out if their identity was stolen. They also have the latest on a lawsuit that could derail Houston’s budget and share good news with more neighborhood pools opening this summer. Plus, why our Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is throwing TCH products at reporters!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Mental Health of America of Greater Houston

Texas Ren Fest king's cause of death revealed by authorities

Texas Senate passes THC ban bill as Lt. Gov. Patrick raises mental health concerns

Worst States For Drunk Driving In 2025

Mayor John Whitmire's drainage settlement should be rejected, advocacy group tells judge

42 credit and debit cards, over a dozen stolen checks found in mail theft ring bust, records show

Houston to open most public pools this summer, boosts lifeguard hiring with pay and age change

Could Houston solve the lifeguard shortage and open more city pools by hiring 15-year-olds?

Former FOX 26 Houston anchor José Griñán has died

Ocean Vuong’s latest novel explores unlikely friendships and families formed among fast-food workers

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 30th episode:
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Comicpalooza
Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Downtown 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!
Photo: Chris Valdez
...more
31min
May 29, 2025Your Guide to June 2025 in Houston
June is filled with big events, moments to reflect, and delicious meals for dad. So host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to help you make the most of June in Houston.
Want even more delicious spots to eat at around Houston? Check out our ⁠the top brunch spots in Houston right now!⁠ Places we talked about on today’s show:
⁠Galveston Island Revue Weekend⁠

⁠A Juneteenth Conversation: With the Family of George Floyd⁠

⁠Pride Chorus Houston: ⁠⁠True Colors⁠

⁠Beyoncé Endorsed Frenchy’s Fried Chicken During Her Most Recent Visit to Houston⁠

Vintage shopping at ⁠Buffalo Exchange⁠, ⁠Charity Guild⁠, ⁠Value Village⁠, ⁠Goodwill⁠, or ⁠Leopard Lounge⁠

⁠Get To Know Houston, Texas Through Beyoncé's Eyes: Her Favorite Restaurants, Childhood Spots, and More⁠

⁠Medium Rare⁠

⁠Gatlin’s BBQ ⁠

⁠Brennan’s of Houston ⁠
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 29th episode:
⁠Texas Monthly Taco Fest⁠
⁠Comicpalooza⁠
⁠Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau⁠
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
33min
May 28, 2025The Top Brunch Spots in Houston Right Now
Houston’s brunch scene is one of the best in the nation, from chicken and waffles to dim sum and everything in between. But with so many standout spots, choosing the perfect spot for your brunch plans can be overwhelming. That’s why host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Bao Ong, the Houston Chronicle’s restaurant critic, to round up the top brunch experiences around H-town. Whether you’re looking for party vibes, a decadent Mexican meal, or a classic buffet, they’ve got you covered!
Places we talked about on today’s show:
The Pit Room

Flora Houston

Xalisko

Lucille’s

Barnaby Cafe

Hugo’s

Mia’s Table

Chapman and Kirby

Montrose Country Club

Bar Boheme

Squable

Cuchara

Aga’s

The Marigold Club

Silk Road

Ocean Palace

Fung’s Kitchen

Forget Me Not

Kamp

Honey Hole
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode:
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Comicpalooza
Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau
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
21min
May 27, 2025Three Houstonians Caught up in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
During his presidential campaign, President Trump vowed to crack down on illegal immigration and deport violent criminals. But how is the crackdown actually playing out in Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with award-winning immigration reporter Anna-Cat Brigida about how some regular Houstonians are getting their visas revoked, detained in ICE raids, and more.
ICE says it deported more than 500 people in the Houston area in one week

University of Houston assistant professor preparing to leave country after ‘unexpected termination’ of visa

Coming home: Erik Payán returns to his family after a month in detention

Houston families left in limbo after Biden program for spouses of US citizens halted

U.S. Citizens twice as likely to be charged with crime in Harris County, data shows
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 27th episode:Texas Monthly Taco FestComicpaloozaBandera County Convention & Visitors BureauLooking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHoustonDon’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 Credit: Sharon Steinmann/Houston Chronicle via Getty Image
...more
32min
May 23, 2025Future of RenFest, George Floyd Mural Destroyed, & H-Town Exodus?!
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter at The Texas Newsroom, and executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about the future of the Texas Renaissance Festival after its founder died this week. Plus, Houston’s growing income inequality and the legacy of George Floyd. And don’t miss our moments of joy!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
⁠George Coulam, controversial founder of Texas Renaissance Festival, found dead in Grimes County⁠

⁠Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2025 Results ⁠

⁠Houston cultural landmark quietly turned to rubble, sparking local outcry⁠

⁠What a 10-minute call with George Floyd's family reveals about the meaning of May 25⁠

⁠George Floyd-inspired festival to be held in Houston five years after his murder⁠

⁠His Name Is George Floyd (Pulitzer Prize Winner)⁠

⁠Views of Race, Policing and Black Lives Matter in the 5 Years Since George Floyd’s Killing⁠

⁠Houston nonprofit devoted to homeless youth unveils new $55 million campus⁠

⁠Tilman Fertitta, Mayor John Whitmire, first lady Cecilia Abbott award 66 wheelchair accessible vans⁠

If you enjoyed today's interview with The Village School's Enrollment Officer, Cassie Riddle, ⁠learn more here⁠.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 23rd episode:
⁠Contemporary Arts Museum Houston⁠
⁠Texas Monthly Taco Fest⁠
⁠Buffalo Bayou Partnership⁠
⁠Visit Boerne⁠
⁠Comicpalooza⁠

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: Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
...more
40min
May 22, 2025The Best Road Trips From Houston This Summer
Whether you’re planning a quick one-hour trip or a long-haul adventure, Houston offers plenty of great road trip options. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Sofia Gonzalez, Houstonia Magazine’s travel editor, to share their top picks for the best road trips to take this Memorial Day weekend, or anytime this summer with your friends, family, special someone — or even solo!

Check out all our recommendations here:
Galveston

Surfside

Blue Coast Highway Drive

The Pearl in San Antonio

Mi Tierra y Panadería

The San Antonio Riverwalk

San Marcos

New Braunfels

Big Bend National Park

Hike Smart

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Check out Sofia’s work in Houstonia Magazine

If you enjoyed today's interview with Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's Teen Council and Tour Program Coordinator, Jack Morillo, learn more here.
Jack Morillo: Teen Council and Tour Program Coordinator

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 22nd episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne

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
May 21, 2025What Happened to Our Beloved Whataburger?
There was a time when host Raheel Ramzanali celebrated every birthday at Whataburger with a patty melt. But now, as the Texas legend marks its 75th anniversary, he swears it’s just not the same. So, he’s talking to Omar Gallaga, an independent Texas-based writer, about whether Whataburger has changed since it was bought by a Chicago company in 2019 and went national. Plus, we’ll hear from some loyal fans and their favorite memories.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
What happened to Whataburger?

Whataburger brings back two menu favorites for its 75th anniversary celebration

The Texanist: How Can Whataburger Say That It’s Still “Family Owned and Operated”?

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 21st episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne

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
May 20, 2025How Houstonians Really Feel, Budget Updates, & Principal on Dating Show?!
The annual Kinder Houston area survey is out so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down some of the interesting takeaways on how Houstonians are feeling with ABC-13 reporter Shannon Ryan. Plus, what’s the latest with Mayor Whitmire’s proposed budget and what services will be impacted if it passes? And, we learn what a popular former HISD principal is up to during “Only in H-Town”!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Houston's budget and voters' changing attitudes

Houston parks department ‘hit pretty hard’ by cuts under proposed budget for FY 2026

Kinder Houston Area Survey

Former Houston principal looking for love in '90 Day Fiance' spinoff

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 20th episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne

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: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
...more
25min
May 19, 2025Will Housing in Houston Ever Be Affordable Again?
Houston has long prided itself on being an affordable place to live, for both homeowners and renters. But that reputation is starting to slip. As more people move to the city, housing supply hasn’t kept up. And prices in traditionally working-class neighborhoods are skyrocketing. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to City Cast Houston contributor Evan Mintz about how we got here, what Houstonians can do to slow rising costs, and if state lawmakers might actually do something to fix our housing affordability crisis.
Soaring home values threaten to displace Houston’s blue-collar homeowners and renters

Could Empty Office Buildings Offer a Real Housing Solution?

Commercial-to-Residential Conversion Bill - SB 2477

Staircase Bill - SB 2835

Third-Party Review Bill - SB 1450

Texans for Reasonable Solutions

Texans for Housing

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode:
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston - Save 40% from May 9-26 when booking summer travel!
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne

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

FAQs about City Cast Houston:

How many episodes does City Cast Houston have?

The podcast currently has 1,209 episodes available.

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