Finally – a new Addy Hour episode!
Jumping back into podcasting
My Journey
A special welcome to my new readers and subscribers. And as always, thanks to all my returning subscribers for your ongoing engagement and support. In this newsletter, I write about my journey as a scientist, professor, mentor, leader, mental health advocate, and man of faith. It’s my hope that my story can inspire, encourage, and challenge you, as I share honestly about my joys, pains, and areas of growth.
This week, I’m taking a slight detour from my usual writing to share that I finally released a new Addy Hour podcast episode! It’s been about 18 months since my last episode. Suffice it to say, it’s been a journey back to the podcast. It’s definitely time time to start these conversations again. There are some really important and timely topics that we’ll bring to the forefront this season.
As I’ve listened to some of my favorite podcasts over the past year, I’ve been feeling the itch to host podcast conversations again. I’ve also been encouraged to see people talking about real life ups and downs, while also leaning into the mental health conversation. Two of my favorite podcast/video conversations are the Pivot Podcast (featuring NFL veterans Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor), and Kirk Franklin’s Den of Kings. These dynamic conversations interweave many layers of life experience, leadership, community, parenting, service, business, and so much more. In addition, the hosts masterfully create space for guests to share their strategies for maintaining mental wellness and the tools they use to navigate emotional and mental health challenges.
In a way, listening to other people’s podcasts has also reminded me of the unique flavor I’ve been able to add to the podcast landscape through the Addy Hour. So I’m excited to be back, hosting conversations at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, faith, culture, and social justice. Even with my excitement, there’s a part of me that has questioned my readiness. Am I ready to host these conversations on such a wide range of topics? Am I ready to break out of my academic comfort zone again, to put myself “out there” and speak to the broader society? But even with these moments of doubt, it’s been both refreshing and invigorating to be back in my podcast host chair. I hope you all enjoy this new episode, “Cannabis, Opioids, Mental Health & Community” with Dr. Chyrell Bellamy and Dr. Paul Glaser. Stay tuned for new episodes dropping every other week.
This Week’s Addy Hour Episode
This first Addy Hour episode of 2026 is a must-watch/must-listen. We delve into the truths about cannabis and opioid use in teens and adults, and we honestly consider the many reasons people use. We address stigma head-on and the ways it shows up for those navigating substance misuse, other mental health challenges, chronic illness, or other health concerns. Our guests also highlight the necessity of meeting people where they are. We talk about the importance of embracing and welcoming folks back into the community, especially after times of treatment or rehab. We also push the boundaries to highlight the essential ways institutions and universities can learn from our communities, for the good of all. In this episode, you’ll also hear powerful stories about our guests’ journeys and their transformative work. You’ll hear about programs providing addiction services within the church. And you’ll hear about strategically establishing clinics in neutral zones between gang territories to facilitate accessibility across gang affiliations. This free-flowing and in-depth conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and empowered.
Watch the full episode on our Addy Hour YouTube channel, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, learn more about the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH)