Addy Hour: Recent Episodes
Addy Hour
We all want to experience life satisfaction and emotional health. But getting to that place is another matter. From lockdowns to isolation, ongoing racial injustice to political turmoil, lost lives and lost jobs — this past year has tested our minds and bodies in profound ways. During the Addy Hour podcast, we’ll discuss topics at the intersection of brain science, mental health, faith, culture, & social justice. Join us for dynamic conversations and insights based on the lived experience and professional expertise of guests from expected and unexpected places. We’ll hear from community leaders, scientists and researchers, professional athletes and entertainers, faith leaders, mental health experts and advocates. Dr. Nii Addy — Yale professor & researcher, man of faith, sports & hip hop fan, and mental health advocate — is your host. To be healthy and whole, we must approach things holistically. Addy Hour will explore the topics and questions you’ve been thinking about and will create
Join in for a deeply honest and candid conversation with recording artist, speaker, professor, and writer, Sho Baraka. We waste no time, diving quickly into personal discussions about emotional wellness and mental health. We consider ways to normalize mental health conversations to positively impact our lives and society. Intertwined with these topics, we consider the imprint of hip-hop culture, the impact of social media, and the powerful role of faith. On a practical level, Sho shares four key ways each of us can effectively pursue our calling. Refreshingly, he provides this guidance, even while acknowledging his own successes and challenges pursuing his vocational calling. As a man of many talents and interests, he goes even further to describe the ways he feels like a “vocational nomad” at times. We also reflect on what it means to engage and care for our local and global community. In the scope of community, we discuss neurodiversity and inclusivity, as Sho shares his perspective as the father of two sons living on the autism spectrum. A wide ranging, timely and important conversation!
For more helpful information on neurodiversity, accessibility, and inclusivity, please visit www.kulturecity.org
An engaging, thought-provoking and at times humorous conversation with three transformative scientists and leaders. We’ll hear about their journeys and learn about the opportunities and challenges they’ve encountered and embraced along the way. This is a truly refreshing discussion amongst leaders and role models who are empowering people and communities to tackle societal, scientific, health, and addiction-related challenges. We delve into the importance of realizing one’s value and excellence, while also embracing the attitude of a learner. Our guests share valuable insights from their efforts promoting inclusive and supportive cultures in their teams, institutions, and communities. Join in for this generative discussion, as our guests also share powerful practical tips we can all use to positively impact society. A timely and inspiring conversation!
This week, psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Sam Wilkinson, joins for a thought-provoking episode on topics encompassing faith, science, meaning and purpose. In this candid conversation, Sam shares honestly about his personal journey reconciling the common perceived opposition between faith and science. Along the way, we’ll hear important insights from his experience as a community member, physician, researcher, husband, father, bishop, and author. We discuss his forthcoming book, Purpose – What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of our Existence. Interwoven throughout our conversation, we consider present day mental health topics, particularly depression, suicide and suicide prevention. We’ll hear helpful updates on breakthroughs in research and clinical practice and talk about the power of combining therapy and medication. Join in for this timely conversation, which again reminds us of the necessity of authentic community and deep relationships.
This week, I welcome two pioneers who’ve been deeply engaged in medical practice and training, research, health disparities, and community interventions for years. Dr. Kendra Outler and Dr. Pebbles Fagan join to share their experiences working in academic, government and military arenas, in urban and rural areas, and with marginalized communities. In this conversation, we consider how we treat one another in our communities and discuss the necessity of working in coalitions with a spirit of collectivism. Both guests describe the realities of navigating when resources are trimmed and when retaliation arises. They highlight the ways we can empower one another, instead of staying in a place of anger. They remind us of our need to be complimentary, knowing that there is a role for everyone to play. We also consider the role of gratitude and hope, amidst the necessity to push for progress and change. Another truly informative, thought provoking, and generative conversation
This week, I’m joined by activist, educator, and author, Kim Samuel. As a leading voice in the global movement for belonging, Kim takes us on a journey on this timely topic. We start with Kim’s captivating story, as she describes her inspiration, moments of epiphany, and the vocational calling that has shaped her life. As … Continue reading On Belonging with Kim Samuel →
A must listen, quintessential Addy Hour conversation! In this episode, we discuss the place of science in society as we talk through both big picture and practical, and both straightforward and nuanced aspects science. I’m joined by psychiatrist Dr. Diana Martinez, and neuroscientist Dr. Steve Mahler. We start with personal, family stories related to addiction … Continue reading Neuroscience research and society – impact or flop? Diana Martinez and Steve Mahler →
Pastor, author and activist Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III joins for a wonderful and wide-ranging conversation on justice, activism, and community. We begin with practical reminders of the necessity of grounding in community, even as we consider the many layers of community. This ranges from personal friendships, to local gatherings in places like the barbershop, to engagement our larger societal communities. Dr. Moss also shares honestly about the daily realities of pastoring in the Black Church, walking through joys and challenges of life and death with his congregants.
Dr. Moss knows the power of community to change narratives, perspectives, and opportunities from the cradle to the grave. In light of this power, he shares his church’s ongoing transformative community development efforts on the southside of Chicago. Their three development pillars are to benefit the local community, to engage in green and sustainable endeavors, and to disrupt the mass incarceration system. Listen in to these powerful stories of that work in action, including community facilitated renovations to the renowned Carter G. Woodson library, the creation local community jobs, home ownership, and a health care clinic. These efforts also include enhanced community engagement in libraries, schools and churches.
An inspiring conversation on the power of community, especially in navigating the joys and trauma of life, to promote healthy flourishing.
A quintessential Addy Hour conversation with Dr. Thema Bryant, president of the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologist, practitioner, minister, trauma expert and author. In this reflective discussion, we explore the ways psychology continues to fill a void in society and the ongoing needs these perspectives can address. We also contemplate how psychological approaches impact society, our schools, faith communities, businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as the implications for health care, health care access, climate change and policy.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Bryant graciously reveals her leadership principles as the current president of the 130,000-member APA. She highlights the important role of mentorship and sponsorship in her path to becoming the second Black woman to lead this premier psychological organization. With keen insights from her years of clinical practice, research, leadership and advocacy, she also provides helpful perspectives on the guiding psychological principles that impact both individuals and systems.
We’ll hear Dr. Bryant’s powerful inspiration and witness from working with trauma survivors and the offenders who’ve inflicted the trauma. As a “bridgebuilder” and the daughter of two pastors, Dr. Byrant also shares ways we can all thrive and bear witness amidst the joys and challenges of daily life. Finally, we consider the important role of the creative arts in holistic psychological approaches.
Join us for a rich and dynamic conversation, full of helpful perspectives and vital tips on how we can successfully navigate each day as individuals and a society.
Join in for this generative conversation with Yu-Jay Harris, who was born and raised in Liberia, survived a civil war, and eventually immigrated to the United States as a teenager. In this episode, Yu-Jay shares the joys of his early childhood, and the power of community and faith that supported his resilience amidst war and immigration. We also delve into his multiethnic experience, as someone who has navigated life in the U.S. identifying as both an African and an African American.
As a strong mental health advocate, Yu-Jay shares about his role as president of a mental health non-profit that focuses on equity and access for underserved and under resourced communities. We delve into a fascinating discussion about the perceptions we carry, and how we can honestly consider when our perceptions are consistent or inconsistent with reality. We go further to discuss how perceptions impact our mental health and our approach to race, racism and culture. Join us for an inspiring conversation about mental health, faith and culture with insights and perspectives from African and Western contexts!
In this powerful episode, we consider personal and societal representations of Black bodies in art, academia and society. Our two guests, sociologist Dr. Daniel Swann and visual artist Dr. Imo Imeh, start with their revealing life journeys. Their stories tell a vivid picture filled with support and kindness from many people as they’ve navigated opportunities and challenges. At the same time, we hear the realities and anxieties that both guests encountered learning and teaching in spaces where others don’t look like them, the challenges of biases and “othering,” and the joy of finally operating as their authentic selves.
As they describe their experiences as Black men, we’ll consider what’s perceived as acceptable versus unacceptable in academic and societal settings – especially as professors and practitioners in sociology, philosophy, visual art and art history. We also delve deep into the ways our guests teach and challenge their students, their colleagues and society in a range of topics like art, representation, black trauma, culture, wealth gaps, atheism and religion.
This is a truly moving and powerful discussion that will leave you encouraged, inspired and challenged!
In part two of this two-part episode, we’re joined by pastor, author, leader and executive coach, Dr. David Ireland. We’ll hear his fascinating personal and vocational journey, from a career in engineering, to a shift into pastoral ministry, to ongoing roles in organizational leadership, social innovation and executive coaching. As the founding and senior pastor of a multi-site congregation of 10,000, with a staff of 100 and a leadership team of 500, Dr. Ireland will also share helpful leadership principles. He’s definitely one who’s accustomed to hard work. As he acknowledges, it can be easy for many of us to feel energized or overwhelmed (or both) in our responsibilities, obligations, and vocations. At times, it can seem impossible to pause or slow down. And yet, we know a non-stop pace is not sustainable, and can lead to burnout.
In this refreshing episode, we follow up on topics from our part-one episode with Dr. Chris Pfund, to identify some easy to miss signs of burnout. We also consider ways to create environments that value effectiveness and well-being, healthy work rhythms, and frequent times of respite. As we talk through practical ways to establish structures, space, and permission to care for ourselves, we also name the internal tensions that still arise. This is a great episode for anyone looking to apply practical principles in your daily life and in the organizations where you serve, lead, mentor, teach, and do so much more.
For more content, check out: niiaddy.substack.com
In this new Addy Hour conversation, we start with a two-part episode on thriving without burnout – especially in vocations that involve investing in each other as team members, mentors, educators, leaders and more. In part one, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Pfund, a leader and national director at the forefront of teaching, learning and mentor and mentee training who has written on mentor burnout. Join us for a rich, honest and pragmatic conversation.
Dr. Pfund helps us identify the signs and different types of burn out, and then provides practical tips for replenishing and recharging. In this candid conversation, Dr. Pfund and Dr. Addy also share personal insights from their own mentoring approaches, successes, tensions, growth areas, and navigation with burnout. We also consider the circumstances and internal and external pressures that can move us towards burnout, such as our internal expectations and guilt. To push against this tendency for burnout, we reflect on the powerful role of community, the importance of checking in and support of one another, and the essential practice of setting boundaries. We end by discussing the role of faith perspectives, and the benefits and challenges of servant-hearted leadership and discerning when to say no. This is a great episode that will help you reflect and identify early signs of burnout and give you practical tools that you can apply today. It’s a truly wide-ranging, informative and encouraging conversation!!
An absolutely wonderful episode with the honest, insightful, brilliant and inspiring Joanne “Coach P” McCallie. Join in for a candid conversation about Coach P’s journey as a Hall of Fame NCAA women’s basketball coach, living her best life with bipolar disorder across most of her coaching career. This episode is packed with helpful take-aways and … Continue reading A conversation with Joanne “Coach P” McCallie – Mental Health Warrior →
This week, it’s a joy to welcome a guest whose passion, work, and writing encompasses so many topics at the heart of the Addy Hour. Dr. Stephanie Pinder-Amaker joins to discuss her roles as a mental health provider and program director, and as a Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. Our conversation spans across topics … Continue reading Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Mental Health on Campus & in Society w/ Stephanie Pinder-Amaker →
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Myra Mathis, an addiction psychiatrist, clinical leader and community leader, and a person of faith. In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Mathis walks us through her daily experience as a psychiatrist in our present-day society, and she describes what gives her joy in her work. As one who embraces holistic … Continue reading Addiction Psychiatry, Recovery Journeys, Fighting Stigma and Holding on to Hope, with Myra Mathis →
This week, former US representative Patrick J. Kennedy joins for an authentic, inspiring and practical conversation about his personal journey and his long-standing mental health advocacy and policy efforts. More than ever as a society, we’re acknowledging the reality of mental health challenges, the need for access to care and coverage for care, and the … Continue reading Mental Health, Politics and Advocacy with former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy →
An inspiring episode as I host two of my Psychiatry role models who are making great impacts through mental health programs and offerings in our churches and faith communities. Dr. Ayana Jordan and Dr. Sidney Hankerson join to discuss how they’re elevating community voices and walking in partnership with faith leaders and communities to address … Continue reading Faith Community & Mental Health Partnerships with Ayana Jordan & Sidney Hankerson →
In the midst of ongoing tragedy in the US, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl joins for a timely conversation where we intentionally pause and reflect, but also support and encourage. As she powerfully states in this episode, we desperately need to hold on to hope, instead of giving in to despair. As the first female senior rabbi … Continue reading A conversation & time of reflection with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl →
Award winning journalist and ABC News’ “Nightline” co-anchor, Juju Chang, joins for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about her coverage of the societally transformative stories of our time. In this episode, Juju shares insights on how she connects with people from various, and often marginalized, backgrounds and how she navigates delicate situations to give voice … Continue reading On Culture, Society, and Being a Voice for Marginalized Communities with Juju Chang →
Faith versus science. Spirituality and religion versus psychology and psychiatry. Are these topics truly incompatible or are they related and intertwined? Also, is it ethical for mental health practitioners to support or dismiss faith and religion in clinical settings? This week, Dr. Addy’s mentor, colleague and friend, Dr. Charles Dike, joins to discuss these topics … Continue reading Faith, Spirituality and Psychiatry with Charles Dike →
This week, pro-basketball star Jeremy Lin & ER doctor and healthcare equity advocate, Esther Choo join for a candid discussion about mental health, culture & wellness in Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. We’ll hear both guests describe their lives growing up in the US and their experiences navigating different cultural communities from childhood through … Continue reading A conversation w/ Jeremy Lin & Esther Choo: Mental Health, Race, Culture & Wellness in AAPI communities →
In this special episode, I’m joined by playwright, Sam Chanse, and cast members of the new production, what you are now. The play chronicles the story of a Cambodian family living in the US as refugees. In this production, Chanse authentically weaves together complexities of trauma, resilience, assimilation, race relations, family and community relationships, career … Continue reading what you are now – a Story of Memories, Trauma, Resilience & Hope →
This week, we welcome three guests at the forefront of tobacco regulatory control, tobacco-related health disparities, and public engagement and education. Dr. Pebbles Fagan (Univ. of Arkansas), Mitch Zeller (FDA), and Kathy Crosby (FDA) join to share about public health efforts as well as their efforts to impact individuals and society through their professional, volunteer, … Continue reading Tobacco Regulatory Science, Health Equity, Mental Health and Public Engagement w/ Pebbles Fagan, Mitch Zeller & Kathy Crosby →
Imagine what the world would be like if we truly walked in empathy in our daily actions and interactions. Are there practical ways we can promote kindness and empathy in each other, in the upcoming generation, and in society in general? Dr. Michele Borba would answer this question with an enthusiastic “yes!” This week, renowned … Continue reading Children, youth, empathy & thriving with Michele Borba →
As we continue to witness the unfolding of tragic events in the Ukraine, this week’s episode is timely in ways that we didn’t initially anticipate. For this conversation, I’m joined by author and former Army Ranger, Steven Eilliott, Veteran and CEO of Veterans Counseling Veterans, Tony Williams, and the Director of the Emory Healthcare Veterans … Continue reading Mental Health, the Military & Unseen Wounds of War, w/ Steven Elliott, Tony Williams & Barbara Rothbaum →
This week, Dr. Mays Imad joins to discuss holistic approaches to teaching & learning. This is a deeply informative, surprisingly refreshing, and highly relevant conversation for all – especially those involved in formal and informal education, training or mentoring. Dr. Imad, a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed teaching and learning, discusses the importance of investing … Continue reading Trauma Informed Teaching & Learning with Mays Imad →
In this final episode for 2021, clinician and researcher Dr. Gerard Sanacora and mental health activist Ashley Clayton join to share insights about mental health, depression, and research, as well as access to effective clinical care and resources. In this conversation, we unpack several topics, including happiness, sadness and “feeling depressed,” and how these feelings … Continue reading Depression, Ketamine & Navigating the Mental Health Care System with Gerard Sanacora & Ashley Clayton →
After the past two years, many of us now have a deeper appreciation of the power and importance of social interactions, social relationships, and strong community. This week, renowned neuroscientist, Larry J. Young, and pioneering neurophilosopher, Pat Churchland, join for a fascinating discussion about the science of social behavior and social bonding. Through the conversation, … Continue reading Oxytocin, Social Behavior, Community, & Mental Health with Larry Young and Pat Churchland →
As we approach the holiday season and a time of thanksgiving, it’s important that we reflect on joys, express genuine gratitude and savor time together, even while acknowledging the realities of stress, reminders of losses or lost loved ones, and the mental health challenges that can also accompany this time of year. Executive Director of … Continue reading Support, advocacy and resources with Matt Kudish and Corey Minor Smith →
This week, acclaimed actor and mental health advocate, Sean Astin, joins for an enjoyable and thought-provoking conversation on several topics including his personal & family journey over the last year and a half, our re-engagement in society, our daily rhythms, how we engage with our mental wellness, and the benefits of living with a spirit … Continue reading Navigating Society, Mental Health & Wellness with Sean Astin →
This week, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, professor, prolific writer, cultural critic, political commentator, Baptist minister, and one of the country’s leading authorities on race and racism, joins for a fascinating and wide-ranging Addy Hour conversation on Race, Community & Mental Health. Dr. Dyson shares keen insights on the nuances of topics like belonging, safe spaces, … Continue reading Race, Community & Mental Health with Michael Eric Dyson →
We all have personal experience with sleep, likely good and bad! This week Dr. Obo Addy, father of Dr. Nii Addy, joins for an informative and practical conversation on good and poor sleeping habits, how to address sleep challenges, and how sleep impacts our emotional wellness, mental health and overall health. We discuss topics like … Continue reading Sleep, Emotional Wellness, & Mental Health with Obo Addy →
Conversations about science and society have somehow become more divisive as of late, even as we continue to battle a global pandemic. But what about the scientists from various disciplines who’ve continued in their training, research endeavors and leadership in the midst of everything we’ve endured as a society? This week, two scientific leaders from … Continue reading Wellness, Community & the Scientific Workforce with Amy Newman and Luigi Ferrucci →
For students, faculty, administrators, staff and family members across the country, there’s so much for us to consider as we embark on another unique college and university semester. This week, Chaplain Sharon Kugler, Pastor Orlando Yarborough III, and Imam Omer Bajwa join for a timely, rich, honest and compelling conversation about campus life, mental health … Continue reading Campus Life, Mental Health & Faith in a Pandemic World w/ Sharon Kugler, Orlando Yarborough III & Omer Bajwa →
Far too often, the crisis around maternal health and maternal mental health support in the United States is underappreciated and even ignored, especially for women of color. This week, March of Dimes President and CEO, Stacey D. Stewart, and comedian and “accidental activist” Angelina Spicer join for a conversation that can truly be a matter … Continue reading Black mamas and the #PostpartumRevolution with Stacey D. Stewart & Angelina Spicer →
We seem to be living in a culture where so many are speaking as instant experts on almost everything. But how do we navigate the noise and find truth, while also cultivate the disciplines of listening and sitting with silence? This week, distinguished professor, scholar & author Eddie Glaude Jr., and author and filmmaker A.D. … Continue reading Race, religion, politics & mental health with Eddie Glaude Jr. & A.D. Thomason →
What’s our perspective as we all deal with challenges and traumas in our lives and the lives of those around us? How do we find balance between giving to and caring for our communities, while not spreading ourselves too thin? And how do we meet people where they are, with sincerity, empathy and compassion, without … Continue reading Mental, Physical & Spiritual Health with Shino Prater and R. Kweku Smith →
This week, influencer, mental health & body image advocate, and former D1 athlete, Victoria Garrick, joins for an honest conversation about life as a competitive student athlete and high performing individual. We’ll chat about the differences between mental health and mental toughness, and wrestle with the line between pushing forward towards peak performance versus stepping … Continue reading Athlete Life, Stigma, Body Image & Wellness w/ Victoria Garrick →
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, many of us have felt a need to reprioritize and reevaluate what matters most. And yet, it can still be difficult to honestly acknowledge personal challenges along the way, especially when it comes to emotional wellness and mental health. This week, veteran entertainment executive and best-selling author, … Continue reading Self-care, vulnerability & real talk with Tara Schuster →
How do we strike a balance between addressing larger societal issues and meeting our own needs? Is balance even realistic, or is it selfish to focus on personal emotional wellness, when others are suffering and struggling? Additionally, what’s the personal cost of activism when it comes to self-care, mental health and organizational health? This week, … Continue reading Activism, Self-Care & Ending Gun Violence with David Hogg →
Our faith communities can provide powerful places of sanctuary and safety. But are houses of worship safe spaces when it comes to our mental health? Within our faith communities, are we living with hope or suffering in silence, when it comes to emotional wellness? This week, Pastor Michael Walrond Jr., Dr. Lena Green, and Dr. … Continue reading Faith Communities & Mental Health with Michael Walrond Jr, Lena Green and Warren Kinghorn →
With recent steps towards accountability mixed with ongoing injustices and lack of accountability, many of us are asking, “Where do we go from here?” This week, we consider how music, neuroscience, and faith can help us move toward personal and societal empathy and healing, amidst these challenges. Hip hop artist & author Lecrae and professor … Continue reading Where do we go from here? Lecrae and Professor Amy Arnsten →
The ongoing stress and trauma of the last year deeply affects us as individuals and as a society, impacting our daily lives. For many, these challenges extend far beyond the last year. Two pioneering scientists, Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin and Dr. Kerry Ressler, join for a timely discussion of life experiences and stresses that are … Continue reading The Science of Trauma & Resilience with Bianca Jones Marlin and Kerry Ressler →
In our often polarized society, mental health disparities can be viewed as either underappreciated or overblown. In today’s episode, we consider disparities, the importance of cultural competence, and the fight against stigma in youth and adults alike. Mental health expert Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble and mental health advocate Doug Middleton join for a discussion on mental … Continue reading Tackling disparities and stigma with Alfiee Breland-Noble and Doug Middleton →
Have the stresses of the last year harmed us or helped us build resilience – or both? On this episode of the Addy Hour, NBA legend Allan Houston and Professor and stress expert Rajita Sinha join for an honest and personal conversation on stress, pain, resilience, and community. We’ll consider how our bodies and minds … Continue reading Stress & Resilience with Allan Houston and Rajita Sinha →
Our goal is wellness and health, which seem ever elusive amid a pandemic, the challenges of racial injustices, and the toxicity of our politics. We yearn to move on and past these strains. In this episode, we’ll instead lean into them. You’ll hear unique perspectives, explore uncomfortable topics and experience the power of truthful dialogue. … Continue reading Wellness, Pandemics, Race & Politics with Jeff Gardere and Andra Gillespie →
Our goal is wellness and health, which seem ever elusive amid a pandemic, the challenges of racial injustices, and the toxicity of our politics. We yearn to move on and past these strains. In this episode, we’ll instead lean into them. You’ll hear unique perspectives, explore uncomfortable topics and experience the power of truthful dialogue. … Continue reading Addy Hour Episode 1 trailer →