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

    7H AGO

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

    JAN 21

    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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

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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