Child Health Advocacy + Policy
Heidi Russell hosts clear, fact-based conversations with leading scientists, doctors, and child health advocates, exploring issues that affect children today — and the policies that shape their health and well-being. Brought to you by the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy at Rice University.
Latest Episode
How Artificial Intelligence Affects Childhood Development
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Rice University Professor Moshe Y. Vardi about the cognitive and social impacts of artificial intelligence on children.
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How Texas Hemp Regulations Affect Youth Safety
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Katharine Harris about the rise of the hemp-derived THC market in Texas.
Katharine Harris, Heidi Russell June 17, 2026
What FEMA’s New Flood Maps Mean for Houston Schools
In this episode, Edward M. Emmett, former Harris County judge, and policy analyst Bill King join Heidi Russell to discuss the long-term policy implications for Houston’s educational infrastructure.
Edward M. Emmett, Bill King, Heidi Russell June 17, 2026
How WIC, Medicaid, and SNAP Support Children’s Health
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Charles W. Mathias about the connection between pediatric nutrition and healthcare financing and the alignment of Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC in supporting children’s health in Texas.
Charles W. Mathias, Heidi Russell June 11, 2026
How Public Policy Can Nurture Childhood Resilience
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Quianta Moore about how public policy can strengthen childhood resilience through early intervention and improved access to mental health care in schools and communities.
Heidi Russell June 8, 2026
The Thriving Texas Families Program and State Support for Maternal Health
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Elena M. Marks and Anna Chatillon about the Thriving Texas Families program.
Anna Chatillon, Elena M. Marks, Heidi Russell June 8, 2026
How Science Misinformation Affects Parenting and Child Health
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Christopher Kulesza about how new federal health initiatives and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement could shape child health policy in schools.
Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Heidi Russell May 28, 2026
How New Federal Health Policies Could Affect Schools
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Christopher Kulesza about how new federal health initiatives and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement could shape child health policy in schools.
Christopher F. Kulesza, Heidi Russell May 12, 2026
How School Safety Policies Affect Student Well-Being
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Zoabe Hafeez about the broad scope of physical safety in schools, ranging from violence prevention to environmental health.
Zoabe Hafeez, Heidi Russell May 12, 2026
What ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Means for Kids and Families
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Elena M. Marks about what the "Make America Healthy Again" movement means for children and families.
Elena M. Marks, Heidi Russell April 16, 2026
Childhood Immunizations at Risk: What Families and Policymakers Need to Know
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Peter Hotez and Rekha Lakshmanan about vaccine misinformation, policy gaps, and what they could mean for child health and immunization efforts.
Peter J. Hotez, Rekha Lakshmanan, Heidi Russell April 9, 2026