Brewing Wellness

Latest Episodes:

Your Union, Your Well-Being: A Reintroduction to the UFT's Member Assistance Program Oct 28, 2025

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Welcome back to The Brewing Wellness Podcast, brought to you by the UFT's Member Assistance Program. We're kicking off Season 7 with a powerful reminder: You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.

This episode is all about reintroducing MAP — what it is, why it exists and how it can support you as an educator and as a whole person. From counseling and support groups to workshops and wellness resources, we're sharing the many ways MAP is here to walk alongside you.

Holding space for bereaved students Sep 11, 2025

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As students return to their classrooms, many carry the weight of fresh or long-held grief. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Cara Belvin, founder of Empower, a nonprofit supporting children and young adults who have lost a parent. Belvin, who lost her mother at a young age, explores how loss affects young people's academic and emotional well-being and how educators can respond with compassion. Learn the small yet powerful ways teachers and staff can help students feel seen, supported and less alone.

Pets and Our Well-being Jul 28, 2025

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Pets can soothe, amuse and distract us. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Marc Lenci of Cat Colony Crusade, a group that cares for and rehomes feral cats. Lenci explains how animals support our mental and emotional well-being, easing anxiety and offering a reprieve from burnout. Tune in to learn more about the quiet power of the connection between humans and their pets.

Reconnect With Your Body to Support Mental Wellness Jun 30, 2025

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Whether you're already active or just movement-curious, explore the ways physical activity can help release stress, regulate emotions and build resilience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Cristina Santamaria, DPT, a Rumble Boxing instructor, physical therapist and advocate for movement as a tool for healing, shares practical ways to recharge your mind and body this summer.

Simple Shifts for Holistic Health May 26, 2025

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Whether you're looking for a complete reset in your wellness routine or some simple tweaks, join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of Inner Source Health, in this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast. Explore how everyday habits shape our physical health and overall energy. Dr. LoGiudice will be hosting two holistic health workshops for the UFT's Member Assistance Program this summer — stay tuned for details!

DBT for School Professionals: Emotional Regulation & Interpersonal Effectiveness (Pt. 2) Apr 28, 2025

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Would you like to build greater emotional resilience and improve your communication under pressure? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist and licensed mental health counselor, shares practical skills for managing tough emotions, setting boundaries and strengthening relationships, both in and out of the classroom. Join us for part two of this two-part series.

DBT for School Professionals: Mindfulness & Distress Tolerance (Part 1) Mar 31, 2025

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Work and life can both be stressful, but you can acquire practical tools for staying grounded, managing stress and navigating challenging moments with greater ease. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist, licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, shares skills specifically tailored to support school professionals' mental wellness. Join us for part one of a two-part series.

Revisiting the UFT's new 24/7 mental health helpline Mar 03, 2025

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March can feel like the longest month of the school year for educators. That's why we're taking a moment to revisit our August conversation with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, to discuss the UFT's partnership with Vibrant to launch the union's 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members at 866-UFT-FOR-U. Tune in as we discuss the importance of this initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. Plus, exciting news: The helpline is now available via chat and text!

Attachment Styles & Love Languages Jan 27, 2025

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In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Identify and Cope With It Dec 30, 2024

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Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced through the darker months.

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