Growing Up In America: The Way It Is

Hosted by Dr. Robert Sanborn

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158

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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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.

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60 recent

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!

May 27, 202657 min

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 habits, and healthier relationships with technology.SNAP & Hunger in Texas: Jamie Olson, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Feeding Texas, breaks down major conversations around SNAP benefits, federal policy changes, food insecurity, inflation, and the growing strain on food banks across Texas.Tune in every Wednesday, live on kpft.org!

May 21, 202655 min

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 down alarming new data showing long-term declines in student achievement across the US. Texas School Voucher Update: Dr. David DeMatthews, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at UT Austin, examines how Texas’ expanding voucher program is affecting public schools, special education services, and low-income families.Support community radio by donating to Pacifica Radio at kpft.org!

May 14, 202656 min

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 methods can be used to create more precise policy design that directly benefits and protects American families.Thriving in the Age of Gen AI: Miguel Guhlin, Director of Professional Development at the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), breaks down why outright banning ChatGPT is a missed opportunity. We discuss the SOLO Taxonomy, critical thinking skills, and how using new frameworks helps learners thrive.Human-First Higher Ed AI: Austin Community College Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart details ACC’s new human-centered AI initiative, supporting at-risk students and empowering small businesses in Central Texas.Support community radio and independent youth advocacy by tuning in to 90.1 KPFT Houston and at kpft.org!

May 6, 202657 min

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 helping solve the child care crisis in Harris County and why this model is trending in Texas.Nostalgia Core & Y2K: Media Culture Correspondent Anya Osundwa unpacks why Gen Z is obsessed with the late 90s/early 2000s and what this cultural obsession says about modern technology and anxiety.Support community radio by donating to Pacifica Radio at kpft.org!

April 30, 202657 min

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 Brains: Holly Durham, Executive Director of K-12 Education at CHILDREN AT RISK, dives into the science of short-form content like TikTok and its real impact on students' ability to focus and process information.

April 23, 202657 min

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 amidst collective grief.The State of DACA: Immigration attorney Krystal Gomez breaks down the latest court rulings, the reality of deportations, and urgent advice for DACA recipients navigating legal limbo in Texas.About the Show: Growing Up in America is a production of CHILDREN AT RISK, a non-profit dedicated to research and advocacy for the children of Texas. Catch us weekly on 90.1 FM KPFT or wherever you get your podcasts.

April 16, 202654 min

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, and how social media is impacts mental health.HISD Under the Microscope: Megan Menchaca, Senior Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle, gives us the latest on Mike Miles’ New Education System and the expansion of AI-focused schools. About the Show: Growing Up in America is a production of CHILDREN AT RISK, a non-profit dedicated to research and advocacy for Texas youth. Catch us on 90.1 FM KPFT or wherever you get your podcasts.

April 8, 202655 min

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.