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 (March 19, 2026)
Mar 1901:37:02Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, the Baker Institute’s Bill King joins us to break down a new report raising questions about the long-term cost of affordable housing programs in Harris County, finding they could result in billions of dollars in lost property tax revenue over time.Next, we learn all about the limited documentary series, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, with the series’ director and producer, Linda Gibbs, who explains how it explores what women experience when going through menopause.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Houston City Councilmember Julian Ramirez, who discusses the city’s new heavy trash pickup system, what’s causing the delays in starting it, and what we can expect to happen next.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, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the cancellation of Houston's César Chávez march after an investigation uncovered years of alleged sexual abuse, Texas conservatives criticizing James Talarico for his stance on reducing meat consumption, and sports analyst Charlie Palillo joins us to help us unpack March Madness.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 18, 2026)
Mar 1801:37:41Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss the rising cost of electricity, with the city of Houston expected to spend more than $131 million on electricity this fiscal year.Next, we’re joined by John Slaby and Cookie Wells, longtime members of Archway Gallery, a long-running artist-owned and operated gallery in Houston, who tell us about its history and an upcoming exhibition to celebrate its 50th anniversary.In the second hour, we talk with Stacey Gorniak, a professor of motor behavior at the University of Houston’s Department of Health and Human Performance, who discusses the university’s dementia research programs and what we can do to protect our brain health for the future.Plus, Amanda McMillian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, tells us all about the nonprofit’s Integrated Client Journey program and how it aims to help people achieve financial stability.And, as always, Celeste and Frank talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a federal judge ordering Texas to extend the deadline for private school vouchers, TSA workers not being paid during the government shutdown, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton remaining in the Texas Senate GOP runoff as the withdrawal deadline passes, and more.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 17, 2026)
Mar 1701:37:14Tap to summarizeOn today’s show, Houston soccer legend and former Houston Dynamo player, Brian Ching, joins us to discuss his career, the upcoming FIFA World Cup event, and his induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame this Fall.Then, Kathleen Spangler, Assistant Executive Director of the local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, tells us all about their work and how they’re celebrating their tenth anniversary.In the second hour of Hello Houston, we talk with Texas Tribune journalist Gabby Birenbaum, who discusses her article examining the political rise of the House Freedom Caucus, following their successes in the 2026 Texas primaries.Also, we hear the newest episode of Party Politics co-host and University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus’ Texperts series, in which he explores whether it is illegal to pick Texas bluebonnets.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s updated dress code, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s trade mission to Europe amid calls for her to resign, and a federal judge blocking Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s changes to children's vaccine policies.Plus, Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s Lennie Ambrose joins us to explain how they’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 16, 2026)
Mar 1601:38:19Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Ben Martin, Deputy Director at Texas Housers, who discusses a new report that found low-income earners are experiencing a shortage of affordable rental units, and what we're seeing nationwide and in the Houston region. Then, we learn all about Opera Gallery Houston, the newest part of an international network of galleries known for showcasing modern and contemporary works by world-famous artists, with its director, Gregory Lahmi and founder, Gilles Dyan.In the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The Bail Project, who breaks down new data out of Harris County that suggests recent changes to the local bail system may be working.Plus, we celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of one of Houston’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the Julia Ideson Library, with Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo taking steps to prevent fights, the GOP uncovering past comments from James Talarico, and President Trump urging NATO to help the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz, which they discuss with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 13, 2026)
Mar 1301:38:47Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we discuss the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who shares his predictions for the big winners of this year’s ceremony.Then, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound, tell us all about the group and their upcoming performance on the University of Houston campus. Plus, members of the ensemble treat us to a special performance.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Dustin Gouker, publisher of The Event Horizon, a Substack newsletter focused on the prediction market industry, who helps break down the murky and fast-moving world of prediction markets.Also, our hosts share a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.And, as always, Ernie and Frank talk about the top stories of the day at the top of each hour, including Texas SNAP recipients not being able to buy candy or sweetened drinks with their Lone Star Cards starting next month and Buc-ee's receiving an F rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for its alleged failure to respond to customer service complaints.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 12, 2026)
Mar 1301:36:57Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, Dr. Sergio Lira, President of the Houston council of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), discusses their decision to cancel this year’s Cinco De Mayo parade, and other pressing concerns for the city’s Latin American community.Then, we learn all about this year’s upcoming Tour De Houston, an annual community bike ride event celebrating the beauty, history, and diversity of Houston’s neighborhoods, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Joshua Fechter, the Urban Affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, who breaks down his report on the rising cost of housing and the debate over whether investment companies should be allowed to buy single-family homes.Plus, our hosts tell us about 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 and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo saying that she was threatened and removed from a Houston rodeo concert, a new poll on how Americans feel about placing the National Guard at polling places, and a new poll showing James Talarico tying with John Cornyn and Ken Paxton.
Transcribe →Hello Houston – LIVE at the Houston Rodeo (March 11, 2026)
Mar 1101:33:51Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we are back at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo event in the entire world. In the first hour, Chris Boleman, President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, talks to us about everything the rodeo has to offer as well as his history with the organization. Then, Houston Mayor John Whitmire joins us to share his favorite rodeo memories, discuss how the city and county work together every year to produce this iconic event, and talk about the latest issues affecting the city of Houston.In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Holly Schweitzer, the HLSR’s director of customer experience, who tells us about Volunteer Appreciation Day, the rodeo’s first-ever drone show with pyrotechnics, and more.Next, we learn all about one of the most attended days at the rodeo, Go Tejano Day, with Adrian Izaguirre, the Go Tejano Committee Captain, and Laura Cervantes, the Scholarship Gala Captain, who both break down the events that occur on this day and how the committee gets Houston’s Hispanic community involved.And finally, to end today’s program, we talk to the winners of this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, Joey Rousso of Rousso’s Fat Bacon and Mark Zable of Darlin’s Fried Chicken, along with Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the Commercial Exhibits Committee, who all tell us about the culinary creations that can be found at the rodeo.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 10, 2026)
Mar 1001:38:40Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who discusses the latest jobs report, what’s behind the rise in job losses, and what this means for Houstonians.Then, we talk with literacy activist and influencer Oliver James, who shares his experience with adult illiteracy and his journey of learning to read with the help of TikTok.In the second hour of the show, we revisit Celeste’s in-depth interview with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for her Cold Coffee series as part of our month-long celebration of Women’s History Month. To watch the full interview, click here.Plus, Alan Steinberg, a volunteer board member for the local non-profit Keep Houston Beautiful, tells us about the organization and their mission to ensure the city is kept clean through a combination of education and community partnerships.And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk about today’s top headlines at the top of each hour, including the death of a Georgia teacher after a student prank went wrong, Houston’s public transit system receiving more than $9 million in federal funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the latest developments on the war with Iran.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 9, 2026)
Mar 901:37:15Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we talk about oil prices surging due to the Iran conflict, with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who explains what’s driving the spike in these prices and what this could mean for consumers.Then, we learn about the Houston area non-profit The Woods Project, with executive director Natalie Hausman-Weiss and program manager Manny Salas, who both explain how the organization creates wilderness exploration experiences for high school students.In the second hour, Simon Fischer-Baum, an associate professor in Rice University’s Department of Psychological Sciences, tells us about this week’s Brains in Society conference, which brings together neuroscientists and other experts to discuss how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, technology, and more.Plus, we also chat with Houston-based chef and restaurateur Jassi Bindra, who tells us all about being a contestant on the new season of Top Chef, as well as the story of his culinary journey, moving from India to the United States at age 30.And, as always, Celeste and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including discussing how daylight savings time affects sleep patterns with neurologist Dr. Sudha Tallavajhula and the removal of a Ramadan display at a Houston elementary school after district officials said it violated a "political and religious neutrality" policy.
Transcribe →Hello Houston (March 6, 2026)
Mar 601:37:18Tap to summarizeOn today’s Hello Houston, we discuss a new study on large-scale air pollution events with Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who explains its findings and what caused these pollution events.Then, we’re joined by Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, who discusses how to prevent sexual assault during Spring Break, as well as the signs to be aware of, and what to do if an incident occurs.In the second hour of the show, in recognition of Women’s History Month, we revisit Ernie’s conversation with Houston singer, actress, and former America’s Got Talent contestant, Christina Wells, for his InnerVIEWS series. To watch the full interview, click here.Plus, our hosts share their Current Obsessions for this week, and a list of events going down in H-town this weekend for our regular Friday feature, “Last Minute Plans.”And, as always, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including President Trump firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Rep. Tony Gonzales announcing he’s withdrawing from his reelection race, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton considering dropping out of the U.S. Senate race.
Transcribe →