Depression is often mistaken for ordinary sadness, but clinically it is something profoundly different: a medical illness that can alter the way the brain processes emotion, motivation, and even hope itself.

In this episode of Road to Resilience, host Stephen Calabria speaks with James Murrough, MD, PhD, to discuss how groundbreaking neuroimaging research explains why depression may leave the brain "entrapped" in inefficient patterns of activity, 

The conversation explores the difference between sadness and clinical depression, why chronic stress can reshape the brain, how behavioral therapy and medication help people break free from depression's grip, and why the brain's extraordinary capacity for change offers genuine reason for hope.

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

Resilience isn't just a personality trait—it's something the brain actively builds. 

In this episode of Road to Resilience, host Stephen Calabria speaks with Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, one of the world's foremost neuroscientists, about the remarkable capacity of the brain to adapt in the face of adversity.  

Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research into depression, addiction, and stress, Dr. Nestler explains why trauma doesn't affect everyone the same way, how resilience is shaped by both biology and experience, and what science is revealing about the brain's extraordinary ability to recover and change. 

The episode explores why supportive relationships matter, how chronic stress alters the brain, whether resilience can be cultivated at any age, and the everyday habits that can help strengthen our minds throughout life. 

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

When Jacqueline Mills noticed a new mole on her face, she trusted her instincts—even after her concerns were initially dismissed. Her persistence led to an early melanoma diagnosis and became a powerful reminder of how speaking up and seeking a second opinion can make all the difference.

In this episode of Road to Resilience, Jacqueline shares her story; she is followed by the Mount Sinai dermatologist who discovered her melanoma, Dr. Jesse Lewin, who expands the conversation to what everyone should know about skin health. 

Together, they discuss the warning signs of skin cancer, the ABCDEs of melanoma, smart sun protection, advances in early detection and imaging technology, and why the future of dermatologic care has never been brighter.

Whether you're heading to the beach or simply taking a closer look in the mirror, this conversation will leave you better equipped to protect your skin—and yourself.

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

Childhood trauma can leave lasting marks on the brain, body, and sense of safety—but it does not define a person’s future. 

In this episode of Road to Resilience, host Stephen Calabria speaks with Frank W. Putnam, MD, one of the country’s leading researchers on childhood trauma and maltreatment. Drawing on decades of clinical work and a landmark longitudinal study that followed abused girls from childhood into adulthood, Dr. Putnam explains how early maltreatment can shape mental health, physical health, development, and even biological aging. 

But the conversation is also about what helps people heal. Dr. Putnam discusses why safety is the foundation of recovery, how supportive relationships can change a child’s trajectory, and why resilience often begins with having options, stability, and someone who truly listens. 

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

Women's health is often associated with pregnancy and reproductive care—but that’s only part of the story.

In this episode of Road to Resilience, host Stephen Calabria sits down with two leaders at the forefront of a new era in women's healthcare: Dr. Joanne Stone, Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai, and Dr. Anna Barbieri, gynecologist, menopause specialist, and clinical strategy leader for the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness.

Together, they explore how women’s health is expanding beyond traditional boundaries to encompass cardiovascular health, mental health, aging, cancer prevention, hormonal health, and overall well-being across the lifespan. They discuss the longstanding disparities that have shaped research, diagnosis, and treatment for women, and how those gaps continue to affect patient care today.

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

When Lucy Foote suffered her first seizure during a stressful work presentation in 2020, she had no idea it would begin a six-year battle with epilepsy that would eventually lead to brain surgery.

In this deeply personal episode of Road to Resilience, Lucy shares what it was like to navigate fear, uncertainty, and the invisible emotional burden of chronic illness while trying to maintain her independence in New York City. She discusses the role of family support, faith, and radical lifestyle changes in her recovery—and explains how learning to trust others ultimately helped save her life.

On this special episode that marks a special milestone for the guest, Lucy Foote shares how she built a new purpose centered around community, mindfulness, and healing.

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

Why do some people feel trapped in sadness, while others lose their sense of motivation and purpose? In this episode of Road to Resilience, host Stephen Calabria speaks with Dr. Martijn Figee about the brain science behind depression, resilience, and emotional recovery. 

A leader in the study of deep brain stimulation and psychiatric neuromodulation, Dr. Figee explains how different brain circuits govern mood, reward, stress, and motivation—and how understanding those systems may reshape the future of mental health care. Along the way, he offers practical insights into mindfulness, behavioral activation, social connection, and the everyday habits that help keep the brain healthy and resilient. 

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

Jeremy Boal, MD, spent years caring for patients with late-stage ALS—known as Lou Gehrig's disease, it's a neurological disease that typically comes with a life expectancy of 2-5 years from diagnosis. Then he was diagnosed with that very condition. 

In this podcast, Dr. Boal reflects on his medical and personal trajectory with new insights. He discusses the importance of addressing anger and dread, the role of family and friends, and the need for both medical and psychological help and for developing resilience.

To support Dr. Boal's commitment to improving health care for the most vulnerable, visit the Jeremy H. Boal, MD, MSH '96 Endowed Fund: https://give.mountsinai.org/stories/jeremy-h-boal-endowed-fund-legacy-of-compassion-and-care-mount-sinai

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

You may think that resilience is a quality that people are born with, but that's often untrue—resilience can be cultivated and honed. 

In this podcast, Dr. Jon Depierro, Professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai and Associate Director of Mount Sinai's Center for Stress, Resilience, and Personal Growth, talks to Dr. Sherry Hamby, Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology at the University of the South, and author of Stronger Than You Think: Building Lifelong Resilience.

The pair discusses techniques for building resilience, such as mindfulness, reframing challenges, identifying and building on your strengths, and developing a sense of meaning and purpose.

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.

When Susan Baum was diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the news landed with unusual force: She had already watched the disease reshape the lives of close family members, narrowing mobility, independence, and daily confidence. 

Instead of accepting her relatives’ fate, Baum pushed deeper into research until she found a promising path forward: red light treatment newly introduced through New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.  

In this conversation, Susan shares how measurable improvements came quickly, why she chose to speak publicly despite being intensely private, and how resilience sometimes means refusing passive acceptance when new approaches and innovations may change the outcome. 

Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.

Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.

Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.