Raising Joy

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:  

• Raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills.  
• Providing resources and education for parents and caregivers.  
• Developing tailored programs for different communities, including the Spanish-speaking community.  
• Reimagining drug education for the modern age with resources like the “Real Talk About Fake Pills” film.  

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.