Cruz through HTX

This series finale of Cruz Through TX is a love letter to Houston and the everyday people who make this city impossible to quit. From Bubbles, the one eyed miracle dog who survived a bullet and a broken jaw, to the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre built from Texas Medical Center dirt, these stories capture the grit underneath the skyline. You will hear suburban preppers game out an EMP attack, a mug...

Food writer Megha McSwain talks about balancing two very different rescue dogs with a career writing for Texas Monthly, PBS, and Food Network. She shares micro‑walks, immigrant lunchroom memories, and why she cares more about the people behind the plates than burger‑versus‑burger debates. Learn more about Megha HERE . Subscribe on Apple , Spotify and YouTube ! This season of Cruz through HTX is po...

Health coach and podcast host Samantha Elizabeth grew up in a vet family with snakes, gators, and rescued farm animals. She explains how pets shape our stress, why dogs absorb our energy, and how coaching differs from therapy when you’re trying to change your life. Learn more about Samantha’s coaching and consulting HERE , and subscribe to her podcast Stress Mess HERE . Subscribe on Ap...

Manready Mercantile founder Travis Weaver connects life with his dogs Delilah and Indy to the discipline of building a national retail brand from a hungover bubble‑bath epiphany and homemade candles in whiskey glasses. Consistency, routines, and responsibility are the throughline. Learn more about Manready Mercantile HERE . Subscribe on Apple , Spotify and YouTube ! This season of Cruz through HTX...

Former global program director Andy Raman walked away from corporate oil and gas to turn a house full of rescues into Fido’s Home, a dog resort in Katy. He breaks down patience, strict love, and why you never treat pet parents like walking dollar signs. Learn more about Fido’s Home HERE . Subscribe on Apple , Spotify and YouTube ! This season of Cruz through HTX is powered by Speke Pod...

Doobie Dogs Pet Taxi owner Ron Velez went from oil and gas and cleaning Airbnbs to shuttling Houston’s dogs to daycare, vets, and groomers. He shares traffic nightmares, 165‑pound Newfoundlands, and the fatherly advice that pushed him to buy van number two. Learn more about Doobie Dogs HERE . Subscribe on Apple , Spotify and YouTube ! This season of Cruz through HTX is powered by Speke Podca...

Baker and business owner Liz Hale shares how a skinny street dog named Rihanna helped her family weather empty‑nest syndrome, post‑COVID gut punches, and the grind of running Cake Fine Pastry and Plum Coffee Shop in Houston. Rescues, cake, grit, and a whole lot of cheese tax. Connect with Cake Fine Pastry HERE . Subscribe on Apple , Spotify and YouTube ! This season of Cruz through HTX is powered...

Freddy explains why he killed Freddy’s Huge ASK, how Cruz Through HTX was born, and why this final “Powerhouse Pet Owners” season is a breakup letter to Houston and a bridge to his new show, Your Mic . Burnout, Pod Bros, pets, and what’s next for the mic. Subscribe on Apple , Spotify and YouTube ! This season of Cruz through HTX is powered by Speke Podcasting. Have an idea...

What makes Alzheimer’s disease so uniquely devastating compared to other illnesses? Dr. Paul Schultz describes Alzheimer's as a neurodegenerative condition that not only deteriorates the mind slowly but also significantly impacts the lives of loved ones who endure watching their family members fade away, brain cell by brain cell. Unlike cancer, which, though lethal, involves an aware patient...

What should you know about transitioning to Medicare? In this episode, Freddy Cruz speaks with Peter Remington from Remington Insurance Brokers about the complexities of Medicare. Peter outlines the shift from employer-sponsored health insurance to Medicare at age 65, discussing the many components involved, including premiums, deductibles, and various plans. He highlights common pitfalls like for...

Why would someone need a rhinoplasty for health reasons? Dr. Angela Sturm explains that septoplasty, a procedure to straighten the divider between the two nasal sides, can improve breathing and reduce snoring. Turbinates, shaped like little hot dogs inside the nose, can be shrunk to alleviate inflammation and enhance airflow. These medical reasons for surgery are essential for better quality of li...

What inspires a compassionate medical professional to elevate clinical trials to unprecedented levels? Karim Mohammed's dedication to advancing clinical research is driven by a profound respect for participants. By creating a warm, nurturing environment, he ensures that every individual is treated with dignity and significance. Mohammed's approach focuses on innovation and maintaining trust to ben...

Paul Petronella shares his experience of growing up in a restaurant family. Petronella discusses his early involvement in the kitchen of his family’s Italian restaurant and his transition from a career in advertising back to the family business. They examine the quality issues in U.S food production, particularly wheat, comparing it to Italian counterparts. Petronella highlights the difficul...

Why would someone choose to start an alkaline water company? Lamont Gilbert's transition from a successful entrepreneur in various industries to the founder of Absolutely Amazing Alkaline H2O is driven by a profound belief in the benefits of pure water. After multiple successful ventures, he became captivated by the potential of alkaline water. This passion led him to develop a unique quadruple os...

What makes wounds so fascinating and critical in medical care? Dr. Moosa's career pivot to wound care highlights the intricate overlap of professional interest and personal experiences. He emphasizes the role of thorough documentation, like photographs, in monitoring healing. Through anecdotes and medical advice, he connects lifestyle factors, such as diabetes, to effective wound management. Key T...

How does a nurse and two-time cancer survivor become a guiding light for others battling the disease? Ashma Moosa's journey from nurse to cancer coach demonstrates resilience and empathy. She faced both thyroid and breast cancer, the latter leading her to an intense path of chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. After overcoming her struggles, she now utilizes meditation and compassionate coachi...

Why is society only beginning to openly discuss menopause now? Dr. Terri-Ann Samuels sheds light on the ongoing evolution of conversations around menopause in her discussion with Freddy Cruz. As women face significant hormonal transitions and related health risks, the need for awareness and understanding is paramount. Dr. Samuels emphasizes the importance of preparation and quality of life in this...

How do you approach discussing the risks and complications of new treatments with patients and their families? Dr. Eddie Patton shares a recent case of prescribing a new Alzheimer's medication that unfortunately led to a severe complication. Despite his thorough education on the risks, an emergency situation at another hospital led to the patient receiving blood thinners, causing a brain bleed. Th...

What adjustments should you make to your fitness routine for improved results? Freddy Cruz talks with Heather Sholl about optimizing exercise routines. Heather emphasizes the importance of resistance training for overall health. They discuss the benefits of incorporating weightlifting to address bone density and muscle loss. Heather advises on setting clear fitness goals and measuring progress. He...

Hi. On January 14th, Cruz through HTX will return as a newly reimagined podcast. While it's season two, this will be the first themed season. Whereas last year was all about talking to all of the area's leading voices, those making the Greater Houston area great, this season will have a singular focus. This season will focus on health and wellness. You may or may not know this, but I operate a pod...

What compels an individual to transform a love for coffee into a thriving community hub? Oscar Gushiken's journey from childhood exposure to rich coffee cultures in Mexico to opening Dulcedo Coffee is fueled by passion and resilience. Despite facing significant challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, he persevered by balancing his full-time job with his entrepreneurial dream. His story highlights n...

"The best damn fruitcake in Texas" is a hell of a subject line. It intrigued me so much, I replied to my PR pal Paula and asked if Pastry Chef Ruben Ortega would be up for hosting me in his kitchen to bake a cake. I expected a no. I got a yes. What happened after that blew my mind and changed the way I look at one of the world's most disliked desserts. Learn more about Urbe, Hugo's, Backstreet Caf...

Effective today, Cruz through HTX will go dark for a period not to exceed three months. The intent of the show has and always will be to share the stories of the businesses, organizations, and individuals that make the Greater Houston area GREAT. But it's time to take a pause. We've had a nice, long run of well over a hundred shows. I did it to prove to myself it can be done and to prove to myself...

How do you create memorable events that leave a lasting impact? Freddy Cruz and Roger Igo delve into the art of event planning. Roger shares his early experiences with organizing high school talent shows and how those formative years shaped his approach to event production. At the bell tower on 34th, his method focuses on creating unforgettable memories for guests. Roger discusses handling unexpec...

Why would anyone want to go on a 10,000 mile motorcycle ride? For Mike Hazelrigs , there are plenty of reasons. Mike discusses his experience, from working at Astroworld to embarking on the Hokahay Motorcycle Challenge, a 10,000-mile motorcycle ride starting in Florida and ending in Homer, Alaska. He shares his favorite memory from Astroworld, riding the Texas Cyclone, and explains the nickname "S...