Curiously with Ericka Graham

In this conversation, Dr. Ruth N. López Turley talks about growing up at the southern border, and the fear and miracles that co-existed at that border. As you will hear, her story is a love story. It a story about the love of God, the love she encountered at summer camp, and the love she continues to pour-out through her research to make Houston and the world a better place. More about Dr. Ruth N. López Turley:Professor López Turley directs the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, which brings together data, research, engagement and action to improve lives. In 2011, she founded the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), a research-practice partnership between the Kinder Institute and 11 Houston area school districts, representing over 700,000 students. A program of the Kinder Institute, HERC works to improve educational equity by connecting research to policy and practice, working directly with district leaders. She directed HERC from 2011 to 2022, during which she raised over $30M so that school districts would not have to pay for research. She also founded the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships, which connects and supports over 60 partnerships between research institutions and education agencies throughout the country. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed her to the National Board for Education Sciences, which advised and approved priorities for the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. She is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard and is originally from Laredo, Texas.  Show Note Links: https://kinder.rice.edu https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/kinder.rice.edu/HERC https://nnerpp.rice.edu https://kinder.rice.edu/initiative/kinder-houston-area-survey Ed-Talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohKWUwwa9rY  

In this conversation, Drew Jackson discusses his poetry and the many influences that have shaped him as a thought-leader today. Drew also reads some of his poetry to us in this episode—and you will not want to miss the magic that is his Drew Jackson and his prophetic voice through spoken word. More about Dr. Drew Jackson:Drew Jackson is a poet, speaker, and public theologian. He is the author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming, which was a finalist for the Christian Book Award, and Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way. His work has appeared in Oneing from the Center for Action and Contemplation, The Isolation Journals with Suleika Jaouad, Christianity Today, Made for Pax, The Journal from the Centre for Public Christianity, Fathom Magazine, and other publications. Drew was a contributing artist on Jon Batiste’s Grammy-nominated album World Music Radio, and also appeared in the award-winning documentary American Symphony on Netflix. Drew is also a co-host of the Everything Belongs podcast from the Center for Action and Contemplation.Drew received his B.A. in Political Science from the Univ. of Chicago and his M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He currently works as the Managing Director of Mission Integration for the Center for Action and Contemplation, and lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and daughters. Show Notes: Personal Website:  https://drewejackson.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=%2Fd.jacksonpoetics%2F&source=omni_redirect Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/d.jacksonpoetics  God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming (book)https://www.amazon.com/God-Speaks-Through-Wombs-Unexpected-ebook/dp/B08WQ444Q6?ref_=ast_author_mpb Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way (book)https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Earth-Poems-Drew-Jackson-ebook/dp/B0B1SDY25N?ref_=ast_author_dp 

In this conversation, Dr. Hayley Crain talks about empowering parents with inclusive parenting strategies. Her passion lies in helping parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.More about Dr. Hayley Crain: Dr. Hayley Crain brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work supporting families and children with neurodevelopmental differences. Her passion lies in empowering parents to navigate the unique challenges of raising children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders while reducing the mental load through inclusive parenting strategies.After earning her doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a master’s degree from Columbia University, Dr. Crain developed her clinical expertise through specialized work at several leading institutions. She served as a supervising site clinician for the CDC’s Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), one of the largest studies in the U.S. focused on understanding autism risk factors and characteristics.At Haven Psychology, Dr. Crain provides therapy, parent support, and assessment services, drawing from her extensive training in evidence-based treatments. Her personal journey with ADHD, dyslexia, and a side of anxiety gives her a unique lens (and a lot of empathy) to connect with families navigating similar paths. She’s no stranger to juggling life’s complexities—she transforms big, messy concepts into practical strategies that parents can actually use, all while laughing at life’s chaos.After years of training across the country, including work at renowned institutions like the Waisman Center, Dr. Crain has returned to her hometown community. She finds joy in family time, being close to the water, and supporting families as they create calmer, happier homes—because she knows firsthand that calm doesn’t mean perfect, and that’s okay. Show Notes:Website:   https://www.havenpsychologyllc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleycrain?igsh=Y3Y3c3J0aW5mdDRjThe Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld : https://www.amazon.com/Rabbit-Listened-Cori-Doerrfeld/dp/073522935X

In this conversation, Aaron Niequist describes how faith is not just a belief, but a practice to be actively participated in. He reminds Christians that as part of their faith, they are invited to join in building the kingdom here on earth and that includes protecting those without power. More about Aaron Niequist:Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, and pastor who recently graduated from General Theological Seminary in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), he created A New Liturgy - a collection of modern liturgical worship recordings. He then curated a discipleship-focused, formational, ecumenical, practice-based community at Willow Creek called “The Practice.” Aaron released a book called The Eternal Current: How a Practice-based Faith can Save us from Drowning, and continues to create resources to help others flesh it out. He currently serves at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chelsea and helps lead Pastors, Priests and Guides retreats around the country. The best part of his life is his wife Shauna, and their sons Henry and William. Personal Website :  aaronniequist.com Aaron’s IG : https://www.instagram.com/aaronieq/ Pastors, Priests, & Guides Retreat : https://pastorspriestsandguides.com/schedule-info-houston The Eternal Current Book : https://a.co/d/j983peL  

In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Edmiston describes how to practice, parent, and participate in an embodied faith, through the lens of spiritual sexuality. While many Christian communities have trouble navigating language about sex and sexual ethics, Dr. Edmiston offers a holistic approach that is both practical and deeply theological. More about Dr. Kelly Edmiston:Dr. Edmiston is the Lead Pastor at the Vineyard Church in the Sugar Land Stafford area of Texas, and she has spent more than 20 years in ministry in both domestic and international contexts. Her passion is to see the Church be the Church for the sake of the world. She holds a Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University and a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary. Kelly also works as an Adjunct Bible Professor at both Abilene Christian University and Houston Christian University. Kelly's first book, Spiritual Sexuality, will be published in the summer of 2026 with NavPress Publishing.  Kelly enjoys Sugar Land “suburban life” with her husband, Ben, and their three children. Show Note Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmedmiston?igsh=MTZqNm5sdHA0c2ZxZQ== Substack: https://kellyedmiston.substack.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.m.edmiston "Bodies Are Cool" by Tyler Feder: https://a.co/d/hlEAhsA We love to connect with our community and listeners! Email us at thecuriouslypodcast@gmail.com to share a story about the moment you first felt disembodied in your life.   

Welcome to Season 2 of Curiously with Ericka Graham! We are so glad you're here!

In this episode, Ericka Graham interviews KC Davis, author of "How to Keep House While Drowning," who shares her compassionate approach to managing household chores amidst mental health challenges and overwhelming life circumstances. Davis discusses her personal journey that inspired her to develop shame-free methods prioritizing function over form and self-compassion, and offers listeners a refreshing perspective on housekeeping that prioritizes mental health over perfection. More about KC Davis:  KC Davis is a licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health platform Struggle Care.KC’s compassionate and practical approach to self and home care for those dealing with mental health, physical illness, and hard seasons of life has drawn over a million followers on social media in less than a year. Her book, “How to Keep House While Drowning'' has sold over 70,000 copies and is currently an Amazon bestseller.KC Davis began her therapy journey at 16 when she entered treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues. After getting sober she became a speaker and advocate for mental health and recovery. Professionally, KC has worked most of her career in the field of addiction in roles such a therapist, consultant, and executive director. She lives in Houston with her husband and two daughters.  Links: website: https://www.strugglecare.com/struggle-careIG:  https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare/Book: https://www.strugglecare.com/book

In this Episode, Ericka sits down with her good friend Judy Le to talk about her story as a Vietnamese refugee, and how that beginning has shaped her beliefs about building trust, leading with courage, and adapting for change today. In this episode, Judy and Ericka also explore questions about what it means to be human . . . as well as what it means to be at a Beyoncé concert. More about Judy:Judy Le has over 20 years of leadership development experience. As CEO of TakeRoot, Judy works with clients to create meaningful change in their work and communities. Before starting TakeRoot, she served as the director of Leadership Rice at Rice University. She is currently an instructor at Rice University where she teaches all the courses of the Glasscock leadership certificate. She also serves as a lead facilitator for the American Leadership Forum.Judy came to America as a Vietnamese refugee and saw firsthand how leadership is needed at all levels of communities and organizations. Her experiences have shaped her approach - to embrace uncertainty, get clarity around what matters most, and build trusting relationships. Having experienced massive changes in half a lifetime, Judy sees leadership as an activity that ignites moral courage and imagination in service of creating positive change.Judy started her career at Deloitte Consulting as a change leadership practitioner and then as program director for Leadership Houston. She serves on the boards of the National American Leadership Forum, EMERGE Fellowship, Post Oak School, and on the advisory boards of the Young Center and Asia Society. Judy is trained in adaptive leadership through Harvard Kennedy School of Government, completed the Social Justice Institute's training program, and is a Board Certified and Team Performance Certified coach. She earned her graduate degree at the University of Texas and her bachelor's degree at Rice University.Judy calls Houston, Texas home. She enjoys gathering people in her kitchen around food and conversation, embarrassing her three kids with really witty/bad puns, and cuddling with her very aloof yet charismatic dog. Links:https://gotakeroot.com – Judy’s Websitehttp://www.oriahmountaindreamer.com – The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-le-68b9305/ LinkedInhttps://www.instagram.com/gotakeroot/?hl=en Instagram Ending song- 'Ties' by Dani SpotifyApple Music   

In this Episode, Ericka sits down with her friend fahad punjwani, to talk about the deepening questions that they often explore together within their friendship.  These questions include what Taylor Swift has taught them about themselves, and how some of life’s biggest questions come with so much contraction and tension. More about fahad punjwani (he/they)fahad is a strategist, designer, poet, and uncle. He was raised in Karachi, Pakistan and now proudly calls Houston home. His vision is to root change in beauty, liberation, and dialogue.As a management consultant and a design strategist, fahad has spent a decade working with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits on developing new visions, new products, and new teams. He has taught and spoken on design thinking at MIT, Rice University, and the University of Texas at Austin.fahad completed graduate work at MIT in product and human-centered design. There, he also spent a lot of time designing for belonging and inclusion. fahad completed his undergraduate studies at Rice University in Mathematical Economic Analysis. There, he also spent a lot of time taking classes in history and theater, and building culture at his residential college.You can find fahad enjoying poetry and coffee in one of the craft coffee shops in Houston, dancing in his living room, and spending time with his nephews. Links and mentions:Miyamoto Musashi said, “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” fahad’s Monthly Musings newsletter: https://theprocessissuch.us21.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bd9391e2c49cecd76016b7b31&id=e0a063d184 fahad’s Company, Suchee Studios:  https://www.theprocessissuch.com

In this interview, Ericka sits down with her friend Mia Mends, who was named “one of the Most Powerful Women in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise. The two discuss how Mia leads with courage, integrity, and radical hope—and not just in the office and board rooms—but at home too. More about Mia:Mia Mends is the Chief Executive Officer of C&W Services—a division of Cushman & Wakefield. She currently oversees operations across the US and Canada and Puerto Rico, with nearly 13,000 people serving clients across a variety of industries.Prior to joining C&W Services, Mia spent a decade in senior leadership roles at Sodexo, where she designed an integrated target operating model for the $10 billion business while leading the productivity and performance of 160,000 employees.Mia currently serves on the board of directors for the EMERGE Fellows program and on the Business Leadership Council at Wellesley College. She is also a corporate director at H&R Block and Limeade Inc.Mia holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Wellesley College. She has been named by Black Enterprise as one of the Most Powerful Women in Corporate America.Mia is fluent in Spanish and conversant in Portuguese. Links for Mia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamends/