Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from a series of special guests who join us to surprise Frank Billingsley on his last show as a full-time Hello Houston host.

First, we’re joined by former KPRC news anchor and content creator Dominique Sachse, who shares her well-wishes for Frank as they reminisce about their time working together for many years.

Next, our hosts read comments and questions about Frank from the Hello Houston audience in a special Ask Me Anything segment, while Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore joins in to share his well...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss a new study about the impact of ultra-processed foods on heart health with Dr. Amier Haidar, a cardiovascular disease fellow at UTHealth Houston, who helps break down the study’s findings.

Next, we hear Celeste’s interview with Paul Champion, COO of Adaptive Construction Solutions, and Marc Spieler, NVIDIA's Senior Director of Energy, at last week’s CeraWEEK energy conference, who both discuss a push to build a workforce needed for the AI boom.

Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste, along with Hello Houston listeners, share the latest...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison joins us live from the Johnson Space Center to discuss the scheduled launch for the moon-bound Artemis II mission tonight.

Then, we hear from Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who joins us to discuss the recent arrest made in the infamous 1990 "Lovers Lane" cold case and what led to the breakthrough in this decades-long case.

Plus, Houston teen Sam Slobin joins us to tell us all about the basketball program he started for special needs kids, called the Friendship Basketball Association (FBA).

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear highlights from Hello Houston’s first anniversary show, including our conversation with Houston comedian Chinedu, who celebrates this milestone with the hosts after previously joining us on our first show.  

Next, we’re joined by Chris Ballard, President and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, who discusses the famous Houston park’s transformative 100-acre project, which will introduce new spaces in addition to honoring its World War I roots.

Plus, Back to the Future co-creator Bob Gale joins us to discuss his involvement in the widely popula...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we break down a newly filed bill aimed at strengthening reviews of antitrust cases with Darren Bush, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who also explains why he’s supporting it.

Then, we’re joined by Khori Dastoor, the General Director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera, who tells us about their recently announced 2026 – 27 Season, which includes classics and celebrated works from world-famous composers.

Also, we talk with Perla Trevizo, a reporter with the ProPublica–Texas Tribune investigative unit, who discusses a new investig...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who discusses a new plan that allows county workers to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.

Next, we talk with Rebecca Greene Udden, the Founding Artistic Director of Houston’s Main Street Theater, who tells us about their production of celebrated playwright Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed epic play Leopoldstadt.

Also, we’re joined by Stephen Simpson, the mental health reporter for the Texas Tribune, who talks to us about the looming ban on all smokable hem...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," sports analyst Charlie Pallilo joins us to break down the sporting events taking place in Houston today, including the Houston Cougars competing in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA March Madness tournament and opening day for the Houston Astros.

Next, we hear one of Celeste’s interviews from the major energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global, in which she talks with President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Jay Timmons, who discusses how complex manufacturing policy applies to our everyday life and how policy is currently af...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we learn all about the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra with band director David Caceras and student musician Matthew Cruz, who also discuss what's ahead for the group after being selected to compete in the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.

Next, we hear from Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, who shares her thoughts on the Trump administration's proposed changes to the country’s vaccine policy and why these vaccine recommendations remain important.

Also, we highlight The Happening at The Orang...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, who shares his thoughts on the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain and what happens next.

Then, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez joins us to discuss his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical love letter to the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobby Center on March 26th and 27th.

Also, Wendell Primus, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center on Health Policy, joins us to di...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who talks about the university’s initiatives that have been launched in recent years, as well as his priorities moving forward.

Next, Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen and neurologist Dr. Justine Chen join us to share Seelen's health journey after a new treatment helped him regain the ability to swallow and eat certain foods after he experienced a massive stroke last year.

Plus, Houston comedian Marcus D. Wiley joins us to discuss his comedy career, ha...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the Mayer Brown law firm, who discusses what’s behind Houston’s growing law industry with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the Bayou City.

Also, we’re joined by former director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Federico Salas-Isnardi, who talks to us about adult literacy, what’s being done to address the issue, and what resources are available for adults wanting to improve their literacy skills.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Frank and Celeste are joined by the Baker Institute’s Bill King, who discusses a new report raising questions about the impact affordable housing projects are having on Harris County.

Then, producer and director Linda Gibbs tells us about the limited docuseries, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, and how it explores the transformation women experience when going through menopause.

Also, we hear from Houston City Councilmember Julian Ramirez, who joins us to discuss the city’s new on-demand heavy trash pickup system and what’s behind the delays i...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Frank and Celeste talk with Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, who discusses a new report from his office saying the city is on track to spend about 40% more on electricity than it did last year.

Then, longtime members of Houston’s Archway Gallery, John Slaby and Cookie Wells, join us to tell us all about this long-running artist-owned and operated gallery and its upcoming 50th anniversary exhibition, Fifty Forward.

Also, we learn all about the University of Houston’s dementia research programs with Stacey Gorniak, a prof...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste’s conversation with former Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching, who talks about his sports career, his entrepreneurial work, and his upcoming induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.

Next, we learn all about local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, with assistant executive director Kathleen Spangler, who also explains how the non-profit is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Also, Texas Tribune journalist Gabby Birenbaum joins us to talk about her article on the political rise of the Freedom Caucus, which encompasses the most right-wi...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste discuss the shortage of affordable rental units for low-income earners across the country and the Houston region with Ben Martin, the Deputy Director at Texas Housers.

Then, we hear from Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The Bail Project, who joins us to break down new data from Harris County that suggests recent reforms to the local bail system appear to be working.

Also, Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, joins us to discuss the legacy and history of...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk about the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who tells us his predictions for this year’s ceremony.

Next, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound join us to discuss what they do, their upcoming performance, and members of the ensemble treat us to a special performance.

Plus, we discuss the rise of prediction markets with Dustin Gouker, publisher of the Substack newsletter The Event Horizon, who helps...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Dr. Sergio Lira, President of Greater Houston LULAC, who explains the organization’s recent decision to cancel this year's Cinco De Mayo parade.

Next, we discuss Houston’s premier community biking event, Tour De Houston, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation, who tells us all about this year’s upcoming event and its three route options.

Also, we discuss the rising cost of housing and the debate over whether investment companies should be allowed to buy single...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our second live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who discusses how the city and county work with each other to put this large event together every year, and the current issues affecting the city of Houston.

Then, we hear from Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the HLSR’s Commercial Exhibits Committee, who tells us about the rodeo’s food vendors, along with the winners of this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, Joey Rousso of Rousso's Fat Baco...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down what’s behind the large number of job losses in the latest jobs report with Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who also explains what this means for Houstonians.

Next, we hear from Oliver James, a literacy activist, motivational speaker, and influencer, who shares the story of his struggles with adult illiteracy before making the decision to learn to read and how TikTok played a role in achieving this goal.

Plus, we learn all about the local non-prof...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste talk with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who joins us to discuss the rising cost of oil due to the Iran conflict and what this could mean for consumers.

Then, we learn about the upcoming Brains in Society conference, which will bring neuroscientists and other experts together to talk about how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, and technology, with Simon Fischer-Baum, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice University.

Plus, Jassi Bindra, a Houston-based chef and...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we’re joined by Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who discusses a new report that examines large-scale air pollution events in Houston and what caused them.

Also, Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, explains what people can do to prevent sexual assault incidents during Spring Break, as well as what victims should do if an incident does occur.

Plus, our hosts discuss the latest things they’re obsessed with for this week’s edition of Current Obsessions, an...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Allen Kaminski, founding member of the Tours Committee, who discusses the Agventure attraction, where kids can learn all about agriculture and farm animals.

Also, we hear from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s new chief show operations officer, Kyle Olsen, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at rodeo operations for this large-scale event, and what goes into putting it together every year.

Plus, Angela Hernandez, an HLSR board member, co...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Texas Monthly senior writer Michael Hardy discusses Lina Hidalgo's tenure as Harris County Judge, as well as how clashes with local politicians and her leadership style reshaped her time in office.

Then, actor Edward Staudenmayer, who’s playing Meyer Wolfsheim in the national tour of The Great Gatsby, joins us to tell us about what audiences can expect from this musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, currently running at the Hobby Center.

Also, we discuss possible human trafficking at the upcoming FIFA World Cup games here in...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus joins us on Election Day for the 2026 Primary Election to break down key races and to help us make sense of what comes next.   

Then, we’re joined by Emmett Hopkins, Transportation Policy Manager at the Climate & Community Institute, who discusses the Trump administration’s new transportation proposal, which is looking to scale back federal funding for public transit.

Plus, Morgan Zeringue, Director of Program Services at the Houston-based social service agency Alexander JFS, tells us about...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Celeste talk with interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne, who discusses how the county ensures elections are kept fair and how voters’ rights are protected.

Then, NPR Pentagon reporter Tom Bowman joins us to break down this weekend’s attack on Iran by the United States, as well as what’s next following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Also, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones tells us about the plans and expected economic impact of the forthcoming “Toro District,” a mixed-use development that w...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Tony Payan, Fellow in U.S.-Mexico Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, explains what we’re seeing with the violence taking place in Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.

Also, we hear from actress Pantea Ommi, who tells us about the Pulitzer Prize-winning play she’s starring in, English, which is running at Alley Theatre through March 8.

Plus, Jamie Bryant, president and CEO of Housing Alliance HTX, joins us to discuss what the organization does, addresses its recent name change...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste talk with actor, comedian, and screenwriter Mae Martin, who discusses their comedy career, comedic influences, and their show at the Cullen Performing Arts Center tomorrow.

Then, Ernie is joined by Texas Tribune reporter Eleanor Klibanoff, who gives us the latest on a scandal involving U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who’s saying he will not resign following the release of explicit text messages between him and a former aide.

Also, Eric Broussard, curator of the Bryan Museum in Galveston, joins us to discuss the...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Alan Sealls, an American Meteorological Society Fellow, gives us his take on the EPA’s decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to public health.

Then, we’re joined by Nat Zegree, who discusses his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Theatre Under the Stars production of the musical Million Dollar Quartet, what audiences can expect, and how he brings this music legend to life on stage.

Plus, we also hear from Dee Dee Dochen, a producer of the upco...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” University of Houston Law Center’s Nikolas Guggenberger joins us to unpack a landmark trial examining whether social media companies designed their platforms to be addictive for younger users.

Then, we hear from New York Times best-selling author Meg Medina, known for writing for kids of all ages, who joins us to discuss her books, how she approaches writing for different ages, and her upcoming event in Houston later this week.

Plus, we discuss how social media influencers are driving the Texas Democratic Senate race, with Texas Tribune...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Priya James, associate director of community engagement at NEDA, discusses National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the factors that cause eating disorders, and the stigma surrounding these kinds of disorders.

Then, filmmakers Angela Tucker and Tyrone Dixon tell us about The Inquisitor, a documentary about the life and legacy of former Texas congresswoman and civil rights icon Barbara Jordan. The documentary will premiere tonight on PBS Channel 8.

Plus, Houston-based photographer Ed Finger joins us to tell us all about his photography work and an upcoming exhibition that will feature ph...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Houston artist David McGee and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art curator Katia Zavistovski tell us about an upcoming exhibition dedicated to McGee’s work that will soon be on view at the museum.

Then, Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin, currently serving District 47, joins us to discuss her campaign for Texas Lieutenant Governor, the issues important to her in this race, what sets her apart from her opponents, and more. 

Plus, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress share their plans for the weekend, as well as a list of events ha...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and News 88.7 news anchor Matt Harab talk with David Gordon and Dallas and Austin Burkhalter, organizers of SpringStock Music Festival, an upcoming all-ages experience brought to life by Houston artists and musicians.

Then, we’re joined by Greg Carter, a filmmaker and University of Houston film professor, who discusses a new online graduate certificate program to address the demands of the film industry’s growth in Houston by preparing a workforce of leaders in this space.  

Plus, we also hear a rundown of things our hosts and listene...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Harris County Flood Control District executive director Dr. Tina Petersen discusses FEMA’s draft for the updated floodplain maps for Harris County, what they show, and what happens next.

Then, we discuss the Houston-area non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston, with CEO Lisa Descant, who tells us more about their mission and work across the Greater Houston area.

Also, we hear from acclaimed playwright James Anthony Tyler, who joins us to discuss his career, the playwrighting process, and his role as the head of the University of Houston’...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the latest on the Nancy Guthrie abduction case with Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI senior profiler and professor of forensic science, who also explains how profilers aid in the search for missing persons.

Then, we’re joined by former district Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, who tells us about her incredible career, which includes being the country’s youngest sitting federal judge at the time of her appointment, and what she thinks about current legal issues.

Al...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, who tells us about a proposed apartment inspection ordinance that aims to help crack down on unsafe and unsanitary rental buildings.

Also, FotoFest executive director Steven Evans joins us to tell us about the contemporary arts organization’s upcoming 40th anniversary biennial, which will reflect on the work presented in their biennials from the past four decades.

Plus, we also talk with entertainment attorney and actress Jalene Mack, who joins us to share her success story, as well as her i...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Doris Childress talk with U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who discusses her campaign for U.S. Senate, her policy priorities, and why she believes she’s right for this seat.

Also, we hear from Dr. Viviana Coles, a Houston-area relationship therapist, who shares her thoughts on how couples can ensure they maintain healthy relationships.

Plus, we discuss the rising influence of Christian nationalism, with Michael Emerson, a Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute, who also explains how this form of n...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Maureen McNamara, executive director of ArtHouse Houston, who tells us about a local effort to preserve the historic Garden Oaks Theater.

Then, we hear from HTC Kelly, a Rice University postdoctoral researcher and cheerleader for the Houston Texans, who explains how she balances these two different roles.

Plus, jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, Jumaane Smith, joins us to discuss his Hobby Center concert LOVE ALWAYS: Celebrating the Romance of Nat King Cole, a love letter to the romanticism of one of America’s most cel...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," the Hobby School of Public Affairs' Blake Heller breaks down a University of Houston report, which found that Houston-area residents are significantly overestimating the size of Texas's new school voucher program.

Then, actor Rudy Foster, who’s playing Hermes in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, discusses what audiences can expect from the hit musical, which is on stage at the Hobby Center through Sunday, February 15.

Also, we’re joined by Elaine Yuan, senior fund development manager at the Chinese Community Center, who tells us all...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Votebeat reporter Natalia Contreras, who shares her thoughts on why the Trump Administration has been asking several states to turn over their voter rolls.

Also, we’re joined by Houston-area actress Brenda Palestina, who tells us about the Alley Theater production of Real Women Have Curves, and playing the role of Ana in the comedic play.

Then, we discuss the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which would require every new car to be equipped with anti-drunk driving technology, with Stephanie Manning, Chief Government Affairs Officer for Mother...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," NAACP Houston president Bishop James Dixon II joins us to share his thoughts on current issues and tell us more about his commitment to equality and community empowerment.

Then, we learn about the Goethe-Institut, with Sandy Schwalen, program coordinator of the institute's Houston branch, who tells us more about their work fostering cultural dialogue and educational partnerships across Texas.

And finally, we hear from labor leader Marcos Velez, who discusses why he’s running for Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the issues most important to him, and what his vi...