Hello Houston

On today’s show, we break down a University of Houston study, which found that many Houston-area residents are overestimating the potential reach and impact of Texas’s new school voucher program, with the Hobby School of Public Affairs’ Blake Heller.

Then, actor Rudy Foster joins us to discuss playing the role of Hermes in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, currently running at the Hobby Center through Sunday, February 15th.

In the second hour of Hello Houston, Celeste talks with Texas Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets, who discusses his vision for the...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Natalia Contreras, a reporter covering election administration and voting access for Votebeat, who shares her thoughts on why the Trump administration is asking states to turn over their voter rolls.

Then, at the end of the first hour, Houston actress Brenda Palestina joins us to tell us about playing the character Ana in the Alley Theater production Real Women Have Curves.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), who discuss the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which aims...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Bishop James Dixon II, president of the NAACP Houston chapter in the show’s first hour, who discusses the current issues affecting the organization, as well as his commitment to civil rights and community empowerment.

Also, at the end of the first hour, we learn all about the German cultural center, the Goethe-Institut, with Sandy Schwalen, program coordinator of the institute’s Houston branch.

In the second hour of the show, we talk with Marcos Velez, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas, who tells us more abo...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear the latest installment of Celeste’s Cold Coffee series during the show’s first hour, in which she sits down with Lina Hidalgo, who discusses her time as Harris County Judge, her mental health, and what’s next for her.

In the second hour of the show, author and Yale leadership scholar, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, tells us about his upcoming book, Trump’s Ten Commandments, which explores the strategies that define President Trump’s decision-making in business, politics, and media.

Plus, Ernie also broadcasts live from the Houston Home and Garden S...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear Celeste’s conversation with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller during the show’s first hour, in which he gives an update on the state’s screwworm threat, his re-election campaign, and more.

Then, we’re joined by Amy Hufnagel, executive director of ACE Mentor Program Houston, who tells us about their work educating high school students about careers in architecture, construction, and engineering.

In the second hour of the show, we break down this weekend’s upcoming Super Bowl with former ESPN and CityCast Houston broadcaster Raheel Ramzanali, who also sha...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by local energy expert Samuel Luna in the show’s first hour, who breaks down ERCOT’s 2026 forecast showing electricity demand increasing rapidly across Texas, and what this means for your electric bill.

Then, we learn more about Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH) and how it supports the city’s arts community, with their managing director, Kirk Markley and director of patron services, Dennis Draper.

In the second hour of the show, we talk with Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County president & CEO Kelly Young and...

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss Governor Greg Abbott ordering public universities and state agencies to pause new H-1B visa applications, with Miriam Feldblum, co-founder and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

Then, we find out about the Broadway at the Hobby Center’s 2026-27 Season with the center’s president and CEO, Mark Folkes.

In the second hour of Hello Houston, we’re joined by local attorney Ebony Williams, who is running for the Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2 judge seat, which is currently held by Judge Jim...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Pastor D.Z. Cofield in the show’s first hour, who discusses Black History Month and his charity, “Hope for Families,” an area non-profit organization with the express purpose of rebuilding urban communities.

Then, we chat with Maureen Patton, Executive Director of The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, who shares stories from her more than 40 years of running the official opera house of Texas.

In the second hour of Hello Houston, we hear from Julianna Washburn, the Galveston County reporter for News 88.7, who tells us about the more t...

On today’s Hello Houston, ahead of tomorrow’s election, we revisit our interviews with Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee, the two candidates in the runoff for the 18th Congressional District, in both hours of the show.

In the show’s first hour, we’re joined by Dr. David Schrank, a Senior Research Scientist at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, who breaks down the Texas Top 100 Congested Road Segments list for 2025 and why so many Harris County roadways are on it.

Then, in the second hour, we hear from Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who join...

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison, who gives us the latest on the Artemis II mission and the crew quarantining in preparation for a possible February launch to the moon.

Then, Khori Dastoor, the General Director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera, tells us all about the much-anticipated HGO production of Hansel and Gretel.

In the second hour of the show, we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste’s conversation with Texas State Representative James Talarico, who discusses his run for Senate as he squa...

On today’s Hello Houston, we speak with Dan Potter and Katherine Yang Bao from the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, who discuss a new study highlighting one of the Houston region’s fastest-growing and most diverse populations: Asian Americans.

Then, actor Zachary Keller joins us to discuss his role as Jacob Jankowski in the North American tour of the hit Broadway musical Water for Elephants, which is currently running at the Hobby Center through Sunday.

Plus, MFAH curator Cindy Peña and Arden Decker, associate director of the International Center for Art of the Ameri...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with John Diamond, senior fellow in public finance at Rice University’s Baker Institute, who breaks down the latest issues impacting the Federal Reserve and what’s at stake for the markets.

Then, we hear from Clay Ross, founder of the music group American Patchwork Quartet, who tells us more about the group and their upcoming cabaret-style concert at the Hobby Center, Modern Folk – Multicultural Roots.

In the second hour, we’re joined by Jim Kovach, who has been serving as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston Mayor John Whitmire in the show’s first hour, who gives us an update on the city services that were open during the cold snap over the weekend and more of the city's efforts to keep Houstonians safe from the cold weather.

Then, we talk with Joe Bany, director of operations at John Moore Services, who gives advice on how people can protect their pipes in the freezing weather, and answers questions from Hello Houston listeners. 

At the top of the show’s second hour, Ernie, Ce...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Matt Moreland, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office, who discusses the latest weather updates surrounding the winter storm that’s expected in Texas this weekend.

Also, we hear from Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who calls in to tell us about the City of Houston’s preparations for the winter storm, what Houstonians can do to prepare, and what resources will be available to those in need.

Then, Nerdtropolis founder and editor Sean Tajipour joins us to share his thoughts on the recently announced 2026 Oscar no...

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with Nathan Brownell, Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery at CenterPoint Energy, who tells us about the company’s readiness plan for the winter storm expected in Texas this weekend.

Then, we hear from Kathryn Guerra, the current TCEQ Campaign Director with Public Citizen, who explains why the agency isn’t prepared to enforce regulations on AI Data centers, and University of Houston archivist Mary Manning tells us about the Tommy Tune collection that will be archived at the university.

In the second hour o...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Eric Sandler, the food and culture editor at CultureMap Houston, who explains why so many Houston restaurants appear to be closing and what this means for the future of dining in Houston.

Also, Houston Museum of Natural Science astronomer Hannah Lange joins us to tell us all about the museum’s Astro Year in Review & Preview event, which will reflect on the most exciting space stories of 2025, while also sharing a glimpse of what we can expect in 2026.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by News 88-7 reporter Bianca Seward in the first hour of the show, who breaks down the results of a new study on HISD after the state takeover, as well as what the findings could mean for the district.

Then, Registered Dietitian Catherine Kruppa shares her thoughts on the new U.S. dietary guidelines and takes questions from Hello Houston listeners on how to get your diet right for the new year.

In the show’s second hour, we hear from Houstonian Terry Estes, who joins us to sha...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston Emergency Center Director Roderick Jackson in the first hour of the show, who explains how the center stays ready when Houstonians need help the most.

Then, we talk with actor, singer, and comedian John O’Hurley, best known for playing J. Peterman in Seinfeld, who tells us more about his film and television career, as well as his upcoming one-man show here in Houston.

In the show’s second hour, legendary Houston sportswriter and Texas Hall of Famer, John McClain, joins us, along with film producer...

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss the future of Houston’s iconic landmark, the Astrodome, with Beth Wiedower Jackson, executive director of the Astrodome Conservancy, who also tells us about the group’s efforts to save the dome.

Then, we’re joined by DACAMERA Artistic Director Sarah Rothenberg and cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton, who tell us about D’Est en musique, an upcoming live performance that will run for two nights at the Hobby Center.

In the show’s second hour, Brian Ellison, senior program manager for the area non-profit Project Row Houses, breaks down their Busine...

On today’s Hello Houston, interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne joins us in the first hour of the show to share his thoughts on the recent threats Governor Greg Abbott has made about taking over Harris County elections and what comes next.

Then, we revisit a conversation Frank had with Karen Winston, a licensed master social worker and former psychotherapist to the Houston Texans, for his Friends of Frank series.

In the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and a candidate for Harris...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by John Diamond, senior director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute, who helps break down the job market outlook for 2026 as well as what lies ahead for workers and employers.

Also, in the first hour, we learn all about the upcoming MLK Unity Parade - which unites two of Houston’s longstanding Martin Luther King Day parades into a single event - with local radio personality Madd Hatta, who’s one of the parade’s grand marshals.

In the second hour...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus, who breaks down where Texas is headed politically in 2026 and which races we should be paying attention to.

Then, Sharon Fletcher, executive director of the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy, joins us to tell us more about the history behind this historic Houston neighborhood and how the Conservancy is keeping its story alive for future generations.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by the new director of the U...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician at UTHealth Houston, who discusses the surge in flu and COVID cases around the country over the holiday season, as well as what’s driving this increase.  

Then, we’re joined by Anthony Brandt, a professor of composition and music theory at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, who tells us all about the school’s new Music, Mind and Body Lab, and what it will be focused on studying.

In the show’s second hour, Houston entrepreneur Je...

On today’s Hello Houston, Celeste and guest host Doug Miller begin the show by talking with the Baker Institute for Public Policy’s Tony Payan, who joins us to discuss yesterday’s tragic shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent.

Also, in the first hour, Dr. Debalina Sengupta, Assistant VP and COO of the University of Houston’s Energy Transition Institute, explains what the government can do to improve recycling rates in the U.S. and the challenges preventing these changes from happening.

In the show’s second hour, Brett Singer, a sports die...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with State Representative and chair of the House Democratic Caucus Committee on Free Speech, Donna Howard, who shares her thoughts on educators leaving the state of Texas due to free speech issues. 

Also, in the show’s first hour, we learn more about the popular health challenge Dry January, in which people abstain from alcohol for the entire 31-day month, with Julian Braithwaite, CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who joi...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former FBI agent and federal prosecutor Tony Box, a first-time candidate running to be the democratic nominee for Texas Attorney General, who tells us about his platform and why he decided to run.

Then, Ernie and Celeste share a rundown of predictions they have for the new year for Hello Houston’s 2026 Bingo Card.

In the second hour of the show, author Linda Dodge joins us to discuss her new book A Museum is Born: How the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Came to Be, as well a...

On today’s Hello Houston, in the wake of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Rice University’s Dr. Richard Stoll, who breaks down the recent developments and how this situation impacts Houston.

Then, we’re joined by Bill King, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, who discusses his new book, Depopulation: Our New Demographic Reality, which is about how shifting population changes will reshape our world.

In the second hour of the show, we continue our coverage of the U.S. military operatio...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Theresa Tran, Director of the Houston Health Department, who explains what’s being done to address the disparities in healthcare access in Houston, and what changes could be made to make healthcare more accessible.

Then, Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch and Jennifer Sommers, director of the Houston Ballet Academy, tell us all about this year’s annual production of The Nutcracker, which is running through December 28.

In the second hour of the show, in the wake of the tragic death of actor/director Rob Reiner and hi...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, Dr. Nikolas Guggenberger, in the first hour of the show, who helps break down the potential takeover of Warner Bros. by Netflix.

Then, we hear from Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston cardiologist Dr. Khash Hematpour, who explains how people can maintain a healthy heart during the holidays and why there’s an increase in heart attacks during this time of the year.

In the second hour, we talk with Midtown Management District board members Jeanette Crigla...

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by discussing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ interview with Vanity Fair in which she discusses President Trump’s first year in his second term, and what was revealed from the interview.

Then, we hear from psychologist Dr. Kelly Cosgrove, who shares her thoughts on whether Australia’s ban on social media for kids under 16 would be effective in the United States, and Moody Gardens PR Manager Jared Schaller tells us all about their annual Holiday in the Gardens Festival and what’s new this year.

In the s...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’ll talk with Adam Langley, associate director of tax policy at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, who helps break down Governor Abbott’s proposed plans for lowering property taxes in Texas and their long-term impact.

Also, Adam-Cohen Aslatei, CEO of the modern matchmaking service Three Day Rule, shares his thoughts on how singles and new and existing couples can navigate the difficulties of dating during the holidays.

Then, in the show’s second hour, we discuss “Trump Accounts," new government-funded savings accounts that offer $1000 to every newborn in the United...

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with legendary Houston broadcaster Shara Fryer, who discusses her colleague and co-anchor from 1986 to 2003, Dave Ward, following his passing at the age of 86 on Saturday. 

Also, Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow at the University of Houston, breaks down the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by the Trump administration, and Ernie talks with Kelli Soika and Michael Fahey of the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra (ECHO), who discuss what they have in store ahead of the New Year.

In the second hour of the show, we are...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Chet Garner, host of the six-time Emmy Award-winning travel series, The Daytripper, who tells us more about the series and where you and your family can travel during this holiday season.

Then, Daniel Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at MFAH, joins us to tell us all about Christmas Village at Bayou Bend and how the museum’s historic mansion is transformed into an immersive holiday experience.

In the second hour of the show, Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau, helps break down P...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard in the show’s first hour, who fills us in on all the issues concerning District J, as well as the highlights, challenges, and what’s ahead for the district. 

Then, we’re joined by Broadway stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, who tell us about reuniting for their upcoming show Mama I’m A Big Girl Now, which is coming soon to the Hobby Center.

In the second hour of the show, as we get closer to the new ye...

On today’s Hello Houston, we are joined by Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Silvia Trevino in the first hour of the show, who talks to us about holiday shopping safety and the threat of porch pirates during the holiday season.

Also, in the show’s first hour, engineer Dale Link joins us to explain how he comes up with his hurricane landfall predictions, as well as his forecast for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

In the second hour of the show, we discuss the legacy of former Houston ISD superintendent and U.S. Secretary of Educ...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with University of Houston Law Center professor Seth Chandler in the show’s first hour, who discusses the current challenges facing birthright citizenship, as the Supreme Court reviews its constitutionality.

Then, we’re joined by Omar Samji, a spokesperson for the Ismaili Center Houston, who tells us more about the upcoming opening of this new, long-envisioned landmark, which is the first of its kind in the United States.

In the second hour of the show, we discuss a new study on climate anxiety in the Houston area with Dr. Ja...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin in the first hour of the show, who talks to us about the city’s new gun violence tracking dashboard, as well as her run for Harris County attorney.

Then, local author William Dylan Powell tells us about his new book, Lost Treasures of Houston, which explores the cultural and physical history of the Bayou City by celebrating the amazing people, places, and phenomena of our fair city’s past.

In the show's second hour, with expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste begin the first hour of the show by discussing one of today's top stories, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposing a state program that would give every Texas baby $1,000 invested in the stock market.

Then, we’re joined by Houston Business Journal health care reporter, Jishnu Nair, who breaks down his story on Houston Methodist joining a massive lawsuit against several health insurance companies over alleged price fixing.  

Plus, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston curators Cindi Strauss and Christine Gervais join us to tell us about their new e...

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss Proposition 15, a constitutional amendment that formally adds parental rights into the state constitution, with Nour Acosta, the senior legal clinic supervisor at the University of Houston Law Center.

Then, we’re joined by Houston-born singer and songwriter CJ Emmons, who joins us to talk about his singing career and upcoming one-man show, I’m Freaking Talented.

In the second hour of the show, we hear from Rice University political science professor Mark Jones, who breaks down the new laws set to go into effect here in Texas soon and wh...

On today’s Hello Houston, with early voting for Houston City Council's At-Large Position 4 runoff now officially begun, we revisit our interviews with both candidates – Alejandra Salinas and Dwight Boykins – in the first hour of the show.

Then, we learn about Meow Wolf’s new interactive and immersive show experience, Phenomenomaly, with creative director Alexandra Renzo and Meow Wolf senior public relations manager Connor Gray, who tell us about what audiences can expect.

In the show’s second hour, we talk with the University of Houston’s Dr. Chakema Carmack, who discusses a new study that shines a...