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/

Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code GRATITUDE and depending on the model, you’ll receive UP TO 39% off or UP TO $300 off! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! 

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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 – 09:10 | Acknowledging the “debt of gratitude” to family, friends, and mentors behind every achievement.

09:10 – 10:09 | Purpose of the book: guide younger women through adversity, heartbreak, and a fulfilling life.

10:09 – 11:42 | Historical landscape of abortion rights; personal journey from Catholicism to outspoken pro‑choice advocacy.

11:42 – 12:19 | Encouragement that women can survive divorce and custody battles while keeping sanity and happiness.

12:19 – 14:33 | The “Mafia love” case: Dr. Roberts’ testimony that a mob boss was too ill for trial and the ensuing legal saga.

14:33 – 15:46 | Reflection on the Hippocratic Oath – “do no harm” and putting every patient first, regardless of status.

15:46 – 17:54 | Medical details of Mr. Patriarca’s condition and courtroom challenges to Dr. Roberts’ expert opinion.

17:54 – 18:56 | Media attention, the “Who is the Real Dr. Roberts?” article, and the spark for writing her memoir.

18:56 – 20:26 | How the title Dr. Broad originated from a nickname given by a former boyfriend’s mob connections (plus a brief ad).

20:42 – 21:14 | Returning to gratitude: humor, perspective, and the power of a light‑hearted outlook.

21:14 – 22:58 | What today’s young women can be grateful for: easier entry into professions, more female leaders, but the need for continued vigilance.

22:58 – 24:08 | Positive‑twist mindset: recognize problems, act to fix them, and stay active in social change.

24:08 – 25:04 | Climate‑change urgency; personal example of installing solar panels to cut bills and carbon footprint.

25:04 – 25:44 | Small individual actions add up to big collective impact.

25:44 – 27:18 | First intense feeling of gratitude: receiving the acceptance letter to medical school (class of 1968).

27:18 – 28:47 | Key influences: Dr. Bernard Lown (cardiology pioneer and Nobel‑Peace‑Prize activist) and his lesson on listening.

28:47 – 30:01 | Parents as civil‑rights activists; early exposure to social justice and the Catholic‑worker movement.

30:01 – 31:11 | Choosing medicine over priesthood; family legacy of moral strength.

31:11 – 32:12 | Personal practice for staying grateful: put problems in cosmic perspective

32:12 – 33:28 | Viewing issues through the “bigger picture” reduces stress and boosts gratitude.

33:28 – 34:56 | Science of positivity: grateful/optimistic people live longer; depression raises cardiac risk.

34:56 – 36:20 | physiological benefits; Dr. Roberts used humor to lift patients’ spirits.

36:20 – 38:04 | Patient gratitude: giving voice to those who may never thank her directly.

38:04 – 39:04 | Where to find the book (The Doctor Brought: A Mafia Love Story) and the author’s website.