The Paid Leave Podcast
By: The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority
Language: en-us
Categories: Government, Society, Culture, Documentary, Kids, Family, Parenting
Paid Leave is a hot topic in our country right now. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world without a national paid leave policy, and Connecticut is one of only 13 states and the District of Columbia to have a state program in place. Other cities and states are working to join the paid leave movement. The Paid Leave Podcast examines the state of Connecticut's paid leave program and the impact it has on various groups and diverse communities. Radio veteran Nancy Barrow interviews the people who fought to make paid leave a reality in Connecticut, and...
Episodes
Osteoporosis Awareness and How to Strengthen Bone Health
Oct 27, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak to a professional about osteoporosis and bone health. In October it is International Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, National Health Education Week October 21-25th, and is also International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. Two out of three women with postmenopausal osteoporosis will break a bone in their lifetime.
I speak with Joan Doback, 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...
Duration: 00:32:00A Study Shows How Paid Leave Policies Help Create Healthy Families and Communities
Oct 15, 2025On 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, she is the Associate Director of Communication and Administration at the Center for Hunger Communities at the D...
Duration: 00:29:12Living with Sickle Cell Disease and Celebrating Motherhood
Sep 29, 2025In 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.
My guests are Dr. Genice Nelson. Dr. Nelson is 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 wh...
Duration: 00:30:26One Family's Journey of Hispanic Heritage, Mental Health, and Healing.
Sep 15, 2025It 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 me 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 i...
Duration: 00:22:14A New Author's Dedication to Women's Health, Wellness and Life's Transitions
Aug 25, 2025In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, I am talking 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, and that fits in perfectly with my 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...
Duration: 00:28:48Farmers in Connecticut are Growing Deep Roots in Their Communities
Aug 04, 2025It 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, I am focusing on Connecticut farmers. I talk with Ella Kennen, the Coordinator of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance. We discussed supporting beginning farmers, particularly first-generation farmers. Caitlin Kimball is the Director of Agriculture at CitySeed, and she 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 s...
Duration: 00:31:45Breaking Down Hepatitis with a Yale Medical Expert
Jul 28, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak 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. I spoke with Yale's Dr. Bubu Banini, who is an assistant professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, and works at the Yale Liver Ce...
Duration: 00:30:09Research Shows Paid Leave Policies Can Help Reduce Infant Abuse and Neglect
Jul 15, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak with Dr. Lindsay Rose Bullinger. Dr. Bullinger is an associate professor and researcher in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and is the 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 J...
Duration: 00:29:29Healing Trauma and PTSD with Compassionate Therapy and Horses
Jun 30, 2025June 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, my guests are Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara, she i...
Duration: 00:34:53There is Hope Managing Headaches and Migraines
Jun 09, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about headaches and migraines. June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month. Gretchen Michaelson, the founder of the Headache Care Center in South Windsor, she is an Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in headache medicine. She explains the difference between headaches and migraines, the various treatments available, including prescription medications, neuromodulation, and lifestyle changes. She highlights the importance of addressing migraines promptly to prevent chronic conditions and improve quality of life. Michaelson also discusses the impact of migraines on mental health and the advancements in treatment since 2018, emphasizing the need f...
Duration: 00:21:17Representative Kai Belton's Passion, Advocacy, and Commitment to Connecticut Families.
May 19, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we focus on mental health and speak with a local politician who started a caucus dealing with black family health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month it is also Maternal Mental Health Month and National Adolescent Health Month, and it’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness week from May 5-11th. CT Paid Leave gives up to 12 weeks of income Replacement for your own serious health conditions ot that of a loved one that includes maternity and bonding leave and mental health issues if your health care professional deems it a serio...
Duration: 00:24:29A Nurse Turned Author and Her Struggle with Autoimmune Disease.
May 12, 2025In this episode, we are talking about auto-immune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system is overactive and attacks and damages the body's own tissues. May 9th is Autoimmune Arthritis Day, and it is also ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day (May 12). ME stands for myologic encephalomyelitis, formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a chronic, complex, neuroimmune disease that affects the quality of life of its' patients. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by pain stiffness and tenderness in the muscles of the neck shoulders back hips arms and legs, and there a...
Duration: 00:30:16A Courageous Story About Parkinson's Disease, and the Resources That Offer Support.
Apr 28, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we discuss Parkinson's disease, what it is, what it does, and how to treat it. Parkinson's Awareness Month is observed in April, and is an opportunity to increase awareness about the ailment and its symptoms, as well as to support victims. National Parkinson's day is observed on April 11 every year to raise awareness about this medical condition and its severity. Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox are the most well-known people to suffer from Parkinson's disease. Joining in on this conversation is Holly Seymour, the Program Director for the Connecticut Chapter...
Duration: 00:29:42The Office of Victim Services Offers Hope and Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes
Apr 14, 2025April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and it’s also Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on April 2nd; it is also National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 6-12.
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast I speak with Rachel McKnight, Program Manager from the Office of Victim Services (OVS), and Marc Pelka, Deputy Director. They explain how OVS assists crime victims with financial expenses, receiving around 2,000 applications annually. They detail the types of crimes, including violent and property crimes, vehicular crimes, and the various expenses covered by OVS, such as medical bills, funeral costs, an...
Duration: 00:34:51Working to Empower Connecticut's LGBTQ+ Families with Inclusive Healthcare
Mar 31, 2025LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is in March and was started in 2003. It raises public awareness regarding the unique health needs and disparities in the LGBTQ+ community. It also highlights many aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.
My guest Bill Ollayos, is the administrator of the Connecticut LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network and is a Law Fellow with Children, Women, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO). He says the network's mission is to advance equity through policy advocacy, community outreach, and grant funding that can be used for some unique events for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes the importance of m...
Duration: 00:21:09A Mother Raises Awareness and Advocates for Her Son and Others with Down Syndrome
Mar 10, 2025In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we speak with Kandi Pickard, the CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Down Syndrome Awareness Week is celebrated across the world from March 15 to March 21 every year. The purpose of the week is to create awareness about individuals with Down syndrome and the difficulties they might face in their lives. About 5,000 babies are born every year in the USA with Down syndrome. Due to advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. With 80 percent living past 60 years old. In March it is also N...
Duration: 00:28:02How The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Helps Burn Patients and Families Recover
Feb 24, 2025National Burn Awareness Week is in February, and it's recognized by the American Burn Association. It is a chance to promote burn prevention and awareness in communities. With more than 3,000 members, the ABA dedicates their efforts and resources to promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research.
The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state. Dr Roselle Crombie is a member of the ABA. She is a surgeon specializing in burn surgery and surgical critical care at several of the Yale New Haven Health Systems flagship hospitals in Southern...
Duration: 00:33:47CT. Representative Corey Paris Gets Personal About His Mini Strokes and Serious Heart Health Journey
Feb 10, 2025February is National Heart Month and It's also Congenital Heart Defect Week. I spoke with CT. Representative Corey Paris, who reps the 145th district, about his serious heart issues. He suffered from TIA's, also known as transient ischemic attacks or mini strokes. Upon further testing Rep. Corey was diagnosed with a hole in his heart known as patent foramen ovale (PFO). Rep. Paris emphasizes the importance of seeking medical specialists and advocating for oneself. He highlights the significance of paid leave for health recovery and family support, noting its impact on reducing poverty and increasing productivity. Corey also discusses...
Duration: 00:30:57The Bridge Project Expands to Connecticut to End Child Poverty and Create Prosperity.
Jan 27, 2025
More than 84 thousand children live in poverty in Connecticut, and 122 thousand in near poverty. In this episode, we talk about a new program that has expanded into Connecticut that gives unconditional cash to expecting moms or new mothers. It takes them from pregnancy to prosperity and helps them invest in their baby's future. The program is aimed at stopping child poverty.
Laura Clancy, Executive Director of the Bridge Project, explains the program's mission to provide unconditional cash to low-income pregnant women for the first 1,000 days of their baby's life. She says giving the unconditional cash to...
How a Mother Helped Her Daughter Rebuild a Different Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury.
Jan 13, 2025In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI’s happens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. TBI is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that happen to the brain. The damage can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (happens in more than one area of the brain). The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in co...
Duration: 00:27:55The United Way Reports a Jump in Connecticut Residents Struggling to Make Ends Meet.
Dec 23, 2024Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states, but nearly half a million people don’t know where their next meal is coming from. More than 84 thousand children live in poverty in Connecticut and 122 thousand in near poverty. About 35 percent of Connecticut households are burdened by housing costs, compared to about 32 percent nationally.
The United Way of Connecticut released its ALICE Report for 2024 in October, showing that 13% more state residents, or an additional 65,000 households, are struggling to make ends meet despite being employed and not earning enough to cover the basic cost of living. ALICE is an acronym fo...
Shopping for Your Healthcare with Access Health CT.
Dec 09, 2024In this episode we take a look at shopping for your healthcare in Connecticut. This is the time of year that Connecticut residents are looking to enroll or change their health insurance and or dental insurance. Access Health CT enrollment fairs are currently going on across Connecticut through December and into January.
Access Health CT is the state’s official health insurance marketplace and Access Health CT has helped over 1 million individuals and small businesses get health insurance since it started in 2013.Their efforts have played a crucial role in reducing Connecticut’s uninsured rate dropping from 9.2% to 5...
Duration: 00:29:07A UConn Health Diabetes Specialist Discusses Controlling the Disease and Better Treatments..
Nov 25, 2024November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As of this year about 38.4 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes these incudes type I and type 2. The prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
In this episode we talk to Dr Pooja Luthra, A UConn Health Endocrinologist, and Director of the Diabetes Education Program. We discuss the 3 types of diabetes, Type 1 and 2 and gestational diabetes, Dr. Luthra Talks about treatments and controlling diabetes with lifestyle changes. For example, eating healthy and including a workout regimen into your daily routine...
Hunger is a Growing Problem in Connecticut
Nov 12, 2024Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states, but close to half a million people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and 1 in 8 Connecticut residents experience food insecurity. That's where Foodshare comes in and bridges that gap, allowing a dignified way to put food on the table.
Jason Jakubowski is the President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, the official Feeding America food bank serving the entire state of Connecticut. He works alongside a team of 120 employees and 6000 volunteers. Jason says he loves his job and realizes that Foodshare helps the people of Connecticut when they ne...
Duration: 00:28:02How to Keep Your Baby Safe When They Are Sleeping
Oct 28, 2024October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month. According to the National Institute for Health (NIH) SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between one month and one year. The vast majority of deaths take place before a baby reaches six months of age. Every year there are about 3,400 cases of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths know as SUID in the U.S.
Alison Jacobson is the CEO of First Candle, which is a national non-profit addressing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. They do this through community partnerships, educating families on life-saving safe sleep practices, while also p...
Celebrating Diversity During Hispanic Heritage Month
Oct 07, 2024National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. The reason it starts on September 15th is that it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries. This month celebrates the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic people.
In this episode, we find out about the rich culture and history of the Hispanic Community in Connecticut. Co-chairs of the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee, Gladys Ramos and Olga Pena, emphasize their efforts to raise funds for scholarships and the importance of community events like the Latin Festival and Three Kings celebration. They also...
One Mom's Crusade to Inspire Hope in Young Adults and Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention
Sep 23, 2024September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death and affects people of all ages. 1.6 million people attempt suicide every year in the United States, and 3.6 million made a plan. Suicide is a serious health crisis.
When a person dies by suicide, the effects are felt by family, friends, and communities. Marisa Giarnella is the co-founder of the Jordan Porco Foundation, that was created in the memory of her son Jordan who took his life as a freshman in college. The foundations goals are to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message...
How to Prevent Dangerous Falls as We Age
Sep 10, 2024In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about healthy aging and falls prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injury for those 65 and older adults. Over 14 million, or one in 4 older adults reports falling every year. The risks and potential consequences of falls increase with age and can lead to injury, loss of independence and are a leading cause of death in the U.S. among the 65 and older age group, according to fall statistics from the Centers for Disease and Prevention. Angela Vasquez is the Healthy Aging Program Coordinator for the Bureau of Aging i...
Duration: 00:24:24Exploring Connecticut's Family-Friendly Policies with State Treasurer Erick Russell
Aug 26, 2024In the United States, the month with the largest number of births is typically August, with July a close second. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to the State Treasurer Erick Russell about the Baby Bonds program. Treasurer Russell talks about the fact that Connecticut is the first state in the nation to have the Baby Bond program aimed at curbing racial and generational poverty. He talks about the program, and he highlights the potential to engage families and build long-term economic opportunities for their children. Treasurer Russell talks about his background and emphasizes the...
Duration: 00:28:38Why More Than 1 out of 8 Residents Use Community Health Centers for Care.
Aug 05, 2024August 4 through august 10th is National Health Center week. Deb Polun serves as the Chief Strategy officer at the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut known as (CHC/-ACT). It is the statewide association that supports the work of Connecticut’s Community Health Centers, which provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to 420,000 people across CT each year. In her role, Deb provides leadership on public policy and advocacy, helps build and strengthen community and corporate relationships, and helps plan for a sustainable community health center network. Deb says that Community Health Centers are beautiful buildings that offer quality he...
Duration: 00:29:08A Small Business Talks About the Benefits of CT Paid Leave.
Jul 29, 2024Pets are like family. The dog treat business had a good year in 2024. The market value exceeded expectations, reaching $8.3 million. The trend is set to continue, with the market projected to reach a whopping $14.2 million by 2034.
Laurie Surprenant and Amy Kenkel are the co-owners of the dog bakery company, Leaps and Bones. They talk about the struggles starting the business in their home, and the hardships and rewards of owning their own business. They have built a family culture in their business with most employees being there at least for 5 years and some have been t...
Junior United States Senator Chris Murphy Talks About Mental Health, Loneliness and Family.
Jul 08, 2024Chris Murphy is the junior United States Senator for Connecticut and has dedicated his career to public service as an advocate for Connecticut families. In the Senate, he is a strong voice for mental health care access, commonsense gun safety laws, and a forward-looking foreign policy. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, he fights for policies to support workers and their families, like making childcare more affordable, paid leave, and raising the minimum wage.
Senator Murphy talked about the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, and social connection, and how the CT Pa...
Duration: 00:19:40Living With Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease in Your 50's and Living Your Best Life.
Jun 24, 2024This is an exciting time for anyone suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease. A new drug that should get FDA approval by the end of this year, would expand the treatment options for the more than 6 million Americans of all ages who have Alzheimer's. The disease is the fifth-leading cause of death for adults over 65. Donanemab, a drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company, showed promising results in clinical trials. The drug eliminates brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's. Studies show the drug could be a breakthrough in treating early stages of the disease, slowing cognitive decline in those with e...
Duration: 00:33:40Father Day Stories: How CT Paid Leave Changed Two Father's Lives.
Jun 10, 2024Studies have shown that taking paternity leave helps fathers to feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed. The reason this happens is because of a hormone called oxytocin. When released, it promotes bonding and reduces stress levels. 43 percent of fathers are taking bonding leave through CT Paid Leave. This gives fathers time away from work with income replacement so they can bond with their baby whether by birth, adoption or fostering.
Just in time for Father's Day which is June 16th, I talked with two fathers for a special podcast. Guest David Sergi lived in a state without a...
Duration: 00:31:44Lyme Disease is a Tricky and Chronic Disease that is Hard to Diagnose and to Treat.
May 28, 2024Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector borne infectious disease in the United States. The CDC says more people are infected with Lyme Disease than breast cancer. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases come with a lot of unknowns. Before starting to treat symptoms, you must first get a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnosing Lyme disease can be complicated and unclear. Lyme disease can turn into a chronic health condition if it goes undiagnosed. CT Paid Leave can help with this by giving you income replacement while you take time away from work for appointments, treatments and flare ups.
Dr...
Doulas Have Become a Critical Support Delivering Emotional and Postpartum Care for New Moms..
May 13, 2024May is Maternal Mental Health Month. During the month, the focus is on increasing awareness about mental health and the well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the time after birth. About 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression. Mental health issues are the most common complication of childbirth. Doulas can help alleviate some of the emotional stress and burden from a parent as they help recognize what the parent needs.
Guests Brittany Needham and Shannon Knox created Golden Radiance Village, a holistic full spectrum doula company. They talked about what they do as d...
A Couple Opens Up About Infertility, Their IVF Journey, and the Joys of Parenthood.
Apr 19, 2024National Infertility Awareness Week is April 21-27. The week is an observance that aims to raise awareness about infertility, provide support, and foster conversations around this critical health issue. Roughly one out of six people experience infertility. The chance to expand a family can take time away from work to focus on testing, diagnostics, and treatment.
Dr. Maya Barsky is a lead physician at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and Assistant Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at the UConn School of Medicine and is an infertility specialist. Dr. Barsky talks about some of the testing t...
A Mother Sees the Beauty in Her Child's Autism
Apr 08, 2024April is Autism Acceptance Month. According to the CDC, in 2023 one in 36 children were diagnosed as falling somewhere on the autism spectrum. The cost of caring for people with autism is predicted to reach $461 billion by 2025 in the U.S.
Alanna, who has three children, knew very early on that something was different about her youngest son Lawson. She had to wait 2 years for further testing, and Lawson was diagnosed as Level 2 on the autism spectrum. Alanna feels that receiving an early diagnosis was very important to Lawson's wellbeing and treatment plan. She sees the beauty in...
Gratitude from a Nurse Who Had Two Kidney Transplants
Mar 25, 2024March is National Kidney Month. The average cost of a kidney transplant in the United States ranges from $300,000 to $500,000. This figure includes pre-transplant evaluations, the surgery itself, post-operative care, immunosuppressant medications, and follow-up appointments. Programs like CT Paid Leave can help with up to 12 weeks of income replacement while you heal from major surgery.
Nick Arsenault is a seasoned nurse who's navigated his own two kidney transplants, all while continuing to hold down his job. Nick talks about the challenges he faced physically and emotionally during the process, and complications that came up during his fight with ki...
The Difficulty of Diagnosing and Treating a Brain Injury
Mar 11, 2024Every 21 seconds, someone suffers from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. Most people don't know about brain injuries until it happens to them or a loved one. The Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC) is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for individuals suffering from brain injuries, whether mild or severe. BIAC extends that support to family members and caregivers. BIAC's Executive Director Julie Peters and Senior Brain Injury Specialist Victor Darr talk about the difficulties in diagnosing and treating brain injuries and the importance of a proper diagnosis to the recovery process. Most...
Duration: 00:34:04The Difficulty Diagnosing and Treating a Rare Disease.
Feb 23, 2024The last day of February is Rare Disease Awareness Day. You may not know much about rare diseases, but they do affect 1 out of 10 people across the world, and half of those are children. There are more Americans (30 million) who have a rare disease, more than all the people who have either HIV, heart disease or stroke.
Having a rare disease can be a long and frustrating road for the patient and the family, with the average diagnosis taking 5 years or more. Rich Horgan is the founder and CEO of Cure Rare Disease in Woodbridge Connecticut. He founded...
Eating Disorders and Navigating Recovery.
Feb 13, 2024Eating Disorders Awareness week is from February 26th to March 3rd. Something you may not know, is that eating disorders affect people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation and background and about 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other psychiatric illness (aside from the recent increase of opioid related deaths).
Lending her expertise in this field is Rebekah Bardwell Doweyko, who has over 20 years of clinical experience with eating disorders. Rebekah is the Assistant Vice President of Clinical Operations, Ambulatory Services, at...
Duration: 00:30:28Our CEO's Personal Struggle with Cervical Cancer
Jan 29, 2024January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society says about 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and about 4,360 women will die from cervical cancer. CT paid Leave can help women going through any stage of this disease with income replacement benefits, and flexibility with different types of leave options. You can get up to 12 weeks of income replacement to take care of your own serious health condition or that of a loved one.
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen is an OB-GYN at UConn Health Center and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gyn...
How Paid Leave Can Help Support Moms and Babies With Complications.
Jan 14, 2024January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States according to the CDC That means nearly 120,000 babies are affected by birth defects each year. Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming. However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy. During the last six months of pregnancy, as the tissues and organs continue to grow and develop.
Erin Jones is the Director of Legislative and Strategic Co...
Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease that is difficult to diagnose, but a new law can help.
Dec 26, 2023Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease that affects over 160 million women worldwide, 10 million across the United States and in Connecticut 1 in 10 women have it. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis is with surgery and that can cost somewhere between 20 and 30 thousand dollars or more. The cost of the surgery can be a huge barrier to get treatment for this debilitating condition.
Connecticut is leading the way in research and is the first in the nation to get a law passed, House Bill 6672, "An Act Concerning Endometriosis". In June, the General Assembly passed the legislation creating a...
How to Live a Healthy Life with HIV
Dec 08, 2023December is HIV/Aids Awareness Month. While the treatments for HIV have prolonged life expectancy, there is no cure yet. HIV it is considered a chronic illness or a chronic health condition. Since the first cases of HIV were reported more than 40 years ago, 78 million people have become infected with HIV and 35 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Kayce Harding is the director of the Center for Key Populations, which is part of Community Health Center inc. Kasey says that people can live healthy full lives after an HIV diagnosis. Treatments have also changed with daily medications t...
Living and Working With Epilepsy.
Nov 27, 2023
About 3.4 million people have epilepsy nationwide, and about 36,000 people have epilepsy in Connecticut.
Monica Anzelone is the Program and Services Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. Monica talked about the many programs and services offered to patients and family members at the foundation, including behavioral health. Monica brought along epilepsy patient 32-year-old James who has had some challenges in regard to his employment, but now is currently happily employed. He was seizure free for almost 20 years but has recently suffered from seizures and has some memory issues that sometimes comes from the seizures.
C...
A Caregiver Used Paid Leave and Helps Take Care of Her Sister Out of State.
Nov 10, 2023November is National Family Caregivers Month. 58% of caregivers are women. Almost one-third of caregivers provide care at least 20 hours a week. About 80 percent of caregivers care for adults aged 50 or older, and one in 6 non-caregivers expects to become a caregiver within two years.
Caregiver leave under CT Paid Leave allows you to take time away from work to care for a loved one who is undergoing a serious health or family issue. Caregivers can be blood related but don’t have to be, they can also be related by affinity. That means that the person is like a fa...
Domestic Violence and How Survivors Navigate the Court System
Oct 26, 2023In Connecticut, 1/3 of all criminal court cases involve domestic violence. Everyday dozens of victims seeking help can’t get it and are turned away from critical services, including shelters. Earlier this month a report claimed that Connecticut shelters were at 150 percent capacity. Some agencies were trying to get hotel rooms because of a lack of space. Whether you call it family violence, domestic violence or intimate partner violence it is a serious health crisis in Connecticut.
Jennifer Lopez is the Interval House Director of Court Advocacy Programs in Hartford. Jennifer has worked for 30 years on behalf of...
A 30-year old's survivor guide to living and thriving with Breast Cancer.
Oct 13, 2023
One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Most are over the age of 50 when they are diagnosed, but not all of them are.
Bianca was 2 days shy of her 30th birthday. She had a 2-year-old son, when she got her diagnosis. She was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer and found it herself during her monthly self-breast exam. Her journey of survival began with chemo, radiation and further ways to curb a recurrence. Bianca is 6 years cancer free but is always looking over her shoulder. She continues to educate...
An addict's story from near death to a sober life and gratitude for it all
Sep 25, 2023Alcohol and drug addiction are significant public health issues. The financial challenges hit not only the person but their family, community and caregivers. The annual cost for substance abuse treatment is over 600 billion dollars. Each year, 16 million or 6 percent of Americans over the age of 12 abuse prescription drugs.
Kevin Shuler is a Recovery Coach Program Manager for CCAR, (Connecticut Community Addiction Recovery), and it is a centralized resource hub in Connecticut for all things relating to recovery. CCAR can help you to navigate the recovery community by connecting you with others in recovery and providing access to...
The rocky road to addiction recovery
Sep 10, 2023National Recovery Month, which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and to recognize the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible. This is just a portion of President Biden's proclamation about National Recovery Month: " During National Recovery Month, we celebrate the more than 20 million Americans who have had the courage to seek help for substance use disorder, showing millions of others that recovery is possible. We honor their resilience and recommit to making sure that every American has access to the services and...
Duration: 00:25:54A Doctor's note about Breastfeeding
Aug 28, 2023August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and today we're looking at things from a doctor's point of view.
Breastfeeding isn't always easy and for the best health outcomes the American Academy of Pediatrics( AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with foods for at least two years and beyond as mutually desired. My guest is Dr. Jennifer Schwab. Dr. Schwab is a pediatrician with Rocky Hill pediatrics. She's a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She graduated Coombe laude from the College of Holy Cross and the University of Massachusetts Medical School...
The struggles with new mothers and breastfeeding.
Aug 14, 2023August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Breastfeeding has proven to have health benefits for both mothers and babies in high-income and low-income settings, yet less than 50% of babies worldwide are breastfed according to World Health Organization. Meanwhile, the commercial milk formula industry generates revenues of about $55 billion each year.
The guests on this podcast are Monica Belyea who is a Nutrition Consultant with the CT Department of Public health and Taylor Smith, an Interdisciplinary Doula with strong interests in science, nutrition, herbal remedies and lactation.
Monica's expertise is in Early Childhood health and education systems and...
A National Researcher Focuses on Paid Leave.
Jul 21, 2023Out of 186 countries, 96 percent provide some pay to women who are on maternity leave. 81 countries provide paid leave to fathers. The United States lags far behind.
Our focus today is how paid leave affects many things including families and business, and women's earning potential.
Maya Rossin-Slater is an Associate Professor of Health Policy at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic and Policy Research (SIEPR), a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and a Research Affiliate at the Institute of Labor Economics (I...
New Parents and the Economics of Paid Leave.
Jul 11, 2023Many parents return to work soon after a child’s birth. In fact, in the United States, 1 in 4 mothers, primarily those with lower income, return just two weeks after delivering their child.
CT Paid Leave offers up to 12 weeks of income replacement to parents to bond with their child.
Commissioner Beth Bye from the Office of Early Childhood, is an education specialist, and she was an early advocate for CT Paid Leave. She joins me for a discussion about the economic benefits of paid leave, which includes parents saving thousands of dollars in childcare expenses.
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How one CT Commissioner put paid leave and early childhood first
Jul 07, 2023Many parents return to work soon after a child’s birth. One in four mothers, primarily those with lower income, return within just two weeks, even though they want to take longer leave if they could afford it.
CT Paid Leave offers up to 12 weeks of income replacement to parents who want to bond with their child.
Commissioner Beth Bye from the Office of Early Childhood, is an education specialist, and she was an early advocate for CT Paid Leave. She joins me for a discussion about the economic benefits of paid leave, which includes pa...
You Can Choose Your Family.
Jun 23, 2023June is Pride Month.
"Blood is thicker than water," however for many people, family isn't just about blood — it's about deep, meaningful connections. During Pride month you may hear the words "chosen family". A chosen family is a family you choose to have in your life that loves and supports you the way a blood family would.
My guest Robin McHaelen is well-known locally and nationally in the LGBTQ+ community as a leader, advocate and consultant. Robin is the founder and former Executive Director of True Colors, Inc. She was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to the...
Navigating the Challenges of Transgender Healthcare
Jun 12, 2023Pride Month is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for their rights—and the medical field is no exception to this. Health care should be inclusive and respectful for everyone, no matter their gender identity or who they love. The challenges include gaps in coverage, affordability, stigma, discrimination and poor treatment from healthcare professionals.
Katie Tierney is the Medical Director of the Middlesex Health Center for Gender Medicine and Wellness and is an APRN specializing in Endocrinology. She believes that patients need to be treated with dignity and respect. With LGBTQ+ that st...
Kids and the Mental Health Crisis.
May 26, 2023May is Mental health Awareness month, and with that comes the question of what parents should do if their child is having mental health issues. The Pew Research Center report said mental health was the greatest concern among parents, followed by bullying, which worries 35% of parents. These concerns trumped fears of kidnapping, dangers of drugs and alcohol, teen pregnancy and getting into trouble with the police.
According to the Connecticut School Health survey released in May 2023, 1 in 7 high school students across Connecticut have seriously considered suicide.
My guests are Dr. Frank Gregory, the Administrator of...
Minority Men and Mental Health.
May 05, 2023Mental health became a focus during the pandemic as many people struggled with depression or anxiety due to isolation. A recent study from the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that suicide attempts were rising at an alarming rate long before COVID-19. The study found that Black males had the highest increase in suicide attempts compared to any other race in the group increasing nearly 80%.
My guests talk about the stigma that minority men face in the community when they are seeking mental health services. Mental health podcaster Justin Little is a mental health speaker and i...
An athlete with Multiple Sclerosis keeps on moving.
Apr 24, 2023Nearly 1 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. More women are diagnosed with the disease and colder climates can be a contributing factor. MS can be a very tricky disease to diagnose, but quick treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease.
UConn Medical Center's neurologist Dr. Hamza Coban explains the different types of MS and why a positive mindset can be very helpful. Marisa Goldsmith is his patient, and she fights for her mobility every day. Marisa says MS doesn't define who she is, and being an athlete has helped h...
What is a Death Doula?
Apr 08, 2023Death and dying aren’t easy subjects to talk about. In this episode I am talking to an end-of-life doula or a death doula. A death doula is someone who is there to help you emotionally navigate through your own end of life illness or that of a loved one. Nathalie Bonafe is a death doula, who considers her job a privilege to assist family members deal with their complicated emotions and grief surrounding the death of a loved one.
Hamden Legislative Council at-Large Laurie Sweet was a birth doula and hired Nathalie to help her process her gri...
The Truth about long Covid
Mar 23, 2023The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone's lives in one way or another. For some people the battle continues to rage on every day. Long Covid or Long Haul Covid can last years in those that got infected with COVID-19. These symptoms can affect every aspect of their life, and the reason why is elusive.
Yale New Haven Health's Dr. Erica Spatz is an Associate Professor of Cardiology and Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases), Director of the Preventative Cardiovascular Health program and investigator for the center of outcomes and research and evaluation. She joined me with two o...
Heart health is different for women.
Mar 10, 2023Heart attacks and strokes are responsible for 1 in 3 deaths among women
each year – more than all cancers combined. Close to 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented with education and action – which includes learning the risk factors and warning signs most prevalent for women.
UConn Health's cardiologist Supriya Tigadi explains that women's heart attack symptoms are different than mens . Since March is Women's History Month we will focus on how women can take better care of their heart health and also recognize the signs of something more serious. Having a caregiver is essential in recovery...
Parents worry about their kids mental health.
Feb 27, 2023The mental health crisis in adolescents is a growing problem. Three years after the COVID pandemic uprooted life as we knew it, kids are still dealing with many issues causing a number of mental health conditions.
Dr. Laine Taylor, Medical Director at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, joins me to discuss mental health in children in this episode.
Prior to working at The Village for Families and Children, Dr. Taylor was an assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and worked in child psychiatric inpatient service for seven years. Dr. Taylor com...
Duration: 00:32:27What is CT Paid Leave, CT FMLA, and Federal FMLA? Our new CEO explains.
Feb 10, 2023It can get confusing when you talk about CT Paid Leave, CT FMLA and Federal FMLA. How do you know if you are eligible for any of these? Our new CEO Erin Choquette is an expert in this field and explains if you are eligible, and how they cover you if you are taking care of your own serious health condition.
Erin Choquette was the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of the Paid Leave Authority. Prior to that Erin worked at the Department of Administrative Services for 14 years, most recently serving as the Policy and Legislative Advisor...
What is Planned Parenthood?
Jan 27, 2023 Since 1923 Planned Parenthood of Southern New England has been providing family planning and reproductive health care. It covers Connecticut and Rhode Island and serves about 70,000 people yearly in both states and has 14 health centers across Connecticut.
CEO Amanda Skinner talks about the mission of PPSNE, and says it is to protect the fundamental right of all individuals to manage their own fertility and sexual health. She wants to ensure access to the services, education and information to realize that right.
We touch on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, what her vision is in the wake of th...
The fight continues for National Paid Leave.
Jan 05, 2023Currently, the United States doesn't have a national paid family and medical leave program. That could change if this plan becomes law in 2023. However, it failed in 2021, and in 2022 was defeated by one vote. Compared to many other countries around the globe, the United States lags far behind when it comes to passing a paid leave program. This leaves many workers and families across the nation, struggling with issues about taking unpaid leave, taking care of themselves or a loved one, and the possibility of having to quit their job to do so.
Joining me in the n...
Minorities and Organ Donation
Dec 23, 2022The need for organ donation in Connecticut and nationally is high. Kidneys are the most needed organ. The reason for the shortage is that many people do not properly declare their wishes to be an organ donor. The need is even greater for minorities. Today we will discuss why minorities are so skeptical about becoming an organ donor, and what is being done to offset the need.
In this podcast episode "Minorities and Organ Donation", I speak with New England Donor Services Mark Brevard and Andrew Johnson. Mark is the Director of Multicultural Community Outreach, and Andrew is...
How to face the end of life with grace and dignity.
Dec 09, 2022Hospice is invaluable to patients and caregivers during a critical time. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of Americans would prefer to die at home, if possible.
Nationwide more than 1.6 million people use Hospice services. The pandemic certainly created challenges for the industry, as it had to change the way it could give care and respite to caregivers in their homes.
My guests on this episode today are Dr. Ross Albert who is the Hospice and Palliative Care Director for Hartford Healthcare at Home. We discuss the difference between Hospice and Palliative care, and the different services ava...
You don't have to be a smoker to get Lung Cancer.
Nov 23, 2022November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Every year more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. Lung Cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, making up more than 25 percent of all cancer deaths.
I spoke with Dr. Omar Ibrahim who is an interventional pulmonologist and top lung cancer doctor at UConn Health, about the different types of lung cancers, what causes lung cancer, when you should get screened and how to work through getting that kind of diagnosis. He says having a good support system i...
ALS takes a life every 90 minutes.
Nov 10, 2022You may remember the Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral a few years ago. It was started by a man diagnosed and who later died from ALS, which stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Your body fails, but your mind stays sharp. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, and someone dies from it.
Caregiver Tyler Gaetano knows about ALS all too well. His mother died from the disease in 2021 at 59. Tyler was his mother's main caregiver and her mouthpiece after she lost the ability to speak.
...
Breast Cancer is a beast.
Oct 31, 2022October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is great to have a month that highlights a disease, and brings awareness about prevention, treatment and survival. The fact remains that one out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. CT Paid Leave gives up to 12 weeks of income replacement, so you can take time away from work to deal with your own serious health condition or that of a loved one. This allows you to focus on your diagnosis, treatment plan and healing and not worry about your finances.
The expert on...
Surviving Domestic Violence and learning to FLYY.
Oct 14, 2022My guest Sistah Anyango has energy and spirituality to spare. She founded the FLYY movement that gives women a safe space to move, to recover, and to heal. FLYY is the acronym for the Freedom to Love the You in You. It started out as a Zumba class, but it grew into so much more. Sistah Anyango is well equipped as a domestic violence survivor to help other women muscle through trauma, and FLYY on the other side. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we will talk about her own dark space in domestic violence, and what it t...
Duration: 00:33:28Alzheimer's is a Robber in Progress
Sep 23, 2022The United States is an aging nation and Connecticut is an aging state. Living with a disease that usually affects the older population - like Alzheimer's - is tough for the whole family. Caregivers of those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are usually family members who have to learn to navigate from diagnosis through the progression of the disease. CT Paid Leave can help by providing up to 12 weeks of income replacement when a caregiver is away from work to care for their loved one.
Joining in the discussion are two CT Paid Leave advocates...
One State Senator's Campaign for Paid Leave.
Sep 12, 2022It takes one person's commitment to a cause to create a wave of change. That is true about my guest Connecticut State Senator Julie Kushner, who represents the 24th Senate District that includes Danbury, New Fairfield, Sherman and some parts of Bethel. She has led a life of advocacy and helping others, including her 2018 campaign aimed at getting CT Paid Leave passed in the state. In the CT General Assembly, Senator Kushner is the Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and along with the coalition and others, they crafted a well written and comprehensive law that p...
Duration: 00:31:00AARP Says Caregivers are Critical to Families
Aug 25, 2022Caregivers are essential to families. Sometimes they have to make hard choices between taking care of a loved one or working. Connecticut Paid Leave gives them some relief by giving up to 12 weeks of income replacement, so you don't have to make such difficult choices.
The AARP was instrumental in helping to get the Paid Medical and Family Leave Act signed into law, knowing that caregivers needed more flexibility. On this episode I spoke with the AARP Assistant State Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Anna Doroghazi. Anna talked about the coalition that banded together to make sure CT P...
Adoption Can Change Everything for a Family
Aug 15, 2022Adoption can be rewarding and life altering for a parent. CT Paid Leave recognizes that adding to your family whether by birth, fostering or adopting, you may need some time to bond with the new addition to your family. CTPL offers up to 12 weeks of income replacement so parents can take bonding time with their new family and not worry about finances.
Guests on the podcast include Connecticut adoptive parent John Pica-Sneeden, who has 5 adopted children and another being fostered and soon to be adopted. John is the Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber in Connecticut.
Married to the Military and the Battle with Mental Health
Jul 25, 2022Caring for a loved one injured during active duty in the Armed Forces can be a full-time job. Hear from two women - Kim Brown and Kasey Timberlake - who were caregivers for their spouses upon their return home from their military deployments. Kim and Kasey talk in detail about the challenges they faced when caring for their husbands, who suffered traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, and the work that they both do to support members of the military through their careers with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Connecticut Air National Guard.
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?l...
Duration: 00:32:22The Veterans Affairs and Paid Leave.
Jul 09, 2022There are more than 1.3 million active duty service men and women in the military branches of our country. In Connecticut there are more than 7,000 serving and 5000 more serving in the Guard. That's a lot of families who are effected by their duty to their country. Active duty military members can focus on their job, while Connecticut Paid Leave can focus on their families.
There are two types of military benefit programs under CT Paid Leave just for the family members. One is military caregiver leave and the other is qualifying exigency leave. Both are explained in this episode by...
The Early Fight by a Key Coalition to Get CT Paid Leave Passed
Jun 24, 2022Getting CT Paid Leave passed didn't come easy. Host Nancy Barrow talks to the organization that is a strong supporter, advocate and coalition member, the Connecticut Women's Education And Legal Fund (CWEALF). Executive Director Janée Woods Weber and Policy Director Maddie Granato discuss the long fight to get a paid leave law in the state, and how CWEALF supports and serves women and girls of Connecticut. They also discuss the organization's direction as it heads into it's 50th year.
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave
The Women's Business Development Council and CT Paid Leave
Jun 09, 2022Host Nancy Barrow got a chance to speak with the founder and CEO of the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) Fran Pastore. She believes women are jumping into business ownership, but are still lagging behind in leadership roles in government and big business. She said there is only one female CEO of a Fortune 500 company in Connecticut. Fran is the Board Chairperson for CT Paid Leave, and talks about her passion for the program, and why she was one of many advocates pushing for the program to become a law in the state. The WBDC Celebrates 25 years of empowering f...
Duration: 00:28:32The New DCF and Positive Foster Parenting
May 26, 2022It's not easy to be a foster parent. Host Nancy Barrow talks with two foster care parents about how to navigate the system. DCF ( The Department of Children and Families) also joins in on the discussion, and talks about the big changes the agency has made over 30 years.
It takes a special person to be a foster parent. Jessika Holmes is a relative foster parent who worked for DCF. She is the guardian of her sister's daughter, which has caused some tension within her family. Jessika says caring for her has taught her about patience and boundaries.
Female Politicians and Their Support for CT Paid Leave
May 04, 2022We need more women in politics. West Hartford Representative Jillian Gilchrest and Anne Hughes who is a Representative for Weston, Easton and parts of Redding are at the capital fighting for legislation that will help women and families. These two smart and gutsy women talk about the need to inspire more women to run for political office to create more female friendly laws in Connecticut, like CT Paid Leave. Both women have their Master's Degree in Social Work, and that may be part of the reason why they are so passionate to create a better state to live in with...
Duration: 00:30:49A CT Politician Gets a Life Saving Organ Donation
Apr 25, 2022 April is National Donate Life Month. Connecticut residents have applied for both Organ and Bone Marrow donations under CT Paid Leave benefits. As of April 25th, 18 people have applied for organ donation and 4 for bone marrow donation.
Host Nany Barrow talks with 4th term Connecticut Representative Jeff Currey, about his own journey to find a lifesaving kidney. Jeff talks about his life openly and with a sense of humor. Find out who ended up giving Jeff a kidney!
Joining Jeff and lending their expertise about organ donation, is Caitlyn Bernabucci, the Director of Community Affairs and...
A Survivor's Story About Domestic Violence
Apr 11, 2022In this episode we are talking about one of the qualifying reasons for taking CT Paid Leave. You can receive twelve days of income replacement for family violence also known as domestic violence.
My guests are the Executive Director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence(CCADV) Meghan Scanlon.
The Executive Director of The Network in Enfield Karen Foley O'Connor.
And domestic violence survivor Jenna.
In this powerful podcast, Jenna tells her story of how she got to the other side of her controlling and abusive relationship. This is the first time Jenna has told h...
The Lieutenant Governor Recognizes the Importance of CT Paid Leave.
Mar 25, 2022March is Women's History Month, we celebrate by speaking with the highest ranking female in the state's executive branch, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. Host Nancy Barrow sat down with the busy Lieutenant Governor and talked about women in government, the need for more women to participate in politics, and how to bridge the gender pay gap. She talked about importance of CT Paid Leave and why we need this important program to help families in the state. She also talked about how her Mom inspired her as a woman and a lawyer.
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en...
Duration: 00:25:18The YWCA and CT Paid Leave
Mar 14, 2022March is Women's History month. In celebration of that Host Nancy Barrow got a chance to sit down with CT Paid Leave Board Member, and the CEO of the YWCA Hartford Region, Adrienne Cochrane. They talked about how important the CT Paid Leave program is to the community and workers in Connecticut. Adrienne Cochrane talks about how the YWCA has remained solvent and consistent through the pandemic, and says we should honor all the unsung "sheroes" during Women's History Month.
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and CT Paid Leave.
Feb 21, 2022Host Nancy Barrow talks to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont about Paid Family and Medical Leave, and why it is good for the state and it's workers. He talked about how this program would have helped some of his own employees in his business. He talked about why he chose to implement the program now and how it makes Connecticut a more family friendly state. He talked about how he wants to be remembered as a Governor.
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave
https://w...
The Rise of CT Paid Leave's CEO Andrea Barton Reeves and How She Built the Program
Feb 07, 2022Host Nancy Barrow talks candidly with the CEO of the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, Andrea Barton Reeves . They discussed how she became the CEO of CT Paid Leave, and the tools she needed to get the program delivered on time and under budget. Helping people was always part of her plan, and that guided her to become the CEO of a start-up state program, that helps people with income replacement for certain health or family issues. Working through the pandemic wasn't easy, and she says hiring people during that time was similar to reality TV.
https://ctpaidleave.org...
Duration: 00:47:11