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Gratitude, Grit, and a Mafia Love Story - Dr. Barbara Roberts (ep. 957)
In today’s special episode we sit down with a true trailblazer: Dr. Barbara Roberts, the first female adult cardiologist in Rhode Island and author of the riveting memoir The Dr. Broad: A Mafia Love Story.
From the moment she stepped into a 1960s medical school class where women made up less than 10 % of the cohort, Dr. Roberts has been breaking barriers. She became the second woman ever accepted into her internship, the first female cardiology fellow, and a vocal pro‑choice activist long before Roe v. Wade. Her career has spanned everything from anti‑Vietnam‑War protests to testifying in court for a notorious New England mafia boss whose life she saved, all while navigating a hostile, male‑dominated medical world.
In this conversation we explore:
- Gratitude as a guiding virtue – how a quote from Cicero shaped her outlook and why she believes gratitude is the “parent of all virtues.”
- The power of a supportive community – the family, mentors, and friends who gave her the courage to keep moving forward.
- Lessons from adversity – surviving gender bias, political backlash, and personal heartbreak while staying true to her values.
- Why today’s young women have more doors open, yet must stay vigilant – a look at the progress made and the threats that still loom.
- A glimpse into her memoir – the wild tale of treating a mafia boss, the love story that inspired the title, and the humor she uses to keep a light heart amid serious work.
Whether you’re a budding physician, an activist, or simply someone looking for a dose of resilience, Dr. Roberts’ story reminds us that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategic tool for thriving against the odds.
Stay tuned, hit that follow button, and get ready to be inspired by a woman who turned gratitude into a lifelong mission. 🎧✨
Resources:
Dr. Barbara's website: https://thedoctorbroad.com/
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Stay in touch on social:
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegratitudepodcast/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GeorgianBenta
Facebook: http://facebook.com/TheGratitudePodcast/
What's your #1 takeaway from this interview? Would love to hear from you in the comments section on Spotify & Youtube!
Timestamps:
01:00 – 02:15 | Meet Dr. Barbara Roberts – first female adult cardiologist in RI, her memoir The Doctor Brought: A Mafia Love Story.
02:47 – 03:03 | Welcome and thanks for the interview.
03:03 – 04:01 | Defining gratitude – Cicero’s quote that it is “the parent of all virtues.”
04:01 – 04:34 | Family background: oldest of ten, huge Catholic extended family.
04:34 – 05:26 | Gratitude for children, grandson Little Johnny, and a successful medical career.
05:26 – 06:16 | Overcoming 1960s medical‑school quotas; trail‑blazing as the first woman in several cardiology milestones.
06:16 – 07:24 | Early activism: pro‑choice work before Roe v. Wade and anti‑Vietnam‑War demonstrations.
07:24 – 08:08 | Facing fear with determination, goal‑setting, health and a strong support network.
08:08
Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago