50 episodes
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.
-
Refugee women in Houston (April 19, 2024)
On Friday's show: The Anti-Defamation League recently conducted an audit of antisemitic incidents that showed a 45 percent increase in the region that encompasses Houston. We learn more about the audit and what kinds of incidents have been reported.
Also this hour: From the Dallas-to-Houston high-speed rail project gaining new momentum, to retired NFL player Jason Kelce losing his Super Bowl ring in a pool of Skyline Chili, we discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
And a new book follows women who moved to Houston from Iraq, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan as refugees and are trying to move forward with new lives. We meet two of the women and talk with Kim Meyer, author of Accidental Sisters. -
Parking in Houston, and NPR’s Peter Sagal (April 18, 2024)
On Thursday's show: While a cool front and some thunderstorms are expected to come through the region over the weekend, Houston has been experiencing plenty of warm, humid weather already this spring. We talk over some of the recent weather and climate trends with Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger and Texas State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon.
Also this hour: We discuss the challenges many Houston businesses face with parking and how that can affect them economically.
And Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! host Peter Sagal talks about what he's learned after 25 years of making fun of everything. Sagal is coming to town for an event with Performing Arts Houston on May 3. -
Anne Lamott & Bob Mackie (April 17, 2024)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup.
Also this hour: Writer Anne Lamott, who recently turned 70, shares the revelations she's had over the years about love and how her idea of love and the forms it takes has changed since she was younger. She'll discuss her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, at a sold out Brazos Bookstore event tonight at Christ Church Cathedral.
And acclaimed fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie talks with Houston Public Media's Ernie Manouse about his career. Mackie designed attire for many celebrities, including Cher. The musical based on her career is on stage at The Hobby Center through April 28. -
Presidential race in Texas (April 16, 2024)
On Tuesday's show: A new poll from the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation examines the presidential horse race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in Texas and considers how those numbers might look whether independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the ballot or not.
Also this hour: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston continues its series Movies Houstonians Love with a screening of the 1986 film Caravaggio. Artist David McGee, who's presenting the film, talks about what it means to him.
And we hear a Skyline Sessions performance and interview from musician Mackenzie Ruth Scott, who performs as Torres. -
The last 18 months at HISD (April 15, 2024)
On Monday's show: We reflect on the last 18 months at HISD and preview a new Houston Public Media podcast called The Takeover, which examines power and public education with a focus on the largest school district in Texas as it grapples with sweeping reforms from state-installed leaders.
Also this hour: Texas Southern University professor Thomas Meloncon talks about his new play, Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word, which is on stage now through April 21 at Main Street Theater, making its world premiere. The story takes place in an office in a small town in East Texas where the local NAACP chapter is planning a funeral for the “N word.”
And we discuss what's behind the rough start to the Astros season with Jeff Balke. -
Complaint against Fort Bend ISD (April 12, 2024)
On Friday's show: Fort Bend ISD trustees have responded to a complaint filed with the Texas Education Agency over the early retirement of then-superintendent Christie Whitbeck. News 88.7 reporter Natalie Weber explains what the complaint alleges and what the trustees have to say about it. And she discusses other developments in Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land banning new smoke shops, vape stores, and hookah bars.
Also this hour: Our non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week, including plans to demolish a house featured in the movie Reality Bites.
And we learn about the Houston Symphony's performances of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. While many people will recognize its opening and closing numbers, the entire piece has influenced composers for TV, film, and video games.
Customer Reviews
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.
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.
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.