The Balanced Voice with Rania Mankarious

This week on The Balanced Voice Podcast, we sit down with Jordan James, also known as “Spooner, "former President of The Decoy Project, who is on the front lines of exposing online child predators.

Through powerful and controlled digital decoy operations, Jordan and his team pose as minors to identify predators, document their behavior, and help provide law enforcement with the evidence needed to take action.

This is a raw, ...

Rania and Jenn sit down with @hcdao District Attorney Sean Teare to talk through common misconceptions, what the public should know about the role, and the changes he’s implemented since taking office, including updates to the intake process.

From how charging decisions are made in real time to clearing up misunderstandings about bail and the justice process, this episode breaks down how cases move forward and why it matters.

What if the behaviors we try to “fix” are actually cries for connection?

Rania and Jenn are joined by Darius Payne, LMSW and TBRI Practitioner, to explore how trauma-informed care is transforming systems from juvenile justice to school by putting safety, regulation, and relationships first.

This episode will challenge how you see behavior… and what it really takes to create lasting change.

Don’t miss it.

Listen, watch a...

Rania and Jenn sit down with Tracy Walder, former CIA officer, FBI Special Agent, author of 'The Unexpected Spy', and national security analyst.

She shares how her experience in national security shapes the way she views risk, preparedness, and the safety gaps many schools, camps, and communities still face today, including important lessons tied to the Camp Mystic tragedy.

Don't miss Tracy's insight into safe...

🌐 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: h...

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 ...

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:...

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 safegua...

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 convictio...

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 practic...

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—rec...

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-TheB...

Rania and Jenn sit down with Anna McAdams and her daughter, Elliston Berry, to share a powerful and deeply personal story.

At just 15, Elliston became the victim of an AI-generated deepfake, an explicit, fake image created from her Instagram.

What began as a devastating violation has since turned Elliston and Anna into courageous advocates for change.

Their fight helped spark national attention, reaching the White House, Capitol Hill...

After hearing Ryland and her mom Elena’s powerful story of escaping the Central Texas floods at Camp Mystic, Rania and Jenn sit down with Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz to talk about what comes next , healing.

Learn how to support children through trauma, how to start tough conversations, and how to help them feel safe again. This is a must-listen for every parent.

Watch or listen on our Crime Stoppers of Houston FB page or:

🔗 Yo...

Rania and Jenn talk sit with a brave young camper and her mother as they share their unforgettable story of survival during the Central Texas floods. Through rising waters and uncertainty, their strength and courage shine. It’s a reminder of the resilience found in even the youngest among us.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation.

Watch or listen on our Crime Stoppers of Houston FB page or:

🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-...

The Season 9 Finale of The Balanced Voice Podcast!

Jenn surprises Rania, who celebrated her 50th birthday in June, with a heartfelt mini-interview.

Together, they reflect on the incredible moments, people, and places that have shaped Rania into the successful and inspiring person she is today.

You won’t want to miss this special episode!

📅 Watch or Listen on our Crime Stoppers of Houston FB page or:

🔗 YouTube: htt...

Kristen Faith and Terry Josiah Sharpe—a dynamic husband-and-wife team using their personal stories, music, and advocacy to break the silence around domestic violence.

From founding a national nonprofit to creating healing through storytelling and song, Kristen and Terry Josiah are on a mission to inspire hope and lasting change.

Watch or listen on our Crime Stoppers of Houston FB page or:

🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTub...

Rania and Jenn sit down with Julie Scelfo , founder of MAMA - Mothers Against Media Addiction.

Julie is leading a powerful movement to protect our kids from the harms of addictive social media. In this eye-opening conversation, she shares how MAMA is empowering parents and demanding accountability from Big Tech.

Watch or listen on our Crime Stoppers of Houston FB page or:

🔗 YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-TheBalancedVoice

🔗 S...