Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut
By: Houston Public Media
Language: en-US
Categories: News, Daily, Society, Culture, Arts
Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut is your connection to the heart of the Bayou City, but shorter, for our busy commuters. Every weekday, we dive deep into the stories that matter to Houstonians — from breaking local news to cultural happenings, community voices, and the everyday joys and challenges of life in our vibrant city.
Episodes
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 15, 2025)
Dec 15, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston broadcaster Shara Fryer joins us to discuss the legacy of legendary Houston newsman Dave Ward, her longtime colleague and co-anchor from 1986 to 2003, following his passing on Saturday.
Then, we hear from longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson, who joins us to reflect on her extraordinary 43-year-long career with the station, as well as what comes next following her recently announced retirement.
Duration: 00:47:51Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 12, 2025)
Dec 12, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Chet Garner, host of the award-winning travel series, The Daytripper, who tells us more about the series and the places in Texas he’s traveled to.
Also, we’re joined by Daniel Ackermann, Director of Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at MFAH, who discusses Christmas Village at Bayou Bend and the history behind the museum’s famous mansion.
Then, we break down President Trump's $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers, with Russell Boening, President of the Texas Farm Bureau, who shar...
Duration: 00:41:48Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 11, 2025)
Dec 11, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss a world-first social media ban that’s now in effect in Australia, which blocks any child under the age of 16 from accessing major platforms.
Then, we talk with Houston City Councilman Edward Pollard, who joins us to give us the latest on issues concerning District J, including the highlights, challenges, as well as what’s ahead for the district.
Also, Broadway stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur join us to discuss reuniting on stage for the first time in 20 years...
Duration: 00:44:07Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 10, 2025)
Dec 10, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Silvia Trevino, who joins us to discuss how we can stay alert and keep ourselves and our communities safe during the holiday season.
Also, we’re joined by Kat Robinson, Vice Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, who helps break down the latest Houston housing numbers and what all of this means for homeowners and buyers.
Then, we discuss the Alley Theatre's annual production of A Christmas Carol with Houston-based actors Brandon Hearnsberger, Adam Gibbs, and Dylan Godwin, who all tell us...
Duration: 00:47:17Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 9, 2025)
Dec 09, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we learn about the upcoming opening of the Ismaili Center Houston, a long-envisioned landmark, which is the first center of its kind in the United States and seventh in the world, with spokesperson Omar Samji.
Then, we discuss a new study on climate anxiety in the Houston area, with Rice University’s Dr. James Elliott, who helps break down what was uncovered in the study and what its findings mean for resilience in the future.
Plus, we also hear from Dr. Michael Chang, a pediatric infectious disease physician with...
Duration: 00:38:26Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 8, 2025)
Dec 08, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin, who tells us about a new dashboard aimed at changing how we understand and tackle gun violence, as well as her recently announced run for Harris County attorney.
Also, we’re joined by Houston-based author William Dylan Powell, who talks to us about his new book, Lost Treasures of Houston, which explores the amazing people, places, and phenomena from Houston’s history.
Plus, Emma Wager, a senior policy analyst at KFF, joins us to share her thoughts on expiring subsidies...
Duration: 00:49:33Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 5, 2025)
Dec 05, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we talk with Jishnu Nair, a health care reporter for Houston Business Journal, about Houston Methodist joining a massive lawsuit against several major health insurance companies over alleged price fixing.
Then, we discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Texas to use its controversial new congressional map in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, with State Representative Gene Wu, who joins us to share his views about this decision.
Plus, we also hear from Ollie Dickens, the great-great-great-grandson of celebrated author Charles Dickens, who talks to us about his co...
Duration: 00:52:47Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 4, 2025)
Dec 04, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Nour Acosta, a senior legal clinic supervisor at the University of Houston Law Center, discusses Proposition 15, a constitutional amendment that formally adds parental rights into the state constitution, and what changes parents might see now that it’s passed.
Then, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with CJ Emmons, a Houston-born singer, songwriter, and former Dancing with the Stars principal singer, who tells us more about his career and one-man show, I'm Freaking Talented, which is coming soon to the Hobby Center.
Plus, we also break down a new wave...
Duration: 00:49:05Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 3, 2025)
Dec 03, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we revisit our recent conversations with Houston City Council At-Large 4 candidates Alejandra Salinas and Dwight Boykins, with early voting for this race happening now through December 9, and Election Day being on December 13.
Then, we discuss a new study that maps out the Houston neighborhoods with limited or nonexistent access to counseling and psychological services, with Dr. Chakema Carmack, senior author of the study and an associate professor in the University of Houston’s Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences.
And finally, we reflect on the 50th anniversary of...
Duration: 00:45:25Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 2, 2025)
Dec 02, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Council on American-Islamic Relations national board member John Floyd tells us about the group’s lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott for his decision to label them a terrorist organization.
Also, we hear from Krish Gundu, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Texas Jail Project, who helps break down Proposition 3 and how it could impact jail populations across the state following its recent passing.
Plus, we also talk with Ali Al Sudani, chief program officer for IM Houston, who discusses the organization’s Meals on Wheels program and their...
Duration: 00:40:56Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (December 1, 2025)
Dec 01, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Wesleyan University professor, Dr. Gary Yohe, who discusses where we currently stand with climate economics, as well as what choices we have for adapting to and preventing climate change.
Also, we’re joined by Lesley Oden and Lindy Froebel of the National Turkey Federation, who tell us all about turkey production in the U.S., the future of the industry, and how they’re helping ensure that the country’s turkey supply is healthy and safe for consumption.
Then, we learn...
Duration: 00:48:52Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 25, 2025)
Nov 25, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Joe Jaworski, a former Galveston mayor and candidate for Texas Attorney General, who discusses his platform, what made him decide to enter this race, and more.
Then, we hear from Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison, who tells us about the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston and why the Smithsonian and NASA are saying the shuttle would need to be dismantled to transport it.
Plus, we’re also joined by Danny Perez, a public information officer for the...
Duration: 00:48:54Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 24, 2025)
Nov 24, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston City Councilmember Tarsha Jackson joins us to tell us about what’s being done to address the illegal dumping in Houston’s 5th Ward and what needs to be done to resolve this issue.
Also, we break down President Trump’s decision to roll back food tariffs initially ordered by him, as well as what this means for America’s trade strategy going forward, with Margaret Kidd, adjunct professor at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering.
Plus, we also hear from Elisha Beach, founder of the onli...
Duration: 00:48:23Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 21, 2025)
Nov 21, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with noted bail attorney and board member of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Ken W. Good, who discusses a new legal development that could reshape how misdemeanor defendants are released before trial.
Then, we’re joined by five-time New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano, who discusses his newest book, Expensive Basketball, and what made him pursue writing as a career.
Plus, we also hear from Champions Club Agency’s Blanca Beltran-Robinson and singer/songwriter Yeisi, who tell us all about the Tejano Music Awards, which take p...
Duration: 00:42:24Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 20, 2025)
Nov 20, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Dr. Robin Armstrong, a member of the Finance Commission of the Texas Republican National Committee and commissioner for Galveston County’s Precinct 4, joins us to share his thoughts on the recent ruling on redistricting maps.
Then, we hear from Charles Foster, a Houston area immigration attorney, who gives us his reaction to the Department of Justice’s decision to fire certain immigration judges, what this means for immigrants waiting years for their hearings, and more.
Plus, we also hear Ernie and Celeste tell us about their latest “Current Obsess...
Duration: 00:47:39Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 19, 2025)
Nov 19, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from author, Pulitzer finalist, and Dean of Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, Jelani Cobb, who discusses his new, recently released book, Three or More Is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here: 2012-2025.
Then, Texas State Representative James Talarico joins us to share his thoughts on yesterday's ruling in which a federal court blocked a new congressional map that favored Republicans, how he feels about Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, and more.
Plus, we also hear Hello Houston producer Garrett Bohlmann’s conversation with science com...
Duration: 00:49:36Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 18, 2025)
Nov 18, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste's conversation with former U.S. Representative Chris Bell, who discusses his run for Texas governor, what made him decide to enter this race, and what issues he would make a priority.
Then, we also hear from Texas Monthly contributor and author Skip Hollandsworth, who tells us all about his latest book, She Kills, which is a collection of some of his most unforgettable stories about Texas’s most notorious female criminals.
Duration: 00:48:39Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 17, 2025)
Nov 17, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss the City of Galveston's plan to use AI to help improve traffic conditions on the island, with the city's manager, Brian Maxwell, who explains how it would work and when we can expect it to launch.
Then, we learn about this year’s Iron Sommelier, Houston’s premier wine competition and tasting event, with Guard and Grace’s Matthew McLaughlin, who’s also the winner of Iron Sommelier 2024, and Justin Goodman, Board President of The Periwinkle Foundation.
Plus, we also talk with David Froomkin, assistant professor of l...
Duration: 00:46:12Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 14, 2025)
Nov 14, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie and special guest host Doris Childress’ conversation with Houston City Council at large 4 candidate Dwight Boykins, who joins us to talk about the upcoming runoff election and what sets him apart as a candidate.
Then, we discuss the tenth anniversary of Texas Standard with host David Brown, who tells us about his involvement with the show, how they’re celebrating this milestone, and the big event they have tonight at Saint Arnold Brewing Company.
Plus, we also hear from Kendra Camarena and Lesley Guilmart, two of th...
Duration: 00:43:59Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 13, 2025)
Nov 13, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Celeste’s conversation with Houston City Council at large 4 candidate Alejandra Salinas, who joins us to discuss the upcoming runoff election, issues she’s passionate about, and what sets her apart from other candidates.
Then, we are joined by critically acclaimed filmmaker Ira Sachs, who talks to us about his career, his newest film, Peter Hujar's Day, as well as what drew him to this project.
Also, we learn about the early career and national legacy of former Vice President Dick Cheney following his recent...
Duration: 00:47:06Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 12, 2025)
Nov 12, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we break down a new study about abandoned oil wells known as “zombie wells,” with Dr. Michael Nikolaou from the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering and reservoir engineer Muhammad Haseeb Muktar.
Then, we hear from Michelle Nahsser, the interim executive director of the area non-profit Girls on the Run Greater Houston, which works to inspire young girls to recognize their inner strength and increase their level of physical activity.
Also, we talk with Officer Ken Nealy, 1st Vice President of the Houston Police Officers Union, who di...
Duration: 00:48:42Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 11, 2025)
Nov 11, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss weight loss drugs with Dr. Sarah Nadeem, an endocrinologist and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, who also shares her thoughts on President Trump’s plan to lower their cost and what that could mean for patients.
Also, for Veterans Day, we hear from Noel Cardenas, Senior Vice President and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Pearland and Southeast Hospitals, who tells us about his more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, leading medical teams across the world, as well as setting up a 164-bed com...
Duration: 00:48:37Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 10, 2025)
Nov 10, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the United States’ shrinking immigrant population and how this could impact the country’s economic outlook with Bill King, a fellow in public finance at Rice University’s Baker Institute.
Then, we’re joined by legendary American trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, who discusses his career and upcoming concert at the Hobby Center with the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Plus, we also hear from Samantha Smart, the writer, producer, and lead actor of the award-winning film Charliebird, who tells us more about the film, which was filmed i...
Duration: 00:39:42Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 7, 2025)
Nov 07, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss Communities In Schools of Houston and their upcoming fundraiser with Houston barbecue restaurant The Pit Room, with its owner, Michael Sambrooks, and the event's co-chairs, Jen Espey and Jen Moss.
Then, we talk with Deborah Birge, a former rancher, who tells us more about the current state of the Texas cattle industry after the Trump administration announced plans to quadruple low-tariff imports of Argentine beef.
Plus, Hello Houston host Ernie Manouse joins us live from the second annual Round Top Film Festival, located in Round Top, Te...
Duration: 00:44:44Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 6, 2025)
Nov 06, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with District 18 Congressional candidate Amanda Edwards, who shares her thoughts on her campaign advancing to a runoff election, the issues she’ll make a priority, what makes her qualified for the seat she’s seeking, and more.
Also, we learn about the Houston area nonprofit The Book Cycle, with its director and founder, Sara Loperena, who explains how they keep books in circulation by giving them away for free, and how the program serves as a space for the community to connect and share...
Duration: 00:48:34Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 5, 2025)
Nov 05, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with District 18 Congressional candidate Christian Menefee, who discusses the upcoming runoff expected early next year, issues related to Houston that are important to him, and more.
Then, we discuss anti-aging supplements with Dr. John Cooke, a professor and chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Houston Methodist, who also tells us more about the science behind aging and how we can keep our bodies healthy over time.
Plus, we also hear from Katie Creeggan-Rios, Executive Director of the Houston Cinema A...
Duration: 00:53:46Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 4, 2025)
Nov 04, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we learn about Steel Magnolia Moms and their upcoming holiday market, with their founder and executive director, Elizabeth Elder, holiday market chair Maribel Farish, and volunteer Tiffanie Williams.
Then, we’re joined by Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who shares his thoughts on a potential crime spike this month amid a loss of SNAP benefits for nearly half a million residents across Harris County.
Plus, we also hear from Mary Vazquez, Vice President of Community Outreach for United Way of Greater Houston, who discusses the resources available to...
Duration: 00:48:50Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 3, 2025)
Nov 03, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss the history of redistricting in Texas with Eleanor Klibanoff, a Texas Tribune reporter, who helps break it all down for us.
Then, Mari Carmen Ramírez, the Wortham Curator of Latin American Art at MFAH, tells us about their new exhibition, Gyula Kosice: Intergalactic, a large-scale tribute to the works of Argentine artist Gyula Kosice.
Plus, we also hear from John Lomax, the Harris County reporter for the Houston Chronicle, who discusses his report on the use of AI by Harris County officia...
Duration: 00:46:45Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 31, 2025)
Oct 31, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and Celeste talk with Houston Public Media reporter Bianca Seward, who breaks down the upcoming Cy-Fair ISD Board Election, which has become one of the most contentious races in Texas.
Then, we hear from historian and Ghosts of Galveston author Kathleen Maca, who shares some spooky ghost stories from the Houston/Galveston region’s past.
Also, we discuss how Texans are coping with the rising cost of energy with Gail Buttorff, a research associate professor at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, who tells us about this an...
Duration: 00:43:31Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 30, 2025)
Oct 30, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from KFF health reporter Amanda Seitz, who helps break down the current uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act and how much coverage will cost.
Then, we’re joined by Sean Tajipour, founder and host of Nerdtropolis, who shares his movie recommendations for Halloween, from classics to new releases.
Also, our hosts and listeners share a rundown of the things that are currently taking over all their free time as part of our regular Thursday feature – “Current Obsessions.”
Duration: 00:46:20Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 29, 2025)
Oct 29, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and Celeste talk with Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, who gives us the latest on the current ICE activity in the Houston area following a recent arrest that took place in Pasadena.
Then, we learn about the films from Texas that will be showcased during the second annual Round Top Film Festival with Micky Duzdevich, the programming director of the festival.
Plus, we also talk with Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank, who tells us about the special distribution sites they’re ope...
Duration: 00:40:35Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 28, 2025)
Oct 28, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk with Houston-born actor Mark Ivy, who discusses his role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, currently playing at Theatre Under The Stars.
Then, we discuss Houston White Cane Safety Day with Reverend Michael E. Garrett, who tells us about this event, shares his experience as a blind man, and walks us through the various accessibility challenges faced by Houston's blind community.
Also, Houston-based meteorologist and Space City Weather editor, Eric Berger, joins us to give us the latest on Hurricane Melissa...
Duration: 00:39:21Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 27, 2025)
Oct 27, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss whether we’re currently in the middle of an A.I. bubble and what might happen if it bursts with Steven Craig, a professor of economics at the University of Houston.
Then, we hear from Chefs Alain Verzeroli and Salvatore Martone of The Bastion Collection, who both tell us about the Houston area restaurant Le Jardinier, and how earning a Michelin star has impacted the restaurant in the year since receiving this recognition.
Also, we’re joined by Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who answers questions from...
Duration: 00:50:37Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 24, 2025)
Oct 24, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we learn about Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew, with their program director, Dr. Basheer Ahmed and critical care nurse Lamont Seltzer, who tell us about the medical transport team's history and the critical care they provide to children and adults.
Then, we hear from Greg Newkirk, a paranormal researcher and host of the Haunted Objects Podcast, who tells us all about the show he’s performing tonight at the Hobby Center, Haunted Objects Live!
Also, we discuss how the government shutdown is affecting workers, markets and the broader econ...
Duration: 00:50:22Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 23, 2025)
Oct 23, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss how blood donations are being used for medical research with Nikhil Nayak, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Blood, who also explains how people can participate in this effort.
Then, we learn about The Fragility of a Creative Mind: Rediscovery of Self, a women-led immersive art installation that will be at this year's annual AfroTech Conference. We hear from the exhibition’s founder and creative director, India Dorsey, producer Lynette Guidry and event coordinator Banke Mayòwa, who all tell us more.
Plus, Michael Adams, Director of...
Duration: 00:45:24Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 22, 2025)
Oct 22, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk with University of Houston cybersecurity expert Chris Bronk, who breaks down the recent Amazon Web Services outage and what went wrong.
Then, we’re joined by Will Wright, Chief Creative Officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation, who tells us about the many haunted history tours they're offering this month.
Plus, we hear from Houston City Council member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who joins us to share her thoughts on the concerns over the fates of both the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter murals fol...
Duration: 00:46:12Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 21, 2025)
Oct 21, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss the start of the new Houston Rockets season tonight with Raheel Ramzanali, formerly of ESPN radio and CityCast Houston, who shares his thoughts on what we can expect.
Then, we’re joined by Colton Berry, Founding Artistic Director of Art Factory, who tells us about their annual production of The Rocky Horror Show.
Also, we discuss the new Asia Society Texas exhibition, The House of Pikachu: Art, Anime, and Pop Culture, with Owen Duffy, Director of Exhibitions at Asia Society Texas, and Houston-based artis...
Duration: 00:40:11Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 20, 2025)
Oct 20, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss the ACLU of Texas’ recent letter to all Texas superintendents urging caution over SB 11 allowing school districts to adopt daily periods for prayer with the organization’s engagement coordinator Caro Achar.
Then, we hear from Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist with Memorial Hermann, who discusses the importance of getting vaccinated this flu season.
Plus, we also learn about next month’s Fleet Week Houston event, with Reda Hicks, co-chair of the event’s organizing committee, who tells us about what people can expect as well as wha...
Duration: 00:47:53Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 17, 2025)
Oct 17, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie, Celeste, and Frank discuss the growing sex trafficking problem in Houston with Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, who explains what’s being done to address this issue.
Then, they are joined by Hope Guidry Groves, Vice President of Experience and Product Operations for the National Marrow Donation Program, who tells us about their work connecting patients in need of a transplant with a matched donor.
Also, we hear from Kenzie Paul, a stem cell transplant recipient who shares her experience after being diagnosed with an...
Duration: 00:45:45Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 16, 2025)
Oct 16, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the upcoming November election and the latest in political news with University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus.
Rottinghaus also tells us about Y’alloween, a nonprofit he runs with his son, which works to help give children in need costumes for Halloween.
Plus, we discuss a new report that found many Houston area households are currently facing economic strain with Pablo Pinto, Director of the University of Houston’s Center for Public Policy, who breaks down the findin...
Duration: 00:36:54Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 15, 2025)
Oct 15, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie, Frank, and Celeste’s conversation with former Houston City Council member Dr. Leticia Plummer, who discusses running for Harris County Judge, as well as her vision and priorities for this role.
Then, they are joined by Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, who shares his thoughts on a proposal that could potentially increase the city's revenue by enacting certain policies. Controller Hollins walks us through what it would mean, its risks, and what’s feasible about it.
Plus, we also learn about the world premiere of compos...
Duration: 00:38:53Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 14, 2025)
Oct 14, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss the future of Gaza, Hamas, and the broader regional dynamics following the Gaza ceasefire with Dr. Asher Lubotzky, a Teaching Fellow and Scholar in Residence at the University of Houston.
Also, we’re joined by Public Health Watch reporter Salina Arredondo, who tells us about her recent investigation into the over five million pounds of unpermitted air emissions released by industrial facilities in the Houston area after Hurricane Harvey.
Plus, we learn about Turtle Island Restoration Network from their Ocean Program Director, Joanie Ste...
Duration: 00:38:44Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 13, 2025)
Oct 13, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and Celeste talk with Jeff Miller, Healthcare Policy Specialist for Disability Rights Texas, who breaks down how government cuts could negatively affect millions of people with disabilities, including in Texas.
Then, we hear from Scott Burns, Vice President of Growth at the Montgomery County Food Bank, who tells us more about the current challenges facing food banks. Also, food and drink writer Maggie Hennessy discusses restaurant etiquette and how we can navigate the proper rules for dining out.
Duration: 00:39:45Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 10, 2025)
Oct 10, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank discuss Governor Greg Abbott calling for the removal of Montrose’s rainbow crosswalks, and respond to Hello Houston listeners who called in to share their thoughts on this, including former Houston City Council Member Ellen Cohen.
Then, we talk with Houston-based flamenco soloist and instructor Ana María Barceló and percussionist Jesús Pacheco, who tell us about the cabaret-style show A Flamenco Journey, which will be at the Hobby Center for the next two nights.
Plus, with October being both National Women's Small Business Month...
Duration: 00:44:43Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 9, 2025)
Oct 09, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas and real estate professional Courtney Johnson Rose discuss the 2nd Annual Faith and Affordable Housing Summit and how it aims to tackle affordable housing in the city.
Then, we’re joined by Broadway veteran and University of Houston Artist-in-Residence Sally Mayes, who tells us about an upcoming performance featuring acclaimed UH alum Billy Stritch and the talented students under her direction.
Plus, we also discuss POST Houston’s upcoming Filipino American History Month Festival with event organizer Anthony Guevara, who helps brea...
Duration: 00:36:35Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 8, 2025)
Oct 08, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with U.S. Congressman Al Green, who has been serving Texas’s 9th congressional district, which includes the southwestern portion of the Greater Houston area, since 2005.
In the audio above, Congressman Green discusses the current state of the government shutdown and what’s at stake, shares his thoughts on congressional redistricting in the state of Texas, and more. Plus, the congressman responds to comments and questions from Hello Houston listeners.
Duration: 00:44:36Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 7, 2025)
Oct 07, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste chat with Houston-based author and speaker Jenny Block, who tells us about her upcoming book, Badass Manifesting, and how it aims to help readers manifest their desired success.
Then, we’re joined by Mark Jones, a political science professor from Rice University, who helps us break down every state proposition on the ballot this November, as well as what’s at stake.
Plus, we also talk with celebrated chef and author Samin Nosrat, known for her best-selling, James Beard Award-winning cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, who tel...
Duration: 00:35:06Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 6, 2025)
Oct 06, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Dr. Dwane Broussard, president of the Harris County Medical Society, who discusses cell phone bans in schools, as well as the importance of childhood vaccinations.
Then, we hear from Moody Gardens rainforest curator Paula Kolvig, who tells us about the recent birth of their pygmy slow loris, which is one of the most endangered primates in the world.
Also, we’re joined by former FBI profiler Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, one of the world's leading experts on criminal behavior, who discusses her book Da...
Duration: 00:39:59Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 3, 2025)
Oct 03, 2025In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Celeste Diaz Schurman talk with the winner of the NPR Student Podcast Challenge, as well as hear an excerpt of their award-winning show.
Also, Elizabeth Huff, Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Sugar Land, joins us to tell us about their upcoming FIFA sponsorship and new opportunities for residents and visitors.
Then, we are joined by ARTECHOUSE Houston founder and Chief Creative Officer Sandro Kereselidze and award-winning fractal artist Julius Horsthuis, who discuss ARTECHOUSE’s new exhibition Fractal Worlds.
Duration: 00:43:46Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 2, 2025)
Oct 02, 2025In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia, a Democrat who’s been serving Texas's 29th congressional district, which covers most of eastern Houston, since 2019.
In the audio above, Representative Garcia discusses the current government shutdown with Ernie, Frank, and Celeste and shares her thoughts on why it’s happening. Plus, she also answers questions from Hello Houston listeners.
Duration: 00:40:41