Hello Houston

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...

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...