x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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.

news daily news

All Episodes

25:43

Where To Go for Houston’s Best Caribbean Food

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/27

Houston’s Caribbean population is small, but is making a huge impact on the culinary scene. On today’s show, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to James Beard Award-winning food and travel journalist and Senior Editor at eater, Kayla Stewart about where to go to get the best Caribbean food in H-Town. From classics like jerk chicken to fusion dishes blending Houston influences with island vibes, these spots are definitely worth checking out. Places we talked about on today’s show: Taste of the

en

30:27

Former Officer Runs Facebook Marketplace Scam,...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/26

Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by ABC13 reporter Pooja Lodhia to talk about how the state’s new proposed congressional maps that are on Governor Abbott's desk will impact Houston. Plus, they’re breaking down how a former detention officer was caught running a Facebook Marketplace scam, and they say goodbye to a legendary Houston gem. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Texas Legislature sends Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan to Gov. Abbott’s

en

43:31

20 Years Later: How Hurricane Katrina Changed Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/25

It’s been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and in a time of crisis, Houstonians stepped up. Today on the show, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with former Houston Mayor Bill White about how his administration responded. Plus, author Kionna Walker LeMalle shares her story of evacuating New Orleans and what she’s learned about trauma, grief, and healing. Stories we talked about on today’s show: ⁠Behind the Waterline ⁠ ⁠Ten years later, Katrina evacuees now part of

en

34:07

Ten Commandments Court Ruling, Lawmakers Ignore...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/22

It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big news from the week with the best and brightest journalists from the city. Today, he’s joined by Gwen Howerton, Chron.com’s Texas Culture Reporter and the Houston Chronicle’s religion reporter Haajrah Gilani to talk about the latest from Governor Abbott’s second special session and court rulings on displaying the Ten Commandments in public classrooms! Plus, a fun news quiz! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Texas House

en

30:01

Is Houston Better for Gen X, Gen Z, or Millennials?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/21

Houston was named one of the best cities for Gen Z, but how does it fare for other generations today? Host Raheel Ramzanali is debating with producer Carlignon Jones and Houston Public Media’s Jim Kovacik about which generation has it best in H-Town. From cost of living to dating, each person makes a case why Houston is best for them. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Texas ranked No. 1 destination for Gen Z adults in the nation, study says Learn more about the sponsors of this

en

26:07

We Pick the Most Iconic Houston Foods

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/20

Houston’s award-winning food scene features a ton of great dishes, but picking one is hard! So, today we’re drafting our ultimate Houston food plate with host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis, and executive producer Laura Isensee. This draft is a full-on battle where each person will draft an appetizer, two sides, an entree, and a dessert from any Houston restaurant. Restaurants we talked about today: Why Are So Many Top-Rated Restaurants

en

28:15

Stalled Train App, Arnold Schwarzenegger on...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/19

Texas Democrats are back in Austin for Gov. Greg Abbott’s second special session, but guess who’s weighing in on redistricting? One hint: “Hasta la vista, baby!” Plus, there’s a new app for Houstonians to track train traffic, but City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still frustrated. Find out why as he breaks down these stories and more with Chron.com’s trending news reporter Faith Bugenhagen. Stories we talked about on today’s show: When Texas Democrats head home. Will the GOP's

en

25:39

Did We Really Need A "King of the Hill" Reboot?!

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/18

After more than 15 years, our beloved TV show “King of the Hill” is back with a new season. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Kate Sánchez, founder of the pop culture website "But Why Tho?", to talk about if the revival does the original justice, their favorite moments, and if it’s the greatest TV show ever about Texas. Stories we talked about on today’s show: REVIEW: ‘King Of The Hill’ Season 14 Is the Best Revival Ever Why ‘King of the Hill’ Is the Most Significant Work of Texan

en

35:59

Trump Burger With a Side of Murder-for-Hire, Hospital...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/15

There are wild stories, and then there’s Trump Burger. Host Raheel Ramzanali teams up with conservative commentator Charles Blain and executive producer Laura Isensee to unpack the week’s biggest headlines — from the latest twists in the Trump Burger saga to the redistricting showdown between Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Democrats. Plus, they share the moments that brought them the most joy this week!Stories we talked about on today’s show: The untold origin story of Trump Burger: A $250K

en

22:17

Are Houston Summers Causing Seasonal Affective Disorder?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/14

Summer break is over, but it’s still hot in H-Town. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is learning about how the summer heat can impact our mental health from Dr. Asim Shah, chief of psychiatry and director of mood disorder research at the Harris Health System and Ben Taub Hospital. Plus, Dr. Shah gives us tips on how to prevent it from impacting you. If you enjoyed today's interview with Holocaust Museum Houston's Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Trevor Boyd, learn more here. Learn more about the

en

20:53

Why Are So Many Top-Rated Restaurants Closing in...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/13

Houston has been building its national reputation as a foodie city, but some of our top-rated and longtime restaurants are closing down. What’s going on?! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Culture Map Houston’s editor Eric Sandler about what’s behind the closures and what it means for chefs and restauranteurs in the future. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Top-rated Houston restaurant will close after 8 years in Montrose Picos, a trailblazer in regional Mexican cuisine, will

en

31:59

HISD Superintendent Miles on Back-to-School, Student...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/12

Today marks the first day of back-to-school for over 170,000 students and some 10,000 teachers in the Houston Independent School District. State-appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is joining host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about the latest state ratings, potential school closures, teacher turnover and more changes you need to know for the new year. Stories we talked about on today’s show: HISD has no F-rated schools in 2025, Mike Miles says ahead of official TEA rating release More

en

20:44

Is Houston Really Prioritizing Road Safety?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/11

Houston traffic fatalities hit record numbers last year — so why is City Hall pushing back against road designs that researchers say are safer? Executive producer Laura Isensee is talking with Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement for the Houston Chronicle, about the controversial road design changes on Telephone Road, what this means for all Houstonians, and how the city’s growth plays into all this. Why isn't City Hall putting safety first on Telephone Road? | Editorial

en

33:00

Texas Redistricting Wars, Secretive Crypto & Job...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/08

All eyes were on Texas this week as dozens of House Democrats fled the state, temporarily blocking the GOP’s push to redraw political maps and gain five new seats in Congress. Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, about what makes this quorum break different — and what might come next. Plus, they dig into why rising unemployment for Black women is especially concerning,

en

37:17

BBQ, NASA, or the Rodeo? We Pick the ‘Most Houston’...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/07

There are so many uniquely Houston institutions, foods, pop culture icons, and moments in time that have become symbols of the city. But which one best defines H-Town? Host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee are making the case for their favorites in an epic, multi-round competition, with Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston on KHOU, stepping in as judge. So, which local icon was dubbed the “Most Houston” thing ever, and do you agree with our conclusions? We invited

en

19:53

Best Back-to-School Snacks for Grown-Ups & Kids

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/06

School is almost back in session, so it’s the perfect time to step up your snack game. Whether you have kids in school or just love a good treat yourself, this episode is for you. Emily Hill with Texas Grocery Finds joins Executive Producer Laura Isensee to talk about best snacks for this season. Plus, where you can get the best bang for your buck!Follow Emily on Instagram for even more Texas grocery finds! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Houston Restaurant

en

29:18

The Great Astrodome Debate: Tear It Down, or Renovate?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/05

It’s the Eighth Wonder of the World, and one of Houston’s most iconic landmarks. The Astros played there. George Strait and Selena performed there. But for more than a decade, the Astrodome has sat empty and neglected. Now, a new poll shows a majority of Houston voters support spending public money to renovate it. So, could this FINALLY be the moment we do something with the Dome? City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is still team “tear it down,” but he’s bringing on his buddy and sportscaster

en

33:32

Can Mayor Whitmire Really End Homelessness in Houston?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/04

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has launched an ambitious campaign to solve a complex problem in Houston: Getting thousands of people off the streets and into stable housing. To find out exactly how he plans to accomplish this, and how much money it will take, City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali is sitting down with Director of Housing and Community Development Mike Nichols. Dive deeper into today’s episode: Stern and Marks: Philanthropy isn't the answer to bad government Houston City

en

36:30

Traffic Still Sucks, Fallout From Redistricting, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/08/01

Traffic is really out of control … officially! Also, how will your representative in Congress change if the new Texas GOP maps get passed? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by executive producer Laura Isensee and Houstonia Magazine’s Erica Cheng to break down these and other big stories from this week. You won’t believe what game is taking over the city, and Raheel is PSYCHED that one of his favorite shows is returning to TV. Stories we talked about on today’s show: Houston commute woes

en

30:52

Your Guide to August 2025 in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/07/31

August in Houston is notorious for its steamy heat and back-to-school rush. So, we’ve curated a list just for you to stay cool, enjoy the last taste of summer, and know what stories to watch this month. In this episode, you’ll hear insider tips for an Astros’ game, the best spot for ice cream in Montrose, and a new bookstore-plus-bar that’s worth the drive to the ‘burbs!Want to recreate your iconic childhood summers in Houston? Check out these must-try water parks and roller rinks! And don’t miss

en

977 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS NewsHour

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci