The Paid Leave Podcast

The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority
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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 those who will ultimately benefit from the program. The states with paid leave include Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Oregon, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois, Minnesota and the district of Washington, D.C. 

  1. 3D AGO

    How Family Tragedy Inspired a Surgeon to Become a Storyteller and Powerful Medical Social Media Influencer

    In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I speak with a doctor who I have followed for over a year on social media. Her inspirational storytelling has created her as a viral medical social media influencer, with over 150 million views and close to 900 thousand followers just on TikTok. Dr. Erin Nance is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and viral TikTok creator known as @littlemissdiagnosed, where she uses humor and storytelling to make medicine feel human again. She’s the bestselling author of Little Miss Diagnosed, co-host of The Medical Detectives Podcast, and the founder and CEO of FeelBetr, a new platform bringing doctors and patients together to share real, credible health stories in the social media age. Dr. Nance shares her journey to becoming a surgeon, influenced by a childhood experience with an orthopedic surgeon after she was injured. She discusses the importance of social media in raising disease awareness, citing her "31 for 31" campaign that reached over 100 million views. Dr. Nance highlights the significance of paid leave programs, sharing personal stories and the impact on her brother's life.  On her first day of residency, her brother had an accident in a swimming pool and became a paraplegic. He lives in Connecticut and has utilized bonding leave with Connecticut Paid Leave, when they welcomed their new child. To follow Dr. Erin Nance on social media go to @littlemissdiagnosed on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Dr. Erin Nance 🇺🇸 (@littlemissdiagnosed) | TikTok To get to the FeelBetr platform go to FeelBetr | The FeelBetr Founder Story: Meet Erin Nance For more information on Dr. Erin Nance go toErin Nance, MD | Orthopedic Hand Surgeon | Midtown East, NY For more information or apply for benefits go to ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    31 min

  2. 12/30/2025

    Alzheimer's is a Robber in Progress

    The 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 from the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association - Carolyn DeRocco, Vice President of Programs and Education, and Christy Kovel, Director of Public Policy.  Carolyn and Christy realize how important the CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Act is for caregivers as well as for individuals who are newly diagnosed with this disease.  In this episode, we delve into what Alzheimer's is, how to diagnose it, preventative measures, treatments, and the new advocacy  work they are doing. For  more information on Alzheimer's Disease, visit  alz.org/ct or call their toll free hotline 24 hours 800-272-3900 For more information about CT Paid Leave or to apply for benefits, visit ctpaidleave.org. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    32 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    The Holidays and Your Mental health

    In this episode of the Paid leave Podcast, we discuss the holidays and the challenges that it can bring. The holidays are usually a joyful time of year, time spent with family and loved ones and time to reflect before the New Year. But for some people the holidays can bring on intense sadness if you have had a loss, or maybe you find yourself alone during the holidays. Perhaps you lost a loved one or went through a divorce or you are estranged from your family. It can be a tough time for your mental health. The holiday season can be a challenging time for individuals struggling with addiction, as it often brings heightened stress, triggers, and the pressure to celebrate. However, with the right strategies and support, it is possible to navigate these challenges. Domestic violence is high around the holidays for many reasons like stress, financial burdens, more family time, isolation, and alcohol and drugs can play a role too.  Holiday Season Anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder can both effect your mental health around the holidays, and healthcare professionals say they can be debilitating and impact your daily life and your job. CT Paid Leave can help with up to 12 weeks of income replacement if you are suffering from a serious mental health condition. Our guest is Mental Health Connecticut Clinical Care Coordinator and Licensed Master of Social Work, Patricia Seaver. Patricia explains how the holidays can exacerbate mental health issues, and she emphasizes the importance of self-care, planning, and seeking support during this holiday period. She highlights the role of caregivers and the benefits of Connecticut's paid leave program in providing time for mental health recovery. Patricia also discusses the increased risk of domestic violence, and addiction relapse during the holidays. For information or to get in touch with Mental Health Connecticut, please go to Homepage - Mental Health Services Education & Advocacy. (mhconn.org) For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave. (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    25 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    Solo Agers Are Changing the Conversation About Aging Independently After 50

    There are over 17 million people over the age of 50 who are aging alone in our country, without a partner, children, or family involvement in their daily lives. There are at least 250 thousand solo agers in Connecticut. Connecticut Entrepreneur Jill Kovalich, is a solo ager herself, and she founded SoloAgersConnect.com to provide resources and a community for this demographic. Jill highlights the challenges solo agers face, such as financial planning, home safety, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of Connecticut's paid leave program, which allows caregivers to take time away from their jobs to help with serious health conditions of a loved one. For solo agers who are still working and will be possibly into their 70's, paid leave allows them to take time away from their job to take care of their own serious health conditions. Jill also notes the stigma around being a solo ager and the need for more support and resources to help them navigate aging independently.  To get in touch with Jill go to, solo@soloagersconnect.com.  The Facebook page to find out about solo ager coffee hours and information go to, solo agers connect.  For information or to apply for benefits please go to,  ctpaidleave.org. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    30 min

  5. 11/24/2025

    An Entrepreneur Says Paid Leave Supports Growing Families and Compassionate Businesses

    In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, we connect a business and paid family leave. November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Family Health History Day is November 28. Here to talk about the importance of CT Paid Leave for bonding leave, mental health, caregiver leave and how it helps small businesses is Samatha Alzate, she is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Mindful Transformations LLC, a holistic group therapy practice based in Farmington and West Hartford, Connecticut. Her practice focuses on supporting individuals through life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal growth by blending traditional psychotherapy with mindfulness and integrative healing approaches. As a small business owner and mother, Samantha understands firsthand the importance of programs like CT Paid Leave. She brings both a clinical and personal perspective to conversations about balance, mental health, caregiving and the realities of running a practice while raising a family. Samantha is a big fan of CT Paid Leave, because she and her husband both used bonding leave when they added to their family with their third child. She said they both feel that it was the best time of their parenting experience. She also knows how important it is to her small business. She believes it helps her employees and creates a happy and healthy environment by offering them the paid leave benefits, which some have already taken. She says it helps her to retain quality employees. Samantha wrote and Op-ed piece about CT Paid Leave and said it was a lifeline for her and she is also in a CT Paid Leave commercial about the benefits to small business owners. To get in touch with Samantha Alzate and Mindful Transformations LLC go to Mindful Transformations LLC | Holistic Therapy in CT. To read the Op-ed piece Samantha Alzate wrote A Lifeline for New Parents and Small Businesses - CT Examiner For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    30 min

  6. 11/10/2025

    CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon on Building Family Fiscal Health and Policies

    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 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 MyCTSavings 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 about the Comptroller's Office please go to Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller. For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    32 min

  7. 10/27/2025

    Osteoporosis Awareness and How to Strengthen Bone Health

    In 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 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 on the Bridgeport Bone Health program at the CT Orthopedic Institute at St Vincent's Hospital: Bone Health Program | CT Orthopaedic Institute | St. Vincent’s Medical Center For Information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    32 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    A Study Shows How Paid Leave Policies Help Create Healthy Families and Communities

    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, she is 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 get in touch with Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health: 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 https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/ https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

    29 min
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About

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 those who will ultimately benefit from the program. The states with paid leave include Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Oregon, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire, Illinois, Minnesota and the district of Washington, D.C. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Paid Leave Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Paid Leave Podcast