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Houston Matters

Houston Public Media
Houston
Severe Storms
Houston Independent School District
Thornton Wilder
Storm Recovery
Houston Police Department
The Emporium
Hurricane
Mental Health
Immigration Reform
Alley Theatre
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Emergency Services
FEMA
Memorial Day Weekend
Harris County
Bureaucracy
Virtual Reality
Texas A&M University
Meteorology

Houston Matters is a radio program airing weekdays at 9 am on Houston Public Media News 88.7 FM in Houston. During each hour, we’ll investigate the issues and ideas, people and places that make Houston…well…Houston! We’ll talk about current events, politics, education, health care, the environment, business, transportation, arts and culture, literature, sports and leisure. But we also hope that wh... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes129Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDaily NewsNews

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Artwork for Houston Matters

Latest Episodes

On Monday's show: The 18th Congressional District has a new Congressman-elect. But how soon will Christian Menefee be sworn in?

Also this hour: We offer listeners a chance to vent about their pet peeves about life in our city.

And Jonathan Alexande... more

On Friday's show: Houston Rep. Lizzie Fletcher joins us to discuss immigration enforcement in Minnesota and issues affecting Greater Houston and the nation.

Also this hour: We explore how recent events surrounding immigration policy are influencing ... more

On Thursday's show: Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and public universities to freeze new applications for H-1B visas, which allow employers to hire foreign nationals for certain jobs in the United States. While this directive will af... more

On Wednesday's show: From the effect the freezing weather had on the special election runoff for the 18th Congressional District, to debates and endorsements in statewide primary races, to the fallout from shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Andrea Leinfelder
Space reporter covering NASA for the Houston Chronicle.
Houston Chronicle
Episode: Returning to the moon (Jan. 29, 2026)
Ken Yanda
Professor of practice of community accountable health at the University of Houston's Tillman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
University of Houston
Episode: Returning to the moon (Jan. 29, 2026)
Darrell Douglas
Executive Director of Houston Justice
Episode: Politics of the weather (Jan. 27, 2026)
Matt Moreland
Meteorologist in charge of the Houston Galveston National Weather Service Office
Houston Galveston National Weather Service
Episode: Affects of the freeze (Jan. 26, 2026)
Per Knutos
Chairman of Conservation at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Episode: Freezing weather on the way (Jan. 22, 2026)
Sabria Bell
Licensed professional counselor associate
Heights Family Counseling
Episode: Freezing weather on the way (Jan. 22, 2026)
Natalie Weber
Energy and Environment reporter for Houston Public Media
Houston Public Media
Episode: Freezing weather on the way (Jan. 22, 2026)
TJ Callahan
Texas Radio Hall of Fame broadcaster and film critic
Houston Radio Platinum
Episode: Freezing weather on the way (Jan. 22, 2026)
Frank Langfitt
NPR National Correspondent
NPR
Episode: The week in politics (Jan. 21, 2026)

Hosts

Craig Cohen
Host of Houston Matters, known for his engaging style and focus on local issues.
Michael Haggerty
Filling in for Craig Cohen; routinely covers local news topics.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 120 ratings
  • Insightfully informative & fun

    So glad to have this program available to Houston ! Objectively approachable discussions about issues THAT MATTER to Houstonians.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scubarru
    United States2 months ago
  • Extreme political bias

    It’s so unfortunate that so many great shows have been ruined by their obsession with partisan politics with no attempt at neutrality. Any deviation from the narrow minded, bigoted opinions of the producers is heresy because their tribe lose an election 2 1/2 years ago. I would have rated zero stars if not for the excellent content pre TDS. Hopefully rationality and openness to diversity of opinion will return eventually but I couldn’t justify donating to HPM anymore. I still listen occasionall... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Nostrathomas.
    United States4 years ago
  • Special Edition

    I am typically a fan of this show when it’s led by Craig Cohen & I have appreciated the local doctors and scientists that have contributed, but Ernie Manouse is insufferable and the way he treated a guest today by inserting his own political views (the guest had covid - his family got it & he said he’s a moderate, he asked for feedback on the media’s role in where we’re at, and the guy answered and he said he didn’t agree and just was patronizing) - if you don’t want politics inserted, then stic... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Ehodges05
    United States6 years ago
  • Give it a rest

    I used to listen to this show for daily local news. In recent months the fear mongering and aggrandizement of COVID related issues is insufferable. There’s a way of reporting the facts without sensationalizing it, Houston Matters should aim for that goal. Even the tone of the reporting is overkill. Every time I try to listen I hear myself saying “give it a rest!”

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Ayjayrose
    United States6 years ago
  • Partisan

    If you enjoy one-sided, bias discussions, you will enjoy this dumpster fire.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    htx2020!
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There are mixed feelings about the balance of political views, with some expressing concerns about biases. However, many find the content informative and relevant to daily life in Houston.
Overall, it is regarded as a valuable source for understanding community dynamics and current events in Houston.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth coverage of local issues and the engaging style of the hosts.
The interactions with various guests add depth, but some wish for a more diverse range of perspectives to avoid echo chambers.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#190
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#137
Japan/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#218
Mexico/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#230
India/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Affects of the freeze (Jan. 26, 2026)
Q: What are your thoughts on the potential split that may have come this weekend surrounding the statements regarding approaching law enforcement with a gun?
This creates a clash for strong Second Amendment supporters as it challenges their beliefs about lawful firearms ownership and law enforcement's response.
Affects of the freeze (Jan. 26, 2026)
Q: Are there indications that among the Trump administration's most fervent supporters, that maybe they're starting to see lines crossed that at the very least, maybe they didn't intend?
Yes, some members of Congress are speaking out against the administration due to concerns about the recent violent enforcement actions.
Affects of the freeze (Jan. 26, 2026)
Q: From a political standpoint, how does the killing of American citizens by federal agents during immigration operations change the conversation or does it?
It doesn't change the conversation a great deal as Americans are polarized and see events through their biases, regardless of the footage.
Affects of the freeze (Jan. 26, 2026)
Q: What was your first reaction when you saw news and the video of the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday?
It was painful and disturbing to watch American citizens be shot dead in the streets of the nation's cities.
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (Jan. 30, 2026)
Q: What can or will Congress do to assure fair elections this fall?
Congress should secure elections and ensure voter access, but it's challenged as the current Congress lacks the will to check the president's actions.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Matters

What is Houston Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The episodes feature a blend of local news coverage, community stories, and expert discussions that focus on pressing issues facing the Houston area. Topics range from environmental challenges, such as waste management and sustainability, to socio-economic issues affecting youth disconnection and health care access. There's a notable emphasis on local politics, featuring insights from scholars and journalists on the implications of political decisions on the community. What sets this podcast apart is its commitment to engaging with a diverse range of voices, from local artists to educators and political analysts, promoting a well-rounded understanding of Houston's landscape and culture. This format likely provides a platform for connecting ... more

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How many listeners does Houston Matters get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Houston Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Houston Matters:

1. The NPR Politics Podcast
2. Short Wave
3. On the Media
4. NPR News Now
5. Consider This from NPR

How many episodes of Houston Matters are there?

Houston Matters launched 13 years ago and published 129 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Houston Matters?

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What guests have appeared on Houston Matters?

Recent guests on Houston Matters include:

1. Andrea Leinfelder
2. Ken Yanda
3. Darrell Douglas
4. Matt Moreland
5. Per Knutos
6. Sabria Bell
7. Natalie Weber
8. TJ Callahan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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