City Cast Houston

By City CastSociety & Culture News Daily News

City Cast Houston episodes

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!
26 min
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
31 min
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
44 min
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
35 min
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
31 min
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
21 min
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
27 min
August 19, 2025Stalled Train App, Arnold Schwarzenegger on Redistricting, and Houstonians Want New Team
Texas Democrats are back in Austin for Gov. Greg Abbott’s second special session, but guess who’s weighing in on redistricting? One hint: “Hasta la vista, baby!” Plus, there’s a new app for Houstonians to track train traffic, but City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still frustrated. Find out why as he breaks down these stories and more with Chron.com’s trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
When Texas Democrats head home. Will the GOP's redistricting plan move forward?

Arnold Schwarzenegger told me we’re getting the redistricting battles in Texas and California all wrong

Houston unveils Train Watch tool to help residents and first responders avoid blocked crossings

Union Pacific resumes morning and afternoon train traffic near Houston’s Milby High School

A student's train death brought promises of new bridges near HISD schools. For now, they wait.

Houstonians want a theme park, hockey team, and WNBA, new survey shows

Fan interrupts Astros' game by running onto field at Daikin Park

Super Bowl streaker says he bet $50,000 on his stunt, but his plan is falling apart because he couldn't keep his mouth shut
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 19th episode:
Apollo Chamber Players
British International School of 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: Jermaine Thomas II/City Cast
29 min
August 18, 2025Did We Really Need A "King of the Hill" Reboot?!
After more than 15 years, our beloved TV show “King of the Hill” is back with a new season. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Kate Sánchez, founder of the pop culture website "But Why Tho?", to talk about if the revival does the original justice, their favorite moments, and if it’s the greatest TV show ever about Texas.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
REVIEW: ‘King Of The Hill’ Season 14 Is the Best Revival Ever

Why ‘King of the Hill’ Is the Most Significant Work of Texan Culture of the Past Thirty Years

The ‘King of the Hill’ Reboot Will Heal Your Complicated Relationship with Texas

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 18th 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.

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: Espensorvik/Creative Commons
26 min
August 15, 2025Trump Burger With a Side of Murder-for-Hire, Hospital vs. Parks, & Raises for Constables?
There are wild stories, and then there’s Trump Burger. Host Raheel Ramzanali teams up with conservative commentator Charles Blain and executive producer Laura Isensee to unpack the week’s biggest headlines — from the latest twists in the Trump Burger saga to the redistricting showdown between Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Democrats. Plus, they share the moments that brought them the most joy this week!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
The untold origin story of Trump Burger: A $250K murder-for-hire plot, ICE arrest and vaccine scam

Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state

Attorney who has advised Fort Bend County on redistricting cautions against mid-decade redrawing of voter map

How one Houston neighborhood could fare under Texas’ proposed new congressional map

Elected constables want a pay hike. They need to earn it. | Editorial

Harris Health CEO commits to condemnation of portion of Hermann Park despite descendants' protest

More than 100 Spurs volunteers prepare meals for Hill Country flood victims

Read more of Charles’ commentary at the Urban Reform Institute blog
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.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 15th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Port Aransas
Apollo Chamber Players
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: Raheel Ramzanali/City Cast
36 min

About City Cast Houston

From the publisher's feed

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…