Podcasts about Houston Chronicle

It's been one year since Hurricane Beryl hit Houston and knocked out power for millions. In the aftermath, state leaders and local lawmakers blasted CenterPoint for multiple failures, from its outage tracker, to delayed power restoration, and generators that never turned on. But, did our leaders hold CenterPoint accountable? Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Claire Hao, energy and power grid reporter at the Houston Chronicle, about the failure to deliver meaningful reform, the power company's plans, and why customers will have to pay more. Texas lawmakers failed to deliver on big CenterPoint reforms after Beryl: 'Band-Aids on bullet wounds' Texas leaders broke promises to hold CenterPoint accountable after Hurricane Beryl. Here are 5 takeaways. Seniors died at higher rates after Beryl, one calls days without power “scary” SB 231 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe | Houston Visit Port Aransas A.D. Players Theater Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday's show: We get the latest on the flooding the Texas Hill Country, local efforts to aid in the rescue and recovery operations, and what actions elected officials could have taken to mitigate the disaster -- and what they might do to prevent similar ones in the future.Also this hour: We learn how summer camps prepare for emergencies and work to put parents' minds at ease as they leave their children in their care for days or even weeks at a time.Then, a local therapist who specializes in grief and family trauma talks about dealing with trauma after events like the floods in Central Texas. Her practice is offering free virtual counseling sessions and a collection of trauma-informed resources for those affected by the Texas floods.Plus: Hurricane Beryl made landfall a year ago today. Houstonians saw power knocked out for days. We reflect on the state of the power grid and CenterPoint, one year later.And certain neighborhoods in Houston have become focal points for the bar and club scene. Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing explains some of the negative things that come along with that and how people who live in those areas are pushing back.

Historic rainfall in the Texas Hill Country over the July Fourth weekend killed at least 67 people statewide. Some of the missing are from the Greater Houston area, including some young girls from the sleep-away camp, Camp Mystic. With state leaders promising a “relentless” search and federal assistance on the way, host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee talked on Sunday to bring you the latest on what we know and how to help.The latest on the historic flooding and stories we talked about:  Houston Chronicle's Live Coverage  Here's why the Texas Hill Country flood was much worse than anyone ever expected In Texas region prone to catastrophic floods, questions grow about lack of warning Making sense of the weather that led to a horrible Texas flooding tragedy What we know about the Camp Mystic girls still missing after devastating floods in Central Texas Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHoustonDon't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday's show: The death toll continues to rise following devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country. We get the very latest from Houston Public Media's Dominic Anthony Walsh live from Kerrville. We also hear the accounts of several flood victims, including a Houstonian who was preparing to move there next month. And Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger explains the weather that led to Friday's flooding and whether the blame some have sought to place on the National Weather Service is misplaced.We also welcome your thoughts on this and other major stories in the news as we chat with Houston Chronicle op-ed editor Lisa Gray.RELATED: How Houston residents can help Texas Hill Country flood victimsAlso this hour: The future of birthright citizenship.And Jeff Balke updates us on the latest developments in Houston sports.

Democrats are trying to get it together ahead of what should be a pretty good election cycle for them here in Texas. But the top of their ticket already includes the very real possibility of a US Senate nominee who lost badly to one of the most hated Republicans in America just 9 months ago. What are they even doing? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle joins JR to talk about the Rockets expectations and offseason moves.

JR on the “winners” of NBA free agency. | JR is joined by Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. | Are we overrating the Rockets? |

A new investigation in the Houston Chronicle found that Houston police called ICE on woman after she called 911 for domestic abuse. So, is HPD working with ICE despite Mayor Whitmire saying they aren't?  Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Sam González Kelly, one of the Houston Chronicle reporters on that investigation, and Maria Espinosa of FIEL, the largest immigrant-led civil rights organization in Texas, to answer that question, and how this case could put more immigrants and all Houstonians at risk.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠She called 911 to report domestic abuse. Then Houston police called ICE on her.⁠ ⁠Homicides down 6% in Houston, but family violence a growing issue, records show⁠ ⁠Harris County's New District Attorney Has Big Plans⁠ ⁠Learn more about FIEL ⁠ Join the City Cast Houston team for our Pre-713 Day Celebration at Saint Arnold Brewing on July 10th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event is free, but please RSVP ⁠here⁠. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter ⁠Hey Houston⁠  Follow us on ⁠Instagram ⁠ @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have ⁠feedback or a show idea⁠? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? ⁠Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have reached a really dangerous point in American history when people aren't so much judged for what they did, they're judged differently based on who did it even if it's the exact same thing. We'll explain plus Little Gov. Patrick looks defeated on THC and Jeremy reports on what might be the last days of a dying industry in Texas. No one can come close to covering this state like we do, right? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Alexander joined the show to share his thoughts on the Texans offense. Plus, the main storylines from the AFC South were addressed, along with some sizzling hot takes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle Lerner joins Wolf and Luke to discuss the reaction in Houston following the Houston Rockets acquiring Kevin Durant, Jalen Green and his potential future, and if Jabari Smith Jr. was an untouchable piece for the Rockets.

Kevin Durant will become a Houston Rocket on July 6, but the Phoenix Suns are sending 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year's draft and five second-round picks. The Houston Chronicle's Danielle Lerner joins The A-Team to talk all things surrounding the trade!

While Gov. Abbott waits until the last possible minute to let us all know how he's going to handle the proposed THC ban in Texas, candidates are already lining up for races up and down the ballot in next year's elections. We've got the fullest report on that yet. Plus, the rift within President Trump's MAGA base was on full display when Tucker Carlson and Sen. Cruz duked it out during a two-hour argument in Washington. We listened to it so you don't have to. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Dexheimer, a Colby College graduate and now an investigative reporter with the Houston Chronicle, discusses the Lotto Texas April 2023 $95 million lottery jackpot currently under investigation by law enforcement.

WIth minicamp in the rearview mirror, Marc and John talk about how they feel the season might play out, plus Jonathan Alexander from the Houston Chronicle talks about his article on the Texans practice facility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First up, Georgetown law professor and former national legal director at the ACLU, David Cole, joins us to discuss the legal response to the Trump Administration's serial violations of the Constitution. Then Mike Ferner of Veterans for Peace checks in to update us halfway through his Fast for Gaza, 40 days of living on 250 calories per day, which is the average caloric intake of Palestinian survivors in Gaza. Finally, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Joe Holley, stops by to pay tribute to his mentor and colleague, the late crusading journalist, Ronnie Dugger, founder of the progressive Texas Observer.David Cole is the Honorable George J. Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy and former National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He writes about and teaches constitutional law, freedom of speech, and constitutional criminal procedure. He is a regular contributor to The New York Review of Books and is the legal affairs correspondent for The Nation.Trump is obviously not concerned about antisemitism. He's concerned about targeting schools because they are places where people can criticize the president, where people can think independently, are taught to think independently, and often don't support what the president is doing. He's using his excuse to target a central institution of civil society.David ColeThe decision on Trump versus the United States is only about criminal liability for criminal acts, not for unconstitutional acts. And violating the Constitution is not a crime. Every president has violated the Constitution probably since George Washington. That's not a crime.David ColeMike Ferner served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and he is former National Director and current Special Projects Coordinator for Veterans for Peace. He is the author of Inside the Red Zone: A Veteran for Peace Reports from Iraq.Two hundred and fifty calories is technically, officially, a starvation diet, and we're doing it for 40 days. The people in Gaza have been doing it for months and months and months, and they're dying like crazy. That's the whole concern that we're trying to raise. And I'll tell you at the end of this fast, on the 40th day, we are not just going out silently. There are going to be some fireworks before we're done with this thing. So all I'm saying is: stay tuned.Mike Ferner: Special Projects Coordinator of Veterans for Peace on “FastforGaza”They're (The Veterans Administration is) being defamed, Ralph, for the same reason that those right-wing corporatists defamed public education. So they can privatize it. And that's exactly what they're trying to do with the VA. And I can tell you every single member of Veterans for Peace has got nothing but praise for the VA.Mike FernerJoe Holley was the editor of the Texas Observer in the early 1980s. A former staff writer at The Washington Post and a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial writer and columnist at the Houston Chronicle, he is the author of eight books, mostly about Texas.He would talk to people, and he would find out things going on about racial discrimination, about farm workers being mistreated, all kind of stories that the big papers weren't reporting. And this one guy, young Ronnie Dugger, would write these stories and expose things about Texas that a lot of Texans just did not know.Joe Holley on the late progressive journalist, Ronnie DuggerHe knew the dark side of Texas, but he always had an upbeat personality. I had numerous conversations with Ronnie (Dugger), and he was ferociously independent.Ralph NaderNews 6/13/251. On Monday, Israeli forces seized the Madleen, the ship carrying activist Greta Thunberg and others attempting to bring food and other supplies past the Israeli blockade into Gaza, and detained the crew. The ship was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Thunberg had been designated an “Ambassador of Conscience,” by Amnesty International. The group decried her detention, with Secretary General Agnès Callamard writing, “Israel has once again flouted its legal obligations towards civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip and demonstrated its chilling contempt for legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice.” On Tuesday, CBS reported that Israel deported Thunberg. Eight other passengers refused deportation and the Jerusalem Post reports they remain in Israeli custody. They will be represented in Israeli courts by Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel. One of these detainees is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament.2. Shortly before the Madleen was intercepted, members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern for the safety of these activists, citing the deadly 2010 raid of the Mavi Marmara, which ultimately resulted in the death of ten activists, including an American. This letter continued, “any attack on the Madleen or its civilian crew is a clear and blatant violation of international law. United Nations experts have called for the ship's safe passage and warned Israel to “refrain from any act of hostility” against the Madleen and its passengers…We call on you to monitor the Madleen's journey and deter any such hostile actions.” This letter was led by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, and drew signatures from Congressional progressives like Reps. Summer Lee, AOC, Ilhan Omar, Greg Casar, and others.3. On the other end of the political spectrum, Trump – ever unpredictable – seemed to criticize Israel's detention of Thunberg. In a press conference, “Trump was…asked about Thunberg's claim that she had been kidnapped.” The president responded “I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg…Is that what she said? She was kidnapped by Israel?” The reporter replied “Yes, sir,” to which “Trump responded by shaking his head.” This from Newsweek.4. Of course, the major Trump news this week is his response to the uprising in Los Angeles. Set off by a new wave of ICE raids, protesters have clashed with police in the streets and Trump has responded by increasingly upping the ante, including threatening to arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom, per KTLA. Beyond such bluster however, Trump has moved to deploy U.S. Marines onto the streets of the nation's second-largest city. Reuters reports, “About 700 Marines were in a staging area in the Seal Beach area about 30 miles…south of Los Angeles, awaiting deployment to specific locations,” in addition to 2,100 National Guard troops. The deployment of these troops raises thorny legal questions. Per Reuters, “The Marines and National Guard troops lack the authority to makes arrests and will be charged only with protecting federal property and personnel,” but “California Attorney General Rob Bonta… [said] there was a risk that could violate an 1878 law that…forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.” Yet, despite all the tumult, these protests seem to have gotten the goods, so to speak: the City of Glendale announced it would, “end its agreement with…ICE to house federal immigration detainees.” All of this sets quite a scene going into Trump's military parade in DC slated for Saturday, June 14th.5. In classic fashion however, Trump's tough posture does not extend to corporate crime. Public Citizen's Rick Claypool reports, “Trump's DOJ just announced American corporations that engage in criminal bribery schemes abroad will no longer be prosecuted.” Claypool cites a June 9th memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, which reads, “Effective today, prosecutors shall…not attribute…malfeasance to corporate structures.” Claypool also cites a Wall Street Journal piece noting that “the DOJ has already ended half of its criminal investigations into corporate bribery in foreign countries and shrunk its [Foreign Corrupt Practices Act] unit down to 25 employees.”6. Americans can at least take small comfort in one thing: the departure of Elon Musk from the top rungs of government. It remains to be seen what exactly precipitated his final exit and how deep his rift with Trump goes – Musk has already backed down on his harshest criticisms of the president, deleting his tweet claiming Trump was in Epstein files, per ABC. Yet, this appears to be a victory for Steve Bannon and the forces he represents within Trump's inner circle. On June 5th, the New York Times reported that Bannon, “said he was advising the president to cancel all [Musk's] contracts and… ‘initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status'.” Bannon added, “[Musk] should be deported from the country immediately.'” Bannon has even called for a special counsel probe, per the Hill. Bannon's apparent ascendency goes beyond the Oval Office as well. POLITICO Playbook reports Bannon had a 20-minute-long conversation with Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman on Monday evening – while Fetterman dined with Washington bureau chief for Breitbart, Matt Boyle – at Butterworth's, the DC MAGA “watering hole.” This also from the Hill.7. On the way out, the Daily Beast reports, “Elon Musk's goons at the Department of Government Efficiency transmitted a large amount of data—all of it undetected—using a Starlink Wi-Fi terminal they installed on top of the White House.” Sources “suggested that the [the installation of the Starlink terminal] was intended to bypass White House systems that track the transmission of data—with names and time stamps—and secure it from spies.” It is unknown exactly what data Musk and his minions absconded with, and for what purpose. We can only hope the public gets some answers.8. With Musk and Trump parting ways, other political forces are now seeking to woo the richest man in the world. Semafor reports enigmatic Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley and chaired Bernie Sanders' campaign in California, “talked with one of…Musk's ‘senior confidants' …about whether the ex-DOGE leader…might want to help the Democratic Party in the midterms.” Khanna added, “Having Elon speak out against the irrational tariff policy, against the deficit exploding Trump bill, and the anti-science and anti-immigrant agenda can help check Trump's unconstitutional administration…I look forward to Elon turning his fire against MAGA Republicans instead of Democrats in 2026.” On the other hand, the Hill reports ex-Democrat Andrew Yang is publicly appealing to Musk for an alliance following Musk's call for the establishment of an “America Party.” Yang himself founded the Forward Party in 2021. Yang indicated Musk has not responded to his overtures.9. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Democratic Party appears to be giving up entirely. In a leaked Zoom meeting, DNC Chair Ken Martin – only elected in February – said, “I don't know if I wanna do this anymore,” per POLITICO. On this call, Martin expressed frustration with DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, blaming him for, “[destroying] any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to.” Hogg meanwhile has doubled down, defying DNC leadership by “wading into another primary,” this time for the open seat left by the death of Congressman Gerry Conolly in Virginia, the Washington Post reports. The DNC is still weighing whether to void Hogg's election as Vice Chair.10. Finally, in some good news from New York City, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani appears to have closed the gap with disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo began the race with a 40-point lead; a new Data for Progress poll shows that lead has been cut down to just two points. Moreover, that poll was conducted before Mamdani was endorsed by AOC, who is expected to bring with her substantial support from Latinos and residents of Queens, among other groups. Notably, Mamdani has racked up tremendous numbers among young men, a demographic the Democratic Party has struggled to attract in recent elections. Cuomo will not go down without a fight however. The political nepo-baby has already secured a separate ballot line for the November election, meaning he will be in the race even if he loses the Democratic primary, and he is being boosted by a new million-dollar digital ad spend by Airbnb, per POLITICO. The New York City Democratic Primary will be held on June 24th.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

On Tuesday's show: We look at the forecast for rain the rest of the week and discuss the probability of another early-season hurricane this year, like Hurricane Beryl last season, with Justin Ballard, meteorologist with the Houston Chronicle.Also this hour: There seems to be an awful lot of misunderstanding and perhaps even misuse of the First Amendment these days. We discuss how the rights to speech, religion, press, and assembly are viewed legally when that is at odds with what is happening around the country -- and what it all means for us here in Houston.Then, is advocating for equitable transportation in Houston getting harder to do? We ask Robin Holzer, the new head of LINK Houston.And we explore the concept of developing more events and venues in Houston that help Houstonians get in touch with their feminine side.

It's been almost four years since 10 people died and hundreds of others were hurt at the Astroworld Festival, and now Netflix is releasing a new documentary, Trainwreck: the Astroworld Tragedy, explaining how this tragic event could've been avoided. Host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking it down with Jose Partida, an Astroworld concertgoer, and Zach Despart, journalist at the Texas Tribune who was part of the Houston Chronicle's award-winning coverage of the event.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  No Escape Plan: How missed warning signs at Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival led to one of the worst U.S. concert tragedies Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: Comicpalooza Jones Dairy Farm Visit Uvalde County A.D. Players Theater Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday so we're breaking down the biggest stories of the week that impacted YOU. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by Abby Church, city hall reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Evan Mintz to talk about the drama surrounding Mayor Whitmire's budget passing, the extension of the state's takeover of HISD, big takeaways from the 89th State Legislature, and some big career news for Evan!  Stories we talked about on today's show:  ⁠High-tension Houston City Council meeting ends with greenlight of Mayor John Whitmire's $7B budget⁠ ⁠Whitmire supports Texas bill that would reverse some Houston pension reforms, alarming experts⁠ ⁠Chris Newport, Houston Mayor John Whitmire's chief of staff, to leave administration⁠ ⁠Houston ISD takeover by state will continue through 2027, TEA announces⁠ ⁠Key bills that passed and failed in the Texas Legislature⁠ ⁠Will Housing in Houston Ever Be Affordable Again?⁠ ⁠Evan Mintz named Houston Chronicle editor of Opinion and Community Engagement⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this June 6th episode: ⁠Comicpalooza⁠ ⁠Arts District Houston⁠ ⁠Visit Port Aransas⁠ ⁠Contemporary Arts Museum Houston⁠ ⁠Downtown Houston+⁠ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter ⁠Hey Houston⁠  Follow us on ⁠Instagram ⁠ @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have ⁠feedback or a show idea⁠? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? ⁠Let's Talk!⁠ Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defensive back Jalen Pitre covered a lot of ground in this visit with the Texans Radio Crew. Plus, the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Alexander joined the show as well for his thoughts on OTAs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lt. Gov. Patrick this week called Jeremy "stupid" and "crazy" for asking him if adults should be able to use THC products legally in Texas while protecting children. Jeremy's ready to respond on the show. Plus, Gov. Abbott got his wish of cracking down on crime through "bail reform." But what does it really mean and did Abbott try to go too far? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston's brunch scene is one of the best in the nation, from chicken and waffles to dim sum and everything in between. But with so many standout spots, choosing the perfect spot for your brunch plans can be overwhelming. That's why host Raheel Ramzanali is teaming up with Bao Ong, the Houston Chronicle's restaurant critic, to round up the top brunch experiences around H-town. Whether you're looking for party vibes, a decadent Mexican meal, or a classic buffet, they've got you covered! Places we talked about on today's show:  The Pit Room Flora Houston Xalisko Lucille's  Barnaby Cafe Hugo's  Mia's Table Chapman and Kirby Montrose Country Club Bar Boheme  Squable Cuchara  Aga's  The Marigold Club Silk Road  Ocean Palace  Fung's Kitchen Forget Me Not  Kamp Honey Hole Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode: Texas Monthly Taco Fest Comicpalooza Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest news from the waning days of the Texas Legislature and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Real estate in much of Greater Houston has been a seller's market for a very long time. Not so in Galveston lately. We talk over some recent trends in Galveston real estate with Marissa Luck of the Houston Chronicle and Kimberly Gaido, real estate agent with Sand ‘N Sea Properties in Galveston.And we talk with comedian and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! panelist Hari Kondabolu ahead of his standup gigs Friday and Saturday at Houston's Punch Line Comedy Club.

Seth and Sean compare what they learned from the Astros' last 17 games with what Matt Kawahara said he learned in his piece in the Houston Chronicle.

About Joel Zeff:Joel Zeff creates energy. His spontaneous humor and vital messages have thrilled audiences for more than 25 years. As a national speaker, work culture expert, author, and humorist, Joel captivates audiences with a unique blend of hilarious improvisational comedy and essential ideas on work and life. He has shared his experience and insight on collaboration, leadership, change, communication, innovation, fun, and passion at more than 2,500 events. His book, “Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work,” is consistently listed as one of Amazon's top work/life balance books. He has appeared on CNBC and featured in the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, The Kansas City Star, and many other media outlets. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Joel Zeff discuss:The transformative power of improv in personal and professional growthUsing fun as a tool to enhance workplace engagement and cultureHow authenticity and joy fuel leadership effectivenessCreating positive team dynamics through supportive communicationThe role of mindset and decision-making in navigating change and innovation Key Takeaways:Incorporate play-based exercises like improv games in team sessions to encourage creativity, active listening, and adaptability during moments of change.Regularly express positive support and appreciation to team members to reinforce a culture of encouragement and emotional safety.Redefine “fun at work” to include activities and responsibilities that bring fulfillment, such as mentoring, achieving goals, or solving problems creatively, not just social events.Facilitate reflection after experiential activities by asking questions like “What choices led to your success?” and “How can this apply to how you lead or collaborate?” "You gotta figure out what your fun is. Fun is making a big sale. Fun is mentoring a team member. Fun is being a great leader. Fun is creating an environment where the team is creative. There's lots of everything that is fun.” — Joel Zeff Connect with Joel Zeff:  Website: http://www.joelzeff.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoelZeffCreativeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeffFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoelzeff/   See Dean's TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel AlvarezAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

The Texans Radio Crew welcomed the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Alexander in to talk about the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lt. Gov. Patrick brought the Texas House to heel this week in his quest to ban THC completely. How did he do it? We'll fill you in. Plus, single moms in a large swath of Houston have no representation in Congress as their food assistance is threatened. And this weekend marks the third anniversary of the Uvalde massacre. We'll take a look back and tell you about how little has been done to respond in the aftermath. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday's show: This coming Sunday will mark five years since the murder of George Floyd sparked demonstrations, calls for a racial reckoning in the United States, and continued demands for police reform. We reflect on the life of the Houston native and what his death brought about -- and what activists believe still needs to be done.Also this hour: The International Space Station is already facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, and the Trump administration plans to cut even more. We learn how NASA is handling the situation and how it could affect both astronauts and those working on the ground here in Houston with Andrea Leinfelder, who covers space for the Houston Chronicle.Then, from a building in the Third Ward and the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter mural on it being demolished the week of the fifth anniversary of Floyd's murder, to a Houston man suing Whataburger because a store allegedly left onions on his hamburger, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we preview a concert tonight celebrating the 10th anniversary of the local the string orchestra Kinetic. The program includes a premiere work by a Sugar Land native.

Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross joined the show, and so too did the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Alexander. They shared their thoughts on the Texans' offseason, and where they think the team is headed in 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little Gov. Dan Patrick says this has been a "boring session" for him. Why would that be? Well, maybe it's because the Texas House is doing just about whatever the right-wing Texas Senate wants even though Speaker Dustin Burrows was elected with a majority Democratic coalition. Plus, the fight over Medicaid cuts gets downright nasty in Washington and Sen. Ted Cruz has serious concerns about President Trump accepting a gift of a luxury jet from a foreign government. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday so host Raheel Ramzanali is breaking down the big stories of the week with some of our brightest journalists in the city. Joining Raheel today is Houston Chronicle's Texas government reporter Isaac Yu to explain why state lawmakers might scrap the STAAR testing — and what would come next — and the latest with the state takeover of HISD. Plus, we get an update on how Galveston officials plan to keep Bolivar's wild Jeep Weekend under control.  Stories we talked about on today's show:  Texas lawmakers propose scrapping the STAAR test in favor of three much shorter exams State intervention: Morath reflects on academic progress and future changes at HISD Parents slam cosmetic clean-up ahead of Texas Education chief's visit to HISD Texas lawmakers agree on $8B school funding package with teacher raises ‘Jeep Weekend' beach restrictions for 2025 approved by Galveston County commissioners Galveston may be the Houston region's biggest buyer's market as a wave of Airbnbs floods listings Local Democrats eyeing to end 'Cruz Curse' with banning of senator Learn more about the sponsors of this May 16th episode: Downtown Houston+ Stages Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Buffalo Bayou Partnership Visit Port Aransas Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

C.J. Stroud and the Texans will operate a new offense in 2025. But what will he look like in it? The Texans Radio Crew discussed that, and the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Alexander joined the program as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business owners and entrepreneurs who mess up royally might take cold comfort in Al Lewis's Substack, BusinessBlunders.com, which regularly details the boneheaded choices and outright illegal antics of a rogues gallery of today's and yesteryear's CEOs and senior executives. For most readers, Al's independent newsletter is an opportunity to learn from other people's mistakes, which is, as he puts it, “is a lot less costly than learning from your own.” Among his recent posts is an article titled Lost In Love: Top CEOs who kissed away their jobs, featuring, among others, Kohl's CEO Ashley Buchanan, BP CEO Bernard Looney, and McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook. Al is a veteran journalist and editor, having served as business editor of the Houston Chronicle and The Denver Post, and Markets Editor at CNBC. You won't want to miss this episode. Doing so would be a business blunder of the first order. Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Al Lewis, BusinessBlunders.comPosted: May 12, 2025 Monday Morning Run Time: 50:25 Episode: 13.45 RELATED EPISODES: It Is Our Struggles, More Than Our Successes, That Forge Great Leaders and Entrepreneurs When He Teaches Others How to Bounce Back From ‘Rock Bottom,' Rob Lohman Has Walked the Talk Inventors Are a Hearty Lot – Failure is Not a Disincentive

Texas Republicans this week moved to ban some foreigners from owning land in this state, sparking an emotional and lengthy debate about a crackdown on immigrants that still won't help many GOP lawmakers avoid nasty primary challenges. Plus, Gov. Abbott says his signature school voucher initiative is a huge win for families and a "promise kept" from his campaign. We'll spell out the facts on that. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Plugged In, Chuck Hanna welcomes Rich Powell, CEO of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), to discuss the future of grid infrastructure and associated emerging technologies. Powell highlights the importance of enhancing the current grid through innovative technologies like dynamic line rating, advanced conductors, and virtual power plants. He emphasizes the need for better utilization of existing assets and explores how grid-enhancing technologies can improve efficiency and support clean energy generation. Powell also touches on the role of policy shifts in enabling these advancements, sharing insights into the ongoing legislative efforts around tax incentives for clean energy. He stresses the potential impact on electricity prices and the importance of maintaining support for new clean energy generation. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Overview of  CEBA's sustainability vision for 2030 and beyond (02:36) Addressing  regulatory changes and industry shifts (07:29) How CEBA balances near-term needs with long-term vision (11:34) CEBA initiatives and their impact on corporates (14:35) Key emerging grid-enhancing technologies (18:12) Tech-neutral tax credits and their possible effects (23:03) For full show notes, click here. Resources: Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) Connect with Rich Powell  On LinkedIn Rich Powell is the CEO of Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). Prior to CEBA, he was the CEO of ClearPath and ClearPath Action, the DC-based organizations advancing policies that accelerate breakthrough innovations to reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors. Powell advises policymakers on investing wisely in energy innovation, removing roadblocks to building and exporting American clean energy and industrial technology, and maintaining and promoting our flexible clean energy resources. He frequently testifies before Congress on climate change and energy innovation. His work has been published in the Wall Street Journal, FoxNews.com, Washington Examiner, The Hill, Morning Consult, RealClear Energy, and several regional publications. His views are regularly featured in national publications including the National Review, NPR, Politico, USA Today, Axios, E&E, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, LA Times, Houston Chronicle, MIT Tech Review, Bloomberg, Green Tech Media, Utility Dive, the Guardian, and many others. Powell serves on the boards of the 2040 Foundation and the Conservative Climate Foundation, is a Strategic Advisor to the Silverado Policy Accelerator, and is part of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center's Advisory Group. Rich served on the Advisory Committee to the Export Import Bank of the United States from 2019 to 2021. Previously, Powell was with McKinsey & Company in the Energy and Sustainability practices. He focused on corporate clean energy strategy, government low carbon growth strategy, and clean tech market entry. Connect with Constellation Follow Constellation on LinkedIn Follow Chuck Hanna on LinkedIn Learn more about Constellation sustainability solutions Connect with Smart Energy Decisions Follow us on LinkedInSubscribe to Smart Energy Voices onApple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, aCast, PlayerFM, iHeart RadioIf you're interested in participating in the next Smart Energy Decisions Event, visit smartenergydecisions.com or email our Community Development team at attend@smartenergydecisions.com

Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle joined the Texans Radio Crew and shared his thoughts about the Draft class, OTAs and a whole lot more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With oil prices falling and consumers spending less, it looks like we could be heading towards a recession. So, host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Chris Tomlinson, the Houston Chronicle's business columnist, about what you can do now to prepare. Plus, we look back how Houston survived previous downturns. Stories we talked about on today's show:  Oil price drop is a warning light for the Texas economy. What to look for and how to prepare Houston will be in recession by summer because of tariffs, falling crude oil prices, UH economist forecasts The 1980s Oil Bust Almost Broke Houston. Almost More of Chris' work in the Houston Chronicle  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 5th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Downtown Houston+ Stages Gals Who Give Harris County Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week a legendary Texas conservative, former Sen. Phil Gramm, told Jeremy that President Trump's tariffs aren't just hurting Texans and all Americans, but he also called them "political poison." Check out the exclusive interview. Plus, Texas lawmakers got into knockdown dragout fights about "furries," ESG, and more. And the race for US Senate from Texas still doesn't seem to be fully formed. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(0:35:00) Sam Khan, The Athletic (1:24:00) Ryan Mulvaney, Sports Lawyer (1:52:00) Craig Smoak's “Off The Radar” (2:20:00) Chip Brown, 247 Sports (2:40:00) Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle (2:50:00) Paul Catalina's “Top 5” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirk Bohls Houston Chronicle joins 365 Sports to discuss his thoughts on his story about Texas having a budget of 35 to 40 million dollars, his thoughts on the stigma around the rumors of the roster budget, his thoughts on the run that Texas is on at the moment and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kirk Bohls from the Houston Chronicle joins the show to discuss the potential for their being a salary cap in college football. Plus we take more of your phone calls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Houston officials unveiled a massive $2 billion expansion for the George R. Brown Convention Center, the project quickly faced pushback from residents in the East End. Their concern: it would shut down part of Polk Street, a busy street in downtown and their key access into downtown. Host Raheel Ramzanali is bringing on Ryan Nickerson, quality of life reporter at the Houston Chronicle, and Amy Erickson, organizer with People for Polk, about why East End residents are so concerned, how Houston decides when to abandon a public street, and what else is at stake.  Stories we talked about on today's episode:  How Houston decides when to abandon public streets and alleys Houston's East End residents concerned about closure of Polk Street for convention center expansion Why this busy downtown Houston street is being abandoned by the city Houston's GRB South will feature the largest ballroom in Texas, but not everyone is excited What impacts your quality of life the most in Houston? Learn more about People of Polk  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 29th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code HOUSTON for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Visit Port Aransas Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali talks with the Houston Chronicle's education reporter Nusaiba Mizan about the explosive HISD bribery trial that detailed how district officials and one vendor exploited public trust and tax dollars. From the courtroom's wildest moments to what this means for the future of HISD, Nusaiba breaks it all down. Plus, they dive into the district's looming budget crisis, a calculation error that nearly cost dozens of teachers their jobs, and more ongoing drama at HISD.Dive deeper into the stories we talked about today: Former HISD COO, vendor found guilty on 33 charges of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud Strip clubs, parking lot cash handoffs and other surprises in Houston ISD's federal bribery trial Former Houston ISD board president testifies that she accepted $17K in bribes at Walmart parking lot Houston ISD plans around estimated 6,800 student drop for next academic year Ex-HISD principal sues Mike Miles for $3M over emotional distress, 1 year after mass exodus Houston ISD pauses contract nonrenewal conversations with teachers after miscalculation Houston ISD will pay all teachers based on performance, not years of experience in 2026-27 Please see below for tomorrow's sponsor show notes:Learn more about the sponsors of this April 28th episode:Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTVisit Port AransasLooking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHoustonDon't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts!Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the help of President Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott has successfully bullied Texas Republican lawmakers into passing his signature policy initiative of school vouchers. So, with roughly 6 weeks to go in the legislative session, what will they argue about now at the Texas Capitol? Plenty including abortion, immigration, voting rights, and more. We'll break it down. Plus, Jeremy's got his up and down of the week and Scott institutes a swear jar for the show. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I didn't know what I was doing at all...I didn't take any gels in my first marathon...Now I take gels like every 5K or sometimes every 30 minutes."  Emilia Benton is a freelance health and wellness journalist who is particularly passionate about sharing diverse stories and elevating underrepresented voices. Her work has been published by outlets such as Runner's World, Outside RUN, SELF, Women's Health and the Houston Chronicle. Emilia is also a 14-time marathoner, 50-something-time half-marathoner and USATF Level 1-certified run coach.  We talk about the races she has run and worked at this year (including riding on the lead vehicle in Boston), and:  Why she keeps running marathons (14+), and why she loves the Houston Marathon How she has approached training for races lately & why she hired nell rojas as her coach A plea for wider carbon-plated shoes How she approaches fueling now and what she has learned along the way Her hydration tricks for getting through the heat of a Houston Summer How she transitioned from being a FT journalist at the Houston Chronicle to a job in healthcare to freelance work and more! Follow Emilia @emiliambenton on Instagram.  Follow @lane9project on Instagram, and reach out anytime: Lane9project at gmail dot com.  To find a clinician or coach who specializes in women's health and sport, go to Lane9Project.org/directory.   

Seth and Sean discuss the biggest storylines as we head into tonight's NFL Draft and dive into the most interesting items from Jonathan Alexander's profile piece on Nick Caserio in the Houston Chronicle.

Seth and Sean break down what went wrong in the Rockets' loss to the Warriors last night to go down 0-1, the good and bad of the Astros' weekend vs the Padres, how concerned they are about Framber, go through the day's Headlines, discuss the best, worst and most likely draft scenarios for the Texans as outlined by Jonathan Alexander in the Houston Chronicle, give credit where it's due in Acknowledge Me, see who Ian Cummings has the Texans trading up to pick in today's Mock Draft Injection, organize the Rockets into tiers based on last night's performance, discuss what Bill Belichick's GF is doing at UNC, follow up on Friday's Bad Take-a-Mania, decipher and assess pre-draft "intel" from Adam Schefter, discuss Jalen Green's playoff debut disaster last night for the Rockets, and dive into the lawsuit being brought against Shannon Sharpe.

Seth and Sean discuss the best, worst and most likely draft scenarios for the Texans as outlined by Jonathan Alexander in the Houston Chronicle, give credit where it's due in Acknowledge Me, and see who Ian Cummings has the Texans trading up to pick in today's Mock Draft Injection.

With last-minute help from President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott pushed his signature policy goal of school vouchers across the finish line in the Texas House. We've got all the tea on how it really went down. Plus: Why did lawmakers break into a knockdown dragout fight about honoring a dead Texan this week? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats and others slammed Sen. Ted Cruz again this week for the "Cruz Curse" after the University of Houston lost the national championship men's basketball game in San Antonio with Cruz in attendance. Cruz keeps showing up to support Texas teams - and it doesn't work out - but he won't show up for Sen. John Cornyn in his primary against Texas AG Ken Paxton. Plus: A marathon debate in the Texas House provides one of the first tests for its new leadership. We were up for that all night so now you have to hear about it. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices