Food, culture, news and nature in the sweaty Bayou City. Join Host Raheel Ramzanali and the City Cast Houston team 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, Hey Houston, at houston.citycast.fm.
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The Problem With BBQ, Fast Food Is Changing & Chinese Tamales
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 32:44
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 neighborhood
Hong Kong's Cafe
If you enjoyed today's interview with Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's Teen Council and Tour Program Coordinator, Jack Morillo, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode:
Comicpalooza
Arts District Houston
Visit Port Aransas
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
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The Iconic Spots in Montrose You Have To Visit
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 29:30
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 Restaurant
Numbers
93 Til
Soundwaves
George Country Sports Bar
The Magick Cauldron
Kenneally’s Irish Pub
Red Lion Houston
The Phoenix on Westheimer
AvantGarden
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode:
Comicpalooza
Arts District Houston
Visit Port Aransas
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
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How Bad Will This Hurricane Season Be?
Monday, June 2, 2025 • Duration 28:17
Hurricane season is officially underway, and we’re getting a hype-free preview of what to expect from Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza. He joins host Raheel Ramzanali about NOAA’s official forecast, what lessons we learned from Hurricane Beryl, and how you can prepare.
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
With calm Houston weather, we take a very early look at hurricane season
NOAA predicts 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be ‘above normal’
Tips To Get You Hurricane Ready in Houston
Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode:
Comicpalooza
Fresh Arts
Visit Port Aransas
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mail Theft Ring, Throwing THC at Reporters, and Pools Open!
Friday, May 30, 2025 • Duration 32:39
It’s Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big stories of the week in H-Town. Today, he’s joined by ABC-13’s Pooja Lodhia to talk about her story on a mail theft ring that was busted this week and why victims can’t find out if their identity was stolen. They also have the latest on a lawsuit that could derail Houston’s budget and share good news with more neighborhood pools opening this summer. Plus, why our Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is throwing TCH products at reporters!
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
Mental Health of America of Greater Houston
Texas Ren Fest king's cause of death revealed by authorities
Texas Senate passes THC ban bill as Lt. Gov. Patrick raises mental health concerns
Worst States For Drunk Driving In 2025
Mayor John Whitmire's drainage settlement should be rejected, advocacy group tells judge
42 credit and debit cards, over a dozen stolen checks found in mail theft ring bust, records show
Houston to open most public pools this summer, boosts lifeguard hiring with pay and age change
Could Houston solve the lifeguard shortage and open more city pools by hiring 15-year-olds?
Former FOX 26 Houston anchor José Griñán has died
Ocean Vuong’s latest novel explores unlikely friendships and families formed among fast-food workers
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 30th episode:
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Comicpalooza
Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Downtown Houston+
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Photo: Chris Valdez
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Your Guide to June 2025 in Houston
Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 33:01
June is filled with big events, moments to reflect, and delicious meals for dad. So host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on executive producer Laura Isensee and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis to help you make the most of June in Houston.
Want even more delicious spots to eat at around Houston? Check out our the top brunch spots in Houston right now! Places we talked about on today’s show:
Galveston Island Revue Weekend
A Juneteenth Conversation: With the Family of George Floyd
Pride Chorus Houston: True Colors
Beyoncé Endorsed Frenchy’s Fried Chicken During Her Most Recent Visit to Houston
Vintage shopping at Buffalo Exchange, Charity Guild, Value Village, Goodwill, or Leopard Lounge
Get To Know Houston, Texas Through Beyoncé's Eyes: Her Favorite Restaurants, Childhood Spots, and More
Medium Rare
Gatlin’s BBQ
Brennan’s of Houston
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 29th episode:
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Comicpalooza
Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Top Brunch Spots in Houston Right Now
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 21:53
Houston’s brunch scene is one of the best in the nation, from chicken and waffles to dim sum and everything in between. But with so many standout spots, choosing the perfect spot for your brunch plans can be overwhelming. That’s why host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Bao Ong, the Houston Chronicle’s restaurant critic, to round up the top brunch experiences around H-town. Whether you’re looking for party vibes, a decadent Mexican meal, or a classic buffet, they’ve got you covered!
Places we talked about on today’s show:
The Pit Room
Flora Houston
Xalisko
Lucille’s
Barnaby Cafe
Hugo’s
Mia’s Table
Chapman and Kirby
Montrose Country Club
Bar Boheme
Squable
Cuchara
Aga’s
The Marigold Club
Silk Road
Ocean Palace
Fung’s Kitchen
Forget Me Not
Kamp
Honey Hole
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode:
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Comicpalooza
Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Three Houstonians Caught up in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 • Duration 33:47
During his presidential campaign, President Trump vowed to crack down on illegal immigration and deport violent criminals. But how is the crackdown actually playing out in Houston? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with award-winning immigration reporter Anna-Cat Brigida about how some regular Houstonians are getting their visas revoked, detained in ICE raids, and more.
ICE says it deported more than 500 people in the Houston area in one week
University of Houston assistant professor preparing to leave country after ‘unexpected termination’ of visa
Coming home: Erik Payán returns to his family after a month in detention
Houston families left in limbo after Biden program for spouses of US citizens halted
U.S. Citizens twice as likely to be charged with crime in Harris County, data shows
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 27th episode:Texas Monthly Taco FestComicpaloozaBandera County Convention & Visitors BureauLooking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHoustonDon’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Photo Credit: Sharon Steinmann/Houston Chronicle via Getty Image
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Future of RenFest, George Floyd Mural Destroyed, & H-Town Exodus?!
Friday, May 23, 2025 • Duration 41:54
It’s Friday so we’re breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Lucio Vasquez, breaking news reporter at The Texas Newsroom, and executive producer Laura Isensee to talk about the future of the Texas Renaissance Festival after its founder died this week. Plus, Houston’s growing income inequality and the legacy of George Floyd. And don’t miss our moments of joy!
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
George Coulam, controversial founder of Texas Renaissance Festival, found dead in Grimes County
Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2025 Results
Houston cultural landmark quietly turned to rubble, sparking local outcry
What a 10-minute call with George Floyd's family reveals about the meaning of May 25
George Floyd-inspired festival to be held in Houston five years after his murder
His Name Is George Floyd (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
Views of Race, Policing and Black Lives Matter in the 5 Years Since George Floyd’s Killing
Houston nonprofit devoted to homeless youth unveils new $55 million campus
Tilman Fertitta, Mayor John Whitmire, first lady Cecilia Abbott award 66 wheelchair accessible vans
If you enjoyed today's interview with The Village School's Enrollment Officer, Cassie Riddle, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 23rd episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne
Comicpalooza
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Photo: Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Best Road Trips From Houston This Summer
Thursday, May 22, 2025 • Duration 26:42
Whether you’re planning a quick one-hour trip or a long-haul adventure, Houston offers plenty of great road trip options. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Sofia Gonzalez, Houstonia Magazine’s travel editor, to share their top picks for the best road trips to take this Memorial Day weekend, or anytime this summer with your friends, family, special someone — or even solo!
Check out all our recommendations here:
Galveston
Surfside
Blue Coast Highway Drive
The Pearl in San Antonio
Mi Tierra y Panadería
The San Antonio Riverwalk
San Marcos
New Braunfels
Big Bend National Park
Hike Smart
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Check out Sofia’s work in Houstonia Magazine
If you enjoyed today's interview with Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's Teen Council and Tour Program Coordinator, Jack Morillo, learn more here.
Jack Morillo: Teen Council and Tour Program Coordinator
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 22nd episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Happened to Our Beloved Whataburger?
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 31:09
There was a time when host Raheel Ramzanali celebrated every birthday at Whataburger with a patty melt. But now, as the Texas legend marks its 75th anniversary, he swears it’s just not the same. So, he’s talking to Omar Gallaga, an independent Texas-based writer, about whether Whataburger has changed since it was bought by a Chicago company in 2019 and went national. Plus, we’ll hear from some loyal fans and their favorite memories.
Stories we talked about on today’s show:
What happened to Whataburger?
Whataburger brings back two menu favorites for its 75th anniversary celebration
The Texanist: How Can Whataburger Say That It’s Still “Family Owned and Operated”?
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 21st episode:
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Visit Boerne
Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston
Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston
Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!
Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let’s Talk!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
