Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut
by Houston Public Media
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.
Episodes
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 28, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Texas Monthly senior writer Forrest Wilder discusses an investigation into the major changes undergone at the University of Texas that are raising questions about academic freedom and the role of politics in higher education. Next, University of Houston...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 27, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” John Diamond, a senior fellow in public finance at Rice University’s Baker Institute, shares his thoughts on the current state of the U.S. economy amid pressures like the national debt, rising costs, and major investments in AI. Next, we hear Hello…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 26, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," the Texas Tribune’s urban affairs reporter Joshua Fechter talks about the hundreds of thousands of Texas homeowners who may be missing out on property tax savings because they haven’t claimed a homestead exemption. Then, playwright Elena Coates discusses...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 23, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Tessa’s conversation with PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, who shares her perspective on PBS today, the evolving ways audiences engage with public media, and the future of public television. Then, in this week’s edition of Tessa Takes...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 22, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we spotlight the Harris County Judge debate that will be hosted by Houston Public Media tonight with HPM reporters Andrew Schneider and Sarah Grunau, who will both be involved in the debate. Next, we hear from Houston Public Media reporter Bianca Seward,...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 21, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear this week's edition of On The Marquee, in which Ernie chats with Sylvia D'Eramo and Matthew Polenzani, who both discuss playing the titular roles in Houston Grand Opera's productions of Susannah and Faust. Next, Baylor College of Medicine’s Dr....
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 20, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the controversy surrounding the delayed release of Texas's maternal mortality report until after the November midterm elections, with Mary Tuma, a staff writer for the Texas Observer. Next, we hear this week’s edition of Five Simple Questions…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 19, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear this week’s Producer Spotlight, in which Hello Houston producer Garrett Bohlmann talks with playwright Gloria Majule, who discusses the story and themes of her satirical play Uhuru, currently running at Alley Theatre. Next, Lieutenant John Klafka...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 16, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," the Houston Chronicle’s Opinion and Community Engagement Editor, Evan Mintz, explains their endorsement process and which candidates they determined were the worst on the 2026 Texas election ballot. Next, former MTV VJs Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman share...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 15, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” filmmaker and Texas Southern University professor Vincent Powell shares his thoughts on Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and what it could mean for the future of the entertainment industry. Next, we hear from Houston Public Media...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 14, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston area real estate agent and host of HGTV’s Extreme Buyers Club, Noel Collier, explains what rising mortgage rates mean for homebuyers and sellers in the Houston market and the city’s housing market. Next, we’re joined by the New York Times...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 13, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Seth Chandler, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who breaks down some of the latest U.S. Supreme Court cases and what wide-ranging effects we can expect from them. Then, in this week’s Five Simple Questions, Hello...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 12, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear highlights from our LIVE show at the 2026 Greater Houston Arts Forum at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. First, we hear from Bao Long Chu, Program Director of Arts & Culture for the Houston Endowment, and Jen Benoit-Bryan, director of SMU...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 9, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin discusses a new program designed to help survivors of domestic violence receive protective orders and other legal protections, the latest court battles surrounding local election rules and mail-in voting, and more. Then,...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 8, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss an effort to restore the Bastrop Promenade in Houston's East Downtown with former Houston City Council member Robert Gallegos, Save Bastrop Promenade resident advocate Nguyen Le, and Friends of Columbia Tap’s Ed Pettitt. Next, we talk about...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 7, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Amite Dominick, the founder and president of Texas Prisons Community Advocates, talks about Texas being ordered to air-condition all its prisons by the end of 2029 as one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that led to this ruling. Then, we hear this week’s...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 6, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Joshua McGinty, a professor and agronomist at Texas A&M University, talks about this year’s widespread drought and what this means for Texas farmers, food production, and the growing season ahead. Next, we hear from Dr. Gary Seale, Regional Director of…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 5, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston Public Media reporter Bianca Seward discusses her story on Barbers Hill ISD and the controversy surrounding their superintendent’s unconventional strategy to grow the district’s finances. Next, we hear this week’s Producer Spotlight in which Hello...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 2, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear this week’s Tessa Takes On, in which Tessa Barrera chats with author and podcaster Princella Clark about relationships, feminism, and personal growth that has sparked a devoted following and plenty of debate. Next, we hear highlights from our LIVE...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 1, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," writer-director Bassam Tariq, who grew up in the Houston area, discusses his new film, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, what inspired it, and its connection to Houston, with the film being set in the Bayou City. Next, we talk with Houston Public Media...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 30, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Dr. Tomikia LeGrande, president of Prairie View A&M University, tells us about the university’s journey of becoming a nationally recognized HBCU and what its legacy means today as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Next, we hear Ernie talk with Kevin...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 29, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Andrew Rothman, the Wildlife Campaigns Director for Environment America, who discusses the Trump administration’s major changes to the Endangered Species Act and what impact these changes could have in the state of Texas. Also, Ben King, the...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 28, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” New York Times Texas bureau chief David Goodman breaks down the latest in Texas politics ahead of the midterm elections, including the state’s governor's race, the U.S. Senate race, and more. Next, we hear from Harel Shapira, a sociologist at the…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 25, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis reflects on former State Rep. Garnet Coleman, who represented Houston’s House District 147 for more than 30 years, following his passing on Wednesday. Next, we hear the newest edition of Tessa's regular...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 24, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” former Houston Astros TV play-by-play broadcaster Bill Brown reflects on his nearly thirty years with the team and shares his thoughts on whether they can make the playoffs this season. Next, we hear from Houston-area food and travel content creator Shawn...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 23, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Beth Wiedower Jackson, executive director of the Astrodome Conservancy, talks about the latest plans and proposals that are being considered for the Astrodome and what’s needed to give this iconic Houston landmark new life. Also, we hear from Guadalupe...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 22, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Katherine Maher, the President and CEO of NPR, discusses what public media means without public funding, what the future of NPR looks like, and what's needed from local stations like Houston Public Media. Next, we hear from Houstonian Regan Hutsell, the...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 21, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss the Environmental Protection Agency eliminating greenhouse gas limits for power plants and how this could affect us in Houston with Jennifer Hadayia and Thelisa Lavergne of Air Alliance Houston. Next, we hear Hello Houston producer Garrett...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 18, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Alie Brumel of The Breasties and Michele Lampach of Bobbies for Change tell us about Connie’s Bill and how it aims to help provide coverage for mothers who are medically unable to breastfeed their children. Next, we hear from Houston-based comedian Liz...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 17, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Francisco Romero, the main Spanish radio broadcaster for the Houston Astros Baseball Club, shares how he became the Spanish voice of one of baseball’s biggest franchises and his hopes for the postseason. Then, we hear from former Special Agent with…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 16, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” the Baker Institute for Public Policy’s David Gantz breaks down the latest on the U.S.-Canada trade war, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other, and what this means for the broader North American economy. Then, Josh Baker, an investigative...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 15, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Erik Ibarra, co-founder of Ox St. Kitchen, and Ivan Chavez of Chavo’s BBQ, who both discuss how Latino-owned businesses are creating new opportunities and flavors in Houston. Then, we hear from author and...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 14, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Dr. Luis Ostrosky, chief of infectious diseases at UTHealth Houston, discusses what Houstonians should know about the recently approved COVID vaccine as we prepare to enter the Fall season. Then, we discuss yesterday’s Houston Texans season opener with...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 11, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from former FBI agent Christopher Combs, who was at the Pentagon minutes after the building was struck on September 11, 2001. He reflects on the courage and sacrifice he witnessed firsthand on that day. Next, we hear the first edition of Tessa’s…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 10, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Dr. Zoabe Hafeez, a nonresident fellow at the Baker Institute’s Center for Health Policy, discusses a new study that outlines possible solutions that could help make traveling to school safer for children in Houston. Next, we have our first HPM in Focus…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 9, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Dr. Anitra Beasley, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, discusses President Trump nominating Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA and what this could mean for access to abortion medication. Then, we hear from three-time Olympian and 1996…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 8, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Hello Houston Executive Producer Jim Kovacik’s new Tuesday feature, Five Simple Questions, in which he sits down and chats with Houston-area social media comedian Desmun Dangerfield. Then, the University of Houston Law Center’s Nikolas…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 4, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we talk with Dr. Byron Chaves, a professor in the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University, about the science behind food safety and how food contamination is prevented and addressed. Next, Brandon Johnson, a professional athlete, impact speaker,...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 3, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ronaldo and Lorenzo Salgado talk to us about the emotional impact of the death of their father, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, two months after he was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Houston’s East End. Then, Tony and Grammy-nominated actress, singer, and...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 2, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," retired NASA astronaut, engineer, and NFL football player Leland Melvin, talks about how he went from the football field to the stars and his missions in space ahead of his upcoming event at Space Center Houston. Then, we hear from director Tyler Mann,...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (September 1, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we look at why childhood vaccination rates are declining and what can be done to address vaccine hesitancy with Dr. Michael Burgess, a physician and former U.S. Congressman who represented Texas’s 26th district. Next, Jackie Anderson, president of the...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 31, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Dr. Megan Covington, a Canine Behavior Specialist and founder of The Pit Bull Doctor, who talks to us about dog behavior and what it can reveal about us. Then, Harrison Guy, founder and artistic director of Urban Souls Dance Company, explains...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 28, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Tessa talk with comedian and actor, Jay Pharoah, about his comedy career, his impressions, and his experience as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, ahead of his upcoming shows at Houston Improv this weekend. Then, Dr. Sarah Nadeem, an...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 27, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who gives us an update on his investigation into last month's fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by federal immigration agents. Next, the hosts of the Houston-based comedy podcast, Bottom of…
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 26, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we discuss major tech companies like Apple and Tesla bringing their businesses to Houston with Houston Business Journal reporter Jishnu Nair, who also explains what this could mean for jobs, tech investment, and the region’s economy. Next, we learn about...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 25, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Ernie and Tessa talk with Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, who shares his thoughts on the district’s major changes for this new school year and the current concerns and criticisms surrounding the district. Also, we hear from storm chaser Reed Timmer...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 24, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Prairie View A&M’s head football coach Tremaine Jackson tells us about the inaugural Chancellor’s Cup, which brings together two Texas A&M University System schools for the first time in football, and the season ahead. Then, we hear from University of...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 21, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Ernie and Tessa's conversation with U.S. Representative Al Green, currently serving Texas’s 9th congressional district, who tells us what he hopes to accomplish before he leaves the Capitol in January. Next, Dr. Shonnie Murrell, Governor of the...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 20, 2026)
In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin joins us to discuss the county’s legal battles over mail-in voting and federal funding, what they could mean for both the county and voters, and what we can expect to happen next. Then, Reid Turner, the lead agriculture...
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Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (August 19, 2026)
In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we find out why many of Texas’s biggest cities are currently facing mounting budget deficits with Joshua Fechter, an urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, who’s recently reported on this matter. Next, we discuss where things currently stand with...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Houston Public Media