50 episodes

Houston Matters is a radio program airing weekdays at 9 am on Houston Public Media News 88.7 FM in Houston. During each hour, we’ll investigate the issues and ideas, people and places that make Houston…well…Houston! We’ll talk about current events, politics, education, health care, the environment, business, transportation, arts and culture, literature, sports and leisure. But we also hope that what we do each day on Houston Matters serves as the beginning of a conversation — one we hope you’ll continue here, at home, at work, with family, with friends and neighbors. We hope to introduce Houstonians to one another, to celebrate our diversity, and to engage one another through stories and conversations that demonstrate depth and context. Just the sort of thing you count on from public media.

Houston Matters Houston Public Media

    • News
    • 4.4 • 88 Ratings

Houston Matters is a radio program airing weekdays at 9 am on Houston Public Media News 88.7 FM in Houston. During each hour, we’ll investigate the issues and ideas, people and places that make Houston…well…Houston! We’ll talk about current events, politics, education, health care, the environment, business, transportation, arts and culture, literature, sports and leisure. But we also hope that what we do each day on Houston Matters serves as the beginning of a conversation — one we hope you’ll continue here, at home, at work, with family, with friends and neighbors. We hope to introduce Houstonians to one another, to celebrate our diversity, and to engage one another through stories and conversations that demonstrate depth and context. Just the sort of thing you count on from public media.

    The state of oil and gas in Houston (March 18, 2024)

    The state of oil and gas in Houston (March 18, 2024)

    On Monday's show: CERAWeek starts today. We preview the annual energy conference and listen back to a conversation with Stephanie Hertzog, CEO of Houston-based Sodexo Energy & Resources North America, about the role women play in the oil and gas industry’s “great crew change.”

    Also this hour: It’s Women’s History Month. We revisit our 2022 conversation with NASA's Jennifer Ross-Nazzal, author of the book Making Space for Women.

    Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers your pet care questions.

    And we learn how the bracket shapes up for the UH Cougars as we preview the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments with the help of Jeff Balke.

    • 49 min
    Renting in Houston (March 15, 2024)

    Renting in Houston (March 15, 2024)

    On Friday's show: How often do court-appointed defense attorneys in Harris County visit their clients who are facing the death penalty? We learn more about a new report and what it says about the criminal justice system.

    And we get the latest on some off-and-on stormy weather expected Friday and through the weekend in and around the Houston area.

    Also this hour: Amid rising prices over the past few years, how are Houston's renters doing?

    And, from artists dropping out of SXSW in protest of certain event sponsors, to universities once again requiring students to submit SAT and ACT scores for admission, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.

    • 48 min
    Flood and heat mitigation funding (March 14, 2024)

    Flood and heat mitigation funding (March 14, 2024)

    On Friday's show: Houston is set to receive $43 million from the Department of Transportation for flood and heat mitigation, pedestrian safety, and green space. We'll learn what those improvements will look like from Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, and discuss the value of new tree canopies with Barry Ward from Trees for Houston.

    Also this hour: Ahead of St. Patrick's Day, we revisit a conversation about Irish-Americans in Houston.

    Then, following a PBS Frontline win at the Academy Awards for 20 Days in Mariupol, we'll listen back to conversations about previous Frontline documentaries with Houston connections.

    And we meet the founder of Hopera, a company of singers that performs opera at local craft breweries.

    • 49 min
    Our future with coronaviruses (March 13, 2024)

    Our future with coronaviruses (March 13, 2024)

    On Wednesday's show: Nancy Sims joins us to discuss local, state, and national politics.

    Also this hour: It's been four years since the COVID pandemic started--we talk with Dr. Peter Hotez about where we are today and what's in store for the future.

    Then, Troy Schulze talks with some of the folks behind this year's FotoFest Biennial festival.

    • 49 min
    Environmental news in Texas (March 12, 2024)

    Environmental news in Texas (March 12, 2024)

    On Tuesday's show: We talk with Jennifer Hadayia from Air Alliance Houston about a number of developments in environmental news, from highway projects and emissions to new federal standards and lawsuits from the state.

    Also this hour: Reporter Roxanna Asgarian shares what her book We Were Once a Family reveals about inequities in the child welfare system.

    Then, allergist Dr. Dat Tran joins us to answer questions about getting allergy relief.

    And we go behind the scenes of a new concert series at the University of Houston-Downtown.

    • 48 min
    The RNC spring meeting (March 11, 2024)

    The RNC spring meeting (March 11, 2024)

     



    On Monday's show: NPR's Franco Ordoñez joins us to discuss the Republican National Convention's spring meeting in Houston that took place on Friday.

    Also this hour: After losing an hour of sleep from Daylight Saving Time, we talk about how to get back on proper rest with sleep expert Kristin Eckel-Mahan.

    Then, we answer your gardening questions with Meg Tapp from the Garden Club of Houston.

    And the NFL free agency period starts today. We'll talk with Jeff Balke about what moves the Houston Texans might consider.

    • 48 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
88 Ratings

88 Ratings

scott @ ,

Love the show: Information without bias or hyperbole.

A great way to hear timely information affecting the Houston Area without being subjected to guests (or hosts) spouting unsupported opinion, bias, or hyperbole that insults the intelligence of the listeners.
If I want to have my worldview affirmed, I’ll listen to Fox or MSNBC. If I want to hear what’s actually affecting my life, I’ll listen to Houston Matters.

Nostrathomas. ,

Extreme political bias

It’s so unfortunate that so many great shows have been ruined by their obsession with partisan politics with no attempt at neutrality. Any deviation from the narrow minded, bigoted opinions of the producers is heresy because their tribe lose an election 2 1/2 years ago. I would have rated zero stars if not for the excellent content pre TDS. Hopefully rationality and openness to diversity of opinion will return eventually but I couldn’t justify donating to HPM anymore. I still listen occasionally but am rapidly losing interest in a once great show.

Ehodges05 ,

Special Edition

I am typically a fan of this show when it’s led by Craig Cohen & I have appreciated the local doctors and scientists that have contributed, but Ernie Manouse is insufferable and the way he treated a guest today by inserting his own political views (the guest had covid - his family got it & he said he’s a moderate, he asked for feedback on the media’s role in where we’re at, and the guy answered and he said he didn’t agree and just was patronizing) - if you don’t want politics inserted, then stick to the topic and don’t inject your own views (when it has nothing to do with the pandemic).along with this, it’s almost as if the info can’t evolve & we have to stay in the crisis / and downplay any progress or anything positive. That is one thing my friends who are thinking this is political keep saying & i can see their point because it’s all just intense. I’m not sure if he realizes the demographic that’s listening aren’t the ones that are anti-maskers, or believe this is a hoax - we are doing what we need to do & so i wish he’d save the lectures and hype for those who aren’t.

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