Rooted and Real

Pride Month may be over, but the conversation about inclusion, acceptance, and mental health continues. In recognition of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we're joined by a representative from the New Haven Pride Center and a mental health provider, who also volunteers with the center, for an important discussion about creating affirming spaces, breaking down barriers to care, and supp...

In this episode of Rooted and Real, we talk to author Matt Grace about his upcoming new book, "God Doesn't Relapse", which is set to be released in August.  In this unflinchingly honest memoir, Matt Grace takes readers inside the chaos, compulsion, and collapse that defined his spiral into substance use. He lays bare the layered dependencies that stole his dignity, the recklessness...

What is social media really doing to our minds? In this episode of Rooted and Real, we get honest about the highs, the lows, and the unseen impact of scrolling, comparing, and staying constantly connected. From validation and anxiety to the feeling of being hooked on our screens and struggling to put them down—and how all of this is affecting kids growing up in a digital world—nothing is off limit...

On this episode of Rooted & Real (formerly Recovery with Root), we’re excited to welcome Ashley Hickey, Chief of Operations at Root Center, as she steps into a new role as co-host of the podcast. Ashley joins Chief of Staff Margaux Hyde as they take the conversation forward—diving into mental health and substance use topics with honesty, openness, and curiosity. Together, they’ll also bring in...

On this episode of Recovery with Root, we discuss problem gambling with Fiorgio Fetta from DMHAS, and David Ruela from Amplify, and the very real impact that it can have on a person and their loved ones. If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, they can call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777, or call Root Center at (800) 862-2181 to learn about our...

On this very special episode of Recovery with Root, we sit down with Kristyn Zajac and Liz Narwold, medical researchers with University of Connecticut, to talk about a recent study with Root Center Patients. The study looked at what metrics patients used to define their own success in their recovery, and how researchers can reflect on the data to inform future studies regarding patients in recover...

 The New Year is starting strong with our January episode of Recovery With Root being all about building and keeping new habits, beautiful communities, and sturdy support systems. Manchester Senior Counselor Demesis Negron, LCSW sits down with us to talk about how Root can help patients keep their new year ambitions going strong, even when things get tough, through support systems like our IOP gro...

 In this episode of Recovery with Root, our Director of Nursing, Joe Maddalena, shares with us the impacts of kratom. Kratom is an herbal addition to many energy shots that can be found in gas stations and smoke shops, and has earned the nickname "Gas Station Heroin" for its highly addictive properties and ability to bind to opioid receptors in the brain.  Be sure to follow us on social...

 In this episode of Recovery with Root, Karen Kangas, a woman in recovery, shares her story of recovery, and how her experiences drive her to help others heal. From Montana daughter of a basketball coach to Connecticut Mental Health Advocate, Karen has seen and been through a lot. She is truly an inspiration to many, and we are so excited to share her story. Be sure to follow us on social media to...

Maryellen Shuckerow, MHSA, the Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Middletown, sits down with us to tell us all about the organization's work, mission, and initiatives. Learn about everything from the Amazing Grace Food Pantry to their new Occupational Therapy Program! If you're interested in supporting this amazing organization and the work they do, Root Center is hosting a Charit...

As a new school year is about to kick off and fall sports ramp up, it’s not just physical performance that matters—mental health plays a key role, too.  This month on Recovery with Root, renowned sports psychologist, Dr. Shane Murphy, joins us to explore the mental side of athletics at every level—from elite athletes to the parents and coaches who support them. Be sure to follow us on social media...

In this episode of Recovery with Root, Kaylyn Banning, one of our Adolescent School Based Counselors, sits down to talk with us about managing and navigating mental health for students and teens as summer kicks into gear. This conversation is for parents and teens, and features lots of insightful and practical advice.  Kaylyn works out of Cromwell Middle School, but Root has an active and thriving...

Jackie Davis, Director of Learning and Workforce Development from Mental Health Connecticut, sits down with us to talk about Intersectionality and Intersectional Allyship in this very special Pride episode of Recovery with Root. Learn about what intersectionality is, the impacts misunderstanding can have on people facing discrimination, and how people take pride in the intersections of their ident...

Jill Mulvey has been a nurse with the Root Center for a year, and has an extensive wealth of experience in anthropology, labor and delivery, and hospice care. She has a deep love and passion for the work she does and the people she serves. She was nominated and voted to be Root Center's Nightingale Award Recipient by her peers, and she sits down with us to discuss her background, appreciation...

Amelia Nagoski, DMA, is the co-author for the New York Times Best Selling book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. She sits down with us for World Health Day to discuss the causes, health effects, and solutions to burnout and the stress cycle, and ways to start feeling better right away. Learn more about the book, authors, and more: https://www.burnoutbook.net/ Be sure to follow us...

In this episode of Recovery with Root, Allison Pons, Director of Operations at Root Center, and Brian Hatch, from the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, discuss problem gambling, and the very real impact that it can have on a person and their loved ones. If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, they can call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777,...

In this Black History Month episode of Recovery with Root Morgan Tuck, General Manager for the Connecticut Sun, and 4x NCAA and 2020 WNBA Champion, talks about her transition between playing basketball, and managing her former team. Morgan played basketball her entire life, playing for her high school in Chicago, as a UConn Husky, a Connecticut Sun, and a Seattle Storm, before a series of knee inj...

In today's episode, we sit down with our new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Nazarian! Dr. Nazarian is an exciting addition who comes to use with a wealth of experience and knowledge, from his Board Certification in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, to his many years at CMHA. He is excited to bring his leadership nd knowledge to our team, and take the opportunity to learn from his...

Trigger Warning: Suicide. For immediate help: please call 988, or visit 988lifeline.org In this episode of Recovery with Root, Dr. Yifrah Kaminer, the principal investigator of the Root grant-funded research study, shares his findings on a soon-to-be published study conducted by UConn Health that investigates the connection between Opioid Use Disorder in young adults and suicidality. Dr. Kaminer i...

In this episode of Recovery with Root, Liz Evans, a Senior Director of Harm Reduction at Liberation Programs, shares her journey of going from Nursing to Harm Reduction. Liz shares insights from Canada and the United States, and her time living in both working in Harm Reduction. Interesting to hear and learn from her wisdom and what she has seen, done, and learned over the years. Be sure to follow...

In this episode of Recovery with Root, Ray Bishop, a Senior Counselor at the Root Center for Advanced Recovery's Henderson-Johnson Clinic, shares his story of recovery, and how his experiences drive him to help others heal. Ray went from living a life in active addiction where he no longer recognized himself, to going back to school, now having multiple degrees, and passions that he gets to s...

In this episode of Recovery with Root you will learn more about PTSD and how EMDR can be used to help treat trauma and aid in recovery. Hope Payson, LCSW, LADC, and EMDR Consultant, discusses the impacts of proper mental health care, and how she has watched her work positively help clients work through trauma. Learn more about Hope by checking out her website here ! Be sure to follow us on social...

In today's episode, we sit down with New Britain Mayor, Erin Stewart, to discuss one of the Root Center's latest ventures, our FIRST ever residential treatment facility. This new facility will replace our former clinic on Whiting Street, which was where we were located prior to opening our newly remolded clinic in January of 2022, which is now on East Main Street.  This clinic will be st...

In this episode of Recovery with Root you will learn more about sleep and its impact on your overall mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Setu Vora, the Chief Medical Officer of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation discusses the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep, the impacts of sleep deprivation, and how to improve sleep.   Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified when we...

In this episode of Recovery with Root you will learn more about the Root Center for Advanced Recovery's Spravato service. Spravato is a cutting-edge treatment for depression. In this episode you will learn what it is, how it's used, who is eligible, and much more.  Be sure to follow us on social media to get notified when we have new releases, also, feel free to send us a message with a...