Support group founders urge grieving men to seek help; CT Paid Leave offers up to 12 weeks' pay

Nancy Barrow, host of The Paid Leave Podcast, spoke with Amos, a licensed therapist and ordained minister who runs the Black Men Grieve Different support group, Derrick Cranford, a community organizer who founded For the Community by the Community, and DJ BiggMann of Hot 93.7 about coping with the deaths of their sons and how bereaved people can use Connecticut Paid Leave to take time away from work.

The episode foregrounded two lines of practical advice: peer support for men who often avoid talking about grief, and using Connecticut Paid Leave to address the financial strain that can prevent people from seeking time away for mental-health treatment or mourning. "Take time for yourself, take time for yourself, take time for yourself," Amos said, urging men to form therapeutic relationships before a crisis so clinicians can document need for leave when required.

Why this matters: guests described strong cultural pressure on men—especially Black men—to hide grief and "stay strong," which can prolong emotional harm and isolation. Derrick Cranford recounted finding his son unresponsive and said his wife and community helped push the group into being; BiggMann described the shock of losing his son PJ and credited friends for keeping him connected while he grieved.

The podcast also explained how benefits work. Barrow noted that Connecticut Paid Leave provides income replacement (she cited "up to 12 weeks") and contrasted that with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which protects job continuation but does not guarantee pay. "Most people don't know that," Amos said of the paid-leave benefit; Cranford said he would have used the program if he had known about it at the time of his loss.

Guests described the support group’s structure and reach: meetings are held every other Wednesday and are available both in person and virtually; attendees often come quietly at first and gradually open up, creating informal buddy systems that extend support between meetings. BiggMann encouraged men to "come let it out with us," adding the group aims to be judgment-free and to help members build connections that last beyond a single session.

The episode included practical suggestions for accessing care. Amos recommended establishing a therapeutic relationship in advance so a clinician can assess needs and supply documentation for leave. Barrow directed listeners applying for benefits to ctpaidleave.org; Amos offered referral help and stated his website as "L Y S counseling.com," and BiggMann shared his Instagram handle for people seeking meeting details.

The conversation closed with an emphasis on community and memory. Panelists urged listeners not to isolate, to name lost loved ones as a way of keeping memories alive, and to use available programs to lessen financial obstacles to seeking help.

The podcast did not record any formal actions or votes. For more information or to apply for Connecticut Paid Leave, the host directed listeners to ctpaidleave.org.