Raising OKC Kids – Conversations with MetroFamily

Educators, parents and MetroFamily favorites Danielle and Andre Daughty join us to talk about what going back to school will look like this fall. From logistics like social distancing and masking to parent concerns about kids being behind academically and student mental health, the Daughtys provide actionable tips to care for our kids this school year.

In a new format this year, "Kids Fest Comes to You" celebrates the ability to get out with the family in a safe way (spreading out the families and having safety measures in place at every venue), summer’s last hurrah, the excitement of getting back to school and the joy of giving back. Listen in as we talk about the NEW offers, programs, discounts and contests for extra family fun this year! Kids...

ReMerge is a local nonprofit organization serving high-risk, high-needs mothers facing non-violent felony offenses in Oklahoma County. Instead of going to prison and being separated from their children, ReMerge participants engage in an intensive, holistic 2-year program to equip them to be engaged citizens through job skills and parenting training and meeting health, housing, career and other nee...

Newly elected Edmond Mayor and longtime city council member Darrell Davis joins us to talk about his vision for the future of Edmond, campaigning during a pandemic and the historical significance of his election. A dad of three grown children, Mayor Davis also provides advice and encouragement for other parents as we come out of the pandemic.

Leslie Blair, public information officer with the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, joins us to talk about summer travel and the new parking pass program at several Oklahoma state parks. Find out all you need to know for your next visit plus some great day trips ideas with destinations from around the Sooner state.

Mental health has been a trending topic lately, especially as it relates to our new "work/life balance." Join us as Michael Dickerson, founder of the Dickerson Consulting Group and the podcast The Spillover Effect talks to us about stigmas around mental health in the workplace, stigmas around mental health in POC communities, stressors and support available for working moms and above all how to re...

Oklahoma City mom and Langston University Vice President Mautra Jones was recently named National Mother of the Year by American Mothers, Inc. and she joins us to talk about both the beautiful and challenging parts of motherhood. Mautra shares how she strives to find fulfillment in each of her roles, from mom and wife to her career and community service endeavors, and provides encouragement and em...

Dr. Deb Shropsire, director of Child Welfare Services of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and Sharon Guilbeaux, local therapeutic foster mom, join us to discuss Oklahoma's current need for therapeutic foster families. They share both the challenges and blessings of playing a part in helping children and families heal, plus how everyone in the community can get involved in supporting fost...

By popular request, we are re-releasing one of our favorite episodes! Metro moms and community leaders Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, and Kylee Holland, program director at SISU Youth Services, join us to talk about resources in the metro for LGBTQ youth and their families and friends and how to normalize same-sex couples and transgender individuals with children.

Did you know postpartum anxiety is actually more common than depression, and that the two are often experienced in tandem? Postpartum therapist and local mom Thai-An Truong, LPC, shares common signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety and less-understood ways they can manifest for moms. Truong talks about coping strategies that were helpful for her in her own journey with postpartum...

This episode of Raising OKC Kids is all about summer fun! Our digital editor Lindsay Cuomo shares about kid-friendly weekend road trips, the return of summer festivals, affordable and at-home options for family fun, plus family-friendly ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. Listen in to get a jump start on planning your family’s best summer ever!

Three Oklahoma students who currently serve on State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister’s Student Advisory Council join us to talk about their work on the council in affecting state-level initiatives in public education, what it's been like to attend school during a pandemic and their visions for the future of public education in Oklahoma. They share concerns and solutions regarding mental health resou...

May is National Water Safety Month, and although this isn’t a topic that parents want to think much about, it is truly one of the most important to be educated on. Megan Bachman, Survival Swim Development Network Master Instructor founder/owner of Oklahoma Swim Academy talks with us about the "ah-ha" moments and confidence skills that come along with teaching kids survival swim skills, as well as...

Join us as we hear from Stephanie Peña, the new event coordinator for  Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill , as she talks to us about OKCine Latino Film Festival and how local teens can get involved, as well as signature events like Fiestas de las Americas, summer concerts and a brand new event called El Mercado happening this June. The Capitol Hill district has a long and rich history in OKC...

City Care's Rachel Freeman joins us to talk about the nonprofit's new FAQ video series addressing tough questions about issues like childhood trauma, the criminal justice system, homelessness, substance abuse disorder and others. The video series seeks to inform, debunk myths about poverty and those who are plagued by it and empower individuals to help create positive change. Rachel helps us break...

In addition to thinking about the way we teach history to our kids, it's also important to convey that Native people, cultures, art and traditions are not just part of our state's past but have vibrant modern applications and are flourishing in our communities and the people around us. Local parents Ginny Underwood with First Americans Museum, Sarah Brown with the Metropolitan Library System and T...

April is Autism Awareness Month, and Melinda Lauffenberger, founder of Autism Oklahoma, shares why she started the nonprofit organization nearly 20 years ago and how they have impacted thousands of families since. Melinda shares actionable tips for how families of children with autism can find a lifelong support system and how families of typically developing kids can take important steps to be in...

Local parents Torie Shoecraft and Camal Pennington join us to talk about the current legislative session in Oklahoma, including what bills may impact families. Learn more about how to find out what bills or issues affecting families are on the table, the most impactful ways to contact your legislators and the power of both your individual voice and the collective community voice.   Shownote links:...

Sharina Perry, local mom and inventor of Utopia Plastix which produces plant-based alternatives for petroleum-based plastics. Sharina got started by looking for solutions for her own family, and eventually found a solution that could improve lives world-wide. She is known as the rerouter: she has never met an obstacle that she couldn't "reroute" her way around. It doesn't take a chemist to solve a...

Join us as we hear from Chris Cox, owner and founder of The House and The House Helps, and Krystal Kaye, executive director for Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, as they talk about pivoting to virtual events during the pandemic. Chris and Krystal talk about virtual programs and events that have evolved from necessity, as well as some that are here to stay. Hope is prevalent wherever you look: “scien...

The Spiro Mounds are one of the United States’ most important ancient Native American sites, as well as an archaeological find unmatched in modern times. Yet, despite creating a sophisticated ancient culture, the Spiro people are nearly forgotten in the pages of history books. How did these incredible works of art and other treasures from all over North America end up hidden for hundreds of years,...

Where do we even begin with the challenges we’re all facing right now as working moms? This time in our lives has been, in a word, HEAVY. The team at MetroFamily talk about how families are juggling external and internal expectations, your Enneagram type and parenting, as well as how parents' self-care is more important now than ever. MetroFamily is dedicated to being part of the solution in helpi...

What would it look like for you to live with passion and a resolute courage, and to not only to feel free but to boldly walk in that freedom? Is that not the essence of what we are all searching for? Join us as we chat with Marcy McConnell, owner of The Reclaimed Soul as she talks with us about how to achieve just that. Marcy will explain how your Enneagram type affects your work style, parenting...

Small business revenues were down 44 percent in Oklahoma City at the end of 2020 compared to the beginning, but local leaders like Maurianna Adams have been constantly pivoting and exploring new partnerships to help this vital sector of our community. Adams, executive director of Progress OKC, mom and community leader, joins us to talk about an exciting new option for local small business owners t...

Local mom and MetroFamily contributor Sasha Hughes joins us to talk about intentionally carving out meaningful family time. From planning a "Paint and Sip" family night and making Valentine plans together to creating TikTok videos with preteens and setting aside time for your partner, Sasha gives us great ideas to love our family members well this month and beyond. Plus, get a sneak peek at the in...