Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

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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.

  1. 16H AGO

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 20, 2026)

    In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Houston artist David McGee and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art curator Katia Zavistovski tell us about an upcoming exhibition dedicated to McGee’s work that will soon be on view at the museum. Then, Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin, currently serving District 47, joins us to discuss her campaign for Texas Lieutenant Governor, the issues important to her in this race, what sets her apart from her opponents, and more.  Plus, Ernie and guest host Doris Childress share their plans for the weekend, as well as a list of events happening this weekend in Houston for our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.

    40 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 19, 2026)

    In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and News 88.7 news anchor Matt Harab talk with David Gordon and Dallas and Austin Burkhalter, organizers of SpringStock Music Festival, an upcoming all-ages experience brought to life by Houston artists and musicians. Then, we’re joined by Greg Carter, a filmmaker and University of Houston film professor, who discusses a new online graduate certificate program to address the demands of the film industry’s growth in Houston by preparing a workforce of leaders in this space.   Plus, we also hear a rundown of things our hosts and listeners are obsessed with this week as part of our regular Thursday feature – Current Obsessions.

    30 min

  3. 2D AGO

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 18, 2026)

    In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Harris County Flood Control District executive director Dr. Tina Petersen discusses FEMA’s draft for the updated floodplain maps for Harris County, what they show, and what happens next. Then, we discuss the Houston-area non-profit Communities In Schools of Houston, with CEO Lisa Descant, who tells us more about their mission and work across the Greater Houston area. Also, we hear from acclaimed playwright James Anthony Tyler, who joins us to discuss his career, the playwrighting process, and his role as the head of the University of Houston’s Playwriting & Dramaturgy program.

    40 min

  4. 3D AGO

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 17, 2026)

    In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the latest on the Nancy Guthrie abduction case with Mary Ellen O’Toole, a former FBI senior profiler and professor of forensic science, who also explains how profilers aid in the search for missing persons. Then, we’re joined by former district Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District, the Honorable Vanessa Gilmore, who tells us about her incredible career, which includes being the country’s youngest sitting federal judge at the time of her appointment, and what she thinks about current legal issues. Also, to celebrate Fat Tuesday, we chat with Doc’s Houston artistic director and drummer Graeme Francis and Houston-based vocalist Nicoya Baker, who discuss the musical traditions of Mardi Gras and New Orleans-style jazz.

    50 min

  5. 4D AGO

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 16, 2026)

    In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, who tells us about a proposed apartment inspection ordinance that aims to help crack down on unsafe and unsanitary rental buildings. Also, FotoFest executive director Steven Evans joins us to tell us about the contemporary arts organization’s upcoming 40th anniversary biennial, which will reflect on the work presented in their biennials from the past four decades. Plus, we also talk with entertainment attorney and actress Jalene Mack, who joins us to share her success story, as well as her insight on entertainment law, and tell us about her local non-profit, Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC).

    47 min

  6. FEB 13

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 13, 2026)

    In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and guest host Doris Childress talk with U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, who discusses her campaign for U.S. Senate, her policy priorities, and why she believes she’s right for this seat. Also, we hear from Dr. Viviana Coles, a Houston-area relationship therapist, who shares her thoughts on how couples can ensure they maintain healthy relationships. Plus, we discuss the rising influence of Christian nationalism, with Michael Emerson, a Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute, who also explains how this form of nationalism has become a major political force in Texas politics.

    45 min

  7. FEB 12

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 12, 2026)

    In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Maureen McNamara, executive director of ArtHouse Houston, who tells us about a local effort to preserve the historic Garden Oaks Theater. Then, we hear from HTC Kelly, a Rice University postdoctoral researcher and cheerleader for the Houston Texans, who explains how she balances these two different roles. Plus, jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, Jumaane Smith, joins us to discuss his Hobby Center concert LOVE ALWAYS: Celebrating the Romance of Nat King Cole, a love letter to the romanticism of one of America’s most celebrated singers.

    41 min

  8. FEB 11

    Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (February 11, 2026)

    In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," the Hobby School of Public Affairs' Blake Heller breaks down a University of Houston report, which found that Houston-area residents are significantly overestimating the size of Texas's new school voucher program. Then, actor Rudy Foster, who’s playing Hermes in the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown, discusses what audiences can expect from the hit musical, which is on stage at the Hobby Center through Sunday, February 15. Also, we’re joined by Elaine Yuan, senior fund development manager at the Chinese Community Center, who tells us all about the traditions of Lunar New Year, as well as its significance to Chinese culture.

    43 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Houston Public Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ℗ & © 2026 Houston Public Media
  • Show Website
    Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut