Podcast · Tech & Science

NASW Social Work Talks

by National Association of Social Workers (NASW) · English · Tech & Science

NASW Social Work Talks informs, educates and inspires through conversations with experts and exploring issues that social work professionals care about. Brought to you by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest: 30 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

30 Sep 2026 · 35 min

EP 149 - Healing the Helpers

Many social workers and other helping professionals dedicate their careers to supporting others while carrying unresolved childhood trauma of their own. In this episode of Social Work Talks , NASW member Elisabeth Joy LaMotte, LICSW, speaks with social work educator and author Adam McCormick about his brand new NASW Press book, Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood Trauma . McCormick examines how adverse childhood experiences can shape professional practice, workplace relationships, self-perception, and overall well-being. He discusses the ways unresolved…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E148 · 21 Aug 2026 · 52 min
EP 148 - The Movement to Build Social Work Political Power
What does it take for social workers to build political power and have a seat at the table where decisions are made? In this episode of the NASW-NY Power of Social Work Podcast , our guest Brian Romero, MSW, shares with co-hosts Gideon Mosse and Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), NASW-NYS, insights on political engagement, advocacy, and the growing movement to strengthen social work's voice in public policy. Hear advice for emerging macro social work and social justice leaders and learn how NASW-NY PACE advances the profession through political action. Listen now and discover how to build a…
E147 · 3 Aug 2026 · 29 min
EP 147 - Understanding Gambling Disorder and How Social Workers Can Help
As sports betting, online gambling, and prediction market apps continue to grow, so does the risk of increased gambling addiction. In this episode of Social Work Talks, experts from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and its Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling discuss the warning signs of problem gambling, what drives gambling behavior, and how social workers can help through awareness, screening, and evidence-based treatment. Hosted by NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health Makeba Royall Guests: Paul Sacco, Ph.D., MSW, Professor at University of Maryland…
E146 · 15 Jul 2026 · 21 min
EP 146 - Anime and Adolescent Wellness: Using Modern Media to Build Rapport and Assess Sexual Risk
Anime is often viewed as harmless entertainment, but some content can include explicit sexual themes that influence adolescent development and mental health. In this episode, we explore with our guest Jermaine Wall, LCSW-S, owner of Crescent Counseling why social workers and mental health professionals should consider digital media use as part of assessment and treatment planning. Listen now and join the conversation wherever your normally listen to podcasts, or on our website: https://www.socialworkers.org/news/nasw-social-work-talks-podcast We also discuss the complex intersection of…
E145 · 5 Jun 2026 · 53 min
EP 145 - Destigmatizing and Advocating for Communities Affected by Mental Illness
Social Work Talks sits down with NAMI New York State to discuss the growing need for stronger mental health advocacy, policy reform, and collaboration between social workers and individuals with lived experience. This episode explores efforts to address insurance prior authorizations, mental health care access, and the movement to recognize mental health as a constitutional right in New York State. Tune in for an important conversation on reducing stigma, advancing mental health equity, and strengthening support for communities statewide.
E144 · 29 May 2026 · 44 min
EP 144 - End False Confessions Amongst Youth
Representatives from the #Right2RemainSilent: Children's Early Access to Counsel campaign join Social Work Talks to discuss groundbreaking youth justice legislation aimed at protecting young people during police interrogations. The coalition, made up of more than 150 organizations across New York State, is advocating for passage of the Youth Interrogation Bill, which would require that anyone under the age of 18 consult with an attorney before waiving their constitutional right to remain silent during law enforcement questioning. Leading the discussion is José Perez, Program Strategist at…
E143 · 12 May 2026 · 22 min
EP 143 - What Social Workers Need to Know About the Supreme Court's Decision in Chiles v. Salazar
In this episode of Social Work Talks, we break down the Supreme Court's ruling on conversion therapy bans, free speech, and the growing debate around "talk therapy." Our host NASW Member and Social Worker Lorrie Appleton sits down with our guest NASW Deputy General Counsel Ashlee Fox, JD, MSW, who leads the National Association of Social Workers Legal Defense Fund. Learn why many experts believe this case could have far-reaching implications for professional standards, evidence-based practice, and the future of mental health care. Tune in for this important conversation every social worker…
E142 · 14 Apr 2026 · 49 min
EP 142 - Beyond Burnout: Understanding Moral Injury
In this episode of Social Work Talks, we discuss Moral Injury and how it manifests in social work with Pari Thibodeau, PhD, LCSW. Pari is a licensed clinical social worker providing therapeutic interventions for adults coping with trauma at the Stress, Trauma, Adversity Research & Treatment Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Pari is also a doctorate-level social work researcher in the space of workforce well-being, with a special focus on the well-being and mental health of behavioral health providers. Pari examines the concept of moral injury as a metric of well-being.…
E141 · 7 Apr 2026 · 41 min
EP 141 - When a Therapist's Diagnosis is Not a Secret
In this powerful episode of Social Work Talks, host Elisabeth Joy LaMotte chats with psychotherapist, speaker, and author Rebecca Alexander for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Diagnosed in adolescence with retinitis pigmentosa—and later with Usher Syndrome, the leading genetic cause of combined blindness and deafness—Rebecca was told at a young age she would lose both her sight and hearing. Now in her 40s, living with limited vision and total deafness without cochlear implants, she continues to navigate life with remarkable resilience and purpose. Rebecca shares how her…
E140 · 31 Mar 2026 · 24 min
EP 140 - A Journey To Becoming a Social Worker and Social Justice Leader
In the debut episode of the Power of Social Work Podcast , and as part of Social Work Talks Careers in Social Work Series, the NASW New York Chapter sits down with German Sanchez, MA, LCSW, RDT , Board President, alongside Policy Coordinators Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), M.S. and Gideon Mosse . German shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to becoming a behavioral health officer and clinical supervisor, highlighting how personal experiences shaped his path into social work. The conversation dives into the realities of earning an LCSW, navigating burnout, and…
E139 · 17 Mar 2026 · 24 min
EP 139 - What Every Social Worker Must Know About Motherhood, Stress, Alcohol Use and Practical Ways to Help
Kelley Kitley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience. In this episode Kelley discusses, What Every Social Worker Must Know About Motherhood, Stress, Alcohol Use and Practical Ways to Help. She and our host, Makeeba Royal, NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health, chat about the significance of viewing alcohol consumption and use from a different lens -- and the value of a holistic approach to care and therapy.
E138 · 10 Mar 2026 · 36 min
EP 138 - Social Workers, Investment Funds & Evictions
Joslyn Berndt founded the innovative CARES program in collaboration with the University of Texas Steve Hicks School of Social Work in 2017. In this new episode of Social Work Talks, we sit down with her to discuss the program, which houses social workers in an investment business and empowers them to foster productive and personalized landlord-resident communication, especially in times of crisis.
2 Mar 2026 · 32 min
EP 137 - Trauma, Veterans, and Healing: How SHEEPDOG and Social Work Tell the Real Story
In this powerful episode of Social Work Talks, filmmaker and actor Steven Grayhm discusses his film SHEEPDOG , now streaming online. Grayhm directed, produced, and starred in the film, which explores the mental health challenges facing veterans and the importance of connection, care, and community. During the conversation recorded when the film was still in theaters, he highlights a staggering reality: nearly 5 million veterans in the United States have not accessed available VA care. Enter NASW Member Dr. Tara Consolino, DSW, LMSW, who heads Darkling Psychotherapeutic Services, PLLC, and…
5 Feb 2026 · 49 min
EP 136 - The Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable and Marginalized Americans
In this episode of Social Work Talks , moderator Mel Wilson is joined by Nina Schlegel and Daniel Faber both of the Global Center for Climate Justice to discuss how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalized communities across the United States. The conversation explores the impact of climate change denialism, voter disenfranchisement, and environmental injustice on communities of color, including Native American communities, as well as rural and inner-city populations—and why climate justice is a critical social work issue.
16 Dec 2025 · 32 min
EP 135 - Dying My Way: Living with Dignity When Facing Serious Illness and Death
In this powerful episode we chat with , palliative care social worker Dr. Arden O'Donnell, PhD, MPH, LICSW, APHSW-C about what it means to live—and die—according to our values. Dr. O'Donnell shares insights from over a decade of work supporting patients and families facing serious illness. The conversation examines the vital role of palliative care social workers in helping people navigate complex medical decisions, communicate their wishes, and maintain dignity at the end of life. Through real-world experience and reflection, Dr. O'Donnell discusses why early, honest conversations matter…
5 Dec 2025 · 25 min
EP 134 - Strengthening Community: Social Workers at the YMCA
Join the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the YMCA for an inspiring conversation about the vital role social workers play in strengthening communities. We explore how the YMCA's mission aligns with the social work profession to promote well-being, mental health, and youth development. Hear stories from the field, learn about innovative programs, and discover the many ways social workers are making an impact at the Y. Our host, April Ferguson, NASW's Senior Practice Associate for Children and Adolescents, chats with our featured guests, Anna Stindt, MSW, APSW – Mental Health…
1 Dec 2025 · 36 min
EP 133 - AI and Social Work
When Artificial Intelligence enters social work conversations, we often rush to warn colleagues about the potential harm it could cause—almost as if we're trying to protect the profession from an existential threat. This podcast, featuring Dr. Lauri Goldkind, Professor at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services, invites us to face the reality that technology and social work must work together—leveraging strengths, reducing harm, and staying open to new possibilities. There's no going back. So, what will the…
4 Nov 2025 · 22 min
EP 132 - Building a Macro Social Work Career
The NASW's Social Work Talks Podcast is embarking on a NEW occasional series on careers within the Social Work Profession! In our inaugural episode we chat with NASW Maryland Executive Director Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW. Proctor shares her journey into macro social work and the impact of her chapter's advocacy. Under her leadership, the NASW–Maryland chapter, is one of the fastest growing for social work students and draws social workers in the micro, mezzo, macro, and international fields. We discussed why she chose macro social work and how her chapter advanced two major laws signed by…
17 Oct 2025 · 29 min
EP 131 - Menopause and Mental Health
NASW Social Work Talks podcast episode 131 - Menopause and Mental Health with Lauren Tetenbaum LICSW, Author of the book, Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period
4 Aug 2025 · 28 min
EP 130: The First Gen Madrina: Bridging Professional Growth Emotional Wellness & Financial Empowerment
The First Gen Madrina: Bridging Professional Growth Emotional Wellness & Financial Empowerment | With Sara Diaz, LCSW, Founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC and Podcast Sara Diaz, LCSW, founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC, joins us to explore the unique experiences of first-generation students and professionals. In this episode, Sara discusses the intersection of financial empowerment, mental wellness, and professional development—particularly for first-generation communities. Sara also leads The Madrina Network, https://thefirstgenmadrina.com/ , an online coaching and community space…
E129 · 29 May 2025 · 19 min
EP 129: Navigating the Now: Self Care for Social Workers
In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, we will delve into the intersection of mental health awareness and social work practice, providing insights into self-care strategies in today's challenging climate. Nick Szubiak, LCSW is the Founder of NSI Strategies, an organization that provides support to integrated healthcare environments.
E128 · 2 Apr 2025 · 38 min
EP 128: Cannabis Use in Pregnancy
In this episode of Social Work Talks, we discuss cannabis use and the impact it has on pregnancy and help social workers bring awareness to women who are pregnant and using cannabis. Joining us today is Dr. Roger Zoorob, the Richard M. Kleberg, senior Professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. And we have Dr. Mary Velasquez, Centennial Professor and Leadership for Community Professional and Corporate Excellence, and Director of the Health Behavior Research and Training Institute at the University of Texas at Austin,…
E127 · 27 Feb 2025 · 33 min
EP 127: Understanding Traumatic Grief
Grief and trauma are universal experiences and, as social workers, we know these issues will show up in our work, no matter our practice area. Grief is an inevitable part of life—but trauma can make the grieving process much more complex. That's where the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing comes in. With decades of experience, they provide critical support to individuals and communities navigating the intersection of grief and trauma. Since 1975, the Wendt Center has been a lifeline for people in the Greater Washington area, helping them rebuild a sense of safety and hope after loss, illness,…
E126 · 30 Jan 2025 · 45 min
EP 126: Established and Emerging Practices in Public Defender Social Work
In NASW's latest episode of Social Work Talks, sponsored by Illinois Department of DCFS, we converse with the Maryland Office of Public Defenders about their Office of Reentry Services. With the help of social workers on staff, it focuses on helping incarcerated individuals re-enter society—and provides them with resources so they can get a fresh start in becoming productive members of their communities. This is thanks to the help of the Second Chance Act. Tune in, learn, and share.
E125 · 17 Dec 2024 · 23 min
EP 125: Forever Family for Children in Foster Care
For more than 30 years, Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children, providing leadership for local, state and national efforts working to improve the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Leading the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national, nonprofit public charity, since 2001 and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada since 2004, Ms. Soronen works to find forever families for the more than 140,000 waiting children in North America's foster care systems.
E124 · 12 Dec 2024 · 43 min
EP 124: Fractured Families: When to Stay and When to Go
Imagine this scene. You are sitting in your office when a call comes in. A man and his wife are on the line. The wife says she was given your name from someone who thought you could help. Their adult children have not spoken to them for 10 months. They have pleaded, cajoled, and apologized for all past transgressions hoping they can make amends and, yet no amount of remorse can stop the pain of being disconnected. The husband says, "We miss our children. We miss our grandchildren. What can we do?" This scenario is an example of an emotional cut-off. Family disengagement and emotional…
E123 · 1 Nov 2024 · 48 min
EP 123: Mass Deportation: Unjust and Harmful to the Nation
Wendy Cervantes is the Director of Immigration and Immigrant Families at the Center for Law and Social Policy. In this episode, she and Mel Wilson, NASW's Senior Policy Advisor focusing on social justice issues, discuss what mass deportation would look like under a potential Trump Administration and why such policies are harmful to children and families.
E122 · 22 Oct 2024 · 41 min
EP 122: Something's Really Wrong Here: What Social Workers Should Know About Families with Adult Children With Mental Illness
Dr. Judith R. Smith, LCSW is author of the new book, Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change. We chat with her about her research and the impact of having a "difficult adult child" on aging mothers and explore how social workers can best support these parents in navigating both the emotional and practical challenges they face.
E121 · 7 Oct 2024 · 44 min
Ep 121: Voting Information Day with Vot-ER
Vote ER and NASW on mobilizing for the extremely important 2024 presidential and down ballot elections. It goes without saying that the upcoming election is one of the most important elections in terms of preserving America's democracy since the Civil War. Hopefully, this podcast will be able to share some important information about what is at stake for social workers, and more importantly, what is at stake for the individuals and families that you serve.
E120 · 24 Sep 2024 · 39 min
Ep 120: Getting Real with Relationship Expert & Author Terry Real
In our latest podcast we chat with Relationship Expert, Author and Social Worker Terry Real! An internationally recognized family therapist and best-selling author, Real is dedicated to helping couples build lasting, loving relationships. With a revolutionary approach known as Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Terry equips individuals and couples with the skills needed for deeper intimacy and authentic connections, transforming both their personal lives and their relationships with others.

About NASW Social Work Talks

NASW Social Work Talks is a English tech & science podcast from National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest episode: 30 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1353839801

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