Dr. ER speaks with Brad Forenza, reflecting on his transition from clinical social work to macro practice, discussing specific policy issues, the importance of interdisciplinary analysis, and the connection between public employee pension benefits and social welfare. They highlight the significance of collaboration, advocacy efforts during COVID-19, and the impact of policy changes on clinical work.

Dr. ER speaks with Nicole George, a Metro Louisville Councilwoman, about her journey from child welfare to politics, the challenges and rewards of policy analysis, and the importance of social work students pursuing elected office.

Attica Scott, a Kentucky State Representative, discusses policy analysis and practice at a state level. She talks about transitioning from local to state politics, challenges of navigating hyper partisanship, and provides valuable advice for social work students. She highlights the significance of passing the Maternal Care Act to address institutional racism in healthcare.

Dr. ER interviews Sanguen Isabel Lee, discussing the intersection of micro and macro social work, challenges faced by immigrants in the US, impact of racial remarks on Asians during COVID-19, and the importance of the census and pursuing social justice.

Stephanie Lee, an expert in policy analysis, discusses the impact of policy on practice in Washington State, the importance of cost-benefit analysis in evaluating social interventions, the long-term impact of interventions on substance use disorder, presenting complex policy analysis information, and the importance of data gathering and outcome measurement in policy research.

Dr. ER speaks with policy analysis expert Chloe McKenzie. They discuss wealth justice, intersectionality, transforming education for girls of color, implications of intersectionality in state and federal policy, and the power of language and advocacy in closing the wealth gap.

Dr. ER speaks with Larry Owens, exploring the relationship between social problems and public policies. They discuss bridging the gap between policy and practice in social work, starting with small actions in activism and learning from international policies. They also highlight strategies for navigating diverse viewpoints in policy advocacy and the power of client advocacy and local perspectives. Dr. Owens emphasizes the need for strong leaders in social work and taking a long-term view in policy work.

Dr. ER speaks with Jessica Ullrich, a guest on this episode. They explore challenges and collaborative efforts in indigenous child welfare, examine the impact of policies on systemic oppression and trauma, discuss policy issues impacting indigenous communities in Alaska, share strategies and examples of policy advocacy, and provide parting words for advanced DSW students.

Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff speaks with Vestena Robbins about the importance of evidence-based policy, the challenge of aligning stakeholders in policy analysis, and the different evaluation approaches in policy analysis. They also discuss concerns about school resource officers and recent policy changes requiring them to carry firearms.