The Paid Leave Podcast

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A Yale Researcher Talks About the Study on Psychosis, Mental Health, and the PRIME Clinic Oct 13, 2026

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National Depression Screening Day is October 12th, and Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 11-17th. In this podcast episode, Nancy Barrow interviews Dr. Barbara Walsh from the Yale School of Medicine’s PRIME Clinic. Dr. Walsh, PhD, is the Ascertainment and Assessment Director for the PRIME Clinic at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Walsh oversees the assessment and research at the clinic. She is also responsible for training professionals, both here in the United States and abroad, on the proper use of the assessment instruments used to diagnose the early warning signs of serious mental illness in young people. She co-authored the book "The Psychosis-risk Syndrome" Handbook.

Dr. Walsh discusses the clinic's focus on early identification and intervention for serious mental illness and psychosis in young people. She highlights the importance of reducing the duration of untreated psychosis and provides warning signs, such as social withdrawal and cognitive difficulties. The conversation emphasizes how Connecticut Paid Leave supports families by providing income replacement and job security, allowing caregivers and patients to attend essential treatments without financial distress. Ultimately, the discussion underscores how early, accessible care improves long-term quality of life.

For information about the PRIME Clinic at Yale please visit: https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/research/clinics-and-programs/prime-clinic/

For information about Dr. Barbara Walsh please visit:https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/barbara-walsh/

For information or to apply for benefits please visit ctpaidleave.org

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A Son's Ultramarathon Path to Healing after a Father's Tragic Suicide Sep 14, 2026

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Since 2013, more than 3,050 police officers have died by suicide nationally. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to a son, whose father died by suicide while serving as an East Hartford Police officer. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month is focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resources that can help prevent suicide.
This is a story about grief, resilience, mental health, and what happens when pain gets carried for too long in silence. Jared Buchanan is a relentless motivational speaker and passionate advocate for suicide prevention, dedicating his efforts in honor of his father, Officer Paul S. Buchanan, who died by suicide at his own police station in East Hartford. He did leave a note to his family, and those words eventually inspired Jared, but initially enraged him. Jared is a Marine infantry veteran who discovered a transformative path to healing by conquering grueling ultramarathons spanning 100, 200, and 240 miles all in the memory of his father. He talks about his father, and his own anger, and the years and miles it took to find forgiveness and the work he needed to do for his own mental health.
He is the focus of a documentary, Beautifully Broken. This was produced by Daniel Herzog who is a documentary filmmaker, creative producer, and friend to Jared. Beautifully Broken, shows Jared accomplishing an ultramarathon and how he found healing, peace and understanding along the way. He runs for his father and carries his picture with him. Daniel says he realizes that while the subject matter is difficult, the film serves to create connection and move conversations regarding mental health forward. He talks about Jared's transformation and positive attitude while running these grueling races. They talk about suicide and emotional trauma, but they also talk about finding meaning after loss. Jared and Daniel discuss the impact of their work through public screenings and speaking engagements, which they both find incredibly emotional and important.
Jared earned his master’s degree at Sacred Heart University in 2025 and is a practicing unconscious-based psychotherapist, who helps and encourages other police officers and first responders to talk about their struggles. Jared says he has helped people utilize CT Paid Leave in his practice. He finds the time allowed away from work to heal and the intermittent leave incredibly important.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the suicide and crisis hotline, 9-8-8
For more information about the documentary, Beautifully Broken, please visit, https://www.beautifullybrokendocumentary.com/ (beautifullybrokendocumentary.com)
For information or to apply for benefits please visit, https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org)

How a Doctor Used Farming to Heal Herself and Her Community Aug 10, 2026

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August is National Wellness Month. Farm Worker Appreciation Day also falls in August. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we find out about a doctor in Connecticut and her story of resilience, farming as therapy, and kindness.

Dr. Ivette Ruiz, a traumatic brain injury survivor and founder of Healing by Growing Farms in East Haven, shared her journey of overcoming adversity through gardening. In 2020, she suffered a brain injury while deploying for Hurricane Isaias, leading to significant challenges including food insecurity and loss of insurance. Despite these obstacles, she found solace in gardening, which became therapeutic and led to the creation of a farm that provides free services to brain injury, trauma survivors and the disabled. Ruiz emphasized the importance of mental health and community support, highlighting the benefits of the Connecticut Paid Leave program, which could have significantly aided her recovery.

This sub-urban farm serves as a place of learning and healing for survivors, urban farmers, BIPOC communities, veterans, and aspiring growers; offering a platform to learn diverse agricultural practices and maximize the potential of small and large spaces. She elevates awareness through local and international presentations and consultations for diverse audiences like the USDA FSA, University Extensions, Agri Stress Response, Common Ground, and Yale Health.

For more information about Dr. Ivette Ruiz and Healing by Growing Farms please visit, https://www.healingbygrowing.com/ (healingbygrowing.com).

For more information or to apply for benefits, please visit, https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org)

How to Have More Good Days While facing Chronic Health Conditions Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, the focus is on chronic health conditions and a national organization that can help people suffering across the country. Good Days founded National Chronic Disease Day, which is recognized every July 10th. The date reflects a key U.S. public health statistic: seven out of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are chronic diseases.

Host Nancy Barrow, spoke with Clorinda Walley, the CEO, of Good Days, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping patients overcome the financial and practical barriers to accessing lifesaving and life-changing care. With more than 26 years of experience in healthcare and over 15 years in strategic philanthropy, Clorinda leads the organization’s vision, operations, and patient-focused programs. Walley shares her personal journey with ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis, including the emotional toll of managing her conditions and the importance of support systems. She discusses Good Days' programs, which provide financial assistance for copays, insurance premiums, travel, and diagnostic testing. Clorinda emphasizes the need for expanded access to care and paid leave programs, highlighting their benefits for patients and employers. She also reflects on the impact of Good Days' work, having provided over $40 million in assistance to Connecticut residents since 2008.

To find more information about Good Days please visit, https://mygooddays.org/ (mygooddays.org)

For More information or to apply for benefits visit, https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org)

Researchers from Oregon on How Paid Leave Supports Family Health and Economic Security Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

June is National Employee Wellness Month. And American Family Health & Fitness Day is on June 14th. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we are focusing on family paid leave programs and how it affects the health and wellness and the economics of families and workers.

Joining host Nancy Barrow, are two esteemed guests from Oregon State University. Dr. David Rothwell has a master's in social work and a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Social Welfare. He also leads the Oregon Family Impact Center that connects state policy makers with national research experts. He is Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University. His research and teaching focuses on how policies can best serve children and families with low incomes. Dr. Julia Goodman has a PhD in Health Policy and is an Associate Professor in the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU, which stands for Oregon Health and Sciences University. Julia has a secondary faculty appointment in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Her research examines inequities attributed to work-related social determinants of health among pregnant people. she explores how work-related policies, such as paid family leave, impact health and health equity, as well as potential spillover into the broader workplace.

They discuss the need for flexible policies that include leave for various reasons, such as medical conditions and caregiving. Both highlight ongoing research to understand the impact of state-specific policies and the importance of collaboration with policymakers.

For more information about Dr. David Rothwell please visit, David Rothwell, MSW, PhD | College of Health | Oregon State University. (www.ohsu.edu)

For more information about Dr. Julia Goodman please visit, Julia M. Goodman PhD | OHSU People | OHSU. (www.oshu.edu)

For more information or to apply for benefits please visit ctpaidleave.org.

Father's Grieving the Loss of Their Sons and the Support Group That Saved Them Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, host Nancy Barrow talks to father's who have lost sons suddenly and are struggling mentally with their loss. June is Men's Health Month.Men's mental health is a critical issue, with significant statistics highlighting the challenges they face, including higher rates of suicide and mental illness compared to women. Black Men Grieve Different is a Hartford area support group that provides a safe, culturally affirming space for black men to process grief, build connection, and heal together. Amos Lys is a licensed therapist, community builder and ordained minister. He helps the men in the support group to process their grief. Community organizer Derrick Cranford and his wife created Black Men Grieve Different to help with his own grief after losing his son Derrick Junior suddenly and to help others. Derrick has been friends with well-known radio personality DJ BiggMann from Hot 93.7. BiggMann lost his son PJ in May of 2023, just 5 months before Derrick lost his son. They discuss the tragedies and how they picked up the pieces and helped each other as they struggled emotionally and how they found solace in a support group. Black Men Grieve Different is a safe space for men to let their emotions out and to start the healing process. Amos talked about the value of CT Paid Leave, and how it can give the gift of time off from your job so you can focus on your own mental health and the healing process.

To get in touch with Amos Lys, please visit his website LYS Counseling & Consulting, LLC | Licensed Therapist in Manchester (LYScounseling.com)

To find out more about Black men Grieve Different please visit, Black Men Grieve Different - Virtual Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite or to get in touch with Derrick Cranford please visit Cranfordinc@outlook.com

You can message BiggMann on Instagram about Black Men Grieve Different. Please visit, https://www.instagram.com/djbiggmann (djbiggmann)

For Information or to apply for benefits please visit https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org)

Supporting Healthier Communities for Older Adults and Families May 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, host Nancy Barrow talks with the Connecticut Bureau of Aging, which is part of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS). In the podcast, she introduces three experts — Jennifer Switalski, Jodi Brazal, and Meghan Brady — who work with Connecticut's aging population. They discuss the challenges faced by older adults, including loneliness and mental health issues, as well as the importance of respite care for caregivers. They highlight the growing need for support as the population ages, with one in four Connecticut residents over 60. The conversation also touches on the financial and legal aspects of caregiving, the role of assistive technology, and the importance of early planning and communication with families.

They also discuss how Connecticut Paid Leave can benefit the aging working population with health issues by providing time off for medical appointments, as well as the importance of taking time off for caregivers who are helping a loved one with early-onset dementia. They add that the program can also help caregivers take time away from work while still receiving income replacement.

For more information about Aging in Connecticut please visit Department of Aging and Disability Services

For information or to apply for benefits please visit CT Paid Leave (ctpaidleave.org)

A National Researcher Talks About the Benefits and Business of Paid Leave May 11, 2026

Show notes

In this Episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow talks to a researcher about the benefits of paid leave. Jessica Mason is the Senior Policy Analyst for Economic Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families. There she oversees in-house research and data analysis, tracks developments in academic and other research and develops advocacy resources related to the workplace and economic security agenda. Jessica talked about how paid leave has evolved and hopes that we will get a national paid leave policy. Mason talks about her research involving Connecticut Paid Leave, noting that now men take about 49% of parental leaves, a significant gender equity achievement. She also discusses the broader impact of paid leave on maternal health, particularly for black women, who often face systemic challenges. Mason emphasizes the importance of community engagement and technical assistance in implementing such programs effectively. The conversation also touches on the need for a national paid leave policy and the economic benefits for small businesses. Jessica shares her excitement about recent research findings that demonstrate the long-term benefits of paid leave, including reduced healthcare costs and improved public health outcomes.

For information about the National Partnership for Women and Families please visit: Home Page | National Partnership for Women & Families

For information about benefits please visit: CT Paid Leave

Preventing Sexual Violence and Creating Support for Survivors and Families Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 boys or men experience attempted or sexual assault in the USA. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about sexual violence and assault because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I have two women who work in this space joining me to talk about this. Beth Hamilton, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the statewide coalition of community-based sexual assault crisis services programs. And Sharon Walker Epps the Chief Executive Officer of The Rowan Center in Stamford and covers lower Fairfield County. The Rowan Center is part of the Alliance and exists to prevent sexual violence and other trauma, respond to crisis when harm occurs, and support adult and youth survivors on their path to healing. Beth explains the work of the Connecticut Alliance, including policy advocacy, training, and direct service to survivors. She describes the unique services provided by the Alliance, such as legal representation and post-conviction advocacy. Sharon provides an overview of the Rowan Center's services, including crisis response, counseling, and education. She highlights the efforts of the Rowan Center to educate parents and provide resources through the Kids Safe HQ initiative. They both talk about their own personal stories of sexual violence and abuse and are passionate about the hard work they do. They both support CT Paid Leave as an important tool they can use for their own workers and clients who use safe leave.
For more information visit The Alliance to End Sexual Violence, https://endsexualviolencect.org (endsexualviolencect.org) Phone: 860-282-9881
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For information visit the Rowan Center, https://therowancenter.org (therowancenter.org) Phone: 203-348-9346
For information or to apply for benefits like safe leave, please visit ctpaidleave.org

How a Maternal Health Blueprint Plans to Help Black Mothers Survive and Thrive Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we speak with the two women who helped to craft the Maternal Health Equity: A Blueprint for Connecticut. We speak with Tiffany Donelson, the President and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation, and with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the Associate Dean for Health Equity Research and the Director of Equity Research and Innovation Center at Yale. (ERIC)

April it is National Minority Health Month, it’s also Black Maternal Health Week is April 11th-17th, and it is National Public Health Week from April 6th-12th. Black women in Connecticut are much more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity, and the state ranks 35th in the nation. Tiffany and Marcella discuss how they created the Maternal Health Equity Blueprint. Tiffany expresses pride in the blueprint's comprehensive approach and the inclusion of diverse voices. Marcella emphasizes the importance of awareness and engagement in addressing maternal health disparities. They both discuss that black women in Connecticut are twice as likely to experience severe maternal morbidity compared to white women. The blueprint aims to address these disparities through policy changes, community engagement, and leveraging existing resources like Connecticut's Paid Leave program. They emphasize the importance of economic security and job protection for maternal health outcomes.

To read about the Maternal Health Equity: A Blueprint for Connecticut, go to CT Health releases blueprint for maternal health equity in Connecticut | CT Health Foundation

For more information about CEO Tiffany Donelson at the CT Health Foundation please go to Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) | Changing Health Systems (cthealth.org)

For information about the Equity and Innovation Center (ERIC) please go to Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) | Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC)

For more information about Dr, Marcella Nunez-Smith please go to Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, MHS | Yale School of Medicine

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to www.ctpaidleave.org

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