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PODCAST

City Cast Houston

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 sprawling place with our favorite journalists, thinkers, leaders, neighbors, and gadflies. Learn more and subscribe to our daily morning newsletter at houston.citycast.fm.

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All Episodes

28:44

Record Overtime Payments, Slot Machine Raids, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/04/04

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Producer Carlignon Jones and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz break down the week’s biggest stories, from the city’s record-breaking overtime crisis to a national protest against President Trump coming to Houston. Plus, more on game room raids across the city, why the mayor’s removing bike lanes in Midtown, and their moments of joy!Learn more about the stories we talked about today: Mayor Whitmire, Controller Hollins spar over Houston’s $137M in overtime pay for

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30:09

How To Find Houston’s Best Flight Deals

City Cast Houston ·

2025/04/03

Planning a spring getaway or summer trip? You don’t need to splurge to take your dream vacation, at least for your flight. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes is sharing his top tips for finding cheap flights out of Houston, whether it’s from Hobby Airport or Bush Intercontinental Airport. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Visit Port Aransas Rice University Precollege Program Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us

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32:34

Coffee Raves, Matcha Girl Controversy, & $2,000 for...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/04/02

Houston is buzzing with parties, but host Raheel Ramzanali has discovered one that’s a perfect match for his love of coffee. Meanwhile, how much would you shell out for exclusive access to a members-only bar? Plus, find out why the drama over a new matcha brand in H-town has gone viral. Erica Cheng, food reporter at Chron.com, joins Raheel to break down the latest food trends in Houston.Want to know more? Check out the stories we talked about today: Coffee shop raves are becoming the next big

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30:01

Your Guide to April 2025 in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/04/01

April screams spring in H-Town with that final stretch of perfect weather and exciting outdoor events! To help you make the most out of it, the City Cast Houston team has hand-picked the best things to do this month — events you won’t find anywhere else. From a picnic for adults to a Grammy-nominated Houston band…Oh, and amazing Black-owned restaurants to try, we’ve got your April plans covered! Want to enjoy even more things around Houston this month? Check out the top 6 food festivals we’re

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40:54

Why the Candy Man Murders Still Haunt Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/31

Over 50 years ago, more than two dozen teenage boys in Houston were tortured and murdered by the "Candy Man," one of the country's most prolific serial killers. But the crime was ignored for too long. Now a new book reveals how a scientist restored the long-lost identity of several victims and why the case still matters today. City Cast Houston executive producer Laura Isensee sat down with Lise Olsen, author of “The Scientist and the Serial Killer,” and forensic anthropologist Sharon Derrick to

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36:24

Rigging the Lottery, Brutal Allergies, and Honoring...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/28

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali and political commentator Rafael Lemaitre break down the week’s biggest stories—from the Texas Lottery scame to new cuts to the federal workforce that will impact us in Houston. Plus, why your allergies are flaring up, the latest on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s THC ban, and their moments of joy!Stories we talked about on today’s show: The Trump administration restructures federal health agencies, cuts 20,000 jobs 'I want my money back': How Texas

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21:34

Houston's Top 6 Food Festivals to Check Out This Spring

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/27

Houston’s food scene is amazing, from taco trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. But did you know that we also have some incredible food festivals? With spring the perfect time to indulge, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Marco Torres, taco columnist at the Houston Chronicle, on the top six food festivals you don’t want to miss. Oh, and Raheel has a bonus pick, so grab your stretchy pants! Check out Marco’s recommendations and more about H-town’s food festivals and other

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26:36

What Makes You a Real Houstonian?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/26

How Houston are you? Host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with producer Carlignon Jones and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis about things you have to experience to make you a REAL Houstonian. From honking in traffic to seeing a herd of cattle run all over 45 north, you’re not a real Houstonian until you’ve…Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Magic Island City Cast Houston’s Taco Guide Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art

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28:19

Dad Robs Little League, THC Ban, & Tilman Fertitta...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/25

Host Raheel Ramzanali and Axios Houston’s Shafaq Patel break down H-Town’s biggest stories. They recap all the records the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo broke this year, why Tilman Ferttita might leave Landry’s, and a wild theft scandal in Houston’s little league sports! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sees over 2.5M attendees during 2025 season Houston Rodeo volunteers let Colin Drum into the Rodeo because he looks like CJ Stroud Tilman Fertitta

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26:14

How Private School Vouchers Would Impact Houston...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/24

Texas is getting closer to making school vouchers a reality, sending public money to families for private school tuition. But who stands the gain the most — and who would lose out? Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks it all down with Brooke Kushwaha, education reporter at the Houston Landing, and Felicia Martin, executive director at the watchdog agency Texas Freedom Network. Plus, find out how the program would impact YOU! Dive deeper into today’s conversation: Different pace and priorities separate

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33:14

Midwife Arrested for Abortions, Wildfire Raging, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/21

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the biggest stories in Houston this week. Today, he’s joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter for The Texas Newsroom. They discuss the details of a Houston-area midwife arrested under the state’s near-total abortion ban. Plus, the wildfire near Sam Houston National Forest, and why Houston was ranked one of America’s ‘unhappiest’ cities! Stories and links from today’s show: Listen to Lucio’s latest reporting for The Texas

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31:46

If You Had $1 Billion, What Would You Do for Houston?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/20

Imagine waking up as a billionaire—just like Tilman Fertitta, the Arnolds, and other Houston billionaires. How would you improve Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali joins executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to brainstorm how they'd transform H-Town with a billion dollars. From the arts to bikes and parks, they share fun and personal ideas for an even better Houston!Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Visit Port Aransas Destination

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18:53

Houston's Top 5 Patios for Spring

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/19

Can you feel it? Spring is here in Houston, and the weather is PERFECT! To make the most of these breezy, beautiful days, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine, to share her top five outdoor dining and drink spots in H-Town!Check out the recommendations from today’s show and more: Truck Yard Eight Row Flint Axelrad Ladybird’s Tiny Boxwoods Heights & Co D’Amico’s Houstonia Magazine’s full spring guide to patios Learn more

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27:52

DOGE at City Hall, HPD Helping ICE, and Deadly...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/18

Host Raheel Ramzanali is recapping the news you need to know with Danya Pérez, diverse communities reporter for the Houston Landing. They start with how Houston Police Department is now calling ICE because of a new database. Then, Mayor Whitmire is offering buyouts for city employees, but will it be enough to close the budget gap? Plus, we’re psyched for March Madness as the University of Houston gears up as one of the top contenders for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament! Stories we talked about

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26:54

Houston Is Built on Diversity. Will DEI Bans Change...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/17

In Texas, we’re no stranger to DEI bans. State lawmakers have already banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public colleges. But now, executive orders from former President Donald Trump are pushing even further, prompting companies and private institutions like Rice University to rethink their programs. Producer Carlignon Jones talks with Niiobli Armah IV, founder and principal of the strategy firm We-Collab, to explore the history of DEI, why it has become so controversial, and what

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30:46

New Self-Deportation App, Closing Polk Street, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/14

It’s the Friday News Roundup! We’re diving into Houston’s biggest ICE operation yet under the new Trump administration and what a new self-deportation app could actually mean. Monique Welch of the Houston Landing joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to break it all down. Plus, we cover free cancer screenings in the Fifth Ward and East End residents protesting a multibillion-dollar upgrade to the downtown convention center. Stick around until the end for our moments of joy! Dive deeper into the

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25:37

Houston’s Best Spring Gardening Tips (No Green Thumb...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/13

Houston’s weather may feel perfect right now, but that summer heat isn’t far off. That’s why host Raheel Ramzanali is chatting with with Brent Moon, Horticulture Manager at the Houston Botanic Garden, to talk about what to plant this spring for a thriving summer garden. Whether you’re growing fresh veggies or trying to keep your lawn lush, Brent has all the expert tips you need! This episode originally aired April, 11, 2024.Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: Port Aransas

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28:24

Rodeo Food is Wild, But Is It Diverse? Plus, Texas...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/12

City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali loves the wild food at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—but does it truly reflect our diverse food scene? Chron.com food reporter Erica Cheng shares how she thinks it could better represent all of H-town. Plus, they dig into Trill Burgers' expansion and the political red meat behind Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s push to rename the New York Strip steak after Texas. Stick around to hear the best thing Erica ate last month!Dive deeper into the stories and

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31:27

Teen Crime Rising, ICE Raids, & Houston's a Spring...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/11

It’s spring break in H-Town, but the news isn’t taking a vacation! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13’s Pooja Lodhia to talk about a sharp rise in violent teen crime, long lines at Big Bend and other national parks, and why Rice University students are standing up for science. Plus, move over, Miami — Houston is apparently the new hot spring break destination! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Spring break travel begins in Houston 'It's scary': Violent crime involving teens is on the

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34:05

How This Local Democrat is Battling Trump’s Executive...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/10

Today on City Cast Houston, Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee about his fight against President Trump’s current administration. They’ll examine how Trump's executive orders are impacting Houstonians, from the Texas Medical Center’s medical research funds being taken away to federally funded programs being stopped in Harris County. Can Chrisitan Menefee legally win against President Trump and help Harris Country residents avoid feeling the

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