Hello Houston

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Dr. Hilary Fairbrother, a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School, who gives us tips on how we can stay safe this summer and avoid the emergency room.Then, Houston filmmaker and producer Greg Carter joins us, along with director Noely Mendoza, to tell us all about the independent coming-of-age film Sugar Beach, which will be playing in select theatres across the country starting tomorrow.In the second hour, Houston-area relationship expert Dr. Viviana Coles joins us again on the show to share advice on how couples can recapture the romantic spark in their relationships, as well as explain what leads to the loss of this spark in relationships.Plus, it's Thursday, which means it's time for our regular feature, Current Obsessions, in which our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are taking over all their free time. You can send us your Current Obsessions anytime by emailing us at talk@hellohouston.org.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Doris Childress discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo planning on building a new $300 million agricultural complex, Camp Mystic filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Michael Soules, a political scientist with the University of Houston, who joins us to share his thoughts on why political violence, intimidation, and extremism seem to be on the rise in the United States. Then, Deborah Lugo, Vice President of Programming and Education at the Hobby Center, joins us to reveal the 2026–27 season for their Live at the Founders Club series.In the second hour of the show, we turn to estate planning and talk with Hilary Reed, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center, who educates us on the best practices for writing a will or trust, and how thoughtful planning can help protect your loved ones.Plus, Mehrnaz Gill, the Brain Health Programs Director for local non-profit Amazing Place, joins us to share practical resources, support strategies, and brain health guidance to help families better navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Maria Todd talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office investigating a data breach at Carnival Cruise Line, two 4th of July events celebrating America's 250th birthday in different ways, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett not attending this week’s Texas Democratic state convention.

On today’s Hello Houston, as Juneteenth approaches, historian and author Blair LM Kelley and Prairie View A&M’s Dr. Melanye Price join us to explore what the holiday means to us today and how it’s still shaping conversations about social justice in the United States.Next, Militza Mezquita, the Texas State Director for Save the Children, joins us to share tips for how parents can keep their children learning throughout summer break.In the second hour, we hear an excerpt of the latest installment of Ernie Manouse’s InnerVIEWS series, in which he talks with Netflix BBQ star and fourth-generation Texas pitmaster Sloan Rinaldi, who shares some simple grilling tips that can help take your Father's Day cookout to the next level.Plus, it’s Thursday, which means it’s time for our regular feature, Current Obsessions, in which our hosts and listeners share the latest things that are taking over all their free time. You can send us your Current Obsessions anytime by emailing us at talk@hellohouston.org.And, as always, Ernie and guest host Chau Nguyen discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the city of Houston offering certain residents financial assistance for the $5 fee related to solid waste services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizing millions of dollars in counterfeit World Cup merchandise, and the opening of The Obama Presidential Center.

On today’s Hello Houston, we discuss the latest on the state of Texas and the Smithsonian’s battle over where the Space Shuttle Discovery should call home with Kelly Crow, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, who’s been covering this story.Then, Laurette Veres, owner and producer of The Bridal Extravaganza Show, one of the largest bridal expos in the country, joins us to tell us all about how the upcoming event aims to help future brides plan their special day.In the second hour, we’re joined by Ryan Hyatt, host of the Texas Tech-focused radio show and podcast “Raiderland” in Lubbock, who helps us break down the gambling scandal surrounding former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby and the reactions the decision to allow him to play during the 2026 season is receiving.Plus, Tamarie Cooper, Producing Artistic Director of The Catastrophic Theatre, joins us along with her onstage "partner in crime," Kyle Sturdivant, to tell us about Tamarie’s Greatest Hits Volume 3, and how it celebrates 30 years of her work.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Chau Nguyen talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including City Controller Chris Hollins’ formal investigation into Mayor Whitmire’s financial integrity advisor, Gov. Greg Abbott issuing a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties, and the growing public support for Luigi Mangione in the murder case against him.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa in the show’s first hour, who explains why she believes Texas voters are ready for a change in leadership and what she would do differently if elected governor.Then, the Garden Theatre’s founding artistic director, Logan Vaden and Houston-based vocalist Wendy Taylor join us to tell us all about the "Musical Theatre Extravaganza,” running tonight through Sunday at the MATCH.In the second hour, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup now upon us, we’re joined by former Houston Dynamo soccer star Mike Chabala, who gives us his thoughts on the massive global event and which match-ups he thinks soccer fans are most looking forward to seeing.Plus, we have our regular Friday feature “Last Minute Plans,” in which our hosts share a comprehensive rundown of events going on this weekend in H-town, in addition to sharing their own weekend plans.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Tessa Barerra discuss today's top stories at the top of each hour, including the “UFC Freedom 250” event that will take place on the White House’s South Lawn this weekend, Texas Republicans gathering in Houston for the party's state convention, and a new super PAC launched in support of Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with The Texas Tribune’s health reporter Terri Langford, who joins us to discuss Texas Children’s Hospital’s planned detransition clinic, why the hospital was required to create it, and what it could mean for patients.Then, we turn to the arts and chat with actor Adam Brett, who talks to us about playing the character Wadsworth in the national tour of CLUE, which is currently running at the Hobby Center through Sunday, June 14th.In the second hour, we’re joined by Nikolas Guggenberger, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center, who discusses the state of Florida’s lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, for allegedly concealing serious risks associated with ChatGPT, and what this lawsuit means for the future of AI regulation.Plus, documentarian Gordon S. Williams and Dr. Michelle Tovar, Director of Education and Outreach at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, talk to us about Juneteenth on Screen, an upcoming film screening that highlights the stories of Black communities across Texas.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Nicole Ellis discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a Texas teen being sentenced to 35 years for fatally stabbing another athlete at a high school track meet and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launching an investigation into FIFA over allegations that buyers were misled about World Cup tickets.

On today’s Hello Houston, we’re joined by Alice Liu and Felix Kapoor of the Houston People’s Budget Campaign in the show's first hour, who both break down the organization’s proposed amendments to Mayor Whitmire’s city budget plan as city leaders prepare to vote on it. In the second hour, Jonathan Friedman, the Sy Syms Managing Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, discusses House Resolution 2616, which would place new restrictions on how certain topics related to gender and LGBTQ+ identities are addressed in schools, and why PEN America is urging the Senate to vote against it.Also, former U.S. ambassador Chase Untermeyer joins us, along with Nicholas Sawicki, executive director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, to tell us all about his new role as Diplomat-in-Residence at Houston Public Library, the first role of its kind at any public library in the country.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison discuss today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the city of Houston launching a new anti-human trafficking public awareness campaign ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Texas experiencing a large influx of planned data center projects, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with John Diamond, Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute, who helps break down the economic fallout of the Iran War as Americans continue to experience high energy prices. Then, Bain Wilson, the Rancher Education and Outreach Manager at Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions, joins us to discuss the New World Screwworm and the threat they pose to the U.S. cattle industry due to the harm they cause livestock. In the second hour of the show, we’re joined by Angie Orth, host of the Traveling with AAA podcast, who shares practical advice for the summer travel season as well as common travel mistakes to avoid.Plus, our hosts and listeners talk about the things that have been taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions. You can send Hello Houston your Current Obsessions anytime by emailing us at talk@hellohouston.org.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Tessa Barerra talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including a Houston-area man accused of selling fake accessible parking placards online and Houston City Council member Alejandra Salinas' proposal to allocate $3 million of Mayor Whitmire’s budget plan to address illegal dumping.

On today’s Hello Houston, State Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani, who represents House District 76 in Fort Bend County, joins us to discuss his recent op-ed in the Houston Chronicle about what he describes as growing Islamophobia among Texas politicians.Next, we talk with Christine Holland, the CEO of local non-profit Rebuilding Together Houston, who tells us all about their work providing free home repair to homeowners in need across the Houston area.In the second hour of the show, Barbie Brashear, the Executive Director of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, joins us to discuss domestic violence awareness, prevention, and resources available to those who may need help.Also, Thomas Helton, the bassist and tubist for Boomtown Brass Band, Houston’s only traditional jazz group, talks to us about the band's efforts to keep the genre’s traditions alive through their music.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Katharine Shilcutt discuss today's top stories at the top of each hour, including the Trump administration's anti-weaponization fund being put on hold, Ken Paxton suing the city of Denton over gender-neutral changing rooms at a Pride pool event, Texas Children's Hospital creating a “detransition clinic” as part of a settlement with the state, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, Jim Szczesniak, the Director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System, joins us in the show’s first hour to discuss changes happening at the airports and what travelers can expect from this year’s busy summer travel season.Then, we’re joined again by Nerdtropolis founder and editor Sean Tajipour, who breaks down the 2026 summer movie season and shares his thoughts on which releases he thinks should be on everyone’s radar.In the show’s second hour, as we come off another election cycle, we revisit a past episode of Texperts, in which University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus explores the role County Attorneys play in local elections.And finally, our hosts share a rundown of events happening this weekend in the Houston area for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans, while Hello Houston listeners share their own plans for the weekend.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Brenda Valdivia talk about today's top stories at the top of each hour, including Fertitta Entertainment acquiring major Las Vegas strip operator Caesars Entertainment, President Trump calling for a gas tax holiday, Houston-area students rescued from a stuck rollercoaster at Galveston's Pleasure Pier, and more.

On today’s Hello Houston, we talk with Houston Business Journal reporter Chandler France, who discusses the uncertain future of the Astrodome with the landmark possibly facing either demolition or redevelopment as part of a master plan for NRG Park.Then, we chat with José R. Ralat, the James Beard award-winning taco editor for Texas Monthly, who breaks down his report on the best taquerias in Texas, and what trends he’s noticed about the state’s taco scene.In the second hour of the show, we hear from The Texas Tribune’s economy and industry reporter, Paul Cobler, who explains why many major companies are moving their legal homes to Texas, and whether these moves are generating jobs for the state.Also, Derek Charles Livingston, artistic director of Stages Houston, joins us to tell us all about their 2026 – 27 season and their upcoming production of Spamilton, a musical parody of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton.Plus, Ernie Manouse and Houston Public Media politics and government reporter Andrew Schneider break down the results of yesterday’s 2026 Texas primary runoff election at the top of each hour.

On today’s Hello Houston, we celebrate Ernie Manouse’s 30 years at Houston Public Media by chatting with actress Amy Sedaris and Representative Sylvia Garcia, who presents Ernie with a congressional record from the U.S. House of Representatives honoring this milestone.Next, we revisit Ernie’s 2016 interview with award-winning actress Pam Grier for his series InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse, ahead of her upcoming appearance at Comicpalooza this weekend. To watch the full episode, click here.In the second hour, we continue celebrating Ernie’s 30th anniversary with a recap of his time at Houston Public Media, in which we also hear from several special guests, including Suze Orman, Lyle Lovett, Annise Parker, Nana Mouskouri, Lynn Wyatt, Joanne King Herring, and more.Then, Congressman Al Green joins us to discuss his campaign for the upcoming runoff election for Texas's 18th Congressional District, the issues he’s focused on, and why he believes he’s the right person for this seat.And finally, Ernie and guest host Matt Harab share the latest things that have been taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions. You can send your Current Obsessions to us anytime by emailing us at talk@hellohouston.org.

On today’s Hello Houston, with this month being mental health awareness month, we talk with UTHealth Houston associate professor and psychiatrist Dr. Lokesh Shahani, who discusses men’s mental health and the stigma behind asking for help.In the second hour, Sara Loperena, the director and founder of local non-profit bookstore, The Book Cycle, rejoins us to talk about their unique book donation program, how it’s evolved into a space for the community, and their upcoming move.Plus, we hear from award-winning actor Esai Morales, known for his roles in La Bamba, Ozark, and the final two Mission Impossible films, ahead of his upcoming appearance at Comicpalooza this weekend.And, as always, Ernie Manouse and guest host Maria Todd talk about today’s top stories at the top of each hour, including the search to find a new actor to play James Bond and President Trump endorsing Ken Paxton in Texas’s GOP Senate primary runoff, which they discuss with Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schnieder and Party Politics co-host Brandon Rottinghaus.