Addy Hour

This week, we hear from Dr. Jeannette Ickovics, a transformative leader with a track record of local, national and global impact, as we consider what makes a successful leader. She generously describes how she’s built multiple pioneering programs from the ground up, and shares her effective practices focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, leadership development, and growth. We also hear about her strategic partnerships across private, public, philanthropic, community and academic sectors and the ways those efforts are tackling our present-day global health challenges. The conversation becomes personal as Dr. Ickovics recounts her journey, not as one who set out to be a leader, but as one who saw the needs in front of her and started addressing them one step at a time. We return to community as she talks candidly about the mentorship that guided her sometimes zig-zagging career journey. We also reflect on the transformative impact of working alongside others in authentic relationships. Join in for this inspiring conversation with a remarkable trailblazer who leads with authenticity, rigor and purpose. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

In the midst of ongoing global military conflicts, Ellsworth “Tony” Williams and General Jack Hammond join for a timely conversation about their military journeys and their life-giving efforts addressing the invisible wounds of military service. They share openly about their expected and unexpected paths into the military and into advocacy work. In this revealing discussion, we walk through the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life, and we acknowledge the ways these difficulties can unknowingly persist for years. We also address the danger of ignoring the invisible impacts of military service, whether traumatic brain injury, PTSD, or other emotional and mental health challenges. We also highlight the often neglected impact of military service on veterans’ families and their communities. In this episode, you’ll learn about important resources and the ways veterans can access innovative programs, effective tools, and supportive communities to bring about healing and thriving. This inspiring and empowering conversation centers on the critical work of reaching one life at a time. Whether you’re a veteran, you know a veteran, or you’re a member of society interacting with veterans as so many of us do, this episode is for you. Learn more about Veterans Counseling Veterans at www.vetscounselingvets.org Learn more about Home Base at www.homebase.org The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

This episode is a true gem. Join in for a refreshing and life-giving conversation inspired by the Off-Broadway production, The Reservoir. I welcome playwright Jake Brasch and cast member Caroline Aaron for a thought-provoking discussion about art, science, mental health, relationships, and healing. Come hear the journey that brought Jake, Caroline, and so many others together for this poignant production that navigates through addiction recovery, dementia, and the ups and downs of family relationships across generations. You’ll get an inside look into this riveting story that tackles the reality of life’s challenges with a surprising mixture of deep reflection, humor and levity. In our conversation, we also delve into the process of creating a piece of art for live theater. We talk about the stages of writing in isolation, collaborating, and sometimes disagreeing with the cast members and designers, all to eventually create something beautiful together. Our guests generously share the lessons they’ve learned and the lessons they’re still learning. We also take a step back to consider the gift of cultivating time and our need to fight against cancel culture. We talk openly about the importance of not forgetting the older members of our society, who too often become invisible. Roles even reverse at times, as our guests ask Dr. Addy his thoughts on memory, community, and truth-seeking, from a neuroscience perspective. A truly moving conversation. Find out more about the production or get tickets at https://atlantictheater.org/production/the-reservoir/

Tune in this week for a rare opportunity to step into the world of a mental health institution leader. You’ll hear powerful reflections from Dr. Charles Dike, previous medical director of a maximum-security psychiatric hospital and current CEO of a state mental health center. He’ll bring you into his day-to-day experience as a forensic psychiatrist, and the realities of leading in a challenging, rewarding and at times intense environment. Dr. Dike readily acknowledges the importance of collaboration when working through turbulence and when trying to make a positive impact in people’s lives. With clarity and conviction, he describes the necessity of holding on to every single person’s humanity, even while acknowledging harms done by and experienced by some of those he serves. We’ll also hear about Dr. Dike’s principles for motivating others and promoting team growth, and his priority of building a culture of care amongst patients, families, staff, and community. You’ll hear about his out-of-the-box approaches, and the ways he leads as a coach. Join in to hear from this truly transformative leader, who leads with passion, humility, and strength alongside a remarkable openness to guidance and correction. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Join in for this deeply honest, revealing and empowering conversation as I welcome two pioneering women who graciously share their stories and bring you into their world. In this episode, we highlight the topic of severe mental illness to raise awareness and bring greater understanding. My guests also share critical resources and information for everyone, especially those with loved ones, friends or others you know living with severe mental illness. We lean into the tensions that arise between supporting others and sustaining your own health, mental health and wellness. We also consider some alarming statistics, especially when it comes to medication, caregiving, and illness. Even so, it’s no surprise that the power of community shows up throughout our discussion. Get ready to be inspired and equipped, as our guests share words of wisdom from their experience, knowledge, and emerging friendship. Get caregiver resources at www.coreyempowers.com Learn more about the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

This first Addy Hour episode of 2026 is a must-watch/must-listen. We delve into the truths about cannabis and opioid use in teens and adults, and we honestly consider the many reasons people use. We address stigma head-on and the ways it shows up for those navigating substance misuse, other mental health challenges, chronic illness or other health concerns. Our guests also highlight the necessity of meeting people where they are. We talk about the importance of embracing and welcoming folks back into the community, especially after times of treatment or rehab. We also push the boundaries to highlight the essential ways institutions and universities can learn from our communities, for the good of all. In this episode, you’ll also hear powerful stories about our guests’ journeys and their transformative work. You’ll hear about programs providing addiction services within the church. And you’ll hear about strategically establishing clinics in neutral zones between gang territories to facilitate accessibility across gang affiliations. This free-flowing and in-depth conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and empowered. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Join in for a deeply honest and candid conversation with recording artist, speaker, professor, and writer, Sho Baraka. We waste no time, diving quickly into personal discussions about emotional wellness and mental health. We consider ways to normalize mental health conversations to positively impact our lives and society. Intertwined with these topics, we consider the imprint of hip-hop culture, the impact of social media, and the powerful role of faith. On a practical level, Sho shares four key ways each of us can effectively pursue our calling. Refreshingly, he provides this guidance, even while acknowledging his own successes and challenges pursuing his vocational calling. As a man of many talents and interests, he goes even further to describe the ways he feels like a “vocational nomad” at times. We also reflect on what it means to engage and care for our local and global community. In the scope of community, we discuss neurodiversity and inclusivity, as Sho shares his perspective as the father of two sons living on the autism spectrum. A wide ranging, timely and important conversation! For more helpful information on neurodiversity, accessibility, and inclusivity, please visit www.kulturecity.org

An engaging, thought-provoking and at times humorous conversation with three transformative scientists and leaders. We’ll hear about their journeys and learn about the opportunities and challenges they’ve encountered and embraced along the way. This is a truly refreshing discussion amongst leaders and role models who are empowering people and communities to tackle societal, scientific, health, and addiction-related challenges. We delve into the importance of realizing one’s value and excellence, while also embracing the attitude of a learner. Our guests share valuable insights from their efforts promoting inclusive and supportive cultures in their teams, institutions, and communities. Join in for this generative discussion, as our guests also share powerful practical tips we can all use to positively impact society. A timely and inspiring conversation!

This week, psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Sam Wilkinson, joins for a thought-provoking episode on topics encompassing faith, science, meaning and purpose. In this candid conversation, Sam shares honestly about his personal journey reconciling the common perceived opposition between faith and science. Along the way, we’ll hear important insights from his experience as a community member, physician, researcher, husband, father, bishop, and author. We discuss his forthcoming book, Purpose – What Evolution and Human Nature Imply about the Meaning of our Existence. Interwoven throughout our conversation, we consider present day mental health topics, particularly depression, suicide and suicide prevention. We’ll hear helpful updates on breakthroughs in research and clinical practice and talk about the power of combining therapy and medication. Join in for this timely conversation, which again reminds us of the necessity of authentic community and deep relationships.

This week, I welcome two pioneers who’ve been deeply engaged in medical practice and training, research, health disparities, and community interventions for years. Dr. Kendra Outler and Dr. Pebbles Fagan join to share their experiences working in academic, government and military arenas, in urban and rural areas, and with marginalized communities. In this conversation, we consider how we treat one another in our communities and discuss the necessity of working in coalitions with a spirit of collectivism. Both guests describe the realities of navigating when resources are trimmed and when retaliation arises. They highlight the ways we can empower one another, instead of staying in a place of anger. They remind us of our need to be complimentary, knowing that there is a role for everyone to play. We also consider the role of gratitude and hope, amidst the necessity to push for progress and change. Another truly informative, thought provoking, and generative conversation