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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

30:03

Your Guide to July 2025 in Houston

City Cast Houston ·

2025/07/01

It may be hot and sticky outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make this month the best July ever in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis and producer Carlignon Jones to give you insider recommendations on the best ways to stay cool, where to take out-of-town guests, and of course, where to eat! Want more great food recommendations? Check out our guide to the hottest restaurants in Montrose right now! Places we talked about on today’s

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26:11

She Called 911 for Domestic Abuse. Then Houston...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/30

A new investigation in the Houston Chronicle found that Houston police called ICE on woman after she called 911 for domestic abuse. So, is HPD working with ICE despite Mayor Whitmire saying they aren’t? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Sam González Kelly, one of the Houston Chronicle reporters on that investigation, and Maria Espinosa of FIEL, the largest immigrant-led civil rights organization in Texas, to answer that question, and how this case could put more immigrants and all Houstonians at

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34:49

THC Ban On Hold, More Jail Deaths, & Recycling Delays

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/27

It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest news in H-Town. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, to talk about the next steps in the THC ban after Governor Abbott vetoed Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s bill, the rise in deaths at Harris County Jail, why your recycling isn’t getting picked up, and more! Stories we talked about on today’s show: Dan Patrick blasts Abbott over

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26:20

How Beyoncé Helped Bring Back Houston’s Black Cowboy...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/26

It’s Beyonce weekend here in H-Town as Queen B takes over NRG for her Cowboy Carter tour. So, Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dr. Alicia Odewale, National Geographic MasterClass professor, about how Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture and how we can celebrate it in Houston. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: Visit Navasota Jones Dairy Farm A.D. Players Theater Dive deeper with these resources recommended by Dr. Odewale: Dr

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23:12

Houston’s James Beard Winner, Expensive Fajitas, and...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/25

Host Raheel Ramzanali is hanging out with his friend Eric Sandler, editor of CultureMap Houston, talking about all of the big food news in Houston. From throwing shade at the cost of fajitas to discussing the true impact of food awards, Raheel and Eric are talking about it all. Plus, their favorite summer foods and a new restaurant from an OG Houston chef you have to try. Places and stories we talked about on today’s show: The Problem With BBQ, Fast Food Is Changing & Chinese Tamales

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31:46

Is Montrose Still Houston’s “Cool” Neighborhood?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/24

Since the 1970s, Montrose has been Houston’s neighborhood for artists, musicians, bohemians, and so much more. Basically, it’s the cool neighborhood. But, with rent going up and more upscale boutiques, is Montrose still MONTROSE? Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Quinn Bishop, co-owner of Cactus Music, and executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about how Montrose became the heart of Houston’s counter culture, when they noticed the area changing, and how to keep the Montrose spirit

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29:49

Why Former Mayor Parker Wants To Unseat County Judge...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/23

Earlier this month, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced she’s running for Harris County Judge in 2026. And today she’s sitting down with host Raheel Ramzanali to talk about why she’s getting back into local politics. They discuss where Parker thinks Harris County has fallen short, if she’s talked to incumbent Lina Hidalgo, and how she would address challenges like flooding and affordable housing. Dive deeper into Parker’s campaign and the issues we talked about on today’s show: Former

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62:09

Here's What 13 US Cities Are Talking About This...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/20

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what's happening in our communities. So Raheel Ramzanali and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes.Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Comicpalooza Visit Port Aransas Arts District Houston Babbel - Get up to 60% off at

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24:11

The Hottest Restaurants and Bars in Montrose Right Now

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/18

Montrose is home to some of the hottest restaurants and bars in H-town. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a weekend brunch or a night of cocktails in between, host Raheel Ramzanali is getting recommendations from Emma Balter, senior editor at Texas Monthly. Plus, they dig into some delicious bites at ChòpnBlọk!Places and stories we mentioned on today’s show: ⁠Black Hole Coffee Shop⁠ ⁠ChopnBlok⁠ ⁠How Chemical Salesman Ope Amosu Became One of Htx’s Hottest Chefs⁠

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29:17

Superintendent Miles’ Big Raise, Fighting Road Rage,...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/17

Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Faith Bugenhagen, trending news reporter at Chron.com, about the new contract and big raise for HISD’s state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles. And, you better slow down on Interstate 45 and U.S. 59 because Houston police are cracking down on speeding and reckless driving. Plus, Houstonians vent their frustrations about The Galleria, a recap of the No Kings protest, and more! Stories we talked about on today’s show: ‘No Kings’

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20:46

Would You Spend $17K for Peace of Mind During...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/16

Buying a whole-home generator has become a trend in Houston, especially after multiple power outages during Hurricane Beryl and other disasters. Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking with Texas Monthly’s senior writer Michael Hardy about why he installed one for his Heights home, what he learned along the way, and why Houston has a growing “generator divide.” Read more about Michael’s experience and dive into more resources here: We’re Not Relying on the Texas Power

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40:35

Abbott Tells Protestors 'FAFO,' Astrodome Break-In, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/13

It’s Friday so we’re recapping the week that was in Houston. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and political commentator Rafael Lemaitre to talk about Texas Under Trump with a look the latest methods ICE is using to detain undocumented residents, how politicians are creating fear ahead of this weekend’s protests, and more. Plus, they’re breaking down former Mayor Annise Parker’s big announcement to run for Harris County Judge and why three

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36:42

What’s the Best Suburb to Live in Greater Houston?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/12

Houston isn’t just about the Loop — the city stretches deep into the suburbs. But which one is the best? We’re settling that debate with a good old-fashioned suburb showdown. Host Raheel Ramzanali is repping his beloved Richmond. Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of HoustonMoms.com, is making the case for one of our OG suburbs, Katy. And longtime Pearland resident Phil Jacob, executive director at The Buckingham, is standing up for his turf. And our judge? Producer Carlignon Jones, who just might be ready

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18:48

The Best Margaritas in Houston Right Now

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/11

Nothing says summer like chilling in the shade with a cold margarita. And with those hot summer days coming, we’re giving you the best margaritas to enjoy around H-Town! Producer Carlignon Jones is getting recommendations from Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor at Houstonia Magazine. From frozen to on the rocks, this episode will get you ready to soak up everything Houston’s margarita scene has to offer. This episode originally aired Aug. 21, 2024.Check out these recommendations from today’s

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28:39

Why Isn't Montrose More Walkable?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/10

Montrose has so much to offer from restaurants and bars to museums and local shops. But it’s actually hard to walk around what should be one of Houston’s most walkable neighborhoods. A project to overhaul Montrose Boulevard was supposed to help fix that — until Mayor John Whitmire stepped in. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Houston Public Media’s Dominic Anthony Walsh about why the project got political and what it means for folks in Montrose and other Houston neighborhoods.Stories we talked

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36:36

Could the Astroworld Festival Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/09

It’s been almost four years since 10 people died and hundreds of others were hurt at the Astroworld Festival, and now Netflix is releasing a new documentary, Trainwreck: the Astroworld Tragedy, explaining how this tragic event could’ve been avoided. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking it down with Jose Partida, an Astroworld concertgoer, and Zach Despart, journalist at the Texas Tribune who was part of the Houston Chronicle’s award-winning coverage of the event. Stories we talked about on today’s

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39:12

City Budget Drama Boils Over, TEA Extends Takeover, &...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/06

It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories of the week that impacted YOU. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Abby Church, city hall reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to talk about the drama surrounding Mayor Whitmire’s budget passing, the extension of the state’s takeover of HISD, big takeaways from the 89th State Legislature, and some big career news for Evan! Stories we talked about on today’s show: ⁠High-tension Houston City Council

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24:23

The Best Free Things To Do This Summer

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/05

You don’t have to spend money to have a good time in H-Town! Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Houston content creator Shawn the Food Sheep about the best free things to do this summer in Houston. From world-class art to free concerts, Shawn’s recommendations will help you plan the perfect free day for families, friends, and even your significant other! Places we talked about on today’s show: Coffee and Cars at POST Camden Park Second Saturday at Sawyer Yards Contemporary Arts

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32:44

The Problem With BBQ, Fast Food Is Changing & Chinese...

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/04

We’re talking food with Chron.com’s food reporter Erica Cheng! First, host Raheel Ramzanali and Erica have some hot takes regarding the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints list and bbq in general. Then, is Chick-Fil-A about to change the way we consume fast food? Plus, Erica explains what a Chinese tamale is! Stories and places we talked about today: ⁠⁠Eight Houston-area barbecue restaurants make Texas Monthly’s top 50 list for 2025⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Drive-thru-only Chick-Fil-A heads to busy Houston

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29:30

The Iconic Spots in Montrose You Have To Visit

City Cast Houston ·

2025/06/03

Montrose is arguably the coolest neighborhood in Houston, and today we have the popular Montrose meme account, @montrosecellectuals, giving us a guide to the perfect and wildest day in Montrose. Help us grow the show by sharing this episode with three of your friends who live in, or LOVE, Montrose because we’ll be focusing on the neighborhood once a week throughout June. ⁠Follow @Montrosecellectuals ⁠ ⁠Black Hole Coffee House⁠ ⁠The Menil Collection⁠ ⁠Catbirds Bar⁠ ⁠Rivas Italian

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