Hello Houston

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Libby Cohen , Executive Director of the non-profit Raise Your Hand Texas , who helps us understand the state of public-school funding in Texas, as well as give us an update on the state’s school voucher program. Next, Bradley Michalakis, the Head of Dramaturgy at Alley Theatre , joins us to tell us all about the shows that will be in the arts organization...

On today’s Hello Houston, State Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani , who represents House District 76 in Fort Bend County, joins us to discuss his recent op-ed in the Houston Chronicle about what he describes as growing Islamophobia among Texas politicians. Next, we talk with Christine Holland, the CEO of local non-profit Rebuilding Together Houston , who tells us all about their work providing fre...

On today’s Hello Houston, we dedicate our whole show to the official start of hurricane season, which we kick off with ABC13 Chief Meteorologist Travis Herzog , who gives us a preview of what we can expect over the next several months and what residents should be looking out for. Then, Nathan Brownell, the Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery at CenterPoint, talks to us about how the...

On today’s Hello Houston, Jim Szczesniak , the Director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System , joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss changes happening at the airports and what travelers can expect from this year’s busy summer travel season. Then, we’re joined again by Nerdtropolis founder and editor Sean Tajipour , who breaks down the 2026 summer movie season and shares his thoughts o...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear from Texas State Representative and Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, who shares his reaction to now facing off against Republican nominee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in November’s general election. Then, we’re joined by Houston-based author Kalyani Adusumilli , who tells us all about her newly released debut novel , The Invisible Canvas , and how i...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Houston Business Journal reporter Chandler France , who discusses the uncertain future of the Astrodome with the landmark possibly facing either demolition or redevelopment as part of a master plan for NRG Park. Then, we chat with José R. Ralat , the James Beard award-winning taco editor for Texas Monthly, who breaks down his report on the best taquerias in T...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Houston Public Media’s politics and government reporter, Andrew Schneider , in the show's first hour, who helps guide us through the key races in the Texas primary runoff election, with today being Election Day. Next, Houston-based actress Teresa Zimmermann joins us to talk about her role in Theatre Under the Stars’ production of Beautiful: The Carole King Mu...

On today’s Hello Houston, we celebrate Ernie Manouse’s 30 years at Houston Public Media by chatting with actress Amy Sedaris and Representative Sylvia Garcia , who presents Ernie with a congressional record from the U.S. House of Representatives honoring this milestone. Next, we revisit Ernie’s 2016 interview with award-winning actress Pam Grier for his series InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse , ahead...

On today’s Hello Houston, we broadcast the show LIVE from The Bryan Museum in Galveston, which features one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and fine art related to Texas and the American West. In the first hour, former City of Galveston Mayor Dr. Craig Brown joins us to reflect on his last six years as mayor and what lies ahead for the city in the future. Nex...

On today’s Hello Houston, with this month being mental health awareness month, we talk with UTHealth Houston associate professor and psychiatrist Dr. Lokesh Shahani , who discusses men’s mental health and the stigma behind asking for help. In the second hour, Sara Loperena, the director and founder of local non-profit bookstore, The Book Cycle , rejoins us to talk about their unique book donation...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Chris Canetti , President of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee, who fills us in on all the activities surrounding the big event coming soon to Houston, and his role in helping guide the city’s preparations. Then, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston curators Ann Dumas and Dena Woodall tell us all about Picasso-Klee-Matisse: Masterpieces from the Museu...

On today’s Hello Houston, Dr. Theresa Tran , Director of the Houston Health Department, discusses how restaurant inspections work, how the department helps ensure Houston restaurants meet health and safety standards, and what happens if violations are found. In the second hour of the show, Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen tells us about his precinct’s Animal Cruelty Division, as well...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston Mayor John Whitmire during the first hour of the show, who discusses his proposed budget for the next fiscal year and why he believes it will help alleviate the city’s financial pressures. In the second hour, Ernie Manouse and guest host Katharine Shilcutt discuss today’s top headlines, including President Trump considering making Venezuela the 51...

On today’s Hello Houston, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth joins us to explain what voters need to know about upcoming runoff elections, as well as share her thoughts on voter fatigue with May being a busy month for elections in Harris County. Next, comedian and filmmaker Lahna Turner tells us all about her new documentary Come What May , which tells the story of her ex-husband, the late come...

On today’s Hello Houston, City Controller Chris Hollins joins us to share his thoughts on Mayor Whitmire’s proposed plan for the city’s budget, after having raised concerns about the proposal and what it could mean for taxpayers and city services. Then, we hear from BBC reporter and cultural commentator, William Lee Adams , the internet’s number one source for all things Eurovision, who gives us a...

On today’s Hello Houston, U.S. Representative Christian Menefee joins us to discuss his campaign for the upcoming runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, the issues he’s focused on, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected to a full term in Congress. In the second hour, we’re joined by Shubhra Endley, the Director of Mental Health and Wellness at Communities In Schools of Houston...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with UT Health Houston assistant professor, psychologist, and childbirth educator, Dr. Angel Glover , who discusses maternal mental health and how motherhood affects brain chemistry in recognition of Maternal Mental Health Month. Also, in the first hour, director Paul Bunnell joins us to discuss his new film A Blind Bargain , and how it reimagines a long-lost Lon...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Quentin Wiltz , the mayor-elect of the City of Pearland, who joins us to talk about his winning campaign, his priorities, and what residents can expect from him in this new role. Then, we talk with Houston actors and singers, Simone Jasmine Gundy and Mark Ivy , who are co-hosting this year’s 2026 Tommy Tune Awards , celebrating the very best in Houston-are...

On today’s Hello Houston, Jason Cunningham, Deputy Chief Appraiser for the Harris Central Appraisal District, joins us to walk us through the process of how people can protest their property taxes in Harris County ahead of the deadline on Friday, May 15. Next, director and choreographer Jakari Sherman talks to us about his residency, Our Road Home: Gallery as Instrument , which honors the legacy o...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by University of Houston researcher Francisco Haces-Garcia , who discusses the use of AI in flood mapping as well as what was found in a recent flood risk study he authored and what it could mean for the future. Next, we talk with Houston-based James Beard Award-winning chef and TV host, Chris Shepherd , who tells us all about his new live conversation series...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Sarah Kirkle, the Policy and Legislative Affairs Director for the Texas Water Association , who helps us understand what needs to be done for the state of Texas to avoid a major water crisis in the future. Then, we hear from Performing Arts Houston President and CEO Meg Booth and Director of Artistic Programs, Lee Strickland, who tell us all about the arts or...

On today’s Hello Houston, we're joined by Gus Faucher , the Chief Economist for PNC, in the first hour of the show, who breaks down a new report with insights on where Houston’s economy stands currently and what we can expect in the months ahead. Then, we learn all about the local women’s organization, The Women's Resource of Greater Houston , with its Chief Development Officer, Stephanie Magers,...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear from local Pastor Sean Palmer , who shares his perspective on the intersection of politics and religion with Celeste Diaz Schurman in the latest installment of her “Cold Coffee” series. Then, writer, speaker, and influencer Libby Ward joins us to explain how she’s redefining the motherhood narrative through an honest, unfiltered, and relatable lens, as well as her...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Anne Sung, the Chief Policy and Innovation Officer for Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones , who discusses a new business accelerator initiative designed to help childcare providers expand in Harris County. Then, local media personality Tessa Berrera , formerly of Houston Life on KPRC, joins us to share what she’s been up to since leaving...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Kim Kofron , Director of Early Childhood Education at Children at Risk , who discusses their new report on “childcare deserts” across Texas, which are areas where finding affordable and quality childcare is becoming more difficult. Next, Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, the founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Indian arts organization, Silambam Houston ,...