Podcast
Hello Houston
Hosted by Houston Public Media · EN
Hello Houston is your connection to the heart of the Bayou City. Every weekday, we dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians — from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of life in our vibrant city.
50episodes
Episodes
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Hello Houston (May 1, 2026)
May 101:37:03Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we're joined by Gus Faucher, the Chief Economist for PNC, in the first hour of the show, who breaks down a new report with insights on where Houston’s economy stands currently and what we can expect in the months ahead.Then, we learn all about the local women’s organization, The Women's Resource of Greater Houston, with its Chief Development Officer, Stephanie Magers, who tells us about their work empowering women to make choices to become financially stable.In the second hour, Phoebe Tudor discusses the importance of historical preservation and her role as Board Chair at the National Trust for Historic Preservation as she takes on Washington and the preservation of the White House.Plus, as it’s Celeste Diaz Schurman’s last show as a full-time Hello Houston host, we bring in some special guests and a few surprises to wish her well as she steps into a new chapter.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and Celeste Diaz Schurman (for one final time) talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Camp Mystic withdrawing its application for a summer 2026 camp license and nationwide May Day demonstrations calling for a boycott of work, school and shopping.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 30, 2026)
Apr 3001:37:18Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we hear from local Pastor Sean Palmer, who shares his perspective on the intersection of politics and religion with Celeste Diaz Schurman in the latest installment of her “Cold Coffee” series.Then, writer, speaker, and influencer Libby Ward joins us to explain how she’s redefining the motherhood narrative through an honest, unfiltered, and relatable lens, as well as her new book Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself. In the second hour, we’re joined by Houston Public Media Fort Bend County reporter Melissa Enaje, who tells us all about a new initiative that will take a closer look at the air residents breathe in Fort Bend County to identify potential health risks.Plus, our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are currently taking over all their free time, as part of our regular Thursday feature, “Current Obsessions.”And, as always, Ernie Manouse and Celeste Diaz Schurman talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the FCC ordering several TV stations owned by Disney to re-file their broadcasting licenses within 30 days and the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Louisiana must redraw its congressional map, which they discuss with Democracy Docket reporter Jen Rice.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 29, 2026)
Apr 2901:37:56Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Anne Sung, the Chief Policy and Innovation Officer for Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, who discusses a new business accelerator initiative designed to help childcare providers expand in Harris County.Then, local media personality Tessa Berrera, formerly of Houston Life on KPRC, joins us to share what she’s been up to since leaving local television.In the second hour, we take a closer look at what Superfund sites are and where they exist in Harris County with Dr. Bhagavatula Moorthy, the program director and principal investigator of the Baylor College of Medicine – Rice Superfund Research Program, who also explains how researchers are studying their effects.Plus, Becky Seabrook, Senior Director of Guest Engagement at The Health Museum, joins us to tell us all about their annual Global Teen Medical Summit, and how it gives high school students the opportunity to explore modern-day health and bioscience challenges.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and Celeste Diaz Schurman talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a new poll showing state Rep. James Talarico leading in Texas’ U.S. Senate race, the U.S. Supreme Court striking down Louisiana’s current congressional map, and former FBI Director James Comey’s second indictment.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 28, 2026)
Apr 2801:38:07Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Kim Kofron, Director of Early Childhood Education at Children at Risk, who discusses their new report on “childcare deserts” across Texas, which are areas where finding affordable and quality childcare is becoming more difficult.Next, Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, the founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Indian arts organization, Silambam Houston, tells us about their original production Kāvya: Poetry in Motion, which will be performed at the Hobby Center on Friday, May 1.In the second hour, Dr. George Santos, a psychiatrist and member physician with the Harris County Medical Society, discusses what we should know about protecting our long-term brain health and new findings that suggest heavy screen time could be linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline.Plus, the Junior League of Houston’s Margie Sutton talks about the organization’s Community Assistance Grants, which offer funding to local non-profits working in children’s education, women and children’s health, and whole family basic needs.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and Celeste Diaz Schurman talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Supreme Court issuing a decision allowing Texas’ newly redrawn congressional maps to be used and Houston Mayor John Whitmire facing ethics complaints over his new city-funded podcast.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 27, 2026)
Apr 2701:39:23Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Richard Elbein, CEO of the Alzheimer's Association's Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, about their new report that spotlights the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in Texas.Then, we highlight the Houston Museum of African American Culture, with its newly appointed CEO, Davinia Reed, who tells us more about their mission as well as the museum’s current exhibitions and programming.In the second hour of the show, Dan Potter, the Director of the Houston Population Research Center at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, breaks down the results of their annual Houston area survey and what they reveal about the current thoughts and attitudes of Harris County residents.Plus, we also hear from Houstonians Amy Good and Marc Tushnet, who tell us about their efforts to save the ice rink at Memorial City Mall, after it was announced that it would be permanently closing due to renovations.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and Celeste Diaz Schurman discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the alleged White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter appearing in federal court, a recent ruling on a Texas law that lets state police arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally, and King Charles III and Queen Camilla's visit to the U.S. today.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 24, 2026)
Apr 2401:38:04Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, the University of Houston Law Center’s Seth Chandler joins us to break down the recent ruling on the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms and what comes next.Then, Brian Mason, Director of the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, joins us to tell us about the upcoming Ready365 event, which aims to prepare Houstonians for a variety of disasters.In the second hour, we’re joined by singer-songwriter Patrice Pike and Dr. Sam West, Executive Director of the Step Onward Foundation, who both tell us about a special event to celebrate the organization's impact on preventing housing insecurity. Plus, we hear Pike perform her songs “Rufus” and “Whippoorwill” in the Hello Houston studio.And finally, our hosts share a rundown of things happening this weekend in H-Town for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.Also, Ernie Manouse and guest host Joy Sewing discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Department of Homeland Security warning that we could see long security lines at airports next month, Beyoncé's childhood home having a potential buyer, and Houston's new short-term rental regulations.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 23, 2026)
Apr 2301:37:35Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former Texas Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess in the show’s first hour, who breaks down Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s hearings over recent changes to vaccine policies.Then, Houston-area intimacy and relationship expert Dr. Viviana Coles rejoins us on the show to talk about intimacy after pregnancy and answer relationship questions from Hello Houston listeners.In the second hour of the show, Ashley Love, the Education and Community Engagement Programs Manager at Alley Theatre, tells us about their new Arts in Health initiative that explores how creativity can spark memory, connection, and joy.Plus, our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are currently taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.Also, Ernie Manouse and guest host former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston Police Department receiving calls to fire an officer accused of making racist comments in a viral video and the changes that are coming soon to Houston as the FIFA World Cup approaches.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 22, 2026)
Apr 2201:36:55Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, with Southeast Texas having a rather strong allergy season currently, we talk with Dr. David Corry, an allergist with Baylor College of Medicine, who explains why and takes listeners' questions about how to best navigate this time of year.Then, Arthouse Houston co-founder Maureen McNamara and ARTECHOUSE Houston director of marketing Jonathan Beitler join us to tell us about a special Earth Day screening of the classic 1982 non-narrative documentary Koyaanisqatsi, which will take place tonight.In the second hour, Houston Public Media’s senior reporter for politics and government, Andrew Schneider, discusses a key legal battle over hemp products in Texas as a Travis County judge soon decides whether to extend a temporary restraining order blocking new state rules.And finally, we play a special Earth Day episode of Texperts as Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus discusses the “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign with its current administrator, Norma Rios of TxDOT, in recognition of the campaign's 40th anniversary.Also, Celeste Diaz Schurman and guest host Doug Miller talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire wanting to amend the city’s HPD-ICE ordinance rather than repealing it, the launch of a robotaxi service in Houston, a federal appeals court ruling that Texas can enforce the law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, and more.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 21, 2026)
Apr 2101:39:22Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas joins us to discuss tomorrow’s meeting over the city ordinance she spearheaded aimed at limiting HPD’s coordination with ICE agents, and what this could mean for Houston.Next, we learn about Houston’s inaugural “Great Age on the Green” festival with Fritz McDonald, president and founder of the Houston-based non-profit, the Great Age Movement, and the Discovery Green Conservancy's marketing director, Frankie Ortega.In the show’s second hour, we talk with Dr. Richard Stoll, professor of political science at Rice University, who shares his thoughts on the current state of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, as well as how these kinds of negotiations work.Plus, Misty Flores, Assistant Curator at MFAH’s Rienzi, tells us all about their new exhibition, Midcentury Menu: Dining in the Atomic Age, and how it explores how food became redefined during postwar America.Also, Ernie Manouse and guest host Chau Nguyen discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire's new podcast costing up to $60,000 in taxpayer money, plans being approved for President Trump’s proposed “triumphal arch,” and the Houston City Council voting on amending the ordinance limiting coordination between HPD and ICE.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 20, 2026)
Apr 2001:37:48Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we talk about the changing outlook for clean energy in the state of Texas with freelance journalist Laura Mallonee, who recently reported on this topic for the Texas Observer.Next, Liz Selig, the Director of Development for Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Chau Nguyen join us to tell us all about an upcoming concert event aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault.In the second hour, we’re joined by Houston Education Research Consortium researcher Courtney Thrash, who discusses what’s driving the changes in public school enrollment across the Houston region and what these changes could mean for local districts.Plus, Magpies & Peacocks founder Sarah-Jayne Smith and vice president Ahshia Berry tell us about their work with the Houston-based non-profit design house that works to recycle textiles and turn them into locally made, upcycled collections.Also, Hello Houston host Ernie Manouse and Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the latest developments on the war with Iran, the Supreme Court ruling that banning conversion therapy is a violation of the First Amendment, and the U.S. government launching an online portal for tariff refunds.
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