Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

Hosted by Dr. Robert Sanborn

Business Kids Family ParentingInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

165

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 13, 202657 min

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 Pantry, discusses food insecurity in New York City, rising costs, access to SNAP, and the policies and investments that can help families achieve greater economic security.Tune in every Wednesday, live on 90.1 KPFT in Houston or stream at https://kpft.org/listen-live-hd1/!

August 5, 202657 min

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 the resurgence of measles, the role of vaccine misinformation and what parents should know as children return to school.Plus, Leelu Misra joins us for Hip Speak, and Jacob Westjohn shares our Data of the Day.Tune in every Wednesday, live on 90.1 KPFT in Houston or stream at https://kpft.org/listen-live-hd1/!

July 30, 202657 min

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 childhood education remains a legislative priority, the recent investment in Texas' Child Care Services scholarship program, and what still needs to be done to make high-quality, affordable child care accessible to more families.Tune in every Wednesday, live on 90.1 KPFT in Houston or stream on https://kpft.org/listen-live-hd1/!

July 22, 202658 min

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. Jeff Temple, psychologist and professor at UTHealth Houston, explores the realities of online harassment, the impact of social media and AI on young people, and practical guidance for parents navigating children's digital lives.The episode also features Hip Speak with Abby Antoun (@abbyantoun on TikTok).Tune in every Wednesday, live on 90.1 KPFT in Houston or stream on https://kpft.org/listen-live-hd1/!

July 16, 202657 min

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 what it means for students, teachers, and families.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

July 8, 202654 min

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.Gen Z & Voting: Natalie Gonzalez, Abby Antoun, and Lucy Lusk of CHILDREN AT RISK share how young adults view voting, civic engagement, and the issues motivating Gen Z to participate in their communities.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

July 2, 202657 min

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.The DACA Anniversary: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, reflects on the 14th anniversary of DACA, examines recent immigration-related Supreme Court decisions, and discusses the future of immigration policy for young people and families.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

June 25, 202656 min

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: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explores how immigration policies affect children and families, the challenges facing immigrant youth in Texas, and what policymakers should consider when crafting immigration policy.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

June 11, 202656 min

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 Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, explains recent concerns surrounding Hantavirus and Ebola, and discusses how experts communicate during emerging public health events.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

June 4, 202657 min

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 of public education.Plus, hear Hip Speak with Lucy Lusk and test your knowledge with the Data of the Day Quiz featuring Dr. Chris Kulesza.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

MACRA

MACRA Website

Business

Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

About the show

Listen to episodes

Gen Z and Activism, Proposed Changes to Head Start & Fighting Food Insecurity in NYC

HISD Updates, Legal Protections for Immigrant Children & Measles Outbreaks

ICE Protests, Trump Accounts & Child Care Scholarships

Texas State Takeovers, Midterm Elections, Online Safety for Kids and Teens

Fatal ICE Shootings, HISD's Special Education Overhaul and AI's Evolution in the Classroom

HISD's Controversial Curriculum, Youth Leadership & FIFA, Gen Z Panel on Voting

Make America Healthy Again Agenda, Rothko Chapel, DACA Anniversary

Human Trafficking and the World Cup, Immigrant Children & STAAR Testing Results from HISD

HISD Updates, Learning Recession, Hantavirus & Ebola Outbreaks

The Future of HISD & Fostering Connection for Healthy Communities

Is this your show?

More Business podcasts

One moment, please...

One moment, please...

Swallow Your Pride Podcast

One moment, please...

One moment, please...

MACRA