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 15227Areas served: Pittsburgh and nearby areasPhone: (412) 885-6000Allegheny Intermediate Unit (3-5 years)Phone: 412-394-5904PA Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaConnect Helpline: 1-800-692-7288Support:Autism Pittsburgh https://www.autismpittsburgh.org/Autism Connection of Pennsylvania https://autismofpa.org/ Phone: 412-515-3938PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership) Center https://pealcenter.org/Address: 2325 E Carson St #100a, Pittsburgh, PA 15203Phone: (412) 281-4404Diagnosis:Child Development Unit (CDU)Oakland Medical Building 3420 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Primary Contact: 412-692-5560 Billing: Fax: 412-692-5679https://www.chp.edu › Locations › DMS CHP Main CDUAs You Are (Online Virtual Autism Diagnostic Evaluation for kids – 16 months – 10 years)https://asyouare.com/Jigsaw Diagnostics (Online resource)https://www.jigsaw-dx.com/why-jigsawIntensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) / ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) TherapyMatilda Theiss IMPACT: Serves children up to age [email protected]; Phone: 412-383-1559Helping Hands Familyhttps://hhfamily.com; Phone: 412-283-6232 x 3101Watson Institutehttps://www.thewatsoninstitute.org; Phone: 412-749-2894Wesley Family Serviceshttps://wfspa.org; Phone: 412-342-2270 #3Service CoordinationChildren’s Institute https://www.amazingkids.org/ 412-420-2400Family Links https://familylinks.org/ 1-866-583-6003HSAO https://www.hsao.org/ (412) 884-4500Milestone https://www.milestonepa.org 412-243-3400Wesley Family Services https://wfspa.org/ 412-342-2270 #3Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)Allegheny Children’s initiative https://www.pfq.org/allegheny-childrens-initiative-inc 412-431-8006Echo Counseling Services https://www.echo-counseling-services.com/ 412-559-8665Family Behavioral Resources https://www.familybehavioralresources.com/ 724-850-8118Counseling and Wellness Center of Pitthttps://counselingwellnesspgh.com/ 412-322-2129Wesley Family Services https://wfspa.org/ 412-342-2270 #3

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 bound to change your day for the better

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 switching and being true to yourself. Feel free to relax and put your resting blank face on for this one!⁠Show notes⁠

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 nature.Show notes

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 honest, emotional, and enlightening.⁠Show notes

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 how gratitude can be an antidote to loneliness by helping us feel more connected. For anyone who needs a pick-me-up, this episode is for you! Show notes

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 the triumphs, challenges, and beautiful moments of being a mother working outside of the home. Please know we are intentionally choosing the word “mother” rather than parent because Carrie, Susan, and Adriana are speaking from their lived experiences as cis women parents, and we invite parents of all genders to join us for this conversation.⁠Show notes

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 on the liberation that comes with being genuine.Get the full show notes here.

What does it take to be kind and unshakeable? In this episode, Dr. Rickquel Tripp reflects on her path through medicine, military service, and emergency care leadership — and how she stays grounded in empathy without losing her edge.

How do you show up with confidence in spaces not built for you? In this episode, Dr. Nancy Gauvin joins host Susan Graff to explore the power of “confidence as armor” — especially as a Black woman in academic leadership. Together, they unpack vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and the price and power of showing up fully.Show notes

Join Susan and Adriana for the second part of their conversation with Dr. Victoria Grieve. They discuss dress codes, professionalism, and the joy of wearing the clothes you like.Show notes

Join Susan and Adriana for the first part of their conversation with Dr. Victoria Grieve. They discuss Dr. Grieve's Origin Story - from boardgames to CCAC; Eckerd Drug to assistat professor at Pitt. Show notes

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 honest, emotional, and enlightening.Show notes

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 Susan in conversation with Jule Arney in the second half of their conversation about their journey beyond acceptance to radical self love. They discuss struggles with conforming to societal expectations, coming out to their parents, and finding acceptance within their black and LGBTQ+ communities. Influenced by their experiences navigating sexuality and gender identity, Jule shares poignant insights on the struggles of conforming to societal expectations while staying true to one’s authentic self.Show notes

Join us for this two-part conversation with Jule Arney about their journey beyond acceptance to radical self love. They discuss struggles with conforming to societal expectations, coming out to their parents, and finding acceptance within their black and LGBTQ+ communities. Influenced by their experiences navigating sexuality and gender identity, Jule shares poignant insights on the struggles of conforming to societal expectations while staying true to one’s authentic self.Show notes

Dr. Elizabeth Miller is a pediatrician and public health researcher who’s spent her career listening deeply — to young people, survivors, and the communities she works with. In this episode, she talks about what it takes to build real trust, how vicarious resilience can be just as powerful as vicarious trauma, and why joy and accountability can go hand in hand. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about showing up, staying present, and learning from the people around us.Show notes

Imagine being a student who cannot go home during breaks because she will not be safe – who must focus on her doctoral work while carrying the fear of not knowing if her family will be okay tomorrow. This episode digs into these realities that many international students face and how one student finds joy in celebrating her culture and staying true to herself. Show notes

Join us for a powerful conversation with Dr. Sidharth Kannan as he candidly shares his experiences with “ragging” in India, addiction, and the power of surrender to enable us to live with grace. If you or someone you know is or has ever struggled with addiction, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Show notes

Todd Whysong is co-founder, with his wife Alisa, of the Positive Painting Project, in honor of their daughter Katie who they lost to depression in March of 2021. Join us for a beautiful conversation about what it means to survive losing a child to depression and how Katie’s legacy heals others through art and community service.This week's episode is the second part of a conversation that I had with Todd Wysong, who is a co-founder of the Positive Painting Project, and before I get into who Todd is and what the Positive Painting Project is, I wanted to offer a trigger warning. For those for whom listening to a conversation about major depressive disorder and suicide does not serve you, please skip over these next two episodes. Please be kind to yourself. Do what you feel you need to do, and not what you feel you should do.-SusanShow notesPositive Painting Project

Todd Whysong is co-founder, with his wife Alisa, of the Positive Painting Project, in honor of their daughter Katie who they lost to depression in March of 2021. Join us for a beautiful conversation about what it means to survive losing a child to depression and how Katie’s legacy heals others through art and community service.This week and next week's episodes are two parts of a conversation that I had with Todd Wysong, who is a co-founder of the Positive Painting Project, and before I get into who Todd is and what the Positive Painting Project is, I wanted to offer a trigger warning. For those for whom listening to a conversation about major depressive disorder and suicide does not serve you, please skip over these next two episodes. Please be kind to yourself. Do what you feel you need to do, and not what you feel you should do.-SusanShow notesPositive Painting Project

Dr. Sean Simon shares his experiences navigating this world as a dentist and a person with a disability. Join us as we talk about the frustrations and joys of having a disability and the power of having one person believe in you. 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 switching and being true to yourself. Feel free to relax and put your resting blank face on for this one!Show notes here.

In this episode, we celebrate the gift of being a multicultural cis woman leader in the field of environmental health with Dr. Maureen Lichtveld. This episode strings together Dr. Lichtveld’s experiences being the first cis female physician working in the Amazon rainforest, starting a chocolate sprinkle trend in her children’s school, and the four environmental issues keeping her up at night. This is an episode you do not want to miss!Show notes

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 the triumphs, challenges, and beautiful moments of being a mother working outside of the home. Please know we are intentionally choosing the word “mother” rather than parent because Carrie, Susan, and Adriana are speaking from their lived experiences as cis women parents, and we invite parents of all genders to join us for this conversation.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 nature.Show notes

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 how gratitude can be an antidote to loneliness by helping us feel more connected. For anyone who needs a pick-me-up, this episode is for you! Show notes: https://cupid.pitt.edu/episodes/0004-Ahmed-Ghuman

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: https://cupid.pitt.edu/episodes/0003-Emiola-Oriola

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: https://cupid.pitt.edu/episodes/0002-Katelan-Hudson

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 on the liberation that comes with being genuine.Get the full show notes here:https://cupid.pitt.edu/episodes/0001-Susan-Graff

Our podcast, Who We Are Inside, will begin releasing episodes in January! We have been interviewing amazing guests from all corners of the Pitt community and can’t wait to share them with you! Episodes will be released weekly all spring semester. In our first episode, we explore what it can be like to be a Deeply Feeling Human with some high functioning anxiety in the workplace as well as in life. The theme, “just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy,” runs throughout the episode. We explore what it would be like if people could tell who you were inside just by looking at you. What if you could wear your heavy things on a button for everyone to see? We talk to Susan Graff about her experience as a Deeply Feeling Human who is a mother and a healthcare professional.