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 1,170 episodes available.

City Cast Houston episodes:

July 02, 2025Houston’s Best BBQ Right Now
Houston’s barbecue joints keep winning awards, but with so many places to visit, it can be overwhelming. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is calling on Patrick Feges, co-owner and pitmaster of Feges BBQ, for his top picks from Houston’s barbecue scene, from brisket to fusion.

Don’t miss our 713 Day Pre-Party at Saint Arnold Brewing on July 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free, but please RSVP here.

Check out all of the recommendations from today’s show:
Truth BBQ

Corkscrew BBQ

Gatlin’s

Pinkerton's

Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue

Blood Bros BBQ

Bar-A-BBQ

Roegel’s Barbecue

Ray’s BBQ

Khói Barbecue

JQ’s TexMex BBQ

Feges

Fainmous

Killen's

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode:
Downtown Houston+
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston
Visit Port Aransas

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
19min
July 01, 2025Your Guide to July 2025 in Houston
It may be hot and sticky outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make this month the best July ever in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis and producer Carlignon Jones to give you insider recommendations on the best ways to stay cool, where to take out-of-town guests, and of course, where to eat!

Want more great food recommendations? Check out our guide to the hottest restaurants in Montrose right now!

Places we talked about on today’s show:
What to do for the Fourth of July

City Cast Houston’s 713 Day Pre-Party

Surf Lessons in Surfside, TX

Hotel Lucine in Galveston, TX

Just Ride Watercrafts

Lotería Game Night | Inspired by the MFAH Art Collections

Kidpendence Day Party

Puppy Palooza Party

Rock the Dock at the Kemah Boardwalk

Mango Lassi at Aga’s

Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Happy Go Lucky

Gringo’s Margarita Summer Specials

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 1st episode:
Downtown Houston+
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston
Visit Port Aransas

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: Getty Images
...more
29min
June 30, 2025She Called 911 for Domestic Abuse. Then Houston Police Called ICE.
A new investigation in the Houston Chronicle found that Houston police called ICE on woman after she called 911 for domestic abuse. So, is HPD working with ICE despite Mayor Whitmire saying they aren’t? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Sam González Kelly, one of the Houston Chronicle reporters on that investigation, and Maria Espinosa of FIEL, the largest immigrant-led civil rights organization in Texas, to answer that question, and how this case could put more immigrants and all Houstonians at risk.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
⁠She called 911 to report domestic abuse. Then Houston police called ICE on her.⁠

⁠Homicides down 6% in Houston, but family violence a growing issue, records show⁠

⁠Harris County’s New District Attorney Has Big Plans⁠

⁠Learn more about FIEL ⁠

Join the City Cast Houston team for our Pre-713 Day Celebration at Saint Arnold Brewing on July 10th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free, but please RSVP ⁠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!
...more
26min
June 27, 2025THC Ban On Hold, More Jail Deaths, & Recycling Delays
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest news in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, to talk about the next steps in the THC ban after Governor Abbott vetoed Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s bill, the rise in deaths at Harris County Jail, why your recycling isn’t getting picked up, and more!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Dan Patrick blasts Abbott over surprise THC veto: He 'wants to legalize' it.

Three Harris County Jail inmates die within 48-hour span, marking 10 in-custody deaths in 2025

Harris County’s New District Attorney Has Big Plans

Houston residents frustrated as recycling pickup delays stretch over month

Video of man jumping from the second floor of the Galleria

Man hospitalized after jumping from second story of Galleria onto ice rink while evading police

Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank

What are you willing to pay for Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' concert? Ticketmaster prices rise to $8k for a front row seat

Why We Honor DJ Screw Day On June 27

Screwfest 2025

Learn more about Straight Arrow News

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode:
Visit Navasota
Jones Dairy Farm
Downtown Houston+
A.D. Players Theater

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: Robert Daemmrich Photography Inc/Corbis via Getty Images
...more
33min
June 26, 2025How Beyoncé Helped Bring Back Houston’s Black Cowboy Culture
It’s Beyonce weekend here in H-Town as Queen B takes over NRG for her Cowboy Carter tour. So, Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dr. Alicia Odewale, National Geographic MasterClass professor, about how Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture and how we can celebrate it in Houston.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode:
Visit Navasota
Jones Dairy Farm
A.D. Players Theater

Dive deeper with these resources recommended by Dr. Odewale:
Dr. Odewale’s MasterClass

Black Cowboys in the American West: On the Range, on the Stage, behind the Badge

The Black West: A Documentary and Pictorial History of the African American Role in the Westward Expansion of the United States

Black Cowboys of the Old West: True, Sensational, And Little-Known Stories From History

African American Women of the Old West

The Black Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame in Rosenberg, TX

Black Heritage Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

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
June 25, 2025Houston’s James Beard Winner, Expensive Fajitas, and Favorite Summer Foods
Host Raheel Ramzanali is hanging out with his friend Eric Sandler, editor of CultureMap Houston, talking about all of the big food news in Houston. From throwing shade at the cost of fajitas to discussing the true impact of food awards, Raheel and Eric are talking about it all. Plus, their favorite summer foods and a new restaurant from an OG Houston chef you have to try.

Places and stories we talked about on today’s show:
The Problem With BBQ, Fast Food Is Changing & Chinese Tamales

Texas Monthly's BBQ Snob dishes on the magazine's new top 50 list

Award-winning Houston chef reemerges with new Memorial restaurant

Innovative Houston chef is the city's newest James Beard Award winner

HoneyChild’s Sweet Creams

Underground Creamery

Cloud 10 Creamery
Join the City Cast Houston team for our Pre-713 Day Celebration at Saint Arnold Brewing on July 10th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. This event is free, but please RSVP here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode:
Visit Navasota
Jones Dairy Farm
A.D. Players Theater

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
23min
June 24, 2025Is Montrose Still Houston’s “Cool” Neighborhood?
Since the 1970s, Montrose has been Houston’s neighborhood for artists, musicians, bohemians, and so much more. Basically, it’s the cool neighborhood. But, with rent going up and more upscale boutiques, is Montrose still MONTROSE? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Quinn Bishop, co-owner of Cactus Music, and executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about how Montrose became the heart of Houston’s counter culture, when they noticed the area changing, and how to keep the Montrose spirit alive.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Montrose Is Dead. Long Live Montrose?

Revisiting Montrose, Houston’s Evolving Urban Paradise

Cactus Music Turns 50 This Year

Luxury condo project The Madison announced for West Gray Street

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode:
Visit Navasota
Jones Dairy Farm
A.D. Players Theater
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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
30min
June 23, 2025Why Former Mayor Parker Wants To Unseat County Judge Hidalgo
Earlier this month, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced she’s running for Harris County Judge in 2026. And today she’s sitting down with host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about why she’s getting back into local politics. They discuss where Parker thinks Harris County has fallen short, if she’s talked to incumbent Lina Hidalgo, and how she would address challenges like flooding and affordable housing.
Dive deeper into Parker’s campaign and the issues we talked about on today’s show:
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County government

Houston survey finds diversity is top draw, but crime and traffic worry residents

A Look Back At The Parker Years

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode:
Visit Navasota
Jones Dairy Farm
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston
A.D. Players Theater

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
June 20, 2025 Here's What 13 US Cities Are Talking About This Summer | A City Cast Houston Special
City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what's happening in our communities. So Raheel Ramzanali and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes.
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode:
Comicpalooza
Visit Port Aransas
Arts District Houston
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Downtown Houston+
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston
...more
1h 1min
June 18, 2025The Hottest Restaurants and Bars in Montrose Right Now
Montrose is home to some of the hottest restaurants and bars in H-town. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a weekend brunch or a night of cocktails in between, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Emma Balter, senior editor at Texas Monthly. Plus, they dig into some delicious bites at ChòpnBlọk!

Places and stories we mentioned on today’s show:
⁠Black Hole Coffee Shop⁠

⁠ChopnBlok⁠

⁠How Chemical Salesman Ope Amosu Became One of Htx’s Hottest Chefs⁠

⁠Hugo’s ⁠

⁠Rosie Cannonball ⁠

⁠Nobie’s⁠

⁠Mala Sichuan Bistro ⁠

⁠La Guadalupana ⁠

⁠Uchi⁠

⁠Montrose Cheese & Wine ⁠

⁠West Alabama Ice House ⁠

⁠The Toasted Coconut ⁠

⁠JR’s Bar⁠

⁠George’s Country Bar ⁠

⁠Anvil⁠

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode:
⁠Comicpalooza⁠
⁠Visit Port Aransas⁠
⁠Arts District Houston⁠
⁠Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston⁠
⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
...more
23min

FAQs about City Cast Houston:

How many episodes does City Cast Houston have?

The podcast currently has 1,170 episodes available.

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