Flu season, the future of U.S. healthcare, and rising food insecurity. This week on Growing Up in America: The Way It Is, our hosts unpack the most pressing issues facing children and families. Hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn (CHILDREN AT RISK) and Brian Greene (Houston Food Bank) speak with experts from Houston and New York City about how policy shifts, public health trends, and community challenges are shaping childhood in America.

Featured guests include Dr. Michael L. Chang, pediatric infectious disease physician at McGovern Medical School and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Dr. Arturo Brito, President and CEO of Children's Health Fund, and Dr. Sejal Mistry, researcher at Rice University's Kinder Institute, Center for Community and Public Health.

This week on Growing Up in America: The Way It Is, our hosts explore the latest issues affecting children and families across Texas. Hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn (CHILDREN AT RISK) and Brian Greene (Houston Food Bank) dive into education, mental health, early childhood, and community well-being with experts from Houston, Dallas, and statewide child-serving systems.

Featured guests include Megan Menchaca of the Houston Chronicle on Houston school updates, Dr. Valerie D. Jackson of Monarch Family Services on kinship care and mental health, Nakia Douglas of the Dallas Education Collective on North Texas education, and Elizabeth Carlson of YES Prep on early childhood readiness.

This week on Growing Up in America, hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn and Erica Gonzalez Hattery explore kids’ screen time, the power of a positive mindset, and how Houston students are preparing for life after high school with guests from CHILDREN AT RISK, UTHealth Houston, and the Kinder Institute.

This week on Growing Up in America: The Way It Is, Dr. Bob Sanborn and co-host Luis Negreros explore how Texas communities can better support children.

Kicking off the show, Lyn Lucas discusses early childhood education and what families need most right now. Dr. Leon Battle addresses child hunger and trafficking, Jenny Jones talks child welfare, and Elizabeth Colvin shares ways to build financial security. Plus, Hip Speak with Bri Derry and our Data of the Day on Halloween candy trends. Tune in for real conversations about the issues shaping childhood in America.

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 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.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, and Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, delivered another full program of insights, data, and advocacy for children and families.

We kicked off the show with our opening segment, "Growing Pains," where Reagan shared tips for finding a job after graduation. Reagan offers practical advice for young adults navigating this significant life transition.

From there, Nirjhor Rahman, CEO, and Shellyn Shoenthal, Director of Development & Partnerships at Plant It Forward, joined us to discuss their educational programs that empower communities through urban farming and their mission.

Next, Kaylee Henry, Development and Public Relations Director at Girls’ Haven, highlighted the importance of youth advocacy and how their programs are creating safe spaces where young women can grow, thrive, and lead.

After that, we turned to our Dr. Data of the Day with Dr. Christopher Kulesza, who shared a sobering statistic: 1 in 4 children lived with at least one parent or primary caregiver who had a substance use disorder in 2023. This is a hard reminder of the challenges so many families face today.

Then, Lyn Lucas, Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at CHILDREN AT RISK, talked about the organization’s Texas Tours, where she and her team travel to surrounding cities to raise awareness about early childhood education and advocate for stronger investments in young learners across the state.

Closing out the show, Dr. Leon Battle, VP of Strategic Partnerships at One More Child, shone a light on the urgent issue of child hunger and how collective action can ensure kids have the nutrition they need to grow and learn.

From finding a first job to tackling hunger, substance use, and early education, today’s show connected the dots between real-life struggles and the solutions that help children and families thrive.

This is Growing Up in America! Where kids are always at the center of the conversation.