Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

Houston Public Media · houstonpublicmedia.org

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.

50 episodes

8d ago latest

5x a week cadence

English language

▶ Play latestRSS feed Website News Daily Society Culture Arts

https://cdn.houstonpublicmedia.org/podcasts/hello-houston-commuter-apple-podcasts.xml

Episodes 50

Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 28, 2026)
2d ago · 43:43
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Tessa talk with comedian and actor, Jay Pharoah, about his comedy career, his impressions, and his experience as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, ahead of his upcoming shows at Houston Improv this weekend. Then, Dr. Sarah Nadeem, an endocrinologist and associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, discusses the growing use of medications for weight management and explains what patients should know before deciding to take them. Plus, we also hear a conversation with Houston singer-songwriter Kam Franklin of The Suffers, who sits down
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 27, 2026)
3d ago · 43:12
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who gives us an update on his investigation into last month's fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by federal immigration agents. Next, the hosts of the Houston-based comedy podcast, Bottom of the Barrel, Jay Hickman, John Swasey, and Kyle Jones, talk to us about the history of Houston as they prepare to launch their third season with an episode dedicated to the city's history. Also, Ernie, Tessa, and Hello Houston listeners share the latest things that have been taking over all their free ti
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 26, 2026)
4d ago · 49:25
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss major tech companies like Apple and Tesla bringing their businesses to Houston with Houston Business Journal reporter Jishnu Nair, who also explains what this could mean for jobs, tech investment, and the region’s economy. Next, we learn about the all-women fishing group, Reel Girls HTX, with its founder Keyahra Hayes, and members Nahzarah and Sedaja, who all explain how the group helps women share skills and make the water more welcoming for anglers of all experience levels. Also, we hear from Houston-area attorney Charles D. Adams, who bre
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 25, 2026)
5d ago · 51:34
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and Tessa talk with Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, who shares his thoughts on the district’s major changes for this new school year and the current concerns and criticisms surrounding the district. Also, we hear from storm chaser Reed Timmer and director Ken Cole, who both talk about their new documentary Never Stop Chasing, which explores Timmer’s career chasing some of the most extreme weather on the planet and why he continues to chase storms despite the danger.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 24, 2026)
6d ago · 43:12
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Prairie View A&M’s head football coach Tremaine Jackson tells us about the inaugural Chancellor’s Cup, which brings together two Texas A&M University System schools for the first time in football, and the season ahead. Then, we hear from University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Hirs, who helps us separate fact from fiction on how data centers work, including their water, electricity, and land use, and whether they could affect local communities and residential electricity bills. Plus, UTHealth Houston physician Dr. Irene Stafford explains how college stu
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 21, 2026)
8d ago · 49:02
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie and Tessa's conversation with U.S. Representative Al Green, currently serving Texas’s 9th congressional district, who tells us what he hopes to accomplish before he leaves the Capitol in January. Next, Dr. Shonnie Murrell, Governor of the Recording Academy’s Texas and Oklahoma Chapters and leader of the band Funk Potion #9, talks about her new R&B album and her work mentoring young people through Grammy U. Plus, Bob Krumenaker, a former superintendent of Big Bend National Park and chairman of Keep Big Bend Wild, explains how the organizat
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 20, 2026)
10d ago · 43:57
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin joins us to discuss the county’s legal battles over mail-in voting and federal funding, what they could mean for both the county and voters, and what we can expect to happen next. Then, Reid Turner, the lead agriculture teacher at Worthing High School in Sunnyside, tells us all about their agriculture program and how it’s teaching students to grow food and explore careers in agriculture, while also tackling the challenges of living in a food desert. And finally, journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning national security
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 19, 2026)
11d ago · 47:57
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we find out why many of Texas’s biggest cities are currently facing mounting budget deficits with Joshua Fechter, an urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, who’s recently reported on this matter. Next, we discuss where things currently stand with mail-in ballots and other questions about voting access across Texas ahead of the midterm elections with Jen Rice, who reports on threats to democracy in states across the country for Democracy Docket. Also, Chris Williams, a Houston chef and owner of the area restaurant Lucille’s, talks to us about wor
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 18, 2026)
12d ago · 49:21
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Dr. Zuri Dale, Assistant Vice President of Research and Innovation Initiatives at Texas Southern University, explains how the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris is spreading and how we can prevent getting it. Next, we hear from Jemine Oakes, owner of the local plant shop The Flora Culture, who shares tips for indoor plant care and discusses the growing trend of biophilic design. And finally, Dr. Michael Davies, chair of the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology at MD Anderson, tells us about the latest advances in melanoma therapies and the current
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 17, 2026)
13d ago · 47:01
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and Hello Houston’s new co-host, Tessa Barrera, talk with Dr. Stacy Norton of Houston Methodist Willowbrook, who discusses colon cancer risks, warning signs to be aware of, and the importance of early detection. Then, Pro Football Hall of Fame member John McClain, who’s been covering the NFL in Houston for 50 years, gives us his general thoughts on what we can expect from the Houston Texans’ upcoming season, quarterback C.J. Stroud, roster moves, and more. Plus, we hear from Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Vice President of Energy and Innovation at the Un
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 14, 2026)
16d ago · 51:08
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Rebekah Dahl discuss the expansion of Flock cameras in Texas and the debate over their use with Sam Shaw, a government and growth reporter at The Waco Bridge. Then, we hear from Briana Byrd, owner of Taaffe Vintage Furniture, who tells us about her work restoring and reimagining vintage furniture to give it new life and what you can do to fix old or damaged furniture. Plus, Rob Saucedo, the artistic director of River Oaks Theatre, discusses his new graphic novel, Curse of the Where Wolf, and the werewolf movie screenings he’s hosti
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 13, 2026)
17d ago · 43:53
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Christina Wells talk with University of Houston law professor Seth Chandler, who explains a federal judge’s ruling on a longstanding Houston minority business contracting program and what it could mean for the city’s contracting programs. Then, we hear from University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus, who shares his thoughts on how voters can recognize political spin, evaluate candidates’ claims, and make sense of campaign messaging during campaign seas
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 12, 2026)
18d ago · 47:38
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Holland Vavra talk with Houston native and comedian Cris Sosa, who shares his experience bringing his comedy to a national stage as a contestant on America’s Got Talent. Then, we hear from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who gives us her response to Harris County Commissioners rejecting her proposed tax-rate increase to fund early childcare programs for a second time. Plus, Houston real estate expert Noel Collier tells us all about her new HGTV series, Extreme Buyers Club, her experience helping buyers with unconventional wish li
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 11, 2026)
19d ago · 52:27
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Courtney Markowitz talk with Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard, who explains why he supports pausing the approval of new gas stations near residential neighborhoods and what he hopes this will accomplish. Then, Dr. Ruth Simmons, a Distinguished Fellow at Rice University and Advisor to the President of Harvard for HBCU Initiatives, discusses Texas Southern University receiving a landmark endowment to expand breast cancer prevention and what this could mean for the advancement of health equity. Plus, we hear from Houston-bas
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 10, 2026)
20d ago · 47:55
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Yvonne Romero, Vice President for Enrollment at Rice University, who discusses the school’s expanded financial aid program and how they hope it will reshape access to higher education. Next, Galveston-based extreme weather and disaster scientist, Dr. Hal Needham, better known as “Hurricane Hal,” shares his thoughts on this year’s hurricane season and how we can be prepared while also managing storm and disaster anxiety. Also, Ernie and guest host Deborah Hope talk with Claire Partain, a Houston ISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle, who h
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 7, 2026)
23d ago · 43:17
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” guest hosts Michael Adkison and Donna Reed talk with Dr. Peter Stout, President and CEO of the Houston Forensic Science Center, who explains the critical role they play in supporting criminal investigations. Next, we learn all about Houston Reggae Summer Fest with the event’s founder and CEO, Timothy Hudson, and entertainment director, Tafari Toney, who also talk to us about the significance of reggae culture and its growing influence across the Houston area. Plus, we do our regular Friday feature "Last Minute Plans," in which our hosts share a compreh
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 6, 2026)
24d ago · 42:21
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," guest hosts Michael Adkison and Doug Miller talk with Dr. Katherine Hempstead of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, who discusses a recent study that sheds new light on America's healthcare affordability crisis. Then, we listen to Ernie Manouse's conversation with Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and his business partner Eric Meier, who both discuss Morgan Freeman's Symphonic Blues Experience, a touring live concert that makes its stop in Houston tomorrow, August 7.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 5, 2026)
25d ago · 41:14
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," guest hosts Michael Adkison and Donna Reed talk with Brooke Yahney, the Wildlife Director of the Houston SPCA Wildlife Center, who tells us about their work providing emergency care for Houston’s native wildlife. Then, we hear from Betsy Mayotte, President of the Institute of Student Loan Advisors, who explains how a recent landmark court decision could help over 500 thousand Americans with student loan debt, who might be eligible, and what borrowers should do next. Plus, DaLyah Jones, a Texas journalist and founder of the Preserving Essential Cultures
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 4, 2026)
26d ago · 41:41
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” guest hosts Michael Adkison and Doug Miller talk with University of Houston professor Dr. Lu Gao, who explains how AI is helping researchers identify dangerous roadways and improve traffic safety across Texas. Then, we hear from Alex Brennan-Martin and Carl Walker of Brennan’s of Houston, who both discuss what we can expect from this year’s Houston Restaurant Weeks and why this event is important for the city of Houston’s restaurant community. And finally, Justin Schultz, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board, talks about a new initiative that’s bri
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (July 30, 2026)
1mo ago · 44:52
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Deborah Hope talk with Houston Public Media reporter Sarah Grunau, who explains what listeners can expect from the forthcoming final episode of the podcast series, After the Flood, which will look at the historic flood that hit the Texas Hill Country earlier this month. Then, we hear from Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who discusses the proposed Harris County budget, the choices ahead for Commissioners Court as the county projects a roughly $180 million deficit, and why he believes the county should fund the lo
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (July 29, 2026)
1mo ago · 41:45
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Craig Hlavaty talk with Wesley Sinor, Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, who discusses the impact of this year's scholarships and his vision for leading the rodeo. Next, we hear from Houston artist Tay Butler, who shares his journey from being in the military to becoming an artist, why he began to view art as a form of resistance, and how the social and political climate of today continues to shape his work. Also, Dr. Yolanda Becker, the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of the organ procurement organization L
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (July 28, 2026)
1mo ago · 45:17
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Doug Miller learn about the new medical research hub UH Health with the University of Houston’s Dr. Jonathan McCullers, who explains how it will help advance Houston’s medical industry. Then, we hear from Kelsey Norman, a Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, who discusses how ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are spurring displacement across the region and creating long-term humanitarian challenges. Plus, Houston radio personality, Madd Hatta, talks about his recently released childr
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (July 27, 2026)
1mo ago · 42:35
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Michael Adkison talk with newly elected Houston City Council Member Joe Panzarella, who shares his vision for the future of Freedmen’s Town and what’s next for the historic Houston neighborhood. Then, we hear from Ignacio “Nacho” Torras, co-founder of the international soccer tournament, the Genuine Cup, who explains how this tournament helps empower athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism from countries all over the world. Plus, we also learn about Combined Arms, a Houston-based referral network for veterans, service me
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (July 24, 2026)
1mo ago · 39:11
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Deborah Hope discuss where the U.S. currently stands on the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement with David A. Gantz of Rice University's Baker Institute, who also explains how this could affect businesses and consumers. Then, we hear from Gabriela Torres of the Sickle Cell Association of Texas MTF, who tells us about Camp Cell-A-Bration, a week-long camp that allows children living with sickle cell disease to have their own camp experience. And finally, J’Maine Chubb, Texas Southern University’s new Chief Financial Officer, discusses his vi
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (July 23, 2026)
1mo ago · 45:43
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and guest host Bob Ford talk with Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas, who tells us all about the "Right to Air Conditioning" ordinance she introduced that would require rental properties to provide and maintain air conditioning in all rental units. Next, we hear from Judge David Fleischer of the Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 5, who discusses why he continues to livestream his courtroom proceedings and his tough but fair approach to interacting with defendants. Also, Bill King, a Fellow in Public Finance at Rice University's B