The Social Work Stories Podcast

In this powerful episode, a pediatric social worker shares her profound insights into hope as an active social work intervention. Working with children facing complex health challenges, she explores how hope isn't just a concept, but a practice of connection, advocacy, and presence. Through intimate stories of resilience, she reveals how social workers can cultivate hope even in the most difficult circumstances. Mim and Lis dive deep into the social worker's reflections, unpacking the nuanced ways hope can be understood as both a personal experience and a professional strategy. Their discussion explore the critical role of hope in transforming healthcare experiences and supporting families navigating uncertainty. Mim and Lis also discuss research by Carmel Flaskas, "Holding Hope and Hopelessness: Therapeutic Engagements with the Balance of Hope."   p.s. Don't forget to check out the latest episode of our sister podcast Social Work Discoveries!   p.s.s. We'd love for you to join the conversation on this, so make sure you reach out to us on the socials (see links below), or otherwise by email at socialworkstoriespodcast@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you!   p.s.s.s. Follow our Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/SocialWorkStoriesPodcast   Credits: Hosts - Lis Murphy and Dr. Mim Fox Producers - Dr. Ben Joseph and Justin Stech Social Media Coordinator - Maddison Stratten Music - 'Mama' by Ben Grace (copyright 2018). Find on Spotify, or at www.bengracemusic.com Social Work Stories©️ (20 May, 2025) Contact us online at www.socialworkstories.com, follow our facebook page and LinkedIn, or use the handle @SOWKStoriesPod on twitter or instagram.  

A new graduate social worker shares her journey through a rural Allied Health Graduate Program, detailing both the exciting opportunities and unique challenges of rural practice. She discusses her innovative approach in a case with an isolated older adult, using local resources to promote independence. The conversation dives into the sense of community in rural areas and the importance of asking the right questions and seeking support as a new graduate. Inspiring stories and real-world advice make this discussion invaluable for aspiring social workers.

An Australian social worker shares insights from practicing in Türkiye with urban refugee populations. He discusses the challenges of applying Western social work methods in a non-Western environment, focusing on the importance of cultural humility. Key topics include navigating language barriers, addressing mental health issues sensitively, and empowering refugees to define their own needs. The conversation highlights moving away from a savior mentality to fostering collaborative relationships, emphasizing the richness of shared stories in building supportive communities.

In this insightful discussion, dedicated social workers from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia share their expertise in family law. They highlight the critical importance of centering children's voices in assessments and decision-making processes. By focusing on the child's perspective, parents can better understand their experiences, leading to more effective resolutions. The conversation also emphasizes navigating complex emotional landscapes in parental disputes and the unique challenges social workers face in advocating for the well-being of children caught in high-conflict situations.

A social worker shares a poignant case study about Robin, a mother facing domestic violence while caring for her disabled child. The discussion highlights the vital role of social workers in navigating complex systems and advocating for vulnerable families. They explore the intersectionality of disability and domestic violence, emphasizing the critical need for support. The conversation also delves into the ethics of care in social work practice and the diverse career opportunities available within the National Disability Insurance Scheme, inspiring future social workers.

Explore the depth of discharge planning in hospital social work, discussing the challenges and nuances involved. Learn about the importance of navigating the complexities of discharge planning in healthcare, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and specialized skills required. Acknowledge the significance of a hospital social worker conducting a scope review project, bridging the gap between research and practice. Look forward to future episodes covering diverse topics like family court proceedings and personal narratives from social work.

Explore the challenges faced by a hospital social worker securing aged care placement for the elderly, follow the journey of supporting John with dementia, navigate institutional pressures in hospital social work, and discover the power of covert resistance in social work practice.

Explore how social workers utilize narrative therapy to re-author patient stories in an emergency department setting, challenging pathologizing labels in healthcare. Learn about the importance of person-centered care, addressing systemic issues, and embracing practice-based research through storytelling. Discover the transformative power of narrative therapy in enhancing patient interactions and the significance of seeking feedback for personal growth in social work practice.

Delve into the delicate role of social workers in voluntary assisted dying. Hear a poignant story of guiding an elderly man and his family through the process, emphasizing compassion, autonomy, and family involvement. Reflect on ethical considerations and social work principles, and creating safe spaces for end-of-life care conversations. Explore the value of support communities for social workers and gain insights into eligibility criteria and conversations for voluntary assisted dying. Farewell to Liz Murphy and a call to action for listeners.

This episode explores the challenges faced by a woman seeking an abortion in Australia, including barriers to access and decision-making. The hosts discuss the complexities of late-term pregnancy terminations, abortion procedures and costs, the process of seeking a termination, and the disconnect between social work policy and practice. They emphasize the importance of support, reflection, and encouragement in social work practice.