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! 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 – 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.
