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.

On this week’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Briauna Derry and Reagan Schneckenburg brought listeners a rich conversation on civic engagement, children’s health, education, and the power of positive parenting.

• We kicked things off with Michael Mireles, Director of Civic Engagement at La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), who spoke about social change and civic engagement. Michael highlights how communities can come together to create a stronger voice for children and families in this transformative interview.
• Next, Arturo Brito, President and CEO of the Children’s Health Fund, joined the conversation to address the biggest health challenges facing kids today, especially during this depression and mental health crisis, which remain urgent concerns across the country.
• Our Dr. Data of the Day with Dr. Christopher Kulesza brought a surprising insight: 35% of Americans now think a college degree is not important, down from 75% last year. Dr. Data teaches us the sharp shift in how higher education is being valued.
• Then, Dr. B. Glenn Wilkerson, President of the ARKGroup, offered guidance for parents through foster care training and the impact of sharing what positive self-esteem really looks like for children, and why it’s essential for healthy development.
• Finally, Megan Menchaca, Senior HISD Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, closed out the show with critical updates on TEA accountability ratings and STAAR testing, giving families and educators the latest on what’s happening in Houston schools.

From civic action to child health, self-esteem to school policy, this episode proved once again that the future of our children depends on how we invest, listen, and lead today.

This is Growing Up in America! Where kids remain at the center of every conversation.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn and Brian Greene from the Houston Food Bank brought listeners an important conversation on poverty, health, equity, and the future of child welfare across Texas.

We began with Tre Maxie, Executive Director of Friends of the Children – Houston, who spoke on the realities of generational poverty and the long-term investments needed to break cycles and create brighter futures for kids.

Robin Mansur, CEO and President of the Houston Health Foundation, followed with a powerful reminder of how children’s dental and vision, can directly impact education. When untreated, these issues can lead to serious declines in learning and opportunity.

Our Dr. Data of the Day with Chris Kulesza highlighted the number 506. 506 is the total number of Texas schools that have moved to four-day school weeks, raising critical questions about the impact on students, families, and communities.

Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism, then shared her wisdom on the barriers that often prevent open conversations about racism, and why listening and dialogue are essential to progress.

Closing the show, Christian Salas, Associate Professor of Social Work at El Paso Community College, discussed the state of child welfare in Texas and the El Paso area, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities for supporting vulnerable children.

From poverty to health and equity education, today’s episode is a reminder that children’s futures are shaped by every layer of the systems around them.

This is Growing Up in America! Where data meets dialogue, and kids remain at the center of it all.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Dr. Bob Sanborn and Reagan Schneckenburg led a thought-provoking conversation on community leadership, civic engagement, racial healing, and the power of early education.

We began with Katie Doyle, President of the Junior League of Houston, and Susan Barnes, board member of DePelchin, who shared how volunteer leadership and community partnerships are driving real change for children and families across Houston.

Then came our Data of the Day with Dr. Chris Kulesza, who spotlighted the number 16, the new voting age for citizens in the U.K., sparking an important conversation about youth voice and civic engagement.

Next, Cherry Steinwender, lifelong advocate and Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism, joined us to reflect on the truth of the past and why listening and understanding are crucial steps toward racial healing.

Finally, Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children, closed the show with a powerful message on early education. Dr. Melanie emphasizes the vital role of teachers and parents in shaping a child’s foundation for lifelong success.

From leadership to literacy, civic voice to community healing, today’s episode highlighted the many ways we can work together to ensure a brighter future for every child.

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

Welcome to today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosted by Dr. Bob Sanborn and Dr. Chris Kulesza—the voice behind our much-anticipated Dr. Data segment. Today’s show took listeners on a powerful journey across safety, justice, healing, and wellness—all with children and families at the center.

We kicked things off with our opening segment, Growing Pains, led by Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, who shared thoughtful, practical tips for young adults navigating life’s ups and downs.

From there, Buck Russel, Senior Supervisor of Public Safety for Union Pacific Railroad, spotlighted the importance of train safety and introduced TrackSafe Houston, a vital program to keep our communities safe near railways.

Next, Angela Clark, owner of Beyond Freedom LLC, joined us to discuss human trafficking and shared insights from her latest research. Angela continues to remind us how urgent prevention, awareness, and action are in protecting vulnerable youth.

Then, Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism, brought a powerful message about racism and the power of listening—urging us all to open our ears and hearts to the lived experiences of others.

Our Data of the Day is 28.8%. Find out what that percentage of data means for you from Dr. Chris Kulesza.

And finally, Shubhra Endley, Director of Mental Health & Wellness at Communities In Schools of Houston, Inc., closed the show with a focus on student mental health, highlighting the support systems schools can create to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

From safety and justice to healing, equity, and wellness, today’s episode was a reminder that protecting and uplifting children means addressing every layer of the world around them.

This is Growing Up in America—where the issues are real, the data is clear, and the conversations are always centered on kids.

Here’s your polished radio-style summary for today’s episode:

Welcome to another engaging episode of Growing Up in America, hosted by the ever-insightful Dr. Bob Sanborn and Mandi Kimball, diving deep into the policies, programs, and stories shaping the future of our children.

Today’s show featured something extra special, introducing our brand-new segment, Growing Pains with Reagan Schneckenburg, offering young adults practical and relatable tips for navigating life’s challenges.

Kicking off the guest lineup, Megan Menchaca, an HISD reporter for the Houston Chronicle, delivered the latest education updates from across the district and broke down changes, challenges, and their implications for students and families.

Then we turned to Lindsey Wilkerson, representing the Immunization Project, who shared important back-to-school immunization reminders along with the latest policy updates to keep kids healthy and classrooms safe.

Next up, Dr. Data with the magic number 21%.

Kim Kofron, Senior Director of Education at CHILDREN AT RISK, reminded us why early childhood education is one of the smartest investments we can make, explaining how strong early learning programs set the stage for lifelong success.

And wrapping up the show, Lorely De León, Senior Director of Communications and Public Relations for AVANCE Houston, shared how her organization is empowering families through education, advocacy, and community support.

From school policy to public health, early learning to life skills, today’s episode proved once again that when we come together, we can create a brighter future for every child.

This is Growing Up in America—keeping the conversation real, relevant, and centered on kids.