The Balanced Voice with Rania Mankarious

The Balanced Voice Podcast
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Hosted by Crime Stoppers of Houston’s CEO, the mission of this podcast is to have balanced conversations with local and national newsmakers that offer real solutions to our nation’s most pressing issues.

  1. Ep. 135 | The Illusion of Safety: Child Exploitation in Virtual Reality Platforms

    2D AGO

    Ep. 135 | The Illusion of Safety: Child Exploitation in Virtual Reality Platforms

    🌐 Online safety is a conversation every family should be having. Rania chats with Donna Rice Hughes, President and CEO of Enough Is Enough, about protecting children from online exploitation and the role families, communities, and tech companies play in creating safer digital spaces. 🎙️ Don’t miss this important conversation. Listen, watch and subscribe now! 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice

    33 min
  2. Ep. 134 | Romance Scams, Financial Fraud & The Red Flags You're Missing - Johnathan Walton

    FEB 25

    Ep. 134 | Romance Scams, Financial Fraud & The Red Flags You're Missing - Johnathan Walton

    We’re joined by Johnathan Walton, author of "Anatomy of a Con Artist" and his story starts with something deeply personal… he was scammed himself. After experiencing fraud firsthand, Johnathan turned pain into purpose. He has since investigated hundreds of con artists across multiple continents, uncovering the consistent behavioral patterns behind financial scams, romance fraud, and long-term confidence schemes. In this powerful conversation, we explore: 🔎 How scammers strategically build trust 🧠 The psychology behind emotional manipulation 💔 How victims are isolated without realizing it ⚠️ The red flags most people miss Listen, watch and subscribe now! 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice

    43 min
  3. Ep. 133 | The Teen Brain: From Risk to Resilience - Dr. Crystal Collier

    FEB 11

    Ep. 133 | The Teen Brain: From Risk to Resilience - Dr. Crystal Collier

    Rania & Jenn sit down with Dr. Crystal Collier therapist, educator, and nationally recognized prevention researcher, to unpack the teen brain, risky behavior, and how parents can move from fear to informed, brain-based action. This episode is all about prevention over panic, connection over control, and turning neuroscience into practical tools families can actually use. Join us for the season premiere! 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice

    1h 6m
  4. Ep. 132 | Honoring Dave Ward While Facing the Conversations That Matter Most

    12/17/2025

    Ep. 132 | Honoring Dave Ward While Facing the Conversations That Matter Most

    This episode is one of reflection, remembrance, and responsibility. We begin by honoring the life and legacy of Dave Ward, whose impact and contributions to Crime Stoppers of Houston helped shape the work we continue today. From there, we take on the hard but necessary conversations of the moment: • Lessons from Camp Mystic and the legislative changes needed before the upcoming season • Why it’s critical to continue safeguards and support for neurodiverse teens • Revisiting an important conversation with Constable Rosen and Dr. Karen Jaggers • And reflecting on recent tragedies making headlines, including the shooting at Brown University in Australia and the loss of director Rob Reiner and his wife This episode isn’t easy, but it’s important. It’s about honoring those we’ve lost, learning from what’s happened, and reinforcing why this work must continue. 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice

    36 min
  5. Ep. 131 | Safety First: Halloween, Camp, and a Closer Look at Texas Justice

    10/22/2025

    Ep. 131 | Safety First: Halloween, Camp, and a Closer Look at Texas Justice

    Rania and Jenn are diving into all things Halloween safety, what parents should look for, how to keep kids safe, and the small details that make a big difference this spooky season. They’re also tackling summer camp safety. Should camps reopen this summer? What new laws and safety concerns should parents know about before sending their kids off? Plus, an important update on Robert Roberson’s stay of execution, his conviction for the tragic death of his daughter has long been questioned and his attorneys continue their fight for justice. Tune in for an episode filled with awareness, insight and the conversations that matter. 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice

    42 min
  6. Ep. 130 | Neurodiversity on the Road: Smarter Policing, Safer Outcome - Constable Alan Rosen and Dr. Karen Jaggers

    10/15/2025

    Ep. 130 | Neurodiversity on the Road: Smarter Policing, Safer Outcome - Constable Alan Rosen and Dr. Karen Jaggers

    Constable Alan Rosen and Dr. Karen Jaggers join Rania & Jenn to discuss how families can better advocate for the safety of neurodivergent teens and adults, on the road and at home. 💡 Learn the top 3 recommendations for identifying neurodivergent individuals to police or first responders and hear how Constable Rosen is leading the way in officer training across his precinct and beyond. Don’t miss this powerful and practical conversation on The Balanced Voice Podcast. 🔗 YouTube httpsbit.lyYouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify httpsbit.lySpotify-TheBalancedVoice Brought to you by The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Million for Million Initiative. Learn more at millionformillion.org. #millionformillion

    41 min
  7. Ep. 129 | Robert Roberson: The Price of Certainty - Rep. Lacey Hull & Brad Scalise

    10/08/2025

    Ep. 129 | Robert Roberson: The Price of Certainty - Rep. Lacey Hull & Brad Scalise

    Rania and Andy sit with Rep. Lacey Hull and Attorney Brad Scalise to discuss the case of Robert Roberson. In 2003, Roberson was convicted and sentenced to death for the death of his daughter, Nikki, after a short fall at home. The case relied on the now-questioned shaken baby syndrome theory. Since then, new medical evidence, an autism diagnosis, and missing CT scans have cast doubt on the original findings. His execution—recently rescheduled for Oct. 16, 2025, could become the first in the U.S. tied to this disputed science. 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice *Brought to you by The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Million for Million Initiative. Learn more at millionformillion.org. #millionformillion

    40 min
  8. Ep. 128 | Innovation with Heart: Redefining Childcare Access - Ramal Taylor

    09/24/2025

    Ep. 128 | Innovation with Heart: Redefining Childcare Access - Ramal Taylor

    Rania & Jenn sit down with Ramal Taylor, Founder & CEO of Storkii, to talk about redefining childcare through safety, equity, and innovation. From Bright Beginnings to launching a tech-powered solution, Ramal is transforming how families access trusted childcare. 🎧 Don’t miss the conversation on The Balanced Voice Podcast! 📅 Watch and Listen on our Crime Stoppers of Houston FB page or: 🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice 🔗 Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-TheBalancedVoice *Brought to you by the Crime Stoppers’ Million for Million campaign. Learn more at millionformillion.org. #millionformillion

    23 min
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5
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45 Ratings

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Hosted by Crime Stoppers of Houston’s CEO, the mission of this podcast is to have balanced conversations with local and national newsmakers that offer real solutions to our nation’s most pressing issues.

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