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:

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
June 17, 2025Superintendent Miles’ Big Raise, Fighting Road Rage, & Galleria Unsafe?
Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, about the new contract and big raise for HISD’s state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles. And, you better slow down on Interstate 45 and U.S. 59 because Houston police are cracking down on speeding and reckless driving. Plus, Houstonians vent their frustrations about The Galleria, a recap of the No Kings protest, and more!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
‘No Kings’ protests: Thousands gather throughout Houston area to oppose Trump administration

State Rep. Tony Gonzalez’s letter on immigration

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets participates in Army's 250th military parade

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles gets $82,000 raise as part of 5-year contract extension

Houston ISD’s state-appointed board unanimously approves $2.1 billion budget

Houston mayor announces new traffic enforcement initiative along I-45 and I-69/U.S. 59

The Unwritten Rules of the Road in Houston

The Galleria named second-best mall in US, report says

Fox 26’s Instagram post on the Galleria

Houston Housing Authority cited over a dozen cases in a legal brief. Almost none of the quotes exist.

Juneteenth events
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: Jeff Kowalsky AFP via Getty Images
...more
28min
June 16, 2025Would You Spend $17K for Peace of Mind During Hurricane Season?
Buying a whole-home generator has become a trend in Houston, especially after multiple power outages during Hurricane Beryl and other disasters. Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with Texas Monthly’s senior writer Michael Hardy about why he installed one for his Heights home, what he learned along the way, and why Houston has a growing “generator divide.”

Read more about Michael’s experience and dive into more resources here:
We’re Not Relying on the Texas Power Grid This Summer

Consumer Reports’ Generator Buying Guide

How to prepare for a power outage

So you lost power. Here's how to survive the day without electricity.

Harris County Emergency Preparedness

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode:
Comicpalooza
Visit Port Aransas
Arts District Houston
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | 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
19min
June 13, 2025Abbott Tells Protestors 'FAFO,' Astrodome Break-In, & Goodbye FEMA?!
It’s Friday so we’re recapping the week that was in Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and political commentator Rafael Lemaitre to talk about Texas Under Trump with a look the latest methods ICE is using to detain undocumented residents, how politicians are creating fear ahead of this weekend’s protests, and more. Plus, they’re breaking down former Mayor Annise Parker’s big announcement to run for Harris County Judge and why three teenagers were arrested at the Astrodome.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
ICE detains multiple men at Houston immigration courthouse, civil rights organization says

‘No Kings’ protest: Houston-area law enforcement agencies prepare for Saturday rallies

Trump says he plans to phase out FEMA after 2025 hurricane season

How Bad Will This Hurricane Season Be?

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker plans to run for Lina Hidalgo's Harris County judge seat

Can VP Harris Turn Texas Blue?

Deputies arrest three teens accused of sneaking into dormant Astrodome days after urban explorer videos

Las Perras Cafe in EaDo

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 13th episode:
Comicpalooza
Jones Dairy Farm
Visit Uvalde County
A.D. Players Theater
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 by Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
...more
39min
June 12, 2025What’s the Best Suburb to Live in Greater Houston?
Houston isn’t just about the Loop — the city stretches deep into the suburbs. But which one is the best? We’re settling that debate with a good old-fashioned suburb showdown. Host Raheel Ramzanali is repping his beloved Richmond. Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMoms.com, is making the case for one of our OG suburbs, Katy. And longtime Pearland resident Phil Jacob, executive director at The Buckingham, is standing up for his turf. And our judge? Producer Carlignon Jones, who just might be ready to leave H-Town proper.

Places we talked about on today’s show:
Pearland, Sugar Land among 8 Texas towns on U.S News' list of the best places to live

A Houston Moms Guide to Katy Asian Town

Pearland Town Center events

Richmond Downtown events

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode:
Comicpalooza
Jones Dairy Farm
Visit Uvalde County
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
36min
June 11, 2025The Best Margaritas in Houston Right Now
Nothing says summer like chilling in the shade with a cold margarita. And with those hot summer days coming, we’re giving you the best margaritas to enjoy around H-Town! Producer Carlignon Jones is getting recommendations from Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine. From frozen to on the rocks, this episode will get you ready to soak up everything Houston’s margarita scene has to offer. This episode originally aired Aug. 21, 2024.

Check out these recommendations from today’s episode:
Get Your Margarita Fix at These Houston Spots

Pistoleros Tequila and Taco Bar

Pico’s

Ninfa’s

El Tiempo

Hugo’s

La Lucha

Gringo’s Tex-Mex

Candente

Winnie’s

El Patio

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode:
Comicpalooza
Jones Dairy Farm
Visit Uvalde County
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
18min
June 10, 2025Why Isn't Montrose More Walkable?
Montrose has so much to offer from restaurants and bars to museums and local shops. But it’s actually hard to walk around what should be one of Houston’s most walkable neighborhoods. A project to overhaul Montrose Boulevard was supposed to help fix that — until Mayor John Whitmire stepped in. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Houston Public Media’s Dominic Anthony Walsh about why the project got political and what it means for folks in Montrose and other Houston neighborhoods.

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Mayor Whitmire completes overhaul of Montrose TIRZ board after disagreement on redesign

Contentious Montrose Boulevard project in Houston draws protest ahead of construction

Rebuilding Montrose isn’t about trees. It’s about time. (Opinion)

Protesters outnumber contractors as Montrose Boulevard overhaul gets underway

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode:
Comicpalooza
Jones Dairy Farm
Visit Uvalde County
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: Brooke Lewis
...more
27min
June 09, 2025Could the Astroworld Festival Tragedy Have Been Avoided?
It’s been almost four years since 10 people died and hundreds of others were hurt at the Astroworld Festival, and now Netflix is releasing a new documentary, Trainwreck: the Astroworld Tragedy, explaining how this tragic event could’ve been avoided. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking it down with Jose Partida, an Astroworld concertgoer, and Zach Despart, journalist at the Texas Tribune who was part of the Houston Chronicle’s award-winning coverage of the event.
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
No Escape Plan: How missed warning signs at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival led to one of the worst U.S. concert tragedies

Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode:
Comicpalooza
Jones Dairy Farm
Visit Uvalde County
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
36min
June 06, 2025City Budget Drama Boils Over, TEA Extends Takeover, & New Laws
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week that impacted YOU. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Abby Church, city hall reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to talk about the drama surrounding Mayor Whitmire’s budget passing, the extension of the state’s takeover of HISD, big takeaways from the 89th State Legislature, and some big career news for Evan!

Stories we talked about on today’s show:
⁠High-tension Houston City Council meeting ends with greenlight of Mayor John Whitmire’s $7B budget⁠

⁠Whitmire supports Texas bill that would reverse some Houston pension reforms, alarming experts⁠

⁠Chris Newport, Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s chief of staff, to leave administration⁠

⁠Houston ISD takeover by state will continue through 2027, TEA announces⁠

⁠Key bills that passed and failed in the Texas Legislature⁠

⁠Will Housing in Houston Ever Be Affordable Again?⁠

⁠Evan Mintz named Houston Chronicle editor of Opinion and Community Engagement⁠

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 6th episode:
⁠Comicpalooza⁠
⁠Arts District Houston⁠
⁠Visit Port Aransas⁠
⁠Contemporary Arts 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: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
...more
38min
June 05, 2025The Best Free Things To Do This Summer
You don’t have to spend money to have a good time in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Houston content creator Shawn the Food Sheep about the best free things to do this summer in Houston. From world-class art to free concerts, Shawn’s recommendations will help you plan the perfect free day for families, friends, and even your significant other! Places we talked about on today’s show:
Coffee and Cars at POST

Camden Park

Second Saturday at Sawyer Yards

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Free Concerts

Miller Outdoor Theatre Schedule

Japanese Gardens

Asia Society Texas

The Menil Collection

Follow Shawn the Food Sheep on Instagram
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode:
Comicpalooza
Arts District Houston
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
24min

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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