Addy Hour

Addy Hour

We all want to experience life satisfaction and emotional health. But getting to that place is another matter. From lockdowns to isolation, ongoing racial injustice to political turmoil, lost lives and lost jobs — this past year has tested our minds and bodies in profound ways. During the Addy Hour podcast, we’ll discuss topics at the intersection of brain science, mental health, faith, culture, & social justice. Join us for dynamic conversations and insights based on the lived experience and professional expertise of guests from expected and unexpected places. We’ll hear from community leaders, scientists and researchers, professional athletes and entertainers, faith leaders, mental health experts and advocates. Dr. Nii Addy — Yale professor & researcher, man of faith, sports & hip hop fan, and mental health advocate — is your host. To be healthy and whole, we must approach things holistically. Addy Hour will explore the topics and questions you’ve been thinking about and will create

  1. An intergenerational story of addiction recovery, dementia, loss and hope

    2 HR AGO

    An intergenerational story of addiction recovery, dementia, loss and hope

    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/

    58 min
  2. A Day In the Life of a Former Maximum-Security Psychiatric Hospital Director

    18 FEB

    A Day In the Life of a Former Maximum-Security Psychiatric Hospital Director

    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.

    56 min
  3. Cannabis, Opioids, Mental Health & Community w/ Dr. Chyrell Bellamy and Dr. Paul Glaser

    21 JAN

    Cannabis, Opioids, Mental Health & Community w/ Dr. Chyrell Bellamy and Dr. Paul Glaser

    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.

    1h 3m

About

We all want to experience life satisfaction and emotional health. But getting to that place is another matter. From lockdowns to isolation, ongoing racial injustice to political turmoil, lost lives and lost jobs — this past year has tested our minds and bodies in profound ways. During the Addy Hour podcast, we’ll discuss topics at the intersection of brain science, mental health, faith, culture, & social justice. Join us for dynamic conversations and insights based on the lived experience and professional expertise of guests from expected and unexpected places. We’ll hear from community leaders, scientists and researchers, professional athletes and entertainers, faith leaders, mental health experts and advocates. Dr. Nii Addy — Yale professor & researcher, man of faith, sports & hip hop fan, and mental health advocate — is your host. To be healthy and whole, we must approach things holistically. Addy Hour will explore the topics and questions you’ve been thinking about and will create

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