Hello Houston: The Commuter Cut

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear from a series of special guests who join us to surprise Frank Billingsley on his last show as a full-time Hello Houston host.First, we’re joined by former KPRC news anchor and content creator Dominique Sachse, who shares her well-wishes for Frank as they reminisce about their time working together for many years.Next, our hosts read comments and questions about Frank from the Hello Houston audience in a special Ask Me Anything segment, while Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore joins in to share his well-wishes.And finally, for his final segment as a full-time host, Frank’s husband, Kevin Gilliard, joins the Hello Houston hosts as they share a rundown of Houston events happening this Easter weekend as part of our regular Friday feature, Last Minute Plans.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we discuss a new study about the impact of ultra-processed foods on heart health with Dr. Amier Haidar, a cardiovascular disease fellow at UTHealth Houston, who helps break down the study’s findings.Next, we hear Celeste’s interview with Paul Champion, COO of Adaptive Construction Solutions, and Marc Spieler, NVIDIA's Senior Director of Energy, at last week’s CeraWEEK energy conference, who both discuss a push to build a workforce needed for the AI boom.Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste, along with Hello Houston listeners, share the latest things that are currently taking over all their free time for our regular Thursday feature, Current Obsessions.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Houston Public Media reporter Michael Adkison joins us live from the Johnson Space Center to discuss the scheduled launch for the moon-bound Artemis II mission tonight.Then, we hear from Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who joins us to discuss the recent arrest made in the infamous 1990 "Lovers Lane" cold case and what led to the breakthrough in this decades-long case.Plus, Houston teen Sam Slobin joins us to tell us all about the basketball program he started for special needs kids, called the Friendship Basketball Association (FBA).

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear highlights from Hello Houston’s first anniversary show, including our conversation with Houston comedian Chinedu, who celebrates this milestone with the hosts after previously joining us on our first show. Next, we’re joined by Chris Ballard, President and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, who discusses the famous Houston park’s transformative 100-acre project, which will introduce new spaces in addition to honoring its World War I roots.Plus, Back to the Future co-creator Bob Gale joins us to discuss his involvement in the widely popular franchise, where the idea for the original film came from, and the film’s Broadway musical adaptation, which is running in Houston through Sunday, April 5, courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we break down a newly filed bill aimed at strengthening reviews of antitrust cases with Darren Bush, a professor of law at the University of Houston Law Center, who also explains why he’s supporting it.Then, we’re joined by Khori Dastoor, the General Director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera, who tells us about their recently announced 2026 – 27 Season, which includes classics and celebrated works from world-famous composers.Also, we talk with Perla Trevizo, a reporter with the ProPublica–Texas Tribune investigative unit, who discusses a new investigation into how federal prosecutors are handling immigration cases at the southern border and how this is crowding local courts.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we talk with Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who discusses a new plan that allows county workers to organize and advocate for better pay and working conditions.Next, we talk with Rebecca Greene Udden, the Founding Artistic Director of Houston’s Main Street Theater, who tells us about their production of celebrated playwright Tom Stoppard’s acclaimed epic play Leopoldstadt.Also, we’re joined by Stephen Simpson, the mental health reporter for the Texas Tribune, who talks to us about the looming ban on all smokable hemp products in Texas under new state rules, and what effects these new rules could have.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," sports analyst Charlie Pallilo joins us to break down the sporting events taking place in Houston today, including the Houston Cougars competing in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA March Madness tournament and opening day for the Houston Astros.Next, we hear one of Celeste’s interviews from the major energy conference CERAWeek by S&P Global, in which she talks with President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Jay Timmons, who discusses how complex manufacturing policy applies to our everyday life and how policy is currently affecting manufacturing.Plus, Ernie, Frank, and Celeste, along with Hello Houston listeners, share their Current Obsessions for this week as part of our regular Thursday feature, where we talk about the latest things that are taking up all our free time.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we learn all about the Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra with band director David Caceras and student musician Matthew Cruz, who also discuss what's ahead for the group after being selected to compete in the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival.Next, we hear from Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious diseases epidemiologist at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, who shares her thoughts on the Trump administration's proposed changes to the country’s vaccine policy and why these vaccine recommendations remain important.Also, we highlight The Happening at The Orange Show, a monthly performance art and open mic showcase, with host and organizer Andrew Whit and The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art's chief curator, Pete Gershon, who tell us more about what audiences can expect from these experimental shows.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jim Blackburn, a professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, who shares his thoughts on the expansion of Ben Taub Hospital through eminent domain and what happens next.Then, Broadway star Nicholas Rodriguez joins us to discuss his upcoming concert, Sincerely, Sondheim, a musical love letter to the late composer Stephen Sondheim, which will run at the Hobby Center on March 26th and 27th.Also, Wendell Primus, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Center on Health Policy, joins us to discuss growing concerns over the future of social security as new projections warn the program could face insolvency in the coming years.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Ernie and Frank’s conversation with Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, who talks about the university’s initiatives that have been launched in recent years, as well as his priorities moving forward.Next, Houston-area jazz pianist Barry Seelen and neurologist Dr. Justine Chen join us to share Seelen's health journey after a new treatment helped him regain the ability to swallow and eat certain foods after he experienced a massive stroke last year.Plus, Houston comedian Marcus D. Wiley joins us to discuss his comedy career, having previously been a TSU professor, his clean approach to comedy, and his new full-length stand-up special, Rehab.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear from Jon Van Gorp, chair of global law at the Mayer Brown law firm, who discusses what’s behind Houston’s growing law industry with an influx of national and international law firms moving to the Bayou City.Also, we’re joined by former director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Federico Salas-Isnardi, who talks to us about adult literacy, what’s being done to address the issue, and what resources are available for adults wanting to improve their literacy skills.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Frank and Celeste are joined by the Baker Institute’s Bill King, who discusses a new report raising questions about the impact affordable housing projects are having on Harris County.Then, producer and director Linda Gibbs tells us about the limited docuseries, The Change: Unleashing the Wild Woman, and how it explores the transformation women experience when going through menopause.Also, we hear from Houston City Councilmember Julian Ramirez, who joins us to discuss the city’s new on-demand heavy trash pickup system and what’s behind the delays in rolling it out after it was put on hold earlier this month.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear Frank and Celeste talk with Houston City Controller Chris Hollins, who discusses a new report from his office saying the city is on track to spend about 40% more on electricity than it did last year.Then, longtime members of Houston’s Archway Gallery, John Slaby and Cookie Wells, join us to tell us all about this long-running artist-owned and operated gallery and its upcoming 50th anniversary exhibition, Fifty Forward.Also, we learn all about the University of Houston’s dementia research programs with Stacey Gorniak, a professor of motor behavior in the Department of Health and Human Performance, who also explains what we can do to protect our brain health.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we hear Frank and Celeste’s conversation with former Houston Dynamo player Brian Ching, who talks about his sports career, his entrepreneurial work, and his upcoming induction into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.Next, we learn all about local faith-based organization Hope Center Houston, with assistant executive director Kathleen Spangler, who also explains how the non-profit is celebrating its tenth anniversary.Also, Texas Tribune journalist Gabby Birenbaum joins us to talk about her article on the political rise of the Freedom Caucus, which encompasses the most right-wing members of the House, and their recent successes in the 2026 Texas primaries.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste discuss the shortage of affordable rental units for low-income earners across the country and the Houston region with Ben Martin, the Deputy Director at Texas Housers.Then, we hear from Nicole Zayas Manzano, Deputy Director of Policy at The Bail Project, who joins us to break down new data from Harris County that suggests recent reforms to the local bail system appear to be working.Also, Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director of the Houston Public Library Foundation, joins us to discuss the legacy and history of one of Houston’s most iconic cultural landmarks, the Julia Ideson Library, which is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary this year.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk about the upcoming 2026 Oscars with Dave Morales, co-owner and editor of the entertainment news website BackstageOL.com, who tells us his predictions for this year’s ceremony.Next, Dom Finetti and Patrick McAlexander of the Houston-based non-profit a cappella ensemble Space City Sound join us to discuss what they do, their upcoming performance, and members of the ensemble treat us to a special performance.Plus, we discuss the rise of prediction markets with Dustin Gouker, publisher of the Substack newsletter The Event Horizon, who helps us better understand this fast-moving industry and where the idea of betting on anything came from.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” Ernie and Frank talk with Dr. Sergio Lira, President of Greater Houston LULAC, who explains the organization’s recent decision to cancel this year's Cinco De Mayo parade.Next, we discuss Houston’s premier community biking event, Tour De Houston, with Todd Holloman, Vice President of Venues and Live Events at Houston First Corporation, who tells us all about this year’s upcoming event and its three route options.Also, we discuss the rising cost of housing and the debate over whether investment companies should be allowed to buy single-family homes with The Texas Tribune’s Urban Affairs reporter, Joshua Fechter.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," we hear highlights from our second live show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including our conversation with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who discusses how the city and county work with each other to put this large event together every year, and the current issues affecting the city of Houston.Then, we hear from Kenneth Lewis, Chairman of the HLSR’s Commercial Exhibits Committee, who tells us about the rodeo’s food vendors, along with the winners of this year’s Gold Buckle Foodie Awards, Joey Rousso of Rousso's Fat Bacon, and Mark Zable of Darlin's Fried Chicken, who tell us all about their award-winning food creations.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we break down what’s behind the large number of job losses in the latest jobs report with Dr. Daniel Hamermesh, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Texas, who also explains what this means for Houstonians.Next, we hear from Oliver James, a literacy activist, motivational speaker, and influencer, who shares the story of his struggles with adult illiteracy before making the decision to learn to read and how TikTok played a role in achieving this goal.Plus, we learn all about the local non-profit Keep Houston Beautiful, with Alan Steinberg, a volunteer board member for the organization, who discusses how they tackle their mission of cleaning up the city, and what individuals can do to help.

In today's edition of "The Commuter Cut," Frank and Celeste talk with University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who joins us to discuss the rising cost of oil due to the Iran conflict and what this could mean for consumers.Then, we learn about the upcoming Brains in Society conference, which will bring neuroscientists and other experts together to talk about how advances in brain research are influencing health care, education, and technology, with Simon Fischer-Baum, associate professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Rice University.Plus, Jassi Bindra, a Houston-based chef and restaurateur, talks to us about being a contestant on the new season of the popular reality competition series Top Chef, the food he’s passionate about, and the story of his culinary journey.

In today’s edition of “The Commuter Cut,” we’re joined by Dr. Inyang Uwak, Research and Policy Director at Air Alliance Houston, who discusses a new report that examines large-scale air pollution events in Houston and what caused them.Also, Jamie Ferrell, Director of Forensic Nursing for Memorial Hermann Health System, explains what people can do to prevent sexual assault incidents during Spring Break, as well as what victims should do if an incident does occur.Plus, our hosts discuss the latest things they’re obsessed with for this week’s edition of Current Obsessions, and share a rundown of events happening in Houston this weekend for our regular Friday feature, "Last Minute Plans."