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 1,171 episodes available.

City Cast Houston episodes:

August 01, 2025Traffic Still Sucks, Fallout From Redistricting, and ‘King of the Hill’ Returns!
Traffic is really out of control … officially! Also, how will your representative in Congress change if the new Texas GOP maps get passed? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Houstonia Magazine’s Erica Cheng to break down these and other big stories from this week. You won’t believe what game is taking over the city, and Raheel is PSYCHED that one of his favorite shows is returning to TV.
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Houston commute woes worsen—now among top 10 worst in America

Texas Republicans unveil redistricting map to expand GOP foothold by 5 seats, including 1 in Houston

Newsom will move to redraw California map if Texas redistricts, teeing up national fight

'The stress of it': Prosecutors leaving DA Teare's office as case loads remain high

Houston’s Mahjong Boom: Meet the Women Teaching the Game, One Tile at a Time

Why ‘King of the Hill’ Is the Most Significant Work of Texan Culture of the Past Thirty Years
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 1st episode:
Holocaust Museum Houston
Visit Port Aransas
Houston Restaurant Weeks
Downtown Houston+
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: Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
...more
37min
July 31, 2025 Your Guide to August 2025 in Houston
August in Houston is notorious for its steamy heat and back-to-school rush. So, we’ve curated a list just for you to stay cool, enjoy the last taste of summer, and know what stories to watch this month. In this episode, you’ll hear insider tips for an Astros’ game, the best spot for ice cream in Montrose, and a new bookstore-plus-bar that’s worth the drive to the ‘burbs!
Want to recreate your iconic childhood summers in Houston? Check out these must-try water parks and roller rinks! And don’t miss our food news roundup with Eric Sandler!
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 August in Houston, check out Hey Houston’s take on what to do this month.
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
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31st episode:
Downtown Houston+
Visit Port Aransas
Houston Restaurant Weeks
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
You can reach us at [email protected]
...more
30min
July 30, 2025Top Picks for Houston Restaurant Weeks. Plus, Will Shipley Donuts Change?!
Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking food with the editor of Culture Map Houston, Eric Sandler. They start by breaking down the big news in food: Shipley Donuts getting bought out by another private equity firm. Will our beloved donut chain remain the same or are we getting another Whataburger situation? Plus, everything you need to know about Houston Restaurant Weeks — especially where to eat — and our hottest food takes from the month.
Check out the places and stories we talked about today:
Houston Restaurant Weeks

MAD Houston

Dough Zone Dumpling House

Daily Gather

Favorite Houston doughnut shop swaps one private equity owner for another

Top Houston barbecue joint fires up a new location at Hobby Airport

Houston influencer defends post bashing top Texas barbecue spot
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30th episode:
Holocaust Museum Houston
Visit Port Aransas
Houston Restaurant Weeks
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
27min
July 29, 2025Trump Threatens Beyoncé, Downtown Scooter Ban, and Detaining U.S. Citizens
Not many of us were ready for a President Trump vs Beyoncé showdown, but that could be happening soon … in the courts. Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are catching you up that story down plus the proposed scooter ban in downtown, the latest on redistricting, and Texas under Trump.

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

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Houston considers scooter ban downtown, citing safety concerns, illegal operations

Houston hearing reveals tensions over congressional district changes

Trump wants Beyoncé prosecuted along with Oprah and Sharpton over unproven allegations

'I was born in College Station' | U.S. citizen says ICE detained him for nearly two hours

Vermont school superintendent detained for hours at Houston’s Bush Airport

August increase in Mexico tariffs could strain Texas economy

Are Americans proudest of their country, state, or hometown?

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode:
Holocaust Museum Houston
Visit Port Aransas
Houston Restaurant Weeks

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
35min
July 28, 2025 What Will Lawmakers Do About the THC Ban, Redistricting, and More
Governor Abbott’s special session is underway with a lot of items on the agenda. So, how will this special session impact Houston specifically? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter for Chron.com, about four items on the agenda: redistricting, the THC ban, flooding, and the STAAR test.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28th episode:
Holocaust Museum Houston
Visit Port Aransas
Houston Restaurant Weeks

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
July 25, 2025Judge Hidalgo’s Low Approval Ratings, Penny Tax for Childcare & Mayor Whitmire’s Club Crackdown
It’s Friday, so host Raheel Ramzanali is catching you up on on the week’s biggest news with conservative commentator Charles Blain. They dig into the redistricting efforts in the Texas Legislature’s special session and what it means for Houston. Plus, how voters feel about Harris County officials and why Mayor Whitmire is going after clubs instead of crime. And, of course, we can’t close the week without our moments of joy!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Why Is Mayor Whitmire Scrapping an Approved Montrose Bike Lane?

Texas Republicans, including Gov. Abbott, were reluctant to redraw the state’s congressional maps. Then Trump got involved.

Lina Hidalgo has lowest net approval rating of any Harris County elected official, Hobby poll finds

Harris County Voters Split on County’s Top Problems, Solutions

Houston mayor’s newly created police ‘club unit’ closed 5 clubs over 3-day period

Why Car Break-Ins in Montrose Have Houstonians Feeling Helpless

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo proposes tax increase to help pay for early childcare programs

Become a City Cast Houston Neighbor!

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Boerne
Holocaust Museum Houston
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: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
...more
37min
July 24, 2025Must-Try Water Parks & Roller Rinks for the Ultimate Houston Summer
Astroworld, Funplex, the neighborhood pool, and so many other places defined some of our favorite summer memories as kids in Houston. But, where do we go now to recreate them? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to talk about their favorite summer memories and where you can go now as adults to relive them.

Places we talked about on today's show:
Six Flags: Fiesta Texas

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

Should You Visit or Skip These Movie Theaters?

Julia Ideson Building Library

Typhoon Texas in Katy

Schlitterbahn in Galveston

Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Bear Creek Roller Rink

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Boerne
Holocaust 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
26min
July 23, 2025 How to Get the Cheapest Flights From Houston
Looking for a last-minute summer getaway? Or planning a fall trip? We’re helping you save money on flights on today's episode of City Cast Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes to get his best tips for finding cheap flights out of Houston, whether it’s from Hobby Airport or Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Boerne
Holocaust 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
July 22, 2025Why Car Break-Ins in Montrose Have Houstonians Feeling Helpless
KB Brown LOVES Montrose. She’s the self-proclaimed Mayor of Montrose and owns several businesses there, but recently she’s feeling pretty frustrated about car break-ins in the neighborhood. Host Raheel Ramzanali talsk with KB about what’s causing the problem, what Houston police are doing about it, and what this means for Montrose.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
‘We need help down here’: Montrose residents raise safety concerns ahead of Pride Weekend

If you enjoyed today's interview with Holocaust Museum Houston's Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Trevor Boyd, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Boerne
Holocaust 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!
Photo: Brooke Lewis
...more
33min
July 21, 2025Could Private School Vouchers Actually Be a Good Thing?
Texas’ private school voucher program is here and while many lawmakers and education leaders criticized it during the legislature, the program has some people excited about the future of education in Texas. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Cassandra Bandy, former HISD board member and education consultant, about why she’s looking forward to the program launching this year and how it will benefit both students and schools.

Stories we talked about today:
Private school vouchers are now law in Texas. Here’s how they will work.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st episode:
Visit Port Aransas
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Boerne
Holocaust 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

FAQs about City Cast Houston:

How many episodes does City Cast Houston have?

The podcast currently has 1,171 episodes available.

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