Episodes
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Ep. 140 | Season 11 Finale
Rania and Jenn recap this season’s impactful guests and powerful conversations surrounding awareness, prevention, and the challenges affecting families and communities today. 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice #TheBalancedVoice...
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Ep. 139 | Behind the Screen: Exposing Online Predators to Protect Our Children - Jordan James
This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, we sit down with Jordan James, also known as “Spooner, "former President of The Decoy Project, who is on the front lines of exposing online child predators. Through powerful and controlled digital decoy operations, Jordan and his team pose as minors to...
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Ep. 138 | Justice for All: Balancing Victims, Defendants, and the Law - Sean Teare
Rania and Jenn sit down with @hcdao District Attorney Sean Teare to talk through common misconceptions, what the public should know about the role, and the changes he’s implemented since taking office, including updates to the intake process. From how charging decisions are made in real time to...
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Ep. 137 | Leading with Connection - Darius Payne
What if the behaviors we try to “fix” are actually cries for connection? Rania and Jenn are joined by Darius Payne, LMSW and TBRI Practitioner, to explore how trauma-informed care is transforming systems from juvenile justice to school by putting safety, regulation, and relationships first. This...
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Ep. 136 | Summer Traditions, Serious Questions - Tracy Walder
Rania and Jenn sit down with Tracy Walder, former CIA officer, FBI Special Agent, author of 'The Unexpected Spy', and national security analyst. She shares how her experience in national security shapes the way she views risk, preparedness, and the safety gaps many schools, camps, and communities...
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Ep. 135 | The Illusion of Safety: Child Exploitation in Virtual Reality Platforms
🌐 Online safety is a conversation every family should be having. Rania chats with Donna Rice Hughes, President and CEO of Enough Is Enough, about protecting children from online exploitation and the role families, communities, and tech companies play in creating safer digital spaces. 🎙️ Don’t...
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Ep. 134 | Romance Scams, Financial Fraud & The Red Flags You're Missing - Johnathan Walton
We’re joined by Johnathan Walton, author of "Anatomy of a Con Artist" and his story starts with something deeply personal… he was scammed himself. After experiencing fraud firsthand, Johnathan turned pain into purpose. He has since investigated hundreds of con artists across multiple continents,...
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Ep. 133 | The Teen Brain: From Risk to Resilience - Dr. Crystal Collier
Rania & Jenn sit down with Dr. Crystal Collier therapist, educator, and nationally recognized prevention researcher, to unpack the teen brain, risky behavior, and how parents can move from fear to informed, brain-based action. This episode is all about prevention over panic, connection over...
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Ep. 132 | Honoring Dave Ward While Facing the Conversations That Matter Most
This episode is one of reflection, remembrance, and responsibility. We begin by honoring the life and legacy of Dave Ward, whose impact and contributions to Crime Stoppers of Houston helped shape the work we continue today. From there, we take on the hard but necessary conversations of the…
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Ep. 131 | Safety First: Halloween, Camp, and a Closer Look at Texas Justice
Rania and Jenn are diving into all things Halloween safety, what parents should look for, how to keep kids safe, and the small details that make a big difference this spooky season. They’re also tackling summer camp safety. Should camps reopen this summer? What new laws and safety concerns should...
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Ep. 130 | Neurodiversity on the Road: Smarter Policing, Safer Outcome - Constable Alan Rosen and Dr. Karen Jaggers
Constable Alan Rosen and Dr. Karen Jaggers join Rania & Jenn to discuss how families can better advocate for the safety of neurodivergent teens and adults, on the road and at home. 💡 Learn the top 3 recommendations for identifying neurodivergent individuals to police or first responders and hear...
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Ep. 129 | Robert Roberson: The Price of Certainty - Rep. Lacey Hull & Brad Scalise
Rania and Andy sit with Rep. Lacey Hull and Attorney Brad Scalise to discuss the case of Robert Roberson. In 2003, Roberson was convicted and sentenced to death for the death of his daughter, Nikki, after a short fall at home. The case relied on the now-questioned shaken baby syndrome theory.…
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Ep. 128 | Innovation with Heart: Redefining Childcare Access - Ramal Taylor
Rania & Jenn sit down with Ramal Taylor, Founder & CEO of Storkii, to talk about redefining childcare through safety, equity, and innovation. From Bright Beginnings to launching a tech-powered solution, Ramal is transforming how families access trusted childcare. 🎧 Don’t miss the conversation on...
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Ep. 127 | From Victim to Voice - Elliston Berry & Anna McAdams
Rania and Jenn sit down with Anna McAdams and her daughter, Elliston Berry, to share a powerful and deeply personal story. At just 15, Elliston became the victim of an AI-generated deepfake, an explicit, fake image created from her Instagram. What began as a devastating violation has since turned...
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The Balanced Voice Podcast | LIVE Special!
Join Rania & Jenn, as they team up with Adriana & Ricardo, for a dynamic Back-to-School conversation that’s bilingual, bold, and rooted in community. Be part of our one-of-a-kind crossover event LIVE! Together, we’ll bridge English and Spanish to build stronger, more connected communities as we...
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Ep. 126 | When the Waters Recede, the Healing Begins - Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz
After hearing Ryland and her mom Elena’s powerful story of escaping the Central Texas floods at Camp Mystic, Rania and Jenn sit down with Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz to talk about what comes next , healing. Learn how to support children through trauma, how to start tough conversations, and how to...
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Ep. 125 | Bonus Episode - Brave Hearts in Rising Water
Rania and Jenn talk sit with a brave young camper and her mother as they share their unforgettable story of survival during the Central Texas floods. Through rising waters and uncertainty, their strength and courage shine. It’s a reminder of the resilience found in even the youngest among us.…
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Ep. 124 | Season 9 Finale: 50 Years of Strength & Inspiration
The Season 9 Finale of The Balanced Voice Podcast! Jenn surprises Rania, who celebrated her 50th birthday in June, with a heartfelt mini-interview. Together, they reflect on the incredible moments, people, and places that have shaped Rania into the successful and inspiring person she is today.…
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Ep. 123 | Together in Healing, Together in Advocacy - Kristen Faith & Terryjosiah Sharpe
Kristen Faith and Terry Josiah Sharpe—a dynamic husband-and-wife team using their personal stories, music, and advocacy to break the silence around domestic violence. From founding a national nonprofit to creating healing through storytelling and song, Kristen and Terry Josiah are on a mission to...
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Ep. 122 | MAMA Knows Best: Fighting Media Addiction - Julie Scelfo
Rania and Jenn sit down with Julie Scelfo , founder of MAMA - Mothers Against Media Addiction. Julie is leading a powerful movement to protect our kids from the harms of addictive social media. In this eye-opening conversation, she shares how MAMA is empowering parents and demanding…
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Ep. 121 | Fostering Hope - Peter Mutabazi
A powerful LIVE conversation with author, advocate, and foster dad Peter Mutabazi — a man who has fostered over 40 children, adopted one, and built a life around giving vulnerable kids the love and stability they deserve. We’re diving deep into his latest book "Love Does Not Conquer All" — a raw...
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Ep. 120 | Bail Reform Now: What's at Stake in Texas - Andy Kahan
In this powerful episode, Rania Mankarious and Andy Kahan shine a light on the real-life impact of flawed bond practices in Texas. With critical legislation now before the Texas Legislature, they unpack what’s at stake and why reform is urgently needed. Now is the time to speak up, reach out to...
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Ep. 119 | A Lens with a Purpose - Glen Muse
Sydney and Nichole sit down with accomplished filmmaker and video producer Glen Muse of Texas Photos. With over 30 years behind the lens, Glen shares how his purpose-driven storytelling has impacted countless Houston families — and why, for him, it’s never about views, but about change. 📅 Listen...
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Ep. 118 | Bridging Justice and Education - Mike Feinberg & Vanessa Ramirez
Sydney and Jenn sit down with education trailblazer Mike Feinberg and changemaker Vanessa Ramirez for a powerful conversation about breaking cycles and building futures. From founding KIPP and WorkTexas to transforming opportunities for justice-involved youth, Mike and Vanessa are reimagining...
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Ep. 117 | Overcrowded, Overmedicated, and Overlooked - Rania & Jenn
Harris County Jail is the largest mental health facility in Texas—not by design, but by default. With over 9,000 inmates and 80% struggling with mental health issues, the system is at a breaking point. Rania and Jenn take a closer look at the mental health crisis inside the jail, the debate over…
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Ep. 116 | 2025 Dirty Dozen List - Christen Price, ESQ.
Parents, this is a must-listen. Rania and Jenn sit down with Christen Price, Legal Counsel for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation Law Center, to discuss the newly released 2025 Dirty Dozen List—but this year, it’s not about companies. Instead, it's about 12 brave survivors whose voices…
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Ep. 115 Part 2 | Survivor. Advocate. Changemaker. - Rhonda Kuykendall
This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, Rania & Jenn continue their powerful conversation with Rhonda Kuykendall in Part 2 of her story. A human trafficking survivor, Rhonda not only confronted her trafficker but also changed laws to bring hope to others. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—out…
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Ep. 115 Part 1 | Survivor. Advocate. Changemaker. - Rhonda Kuykendall
📍 This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, Rania & Jenn sit down with Rhonda Kuykendall (@rhondakuy), Task Force Coordinator for the Fort Bend Regional Anti-Trafficking Collective at the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, a survivor-turned-advocate fighting to end human trafficking.…
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Ep. 114 | Spring Break Safety : Paranoid vs. Prepared
🌸 Spring Break is almost here — are you ready? Rania and Jenn share essential safety tips for traveling families, plus crucial conversations to have with teens and college students about staying safe during the break. Whether you're heading abroad or staying local, don’t miss this episode packed...
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Ep. 113 | Digital Balance for Better Teen Mental Health - Tessa Stuckey
Rania chats with Tessa Stuckey, a licensed counselor and author, about the rising mental health crisis in teens. Tessa shares insights on fostering connection, building resilience, and navigating the digital world responsibly. Don’t miss this crucial conversation for parents and educators! 🎧...
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Ep. 112 | From Center Stage to Community and Change - Lauren Anderson
🎙️ This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Anderson (@laurenandersonofficial) the trailblazing ballerina who made history with Houston Ballet! From breaking barriers to inspiring the next generation, her story is one of resilience, passion, and impact. 🎧 Listen this...
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Ep. 111 | Pop Culture & Public Safety - Rania & Jenn
🎙️ This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, Rania & Jenn are breaking down how pop culture intersects with public safety and why we should all be paying attention. From Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively’s push for safer industry standards to the P. Diddy allegations shaking the entertainment world,...
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Ep. 110 | Social Media Verification Age - Peter Gentala
📢 DEVELOPING STORY Senior Legal Counsel for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) Peter Gentala discusses the landmark Supreme Court hearing over Texas' age verification law happening this Wednesday, January 15. This critical legislation aims to protect children from the devastating...
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Ep. 109 | Thankful Reflection: Mid Season Review
As we head into Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on some of the incredible conversations we’ve shared so far—like Stephanie McGary on teen mental health, David Peck on finding balance in our voices—and so much more. Don’t miss Rania & Jenn as they host our Mid-Season Review! Let’s revisit these...
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Ep. 108 | Defending Her Life - Mekisha Walker
This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, Jenn & Sydney sit down with Mekisha Walker, Attorney at Law. From her time as a felony prosecutor to becoming a fierce defense attorney, Mekisha has achieved professional success. But behind her achievements, she faced a personal battle: enduring domestic...
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Ep. 107 | From Crime Starter to Crime Stopper - Bryan Sobolewski
Rania & Jenn sit down with Bryan Sobolewski, a reformed ex-con and former member of a New England crime family, who once orchestrated over 22 jewelry heists and stole millions. After serving time, Bryan has turned his life around, earning degrees in psychology and substance abuse counseling, and...
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Ep. 106 | Beyond the Divide: Current Events - David Peck
This week, Rania and Jenn sit down with David Peck (@itsdavidpeck), CEO and Chief Visionary Officer, in his stunning studio. Known for his unique, timeless designs that redefine luxury, David shares insights on creating quality fashion that lasts and what it means to offer a truly luxurious...
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Ep. 105 | Hope & Mental Health - Heather Lambert, LPC
Rania and Jenn welcome Heather Lambert, LPC, a passionate advocate for mental health education in Texas schools. Heather shares how her faith has shaped her counseling approach in helping students and families achieve wellness. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on the importance of mental...
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Ep. 104 | OpenAI's Dangerous Proposal - Lisa Thompson
Join us for an insightful episode of The Balanced Voice Podcast with Rania and Jenn featuring special guest Lisa Thompson, Vice President of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's Research Institute. We will dive into NCOSE's rapid assessment report, addressing OpenAI's recent call for...
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Ep. 103 | Supporting Teen Mental Health - Stephanie McGary, LPC-S, RPT-S
🎙️ Rania and Jenn sit down with Stephanie McGary, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and registered play therapist supervisor with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Stephanie shares how she combines her counseling expertise with a passion for education to lead the...
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Ep. 102 | New Season, New Studio, Same Balanced Convos - Rania & Jenn
Episode 102 is here with a NEW look! 🎉 Rania and Jenn are back with fresh conversations in Season 9 of The Balanced Voice Podcast! This week, Rania and Jenn talk about school safety, reflect on the powerful episode with Lynda Irvine, online safety for kids, and even some lighter moments like the...
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Ep. 101 | Fentanyl Epidemic - Lynda Irvine
🎙️ The Balanced Voice Podcast is BACK! Season 9 premieres TODAY, and we're diving into critical conversations that impact our community. Join Rania and Jenn as they sit down with Lynda Irvine, Executive Director of Texas Against Fentanyl. (@txaf.awareness) After tragically losing her son Tyler…
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Ep. 100 | LIVE Show with Griselda "Grizzy" Castillo!
Join us LIVE in the studio as we welcome back Griselda “Grizzy Hood News” Castillo! Meet @grizzyshoodnews in person and dive into critical topics and conversations that impact our communities. Don’t miss out on the celebration! ➡️ Listen and watch the full episode, comment, share and subscribe to...
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Ep. 99 | Season 8 In Review - Rania Mankarious & Sydney Zuiker
🎉 Another successful season is in the books, and we've shared it with some amazing guests! In this week’s Season 8 in Review episode, Rania and Sydney chat about the most recent trending topics making news and circling social media. From TikTok bans, to Harvey Weinstein’s shocking legal twist,...
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Ep. 98 | Students Speak on Cyber Safety - Yaratsen Vidauri & Lilian Ramirez-Guevara
Rania & Jenn can't wait to dive into cyber safety with Yaratsen Vidauri & Liliana Ramirez-Guevara! Tune in for a fresh, young perspective on navigating the digital realm! 🌐 ➡️ Listen or Watch Wednesday https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice
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Ep. 97 | Focused - JJ Moses
Prepare to Win!!🏆 Join us as we dive deep into the inspiring journey of JJ Moses, now a motivational force, community champion, and author. Tune in for exclusive insights into his new book, his impactful work in the Houston community, and the story of how he conquered every obstacle to reach the...
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Ep. 96 | More Than A Football Player - Justin Reid 2X Super Bowl Champion
All he does is win win win no matter what! A lot happened after the Chief's Super Bowl win and this week, Justin Reid shares his story and experiences. Tune in to hear about the lessons he's learned, the mindset that won him 2 Super Bowl Championships, and how he's using his platform to give back...
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Ep. 95 | Surviving Street Assaults in NYC
We have a very interesting bonus episode this week. Don't miss Rania's discussion with four victims of the recent random NYC attacks on women. In this episode allisonnhager, @elliowagner, Karina Dunford, and @quinnofnewyork, discuss their experience and how it has shaped their opinion on safety…
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Ep. 94 | A Houston Change Maker - Sheridan Williams
Baseball season is finally here! ⚾️ As you gear up for opening day, don't miss the chance to hear from the legendary Astros supporter, Sheridan Williams. If you're looking for another reason to fall in love with Houston, be sure to tune in at 10:00 AM to hear all our champion city has to offer.…
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Ep. 93 | Baseball, Y'all - Julia Morales
With baseball opening day around the corner, we are so excited to share our latest episode with the one and only Julia Morales, Sports Anchor & Reporter for Space City Home Network! Our podcast team visited Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, for an exclusive sit down with one of...
About this show
Hosted by Crime Stoppers of Houston’s CEO, the mission of this podcast is to have balanced conversations with local and national newsmakers that offer real solutions to our nation’s most pressing issues.
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