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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

35:52

Citywide Hiring Freeze, Mayor Turner’s Legacy, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/07

Houston lost a longtime political leader this week, with the death of former mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner. Host Raheel Ramzanali discusses his legacy with Aswad Walker, associate editor at The Houston Defender, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Plus, did you catch what Rep. Al Green shouted at President Donald Trump this week before his censure? We break down his message. Oh, and our moments of joy! Stories we discussed on today’s show: State Legislator Sylvester Turner left an

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31:22

Are These Houston Spring Break Attractions Worth Your...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/06

Staying in town for spring break? Lucky for you, there are A LOT of fun things to do, but not all of them might be worth a visit. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down which attractions are worth the visit with freelance journalist and mom Brianna Griff and City Cast Houston contributor and social media influencer Antre’chelle Nova. From resort style getaways to immersive art adventures, the trio will help you make the most of your break! Check out the attractions we talked about on today’s

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26:41

Best Halal Restaurants in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/05

Over 200,000 Muslims call Greater Houston home, and they’re flocking to halal restaurants across the city to celebrate Ramadan with family and friends. But, you don’t have to be Muslim or even fasting to enjoy the world-class halal food that’s available in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Nida Ashraf, the blogger behind the popular @NidaEatsHalal on Instagram, to get her top recommendations for halal restaurants we can all enjoy. Check out the recommendations from today’s

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36:54

Trump Tariffs Hit Car Insurance and Beer, HISD...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/04

When Superintendent Mike Miles took over HISD, he promised no immediate school closures. But with enrollment dropping, school closures are now on the table. Host Raheel Ramzanali and Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, break that story down. Plus, how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada will impact your car insurance and craft beer. And finally, with the freeze of federal funding, how will Harris County handle disaster response? Dive deeper into the stories

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19:05

With Apple Coming, Is Houston the Next Big Tech Hub?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/03/03

Houston is known as the energy capital of the world, but could it also become a major tech hub? With Apple announcing plans to build a factory for AI servers in Greater Houston, it’s a question we’re wondering. So, Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Houston Chronicle business columnist Chris Tomlinson about why Apple picked Houston and what this deal means for local jobs. Dive deeper into today’s episode: Apple's new manufacturing facility will bring thousands of jobs to Houston, fuel AI

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33:20

Toll Tag Scam, Measles Outbreak, & Major ICE Operation

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/28

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston at KHOU Channel 11. They dig into the news you need to know from this week, from the measles outbreak in Texas to the big drop in HISD’s enrollment, and what it all means for Houstonians. Plus, it’s time to rodeo! H-town’s iconic event kicks off today with the BBQ cook-off, trail riders and much more!Learn more about the stories we talked about today: ICE says 118 people were arrested in

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27:13

Your Guide to March 2025 in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/27

March might be one of the City Cast Houston team’s favorite months in H-town. It’s rodeo season, the weather is actually nice so we can enjoy the outdoors more, and, of course, we got great eats. In this episode, we’ve got expert tips and recommendations that you won’t hear anywhere else, from kite festivals to fusion restaurants that can only be found in H-Town. Our picks for March: City Cast Houston at Mardi Gras Galveston Sam Houston Race Park Camel Races Little BIPOC Book Fest at

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24:27

The Wildest (And Most Delicious!) Foods To Try at the...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/26

Sure, the epic concerts and world-class rodeo events are a big draw for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but the incredible food has become one of the main attractions as well! From trending desserts to gigantic turkey legs, the rodeo has some wild and delicious food. Host Raheel Ramzanali is putting together a list of the ones you need to try with the man behind all the wild creation, Dominic Palimieri aka The Midway Gourmet! List of delicious foods mentioned on today’s episode: Mike’s Hot

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31:46

How Selena Made Rodeo History 30 Years Ago

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/25

Thirty years ago, Selena made history at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with her iconic concert. But this year, the Rodeo didn’t include any tribute for the Tejano superstar— and booked few women and artists of color to perform. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle’s music critic and writer, about attending that legendary performance in person, how the rodeo can improve its lineup, and why Selena’s legacy lives on. (Plus, don’t miss Joey’s Selena picks for our Rodeo Week

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29:00

Before Cowboy Carter: How Black Cowboys Shaped the Rodeo

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/24

It’s Rodeo Week on City Cast Houston! We’re kicking things off with a look at Black cowboy culture and its impact on today’s rodeo. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Dr. Alicia Odewale, a University of Houston professor, about how Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture, and how we can celebrate it all year long! Plus, don’t miss our special Rodeo Week playlist on Spotify, inspired by this conversation and others all week long. Listen and add your favorite rodeo songs

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29:59

Greedy Houston Texans, Water Plant Crumbling, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/21

It’s Friday so we’re recapping the week that was in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about why the Houston Texans are catching so much backlash from fans regarding a new stadium. Plus, how much is it going to cost to build a new water treatment plant that Houston desperately needs? Oh, and our moments of joy! Stories we talked about on today’s episode: Exclusive: Houston Texans may seek public money to build new football stadium Houstonians

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36:14

The Great Debate: Living in Houston or The Suburbs?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/20

Texas is on track to become the most populous state in the nation by 2045 and that means a lot of people will be moving to H-Town! So, the City Cast Houston team is debating on where are the best places to live in Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is reppin’ the burbs, producer Carlignon Jones is making a case for hidden gems outside the Loop, but inside the Beltway, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis is standing up for the Inner Loopers! To make things even more fun, we’ve brought on a

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18:46

Houston’s Best Cajun Food for Mardi Gras

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/19

Mardi Gras season is officially here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy some gumbo, crawfish and other Cajun favorutes. But with so many great options in Houston, choosing the best can be tough. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Eric Sandler, lifelong foodie and editor of CultureMap, to get his top picks for Cajun food in Houston and help us celebrate Mardi Gras. Learn more about the recommendations here: Viola & Agnes’ Neo Soul Café BBs Tex-Orleans Restaurant Crawfish &

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33:42

Why This Republican Wants More Money for Public Schools

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/18

70% of school districts in Texas are operating at a deficit, and now with state lawmakers pushing a program for private school vouchers, will public education have enough money to survive? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dan Huberty, former chairman of the Texas House Public Education Committee (R-Humble) and now CEO of the education consulting firm Moak Casey, about why he still believes in public schools — and how they might actually get more funding from the Texas Legislature. Dive deeper

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38:10

Violent Crimes Report, Balancing the City Budget, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/14

It’s Friday so we’re talking about the big news this week in Houston! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by conservative commentator Charles Blain of Urban Reform Institute and education advocate and attorney Monica Flores Richart. They discuss why Houston’s budget deficit has ballooned and how Mayor Whitmire thinks he can cut costs. Plus, why students are protesting for more security at the University of Houston, and since it’s Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing why we LOVE H-town! Stories we talked

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25:38

The Perfect Houston Date for $25? Challenge Accepted.

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/13

From fancy restaurants to big shows, there’s plenty of easy ways to empty your wallet on a date in Houston. So, how do you have the perfect date in H-town without breaking the bank? The City Cast team, including host Raheel Ramzanali, newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee, accepted the challenge to plan a romantic outing under $25. And they have a special guest judge, dynamic media personality Antre’chelle Nova, to pick the winner! Places we talked about on today’s

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22:12

The Best Unique Sweet Treats Around Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/12

Sure, you could buy a generic box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day. But, why not pick up some local sweet treats to truly impress your bae! Host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Chron.com’s food reporter Erica Cheng on the best candy spots around H-town. Check out the recommendations from our conversation: Royal Roastery Rocket Fizz Space City Candy Las Delicias Mexicanas HMart 99 Ranch Market Daiso Winfield’s Chocolate Bar Dylan’s Candy Bar Cacao & Cardamom Houston Farmers

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28:24

Lead in Water, Buying Backyard Chickens, and UH...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/11

One of Greater Houston’s fastest growing community is dealing with lead in their water, but so far, they’ve received little help from local and state authorities. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Shannon Ryan, reporter at ABC-13 Houston, to talk about that story in Montgomery County. Plus, why 8,000 students are calling out leaders at the University of Houston, how President Trump’s latest policies are impacting us in H-Town, and why more Houstonians are buying backyard chickens! Stories we talked

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20:42

3,000 Students Stayed Home in Protest. Will HISD’s...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/10

There’s no denying that HISD has become one of the wildest school district in Texas. From students protesting the state’s takeover to a rat infestation at a popular middle school, there’s so much happening in the largest school district in Texas. Today, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Nusaiba Mizan, education reporter at the Houston Chronicle, to learn about the massive student protest last week, if the state takeover law could change, and more. Stories we talked about on today’s show: 'Out of

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28:04

Record Road Deaths, Legal Immigrants Targeted, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/02/07

We know driving in Houston can be nerve-wracking and scary, but now road deaths have hit an all time high in H-town. Host Raheel Ramzanali breaks down the numbers and solutions with Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz. Plus, the city’s latest budget crisis and how Houston’s Venezuelan community is reeling since the Trump administration cancelled legal protection for people who fled their country’s dictatorship and humanitarian crisis. Stay tuned for all that and more!Houston just recorded its

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