Curiously with Ericka Graham

In this episode, Ericka interviews three remarkable women who share their journeys through motherhood, personal hardships, and faith. They discuss the courage to make difficult decisions, and the importance of showing up for themselves and their children.  More about Felicia Martin:Felicia is the President & Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network (TFN), and Prior to TFN, Felicia served as the Regional Director of Academic Programs in Texas for The Jed Foundation (JED). Felicia also previously helped build EMERGE, a Houston-based college success nonprofit, into a nationally recognized organization. Over her 8 years with the organization, she was instrumental in launching and leading EMERGE’s first College Success team, designing support systems for historically marginalized students attending selective colleges. Her work helped EMERGE earn the 2022 NACAC Inclusion, Access, and Student Success Award. She is a 2023 Latinos for Education Board Fellow, and is currently a Board Member for Connect Community. Felicia holds a B.A. in Sociology from Rice University and a master’s degree in Organizational Development from St. Edward’s University. Find Felicia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciamartin/Learn more about Texas Freedom Network (TFN): https://tfn.org/staff/Follow Texas Freedom Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/txfreedomnetwork/?hl=en  More about Janicca Garcia:Janicca Garcia is the Co-Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of External Affairs at EMERGE, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering high-achieving students from underserved communities to attend and graduate from the nation’s top colleges and universities. A first-generation college graduate, Janicca brings a deep, personal commitment to equity and access in education. Her career spans nonprofit management, healthcare, and higher education, with a strong track record of leading strategic initiatives in branding, fundraising, and community partnerships. Outside of work, Janicca is a proud mom of three beautiful humans—who inspire her daily. She’s also a dedicated fitness enthusiast who finds strength, clarity, and joy through weightlifting and wellness. Whether she’s in the gym or spending quality time with her kids, Janicca is passionate about modeling resilience for both her family and the communities she serves. Follow Janicca on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrshealthyfitceo?igsh=MW02N3JmOWx5Z3RoMwFind Janicca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiccastephens/   More about Jenny Noonan:Jenny is a homeschooling mom to three amazing kids and she follows a “Charlotte Mason-inspired approach” to learning. That means her days are filled with rich literature, nature exploration, meaningful conversations, and plenty of curiosity-led discovery. Her favorite part of homeschooling is simply being with her kids—watching their eyes light up when they learn something new or master a challenge. Of course, not every moment is Pinterest-perfect. Some days she has deep debates about whether math is really necessary—but she wouldn’t trade the life she has built for anything. She believes in creating a home where learning feels alive, relationships come first, and each child is seen for who they truly are. She also is a coach and consultant for anyone looking to root deep into their values and live them daily. Follow Jenny on IG: https://www.instagram.com/j.noonan_consulting/Find Jenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-noonan-952547233/

In this episode, Ericka interviews three remarkable women who share their journeys through motherhood, personal hardships, and faith. They discuss the courage to make difficult decisions, and the importance of showing up for themselves and their children. ______________________________________ More about Elizabeth Enns Petters:Elizabeth “Lizz” Enns Petters is a writer, speaker, and co-host of the Deconstructing Mamas podcast. She is dedicated to creating a supportive space for individuals navigating faith deconstruction, particularly parents striving to raise children while reexamining their spiritual beliefs. Her work focuses on fostering a sense of safety and belonging for those who feel like spiritual misfits. In addition to her podcasting endeavors, Lizz recently contributed to the book “God’s Stories As told By God’s Children,” and she also maintains a personal blog titled The Deconstructed Mama. Her writings delve into topics such as mental health, motherhood, and spirituality, often drawing from her own experiences with anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. As the daughter of biblical scholar Peter Enns, Lizz continues the family tradition of engaging with faith through a lens of honesty and critical thought. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children, where she balances her creative pursuits with the joys and challenges of parenting  Links for Elizabeth:https://www.godsstoriesbook.comhttps://www.deconstructingmamas.comhttps://www.elizabethpetters.com______________________________________  More about Maryann Zaki:Maryann Zaki is a litigation attorney in Houston, Texas. After working for three large law firms, she opened her own law practice, Zaki Law, in 2022. Maryann focuses on several areas of law representing individuals and businesses and does her best to prioritize Christian values in her law practice while raising her 3 children, Joanna, Juliette, and Jiselle.Links for Maryann:https://www.instagram.com/maryannbzaki/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/maryannbzaki______________________________________ More about Trisha Cornwell:Trisha Cornwell is the founder and CEO of Capacity, a consulting firm that provides fractional leadership support to nonprofits and small businesses. She is also recognized for her work as an advocate and resource for single mothers by choice. In 2021, she launched @thesolomama on Instagram to connect solo mothers around the world.  In addition to her consulting work, Trisha authored The Solo Mama Step-By-Step Workbook, a 60-page guide designed to assist women pursuing solo motherhood through donor conception.Links for Trisha:https://www.instagram.com/thesolomama/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/thesolomama 

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka is joined by Pastor Chris Seay to discuss the urgent issue of affordable housing in Houston. Pastor Chris, who recently testified in Austin, explains the various projects his community is undertaking to increase housing inventory through legislative support, church land use, and the conversion of vacant office spaces into housing. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe, clean, and affordable living conditions and fostering community support. The conversation also touches upon the broader implications of addressing homelessness and the need for collective action from individuals, churches, and the government. More about Chris Seay:Beyond legislative advocacy, Chris Seay is a pastor, author, and speaker—and the founding and lead pastor of Ecclesia Houston. Ecclesia has initiated programs aimed at assisting those affected by housing insecurity, reflecting a holistic approach to ministry that operates under the assumption that our faith ought to be active in the world. Show Note Links: Email:chris@ecclesiahouston.orgEcclesia Website:https://ecclesiahouston.org

In this episode, Ericka sits down with her friend JT Roach to discuss his career as a singer and songwriter—and the leaps of courage that he has taken to get to where he is today. The two discuss creativity, leaving what is familiar for the unknown, and what it was like to prepare a song for One Republic and play alongside talents like Mike Shaw. More about JT RoachJT Roach is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his emotive vocals and genre-blending sound that spans from indie folk, pop, and electronic music. JT (John Thomas Roach) began his musical journey playing guitar and writing songs during his college years at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduating, he worked as an assistant video editor at The Onion before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career in music.  In Los Angeles, Roach signed a publishing deal with BMG and built a successful career writing for artists such as Jason Derulo, Jessie Reyez, NCT Dream, French Montana, and Krewella. His breakthrough as a solo artist came in 2019 when he won NBC’s Songland, with One Republic selecting his song “Somebody to Love” to record and release.  Roach’s solo discography includes his debut EP Witches Lake (2017) and the album Death As A Lover (2024). He has also collaborated with electronic artists like SLANDER, Said The Sky, and Don Diablo, contributing vocals to tracks such as “Potions” and “Gravity.”  Currently based in Los Angeles, JT Roach continues to blend heartfelt storytelling with innovative production, establishing himself as a versatile and compelling voice in contemporary music. He is now signed to Prescription Songs and Dr. Luke. Show Note Links: Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jt-roach/417771273 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jtroach/?hl=en Somebody to Love (Live from Red Rocks):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmn7tTaNM-I JT Roach on Songland:https://m.imdb.com/video/embed/vi3467558681/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jonathan Merritt as he talks about growing-up as the son of a Megachurch pastor while being gay. He recounts the harrowing experience of being publicly outed and how these early experiences shaped his life today. Jonathan discusses how difficult it is to trust again after trust has been broken, and he also shares how his communication and preaching styles often place him as a person struggling in his stories—not as the hero. When Jonathan creates he often has his audience in mind, and from this interview it is clear that he is someone who lives his life honestly so that others might have the courage to do the same.  More about Jonathan Merritt:Jonathan Merritt is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today.In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology and is the recipient of the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, and the Religion News Association’s columnist of the year award. Show Note Links: Books:  https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/writing Instagram:  http://instagram.com/jonathan_merritt

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Tia Norman to discuss how Tia’s journey into a contemplative spirituality has transformed her life and faith—a faith that is deeply rooted in the mystical teachings of the Christian tradition. Tia believes that “in the stillness of prayer, breath, and silence, we release what is temporary and rest in what is eternal” and it becomes clear from this interview that Tia truly practices what she preaches. More about Tia Norman:Tia Norman is a teacher and guide specializing in spirituality and practices anchored in the mystical teachings of the Christian contemplative tradition. She leads workshops, retreats, and courses while serving as Pastor of Awakenings, Inc., a contemplative community based in Houston, Texas. Recognized by USA Today as a landing place for those leaving organized religion and seeking spiritual refuge, Awakenings provides a space for exploration, healing, and connection. Tia has been recognized by Wesleyan Impact Partners as a Woman with an Entrepreneurial Spirit and as part of the next generation of leaders changing the face of the Christian church. She is a 2023 sendee of the Center for Action and Contemplation's Living School, deepening her study and practice of contemplative spirituality. Show Note Links:Personal Website https://tiaariane.com/ Schedule 1:1 Time with Tia: https://www.acontemplativespace.com/guidance Learn More About Contemplative Consulting Here: https://www.acontemplativespace.com/consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2btia/?igsh=MTBqeGppdXk3ejhwMA%3D%3D  

In this episode, host Ericka Graham and Co-Host Joshua Carney sit down with Dr. John Chisholm, an Astrophysicist and astronomy professor at UT Austin, to explore the groundbreaking discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope. This episode is a wonder-inducing conversation through space, matter, time—and ultimately ourselves. More about Dr. John Chisholm:Dr. John Chisholm was born and raised in Madison Wisconsin. He obtained a Bachelor's of Science from Boston College and then attended the University of Wisconsin Madison for his PhD. He studied how galaxies launch large-scale outflows of gas in order to regulate the growth of galaxies. He then went on to the University of Geneva for two years and the University of California — Santa Cruz after that. In 2021, he started as an Assistant Professor in the Astronomy Department at the University of Texas—Austin where he has been leading multiple programs on the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.  Show Note Links: www.chisholmjohn.com chisholm@austin.utexas.edu 

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Winnie Karanja and Victoria Chen to talk about how they are “reimagining education” through Nakira’s World and BridgeYear. Both women are asking big questions about what it means to educate for the future, and as founders of successful companies and organizations they are creating solutions that have impact and endurance. More about Winnie Karanja:Winnie is the CEO and Founder of Nakira’s World. Nakira’s World is focused on engaging young children in the wonders of STEM by connecting science to everyday life. In 2019, Winnie was named one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 Social Entrepreneurs. With a background in STEM education, technology and workforce development, Winnie is committed to education equity. Her innovative programs go beyond learning—they inspire and equip the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Winnie holds a Masters of Science in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was named one of Forbes “World’s Brightest Young Leaders” for Racial Justice & Inequality in 2023. More about Victoria Chen:Victoria Chen received her undergraduate degree from Brown University in neuroscience and her MBA from the Yale School of Management. Through her work at BridgeYear, she received the Thorne Prize for Social Innovation at Yale University in 2017 and was named the Texas Executive Women’s Rising Star in 2019. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of BridgeYear, and she is committed to helping students from low-income communities reach their full potential through postsecondary education. BridgeYear is a Houston-based nonprofit that connects underserved youth to careers and educational opportunities that led to economic stability and independence. BridgeYear focuses on well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree and provides students hands-on career exploration opportunities, tangible resources, and direct access to local training programs through MorePathways.org. Show Note Links: Nakira’s Worldhttps://nakirasworld.com Winnie Karanjawinniekaranja.com BridgeYearhttps://www.bridgeyear.orghttps://www.morepathways.org/s/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jared Byas, co-host of the Bible for Normal People, to explore how biblical interpretation is shaped by historical context, cultural bias, and personal experience. They discuss how ancient traditions become relevant today, and how learning to let go and embrace uncertainty in our own lives is often an act of faith.  More about Jared Byas:Jared Byas runs the Bible for Normal People and regularly writes and speaks about the Bible, truth, creativity, wisdom, and the Christian faith. He has written a handful of books including Love Matters More and Jonah for Normal People. Show Note Links: Bible for Normal People:https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/about-jared-byas/ Love Matters More (book):https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-matters-more-jared-byas/ Jonah for Normal People (book):https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jonah-for-normal-people-jared-byas/

In this episode, Matt Kuykendall talks about what it means to educate and be educated. He shares the skills and habits that his students adopt through the lens of Metacognition in his Deep Learning Seminar. We also discuss how AI might change classrooms like his, and redirect the questions of the future. More about Matt Kuykendall:Matt Kuykendall currently teaches Deep Learning and Psychology at the American School in Japan. Matt has authored both a Theory of Knowledge and Psychology text for the IB diploma program and recently formalized his love of collaborating with other educators through the creation of Educated Consulting, where he works with schools and professionals to design learning experiences for students that are competency focused, engaging, and create conversations.  Show Note Links: https://www.educatedconsulting.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattdkuykendall/?hl=en Basketball training IG: https://www.instagram.com/educatedbasketballtraining/