Raising Joy

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 strategies for parents and educators
 on how to effectively support children facing learning challenges. 

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, often dismissed as mere cosmetic issues, can profoundly affect a child's self-esteem and mental well-being. Dr. Volkman sheds light on the social stigmatization and bullying that children with visible skin conditions endure and emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues with sensitivity and understanding. 

We also explore the controversial perceptions around acne treatments, the influence of social media on skincare routines, and practical advice for parents supporting their children through skin struggles. Tune in to learn how dermatology goes beyond the skin, touching lives in ways that are often overlooked.

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 differences. Jordan shares his inspiring journey of self-acceptance, the impact of a supportive family, and how embracing vulnerability has turned his challenges into strengths. 

This conversation is a testament to resilience and the power of empathy, especially for parents raising children facing unique obstacles.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.  

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 challenges, create supportive routines, and empower your child to reach their full potential.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

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 often go unnoticed in the world of athletes on every level. They discuss the importance of open conversations, seeking help, and fostering a culture of support within the athletic community.
As they navigate their grief, Gina and Brigitte have established foundations in honor of their daughters. Learn about the incredible work they're doing to raise awareness, promote mental health, provide resources to athletes and their families, and make legal changes.
This episode is a powerful testament to the enduring love of a mother and the urgent need to prioritize mental health, especially among young athletes.
Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

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, anxiety and injury risks.

Dr. Davis also talks about the signs of mental strain in athletes, noting that non-verbal cues—like changes in eating, sleep or enthusiasm—can indicate distress. Dr. Davis emphasizes the importance of a supportive and open environment where parents and coaches listen to athletes and value their well-being over performance metrics. He advocates for multi-sport participation, which improves skills and resilience and reduces injury risks.

Drawing from prominent athletes like Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, and Caitlin Clark, Dr. Davis encourages youth to prioritize mental health and self-care. In this episode, we reflect on how sports can serve as a powerful, life-learning experience for young people, teaching resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

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 discusses how her practice focuses on lifestyle changes as key interventions, integrating nutritional education, physical activity, stress management and community resources. 

Dr. Han explains that while medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—originally developed for diabetes—are now considered for adolescents with obesity, they are used only after intensive lifestyle modifications. She emphasizes obesity's complex interplay with mental health, noting increased rates of depression, stress eating, and social stigma, which can exacerbate the condition.

On bariatric surgery, Dr. Han describes it as a "last resort" after other options have been explored, yet highly effective for reducing obesity-related health risks. She describes gastric sleeve surgery as a safe procedure that, by reducing the stomach’s size and affecting appetite-regulating hormones, can help sustain long-term weight loss in adolescents with severe obesity.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

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, postpartum, and in the face of infertility and loss.

In this episode, discover practical strategies for nurturing your well-being, supporting your family, and finding solace during difficult times. It is packed with valuable tools and resources for any expectant or new mother seeking guidance and connection.

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

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 symptoms, and discover tips for supporting children who are struggling with this disorder. 

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.

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 into your life!

Raising Joy is part of Cook Children’s Health Care System’s Joy Campaign, a communications initiative aimed at preventing youth suicides. For more information about the Joy Campaign, visit www.cookchildrens.org/joy or follow us on Instagram @RaisingJoyPodcast and TikTok @Raising.Joy.