Town Square with Ernie Manouse

Houston Public Media

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day’s most important and pressing issues — a place for the audience to share personal opinions and have the opportunity to ask questions of leading experts on any given subject. Through lively conversations, ranging from issues of race to the coronavirus, we strive to keep our listeners well-informed and educated. The ability to listen and share is what moves a society forward… together! You can listen to Town Square with Ernie Manouse every weekday at 3pm on News 88.7.

  1. 08/11/2023

    Town Square Says Goodbye…

    Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. Today, August 11, 2023, is the final episode of Town Square with Ernie Manouse. For the full hour, we’re joined by a panel consisting of psychologist Dr. Jeff Temple, epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Troisi, and local author and teacher Jennifer Mathieu to reminisce and celebrate this show for all it set out to do during its time on the air. Plus, we hear from many of our most frequent and impactful guests who have helped this show achieve its mission over its run as they share their recollections and discuss what made it special. Special thanks to Andrew Schneider, Charles “Rocky” Rhodes, Cissy Segall Davis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Lauren Anderson, Dr. William Haseltine, Dr. James McDeavitt, Dietrich von Biedenfeld, Dr. Melanye Price, Dr. Peter Hotez, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, Dr. Susan McLellan, Pete Makopoulos-Senftleber, Vanessa Gilmore, Dr. Chris Bronk, and Rep. Sylvia Garcia for joining and writing to us on our final episode. Staff and crew at Town Square are all moving on to new projects at Houston Public Media and look forward to sharing with you again soon. Guests:                                                                                Dr. Jeff Temple Psychologist Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship at the School of Nursing, UTMB Health The John Sealy Distinguished Chair in Community Health, UTMB Health Director of the Center for Violence Prevention, UTMB HealthDr. Catherine Troisi Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, UTHealth Houston School of Public HealthJennifer Mathieu Local Teacher Local Author of Seven YA Novels and an Upcoming Adult Novel (set in Houston)Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day’s most important and pressing issues. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

    50 min
  2. 08/09/2023

    The Science of Sleep: Bedtime Routines, Getting Better Rest, and More; Plus, “Ain’t Too Proud” Star Harrell Holmes Jr.

    Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. Dreams do come true. Harrell Holmes Jr., grew up wanting to be a Temptation, and today, he is making that a reality as he stars as Melvin Franklin in the national tour of the high energy musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, which tells the story of the music group’s rise to fame. Holmes Jr. talks with us about how his love of The Temptations began, his career from being featured on Star Search and American Idol to performing on stage in Ain’t Too Proud, as well as what audiences can expect from the show. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations is playing at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston until Sunday, August 13, 2023. For more information, click here. Then, we discuss the science of sleep with neurologist and sleep specialist Dr. Chris Winter. He explains the importance of bedtime rituals to remain consistent in the time you wake up and go to bed, the amount of sleep we need as adults, better habits for falling asleep for those who are having difficulties or experiencing insomnia, and more. Guests: Harrell Holmes Jr. Singer, Dancer, Actor Plays Melvin Franklin in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the TemptationsDr. Chris Winter Neurologist & Sleep Specialist Author, The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder and How To Help and The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How To Fix It Host, Sleep Unplugged PodcastTown Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day’s most important and pressing issues. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

    50 min
  3. 08/08/2023

    Author Lynn Melnick on Surviving Loss and Trauma and How the Music of Dolly Parton Helped Her Reclaim Her Voice

    Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. For the full hour, we talk with author Lynn Melnick about her memoir I've Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton, which details her journey of survival and recovery in the wake of loss and trauma guided by the songs of country music icon Dolly Parton. Melnick explains what motivated her to write the book, how she found inspiration in the music of Dolly Parton to overcome the struggles in her own life, and how every chapter explores the cultural issues at the heart of Parton’s songs and how they relate to Melnick’s life. Plus, Melnick weighs in on the issues plaguing women today, how she views healing from trauma, and how creativity and storytelling can be pivotal to our survival and growth. I've Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton is available now in paperback wherever books are sold. Guest: Lynn Melnick Author, I've Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton Assistant Professor of Poetry, Columbia UniversityTown Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

    50 min
  4. 08/04/2023

    “Talk of the Town”: Houston Restaurant Weeks

    Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. Dine out and do good: Houston Restaurant Weeks is the city's most anticipated foodie event of the year. Since it was founded in 2003, it has become the largest event of its kind in the U.S. and raised 18.8 million dollars to date. First, we speak with Katie Stone, President of The Cleverly Stone Foundation, who explains what diners can expect for this year’s 20th anniversary of the annual fundraiser, including top Houston restaurants, award-winning chefs, and a variety of cuisines.   Then, chefs and restaurateurs David Cordúa, owner of The Lymbar, and MasterChef season three winner Christine Ha, owner of The Blind Goat, Xin Chao, Stuffed Belly, joined the conversation. The panel weighs in on the importance of Houston Restaurant Weeks, what they will be serving up to patrons from their respective restaurants, the economics of restaurants today, the food culture of Houston, and more. To watch The Houston Cookbook special, hosted by David Cordúa, click here.  To watch the Arts Insight package, featuring Christine Ha, click here.  Guests: Katie Stone President, The Cleverley Stone Foundation Houston Restaurant WeeksDavid Cordúa Owner, The LymbarChristine Ha Chef & Owner, The Blind Goat, Xin Chao, and Stuffed Belly Winner of MasterChef Season 3Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

    49 min
  5. 07/28/2023

    “Talk of the Town”: Ageism, National Identity, Cultural Appropriation, and More; Plus, “Haunted Mansion” Director Justin Simien

    Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. First, we speak with film director and Houston native Justin Simien who discusses his new film Haunted Mansion, a new film adaptation based on the Walt Disney theme park attraction of the same name. Simien discusses his approach to helming a film based on a theme park ride. Haunted Mansion is available now, only in theaters. Then, we shift to “Talk of the Town” where our panel of guests weigh in on trending headlines of the week. Today’s panel consists of singer and semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent Christina Wells, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger of MyRedGlasses Roz Pactor, and writer and activist Tony Diaz. Our guests share their thoughts on ageism amidst health concerns over Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suddenly freezing during a press briefing this week, how we see ourselves as a nation in today’s age of political divisiveness, cultural appropriation vs. inspiration, and more. Guests: Justin Simien   Director, Haunted Mansion (2023)Christina Wells Singer, Actor, and Motivational Speaker 2018 Semi-Finalist on “America’s Got Talent”Roz Pactor Fashion and Marketing Consultant Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger, “My Red Glasses”Tony Diaz Writer Director of Nuestra Palabra, Latino Writers Having Their SayTown Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day’s most important and pressing issues — a place for the audience to share personal opinions and have the opportunity to ask questions of leading experts on any given subject. Through lively conversations, ranging from issues of race to the coronavirus, we strive to keep our listeners well-informed and educated. The ability to listen and share is what moves a society forward… together! You can listen to Town Square with Ernie Manouse every weekday at 3pm on News 88.7.