Raising Joy

What began as a six-article campaign in response to rising rates of youth suicide has blossomed into a thriving podcast reaching nearly 24,000 listeners in 60 countries. In this  milestone episode, the hosts reflect on their incredible journey, sharing fun facts (did you know the most popular episode focused on Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?), and answering insightful questions like:   Wh...

**This is our final episode until February 2025. Please subscribe to ensure you are alerted when episode 100 becomes available.**   This episode of Raising Joy shines a light on the critical work being done to increase access to mental health services for families living in poverty and/or lacking health insurance  in Tarrant County. Our guests, Kelly Rand and Dayo Jolayemi, are two exceptional Lic...

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of childhood obesity and explore a new bariatric surgery program at Cook Children's. Joining us is Kanika Bowen-Jallow,  M.D., the medical director of the program at Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper.  Dr. Bowen-Jallow provides invaluable insights into:  ·        When and why bariatric surgery is considered for adolescents str...

In this episode of Raising Joy, we welcome Andrea Dunlop, author and host of the true crime podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me," which investigates medical child abuse (MCA), formerly known as Munchausen by Proxy. Andrea shares her personal connection to the topic, stemming from a family experience, and explains what MCA is: a parent or caregiver, most often the mother, inducing, exaggerating, or f...

This episode of Raising Joy focuses on a sensitive yet crucial topic: understanding and managing chronic pain in children. We're joined by Matthew Reed, LCSW, BCB, a pain clinical therapist at Cook Children's who specializes in providing clinical therapy for children, adolescents, and families affected by chronic pain. Whether it’s headaches or other pain, Matthews shares how mental health can be...

This episode of Raising Joy tackles the important topic of supporting children with learning disorders, specifically focusing on dyslexia. We're joined by Emily Jimenez, Ph. D.,  NCSP, a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist at The Jane and John Institute for Mind Health here at Cook Children’s. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Jimenez will share valuable insights and practical st...

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the intersection of dermatology and mental health with Dr. Heather Volkman, a board-certified dermatologist at Cook Children's Medical Center. Join us as Dr. Volkman shares her unexpected journey from aspiring gynecologist to a pediatric dermatologist, driven by the unmet needs she witnessed during her medical rotations.  Discover how skin conditions,...

In this heartfelt episode of Raising Joy, we sit down with Jordan Walker Ross, beloved for his role as Little James in the hit series "The Chosen." Born two months premature, Jordan lives with cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and severe asthma, enduring numerous surgeries and bullying. Despite these challenges, his passion for acting propelled him forward, even in the face of rejection for his physical...

Join us for our first-ever Raising Joy Book Club episode as we dive into “Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary ‘Executive Skills’ Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential” with renowned author Dr. Peg Dawson.    Discover practical strategies to help your child develop essential executive function skills like planning, organization, and time management. Learn how to identify common challeng...

In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode, we join Gina Meyer and Brigitte Schulze, two mothers united by an unimaginable tragedy. Their daughters, Sarah Shulze and Katie Meyer, both promising Division I collegiate athletes, died by suicide within six weeks of each other. Gina and Brigitte share their daughters' stories, shedding light on the immense pressure and mental health struggles that oft...

Zachary Davis, DO, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cook Children's, has a particular interest in mental health in youth athletes. He joins Raising Joy to discuss the pressures young athletes face—from the high expectations set by parents and society to the intense demands of single-sport specialization. Dr. Davis highlights how these factors impact mental health, contributing to burnout, anxi...

In this episode of Raising Joy, Lily Han, M.D., Co-Medical Director at Cook Children's Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program, joins host Wini King for a conversation about childhood obesity and the growing field of adolescent obesity medicine. Dr. Han shares insights into her journey, driven by her commitment to addressing underlying causes of obesity rather than just treating symptoms. She discuss...

Moms are often times the anchors of families, and their well-being impacts everyone around them. But the perinatal period – from trying to conceive to postpartum – can be a rollercoaster of emotions. As a trusted resource for women throughout the perinatal journey, Dr. Nichelle Haynes offers invaluable insights into the unique challenges and mental health concerns that often arise during pregnancy...

Lots of kids are picky eaters. Often, they grow out of it. But sometimes picky eating becomes a real problem. When should parents be concerned?   In this episode of Raising Joy, Cook Children’s psychiatrist Akemi Watkins, M.D., returns to talk about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).    Learn how ARFID differs from other eating disorders, understand how to recognize signs and sympt...

We’re back! In this episode, hosts Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., provide an overview of the upcoming season of Raising Joy.   We’ll speak with a strong lineup of inspiring guests, dive into thought-provoking book discussions and debunk popular TikTok trends.   Get ready for a season filled with practical advice, heartwarming stories and valuable insights to help you bring joy and well-being in...

It's our season finale, and we're turning the questions over to YOU! In this special listener Q&A episode, hosts Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., tackle your most pressing questions about childhood mental health. From anxiety and stress management to navigating FOMO through the summer months, we'll be offering expert advice and practical tips to empower you to raise resilient and joyful kids....

This episode of Raising Joy features a truly inspiring story of resilience, hope, and giving back. Kelli Stahl, a nurse at Cook Children's Pediatrics Henderson, shares her remarkable journey as a childhood cancer patient who found a second chance caring for others. We'll hear about the incredible support Kelli received from her care team, and how she’s sharing her journey in a new book called, “ M...

This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: youth suicide prevention, particularly among young people of color. Kristen Pyrc, M.D. welcomes Martha and Chris Thomas, founders of The Defensive Line, a nonprofit on a mission to end this epidemic. Martha and Chris tragically lost their daughter, Ella Elizabeth Thomas, to suicide at the age of 24. Inspired by Ella's vibrant spirit an...

In this episode of Raising Joy, we explore the incredible resource of MHMR and Help Me Grow North Texas . Miranda Holmes & Arrenia Thomas join us to discuss how Help Me Grow empowers parents and caregivers by connecting them with a network of specialists and community-based services to support their child's healthy development. We delve into: Who Help Me Grow North Texas can support The differ...

In this episode, we explore the unique educational environment of Jane Justin School at Cook Children's Child Study Center. Our guest, Tracie Mann, Ph. D., LBA, shares how Jane Justin School supports children aged 3-21 with developmental and learning disabilities. We'll delve into the school's philosophy, which emphasizes individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a focus on mastering skil...

Warning: This episode includes conversation about youth self-harm and suicide.    Recent news of suicides among teens in North Texas has sent shockwaves through our community. Raising Joy hosts Kristen Pyrc, M.D., and Wini King take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreak being felt by so many and to share resources for healing.    Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, speak...

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of physician burnout with Kirk Pinto, M.D., a pediatric urologist, and Sara Garza, M.D., a primary care physician. These leaders in physician well-being at Cook Children’s join us to shed light on this growing concern. We'll explore the signs and symptoms of burnout, its impact on doctors, families, and patient care, and most importa...

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into a topic close to many parents' hearts: the mental health of children with complex medical needs. Our expert guests are Carla Morton, Ph. D., and Marsha Gabriel, Ph. D., neuropsychologists from Cook Children's.   We'll explore: ·         What is neuropsychology and how does it relate to children's health? ·         Common complex medical conditions and...

This episode of Raising Joy dives into the unseen but crucial work of building a strong and resilient community for children and families. Hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc welcome Breanna Anderson and Jammie Josephson, managers of the ACE's Team at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children's. The conversation explores: ·          Understanding ACES: They'll break down what Adverse Child...

This episode of Raising Joy saddles up for an inspiring conversation about mental health with Hallie Sheade, Ph. D., LPC-S, RPT-S, Executive Director of S.T.E.P.S. With Horses. Dr. Sheade, a licensed professional counselor who incorporates horses into her therapy sessions, will reveal the surprising power of these majestic creatures to help people and kids open up, learn, and heal in ways traditio...