The Paid Leave Podcast

Latest Episodes:

CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon on Building Family Fiscal Health and Policies Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon, talks about his office, caregiving and the sandwich generation, and other family friendly policies in the state. November happens to be National Family Caregiver Month.

Comptroller Scanlon, talked to Host Nancy Barrow about his role in improving state finances. Sean explains his role as the Comptroller, comparing it to a Chief Financial Officer, and details his responsibilities, including managing state finances, healthcare plans, and various programs like the flood program for Hartford residents and the My CT Savings retirement plan for employees. He discusses the importance of caregiving and why policies like paid leave can help ease the burden on residents. Sean discusses his efforts to reform the MERS pension system. He highlights the importance of mental health parity and the Array RX drug discount card, giving discounts for medications. Sean emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility to fund future programs and improve state affordability, aiming to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live and work, and how CT Paid Leave can help with that vision. Sean recounts how a book report on Bobby Kennedy inspired him to pursue a career in politics.

For more information visit Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller.

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave.

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Osteoporosis Awareness and How to Strengthen Bone Health Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks to a professional about osteoporosis and bone health. It is International Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, National Health Education Week October 21-25t. In addition, it is International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. Two out of three women with postmenopausal osteoporosis will break a bone in their lifetime.

Joan Doback, is a certified Physician Assistant celebrating 36 years in the field. Doback who works as a Bone Health Coordinator at the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute, explains the importance of bone health, particularly for women post-menopause. She highlights the significance of DEXA scans for diagnosing osteoporosis and osteopenia, and the role that lifestyle factors plays in bone health like diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. She recommends weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and balance exercises to improve bone density. Doback also discusses medical treatments for osteoporosis and the impact of fractures on caregivers of patients. She emphasized the importance that the Connecticut Paid Leave program is for caregivers. She says the good news is that Osteoporosis can be reversible.

For more information: Bone Health Program | CT Orthopaedic Institute | St. Vincent’s Medical Center

For Information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org

A Study Shows How Paid Leave Policies Help Create Healthy Families and Communities Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about paid family leave policies and how they affect families and communities. Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, has done a study called Making the Case for Paid Family Leave. The study shows the benefits of taking time off for your own serious health condition or that of a loved one as well as taking pregnancy and bonding leave when adding to your family. Here to talk about this is Natalie Shaak, the Associate Director of Communication and Administration at the Center for Hunger Communities at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University.

The study, which included a literature review and personal stories, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of paid leave, particularly for mothers and infants. It found that paid leave reduces postpartum depression, domestic violence, and stress, and improves child health outcomes. The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing paid leave, including the need for inclusive policies that cover part-time and gig workers. They emphasize the importance of paid leave for workplace culture, recruitment, and retention, and advocate for a national program to ensure equitable access.

To find out more: About the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health | Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health

For information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave

Living with Sickle Cell Disease and Celebrating Motherhood Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are focusing on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States; more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American. Many people with Sickle Cell Disease do not receive the recommended healthcare screenings and treatments mainly because of social barriers.

Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Dr. Genice Nelson. Dr. Nelson, the Nursing Director at UConn Health-at the New England Sickle Cell Institute, Hemophilia Treatment Center, and Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs.

Daisha Dillon is a mom who was diagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease and has been suffering since she was 6 months old. She always wanted to be a mom and has a healthy daughter who was born without Sickle cell disease. Daisha is seen at the New England Sickle cell Institute and gets her treatments for sickle cell and pain there at UConn Health. We discussed what sickle cell disease is and how it effects the body. Dr. Nelson is aware of CT Paid Leave, and the benefits it has for the patients she treats and their caregivers. Daisha's health has been improving with the newer medications that have become available to combat the symptoms and the pain.

To get more information: New England Sickle Cell Institute | UConn Health

To contact the doctor visit: Genice Nelson, DNP, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC | UConn Health

For more information or to apply for benefits: ctpaidleave.org

One Family's Journey of Hispanic Heritage, Mental Health, and Healing. Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

It this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we take a look at Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th. During this month it is a celebration of the culture and diversity of the Hispanic population, but it also focuses on mental health and the challenges that Hispanics face.

Evelyn Alejandro joins Host Nancy Barrow to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month, and her parents struggles with mental health. Evelyn was the focus of an article in Mental Health Connecticut's Let's FACE IT Campaign. In the article she discusses her parents' mental health conditions, and how it affected her as a young girl. She talks about losing her mother tragically in a car crash, and how her trauma led to her being told she may be suffering from PTSD. Evelyn discusses the shame and stigma of mental health and says that CT Paid Leave is a resource that can help many Hispanics, who may not know about the program.

To get in touch with Evelyn: Agape Designs - Holistic Marketing Agency

Contact Evelyn at her email address: agapedesigns860@gmail.com

Or: PYVOT - Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce

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

A New Author's Dedication to Women's Health, Wellness and Life's Transitions Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow talks to a new author about her crusade for women's rights and health and her process of writing the new book. August is National Wellness Month, that connects to the conversation with Lauren Tetenbaum, who is a licensed clinical social worker, (in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Florida) she is a women rights advocate, and writer dedicated to supporting and empowering women through life transitions. With experience as both a lawyer and a psychotherapist, Lauren specializes in counseling women navigating identity shifts related to motherhood, career, and reproductive health. Lauren frequently contributes thought leadership to media and professional organizations; she is the author of the acclaimed 2025 book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period, that was released in July.

Lauren discusses her journey as a women's rights advocate, her dual degrees in law and social work, and her focus on supporting women through life transitions, particularly perinatal and perimenopausal periods. She emphasizes the importance of mental health, support groups, and comprehensive care. Lauren highlights the value of paid leave programs in supporting working women and parents and shares her experience writing the book to raise awareness about menopause and its impact on mental health, and some women who experience serious health conditions.

For more about Lauren: Media - Lauren Tetenbaum, The CounseLaur theCounseLaur.com

For information about the book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period: millennialmenopause.com

For information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

Farmers in Connecticut are Growing Deep Roots in Their Communities Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

It is National Farmers Market Week August 3 through the 9th, and it is Farmworker Appreciation Day on August 6th.

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow focuses on Connecticut farmers with Ella Kennen, the Coordinator of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance. We discussed supporting beginning farmers, particularly first-generation farmers. Caitlin Kimball, the Director of Agriculture at CitySeed, and oversees the New Haven's farmers markets and owns and operates Sunset Organic Farm. We discuss the challenges faced by farmers, including land access, extreme weather events, and the importance of local food systems. The podcast highlights the benefits of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and some of the new legislation that passed aiding farmers. Both emphasize the importance of supporting local farms and the role that CT Paid Leave plays in offering benefits to farmers and their workers.

For Ella Kennen via email: newctfarmers@gmail.com or got to their website at: New CT Farmer Alliance | Building a Stronger Local Food System | Connecticut

For Kaitlyn Kimball: Home | Sunset Farm Their farmstand is open Wednesday through Saturday at Wheeler's Farm Road in Milford. You can find Kaitlyn's produce at Ridgefield farmers market, Monroe farmers market, and Naugatuck farmer's markets. Or go to Cityseed's New Haven farmers markets year-round!

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

Breaking Down Hepatitis with a Yale Medical Expert Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with a liver specialist from the Yale School of Medicine. World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on July 28th to raise awareness of viral hepatitis. The theme for 2025 is: "Hepatitis, Let’s Break it Down." It calls for urgent action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers including stigma that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention. Nancy spoke to Yale's Dr. Bubu Banini, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, and works at the Yale Liver Center and volunteers on a regular basis with the American Liver Foundation. Dr. Banini goes on to explain the importance of the liver and the various types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E, G). She highlights the social barriers and is hoping to negate the stigma associated with liver diseases. Dr. Banini also discusses the effectiveness of vaccinations and treatments for chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis C, and the importance of mental health support for patients. Dr. Banini emphasizes the benefits of the Connecticut Paid Leave program for caregivers and patients dealing with chronic liver diseases.

For Information about the American Liver Foundation: Liver - American Liver Foundation

For information about the Yale Liver center: Yale Liver Center < Liver Center

Dr. Bubu Banini: Bubu Banini, MD, PhD < Yale School of Medicine

For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

Research Shows Paid Leave Policies Can Help Reduce Infant Abuse and Neglect Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Dr. Lindsay Rose Bullinger, Associate Professor and Researcher at the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and is Associate Director of the Health Economics and Policy Innovation Collaborative. We discussed paid leave policies and how it affects children and families. Dr. Bollinger's research in the paper titled, "More Than Snuggles, the Effect of Paid Family Leave on Infant Maltreatment" shows that state-sponsored paid family leave programs reduce infant maltreatment rates and home removals by 46 percent. The study, which focused on California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York, highlights the importance of paid leave in improving maternal mental health and reducing financial stress. Dr. Bollinger emphasizes the need for more research on the long-term effects of paid family leave and its potential to reduce child abuse and neglect.

Dr. Lindsey Rose Bullinger's research: Paid Family Leave Helps Reduce Infant Abuse, School of Public Policy Study Finds | Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts

To find out more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

Healing Trauma and PTSD with Compassionate Therapy and Horses Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month also known as PTSD. Approximately 13 million adults in the United States are estimated to have PTSD. 80 percent of people are civilians with PTSD, surprisingly only 20 percent are military related. You can get traditional PTSD from a single traumatic event like a car accident or experiencing violence. But if you experienced multiple traumas, it may be diagnosed as complex PTSD. PTSD is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

In this edition of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara, a clinical neuropsychologist, who has been immersed in her work with mental health and complex trauma for more than two decades, and she currently is a supervising psychologist with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, also known as DHMAS, where she is a long standing board member of the statewide advisory council that works on eliminating health disparities across the socio economic spectrum within DHMAS. She is currently a facilitator for Diversity Equity and Inclusion for state employees. Nancy Speaks with Renee Bouffard, a licensed clinical social worker and equine therapist at Healing Hoofbeats in Bethlehem, CT. which she founded. Renee helps individuals feel more empowered and secure in their lives through building healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with horses to foster connection and to support empowerment through equine and animal supported therapy.

Dr. Vayalakkara explains what PTSD is, the diagnosis and her treatment protocol, emphasizing trauma-informed care and the importance of social support. Renee discusses equine therapy for everyone including a program for veterans, highlighting the program's free services and its impact on mental health. Both guests stress the need to reduce stigma around PTSD and the benefits of the paid leave program in providing financial and emotional support for those affected by trauma.

Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara : New England Psychological & Neuropsychological Associates, LLC or go to: Jyothi Vayalakkara, Psychologist, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067 | Psychology Today.

Renee Bouchard: Healing Hoofbeats of CT | Equine & Animal Supported Therapy Services | Equine Therapy CT or call 203-244-8411.

To apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave

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