Reimagining Justice: Exploring Texas Innovations in Mental Health

Latest Episodes:

Chess as an Intervention in Juvenile Detention Centers with Dr. Anandita Oberoi Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Dr. Anandita Oberoi, whose work explores chess as an intervention in juvenile detention centers.

The episode highlights a pilot project with the Fort Bend Juvenile Detention Center focused on using chess to support executive functioning among youth. The conversation explores how the pilot came about, how researchers are measuring executive functioning before and after the intervention, and what they hope to learn from the program.

For more information on the project contact Dr. Anandita Oberoi at oberoianandita@gmail.com.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

Texas Indigent Defense Commission with Bill Cox and Kristin Meeks Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Bill Cox, Director of Public Defense Improvement, and Kristin Meeks, Senior Policy Analyst with the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC).

TIDC works to improve public defense across Texas by supporting counties through funding, resources, training, and system improvement. The episode will discuss TIDC's Public Defender Offices, regional programs and initiatives, support for rural counties, funding and resources available to communities interested in developing similar programs.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

Bralle Home with Alyse Ferguson Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Alyse Ferguson, President of Bralle Home and Of Counsel with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian.

Bralle Home is a residential program that supports individuals with mental health needs. Alyse shares an inside look at how Bralle Home fills critical gaps in the mental health care system, what life looks like for residents, and the organization’s vision for the future.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

TUBU Fest with Liz Ross & Kristen Gooch Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Kristen Gooch and Liz Ross, co-founders of TUBU Fest.

TUBU Fest is an award-winning theatre festival that showcases the work of playwrights, directors, and actors with disabilities. Through the performing arts, the festival creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to share their stories, celebrate their talents, and foster greater connection and inclusion within their communities.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

The Sobering Center with Laura Elmore LeBlanc Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Laura Elmore LeBlanc, Chief Executive Officer of the Sobering Center.

Founded in 2018, The Sobering Center provides a safe, compassionate alternative to jail or the emergency room for individuals experiencing intoxication, serving more than 14,000 people while evolving into a national model for innovative, community-based substance use care that connects individuals to treatment, stabilization services, and ongoing support.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

The Crisis Assistance Program (CAP) with Mary-Ellen King May 01, 2026

Show notes

This episode features Mary-Ellen King, who worked with the Austin Bar Association to pilot the Crisis Assistance Program (CAP).

The Crisis Assistance Program (CAP) connects attorneys facing short-term health crises with volunteer lawyers who can temporarily manage their cases, ensuring clients are still taken care of while the attorney recovers.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping Workshops with Dr. Lynda Frost & Doug Smith Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

This episode features JCMH Partners Dr. Lynda Frost and Doug Smith as they break down Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping Workshops and the collaborative role they play alongside the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health and local communities.

A SIM Mapping Workshop brings community members together to look at what services are available, where there are gaps, and what changes are needed. It also helps the community assess how ready they are for change by looking at how well their mental health, justice, and substance use systems work together, so the workshop can be tailored to their needs.

If you're interested in a SIM Mapping Workshop in your county head to texasjcmh.gov and fill out an application.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

Project TAP with Chief Rosie Medina, Stephen Ingle, and Andres Garcia Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by Rosie Medina, the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Stephen Ingle, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Creative Kids Art, and Andres Garcia, the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department Detention Unit Manager. They tell us about Project TAP (Transformative Art Program), an initiative based at El Paso Juvenile Probation in collaboration with Creative Kids and Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso that brings art lessons to teens in juvenile detention.

Watch the Project TAP documentary

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

*Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JCMH, the Supreme Court of Texas, or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only.

Philadelphia's Post-Trial Support Program with Patrick Martin and Dr. Michele Pole Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

CONTENT WARNING: In this discussion about how to address juror trauma, a graphic case is given as an example involving late term abortions performed by a physician and the resulting murder trial, including a verbal description of crime scene photographs from time stamp 5:55 to 7:00. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we are joined by Patrick Martin, the Philadelphia Jury Commissioner, and Dr. Michele Pole, West Chester University’s Mental Health Services Director. They tell us about the Post-Trial Support Program, a partnership between the Philadelphia court system and West Chester University, which offers free counseling to jurors after trials.

CBS Evening News story about the post-trial support program

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."

Workplace Wellness with Jessica Chevrier Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

In this special New Year's episode, we are joined by Jessica Chevrier, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate at The Relationship Center of El Paso. She talks about workplace wellness, and how we can prevent systemic issues like burnout with practical, scalable interventions that promote sustainable wellbeing.

If you have an innovation in mental health that you'd like to see on the podcast, email JCMH@txcourts.gov with the subject line "Reimagining Justice."