THNX: A Feelgood Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered

Episode 311: Rayanne Darensbourg

Rayanne Darensbourg is the Chief Executive Officer of the Children's Museum in Houston, Texas. Her family migrated from Guyana to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1980, where she grew up. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of New Orleans, her Master's in Public Administration from Old Dominion University, and a Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University, she worked as a special education teacher, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and in the Children's Cabinet under the Office of the Governor of the State of Louisiana before moving to Houston with her husband in 2007. Prior to becoming the Children Museum's first CEO of color in 2023, she served as the Director of Development of the American Leadership Forum and the Director of Programs and Interim Executive Director of the Houston YWCA as well as Chief Operating Officer of Neuhaus Education Center. Rayanne makes her home in Pearland, Texas.

Episode 310: Peyton Peebles and Breanna Schwartz

Peyton Peebles and Breanna Schwartz are running for judge of the Texas 497th District Court in Harris County, Houston, Texas in the 2026 Midterm Elections. Peyton, who earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, was appointed to the position in 2025 and is running for re-election against Breanna, who also earned her law degree from the University of Houston. They both make their homes in Houston and are fighting to make a difference in their community.

PSA: Brent Spiner

PSA: Mark Stone

Special Episode: Joanna Whaley

Joanna Whaley has lived in Southeast Michigan her whole life and is now running for State Representative for House District 2 in the 2026 Midterm Elections to serve her community. She earned her Bacherlor's Degree in Arts Management from Eastern Michigan University, attended the University of Michigan for Clinical Pastoral Education and a Clinical Pastoral Education Residency, and received her Master of Arts in Theology and Theological Studies from Wartburg Theological Seminary. As a transgender woman running to represent every member of the district, a clinical spiritual care provider in local hospitals, and a parent, some of her top issues include civil liberties, economic fairness, healthcare access, and public safety. Joanna and her family make their home in Detroit, Michigan.

Special Episode: Judge Katherine Thomas

Judge Katherine Thomas is Judge for the 184th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Houston, Texas and is running to keep that seat in the 2026 Midterm Elections. Upon election, she was the youngest person elected to serve on a District Court in Texas as well as the first person of color to preside over that bench. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Spellman College and her law degree from Howard University. Judge Thomas was an intern for the Obama administration and the Harris County District Attorneys office, then served as a District Attorney in Harris County following her graduation from law school. Katherine calls Houston, Texas home.

PSA: Cid Bullens

Special Episode: Chris Morton

Judge Chris Morton currently presides over the 230th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas and is running for re-election in the 2026 Midterm Elections. Chris grew up in North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte with a degree in International Business. While attending college, he was also serving in the National Guard. After participating in the work force, Chris moved to Houston and started attending law school at the University of Houston. Upon graduation, he worked at the Harris County District Attorneys' Office, where he practiced for six years, then worked as a defense attorney for five years before running and being elected Judge. Chris and his family live in Houston, Texas.