Best Brian Meza Podcasts (2024)

1
The Impact of Long-Term Mentorship (feat. Brandon Denton, Friends of the Children Houston) 44:30

5d ago44:30

44:30

Do you know what the single most important factor in overcoming childhood adversity is? Research found that it is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent and caring adult. Today, we are talking with Brandon Denton who has an impressive resume full of experiences and passion. Brandon was the Founding Executive Director of Friends of th…

1
From the Vault: What is the River? (feat. Jason Johnson, CAFO) 35:53

30d ago35:53

35:53

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month! During this month, we’re not only raising awareness about foster care, but we are also celebrating the beautiful work of collaboration in this space. (Watch our new “As One” documentary series here for some incredible stories about the work happening in our city.) With this focus, we are revisiting the v…

1
Unlocking Purpose for the Vulnerable (feat. Brian Meza, Petra Cares) 36:28

1M ago36:28

36:28

For young adults who faced significant challenges growing up, it can be very hard to successfully transition into the workforce. They may not have the resources or self-confidence to strive for a fulfilling career. As a result, they may end up unemployed or stuck in a cycle of jobs that don’t offer upward mobility. Today’s guest, Brian Meza, is tac…

1
Navigating Transracial Adoption: A Personal Journey (feat. Isaac Etter, Identity) 50:31

2M ago50:31

50:31

Adopting children who are of a different race than your own can be a beautiful thing. But many parents who do so make one crucial mistake—they try to disregard the topic of race altogether. They may feel uncomfortable addressing this subject or think that it’s better just to ignore it. But the truth is, in order to set children up for success, you …

1
Showing Up For Children in the Way They Deserve (feat. Chelsea Floro, Moses Closet of The Woodlands) 46:48

2M ago46:48

46:48

Life as a foster parent is a constant learning process. You complete extensive training, but quickly realize that there's always more to learn. As you figure out the best ways to meet the needs of the children in your care, one thing continues to become clear—every child comes with their own unique needs. The best way to grow in how you're supporti…

1
Helping Birth Parents Make Positive Changes (feat. Catherine Vannatta & Tiffany Maggret) 50:13

3M ago50:13

50:13

The foster care system’s primary goal is to serve the best interests of the families within it. Whenever possible, that means reuniting biological parents with their children. To help a family heal, birth parents need intentional support. But all too often, they aren’t given the resources they need to overcome their challenging life circumstances a…

1
From Foster Youth to Social Worker (feat. Travis Hand, Texas Children’s Hospital) 36:17

3M ago36:17

36:17

It’s a joy to have Travis Hand, a Licensed Master Social Worker who currently serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, on our latest episode of the podcast. Once a teen struggling to navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, Travis gained a strong passion for social work in college. This conversa…

1
A Ralph's Story part II : It Almost Happened Again 47:25

4M ago47:25

47:25

Ralph updates us on his absence and why he was away for a while. We almost lost our mighty orangutan. Let's hear his story.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales

1
Shooting the shit 43:00

4M ago43:00

43:00

Complete random, off the cuff show.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales

1
Season 4 Opener 12:16

4M ago12:16

12:16

It begins again!!!!! Season 4 Take a listen !!!By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Improving the System Together (feat. Shaundricka Easley, Texas Department of Family Protective Services) 28:56

4M ago28:56

28:56

We are delighted to have the Deputy Regional Director at the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, Shaundricka Easley, on the podcast. She has been with the department for over 15 years and had various roles during that time as well as served all 13 counties across the Houston area. Shaundricka gives us unique insight from her vast experi…

1
Walking with Families for the Long Haul (feat. Jenni Lord) 42:43

5M ago42:43

42:43

“Who is with them long term?” This is the question that Jenni Lord started asking after her organization helped fund hundreds of adoptions. What she realized is that the breakdown of these adoptive families often stemmed from the parents not being equipped to handle the behaviors and challenges that came along with trauma. Today, Jenni Lord is a re…

1
A Dedication to Child and Family Well-Being (feat. Jesse Booher, DePelchin Children's Center) 44:17

5M ago44:17

44:17

DePelchin Children’s Center has existed for over 130 years and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the community. Their mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being in Houston and central Texas. Jesse Booher is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of DePelchin Chi…

1
Creating Safe Spaces for the Next Generation (feat. Chandler James) 32:42

6M ago32:42

32:42

It all started with a simple napkin exercise. Chandler James was asked to write his dream on a napkin. Initially, it seemed like a silly exercise but when he was finished his napkin read: creating safe spaces for the next generation. Chandler James is our Director of Church Mobilization here at The Riverside Project. He has worked in a number of lo…

1
Finding Success in Education for Foster Youth (feat. Dr. Danisha Keating) 49:31

7M ago49:31

49:31

Foster youth face many challenges, and education can be one of them. In fact, studies show that just 4% of children who have experienced foster care will go on to obtain a four-year college degree. Children who are involved within the foster care system also experience a higher number of school transitions, lower academic achievement, heightened ex…

1
What Is International Foster Care? (feat. Krista Kesseler) 28:29

9M ago28:29

28:29

Anytime there is news related to the border or a refugee crisis, we frequently hear this question: “How does our city serve unaccompanied minors and refugees that come to our country without their parents? Does this affect the foster care community?” You may never have heard the term “international foster care” before, but this is a unique and impo…

1
Offering Your Family to a Child in Foster Care (feat. Jennifer Clifford) 40:17

10M ago40:17

40:17

This is not working. What do we do next? After several infertility treatments, Jennifer Clifford and her husband, Ryan, asked themselves this question. After a discussion and an informational meeting about foster care, they came to the conclusion that God was closing the door to biological children and opening the door to foster care, specifically …

1
The High Games aka Happy Birthday Ralph Show 1:36:15

11M ago1:36:15

1:36:15

It's Ralph's Birthday Show !!! Friends and family stop by to wish Ralphie a happy birthday, followed by the High Games. Check out the video at IG: rnrpovBy Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
A Ralph's Story 54:47

11M ago54:47

54:47

Today's episode, Ralph opens up on what happened to him and his journey to recovery.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Warning....The High Games Are Coming!!!! 32:33

12M ago32:33

32:33

As Ralph's name day approaches, the RnR crew formally announce the High Games! If you like to participate, drop us a line on our socials ! !By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Learning to Listen to One Another (feat. Luevenia Chapman) 29:18

12M ago29:18

29:18

There's a place for everyone in supporting children and families here in Houston. That's something we believe firmly here at The Riverside Project. Today, we have the opportunity to share our conversation with Luevenia Chapman, co-founder and Program Director for Hearts with Hope Foundation, a local general residential operation (GRO) that provides…

1
Men's Mental Health 39:49

12M ago39:49

39:49

It's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Ralph and Edwin discuss men's mental health including their own personal experiences.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Bonus : Producer Trainwreck 1:04:08

12M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Bonus episode : Trainwreck of an episode courtesy of RnR crew's producer , J.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Sick World 47:13

12M ago47:13

47:13

WTF is going on in the world?!?!? RnR crew discuss on the world's recent events.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Houston PEARLS (feat. Judge Susan Brown & Judge Dena Fisher) 30:04

1y ago30:04

30:04

Healing happens in the context of relationship. As Dr. Bruce Perry says, “Relationships matter: the currency for systemic change is trust, and trust comes through forming healthy, working relationships. People, not programs, change people.” Programs and services for children in foster care are helpful, but when it comes to producing long term heali…

1
Bugs and Stuff pt. II: The Electric Bugaloo 45:15

1y ago45:15

45:15

Tim goes face to face against Ralf's niece, Faith, in a bug eating contest. Is Tim braver than a 15 year old?By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
After Midnight Spooky Friday 54:11

1y ago54:11

54:11

After sharing a pot a coffee , the RnR crew decide to speak about the paranormal., possibly opening a spooky portal to the unknown.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Bugs and Stuff with Tim 1:35:48

1y ago1:35:48

1:35:48

Tim picks our brains, as well as, the spider out of his teeth.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Keeping Families Together: Addressing Needs of Relative Caregivers (feat. Dr. Valerie Jackson) 27:36

1y ago27:36

27:36

Extended relatives, such as grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and even close friends (referred to as “fictive kin”) have always been a stabilizing force in the family system. These relationships have historically been, and are still today, a vital source of safety and permanency for children. In this episode, Dr. Valerie Jackson shares how Monar…

1
Episode 28: The Intersection of Methamphetamine Use and HIV - Dr. Timothy Hall, UCLA 36:30

1y ago36:30

36:30

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Timothy Hall about the intersection of methamphetamine use and HIV in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in men who have sex with men. Dr. Hall explains how methamphetamine use can influence HIV transmission as well as health outcomes for those who are HIV positive and how new HIV medications that can be taken ever…

1
Episode 27: Infectious Complications of Injection Drug Use - Dr. David Goodman-Meza, UCLA 50:01

1y ago50:01

50:01

In this episode, I talk with Dr. David Goodman-Meza about the infectious disease complications associated with intravenous drug use. We discuss some of the most common infections seen in people who inject drugs (PWID), including Hepatitis C, HIV, skin and soft tissue infections, infective endocarditis, vertebral osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and…

1
Episode 26: Collegiate Recovery Programs- Kristina Canfield, ARHE Executive Director 30:24

1y ago30:24

30:24

In this episode, I speak with Kristina Canfield, M.ED. about collegiate recovery programs. Kristina is the Executive Director for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE), the sole organization exclusively representing collegiate recovery programs and communities. Kristina explains how collegiate recovery programs came about, their be…

1
Navigating Healthcare Challenges of Children in Foster Care (feat. Texas Children's Hospital) 30:04

1y ago30:04

30:04

We know from ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) research that child abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are linked to increased risk for poor social, emotional, and physical health outcomes. The Division of Public Health Pediatrics at Texas Children's Hospital was established in 2015 to prevent and mitigate childhood adversities and to prov…

1
WrestleMania 39 Predictions 1:28:26

1y ago1:28:26

1:28:26

The RnR crew make their final predictions for wrestling's biggest show. Music: Dig Deep - RW Smith Music: The Fiery Furnace - Ethan Meixsell We don't hold the rights for this track and can't provide you a commercial license.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, J Navarro, Gabriel Cruz

1
Proximity Matters (feat. Kingwood Methodist Church) 33:00

1+ y ago33:00

33:00

"Hope is found near the ground, in close proximity to the struggle." In this episode, Nanette Lynch and Clint Wylie with Kingwood Methodist Church tell the story of how their church began serving kids and families involved with the foster care system, and how their ministry has evolved over time. We also discuss the joy of saying "yes" to hard thin…

1
Raising the Bar (feat. Tara Grigg Green, Foster Care Advocacy Center) 34:30

1+ y ago34:30

34:30

What could it look like to raise the standard of care from "better to nothing" to "excellence" for vulnerable children and families who are involved with the child welfare system? In this episode, Tara Grigg Green (founder and Executive Director of the Foster Care Advocacy Center) shares how FCAC is providing high-quality, multidisciplinary legal r…

1
Episode 25: Motivational Interviewing - Dr. Kenneth Saffier, Bi-Bett 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

Welcome back. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kenneth Saffier, family physician and addiction medicine specialist. Dr. Saffier serves as the Medical Director for Bi-Bett, a substance use disorder treatment center serving Alameda, Solano, and Contra Costa counties in California. He is also the past president of the Medical Education and Research F…

1
What's up China 27:39

1+ y ago27:39

27:39

Let's talk about ChinaBy Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Red Flags 55:46

1+ y ago55:46

55:46

Special Guest Jessica shares red flag dating stories.By Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Equipping the Church to Support Families in Crisis 26:26

1+ y ago26:26

26:26

The Church is called to be in the place where the world is in pain. We often hear from church leaders that they recognize the need and deeply desire to support vulnerable families within their congregations and in their communities, but they just don't know where to start. In this episode, Toni Steere, Director of Legacy 68:5 at Houston's First Bap…

1
Samhain 1:58:30

1+ y ago1:58:30

1:58:30

The Guys celebrate HalloweenBy Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Episode 24: Harm Reduction - Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, UCSF 43:32

1+ y ago43:32

43:32

Seatbelts for when you speed down a slick highway, cholesterol medication when you have a difficult time controlling your diet — these are tools we use to protect ourselves from our imperfect behaviors. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies designed to reduce the negative consequences of risk behaviors, centered around accepting people wh…

1
Episode 23: Psychedelics as Addiction Treatment - Dr. Snehal Bhatt, University of New Mexico 34:48

1+ y ago34:48

34:48

In this episode, I talk to Dr. Snehal Bhatt about the use of psychedelics in the treatment of substance use disorders. Dr. Bhatt was one of the principal investigators for an exciting study demonstrating the ability of psilocybin to reduce heavy drinking in patients with alcohol use disorder. He reviews the history of psychedelic use in medicine, d…

1
What is Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)? 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

Just a few decades ago it was believed that children who experienced extreme abuse and neglect suffered damage to their brain that was irreparable. We now know that damage caused by traumatic experiences can be healed over time through the context of loving, stable, healthy relationships. In other words, trauma that happens in relationship must be …

1
Alex Jones 38:07

1+ y ago38:07

38:07

The Gang interviews Alex JonesBy Rafael "Ralph" Navarro, Edwin Morales, Lena Purtu

1
Educational Needs of Youth in Foster Care (feat. Crystal Coleman & Jackie McCoy) 25:40

1+ y ago25:40

25:40

Why do so many youth in foster care struggle at school? How does trauma impact educational outcomes? What can we do as a community to improve educational outcomes for our youth? This episode features Crystal Coleman, the Foster Care Coordinator at Klein ISD, and Jackie McCoy, a Klein ISD Surrogate Parent. We discuss educational challenges, the impa…