Crime Stoppers of Houston is excited to announce the launch of its new weekly podcast, The Balanced Voice with Rania Mankarious, premiering on Wednesday, September 16 at 10:00am. Hosted by Crime Stoppers of Houston’s CEO, the mission of the podcast is to have balanced conversations with local and national newsmakers that offer real solutions to our nation’s most pressing issues. The podcast will be available on Facebook, YouTube and all major podcast platforms including ApplePodcast, Spotify, SoundCloud and GooglePodcast.

There are 1700 Crime Stoppers in cities spanning 32 countries, but Crime Stoppers of Houston stands apart because of its volunteers, staff and Houston’s unique community. For 40 years, the team has been bridging the gap between law enforcement and citizens, working hand-in-hand with media and other partners, fighting for the protection of all, making vulnerable populations a priority, and engaging in difficult but balanced, solution-focused, conversations. Whether through research, writing, media interviews, presentations or more - the non-profit’s ‘boots on the ground’ programming continues to meet Houstonians and Texans where they live, work, study and play.

So why launch a podcast?

2020 has been the year of uncertainty and unforeseen challenges. Nevertheless, Crime Stoppers of Houston has continued to be innovative and expand its reach ensuring the health and safety of all who call Houston and Texas, home. From COVID-related crimes to uprisings across America to questions around defunding the police, issues around safety are taking center stage. As Crime Stoppers of Houston proactively tackles those issues and more, more people are turning to the organization for guidance. It followed that it was time for the team to expand its message and reach.

“I firmly believe that regardless of your race, creed or gender, regardless of where you live, work or send your children to school – we all share the same wishes for the health and safety of ourselves and our family. And we all deserve the chance to discuss important and related issues in a balanced manner, with the intent of finding and sharing solutions for all.” says host Rania Mankarious.

While not yet officially launched, nearly 30 guests have been booked including John Quinones (ABC’s What Would You DO), Greg and Gaebri Kelley (#Outcry on Showtime), Salma Awwad (former Editor-in-Chief of Harpers Bazaar Arabia), Collin Kartchner (social media and child safety expert), Dawn Hawkins (Senior Vice President and Executive Director, National Center of Sexually Exploited Children) and many, many others. The show will be produced by a team spanning Texas including: Executive Producer, Sydney Zuiker, Marketing and Quality Assurance Director, Tania Cruz, Creative Design Director, Elizabeth McChesney, and Advising Producer, Katie Meyer. The show will be edited and mixed by the team at Real News Public Relations in Dallas.

Listeners can expect to hear topics that cover local and national issues; safety and wellness for children; poignant crime victim stories; deep dives into leading crime trends and topics with tips and tricks to stay safe; women empowerment issues and more. Throughout the podcast, Crime Stoppers will also feature its podcast contributors on an array of issues. Experts contributors include: Joy Sewing, Jennifer Hohman, Tena Faust, Tama Lundquist, Michelle Simpson Tuegel and other prominent Texans.

While guests will represent all parts of the state and country, the premier show will be special and feature the Crime Stoppers of Houston building’s namesake and Houston Media Icon and “Voice of Houston” Dave Ward (KTRK) with longtime friend and colleague, KPRC News Anchor for over 35 years, the legendary Bill Balleza. The episode hopes to discuss media through the years, media today, the current climate and the ability to have balanced conversations and hopefully pull out a story or two from these Houston gems! Join us.

Starting September 16, fans can follow the podcast / listen to the podcast on Facebook, YouTube and all major podcast platforms including ApplePodcast, Spotify, SoundCloud and GooglePodcast.

To learn more about the podcast, visit https://www.raniamankarious.com/the-balanced-voice-podcast