In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by co-host Natalie González, Development Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK. Between swapping stories about the evolving world of education and investigating the soft v. hard “looksmaxxing'' trend on social media, we’re diving into:

Empowering Educators in 2026: Jessica Dirks, Partnership Director at K12 Coalition, brings her unique background in law and teaching to the conversation, unpacking the biggest challenges facing educators today, from burnout and retention to AI technology.

Texas Charter School Growth: Dr. David DeMatthews, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at UT Austin, breaks down new research on charter school expansion across Texas and the consequences for special education services, funding and lower income students.

Plyler v. Doe & Children of Immigrants: Krystal Gomez, Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council, explains why this landmark Supreme Court decision is back in the spotlight, what’s at stake for children of immigrants, and how shifting policies around deportation and family separation is affecting families.

Connect with CHILDREN AT RISK on social media and support community radio by donating to KPFT Houston at kpft.org.

In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn and guest host Dr. Erica Hattery cover some of the most pressing issues in Houston and across Texas, from the future of artificial intelligence to major changes in public education and youth policy.

• How AI companies are making AI safer: AI safety expert and Houston City Council District C candidate Patrick Oathout joins to break down how AI systems are tested, the risks they pose, and why this matters at the local level.
• HISD Closes 12 schools: Senior education reporter at the Houston Chronicle Megan Menchaca discusses the recent decision by Houston ISD to close 12 campuses, including the impact on students, families, and educators.
• Empowering Opportunity Youth: Shannon Epner, Project Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK explains the Texas Sunset Review process and highlights policy recommendations aimed at improving outcomes for “Opportunity Youth” across the state.

Tune in for expert insights on technology, education, and the future of Texas communities.

In this episode, Dr. Bob Sanborn is joined by our newest co-host, Natalie González, former DJ and current CHILDREN AT RISK Development Coordinator. Between debating the gender-coded nuances of being “delulu” and Natalie’s uncanny resemblance to the lead singer of The Marías (check our IG and TikTok for the receipts!), we’re diving into:

• AI in the Classroom: Adrienne Williams, Research Fellow at the Distributed AI Research Institute, goes beyond the hype and breaks down the real risks that AI poses to children.
• Texas Primary Debrief: Jason Sabo, Founder at Frontera Strategy spills all the tea on the primary results and drops his predictions for the general election, plus his take on a "President Talarico."
• "Stay Woke" & DEI: Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism, unpacks the truth behind the word "woke" and examines the uncertainty facing children and educators in the Anti-DEI era.

Don’t be delulu! Connect with us on social media for exclusive studio content! And if you love what we do, support community radio by donating to KPFT Houston at kpft.org.

Special thank you to Lily, the newest intern at KPFT Houston and our Hip Speak Correspondent for this episode!