Who We Are Inside

On this week's episode of Who We Are Inside, Susan is in the Studio with Dr. Bridget Keown, a researcher and historian bringing science into the humanities. The pair talk about neurodivergence, research, storytelling, and the power of connection through history.

This week Dr. Alexus Brown, senior scientist at the University of Pittsburgh Center on Race and Social Problems, sociolinguist, and storyteller, joins Susan in the studio. Storytelling, creativity, and language are the topics of the day. You won't want to miss this episode!

This week Susan and a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh's PA Studies Program, Gina Bartlett! Gina worked as an EMT and a paramedic before becoming a PA and this conversation takes a look at what it's like to be there on people's worst days.

This week we welcome Sarah Ahmad! Sarah is one of Susan's former students and the pair have a great conversation about what it's like to be a first-generation college student from a low-income background navigating higher education.

Who We Are Inside is back with season 2! In this week's episode, Susan and Dr. Leah Fabiano have a timely conversation about language, bilingualism, overcoming racist systems, and protecting our communities. It's a big one, and we're so glad you're here for it! Show notes

This week, Dr. Farrah Holmes and Susan talk about their shared experience of raising kids with superpowers.  Dr. Holmes was kind enough to share a list of resources: Early Intervention Services: Alliance For Infants & Toddlers (0-3 years) Address: 2801 Custer Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 Areas served: Pittsburgh and nearby areas Phone: (412) 885-6000 Allegheny Intermediate Unit (3-5 years) Phone:...

This week, we wlcome back Karthik Hariharan! He and Susan dive deep into the concept of belonging, talking about the difference between fitting in and belonging and what it feels like to be a parent in 2025.

This week, Susan and Christie Cyktor, an occupational therapist, advocate, and disability justice leader talk about creating space for children with disabilities to advocate for themselves and become leaders in their community. Christie talks about her academic journey to becoming an occupational therapist as a someone who has used a wheelchair since childhood.

Join Dr. Sheila Confer as she and Susan talk about Sheila's journey through academia, community activism, the arts, baking, n'at. The pair discuss the power of leading with curiosity and empathy, especially when working with folks who have differing opinions.

This week, Kelly Tatone, Associate Director for Student Success Operations in the Office of the Provost at the University of Pittsburgh, joins Susan in a conversation about knowledge sharing, motherhood, undervalued work, and much more.

This week, Susan and educator, writer, and community organizer, Roman Benty talk about community, education, and advocacy. As the community partnership coordinator at the LIGHT education initiative, Roman works to connect schools with the communities they're in to build relationships and make their neighborhoods stronger and more vibrant for everyone in them.

This week Susan is in conversation with Dr. Clyde Wilson Pickett, the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Engagement and Well-Being at the University of Pittsburgh and champion of culture change, inclusion, and well-being. Tune in for a great discussion on community, inclusion, and what it means to thrive.

This week, Susan is in the studio with Donald Alexander, an elementary school teacher in the Carleton School District in Pittsburgh, PA. The pair discuss the role of teachers as community organizers and the programs that Donald, his colleagues and their students have put in place that benefit students and their communities.

This week, we have Susan Graff in conversation with Kristy Joy Weidner, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of the Village Center for Holistic Therapy. The pair explore the significance of heart-centered transformation, authenticity, and creating spaces for connection and healing in both personal and professional settings. Then Kristy takes us to the inner gym with an exercise that is...

We are back from break with a new studio and a slate of great new episodes! This week we're sharing our conversation with Dr. Jason A. Deakings, a nontraditional researcher and educator dedicated to improving health outcomes in marginalized communities. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Deakins discusses the significance of community engagement and health equity.

Monica Ruiz, Executive Director of Casa San Jose in Pittsburgh, shares her journey from a case manager to an advocate for minority communities. She discusses challenges faced by Latino newcomers in the city and stresses the importance of embracing immigrants for future growth. ⁠Show notes

Join us in conversation with Katelan Hudson as she shares her journey of identity formation and healing her primal wound as a Vietnamese transracial adoptee. Show notes

This week we are joined by Courtney Lucas, a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and so much more. Courtney and the panel discuss navigating academia and life in general as an introvert. What people expect you to say when they ask how you are; the unexpected consequences of taking the time to think and process before responding; the dance between code switch...

Emiola Oriola ultimately sees himself as a lover of people who strives to build unity in diversity proactively and intentionally, wherever he goes. Join us as we discuss the idea of being our whole selves in all aspects of our lives. Show notes

This week on the podcast, we continue to explore the importance of being rather than doing with Dr. Mario Browne. The conversation touches on recovery, creating community, and challenging masculine stereotypes. The group share ways that they create space for people to share what's going on in their lives, and the importance of checking in with others. Show notes ⁠available here⁠.

In this episode of Who We Are Inside, Dr. Mario Brown shares his insights on balancing humanity with the demands of a high-pressure academic environment. Dr. Brown discusses the challenge of being a "human being" versus a "human doing" in a culture that often equates worth with productivity. He explores strategies for self-care, such as escaping the desk and connecting with nat...

This week, we are revisiting Susan and Adriana's conversation with Dev Hayostek. Dev opens up about living with ARFID—what it’s like when food feels unsafe, and how that’s tangled up with class, shame, and family dynamics. Susan and Adriana join the conversation, bringing their own stories and questions about how culture, parenting, and healthcare shape the way we think about eating. It’s hone...

We're revisiting some of our favorite episodes while we take a little summer break. This week, catch up with Susan and Dr. Ahmed Ghuman as they discuss gratitude, joy, and happiness. In this episode we are speaking with clinical psychologist and Executive Director of the University Counseling Center on why we should practice gratitude, how gratitude intersects with emotions like grief and joy, and...

We're taking a bit of a summer break and revisiting some of our favorite episodes! This week, we look back at our conversation with Carrie Benson. Some days go really well and some days I end up crying at 9 o’clock because I feel like I was bad at my job and bad at momming. If you’re a parent chances are you have felt this way. In this episode, Susan, John and Adriana talk to Carrie Benson on...

We're taking a bit of a summer break and revisiting some of our favorite episodes! This week, we look back at our first ever episode with Susan Graff. Imagine wearing a metaphorical “pinback button” that boldly declares your internal struggles, emotions, and triumphs to the world. Adriana, John and Susan challenge the norm of concealing our authentic selves, offering a refreshing perspective o...