There’s plenty of stiff competition for the record, but this latest GET It podcast episode may cover a wider range of topics than ever before. In February’s episode of the GET It podcast (numbered 49), Texas podcasters Roy Aguillon, Ryan Thompson and Kevin Prince are joined by special guests Dr. Janis Edralin, Family Counselor, and Judge Mary Lou Alvarez, the Democratic incumbent candidate for District Judge, 45th Judicial District Court.

Of course, whenever any conversation starts with a discussion about frogs orbiting an artificial moon in China, it’s probably inevitable that some major ground (and space) will be covered. But between the good-natured laughs that this episode offers, there’s also important information about child welfare that may be just what you or your family needs to hear the most. And, you’ll get to know the incumbent Democratic candidate for District Judge, 45th Judicial District in our March primary elections too.

Before we go any further, we’d like to encourage you to research all the candidates in the upcoming primary elections, and then get out to vote for the candidates that you think will best represent you, your family and your community. It’s been said a million times before, and can’t be said too often that “democracy is not a spectator sport.” Voter participation is required for our democracy to work and it’s also a good thing for you personally because Tu voto es tu voz. It’s true – your vote is indeed your voice.

Need some pointers to help you GET informed and GET out to vote? To get started, just look on the Bexar County Elections web page (https://www.bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department) for generic sample ballots for both the Democratic and Republican Primary Elections. While you’re there, you can also check the status of your voter registration and find out where you want to go to vote. We recommend that, if possible, you vote early so you can visit any of the voting centers. If you wait until Election Day, then there will just be one place that you can vote. Early voting runs Monday, February 14, 2022 to Friday, February 25 and Election Day is Tuesday, March 1. GET It!

That said, let’s get back to the pod. Ryan voiced ethical concerns about the whole concept of constructing an artificial moon complete with low gravity. No one seemed too worried about the poor frog getting dizzy from orbiting around that new moon. Still, you might not want a bunch of evil people out there doing evil things with their artificial moons. Or, maybe you do. Regardless, it’s often a wise move to consider if new regulations are needed to keep bold new capabilities under control. Judge Alvarez didn’t bang the gavel on this one. So, you decide.
Judge Alvarez did, however, discuss her involvement in San Antonio’s ‘Family Violence Prevention Program’ (ph: 210-335-2768) which has the mission protecting victims, preventing violence and empowering survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. She also explained why more foster families are needed, and assessed some of the benefits and shortcomings of legal procedures to help children in abusive, hurtful situations.

Do you know of any children who are suffering from abuse and neglect? It’s a tough subject, but it’s even tougher to live it. Fortunately, there are people out there ready and able to help. Reach out. We’re all in this together.

Kanye West has been in the spotlight for how he handled himself when he wasn’t invited to his daughter’s birthday party. Kanye went public with his family tensions in a big way. What would you do? Storm in and crash the party? Send your daughter a present but find something else to do that day? Or? Roy brought in an expert, Dr. Janis Edralin (Family Counselor), to discuss this situation and the best possible response. She gives her expert advice on what Kanye, as well as you, should do when painful conflicts arise in the family.

The GET It podcast is produced by Growing Empowered Together (GET), a 501c3 nonprofit, in partnership with La Prensa Texas and The Carpenters Apprentice. This episode was sponsored by Judge Mary Lou Alvarez and IAQ Cleaning. You can listen to this episode of the GET It podcast anytime wherever you listen to podcasts, or listen online at www.getit.libsyn.com. And, you can listen to any of the other forty-eight other episodes anytime too. It’s an entertaining show that could really make a difference in someone’s life. Maybe even yours. And, take note, history is made in episode 49, because Ryan finally did manage to get in the last word.

(Photo by Ryan Thompson)