Hello Houston

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...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with John Floyd, a national board member of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who discusses their decision to sue Governor Abbott over his move to designate CAIR as a terrorist organization in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, Houston Public Media general manager Josh Adams joins us to discuss Giving Tuesday and how donations help support the work we do.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we take a closer look at how Proposition 3 may shape jail populations across the state with Kris...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Gary Yohe, a professor at Wesleyan University and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who shares his thoughts on the current state of climate economics, finding solutions in climate action, and more in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we explore how artificial intelligence can support, as opposed to replace, human creativity and ambition with Ezekiel Rivera, founder of QuantumZ Solutions.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear from Lesley Oden, president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation and Li...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former Galveston mayor and candidate for Texas Attorney General Joe Jaworski in the first hour of the show, who tells us about his platform and why he decided to run after running for this seat before.

Also, in the first hour, Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison joins us to give us the latest on the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston and what it would take to transport the shuttle. 

Then, in the show’s second hour, public information officer for the Texas Departm...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Houston City Councilmember Tarsha Jackson in the show’s first hour, who discusses the illegal dumping in 5th Ward, as well as what is happening to address this issue, and what still needs to happen.

Also, in the first hour, with this week’s festivities only a few days away, we also talk with licensed professional counselor Audrey Omenson, who tells us about how we can navigate difficult family gatherings and avoid arguments on Thanksgiving. 

Then, in the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Margaret...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ken W. Good, a noted bail attorney and board member of the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, joins us in the show’s first hour to break down a ruling on Attorney General Ken Paxton’s challenge of Harris County’s 2019 bail reform settlement.

Also, in the first hour, we hear from five-time New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano, who tells us all about his latest book, Expensive Basketball, a poetic examination of some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the game. 

Then, in the second hour, Dan Price...

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Robin Armstrong, currently serving as a member of the Finance Commission of the Texas Republican National Committee and commissioner for Galveston County’s Precinct 4, who gives us the Republican reaction to the ruling on redistricting maps in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we hear the newest installment of Ernie’s “InnerVIEWS” series, in which he catches up with 80s easy-listening and R&B singer Charlene, known for the hit song “I’ve Never Been to Me.”

Then, in the show’s second hour, we’re j...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Jelani Cobb, acclaimed historian, Pulitzer finalist, and Dean of Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, who talks to us about his new book, Three or More Is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here: 2012-2025, in the first hour of the show.

Also, in the first hour, we talk with actor Tyler Jordan Wesley about his role in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical The Outsiders, which runs at the Hobby Center through Sunday.

In the show's second hour, we hear from Texas...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by former U.S. Representative and former Houston City Council member Chris Bell during the show’s first hour, who tells us about his run for Texas governor and why he decided to enter the race.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we talk with Texas Monthly contributor and author Skip Hollandsworth, who joins us to discuss his latest book, She Kills, a collection of some of his most unforgettable stories about Texas’s most notorious female criminals.

Also, we hear from U.S. representative Sylvia G...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by the City of Galveston’s manager, Brian Maxwell, in the show’s first hour, who tells us all about the city’s plan to use AI to help improve traffic conditions on the island.

Also, in the first hour, we discuss this year’s Iron Sommelier, Houston’s premier wine competition and tasting event, with the 2024 winner Matthew McLaughlin of Guard and Grace and Justin Goodman of The Periwinkle Foundation.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear from David Froomkin, assistant professor of law at the Uni...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Council at large 4 candidate Dwight Boykins in the show’s first hour, who talks to us about his upcoming runoff election with Alejandra Salinas.

Also, in the first hour, we hear from Texas Standard host David Brown, who tells us about their tenth anniversary, as well as the big event they have tonight at Saint Arnold Brewing Company to celebrate.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we talk with Kendra Camarena and Lesley Guilmart, two of the recently elected members of the Cy-Fai...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston City Council at large 4 candidate Alejandra Salinas, who talks to us about her upcoming runoff election with Dwight Boykins, and filmmaker Ira Sachs tells us all about his new film Peter Hujar's Day, in the first hour of the show.

Then, in the show’s second hour, we speak with Chase Untermeyer, a Professor of Practice at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs, and Loren Steffy, a writer-at-large for Texas Monthly, who discuss the early career and legacy of former Vice President Dick Cheney...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Nikolaou from the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering and reservoir engineer Muhammad Haseeb Muktar, who break down their study on abandoned oil wells in West Texas, also known as “zombie wells,” in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we discuss the area non-profit Girls on the Run Greater Houston, with their interim Executive Director Michelle Nahsser, who explains how they inspire young girls to recognize their inner strength and increase their level of physical activity.

Then, in the second h...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Nadeem, an endocrinologist and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, who joins us to discuss weight loss drugs and President Trump’s recently announced plan to lower their cost in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we hear from local jazz drummer Graeme Francis, who tells us all about the opening of Houston’s new jazz club, Doc’s Houston.

Then, in the second hour, for Veterans Day, we talk with Noel Cardenas, Senior Vice President and CEO of the Memorial...

On today’s Hello Houston, we begin the show by talking with University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus, who discusses a possible end to the government shutdown, U.S. Rep. Al Green announcing he's running for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, and more.

In the show’s first hour, the Baker Institute’s Bill King discusses the shrinking immigrant population in the U.S. and what impact this could have on America’s economic outlook. Also, legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis tells us about his upcoming concert at the Hobby Center with the acclai...

On today’s Hello Houston, we hear an excerpt from the latest installment of Ernie’s “InnerVIEWS” series in the show’s first hour, in which he talks with U.S. representative Sylvia Garcia, who has been serving Texas's 29th congressional district since 2019.

Also, in the first hour, we learn about a fundraising event from the non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) and Houston restaurant The Pit Room, to help support Houston students. We discuss with the event’s co-chairs, Jen Espey and Jen Moss, as well as Michael Sambrooks, owner of The Pit Room.

In the sec...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Frank are joined by District 18 Congressional candidate Amanda Edwards in the show’s first hour, who discusses her campaign advancing to a runoff election following Tuesday night’s results.

Also, in the first hour, we hear an excerpt from the latest installment of Ernie’s InnerVIEWS series, in which he talks with Broadway, film, and television actor Jeremy Jordan.  

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear from Sara Loperena, Director and Founder of The Book Cycle, who tells us about their program that keeps books in circula...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Frank begin the show’s first hour by talking with Houston Public Media politics and government reporter Andrew Schneider, who helps us break down the results of yesterday's election.

Also, in the first hour, District 18 congressional candidate Christian Menefee joins us to talk about the results of last night’s election and the upcoming runoff expected early next year. Then, actress Tiffany Tatreau tells us about her role in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, which is on stage at the Hobby Center through November 9.

In the second...

On today’s Hello Houston, it’s Election Day, and Ernie, Celeste, and Frank begin the show by talking with Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who gives us an update on how voting is going and answers questions about what to expect.

Also, in the first hour, we hear from Houston Public Media reporter Andrew Schneider, who gives us an in-depth look into the history of the 18th Congressional District with TSU professor Michael Adams, and we learn about the support group, Steel Magnolia Moms, and their upcoming annual holiday market.

In the second hour of t...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank begin the show by discussing today’s top stories, including long wait times at Houston airports due to the ongoing government shutdown and most Americans not feeling confident about the direction the country is heading.

Also, in the first hour, we’re joined by Texas Tribune reporter Eleanor Klibanoff, who helps break down the history of redistricting in Texas, and Mari Carmen Ramírez, Wortham Curator of Latin American Art at MFAH, tells us about their new exhibition, Gyula Kosice: Intergalactic.

Then, in the second hour of the...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Houston Public Media reporter Bianca Seward, who helps break down the upcoming Cy-Fair ISD Board Election, and Ghosts of Galveston author, Kathleen Maca, shares some spooky ghost stories from the Houston/Galveston region, in the show’s first hour.

Then, in the second hour of the show, Gail Buttorff, a research associate professor at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, tells us about the findings of the 2025 Texas Trends Survey from the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, which includes how Texans are coping with the rising cost o...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Amanda Seitz, a KFF health reporter, who discusses the uncertainty currently surrounding the Affordable Care Act and how much coverage will cost in the first hour of the show.

Also, in the first hour, Nerdtropolis founder and host Sean Tajipour gives us his movie recommendations for Halloween.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear an excerpt from the latest installment of Ernie’s “InnerVIEWS” series, in which he chats with scientist, pediatrician, and advocate for global health, Dr. Peter Hotez, about the changing views he h...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of the first hour, including House Republicans calling for the Justice Department to investigate former President Biden’s use of the presidential autopen and JPMorgan Chase allowing its employees to use AI to write their performance reviews.

Also, in the first hour, Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, gives us the latest on the current ICE activity in our region, and we explore the Texas films that will be showcased at this year’s Round Top Film Festival with the festival...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by actor Mark Ivy, who tells us all about his role in the Theatre Under the Stars production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, in the first hour of the show.

Then, in the second hour, we hear from Reverend Michael E. Garrett, co-chair of the Public Relations subcommittee of the Houston White Cane Safety Day Committee, who tells us about this event, his experience as a blind man, and the accessibility challenges faced by Houston’s blind community.

Plus, we’re also joined by Eric Ber...

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by University of Houston economics professor Steven Craig, who discusses whether we’re in the middle of an A.I. bubble and the impact this could have on the stock market in the first hour of the show.

Also, in the first hour, Chefs Alain Verzeroli and Salvatore Martone of The Bastion Collection discuss how earning a Michelin star has impacted the Houston area restaurant Le Jardinier in the year since receiving this recognition. 

Then, in the second hour, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth joins us to answer...

On today’s Hello Houston, we learn about the Texas Children’s Kangaroo Crew, with their program director, Dr. Basheer Ahmed and critical care nurse Lamont Seltzer, who tell us about their work providing intensive care services to patients from across the U.S. and Central America in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, paranormal researcher and Haunted Objects Podcast host, Greg Newkirk, tells us all about the show he’s performing tonight at the Hobby Center, Haunted Objects Live!

In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by ABC13 Chief...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Celeste talk with Nikhil Nayak, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Blood, who tells us about how blood donations are being used for medical research and how people can join in this effort in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we learn about the women-led immersive art installation The Fragility of a Creative Mind: Rediscovery of Self, which will be featured at this year's annual AfroTech Conference, with its founder and creative director India Dorsey, producer Lynette Guidry and event coordinator Banke Mayòwa.

Then...

On today’s Hello Houston, we take an in-depth look into the Amazon Web Services outage with University of Houston cybersecurity expert Chris Bronk, and Will Wright, Chief Creative Officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation, tells us about the many haunted history tours they’re offering this month in the show’s first hour.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Houston City Council member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who addresses concerns over the fates of the George Floyd mural and the Black Lives Matter mural on Alabama Street following the recent removal of Montrose’s...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank are joined by Raheel Ramzanali, formerly of ESPN radio and CityCast Houston, in the show’s first hour, who discusses the new Rockets season, which starts tonight and what we can expect.

Also, in the first hour, Colton Berry, Founding Artistic Director of Art Factory, tells us about their annual production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus break down the amendment process and why constitutional amen...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank talk with Caro Achar, Engagement Coordinator for the ACLU of Texas in the show’s first hour, who discusses the organization's recent letter to all Texas superintendents urging caution over SB 11, which allows school districts to adopt daily periods for prayer.

Also, in the first hour, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist with Memorial Hermann, who joins us to share tips on how you can stay safe during flu season.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear from Reda H...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Celeste, and Frank are joined by Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston, who discusses the growing sex trafficking problem in the city during the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we learn about the National Marrow Donation Program from Hope Guidry Groves, Vice President of Experience and Product Operations at NMDP, as well as hear from Kenzie Paul, who shares her story as a stem cell transplant recipient fighting an aggressive form of leukemia.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we hear the...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus, who discusses the upcoming November election, the propositions on the ballot, and the latest political news in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, Rottinghaus tells us about Y’alloween, a nonprofit he runs with his son that helps provide children in need with costumes for Halloween.

Then, in the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Pablo Pinto, Director of the University of Houston’s Center for Public...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with former Houston City Council member Dr. Leticia Plummer, who discusses her run for Harris County Judge, as well as her vision, priorities, and why she’s decided to run, in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour, we discuss Sober October with Dr. Sherma Morton, National Medical Director at Eleanor Health, who explains why she believes this global challenge is important for reflecting on alcohol and substance use.

Then, in the show’s second hour, we’re joined by Houston City Controller...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste begin the show by discussing the ACLU of Texas urging state schools to reject any policy allowing teachers or students to pray or read religious texts during the school day, arguing this policy violates the First Amendment.

In the first hour of the show, we talk with Dr. Asher Lubotzky, a Teaching Fellow and Scholar in Residence in the University of Houston’s Department of Political Science, who joins us to break down the future of Gaza, Hamas, and the broader regional dynamics.

Also, we discuss the...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Celeste talk with Jeff Miller, Healthcare Policy Specialist for Disability Rights Texas, who breaks down government cuts that could have devastating consequences for millions of people with disabilities, especially here in Texas, in the show’s first hour.

Also, in the first hour of the show, DJ Sun, founder of the Houston-area live music venue The Flat, tells us about a week-long series of events that will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Then, in the show’s second hour, we are joined by Scott Burns, Vice President of Growth at the...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Frank discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Governor Greg Abbott calling for the removal of Montrose’s rainbow crosswalks and the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James.

In the first hour of the show, we hear an excerpt from the latest edition of Ernie’s “InnerVIEWS” series in which he talks with director and choreographer Dan Knechtges. Also, we’re joined by Houston-based flamenco soloist and instructor Ana María Barceló and percussionist Jesús Pacheco, who tell us about the cabaret-style show A Flamenco J...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste begin the show by talking with Hanan Hammad, Director of the AAEF Center for Arab Studies at the University of Houston, who discusses the "first phase" of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and what we can expect to happen next.

Also, in the first hour of the show, we’re joined by Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas and real estate professional Courtney Johnson Rose, who tell us about the 2nd Annual Faith and Affordable Housing Summit. Then, Broadway veteran and University of Houston Artist-in-Residence Sall...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie and Frank start the show by talking with U.S. Congressman Al Green, currently serving Texas's 9th congressional district, who joins us to discuss the government shutdown, congressional redistricting in Texas, and more.

Also, in the first hour, we’re joined by Stephanie Ramirez and Vivian Echevarria Guzman of Legacy Community Health, who discuss their work in ensuring students in the Houston-area receive healthcare.

In the second hour of the show, Ernie and Frank discuss how, starting next month, a section of the westbound I-10 Katy Freeway will be turn...

On today’s Hello Houston, Frank and Celeste begin the show’s first hour by talking with Dr. Asim Shah, a psychiatrist with Baylor College of Medicine, who discusses mental health and the warning signs of psychosis in the wake of yesterday’s tragic story of a Houston-area mother accused of shooting her four children.

Also, in the first hour, we are joined by Carmen Maria Montiel, who discusses her run for Texas’s 18th Congressional District as a republican candidate. Then, Houston-based author Jenny Block joins us to discuss her upcoming book, Badass Manifesting.

In the s...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste talk with Dr. Dwane Broussard, president of the Harris County Medical Society, in the show’s first hour, who breaks down the rise of cell phone bans in our schools and the continued importance of childhood vaccinations as we enter another flu season.

Also, in the show’s first hour, we’re joined by Paula Kolvig, the rainforest curator at Moody Gardens, who tells us all about their new baby pygmy slow loris, one of the most endangered primates in the world.

Then, in the second hour of...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Trump Administration considering layoffs for federal workers, disagreements over moving Space Shuttle Discovery from its current home to Houston, and more.

In the show’s first hour, we hear Celeste’s conversation with the winner of the NPR Student Podcast Challenge and hear an excerpt of their award-winning show. Also, we explore the history of the Galveston Railroad Museum with Barry Howard, the creative mind who brought the museum to life.

Then, in the secon...

On today’s Hello Houston, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste start the show by talking with U.S. representative Sylvia Garcia, who joins us to share her thoughts on the government shutdown, as well as answer questions from Hello Houston listeners.

Also, in the show’s first hour, Nkechi Agwuenu, CEO of Career and Recovery, joins us to discuss how Houston’s rising homeless rate is affecting local organizations trying to support people through housing instability.

Then, in the second hour of the show, our hosts dive into today’s top stories, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s...