Hello Houston

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, who tells us about the non-profit organization’s Mental Health Initiative and the growing need for student mental health support in our community. 

And, as always, Ernie Manou...

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 Chaney film from 1922.

In the second hour, the University of Houston’s Dr. Tara T. Green and Dr. Demetrius Pearson tell us about the Black Cowboy/girl Preservation Project, a growing oral hist...

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-area high school musical theatre.

In the second hour, Andy Uhler, a University of Texas energy reporter and host of the podcast Phases and Stages: The Texas Energy...

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 of Houston’s Freedmen’s Town as part of Fresh Arts' 2026 Space Taking Artist Residency initiative.

In the second hour, we’re joined by Bryan Sisk, Chief Nursing Executive with the Memorial...

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, Breaking Bread, which is being presented by the Hobby Center.

In the second hour, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of a truly one-of-a-kind Houston institution, nots...

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 organization’s upcoming 60th anniversary season, which they are calling “The Diamond Season.”

In the second hour, David Froomkin, assistant professor of law at the Universi...

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, who tells us about their work empowering women to make choices to become financially stable.

In the second hour, Phoebe Tudor discusses the importance of historical preser...

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 new book Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself. 

In the second hour, we’re joined by Houston Public Media Fort Bend County reporter Melissa Enaje, who tells us all abou...

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 local television.

In the second hour, we take a closer look at what Superfund sites are and where they exist in Harris County with Dr. Bhagavatula Moorthy, the program director and princi...

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, tells us about their original production Kāvya: Poetry in Motion, which will be performed at the Hobby Center on Friday, May 1.

In the second hour, Dr. George Santos, a psychiatrist and member physician with the Harri...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Richard Elbein, CEO of the Alzheimer's Association's Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, about their new report that spotlights the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in Texas.

Then, we highlight the Houston Museum of African American Culture, with its newly appointed CEO, Davinia Reed, who tells us more about their mission as well as the museum’s current exhibitions and programming.

In the second hour of the show, Dan Potter, the Director of the Houston Population Research Center at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, breaks down the re...

On today’s Hello Houston, the University of Houston Law Center’s Seth Chandler joins us to break down the recent ruling on the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms and what comes next.

Then, Brian Mason, Director of the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, joins us to tell us about the upcoming Ready365 event, which aims to prepare Houstonians for a variety of disasters.

In the second hour, we’re joined by singer-songwriter Patrice Pike and Dr. Sam West, Executive Director of the Step Onward Foundation, who both t...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former Texas Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess in the show’s first hour, who breaks down Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s hearings over recent changes to vaccine policies.

Then, Houston-area intimacy and relationship expert Dr. Viviana Coles rejoins us on the show to talk about intimacy after pregnancy and answer relationship questions from Hello Houston listeners.

In the second hour of the show, Ashley Love, the Education and Community Engagement Programs Manager at Alley Theatre, tells us about their new Arts in Health i...

On today’s Hello Houston, with Southeast Texas having a rather strong allergy season currently, we talk with Dr. David Corry, an allergist with Baylor College of Medicine, who explains why and takes listeners' questions about how to best navigate this time of year.

Then, Arthouse Houston co-founder Maureen McNamara and ARTECHOUSE Houston director of marketing Jonathan Beitler join us to tell us about a special Earth Day screening of the classic 1982 non-narrative documentary Koyaanisqatsi, which will take place tonight.

In the second hour, Houston Public Media’s senior reporter for politics and government, Andrew Schn...

On today’s Hello Houston, Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas joins us to discuss tomorrow’s meeting over the city ordinance she spearheaded aimed at limiting HPD’s coordination with ICE agents, and what this could mean for Houston.

Next, we learn about Houston’s inaugural “Great Age on the Green” festival with Fritz McDonald, president and founder of the Houston-based non-profit, the Great Age Movement, and the Discovery Green Conservancy's marketing director, Frankie Ortega.

In the show’s second hour, we talk with Dr. Richard Stoll, professor of political science at Rice University, who shares his...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk about the changing outlook for clean energy in the state of Texas with freelance journalist Laura Mallonee, who recently reported on this topic for the Texas Observer.

Next, Liz Selig, the Director of Development for Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Chau Nguyen join us to tell us all about an upcoming concert event aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault.

In the second hour, we’re joined by Houston Education Research Consortium researcher Courtney Thrash, who discusses what’s driving the changes in public school...

On today’s Hello Houston, we once again simulcast with Tom Hudson at WLRN Public Media in Miami to discuss redistricting with Florida lawmakers heading into a special session later this month to consider congressional districts – something we’re familiar with in Texas.

Then, we discuss Inprint’s Poetry Buskers program with Giuseppe Taurino, Executive Director of Inprint, and Poetry Busker Anna Barr, who writes a poem for us about the importance of public radio at the start of our show, which we hear at the end of the first hour.

In the second hour, we learn...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with David Gow, president and CEO of the Center for Houston’s Future, and Dr. Jochen Reiser, CEO of the UTMB Health System, who tell us about Project Metis, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to position the Houston/Galveston region as the global leader in brain health.

Next, we’re joined by actors Major Attaway and Chris Collins-Pisano, who discuss their roles as King Arthur and Sir Lancelot in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Monty Python’s Spamalot, which is running at the Hobby Center through April 26...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Ethan Chorin, the founder & CEO of Red Sea Futures and a former U.S. diplomat posted to Libya and the UAE, who joins us to share his thoughts on the latest developments in the Iran war.

Then, we learn all about Galveston's upcoming FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photo Festival, an annual birding event held during the spring migration, with Eowyn Johnson, Executive Director of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council.

In the second hour, we’re joined by Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, representing District C, who disc...

On today’s Hello Houston, we learn about what’s in store for Houston’s first Fleet Week, which will also mark the first time a Texas city has hosted this long-standing naval tradition, with the event’s co-chair, Reda Hicks, and Margaret Kidd, a special advisor for the Houston Maritime Center & Museum.

Then, we talk with Diego Noria and Raquel Natalicchio, founders of the Divine Art Coalition, who tell us about the non-profit’s mission of preserving the city’s cultural legacy and their series of street soccer tournaments.

In the second hour, we’re joined by s...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Paul Cobler, the economy and industry reporter for the Texas Tribune, who joins us to discuss the tax breaks being given to data centers and what we can expect to happen next.

Next, Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison joins us to give us the latest on the Artemis II mission now that the astronauts are back in Houston after returning safely to Earth last Friday.

In the second hour of the show, we talk with Joe Panzarella, a community organizer and candidate for Houston City Council’s Dis...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Sergeant Tracy Hicks of the HPD Auto Theft Division, who discusses what’s behind the uptick in catalytic converter thefts in the city of Houston, and how Houstonians can keep their cars protected.

Then, we learn all about the annual Gran Fondo Texas charity bike ride with Bob Pohl, the Director of Sponsorships for the event’s Steering Committee.

In the second hour of the show, we’re rejoined by Maureen McNamara, co-founder and director of Arthouse Houston, who gives us an update on the efforts to preserve...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Luz Maria Garcini, Director of the Center for Community and Public Health at Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, who discusses food insecurity in Houston and efforts to close these gaps.

Then, Gary Ginstling, the CEO of the Houston Symphony, joins us to tell us all about their upcoming 2026 – 27 Season, which includes world-renowned musicians, family concerts, classic masterpieces, and more.

In the show’s second hour, with Orthodox Easter taking place on Sunday, we’re joined by famed radio personality Roula Christie and her sister Mar...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dan Anthony, Executive Director at We Pay the Tariffs, who discusses where we are now after a year of President Trump’s tariffs, what this past year has meant for small businesses, and what comes next.

Next, actress Kelly Denice Taylor, who’s currently playing Jane Seymour in the national tour of the hit musical SIX, joins us to tell us all about the show, which is running now at the Hobby Center through Sunday.

In the second hour, we’re joined by Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy, Executive Director...

On Today's "Hello Houston" it was shortened show as we joined NPR and President Trump's press conference at noon. At the top of the 11am hour, we discussed the top stories of the day including President Trump's profane social media post on Easter Sunday warning Iran about the Strait of Hormuz.   The story sparked a lot of phones calls to the show. Then, Galveston County reporter for Houston Public Media Julianna Washburn joined us to discuss a proposed desalination plant that is drawing concern from residents. And to close out the hour (and show), archivist with "Archivists of the Ho...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear Celeste’s interview with Bob Fryklund, vice president and chief strategist for the Upstream Energy Group at S&P Global, during last week’s CERAWeek conference, in which he discusses what’s shifted in the energy landscape.

In the second hour of the show, with today being Good Friday and Easter Sunday approaching, we talk with author and teaching pastor Sean Palmer, who rejoins us on the show to help us understand the meaning behind these two holidays.

Then, we share a rundown of events happening this weekend in Houst...

On today’s Hello Houston, we speak with Dr. Amier Haidar, a cardiovascular disease fellow at UTHealth Houston, who breaks down the findings of a new study that’s raising concerns about the impact of ultra-processed foods on heart health.

Then, former University of Houston golfer and PGA Hall of Fame member Jim McLean joins us to tell us all about the glory days of Houston golf as written about in his new book, The Houston Dynasty: Tales from College Golf’s Greatest Team.

In the second hour, we hear another of Celeste’s interviews from las...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk to Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison, who joins us live from the Johnson Space Center to tell us all about tonight’s launch for the moon-bound Artemis II mission from Cape Canaveral.

Next, the Jung Center of Houston’s Sarah Garcia and certified clinical sexologist Jim Benton, tell us about an upcoming new workshop series at the center that’s designed to help foster connection and personal growth for men aged 30 and up.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Harris County District Attorney S...

On today’s Hello Houston, we celebrate the first anniversary of our show’s launch with returning guests, including our first guest, City Controller Chris Hollins, who discusses the state of the city one year after joining us on our first show.

Then, Houston comedian and content creator Chinedu joins us to celebrate the show’s anniversary, having also joined us on our first show, as well as talk about his stand-up comedy work and his love for Houston.

In the show’s second hour, Chris Ballard, President and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, joins us...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Darren Bush, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who breaks down a newly filed bill aimed at strengthening reviews of antitrust cases following the settlement of the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit.

Next, Houston Grand Opera General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor joins us to tell us all about their upcoming 2026 – 27 Season, which includes six operas, and to share her thoughts on the current state of opera.

In the show’s second hour, we discuss a new investigation that’s raising questions about how...

On today’s Hello Houston, Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss a new policy that gives county employees a path to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.

Then, Main Street Theater’s Founding Artistic Director Rebecca Greene Udden joins us to talk about their production of playwright Tom Stoppard’s final play Leopoldstadt, and the theater's 50th season.

In the show’s second hour, we discuss the impending ban on all smokable hemp products under new rules from the Texas Department of State H...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear Celeste’s interview with Ben Lefebvre, Deputy Energy Editor at Politico, whom she spoke with at the annual energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global taking place in Houston this week. They discuss the latest issues impacting the energy industry.

Also, sports analyst Charlie Pallilo breaks down today’s big Houston sports day, which includes the University of Houston men’s basketball team in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA March Madness tournament and opening day for the Houston Astros.

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

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear the newest installment of University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host, Brandon Rottinghaus’ series Texperts, in which he breaks down the duties of a county commissioner and talks with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

Then, we’re joined by Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra band director, David Caceras and student musician and lead tenor Matthew Cruz, who tell us all about the program and what’s ahead for them after being selected to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.

In the sec...

On today’s Hello Houston, Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, joins us to talk about the expansion of the Ben Taub hospital through eminent domain, and what we can expect next now that the plan is moving forward.

Next, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez tells us all about his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical tribute to the life and legacy of the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobby Center on March 26th and 27th.

In the second hour, we’re joined by Wendell Prim...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who discusses the efforts and initiatives the university has launched in recent years, his management philosophy, and what his priorities are moving forward.

Then, neurologist Dr. Justine Chen and Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen join us to tell us about a new treatment that helped Seelen regain the ability to swallow after he experienced a massive stroke last year.

In the second hour of the show, we talk with Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard, who discusses the possible return of an El N...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the law firm Mayer Brown, who shares his thoughts on what’s fueling Houston’s rise as a major legal and commercial hub with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the city.

Then, we learn about the 22nd Houston Jewish Film Festival with Amy Rahmani, the Arts and Culture Director at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, who also tells us about the films in this year’s lineup and where Houstonians can check them out.

In th...

On today’s Hello Houston, the Baker Institute’s Bill King joins us to break down a new report raising questions about the long-term cost of affordable housing programs in Harris County, finding they could result in billions of dollars in lost property tax revenue over time.

Next, we learn all about the limited documentary series, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, with the series’ director and producer, Linda Gibbs, who explains how it explores what women experience when going through menopause.

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Houston City Councilm...

On today’s Hello Houston, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss the rising cost of electricity, with the city of Houston expected to spend more than $131 million on electricity this fiscal year.

Next, we’re joined by John Slaby and Cookie Wells, longtime members of Archway Gallery, a long-running artist-owned and operated gallery in Houston, who tell us about its history and an upcoming exhibition to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

In the second hour, we talk with Stacey Gorniak, a professor of motor behavior at the Univer...

On today’s show, Houston soccer legend and former Houston Dynamo player, Brian Ching, joins us to discuss his career, the upcoming FIFA World Cup event, and his induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame this Fall.

Then, Kathleen Spangler, Assistant Executive Director of the local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, tells us all about their work and how they’re celebrating their tenth anniversary.

In the second hour of Hello Houston, we talk with Texas Tribune journalist Gabby Birenbaum, who discusses her article examining the political rise of the House Freedom Caucus, following thei...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Ben Martin, Deputy Director at Texas Housers, who discusses a new report that found low-income earners are experiencing a shortage of affordable rental units, and what we're seeing nationwide and in the Houston region. 

Then, we learn all about Opera Gallery Houston, the newest part of an international network of galleries known for showcasing modern and contemporary works by world-famous artists, with its director, Gregory Lahmi and founder, Gilles Dyan.

In the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The...