The Rhody Wellness Podcast

In today’s episode, I sat down with two graduating seniors from the Class of 2026, along with one student preparing to step into their senior year. Together, we had an engaging conversation about what lies ahead and what they’ve learned along the way. We talked about their plans for the upcoming summer, including internships, career goals, and the experiences that have helped shape their paths dur...

TW: Sexual Assault, Rape In this episode, I talk with Emily, a student and peer health educator at URI, about the realities of sexual assault and the urgent need for awareness and education. We unpack stigmas and misconceptions, discuss how society often falls short in supporting survivors, and why responses matter more than people realize. We also explore what cultural change could look like and...

This episode features Amanda, a campus captain for The Hidden Opponent at URI, a national organization dedicated to supporting student athlete mental health. We dive into why mental health is often treated differently than physical health in sports, and how pressures like performance, coaching, and expectations can take a toll. Amanda shares how The Hidden Opponent is creating space for athletes t...

In this episode, we explore the challenges of building the confidence to use a school gym—an experience that can feel intimidating for many. Our guest, Bella, a student here at URI, shares her personal journey, offering honest insights into overcoming gym-related anxiety. She also provides practical tips and encouragement to help listeners feel more comfortable and confident in their own fitness e...

In this second installment of our grief mini-series, Allison Hall, a URI Clinical Counselor, dives deeper into what grief really looks like and how to cope with it. She breaks down the different forms of grief and grief therapy, shares specific strategies, and explains common experiences and symptoms that are often surprisingly linked to grief. Allison also gives advice on how to support a friend...

Grief is not just about death, and it does not follow a clear set of steps. In this episode, we talk about what grief really is, the stages of grief and why they are not linear, and some of the common emotions and reactions people experience. We are joined by Allison Hall, a clinical counselor who provides grief counseling at the University of Rhode Island, to discuss the different types of grief...

In this episode, we explore the importance of peer support and its role in mental health. We’re joined by Rhody Stronger Together, a student-led club focused on peer support, mental health advocacy, and education. We discuss how normalizing mental health conversations can reduce stigma and share coping strategies for navigating stressful times. Looking to connect with Rhody Stronger Together?: Ins...

What does college look like when you’re not 18, living in a dorm, or figuring life out for the first time? In this episode we talk to Mike, a veteran and parent, about what it was really like coming back to college for a second time. Mike talks about balancing family responsibilities, navigating classrooms full of younger students, and finding his place within a college culture that doesn’t always...

How do vaccines actually work, and how effective are they? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jeff Bratberg, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, to explain the science behind vaccines, what efficacy means, and why vaccines are a cornerstone of public health. A clear, evidence-based conversation designed to answer common questions and cut through misinformation.

In this episode, I sit down with Leetal to talk about the College Recovery Program including what it offers, who it’s for, and how it supports students navigating addiction recovery or reassessing their relationship with substances. We talk about the importance of connection, discuss the resources available, and explore how students can find community and support on campus.

In this episode, I chat with Johnny Marchetti, a junior at the University of Rhode Island who’s part of the RI Promise Program. After two years at CCRI, Johnny made the move to URI, and he’s here to share what that transition was really like. We talk about everything from transferring credits and adjusting to campus life, to what it’s like living on campus instead of commuting. Johnny also opens u...

This is Part 3 of our three-part series on QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention. In this episode, we talk with Jessica Greene, a certified QPR trainer, about the final step: Refer. Jessica explains how to connect someone in crisis with professional help and community resources, and we discuss what the suicide ideation spectrum is and how understanding it can guide effective and compa...

This is Part 2 of our three-part series on QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training. In this episode, we talk with Jessica Greene, a certified QPR trainer, about the second step: Persuade. Jessica discusses how to communicate care and concern when someone may be at risk, and how to encourage them to seek help. She also explains key risk and protective factors that can increase o...

This is Part 1 of our three-part series on QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training. In this episode, we talk with Jessica Greene, a certified QPR trainer, about the first step: Question. Jessica explains how to recognize warning signs of suicide and how asking directly and compassionately can open the door to hope and help. Suicide Hotline: 988 URI Telus information: https://we...

In this episode, I sit down with Gianna, an incoming freshman, to answer her questions about the first year of college, covering everything from study tips and the best places to buy books to navigating campus life and social situations.

Graduation is more than just a ceremony—it's a turning point. In this episode, we unpack the emotional highs and lows of leaving college, the real talk about maintaining friendships when everyone’s heading in different directions, and what the grad school application process actually looks like. Whether you’re prepping for your next academic step or just trying to hold on to your college crew,...

Take a moment to pause, reset, and reconnect with your breath. In this soothing guided meditation, we’ll gently walk through mindful breathing techniques designed to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and release built-up tension from the body. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, this session offers a peaceful space to return to yourself, one breath at a time. No experience need...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachael, a wellness specialist at the University of Rhode Island, to talk about the powerful connection between resilience and gratitude. Rachael shares how practicing gratitude has helped her navigate challenging moments, and offers tips on how to start a gratitude practice—even when life feels overwhelming. We also dive into the difference between authentic grati...

In this episode, I talk with Alex, a college student in a long-term relationship, about how to make love last while balancing the chaos of college life—and growing into your own person. We explore how to stay connected through distance, how to handle conflict in healthy ways, and the importance of maintaining your individuality while building something together. We also dig into the 10 hallmarks o...

We sit down with Jessica Greene, the Assistant Director of URI Health Promotions, to talk about what it is like to quit nicotine and the many benefits that come along with it. We also discuss the free nicotine replacement therapy that URI offers and how you can get started today! Trying to quit? Contact Health Services/Promotions below: call: 401.874.5954 email: urihealthpromotion@uri.edu office l...

In this episode, we sit down with Mary Godek, Vice President of Member Education and Viktoria Krasteva, Health & Wellness Chair of the URI Panhellenic counsel to have an open conversation about body image. We discuss how it’s shaped by social media, gym culture, photo editing, and mental health. Together, we explore the patterns that influence how we see ourselves, how to recognize negative tr...

In this episode, I sit down with URI nutrition specialist Kelli Kidd to dive into the world of diets and fitness goals. We cover the differences between cutting, bulking, and intermittent fasting — and Kelli answers the age-old question: which diet is best for reaching your goals? Plus, we explore the difference between healthy and unhealthy gym and nutrition habits, break down what macros really...

The "Freshman 15" is a phrase every college student hears—but how much of it is actually true? In this episode, we break down the myths and realities of college weight gain with nutrition specialist Kelli Kidd. We’ll discuss what really causes weight fluctuations, how to maintain a balanced diet without fad diets, and realistic ways to stay healthy in college. Plus, Kelli shares how students can a...

Today we talk with the URI Eating Concerns Advisory (URIECA). This student-led space is dedicated to learning about eating concerns, finding fellowship with students who share similar struggles, and offering a place to relax and reflect. We discuss the club’s mission, common eating concerns, and mindset habits that help college students build a healthier relationship with food. Whether you're...

Quitting vaping isn’t just about putting down the device—it’s a journey of mental, emotional, and physical health. Hear from students who successfully quit as they share how they overcame cravings, challenged misconceptions, and experienced unexpected benefits. They’ll also reveal what motivated them to make this quit attempt stick. Plus, we highlight free on-campus resources that can help. For mo...