Growing Up In America: The Way It Is
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.Each episode, 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.
Home-Based Child Care, Halloween Eye Safety, Immigration and Early Childhood Education
On this episode, Bri Derry and Natalie Gonzalez (CHILDREN AT RISK), explore the challenges facing child care providers, Halloween eye safety, and how immigration policy affects young children and families.
Home-Based Child Care: Mieko Carter, home-based child care provider and advocate with the National Association for Family Child Care, discusses the vital role home-based programs play in supporting families, the financial and operational challenges providers face, and how child care closures affect families’ access to care.Halloween Eye Safety: Dr. Stephanie Handal, pediatric optometrist at UTHealth Houston, explains the risks of decorative contact lenses and other costume-related eye ha...Texas State Takeovers, Services for Immigrant Children, & Kid Centered Urban Planning
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and Owala Maima explore public education, support for immigrant children, and how communities can create safer, more welcoming spaces for children and families.
Texas Education Updates: Megan Menchaca, K-12 Education Reporter at The Texas Tribune, discusses proposed changes to Texas school takeovers, including greater community involvement and limits on state-appointed leadership. She also examines the rise in STAAR reading test rescoring requests, the role of automated scoring, and how revised scores can affect school accountability ratings.Wraparound Services for Immigrant Children: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explains...Halloween & Pedestrian Safety, School Vouchers and Public Schools, & Building Quality Early Learning
On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Dr. Erica Hattery explore pedestrian safety, school vouchers, and early learning quality across Houston and Texas.
Halloween & Pedestrian Safety: Dr. Zoabe Hafeez, pediatrician and Associate Professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, shares practical tips for keeping children safe while walking, trick-or-treating, and navigating neighborhoods on Halloween.
School Vouchers & Public Schools: Elizabeth Sander, Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses reporting that Houston-area school districts could lose an estimated $68 million in funding this school year as more than 8,100 students leave public schools through Texas’ school voucher program.
...Immigrant Motherhood, ICE in Austin, & Community Storytelling
On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore immigrant family health, immigration enforcement, and the power of community storytelling.
Immigrant Mothers & Family Health: Dr. Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba, Executive Director of Children’s HealthWatch and Research Associate Professor at Boston University School of Public Health, discusses her research on immigrant mothers, structural vulnerability, immigration status as a social determinant of health, and how these experiences can affect children and families.Immigration Updates: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, provides an update on recent immigration en...State of Public Education, Hispanic Heritage Month, & Food Insecurity in Harris County
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Mandi Kimball, Vice President & Chief Government Affairs Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, explore public education, Hispanic heritage, and food insecurity affecting children and families across Houston and Texas.
Public Education: Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD, discusses the district’s seventh consecutive A rating, how schools measure success beyond state accountability, changes to Texas’ education system, and what families expect from public schools.Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: Patricia Gaitán, Executive Director of the Institute for Hispanic Culture in Houston, explores what Hispanic Heritage Month means for Houston families and young...Texas Education & the Governor’s Race, HISD Takeover & School Closures, Preventative Care for Men
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Dr. Erica Hattery, physician and Executive Strategy Consultant, explore education, health, and issues affecting children and families across Texas.
Texas Education & the Governor’s Race: Megan Menchaca, K-12 Education Reporter at the Texas Tribune, breaks down the education priorities of the candidates for Texas governor, including STAAR and accountability ratings and school takeovers. HISD Updates: Claire Partain, HISD Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses declining enrollment, school closures and consolidations, and the end of the state takeover. Men’s Health: Texas State Representative Senfronia Thompson discusses men’s physical and mental...Teen Dating & Pregnancy, Mobilizing Immigrant and Young Voters, Early Childhood, Kids & Energy Drinks
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore issues affecting children, families, and communities across America.
Teen Dating & Pregnancy: Dr. Jeff Temple, Director of the Texas Violence and Injury Prevention Research Center, explores trends in teen dating, healthy and unhealthy relationships, pregnancy, and how parents can talk with teens about sex, consent, and pregnancy prevention.Immigrant & Young Voters: Vy Pham, Organizing and Policy Director and Interim Executive Director at Woori Juntos, discusses voter engagement among Asian and Latine immigrant communities, the impact of immigration enforcement on civic...Sustainable Texas Cities, COVID Updates, & Children in Immigration Detention
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Rusty Bienvenue, Executive Director of AIA Houston, explore:
Sustainable Texas Cities: Jay Blazek Crossley, Executive Director of Farm&City, discusses how Houston and other Texas cities can become more walkable, affordable, sustainable, and accessible. COVID Updates: Dr. Michael Chang, Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician and Professor at McGovern Medical School at UT Health, provides an update on rising COVID activity, wastewater monitoring, school precautions, and other viruses to watch as children return to school.Children in Immigration Detention: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, discusses reports of...Home-Based Child Care, Childhood Vaccinations & Texas School Choice
On this episode of Growing Up in America, Owala Maima and co-host Lucy Lusk (Media Activism Intern at CHILDREN AT RISK) discuss:
Home-Based Child Care: Mieko Carter, Early Childhood Education Specialist and Advocate with the National Association for Family Child Care, joins us to talk about the challenges facing home-based child care providers and the families who rely on them.Childhood Vaccinations and Health Care Access: Dr. Sanghamitra Misra, Medical Director of the Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic Program, discusses barriers to pediatric care and the importance of preventive health services for children.Texas School Choice: Colleen Dippel, Co...Childhood Hunger, Texas College Curriculum Changes & A-F Ratings
On this episode of Growing Up in America, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Liza Gomez (Deputy CEO at CHILDREN AT RISK) discuss:
Childhood Hunger: John Day, Chief Operations and Programs Officer at Kids’ Meals Inc., discusses childhood hunger in Harris County, what food insecurity looks like for young children and their families, and how Kids’ Meals is working to provide nutritious meals to children ages five and under.Higher Education: Samantha Ketterer, Higher Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down the latest developments at the University of Houston and other Texas universities as they respond to Senate Bill...Gen Z and Activism, Proposed Changes to Head Start & Fighting Food Insecurity in NYC
On this episode of Growing Up in America, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Abby Antoun discuss:
Gen Z and Activism: Houston-based activist Iqra Tariq breaks down how Gen Z engages in activism, the role of social media and voting, the challenges of organizing in Houston, and what gives young people hope for the future.Head Start: Lyn Lucas, Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at CHILDREN AT RISK, explains proposed changes to Head Start and what they could mean for children, families, teachers, and the broader child care crisis.Food Insecurity: Stephen Grimaldi, Executive Director of NY Common...HISD Updates, Legal Protections for Immigrant Children & Measles Outbreaks
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Santrice Jones-Hare, Chief Impact Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, discuss:
Back-to-School in HISD: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down the biggest changes families can expect for the 2026–27 school year, from controversial special education reforms to Mike Mile's Future 2 schools.Immigration Updates: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explains the impact of recent federal funding changes that have left more than 25,000 unaccompanied immigrant children vulnerable to losing legal representation.Measles Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at UTHealth Houston, discusses th...ICE Protests, Trump Accounts & Child Care Scholarships
On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host
Dr. Chris Kulesza aka Dr. Data discuss:
ICE Protests: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explains the legal rights of peaceful protesters, how communities are supporting immigrant families, and how to distinguish verified information from rumors during times of heightened immigration enforcement."Trump Accounts": Elizabeth Colvin, Executive Director of RAISE Texas, breaks down the new child savings accounts created under the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill."Leading on Early Childhood Education: State Representative Armando Walle discusses why early...Texas State Takeovers, Midterm Elections, Online Safety for Kids and Teens
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, discuss:
More Texas State Takeovers: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter for the Houston Chronicle, breaks down the latest developments at Spring ISD, the scrutiny surrounding Dekaney High School, Texas' accountability ratings, and what a potential state takeover could mean for students, educators, and families.Midterm Elections: Jason Sabo, Founder of Frontera Strategy, shares insights on the upcoming midterm elections, the issues shaping voter turnout in Texas, key races to watch, and the broader political landscape.Online Safety for Kids & Teens: Dr...Fatal ICE Shootings, HISD's Special Education Overhaul and AI's Evolution in the Classroom
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn, President & CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, and co-host Luis Negreros, Chief Financial Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into:
HISD Updates: Claire Partain, Houston ISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest on special education, the New Education System (NES), and recent STAAR results.Fatal ICE Shootings: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, examines the legal and policy questions surrounding recent ICE shootings and immigration enforcement.AI & Education: Miguel Guhlin, Director of Professional Development at the Texas Computer Education Association, shares how AI is changing classrooms and...HISD's Controversial Curriculum, Youth Leadership & FIFA, Gen Z Panel on Voting
On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, discuss education, youth leadership, and civic engagement.
HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, explains HISD's adoption of the Bluebonnet curriculum, budget challenges, and what families should know heading into the new school year.Youth Leadership Through Community: Mark Martin of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston discusses how FIFA World Cup and America250 programming are helping young people develop leadership skills, build community, and engage in civic life...Make America Healthy Again Agenda, Rothko Chapel, DACA Anniversary
On this episode, Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, and co-host Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, explore the intersection of public health, social justice, and immigration policy.
Understanding MAHA Policy: Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," breaks down the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, discussing child nutrition, school meals, SNAP policy, food access, and the challenges of improving children's health outcomes.Art, Faith & Human Rights: Kelly Johnson, Chief Engagement Officer at the Rothko Chapel, discusses how art, spirituality, and social justice intersect to foster dialogue, community, and civic engagement...Human Trafficking and the World Cup, Immigrant Children & STAAR Testing Results from HISD
On this episode, Owala Maima and co-host Abbi Antoun, Development Intern at CHILDREN AT RISK, dive into some key issues impacting children and families across Texas.
HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, breaks down HISD's new Kinder Bridge program, early literacy initiatives, and what the latest STAAR results reveal about student learning across the district.Human Trafficking & the World Cup: Dr. Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez of UT Health discusses human trafficking as a public health issue, who is most vulnerable, and what communities should know as Houston prepares to host World Cup events.Immigrant Children...HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Dr. Chris Kulesza, aka "Dr. Data," explore key issues affecting students, families, and public health in Texas.
HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, discusses the latest STAAR results, the state takeover of HISD, enrollment trends, and changes to universal free meal programs.
The Learning Recession: Dr. Cathy Horn, Dean of the University of Houston College of Education, examines declining student achievement, the future of assessments, and challenges facing higher education.
Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Dr. Michael Chang, Professor of Pediatric Infectious...
The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, explore key issues impacting children, families, and communities across Houston and Texas.
Community Well-Being & Belonging: Stephen Ives, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, joins the show to discuss children's physical fitness, the impact of screen time and mental health challenges and why fostering connection and belonging is critical for healthy communities.
Educational Leadership in HISD: Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles reflects on three years leading the district, discusses student achievement and his vision for the future...
HISD Under Dept, of Ed Investigation, Gen Z Offline, SNAP & Hunger in Texas
On this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Brian Greene, President & CEO of the Houston Food Bank, tackle some of the biggest issues affecting children and families.
HISD Under Dept. of Ed Civil Rights Investigation: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, joins the show to discuss the latest developments in Houston Independent School District, including the federal civil rights investigation into special education changes.
Gen Z Offline: Lucy Lusk, Media Activism Intern (CHILDREN AT RISK) shares why more members of Gen Z are intentionally unplugging from screens and embracing offline hobbies, analog...
The State of Immigrant Families, the Learning Recession & Texas School Vouchers
In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by co-host Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, to discuss some of the most urgent issues impacting children and families in Texas and across the US.
We’re diving into:
State of Immigrant Families: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, discusses the growing emotional and mental health toll immigration enforcement is having on children, mixed-status families, and DACA recipients across Texas.The Learning Recession: Christine Thomas, Director of the Center for Social Measurement and Evaluation at CHILDREN AT RISK, breaks do...Dr. Data Takeover! AI, Technology & Child Development
In this special episode, Dr. Chris Kulesza (aka "Dr. Data") is joined by co-host Owala Maima, Media Communications Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, to dive into the massive opportunities and challenges surrounding children’s wellbeing in the age of rapid technological change and Artificial Intelligence. We’re diving into:
HB 1481 & School Cell Phone Bans: Texas House Representative Caroline Fairly (District 87) discusses the breadth of the new law, student and parent reactions, and its intended impact on academic success and student health.AI & Precision Policies: Dr. Suresh Bhavnani, Professor of Biostatistics & Data Science at UTMB, explains how interpretable AI meth...Growing Up Abroad, Harris County ELQN & Gen Z's Obsession with Y2K
In this episode, Owala is joined by co-host Natalie Gonzalez, Development Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, to discuss the latest issues impacting children from the global stage to local neighborhoods. We’re diving into:
Growing Up Around the World: Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, calls in from Europe to discuss the Iranian crisis, the impact of the Trump administration on global politics, and what Americans can learn from how children are treated abroad.ELQN & Home-Based Child Care: Martha Gonzales, Associate Director of the Early Learning Quality Network, breaks down how home-based providers are he...Growing Up Abroad, 'Chronic' Child Care Deserts, How TikTok is Changing Our Brains
This week, Owala and Natalie (CHILDREN AT RISK) explore the systems impacting children from Houston to Central Europe.
In this episode:
Growing Up in Slovenia & Czech Republic: Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, calls in from the Czech Republic to discuss European birth rates, family leave policies, and what Texas can learn from international models.The Child Care Crisis: Kim Kofron, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education at CHILDREN AT RISK, breaks down the "chronic" child care desert and shares findings from the new Paving the Way report.Short Form Content & Our...Growing Up Around the World with Dr. Bob, Joy in Youth Work, the State of DACA
Join hosts Owala and Natalie Gonzalez of CHILDREN AT RISK for a deep dive into the policies and personal stories shaping the lives of Texas youth. This week, we explore how our community can better support and protect children around the world.
On this episode:
Growing Up Around the World: Dr. Bob Sanborn calls in from Eastern Europe to share insights on global childhood, birth rates and family leave. Centering Joy in Youth Work: Mykayla Searles- Houston (U.S. Dream Academy) discusses the importance of "self-work" for adults working with youth, and how to find joy...Autism & Vaccine Myth, Youth Mental Health, and the Future of HISD
How do we protect the well-being of the next generation in an era of misinformation and shifting policy? This week, host Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Santrice Jones-Hare (Director of Strong Start at CHILDREN AT RISK) tackle the most pressing issues facing youth.
In this episode:
Autism & Vaccine Misinformation: Dr. Michael Chang, Professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UT McGovern Medical School, joins us to debunk persistent myths about vaccines.Youth Mental Health: Dr. Quianta Moore, Executive Director of The Hackett Center for Mental Health, discusses the critical importance of the first three years of life...Texas School Vouchers, Cesar Chavez & Family Separation
In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by co-host Dr. Erica Hattery. We're diving into:
Texas School Vouchers: Elizabeth Sander (Houston Chronicle) unpacks who’s really benefiting from the TEFA voucher program and key early trends.Cesar Chavez & Accountability: Cherry Steinwender (Center for the Healing of Racism) explores how communities can process the new allegations of abuse.Immigrant Family Separation: Krystal Gomez (Texas Immigration Law Council) breaks down family separations, expanding detention facilities and the latest on birthright citizenship.Stay informed and engaged—support KPFT Houston and follow us for more.
Mike Miles' 'State of the District,' Restorative Justice Practices & Texas Proposition 2
In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by co-host Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, to discuss the latest issues impacting children and families. We’re diving into:
HISD Updates: Megan Menchaca, Senior Reporter at the Houston Chronicle shares insights on Superintendent Mike Miles’ State of the District and new nonprofit partnerships in Houston ISD.Restorative Justice Practices: Dr. Maricela Alarcon (CAST Med in San Antonio) and Tyler Radwin (UP Partnership) break down how restorative approaches are transforming school discipline and student outcomes.Texas Proposition 2 & Child Care: Santrice Jones (Strong Start, CHILDREN AT RISK...Texas Charter School Expansion, Teacher Burnout and the Threat to Education for Children of Immigrants
In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by co-host Natalie González, Development Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK. Between swapping stories about the evolving world of education and investigating the soft v. hard “looksmaxxing'' trend on social media, we’re diving into:
Empowering Educators in 2026: Jessica Dirks, Partnership Director at K12 Coalition, brings her unique background in law and teaching to the conversation, unpacking the biggest challenges facing educators today, from burnout and retention to AI technology.
Texas Charter School Growth: Dr. David DeMatthews, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at UT Austin, breaks down...
AI Safety, HISD School Closures & Opportunity Youth
In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and guest host Dr. Erica Hattery cover some of the most pressing issues in Houston and across Texas, from the future of artificial intelligence to major changes in public education and youth policy.
How AI companies are making AI safer: AI safety expert and Houston City Council District C candidate Patrick Oathout joins to break down how AI systems are tested, the risks they pose, and why this matters at the local level.HISD Closes 12 schools: Senior education reporter at the Houston Chronicle Megan Menchaca discusses the recent decision by Houston ISD...AI Hype in the Classroom, Talarico for President & Staying "Woke" in the Face of Anti-DEI
In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by our newest co-host, Natalie González, former DJ and current CHILDREN AT RISK Development Coordinator. Between debating the gender-coded nuances of being “delulu” and Natalie’s uncanny resemblance to the lead singer of The Marías (check our IG and TikTok for the receipts!), we’re diving into:
AI in the Classroom: Adrienne Williams, Research Fellow at the Distributed AI Research Institute, goes beyond the hype and breaks down the real risks that AI poses to children.Texas Primary Debrief: Jason Sabo, Founder at Frontera Strategy spills all the tea on the...Social Media Addiction, Texas Policy Advocacy, and Child Care Deserts
Hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn and Dr. Erica Hattery explore the intersection of social media, youth mental health, and child care policy.
In this episode:
Social Media Literacy: How do families, educators and policy makers combat social media addiction in K-12 students?Child Care Advocacy: How are advocates and organizers making child care more affordable in Austin-- Texas most expensive city for child care?Houston’s Child Care Deserts: Are Houston families facing a child care crisis?Featured Guests:
Jane Kim, Founder of KindEdCathy McHorse, Early Childhood ConsultantSantrice Jones, Director of Strong Start at CHILDREN AT...Navigating School Choice: A Deep Dive into Texas' Massive Voucher Program
This week, guest hosts Megan Menchaca and Elizabeth Sander, education reporters at the Houston Chronicle, dive deep into the controversial Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) voucher program. Going beyond the political headlines, they explore:
The Data: Do voucher programs truly expand high-quality options for lower-income families?The Systemic Changes: How will this shift impact funding and enrollment in public schools?The Real Stories: How are families navigating their choice options to find the best fit for their children?Special thanks to our guests, Dr. David DeMatthews, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at UT Austin, Amanda Bigbee...
Immigration Updates 2026, Racial Healing and the State of Child Care.
This episode of Growing Up in America tackles the urgent issues impacting Texas children, from the fallout of the federal government shutdown on immigration services to the shifting landscape of DEI and racial healing following the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Dr. Bob Sanborn and Nely Sanchez host expert guests to discuss why 4,000 immigrant students have left HISD, the current satisfaction levels with K-12 education, and new findings from the "Paving the Way for Quality" child care report. Tune in for a deep dive into public policy, community advocacy, and the fight for the quality of life for every...
Pediatric Heart Health, Immigrant Student Enrollment in HISD and Environmental Justice.
Hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn (CHILDREN AT RISK) and Owala Maima (CHILDREN AT RISK) reflect on Bad Bunny's historic performance before diving into how public health, immigration systems, and environmental policies affect children and families in Texas.
This episode features Dr. John Higgins, Cardiologist and Professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Senior education reporter Megan Menchaca of The Houston Chronicle and Deyadira Arellano, Community Organizer at Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services.
Plus, tune in for Hip Speak with our Media Culture Correspondent Anya Osundwa!
A New Vaccine Schedule, ICE's Shifting Policies, and Local Elections in Texas.
In this episode of Growing Up in America: The Way it Is, our hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, and Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, discuss the rapid evolution of public policy and what it means for civic engagement.
Dr. Michael Chang, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases at McGovern Medical School, examines current vaccination recommendations and how decreased vaccination rates are leading to higher rates of infectious disease. Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, addresses the implications of changing immigration...
AI in Classrooms, the Federal Shutdown and Pivotal Local Elections.
In this episode of Growing Up in America: The Way it Is, our hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK, and Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank, examine how public systems shape opportunity and inequities.
Adrienne Williams, Research Fellow at DAIR (Distributed AI Research) breaks down how emerging AI technologies risk fueling inequities in education. Nadia Salibi, Chief Impact Officer at CHILDREN AT RISK, explains how federal shutdowns impact the well-being of children and families. And Dr. Letitia Plummer, former Houston City Council member and current candidate for Harris...
Childhood Obesity, Social Media Literacy and Education Policy in Texas.
This week on Growing Up in America: The Way It Is, our guest hosts Bri Derry, Director of Media Activism (CHILDREN AT RISK) and Owala Maima, Producer on Growing Up in America, explore the policies and systems shaping children’s health and learning in Texas. Featuring Dr. Jaimie Davis (Acting Director of the School of Human Ecology at UT Austin) on nutrition and obesity, Jane Kim (Educator and Founder of KindEd) on social media literacy and AI and the Houston Chronicle's Senior Education reporter Megan Menchaca on local education trends. Together, we examine how policy, community, and lived experience in...
Mid-term Elections, AI in Education and Bold Predictions for the New Year!
This week on Growing Up in America: The Way It Is, host Dr. Bob Sanborn (CHILDREN AT RISK) is joined by Dr. Chris Kulesza (Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University) for a special look ahead at 2026.
Together with a panel of national and Texas-based experts, this episode explores pediatric health and vaccination trends, AI integration, major cultural moments in sports and entertainment, and what lies ahead for Texas and national politics. Guests include Dr. Michael L. Chang, pediatric infectious disease expert at McGovern Medical School and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital; Dr. Arturo Brito, President an...
