Brewing Wellness
75 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsBrewing Wellness is a podcast created by the UFT Member Assistance Program to support the mental health and well-being of our members.
We know that in order to do the work you do every day and be there for your loved ones, students and patients your cup has to be brewing with wellness. Brewing Wellness focuses on the topics around mental health and wellness that we all need to thrive in our professional and personal lives.
A new episode is released on the final Monday of each month.
Listen to Brewing Wellness wherever you get your podcasts. It’s available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and SoundCloud.
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Episodes
Acupuncture and the mind-body connection
March 25, 2024 16:00 - 23 minutes - 44.3 MBAcupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote physical and emotional well-being. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Nicholas Sieben, a licensed acupuncturist and healer based in New York City, shares his personal journey with Chinese medicine and discusses how acupuncture can be used to manage chronic conditions and decrease mental stress.
Self-care for the caregiver
February 26, 2024 17:00 - 17 minutes - 32.7 MBCaregiving can be both a challenging and rewarding role. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Christopher Chin, a licensed master social worker and the director of the UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Social Services Department, clarifies common misconceptions about caregivers and discusses why it is essential to care for yourself while caring for others. Learn ways to replenish yourself physically and emotionally so you can be present for yourself, as well as for someone else.
Choose change now: Cultivating holistic health habits
January 29, 2024 17:00 - 24 minutes - 46.2 MBNew year, new you! In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of the Inner Source Health clinic, discusses the connection between our physical health and lifestyle habits. Learn how you can feel better and have more energy in 2024.
Are you thankful or grateful?
December 22, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 47.8 MBThankfulness is a feeling, and like all emotions, it is fleeting. Gratitude, however, is a state of being — an attitude of appreciation — under any circumstance. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, we welcome Francine Steadman, the owner of BuddhaBooth, which has brought portable meditation spaces to schools and workplaces and is a longtime partner of the UFT Member Assistance Program. She joins Raul Garcia, the UFT Social Workers and Psychologists’ chapter leader, for a discuss...
The Gift of Boundaries: Prioritizing Your Needs
November 27, 2023 17:00 - 37 minutes - 71.1 MBWe have all experienced the downside of not setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in our lives. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Alexa Leigh Mulee, a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, and Christine Hanley, field liaison with the UFT Teacher Center, share their strategies for creating and managing mindful boundaries. Learn skills to help manage your emotions in effective and healthy ways.
UFT parental leave
October 30, 2023 16:00 - 30 minutes - 58.2 MBAre you preparing to welcome a new child into your life? If you are a UFT member employed by the Department of Education, you are eligible for paid parental leave. In this special episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Tanisha Franks, member representative, and Emily James, special projects coordinator, discuss the details. Birth parents, partners of birth parents, and foster and adoptive parents are all entitled to paid parental leave. To register for a workshop or to learn more about the...
The right fit: Finding your therapist
September 25, 2023 16:00 - 37 minutes - 70 MBChoosing the right therapist can be challenging! In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Mike Veny, a professional drummer and podcaster and the best-selling author of "Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero," shares his own mental health journey and his experience finding a therapist suited to his needs. Join us for a discussion of the different types of therapists and modalities of treatment.
Facing your fears
August 28, 2023 16:00 - 33 minutes - 61.7 MBNew beginnings can trigger fears. In this first episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Jarell Myers, a clinical psychologist, will discuss ways to work with our thoughts and feelings so we are not held captive by unhealthy fears. He will share an approach to building up tolerance through exposure and other strategies to help manage our anxieties.
An introduction to the Brewing Wellness podcast
August 23, 2023 20:44 - 3 minutes - 8 MBNourishing UFT members, one conversation at a time. Brewing Wellness is a podcast created by the UFT Member Assistance Program to support the mental health and well-being of our members. In order to do the work you do every day and be present for your loved ones, students, patients and colleagues, your cup has to be full. Brewing Wellness focuses on mental health and wellness topics that can help us all thrive in our professional and personal lives. Selma Williams is the host. A new ep...
43: The Highly Sensitive Person
July 31, 2023 16:00 - 37 minutes - 69.4 MBHave you ever been asked, "Why are you so sensitive?" or questioned about why you feel overwhelmed and withdraw from noisy or busy environments? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, school social worker and MAP clinician Dr. Julie Beidl highlights the characteristics of the highly sensitive person. She shares her experiences helping people with highly sensitive traits — a group she has seen increase in numbers since the pandemic — navigate the world and turn their sensitivity into ...
42: Prioritizing your own wellness
June 26, 2023 16:00 - 41 minutes - 79.9 MBSelf-care is important for physical and mental health. As you prepare for a summer recharge, take some time to prioritize your own well-being. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Tina Puccio, director of the union's Member Assistance Program, is joined by clinicians Kathleen Regalado, Steven Sulzer and Alain Metellus for a wide-ranging discussion of health and wellness, including strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress and prioritizing self-care.
41: The Power of Compassionate Detachment in Leadership
May 29, 2023 21:14 - 28 minutes - 29.6 MBMultiple perspectives can be deserving of respect. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Sonya Brown, a retired teacher development specialist for the city Department of Education, explains the importance of balancing self-care with community care to experience the power of compassionate detachment. Now a transformational coach, restorative yoga teacher and interfaith chaplin, Sonya encourages leaders to bring their “entire selves” to their roles and to strive to achieve that crucia...
40: Overcome resistance to mental health care
April 24, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 29.6 MB"I’m not crazy," is sometimes the response to the idea of getting help. But everyone has moments of anxiety, stress and depression. It's important to recognize when those feelings require you to seek more support. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by social workers Selma Williams, LMSW; Kathleen Regalado, LMSW; and Steven Sulzer, LCSW, all from the union’s Member Assistance Program. They will provide strategies that support better mental health so no one — not you ...
39: Mindfulness and expressive arts in the classroom
March 27, 2023 16:00 - 43 minutes - 84 MBLearn ways to lower the stress and increase the learning and joy in your classroom by using mindfulness techniques and movement, theater and the visual arts. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Julie Flynn Badal, a longtime public school teacher and artist, who offers workshops on contemplative practices, movement and the arts at The Meadow. She will explore a variety of ways to engage students and incorporate mindfulness practices and the arts in the classroom, a...
38: Helping students find their voices
February 27, 2023 17:00 - 38 minutes - 74.7 MBHow do you help a student who is being bullied find their voice and power? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by author and attorney S.P. Brown, who will share stories from her book, "Kyrie’s School Blues," about a home-schooled 4th-grader’s rocky transition to the classroom. Jamie Lepow, a licensed social worker and senior administrator in the city Department of Education’s Office of Safety and Youth Development, joins the conversation to discuss ways to help stude...
37: From adversity to triumph
January 30, 2023 17:00 - 35 minutes - 68.3 MBWhat does it take to transform your life when you face great adversity? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by S.P. Brown, an author, attorney and former corporate executive. This native New Yorker overcame childhood verbal and physical abuse, spurred on by her love of books and writing. “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages,” her latest novel, shares her real-life experience as she escaped domestic abuse to find her way in the world.
36: The exhausted educator: How to combat burnout
January 23, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 76.1 MBAre you tired? Do you want to make some changes in your work-life balance but don’t know where to start? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by licensed counselor Norbi Forero, the clinical director of community services at HelloHero. She will address the challenges facing exhausted educators, identify the symptoms of burnout and share innovative strategies to transform our relationship with work and stress.
35: New year, new you!
December 26, 2022 17:00 - 33 minutes - 64.9 MBWith the new year fast approaching, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and think about changes you’d like to make in the months ahead. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Donna Resmini, a wellness and fitness coach. She will discuss ways to set yourself up for success, including how to have a magic moment every day, the importance of gratitude and other wellness practices and, most important, how to focus on being present, not perfect.
34: Resilience after trauma
November 28, 2022 17:00 - 42 minutes - 82.3 MBTrauma shapes the way students present in the classroom and in their homes. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by licensed mental health professional Ashley Groesbeck. She will highlight the importance of finding out what's going on in your students' lives and share techniques to build body awareness and mindfulness. These and other tools help students — and adults — to build resiliency and increase their capacity for joy and growth.
33: Supporting caregivers of children and adults with disabilities
October 31, 2022 16:00 - 32 minutes - 40 MBCaring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities takes patience and compassion. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Rocio Ruiz and Cristy M. Torres of YAI, a social services nonprofit offering a comprehensive range of services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They will discuss the complexities of being a caregiver and share available resources. Committed to seeing beyond disability, YAI provides oppor...
32: How to Avoid Power Struggles
September 26, 2022 16:00 - 50 minutes - 93.6 MBHave you ever wondered how to avoid power struggles at home and in the classroom? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Chazz Lewis (aka Mr. Chazz), a parent and teacher coach with a huge social media following. A former Montessori teacher and the author of “No Bad Kid,” Mr. Chazz will share his experiences guiding parents and educators in managing difficult situations with children, and he’ll talk about turning interactions from war to peace. Learn how to see child...
31: Creating equitable classrooms
August 29, 2022 16:00 - 42 minutes - 79.2 MBClassroom equity is achieved when all students feel understood, respected and included. In this episode of the Classroom Café we will take a deep dive into what equity is and is not. Special guest Moza Coote, a veteran New York City public school teacher who is now a teacher development specialist with the city's Department of Education, will share insights and resources to help educators bring their compassion and kindness to the experience of teaching and learning.
30: Using art as a form of therapy
July 25, 2022 16:00 - 32 minutes - 60.3 MBArt can be a way of expressing our thoughts and feelings when words come up short. In this episode of Classroom Café, we explore art as a way to alleviate stress, help us process trauma and get to know ourselves better. Listen in as our special guests Caitlin Hanvey, a creative art therapist, and Asha Hanna, a Brooklyn-based artist, discuss their experiences using art as a form of therapy for both children and adults.
29: Good Nutrition Nourishes Body and Soul
June 28, 2022 03:15 - 40 minutes - 75.5 MBFood plays a role in our emotional, physical and even psychological health. In this episode of Classroom Café, Leeann Rybakov, a health coach who is certified in functional medicine, will discuss how we can make healthier choices to support our overall well-being. Rybakov will share some practical and time-saving food choices that will nourish our bodies and spare our wallets. Free Pantry Swaps Resources from Leeann Rybakov Leeann Rybakov on Instagram
28: Talking to Teens about Mental Health, Part 2: Mindfulness
May 30, 2022 16:00 - 19 minutes - 36.8 MBMindfulness strategies can help teenagers take back some control over their emotions and overall mental health. In this episode of Classroom Café, Lexi Mulee, a licensed mental health clinician who works with teens, will discuss some short, innovative approaches to mindfulness that pique teens’ interest, including mindfulness meditation. This is a technique that can calm anxieties and help both teens and adults manage their emotions.
27: Talking to Teens about Mental Health, Part 1: How to talk to teens
May 23, 2022 18:00 - 38 minutes - 72.2 MBTeenagers test limits and push boundaries. But some behaviors, such as withdrawing from friends and family or increased anger and mood swings, may indicate your teenager or child is struggling with their mental health. In this episode of Classroom Café, we are joined by Lexi Mulee, a licensed mental health clinician and the founder of Wise Mind Counseling. Mulee specializes in working with teens and will discuss ways to build positive relationships with them as well as the warning signs that ...
26: Coping with grief
April 25, 2022 16:00 - 39 minutes - 76 MBGrief is an intensely personal experience, which can look very different from one person to the next. There is no "right" way to grieve. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Ashley Groesbeck, a clinical social worker, and Alain Metellus, the UFT’s director of crisis intervention, for a discussion of ways we can validate the experience for the bereaved and help them, or ourselves, to accept and move through the grieving process.
25: How our view of addiction takes shape
March 29, 2022 15:40 - 30 minutes - 57.8 MBWhat does addiction look like, and how can our personal biases, experiences and judgments affect the way we view this illness? In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Steven Sulzer, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, educator and credentialed substance use disorder counselor. He will share his own experience as well as tools and resources we can use when a family member or loved one may be dealing with substance misuse.
24: Helping students affected by domestic violence
February 28, 2022 17:00 - 30 minutes - 58.9 MBLearn practices, techniques and resources that can be used in school-based settings to identify survivors of domestic violence and support their health and well-being. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Jules Perkél, a trauma psychotherapist and clinical social worker, will discuss the most commonly seen behaviors of survivors of domestic violence and the best practices when working with those who have experienced this trauma.
Helping kids avoid substance use
September 23, 2021 21:36 - 44 minutes - 83.6 MBLearn ways of identifying students at risk of substance use and how to support them. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, the New York Times best-selling author Jessica Lahey will discuss her latest book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. She will share her personal story as an educator with addiction, the latest research around youth and substance use and resources to support students and their families. Learn how the UFT Member Assistance...
23: Helping kids avoid substance use
September 23, 2021 21:36 - 44 minutes - 83.6 MBLearn ways of identifying students at risk of substance use and how to support them. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, the New York Times best-selling author Jessica Lahey will discuss her latest book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. She will share her personal story as an educator with addiction, the latest research around youth and substance use and resources to support students and their families. Learn how the UFT Member Assistance...
22: Prioritizing Mental Wellness During a Pandemic
September 23, 2021 21:34 - 35 minutes - 65 MBHere we are in the the 2021-22 school year, still talking about COVID-19, still wearing masks, social distancing and dealing with stressors the pandemic has created. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, mental health speaker and best-selling author Mike Veny will discuss the “next normal” and how to support people where they are. Listen in for tips on how you can maintain your own mental wellness and support others with compassion and concern. Learn more about how the UFT Member A...
Prioritizing Mental Wellness During a Pandemic
September 23, 2021 21:34 - 35 minutes - 65 MBHere we are in the the 2021-22 school year, still talking about COVID-19, still wearing masks, social distancing and dealing with stressors the pandemic has created. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, mental health speaker and best-selling author Mike Veny will discuss the “next normal” and how to support people where they are. Listen in for tips on how you can maintain your own mental wellness and support others with compassion and concern. Learn more about how the UFT Member A...
Supporting students in their return to in-person learning
September 23, 2021 21:28 - 35 minutes - 65.4 MBStudents are trying to figure out how to navigate this new school year. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Dr. Miri Rosen talks about how educators can support students as we re-engage at school. Learn how to identify students in need and how creating healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care for ourselves can benefit our students. Dr. Rosen is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union ...
21: Supporting students in their return to in-person learning
September 23, 2021 21:28 - 35 minutes - 65.4 MBStudents are trying to figure out how to navigate this new school year. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Dr. Miri Rosen talks about how educators can support students as we re-engage at school. Learn how to identify students in need and how creating healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care for ourselves can benefit our students. Dr. Rosen is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union ...
20: Managing Substance Use
January 07, 2021 19:57 - 29 minutes - 55 MBFeelings of isolation, stress and anxiety have been heightened during the pandemic, creating the perfect storm for an increase in substance use and other addictive behaviors. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Anthony Rizzuto of the Seafield Treatment Center on Long Island, a master social worker, alcoholism and substance abuse counselor and national speaker, will discuss how these stressors can affect you and your loved ones and how best to cope with them. He'll give you strateg...
Managing Substance Use
January 07, 2021 19:57 - 29 minutes - 55 MBFeelings of isolation, stress and anxiety have been heightened during the pandemic, creating the perfect storm for an increase in substance use and other addictive behaviors. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Anthony Rizzuto of the Seafield Treatment Center on Long Island, a master social worker, alcoholism and substance abuse counselor and national speaker, will discuss how these stressors can affect you and your loved ones and how best to cope with them. He'll give you strateg...
Mental Wellness for Educators
December 21, 2020 19:05 - 36 minutes - 66.9 MBThe year 2020 has been tough. The pandemic has taken a toll on our emotional well-being, whether we have suffered the loss of a loved one or we miss our normal work routines and time spent with family and friends. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, mental health speaker and best-selling author Mike Veny shares the profound mental health journey he has been on since childhood. His insights will help educators to develop tools and techniques for self-care and to support students an...
19: Mental Wellness for Educators
December 21, 2020 19:05 - 36 minutes - 66.9 MBThe year 2020 has been tough. The pandemic has taken a toll on our emotional well-being, whether we have suffered the loss of a loved one or we miss our normal work routines and time spent with family and friends. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, mental health speaker and best-selling author Mike Veny shares the profound mental health journey he has been on since childhood. His insights will help educators to develop tools and techniques for self-care and to support students an...
18: Navigating the Holidays
December 14, 2020 17:32 - 29 minutes - 54.7 MBThe holidays are a time of joy — and for many, a time of stress and anxiety, too. The year 2020 has brought an array of new challenges, including how to celebrate safely during a pandemic. What is the best way to manage? With careful thought and preparation. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Jonathan Benz, a New York City-based behavioral health professional, shares tips, strategies and scenarios to help you plan for a safe and celebratory holiday season.
Navigating the Holidays
December 14, 2020 17:32 - 29 minutes - 54.7 MBThe holidays are a time of joy — and for many, a time of stress and anxiety, too. The year 2020 has brought an array of new challenges, including how to celebrate safely during a pandemic. What is the best way to manage? With careful thought and preparation. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Jonathan Benz, a New York City-based behavioral health professional, shares tips, strategies and scenarios to help you plan for a safe and celebratory holiday season.
Finding Purpose During the Pandemic
November 16, 2020 21:42 - 29 minutes - 54.1 MBThe coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives in many ways, affecting everything from work to leisure activities. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Christine Whelan, who teaches classes on well-being at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, shares strategies for finding your purpose, even during a pandemic. Learn what happens to you when you embrace a purpose mindset and connect to something bigger, and find out how to do that. To learn more about Christine, visit her website at...
17: Finding Purpose During the Pandemic
November 16, 2020 21:42 - 29 minutes - 54.1 MBThe coronavirus pandemic has upended our lives in many ways, affecting everything from work to leisure activities. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, Christine Whelan, who teaches classes on well-being at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, shares strategies for finding your purpose, even during a pandemic. Learn what happens to you when you embrace a purpose mindset and connect to something bigger, and find out how to do that. To learn more about Christine, visit her website at...
16: Relationships Matter
October 20, 2020 13:39 - 47 minutes - 89.3 MBIn this episode of the Classroom Cafe podcast, we share tips for managing interpersonal relationships during challenging times. Join us as we talk with Krista Rizzo, a transformational life coach, motivational speaker and author who specializes in relationships. To learn more about Krista Rizzo, visit her website at Why Am I Yelling?.
Relationships Matter
October 20, 2020 13:39 - 47 minutes - 89.3 MBDuring this pandemic, relationships matter more than ever. In this episode, we share tips for managing interpersonal relationships during these challenging times. Join us as we talk with Krista Rizzo, transformational life coach, motivational speaker and a published author who specializes in relationships. To learn more about Krista, visit her website at [www.whyamiyelling.com]. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVID-19 pandem...
Navigating the Return to Work
October 07, 2020 16:26 - 27 minutes - 22.8 MBThe start of this school year poses challenges, concerns and stressors that are unique and different from any other school year. In this episode, three UFT members share their experiences and perspectives on returning to their school buildings and on teaching remotely. Learn strategies for dealing with your own feelings of stress, anxiety and fear from these intrepid New York City educators. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the CO...
15: Navigating the Return to Work
October 07, 2020 16:26 - 27 minutes - 22.8 MBThe start of this school year poses challenges, concerns and stressors that are unique and different from any other school year. In this episode, three UFT members share their experiences and perspectives on returning to their school buildings and on teaching remotely. Learn strategies for dealing with your own feelings of stress, anxiety and fear from these intrepid New York City educators. Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVI...
14: Managing Grief and Loss
October 02, 2020 16:07 - 20 minutes - 17.9 MBGrieving the loss of a loved one, whether a family member, friend or colleague, can be complicated and difficult. Grieving during a pandemic is more complicated still. Listen in as Alan Fruzzetti, Ph.D., a psychologist from McLean Hospital and cofounder of The Center for Trauma and Stress Education, shares his insights. While there is no “right” way to grieve, in this episode, we will learn strategies for coping with grief and loss so it isn’t overwhelming. Learn more about how the UFT Me...
Managing Grief and Loss
October 02, 2020 16:07 - 20 minutes - 17.9 MBGrieving the loss of a loved one, whether a family member, friend or colleague, can be complicated and difficult. Grieving during a pandemic is more complicated still. Listen in as Alan Fruzzetti, Ph.D., a psychologist from McLean Hospital and cofounder of The Center for Trauma and Stress Education, shares his insights. While there is no “right” way to grieve, in this episode, we will learn strategies for coping with grief and loss so it isn’t overwhelming. Learn more about how the UFT Me...
UFT Retirees- Staying Connected Coast to Coast
May 14, 2020 19:49 - 31 minutes - 59.2 MBIn this special podcast episode for UFT retirees, hear how retired UFT members throughout the country are experiencing life during this pandemic and learn strategies that retirees are using to cope with the new reality. “We want our retired members to know your union is here for you and you’re not alone,” said Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tom Murphy. “Listen in to our conversation as one way to stay together while remaining socially distant.” The podcast features Murphy; Christopher Chin,...