Kristen Pyrc, M.D. and Wini King welcome a truly inspiring mother-daughter duo to Raising Joy: Emerson Bucci and her mother, Ashlee. In an episode that celebrates the power of the human spirit, they share Emerson's incredible journey of survival and recovery.
In August 2024, at just 12 years old, Emerson faced a very rare and life-threatening allergic reaction to the common antibiotic Bactrim. Her lungs were severely compromised, leading to a 36-day stay in the ICU at Cook Children's and being placed on ECMO life support.
Tune in to hear:
· The terrifying process of searching for a diagnosis, the family’s emergency transfer, and the very real possibility of a lung transplant.
· How Emerson, despite being on life support, remained fully awake and even did schoolwork.
· The inspiring story behind Emerson's life-affirming catchphrase, "I got this," which became the family's mantra and even inspired a special tattoo.
· Emerson’s deep faith and remarkable maturity in viewing her ordeal as "temporary".
· How this experience has inspired Emerson to pursue a future career as a physical therapist to help others walk their own road to recovery.
This conversation is a powerful testimony to family love, perseverance, and the miracle of hope.
In this heartfelt episode of Raising Joy, Kristen Pyrc, M.D. welcomes Fort Worth author K. Jody Massey to discuss a universal and often difficult topic: parental separation.
Inspired by her own life experiences, Jody created her beautiful children's books, Daddy and Me When Daddy Is Away and Mommy and Me When Mommy's Away.
Jody shares how these books are designed to be a gentle guide and a crucial conversation starter for families navigating time apart—from daycare drop-offs and camp to more complex situations like military deployment, hospital stays, foster care, divorce, and incarceration.
Tune in to discover:
This episode is a loving reminder that connection and open communication can help children—and parents—feel secure, loved, and whole, no matter the distance.
Find Jody's books: Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at https://www.kjodymassey.com/.
This week, Kristen Pyrc, M.D. and Wini King are back on Raising Joy and welcoming special guest Alexandra Morales, Project and Partnership Coordinator for the Parent Pass app, to discuss a groundbreaking tool designed to lift the mental load of parenting.
Alexandra explains how the free Parent Pass app started in 2021 as a solution to connect parents with the resources and community support they were struggling to find in Tarrant County.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
· How Parent Pass acts as a vetted, one-stop shop for finding everything from fun, low-cost kid-friendly events to reliable health and mental wellness resources.
· How the app uses new AI to customize event and resource information based on your children's ages, interests, and zip code, so you don't have to "scour" for information.
· The overwhelming request for mental health support from local parents, which Parent Pass addresses by linking to organizations like Lena Pope and offering access to trauma-informed yoga classes.
· The app's Parent Help Line and its life-saving connection to the Help Me Grow program, including a powerful story of how a nurse's postpartum education helped a new mom recognize a dangerous blood clot.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation about how a community-driven app is using technology to combat parent isolation and provide critical support, all while continuing to grow and expand!
Learn more about the Parent Pass App here: https://parentpass.app/
This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., learn all about the Parent Cafe program – which brings education and caregiving skills directly to parents across North Texas.
The guests are Aaron Olivares who oversees the Parent Cafe program for Cook Children's Center for Community Health, and Itzia Osco, a coordinator for the H.E.L.P. Program at Fort Worth ISD, which supports families experiencing homelessness.
The H.E.L.P. Program is just one of the dozens of examples of how the Parent Cafe program is being utilized to support parents with a variety of issues, from discipline and communication to mental health and working with your child’s school.
Now available in eight counties, this episode sheds light on the Parent Cafe program, how it started as well as information on how you can bring the curriculum to your school or community.
At a Parent Café, you can:
Learn more at https://www.cookchildrenscommunity.org/abuse/parenting-support/parent-cafe/
If you’ve ever tried to schedule a behavioral health appointment for your child, you likely know the wait can be longer than expected – even months. But did you know there’s a major shortage of child psychiatrists nationwide? In fact, there are roughly 850 child psychiatrists in Texas serving seven million children.
On this episode of Raising Joy, we’re talking about solutions with Gunit Kahlon, M.D., and Nanette Allison, D.O., who lead Fort Worth’s first Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program at JPS Health Network.
The program, which includes rotations at JPS Health Network and Cook Children's, aims to increase access to mental health care for children and teens. With the first graduating class now working in Tarrant County, access to timely care and reduced wait times are more than a dream – they’re becoming reality.
In this episode you’ll learn:
This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Kristen Pryc, M.D., learn what resources your child’s school counselors can provide for you and your student with Bridgeport ISD Counselor Liz Cornett.
Liz addresses issues like conflict resolution, parental incarceration and self-harm ideation. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and prevention, using tools like QR codes for check-ins and character development lessons.
In this episode you’ll learn:
This episode is filled with self-help and regulation techniques to advocate for your child so that they feel heard.
This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc discuss how to define trauma and the mental and physical responses adolescents have with Joy Hoffman, Psy.D., a psychologist at Cook Children’s Pediatrics in Hurst, Texas.
Dr. Hoffman details how different adolescent age groups respond to trauma and healing. Discover the best practices on how to create a safe space and gain trust to help the child heal depending on age and events.
In this episode you’ll learn:
This episode is packed with ways to navigate and regulate the physical and emotional responses of trauma in various adolescent age groups.
This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Kristen Pyrc, M.D., analyze the positive effects of giving your child independence from an early age with Kim Mangham, M.D., a pediatrician from Cook Children’s Pediatrics - Keller Parkway.
Dr. Mangham details the strengths your child will develop if you let them make their own mistakes starting as early as the toddler years. Discover how these mistakes, with parent oversight, will better prepare your teen and college student to advocate for themselves as they navigate early adulthood.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is filled with parent and caregiver advice to best empower and prepare your child for the independence of adulthood from an early age.
This week on Raising Joy, Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc dive deep into the fascinating world of neuropsychological testing with special guest Tahnae Allen, Ph.D., a pediatric neuropsychologist from Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper.
Dr. Allen breaks down neuropsychological testing and dispels common misconceptions. Discover that it's not about electrodes and blinking lights, but rather a comprehensive and often fun assessment that helps understand how a child's brain functions in areas like attention, memory, language and social-emotional development.
In this episode, you'll learn:
This episode is packed with valuable insights for any parent or caregiver looking to better understand and support their child's neurodevelopmental journey.
On this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Kristen Pyrc sits down with Brian Miller, President and CEO of Camp Fire First Texas to explore the transformative power of camps for kids.
We learn why unplugging from technology and spending time outdoors is so good for young brains, especially when it comes to skills like teamwork and communication. And Dr. Pyrc shares the long-lasting impact camp has had on her own life.
Whether you’re weighing the decision to send your child to camp, wondering which age is right or looking for simple ways to bring “camp life” into your everyday summer routine, this episode will inspire you.
If you’d like to learn more about Camp Fire First Texas, visit their website at https://www.campfirefw.org/.
In this episode of Raising Joy, join Wini King and Dr. Kristin Pyrc as they welcome Fort Worth Councilman Michael Crain to discuss the revitalization of the Las Vegas Trail community. Councilman Crain, who represents District 3, shares the rich history of this West Fort Worth area and the exciting additions to the community that will open in the coming months.
The conversation highlights the significant investments being made to uplift the community and the growth this area will soon see. A major focus of the episode is the upcoming Cook Children's and JPS neighborhood health clinic, a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in Tarrant County, which will offer comprehensive healthcare services for both children and adults, a food pantry, workforce training, and a demonstration kitchen. Councilman Crain also touches on the vital role of organizations like LVT Rise and the upcoming Head Start facility, emphasizing the importance of affordable childcare for single mothers in the area.
Tune in to hear about the collaborative efforts transforming this historic Fort Worth neighborhood and the vision for a thriving future!
In this episode of Raising Joy, join Wini King and Dr. Kristin Pyrc as they welcome Diamond Moss, founder of Afro Green'd. What starts with Kristin's newfound love for hydrangeas quickly blossoms into a fascinating conversation about the power of urban gardening for children and communities.
Diamond shares his personal journey into agriculture, inspired by his grandmother's backyard garden and a friend's insightful advice. He highlights Afro Green'd's impactful work with over 600 students in the Fort Worth School District, where kids learn to plant, harvest and eat the food they've grown themselves.
Diamond also explains the concept of "organic mental relief" and the profound connection between being outdoors, gardening, and children's mental well-being.
This episode is a celebration of life skills, community building, and the simple joy of connecting with nature. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the power of urban gardening for children and communities. Plus, get some expert tips on growing your own delicious tomatoes, even in the Texas heat!
In this episode of Raising Joy, hosts Dr. Kristin Pyrc and Wini King welcome a very special guest: Mattie Parker, Mayor of Fort Worth and Chief of Staff at Cook Children’s Health Care System! Mayor Parker joins us to share her experiences leading a large and growing city while raising a family of her own. She offers a relatable perspective on the challenges of balancing a career with the demands of navigating family life, providing insights on the beautiful chaos of it all. Mayor Parker also discusses mental health in Fort Worth and empowers families to find support through readily available community resources. Plus, Mayor Parker highlights exciting upcoming initiatives for Fort Worth, including the Good Natured program, which will expand green spaces and invest in natural community areas. Listen to this episode for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about leadership, family, and making a difference in your community. Remember to connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.
In this episode of Raising Joy, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristin Pyrc delve into the complex relationship between video games and mental health with Elizabeth Brown, LPC-S, Family Therapist and Clinical Team Lead at Lena Pope Counseling Services. They explore the potential benefits of gaming, such as developing mastery, autonomy, and social skills. However, they also address the serious drawbacks, including the addictive nature of games and potential safety concerns. With insights from Elizabeth, this episode offers practical advice for parents on setting healthy boundaries and navigating the gaming world. The discussion covers:
· The potential for video games to be addictive.
· The dangers of online play and interacting with strangers.
· Differences in how boys and girls engage with video games.
· The importance of structure and parental involvement.
This episode provides essential information for parents and caregivers seeking to understand and manage their children's video game habits.
Remember to connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.
Join Dr. Kristen Pyrc and Wini as they delve into a powerful initiative at Cook Children's Center for Community Health: "Children's Feelings Are a Work of Art." This eye-opening project uses creativity to help young minds understand and express their emotions, fostering mental well-being and reducing stigma.
Hear from Courtney Bernard, Ed.D., Director of the Cook Children's Center for Community Health, and Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist, as they share the inspiring story behind this program that provides children with a safe space to communicate feelings they might struggle to verbalize.
Prepare to be moved as Courtney shares poignant examples and the artists' own powerful statements. From a girl seemingly standing in a field of flowers but feeling submerged in a "sea of tears," to another depicting the hidden emotions "behind the mask of my skin," these young artists reveal surprising depths of feeling.
Dr. Pyrc and Wini explore the research supporting art as a vital coping skill, offering an outlet for stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation. They discuss how this project not only benefits the children creating the art but also sparks crucial conversations and normalizes the discussion around mental health.
Tune in to witness the incredible talent and emotional intelligence of these young artists and learn how creative expression can be a powerful tool for nurturing healthy minds. You might just be inspired to pick up a crayon yourself.
Have you ever felt refreshed after taking a walk around a garden? Do you find yourself in a brighter mood after sitting outside on a beautiful day? Research shows that spending time in nature can have real, tangible benefits for your health and well-being.
In this episode of Raising Joy, we’re joined by Morgan Jansing, Ph.D., Director of School Programs at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, to explore the powerful connection between nature and well-being. She introduces the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Nature Rx pilot program, explaining its unique partnerships to "prescribe" nature education, and discusses the impactful programs offered to schoolchildren in the Fort Worth area.
Dr. Jansing provides practical and accessible tips for families looking to incorporate more nature into their daily lives. Tune in to learn how a dose of nature can positively impact your family's health and happiness!
Connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.
Today on Raising Joy, we dive into brain health, an often-overlooked aspect of overall well-being.
Co-hosts Wini and Dr. Pyrc speak with Jennifer Zientz, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Programs at The Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas, who defines brain health as more than just the absence of disease.
Zientz provides valuable insights into:
· How the Center for BrainHealth uniquely focuses on maintaining brain health across all stages of life
· How individuals can assess their own brain health
· Practical tips for improving brain health
· How we can help children practice healthy brain habits
Tune in to discover all the benefits of a healthy brain!
Connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.
In this inspiring episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Pyrc sits down with Dr. Ashley Elgin, CEO of Lena Pope, a Fort Worth organization with a remarkable 95-year legacy of service to Tarrant County children and families. Lena Pope uses evidence-based, research-tested programs focused on prevention and early intervention services that support child development and improve the behavioral and mental health of children. This conversation delves into how Lena Pope has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of its community, demonstrating a deep commitment to providing crucial support and fostering positive change in young lives.
Listeners will discover the breadth of Lena Pope's impact through its diverse programs, including early childhood education focused on social-emotional development, counseling services addressing trauma and mental health, and juvenile justice interventions aimed at helping young people find a path to success. The episode also features inspiring success stories that illustrate the transformative power of Lena Pope's work, highlighting the resilience of children and families and the dedication of the organization's staff.
Connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.
In this powerful and informative episode of Raising Joy, we revisit with Ed Ternan, the President and Founder of Song for Charlie, a national, family-run nonprofit charity dedicated to raising awareness about ‘fentapills’ — fake pills made of fentanyl. Ed shares the heartbreaking story of his son Charlie, whose tragic death from a counterfeit pill laced with fentanyl inspired him to take action.
Dr. Pyrc and Ed delve into the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths, particularly among young people, and discuss how Song for Charlie is making a difference. They explore the organization's initiatives, including:
Ed offers crucial advice for parents, educators, and communities on how to protect young people from the dangers of fentanyl and how to educate them through having open conversations.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the well-being of young people and seeking practical solutions to the fentanyl crisis.
Remember to connect with Raising Joy on Instagram @raisingjoypodcast and TikTok @Raising.joy to see video content from episodes.
In this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Pyrc and Wini dive deep into the profound impact of the digital world on our children's psychological development. With YouTube, TikTok, and AI tools like ChatGPT at their fingertips, kids today face a landscape of information – and misinformation – unlike any generation before.
Join us as we welcome Austin Greenhaw, M.D., a child psychiatrist from Cook Children's, to unpack the real-world effects of technology on young minds. We explore
the nuanced ways social media and AI influence mental health, the specific challenges posed by apps like TikTok, and how parents can guide their children through the complexities of online algorithms and misinformation.
Dr. Greenhaw shares insights on fostering a strong sense of self-worth in a world of online validation, the differences in how boys and girls navigate these issues, and practical advice for raising children in this digital age.