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
Newest firstAll episodes
Hello Houston (April 2, 2026)
Apr 201:35:23Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we speak with Dr. Amier Haidar, a cardiovascular disease fellow at UTHealth Houston, who breaks down the findings of a new study that’s raising concerns about the impact of ultra-processed foods on heart health.Then, former University of Houston golfer and PGA Hall of Fame member Jim McLean joins us to tell us all about the glory days of Houston golf as written about in his new book, The Houston Dynasty: Tales from College Golf’s Greatest Team.In the second hour, we hear another of Celeste’s interviews from last week’s CeraWEEK energy conference, in which she talks with Paul Champion, Chief Operating Officer at Adaptive Construction Solutions (ACS), and Marc Spieler, Senior Director of Energy at NVIDIA, who both discuss training workers for energy and infrastructure jobs.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, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including yesterday’s launch of the Artemis II, a city council proposal aimed at reducing coordination between the Houston Police Department and ICE, President Trump's firing of Pam Bondi as Attorney General, and more.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (April 1, 2026)
Apr 101:36:59Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we talk to Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison, who joins us live from the Johnson Space Center to tell us all about tonight’s launch for the moon-bound Artemis II mission from Cape Canaveral.Next, the Jung Center of Houston’s Sarah Garcia and certified clinical sexologist Jim Benton, tell us about an upcoming new workshop series at the center that’s designed to help foster connection and personal growth for men aged 30 and up.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who discusses the recent arrest made in the infamous 1990 “Lovers Lane” cold case and what led to this breakthrough. Plus, Houston teen Sam Slobin talks to us about the Friendship Basketball Association (FBA), a basketball program he created for special needs kids.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Harris County commissioners approving a resolution honoring the Houston Rodeo without the resignation of Lina Hidalgo, the Supreme Court hearing arguments on whether President Trump’s birthright citizenship order is constitutional, and President Trump’s address to the country tonight over the Iran war.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 31, 2026)
Mar 3101:38:50Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we celebrate the first anniversary of our show’s launch with returning guests, including our first guest, City Controller Chris Hollins, who discusses the state of the city one year after joining us on our first show.Then, Houston comedian and content creator Chinedu joins us to celebrate the show’s anniversary, having also joined us on our first show, as well as talk about his stand-up comedy work and his love for Houston.In the show’s second hour, Chris Ballard, President and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, joins us to talk about the park’s transformative 100-acre project that will honor its World War I roots while also introducing new spaces for recreation, learning, and reflection.Plus, Back to the Future co-writer Bob Gale talks to us about the iconic movie’s lasting impact, his involvement with the franchise, and its Broadway musical adaptation, which will run in Houston through Sunday, April 5.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including NASA beginning the countdown to launch the Artemis II mission, which they discuss with Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison, and YouTube children's creator Ms. Rachel calling for the closure of an ICE detention center in Texas.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 30, 2026)
Mar 3001:36:45Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Darren Bush, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who breaks down a newly filed bill aimed at strengthening reviews of antitrust cases following the settlement of the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit.Next, Houston Grand Opera General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor joins us to tell us all about their upcoming 2026 – 27 Season, which includes six operas, and to share her thoughts on the current state of opera.In the show’s second hour, we discuss a new investigation that’s raising questions about how federal prosecutors are handling immigration cases at the southern border with Perla Trevizo, a reporter with the ProPublica–Texas Tribune investigative unit, who also explains how this is affecting the courts. Plus, we learn about The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary of Houston's upcoming annual four-day designer shopping event, Chic Boutique, with Lesha Elsenbrook, chair of the organization's Reflections on Style event.And, as always, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Houston ISD's state-appointed board of managers approving outside management for four top-performing high schools and pre-K centers, ICE agents possibly remaining at U.S. airports even after TSA workers get their paychecks, and this past weekend’s ‘No Kings’ protests.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 27, 2026)
Mar 2701:37:13Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss a new policy that gives county employees a path to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.Then, Main Street Theater’s Founding Artistic Director Rebecca Greene Udden joins us to talk about their production of playwright Tom Stoppard’s final play Leopoldstadt, and the theater's 50th season.In the show’s second hour, we discuss the impending ban on all smokable hemp products under new rules from the Texas Department of State Health Services, with Stephen Simpson, the mental health reporter for the Texas Tribune, who tells us everything about what these new regulations entail.Plus, we also chat with Houston-native actress DeQuina Moore, who tells us all about the national tour of the hit Broadway musical Some Like It Hot, currently playing at the Hobby Center through Sunday.And, as always, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the University of Houston’s defeat by Illinois in a Sweet Sixteen matchup, which they discuss with Houston Public Media's Senior Director of Digital Operations, Mark Norris, an arrest made in connection with the more than three decades-long ‘Lovers Lane’ murders, and the dozens of ‘No Kings’ protests set to take place in Houston this weekend.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 26, 2026)
Mar 2601:37:33Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we hear Celeste’s interview with Ben Lefebvre, Deputy Energy Editor at Politico, whom she spoke with at the annual energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global taking place in Houston this week. They discuss the latest issues impacting the energy industry.Also, sports analyst Charlie Pallilo breaks down today’s big Houston sports day, which includes the University of Houston men’s basketball team in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA March Madness tournament and opening day for the Houston Astros.In the second hour of the show, we hear another of Celeste’s interviews from the CERAWeek energy conference, in which she talks with Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, about how complex manufacturing policy applies to our everyday life.Plus, our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are taking over all their free time as part of our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top headlines at the top of each hour, including the state of Texas requiring proof of legal immigration status to obtain professional licenses and Houston Public Media reporter Bianca Seward gives us the latest on the long security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 25, 2026)
Mar 2501:38:09Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we hear the newest installment of University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host, Brandon Rottinghaus’ series Texperts, in which he breaks down the duties of a county commissioner and talks with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia.Then, we’re joined by Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra band director, David Caceras and student musician and lead tenor Matthew Cruz, who tell us all about the program and what’s ahead for them after being selected to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Dr. Catherine Troisi, who joins us to discuss the Trump administration’s proposed changes to the nation’s recommended immunization schedule for children, the concerns these changes are raising among medical groups, and why these vaccine recommendations are important.Plus, we’ll also learn all about The Happening at The Orange Show, a monthly performance art and open mic showcase, with The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art’s curator of programs, Pete Gershon, and The Happening organizer Andrew Whit.And, as always, Ernie and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including President Trump declaring victory in the war with Iran, and Houston Public Media reporter Bianca Seward calls in to give us the latest on the long security lines at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 24, 2026)
Mar 2401:37:21Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, joins us to talk about the expansion of the Ben Taub hospital through eminent domain, and what we can expect next now that the plan is moving forward.Next, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez tells us all about his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical tribute to the life and legacy of the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobby Center on March 26th and 27th.In the second hour, we’re joined by Wendell Primus, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center on Health Policy, who joins us to discuss growing concerns over the long-term future of social security with new projections warning the program could face insolvency in the years ahead.Plus, we also learn about the student-led organization, UTHealth Houston Cares, and their upcoming annual Community Health Fair, which will provide people with free health screenings, among other health services.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including energy company TotalEnergies announcing it will end offshore wind projects and invest in oil and gas projects, The Woodlands not being selected for free underground tunnels, Sen. Ted Cruz’ idea to separate immigration enforcement funding from the rest of the DHS budget, and more.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 23, 2026)
Mar 2301:37:27Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who discusses the efforts and initiatives the university has launched in recent years, his management philosophy, and what his priorities are moving forward.Then, neurologist Dr. Justine Chen and Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen join us to tell us about a new treatment that helped Seelen regain the ability to swallow after he experienced a massive stroke last year.In the second hour of the show, we talk with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard, who discusses the possible return of an El Niño weather event following the departure of a La Niña and whether it could develop into a stronger “Super” El Niño later this year.Plus, TSU professor turned comedian, Marcus D. Wiley, joins us to tell us all about his comedy career and his new full-length comedy special, Rehab.And, as always, Ernie and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including ICE agents being sent to airports to assist long security lines as the partial government shutdown continues and the U.S. Supreme Court hearing arguments for a GOP bid to disqualify mail-in ballots received after Election Day.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 20, 2026)
Mar 2001:36:58Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the law firm Mayer Brown, who shares his thoughts on what’s fueling Houston’s rise as a major legal and commercial hub with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the city.Then, we learn about the 22nd Houston Jewish Film Festival with Amy Rahmani, the Arts and Culture Director at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, who also tells us about the films in this year’s lineup and where Houstonians can check them out.In the second hour, Federico Salas-Isnardi, the former director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, joins us to tell us about the scope of adult literacy, the progress Houston has made in addressing the issue, and the resources that are available for adults looking to improve their literacy skills.Plus, our hosts share their weekend plans as well as a rundown of events happening this weekend in H-Town as part of our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.And, as always, Celeste and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a Houston woman suing the Houston Astros after a stray firework struck her eye, Harris County commissioners approving the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain, a federal arts commission approving a 24-karat gold commemorative coin with President Trump's image, and more.
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