Women's health is often discussed as separate symptoms, but the lived experience — hormonal shifts, misunderstood conditions and the emotional weight of postpartum life — deserves deeper attention. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, naturopathic doctor and owner of InnerSource Wellness, joins us to discuss concerns women bring into care and issues that often go unspoken. Together, we explore hormonal impacts on mental health, misdiagnosis, and how women can become more empowered in seeking support.
Apr 27
31 min
Supporting a young person who has thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker and crisis counselor, and Brennan Spector, a former Trevor Project volunteer and licensed mental health counselor, offer guidance for adults navigating these conversations. They explore the subtle signs a student may be struggling and the power of calm language and presence. Learn how adults can care for themselves while doing this emotionally demanding work.
Mar 30
37 min
When trust is broken by someone (or something) you rely on, the impact can be deeply disorienting. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, trauma-informed therapists Suzanne Shanley and Emily Sanchez of Glass Psychotherapy describe what betrayal trauma is and how it impacts the nervous system, self-trust and attachment. They also explore how it can show up in both personal relationships and larger systems, and what healing looks like over time.
Feb 23
26 min
Our bodies respond to stress with a fight-or-flight response that may be disproportionate to the situation we're encountering. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lisa Siclari, a licensed mental health counselor, shares some simple somatic techniques that support emotional regulation, stress relief and overall well-being. Bring your body into the conversation with techniques that can be easily integrated into your daily routines at work and at home.
Jan 26
19 min
Substances promoted as beneficial to wellness may be anything but; online pharmacies sell tainted products that look like real pharmaceutical drugs; and friends vouch for products that may be unsafe. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jo Venturelli, a leader in addiction and behavioral health, shares insight into how the substance-use landscape has evolved and what that means for schools, families and workplaces. Learn about emerging drug trends, warning signs, pathways to recovery and ways educators and communities can strengthen prevention, safety and connection.
Dec 29, 2025
27 min
Bullying: To overcome it, we have to understand it. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Carol Morrison, a licensed clinical social worker and director of New Directions Clinic, explores how bullying impacts not only students, but educators, school staff and entire school communities. Unpack what bullying looks like in 2025 and how its dynamics shape the emotional climate of our schools. Learn how educators can respond in grounded, sustainable ways and where to find support.
Nov 24, 2025
28 min
Welcome back to The Brewing Wellness Podcast, brought to you by the UFT's Member Assistance Program. We're kicking off Season 7 with a powerful reminder: You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. This episode is all about reintroducing MAP — what it is, why it exists and how it can support you as an educator and as a whole person. From counseling and support groups to workshops and wellness resources, we're sharing the many ways MAP is here to walk alongside you.
Oct 28, 2025
24 min
As students return to their classrooms, many carry the weight of fresh or long-held grief. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Cara Belvin, founder of Empower, a nonprofit supporting children and young adults who have lost a parent. Belvin, who lost her mother at a young age, explores how loss affects young people's academic and emotional well-being and how educators can respond with compassion. Learn the small yet powerful ways teachers and staff can help students feel seen, supported and less alone.
Sep 11, 2025
28 min
Pets can soothe, amuse and distract us. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we are joined by Marc Lenci of Cat Colony Crusade, a group that cares for and rehomes feral cats. Lenci explains how animals support our mental and emotional well-being, easing anxiety and offering a reprieve from burnout. Tune in to learn more about the quiet power of the connection between humans and their pets.
Jul 28, 2025
30 min
Whether you're already active or just movement-curious, explore the ways physical activity can help release stress, regulate emotions and build resilience. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Cristina Santamaria, DPT, a Rumble Boxing instructor, physical therapist and advocate for movement as a tool for healing, shares practical ways to recharge your mind and body this summer.
Jun 30, 2025
29 min
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