Michael Hagerty

Senior Producer, Houston Matters

Michael Hagerty is the Senior Producer for Houston Matters. He has a degree in journalism from Abilene Christian University and has served as news director for NPR and PBS stations around Texas and The West, including: KUNR-FM in Reno, Nev.; KNPB-TV in Reno, Nev.; and KWBU-TV/FM in Waco, Texas. He got his start on the air as a college student hosting Morning Edition at KACU-FM in Abilene, Texas.

A native of the Chicago area and an avid Cubs fan, Michael spent four seasons as the public address announcer for the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Houston Matters

‘Reality Bites’ At 25: Did It Portray Houston And Gen X Accurately?

Posted on February 19, 2019 · Film critic Joe Leydon reflects on what the movie said about Houston and Generation X.

Houston Matters

Book Chronicles Unsung ‘Saints In The Struggle’ For Civil Rights

Posted on February 19, 2019 · Dr. Jonathan Chism explains why many members of the Church of God in Christ chose to get involved in the Civil Rights movement, despite the stance of their denomination.

Houston Matters

John Oates Pays Homage To His Roots

Posted on February 15, 2019 · The musician of Hall and Oates fame discusses his new album, Arkansas.

Houston Matters

Examining The Racist History Of Blackface

Posted on February 15, 2019 · With recent controversies surrounding photos of public figures in blackface, we learn about the history of blackface and how it’s influenced thinking about African Americans.

Houston Matters

Novel Explores A Family’s Story Of Love, Loss, And Rebirth

Posted on February 13, 2019 · Houston Writer Dawn Adams Cole discusses her debut novel, Drops of Cerulean.

Houston Matters

Report: U.S. Will Be A Net Exporter Of Energy By 2020

Posted on February 7, 2019 · Houston Matters learns more about the annual industry outlook from the Energy Information Administration.

Houston Matters

Battleship Texas Faces Danger In Both War And Peace Time

Posted on February 6, 2019 · Houston Matters tours the ship and learns about the threats it faces from the elements.

Houston Matters

How Can You Have Racism Without Racists?

Posted on February 5, 2019 · Dr. Eduardo Bonilla-Silva explains how racist practices persist in modern times.

Houston Matters

How A Houston Attorney Unearthed A Conspiracy To Murder An American Spy

Posted on January 29, 2019 · Michael Pullara discusses his book, The Spy Who Was Left Behind, about the murder of Freddie Woodruff.

Houston Matters

Rothko Chapel Closes In March For Major Renovations

Posted on January 24, 2019 · Updates to lighting in the chapel are in store -- along with new programming and administrative facilities.

Houston Matters

Exploring The Emotional ‘Weight Of A Piano’

Posted on January 18, 2019 · Houston writer Chris Cander discusses her latest novel, The Weight of a Piano, and the emotional baggage objects in our lives can often carry.

Houston Matters

How An Astronaut Almost Drowned In Space

Posted on January 17, 2019 · A new documentary called EVA 23 details how a 2013 spacewalk outside the International Space Station nearly turned tragic.

Houston Matters

Educator Offers Simple Tips And Exercises To Improve Problem-Solving

Posted on January 15, 2019 · Edward Burger, president of Southwestern University, discusses his new new book, Making Up Your Own Mind: Thinking Effectively through Creative Puzzle-Solving.

Houston Matters

How ‘Rodents Of Unusual Size’ Took Over The Swamps — And Hearts – Of Louisiana

Posted on January 14, 2019 · A new documentary chronicles the role invasive nutria play in Gulf Coast culture.

Houston Matters

Five Questions For Paula Poundstone — That Were Intended For Someone Else

Posted on January 11, 2019 · Ahead of the comedian’s Jan. 18 Houston performance, we subjected her to some random questions we've asked other Houston Matters guests over the years.