This week on Growing Up in America, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene dive into the issues shaping life for children and families across Texas — from the classroom to the kitchen table.

Megan Steckly, CEO of Compudopt, joins to discuss digital equity and how closing the technology gap changes children’s educational futures. Nadia Salibi, Chief Impact Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, breaks down the federal government shutdown and what it means for families depending on SNAP, Medicaid, and CHIP. Megan Menchaca, Senior HISD Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, shares the latest on Houston ISD’s school rankings and where progress — and challenges — remain.

Plus, our regular features: Hip Speak with Bri Derry and the Data of the Day — 13%, the share of Texas children without health insurance.

Tune in for a fast-moving hour of insight, stories, and solutions for kids in Texas and beyond.

🎧 Listen on KPFT 90.1 FM or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome, to Growing Up in America: The Way It Is.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Brian Greene and Kevin Hattery led an inspiring and informative conversation centered on breaking cycles of poverty and boosting early childhood success, one of our most vital missions.

First up, Nadia Salibi, Chief Impact Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, kicked off the show with a deep dive into anti-poverty strategies. She shared powerful insights on the systemic barriers keeping families in poverty and the bold, data-driven policies needed to create real change for kids and communities.

Then we turned the spotlight on early literacy and education, a theme echoed by two passionate experts. Lyn Lucas, also from CHILDREN AT RISK, broke down the importance of early childhood education in laying the foundation for lifelong success. She emphasized how reading readiness, access, and support systems can transform a child’s future.

Closing out the show was Stacy Benge, respected speaker and author, who shared both research and real-world experiences on how families, educators, and communities can ignite a love of reading and learning in the earliest years of a child’s life.

It was a rich, solutions-focused conversation, filled with practical ideas, policy talk, and a shared belief that early investments in children are the key to lasting impact.

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth. Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas with experts on the quality of life for our children. Of course, we have regular segments like Data of the Day, which our teaser number is 45%. We have a special guest for the Data of the Day, Nadia Valliani, Director of Community Philanthropy, Greater Houston Community Foundation.    Today’s guests and topics are:

• Errica Dodson, Writers in school
• Rev. Jessica Shannon, Master of Divinity
• Venetia Peacock, HCDE
• Dr. Jamie Freeny, Mental Health America
• Nicole Li Ma, Organizing and Policy Associate at Woori Juntos

We hope you will be with us throughout the show as we discuss the issues as they affect the children of Houston, and the Children of Texas....

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas 8 MIN Call-in Guest #1 1:08-1:16: [one by one]

Topic: Under the Dome/ ECE Rally Day Recap

Jason Sabo

8 MIN For Children #2 1:16-1:24: [karma]

Topic: Gen Z Talk

• Becky will ask Dr. Bob what these words mean – Claire will provide a list so Dr. Bob cannot read it on this script and think ahead

6 MIN Data of the Day 1:24-1:30: [Countdown .25-.39] 

Number of the day: $1,691

On this episode we talk to these amazing guests about these topics:

• Linda Corchado, Children's Immigration Network, C@R - Title 42.
• Megan Green, Director of Prevention and Early Intervention Services, DePelchin Children’s Center - Safe Sleep.
• Dr. Daphne Hernandez, Associate Professor, Department of Research with Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health Houston - Economic Tradeoffs.

• Data of the Day w/ Christine Thomas, Sr. Associate Director, Center for Social Measurement and Evaluation (CSME), C@R - Teaser # 30.

• Raul Zavaleta, Health Services Coordinator, Harris County Department of Education. - Preparing Families for long term engagement in education.
• Dr. Ricky Flores, Clinical Director, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, The Woodlands. - Being a minority in the medical field.

Our hosts are, Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of C@R, and Claire Dutreix, Senior Associate Director, K-12, C@R. Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth. *This episode was prerecorded on May 17th, 2023.

On this episode we talk to these amazing guests about these topics:

• C@R's 2023 Annual Kroger Food Rankings.
• Thumbs Up Thumbs Down topic - Gap Year (high school to college).
• Dr. Daphne Hernandez, Associate Professor, Department of Research with Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health Houston. - Food Insecurity and Housing Instabilities.

• Kiro Calderon, Mental Health Specialist, Harris County Dept. of Education. - The importance of social emotional learning in the early years.

• Data of the Day w/ special guest Nadia Valliani, Director of Community Philanthropy, Greater Houston Community Foundation - Teaser # 60%.

• Rekha Lakshmanan, Immunize USA. - Pieces of legislation that can set back public health and immunization policies back years.
• Sharell Webb, Coding with a Twist. - How to aide in increasing inclusion in STEM spaces.

Our hosts are, Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of C@R, and Claire Dutreix, Senior Associate Director, K-12, C@R. Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth. *This episode was prerecorded on May 10th, 2023.

• Thumbs Up Thumbs Down topic - Standardized Tests
• Becky Quintanilla, Project Coordinator, CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) - Gen Z Slang

• Andrew Hairston, Education Justice Project Director, Texas Appleseed - Pressing Issues in Public Education

• Data of the Day w/ Christine Thomas, Sr. Associate Director, Center for Social Measurement and Evaluation (CSME), C@R - Teaser # 2,100:1.

• Gulshan Rahman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Family Services - Covid’s effects on ECE workforce
• Megan Green, Director of Prevention and Early Intervention Services, DePelchin Children’s Center - Fatherhood Involvement

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas Today’s guests and topics are:

• Eleanor Prado, Doula and Premier Doulas of Houston

• Doulas 101 & Maternal Mortality

• Dr. Armando Orduna, Executive Director, Latinos for Education – Texas

• Current recruitment for Latino parents

• Tiffany Cuellar Needham, Executive Director, Teach for America Houston

• Educational Equity

• Linda Corchado

• Dia Del Ninos / Literacy Day

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas Today’s guests and topics are:

• Lindsey Wilkerson, Motherhood Summit
• Gulshan Rahman, Harris Country Department of Education, General concerns/protocols around health and safety of HS/EHS.
• Cathy McHorse, United Way For Greater Austin, Success by 6
• Shruba Endly, Mental Health CIS

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Adrienne Lloyd, Health Policy Manager, Children's Defense Fund-Texas
• Leila
• Anthony Betori, Director of Curriculum and Innovation, Healthy Futures of Texas
• Dr. Merritt Drewery, Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Texas State University

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Denise Mears, Texas State Director, 3 Strands Global Foundation
• John Robinson, Director Education & Youth Development, Houston Area Urban League
• Leila
• Dr. Christopher Kulesza, Mental Health In Schools
• Krista Kesseler, Community Outreach Specialist, Catholic Charities

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

Today’s episode of Growing Up in America was a special edition you won’t want to miss—Rice University Baker Institute Data Takeover, hosted by data experts Dr. Christopher Kulesza and Dr. Andrea Ramirez Varela, MD, PhD, MPH. This dynamic duo took the reins for an eye-opening conversation focused entirely on the data behind one of the most pressing issues in education today: teacher stress and burnout.

With a powerful lineup of guests from across the education landscape, today’s episode dug into the numbers—and the lived experiences—behind what educators are facing in classrooms and communities across Texas and beyond.

Dr. Chris McCarthy, Professor and Area Chair at UT Austin’s College of Education, unpacked the psychological toll of chronic stress on teachers and what research tells us about the long-term impacts.

Darius Provost-Evans, board member for Sheldon ISD, brought a policy and governance lens, highlighting the systemic pressures districts face and how leadership can step up for teachers.

Lakeisha Patterson, an elementary school teacher and union president with Deer Park ISD, provided a passionate, on-the-ground perspective on what it’s like to balance curriculum demands, emotional labor, and leadership roles in today’s classrooms.

Jamie Martin-Currie, Head of School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal, added a private school lens to the conversation, focusing on innovative ways schools can center well-being in their culture.

And rounding out the episode, State Senator Molly Cook 15th District spoke on the role of state-level policy in supporting teacher mental health, funding, and workload reform.

From stress and burnout to advocacy and action, this Data Takeover pulled back the curtain on the very real challenges educators face—and what the data reveal that needs to happen next.

Thanks for joining us on this powerful edition of Growing Up in America. Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep fighting for the educators who shape our future.

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Shreela V. Sharman, PhD, professor and food insecurity researcher ay UTHealth
• Christine Thomas
• Tom Monaghan
• Stephen Ives, President & CEO YMCA Greater Houston
• Sereka Barlow, YWCA El Paso

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas 8 MIN Call-in Guest #1 1:08-1:16: [one by one]

Topic: IWD, statistics over women’s issues and how they relate (maybe some bills too)

Lindsey

8 MIN For Children #2 1:16-1:24: [karma]

Topic: Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy

Dr. Tabitha Davis

6 MIN Data of the Day 1:24-1:30: [Countdown .25-.39] 

Number of the day: 0.63

Leila

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Katie Stone
• Sara Llansa, Director
• Leila
• Chef Brandi Key, Daily Gather
• Susannah, Texas A+ Performance Coach
• Brian Green

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Shubhra Endley, LCSW
• George Vander Veer, CEO
• Leila
• Erica Milson, A+ Literacy Performance Coach
• Jason Sabo
• Kathryn McCartney, CEO, Head Start of Greater Dallas

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Woody Rodgers, Research Manager at Housing Work Austin
• Jason Sabo, Lobbyist, Frontera Strategies
• Leila
• Sosina Morgan
• Eva Thibaudeau, CEO
• Nick Mitchell Bennett, CDCB Executive Director

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Dr. Bob Sanborn
• Christine
• Hunter Ryan
• Joe Herbert, Attorney at Law and Founder of DEFEND
• Trina McReynolds Bailey

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Caroline Roberts, Staff Attorney, CHILDREN AT RISK
• Sharon Watkins Jones
• Linda, C@R

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

We have some amazing cohosts today,

• Sandra Ostad, Interim Chief Development Officer, CitySquare
• Lauren, Asst. Director of Programs, C@R
• Sylvia Acosta, Senior VP and Chief Officer, National Minority Supplier Development Council
• Leah King, President & CEO, United Way Tarrant
• Amanda McAfee, Vice President of Community Impact, United Way Lubbock

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

Welcome to this week’s powerful episode of Growing Up in America, co-hosted by Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, and Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator—bringing you the voices and stories shaping the future of our children and communities.

This episode dove into the intersections of environment, data, and the foster care system, with a lineup of passionate and experienced guests.

First up, Amanda from H-GAC broke down the critical work being done around flood mitigation. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, she explained how local governments are working to keep communities—especially children and schools—safe from future disasters.

Then, Dr. Chris Kulesza returned with his much-anticipated Data of the Day, sharing a concerning figure: 19% of HISD high school students reported drinking alcohol. His insights sparked an important conversation around youth risk behaviors and the need for stronger prevention efforts.

The second half of the show focused on the foster care system, with a powerful panel of voices. Rachel Kay and Te’Koya Dixon from Safe Haven Foster Center shared how they’re supporting some of our most vulnerable youth—providing not just shelter, but healing, advocacy, and love. And longtime foster parent Donald Guilliory, with over a decade of experience, gave a heartfelt look into the joys and challenges of opening your home to children in need.

This episode was a reminder that when we listen, care, and take action—we can protect, empower, and uplift every child, no matter their circumstance.

That’s it for this week on Growing Up in America—where we keep kids at the center of every conversation.

Growing Up in America is a production of Children at Risk: The Voice of Texas’ Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to research, public policy, law and collaborative action on behalf of Texas’ Youth.

Every week we aim to fill these same 60 minutes with lively discussion on the children of Texas

This week on Growing Up in America: The Way it Is, we’re diving into the issues shaping the lives of our children, featuring insights on education equity, creative learning, youth development, and human trafficking awareness.

Join Dr. Bob Sanborn, co-host Bri Derry, and an incredible lineup of guests:

• Raj Salhotra, Momentum Education
• Roderick "Bass" Tillman, Workshop Houston
• Brandi Brown, HYPE Freedom School
• Caroline Roberts, CHILDREN AT RISK

Starting next week, we’re moving to a new time slot: 9-10 AM CT on 90.1 FM KPFT and wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t miss this engaging and impactful discussion!

On this week's episode, cohosts Briauna Derry and Susannah Young speak with Dr. Kevin Lanza (UTHealth), Mary Garr (Family Service San Antonio), Sarah Crockett (Texas CASA), and Megan Menchaca (Houston Chronicle).

This week, co-hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn and Mandi Kimball spoke with Dr. Cathy Horn, Beth, Beth Harp, Kaelly Pandley, and Kimberly Brathwaite.

This week on Growing Up in America, Dr. Bob Sanborn and Mandi Kimball discuss the issues most impacting American children with Dr. Cathy Horn (University of Houston), Beth Harp (KidsMeals'), Kaelly Pandley (3Strands), and Kimberly Brathwaite (Houston Public Library).

A lively discussion on pressing children's issues, timely news topics affecting our youth, and the policies and programs that influence the healthy development of our children.

In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn and Briauna Derry speak with Lyn Lucas, Associate Director, Early Childhood Education, CHILDREN AT RISK, Coach Johnathane Gaffney, (aka Coach Mental Health) Tier 1/Universal Mental Health Supports Coach, Trust Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, Family/Community Strengths Finder & Practitioner, Annamaria Milazzo, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality, University of Houston, Haroon Waseem, Administrative Director, TRS Health

x

Welcome back to another impactful edition of Growing Up in America, where this week’s episode was packed with powerful voices and real talk about the urgent challenges facing kids, families, and communities today.

Your hosts Briauna Derry and Brian Greene took us on a journey through the frontlines of education and crisis support—bringing together advocates and experts who are doing the work and sounding the alarm.

Anna Hardaway and Militza Mezquita both zeroed in on the need for stronger crisis response systems in schools and neighborhoods. They broke down how community-centered strategies can save lives, support students, and help families feel safe and heard in times of emergency.

Dr. Chris Kulesza brought the numbers with his much-anticipated “Data of the Day” report. From academic trends to equity indicators, his annual snapshot showed us exactly where we’re making gains—and where we’re falling short.

Richard Cantu, who didn’t hold back when talking about the federal cuts to out-of-school and adult learning programs. His message was clear: when we slash these resources, we’re putting opportunity, safety, and progress at risk for everyone—especially our most vulnerable.

It was a week of bold insights, hard truths, and voices of hope.

As always, this is Growing Up in America—where we keep the conversations real, the data honest, and the future in focus.

You're tuned in to another powerful edition of "Growing Up in America", hosted by the dynamic duo Brian Greene and Dr. Bob Sanborn—where the voices of children’s issues take center stage, and the conversations are as timely as they are vital.

This week’s episode was a deep dive into the real-world challenges shaping the lives of our youth today—from the classroom to the border, and everything in between.

Kicking things off, Dr. Ruth López Turley brought some eye-opening data to the table, sharing groundbreaking research on school district funding gaps. She broke down how inequalities in education financing are leaving far too many children behind—and what needs to change to close that gap.

Then, we turned our focus to immigration with Kassi Gonzalez, who delivered a heartfelt and urgent perspective on what it means to grow up in America under the shadow of immigration uncertainty. From policy impacts to personal stories, her segment was a call for empathy and reform.

And wrapping things up with academic insight, Dr. Erin Baumgartner walked us through the latest in education research—revealing how data can help drive smarter, more equitable policies for schools across the country.

From policy to practice, and research to real life, "Growing Up in America" continues to shine a light on the issues that matter most to our future generation.

🔊 Stay informed, stay engaged, and as always—keep growing with us.

Joining us at the roundtable are experts who bring bold perspectives and heartfelt stories to the mic. Together, they unpack everything from mental health and education access to community safety and equity in care. Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or just passionate about the next generation, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. So lean in — the future is listening.

You're tuned into another powerful episode of GUIA: Growing Up in America, the podcast where childhood meets policy, and voices young and old come together for change. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the heart of today’s most pressing children’s issues — from current events shaking the lives of our youth, to the programs and policies shaping their future.

Featuring:

Dana Sheridan, Counselor, The Village School

o Summer Learning Loss

Jacob Newsome, Founder & CEO, Power of the Narrative; Founder, Sinclair Scholars

o Education & Health Equity

Sydney Zuiker, Director of Safe Community Institute at Crime Stoppers of Houston

o Gun Violence Awareness Month

Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director, The Center for the Healing of Racism

o Racial Healing

Featuring

Dana Sheridan, Counselor, The Village School

o Summer Learning Loss

Jacob Newsome, Founder & CEO, Power of the Narrative; Founder, Sinclair Scholars

o Education & Health Equity

Sydney Zuiker, Director of Safe Community Institute at Crime Stoppers of Houston

o Gun Violence Awareness Month

Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director, The Center for the Healing of Racism

o Racial Healing

This is a rebroadcast of our May 28, 2025 episode that aired live on 90.1 FM KPFT.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Dr. Christopher Kulesza, better known as Dr. Data and Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, led a dynamic discussion centered around youth, health, and community well-being.

The show kicked off with our opening segment, Growing Pains, where Reagan shared thoughtful tips for college students spending the holidays away from home, offering advice on how to make the season feel special even when you’re celebrating solo.

Our first guest, Cristen Reat, Program Director at Easterseals Greater Houston, joined to discuss technology for households and how adaptive tools and digital resources are transforming accessibility for families and children with disabilities.

Next, Callie Bryant, Marketing Director at the YWCA of Lubbock, spoke about youth mentorship, highlighting the powerful impact of guiding young people toward confidence, education, and leadership.

After that, we turned to our Dr. Data of the Day, where Dr. Kulesza shared a revealing statistic: According to a KFF study, about one-third of schools reported they strongly (11%) or moderately (25%) disagreed that they could effectively provide mental health services. This data underscores the ongoing challenges schools face in supporting student well-being.

We then welcomed Rachel Elbert, Executive Director of the Lubbock Boys & Girls Club, joined by TJ Evans, President of the Lubbock Boys & Girls Club, who discussed youth empowerment and how structured programs and mentorship opportunities help shape the next generation of leaders.

Wrapping up the show, Lharissa Jacobs, Founder and Executive Director of FIT Houston, spoke about children’s health and the importance of building active, healthy lifestyles for families across the community.

From mental health to mentorship, technology to physical fitness, today’s episode offered powerful insights into how communities across Texas are working together to help children grow up stronger, smarter, and healthier.

This is Growing Up in America! Where data meets heart, and every conversation puts kids first.

This is a rebroadcast of our May 21, 2025 episode that aired live on 90.1 FM KPFT.

This is a rebroadcast of our May 14, 2025 episode that aired live on 90.1 FM KPFT.

This is a rebroadcast from our original episode aired on May 7, 2025 on 90.1 FM KPFT Pacifica Radio

This week, it’s a Dr. Data Takeover—and we’re hungry for solutions.

Co-hosts Dr. Chris Kulesza (Rice University) and Dr. Shreela Sharma (UTHealth School of Public Health) lead a special episode dedicated to one of the most urgent issues facing Texas families: food insecurity. From pediatric clinics to City Hall, we spotlight the people and policies working to feed children and families in crisis.

First, Dr. Sandy McKay shares how pediatricians are screening for food insecurity and supporting families through clinical care. Then we dive into community solutions with Mike Pomeroy from Brighter Bites, Steven James from the City of Houston, and Shariq Ghani, Chair of the Houston Food Insecurity Board.

Plus, Katarina Reyes returns as Ms. Data with a new Data of the Day, and Rebecca George serves up fresh slang in this week’s Hip Speak segment. From research to real-world response, this episode is all about turning data into action to ensure every child has access to nutritious, affordable food.

This week on Growing Up in America: The Way it Is, we spotlight the systems shaping children’s lives in Texas and beyond. Dr. Cathy Horn of the University of Houston unpacks barriers to educational equity and the future of college access. Christian Salas, LMSW, explores the realities of child welfare and how we can truly protect vulnerable kids. Wendolyn Ward from the Texas Immunization Project shares critical insights on vaccine access for aging adults, and Dr. Michael Chang of UTHealth Houston returns to discuss pediatric health and the latest on measles outbreaks.

Plus, don’t miss this week's round of “Hip Speak” with Rebecca George, where Gen Z slang meets millennial confusion.

📍 Tune in for real conversations that drive public policy and community change — now streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

From budget cuts to baby shots—this week on Growing Up in America, we explore what Texas kids are up against and who's fighting for their future.

We kick off with Houston Chronicle’s Megan Menchaca, breaking down the looming HISD cuts and the latest on school vouchers and accountability ratings. Then Kim Kofron from CHILDREN AT RISK joins us to sound the alarm on Texas' deepening child care crisis—including a staggering loss of nearly 75,000 seats and the sharp drop in family care homes.

Our Data of the Day reveals a sugary truth about American diets, followed by a dose of public health with Dr. Gabby Segura on the rise in pertussis (whooping cough) and how vaccine hesitancy is fueling outbreaks. Finally, Trudy Taylor Smith from Children’s Defense Fund Texas walks us through how changes to the public charge rule could harm children’s access to health and education—and what advocates are doing about it.

Plus: a sweet and slang-filled Hip Speak segment with Rebecca George, and a fresh round of Fast Five Fun Questions to wrap things up.

In this special Dr. Data takeover episode of Growing Up in America, Dr. Chris Kulesza is joined by co-host Dr. Katie Harris for an insightful hour focused on youth substance use and public policy.

🎙️ Featured guests include:

• Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of Harris County, discussing law enforcement’s role in prevention and response.
• Tracey Burnett-Greenup, Chief Impact Officer at the Council on Recovery, sharing local trends and community-based solutions.
• Drew Dutton, CEO of Phoenix House, highlighting treatment strategies and policy needs in Texas.

📊 Plus, Data of the Day with Katarina Reyes reveals a striking statistic: 28.9% of HISD students have tried marijuana—a number with real implications for families and schools alike.

Tune in for this data-driven conversation on how Texas can better support young people through prevention, treatment, and smart policy.

Produced by CHILDREN AT RISK in partnership with KPFT 90.1 FM, Pacifica Radio.

This week: child abuse prevention with TexProtects, parenting insights from a data expert, Texas legislative updates, and a 14% fertility shift you need to know. Plus: Gen Z slang and childhood favorites in the speed round.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Dive into this week’s episode of 'Growing Up in America: The Way it Is' as Dr. Bob Sanborn and Bri Derry delve deep into the transformative power of education and advocacy for Texas' children.

Discover the groundbreaking work of Kara Branch with 'Black Girls Do Engineer' in STEM education, learn about the critical importance of sleep health from Dr. Christine Spadola, and explore early childhood education advocacy with Kim Kofron. Tune in to hear the essential conversations about what it's like to Grow Up in America, and enjoy special bonus segments like 'Hip Speak' and 'Data of the Day.' Available now on your favorite podcast platforms and aired originally on KPFT 90.1 FM Pacifica Radio

Join us this week on 'Growing Up in America' as Megan Menchaca, Sylvia Mintz, and Angelica Perez discuss the latest on education trends and immigration. Get expert insights into how local policies are supporting immigrant students. Tune in live every Wednesday at 9 AM or catch the podcast every Monday at noon!