City Cast Houston

By City CastSociety & Culture News Daily News

City Cast Houston episodes

August 14, 2025 Are Houston Summers Causing Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Summer break is over, but it’s still hot in H-Town. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is learning about how the summer heat can impact our mental health from Dr. Asim Shah, chief of psychiatry and director of mood disorder research at the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital. Plus, Dr. Shah gives us tips on how to prevent it from impacting you.
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 August 14th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Port AransasApollo 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 @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!
23 min
August 12, 2025HISD Superintendent Miles on Back-to-School, Student Progress, & School Closures
Today marks the first day of back-to-school for over 170,000 students and some 10,000 teachers in the Houston Independent School District. State-appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is joining host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about the latest state ratings, potential school closures, teacher turnover and more changes you need to know for the new year.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
HISD has no F-rated schools in 2025, Mike Miles says ahead of official TEA rating release

More than 2,300 teachers left Houston ISD in June, continuing trend of high turnover under Mike Miles

Houston ISD is aiming for up to 10 school closures, plans to build $180M career center, Miles says

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th 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: Larry D. Moore
32 min
August 11, 2025Is Houston Really Prioritizing Road Safety?
Houston traffic fatalities hit record numbers last year — so why is City Hall pushing back against road designs that researchers say are safer? Executive producer Laura Isensee is talking with Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement for the Houston Chronicle, about the controversial road design changes on Telephone Road, what this means for all Houstonians, and how the city’s growth plays into all this.
Why isn't City Hall putting safety first on Telephone Road? | Editorial

Houston board delays $438K Telephone Road redesign amid public outcry over design changes

Why Isn't Montrose More Walkable?

Houston Heights residents, businesses divided about 11th Street bike lanes as mayor continues criticism

Houston traffic fatalities rose to record numbers in 2024 as city lags on previous Vision Zero goals
Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Visit Port Aransas
Apollo Chamber Players
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!
21 min
August 08, 2025Texas Redistricting Wars, Secretive Crypto & Job Losses for Black Women
All eyes were on Texas this week as dozens of House Democrats fled the state, temporarily blocking the GOP’s push to redraw political maps and gain five new seats in Congress. Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, about what makes this quorum break different — and what might come next. Plus, they dig into why rising unemployment for Black women is especially concerning, talk about how Texas cryptocurrency mining could impact our electric bill, and share their moments of joy.
Dive deeper into today’s stories:
What’s Happening With Redistricting in Texas?

Cornyn says FBI will help locate absent Texas Democrats, but scope of feds’ role unclear

How a Self-Described Wallflower Came to Lead the Texas Democrats’ Walkout

Exclusive: SAN reporter’s inquiry into Texas’ Bitcoin mines triggers lawsuit

A staggering 300,000 Black women left jobs or were forced out in 2025. Here's why Texans should care.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode:
Houston Restaurant Weeks
Downtown Houston+
Contemporary Arts Museum 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: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images
33 min
August 07, 2025 BBQ, NASA, or the Rodeo? We Pick the ‘Most Houston’ Thing Ever
There are so many uniquely Houston institutions, foods, pop culture icons, and moments in time that have become symbols of the city. But which one best defines H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are making the case for their favorites in an epic, multi-round competition, with Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU, stepping in as judge.
So, which local icon was dubbed the “Most Houston” thing ever, and do you agree with our conclusions? We invited listeners to vote on their faves as well — check out the full bracket and see who won that “listeners’ choice” competition. Plus, let us know what we missed!
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode:
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!
38 min
August 06, 2025Best Back-to-School Snacks for Grown-Ups & Kids
School is almost back in session, so it’s the perfect time to step up your snack game. Whether you have kids in school or just love a good treat yourself, this episode is for you. Emily Hill with Texas Grocery Finds joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to talk about best snacks for this season. Plus, where you can get the best bang for your buck!
Follow Emily on Instagram for even more Texas grocery finds!

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode:
Houston Restaurant Weeks

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!
20 min
August 05, 2025The Great Astrodome Debate: Tear It Down, or Renovate?
It’s the Eighth Wonder of the World, and one of Houston’s most iconic landmarks. The Astros played there. George Strait and Selena performed there. But for more than a decade, the Astrodome has sat empty and neglected. Now, a new poll shows a majority of Houston voters support spending public money to renovate it. So, could this FINALLY be the moment we do something with the Dome? City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still team “tear it down,” but he’s bringing on his buddy and sportscaster John Granato, who thinks the Astrodome deserves a second life.
Dive deeper into today’s episode:
Houston voters support using public money to renovate NRG Stadium and the Astrodome, poll shows

Houston’s Astrodome Was a Vision of the Future. It’s Past Its Prime.

A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
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 sponsor of this August 5th episode:
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!
30 min
August 04, 2025Can Mayor Whitmire Really End Homelessness in Houston?
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has launched an ambitious campaign to solve a complex problem in Houston: Getting thousands of people off the streets and into stable housing. To find out exactly how he plans to accomplish this, and how much money it will take, City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is sitting down with Director of Housing and Community Development Mike Nichols.
Dive deeper into today’s episode:
Stern and Marks: Philanthropy isn't the answer to bad government

Houston City Council effectively bans homeless people from downtown and East Downtown sidewalks

Houston’s ‘end street homelessness’ fund remains well short of goal as regionwide efforts continue
If you enjoyed today's interview with Xavier Academy's Founder, Richard De La Caudara, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 4th episode:
Holocaust Museum Houston
Houston Restaurant Weeks
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!
34 min
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
37 min
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]
30 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…