Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear highlights from Hello Houston’s first anniversary show, including our conversation with Houston comedian Chinedu, who celebrates this milestone with the hosts after previously joining us on our first show.  

Next, we’re joined by Chris Ballard, President and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, who discusses the famous Houston park’s transformative 100-acre project, which will intro...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we break down a newly filed bill aimed at strengthening reviews of antitrust cases with Darren Bush, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who also explains why he’s supporting it.

Then, we’re joined by Khori Dastoor, the General Director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera, who tells us about their recently announced 2026 – 27 Season, which includes classics and celebrated ...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who discusses a new plan that allows county workers to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.

Next, we talk with Rebecca Greene Udden, the Founding Artistic Director of Houston’s Main Street Theater, who tells us about their production of celebrated playwright Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed epic play Leopoldst...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," sports analyst Charlie Pallilo joins us to break down the sporting events taking place in Houston today, including the Houston Cougars competing in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA March Madness tournament and opening day for the Houston Astros.

Next, we hear one of Celeste’s interviews from the major energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global, in which she talks with President and CEO ...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we learn all about the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra with band director David Caceras and student musician Matthew Cruz, who also discuss what's ahead for the group after being selected to compete in the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.

Next, we hear from Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, who shares her ...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, who shares his thoughts on the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain and what happens next.

Then, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez joins us to discuss his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical love letter to the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobb...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who talks about the university’s initiatives that have been launched in recent years, as well as his priorities moving forward.

Next, Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen and neurologist Dr. Justine Chen join us to share Seelen's health journey after a new treatment helped him regain the ability to sw...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the Mayer Brown law firm, who discusses what’s behind Houston’s growing law industry with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the Bayou City.

Also, we’re joined by former director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Federico Salas-Isnardi, who talks to us about adult literacy, what’s being done to address the iss...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Frank and Celeste are joined by the Baker Institute’s Bill King, who discusses a new report raising questions about the impact affordable housing projects are having on Harris County.

Then, producer and director Linda Gibbs tells us about the limited docuseries, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, and how it explores the transformation women experience when going through menopause.

Also, w...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Frank and Celeste talk with Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, who discusses a new report from his office saying the city is on track to spend about 40% more on electricity than it did last year.

Then, longtime members of Houston’s Archway Gallery, John Slaby and Cookie Wells, join us to tell us all about this long-running artist-owned and operated gallery and its upcoming 50th a...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste’s conversation with former Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching, who talks about his sports career, his entrepreneurial work, and his upcoming induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.

Next, we learn all about local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, with assistant executive director Kathleen Spangler, who also explains how the non-profit is celebratin...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste discuss the shortage of affordable rental units for low-income earners across the country and the Houston region with Ben Martin, the Deputy Director at Texas Housers.

Then, we hear from Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The Bail Project, who joins us to break down new data from Harris County that suggests recent reforms to the local bail system appear to b...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk about the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who tells us his predictions for this year’s ceremony.

Next, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound join us to discuss what they do, their upcoming performance, and members of the ensemb...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Dr. Sergio Lira, President of Greater Houston LULAC, who explains the organization’s recent decision to cancel this year's Cinco De Mayo parade.

Next, we discuss Houston’s premier community biking event, Tour De Houston, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation, who tells us all about this year’s upcoming event and it...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our second live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who discusses how the city and county work with each other to put this large event together every year, and the current issues affecting the city of Houston.

Then, we hear from Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the HLSR’s Commercial Exhibits Committee, w...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down what’s behind the large number of job losses in the latest jobs report with Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who also explains what this means for Houstonians.

Next, we hear from Oliver James, a literacy activist, motivational speaker, and influencer, who shares the story of his struggles with adult illiteracy before making th...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste talk with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who joins us to discuss the rising cost of oil due to the Iran conflict and what this could mean for consumers.

Then, we learn about the upcoming Brains in Society conference, which will bring neuroscientists and other experts together to talk about how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, ...

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we’re joined by Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who discusses a new report that examines large-scale air pollution events in Houston and what caused them.

Also, Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, explains what people can do to prevent sexual assault incidents during Spring Break, as well as what victims shoul...

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Allen Kaminski, founding member of the Tours Committee, who discusses the Agventure attraction, where kids can learn all about agriculture and farm animals.

Also, we hear from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s new chief show operations officer, Kyle Olsen, who gives us a behind...