The Social Work Podcast

Episode 149: In today’s episode of the Social Work Podcast, I spoke with Jennifer Luna, Michelle Woods, and Cindy Snell - co-authors of the NASW Press book The Social Work Career Guidebook: How to Land Your Ideal Job and Build a Legacy. We spoke about the arc of the social work career. Jennifer shared tips for getting a job. Then Michelle talked about how to prepare for and negotiate after getting a job offer. And Cindy told stories about once you’ve been in a job for a while how to find a new job or change your focus, say from micro to macro social work. We ended with Jennifer talking about branding in social work. You can read a transcript of today's interview at https://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/12/career.html. You can connect with other social workers at the Social Work Podcast Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/swpodcast, or follow the Bluesky feed at https://jbsinger.bsky.social.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Terry Northcutt, a leading expert in psychodynamic clinical practice, explores how our early experiences shape lasting relational templates. She highlights the epigenetic principle, revealing how childhood interactions influence adult relationships. Dr. Northcutt emphasizes a strength-based approach and discusses the roles of attachment and trauma, linking suppressed emotions to mental health. Insightful and thought-provoking, she integrates concepts from various psychodynamic theorists to enhance clinical practice, making complex ideas accessible.

James Marley, Ph.D., an associate professor at Loyola University Chicago specializing in neurobiology, shares his insights from over 40 years in social work. He discusses how trauma imprints on the brain and explains neuroplasticity as a beacon of hope for clients feeling stuck. Marley emphasizes the importance of being informed consumers of neuroscience, especially regarding medication and side effects. By understanding brain structures and neurotransmitters, social workers can handle client conversations with confidence and compassion, enhancing mental health support.

Episode 146: In today’s episode of the Social Work Podcast I talk with NASW CEO, Dr. Anthony Estreet, about what he sees as some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of social work. These include the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the urgent need for social workers to organize and advocate, the Social Work Interstate Compact, and NASW's renewed vision for the organization. You can read a transcript of today's interview at https://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/2025/07/Estreet2025.html. You can connect with other social workers at the Social Work Podcast Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/swpodcast, or follow the Bluesky feed at https://jbsinger.bsky.social.

In this conversation, Dr. Bruce Thyer, a Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean at Florida State University, delves into the world of experimental research design in social work. He reassures practitioners that feeling intimidated by experiments is common. Dr. Thyer shares practical tools like the CONSORT-SPI checklist and stresses the importance of appraising research critically. He also discusses ethical dilemmas in intervention design, the distinction between true and quasi-experiments, and the often-unrecognized value of precise research in shaping effective social work practices.

Dr. Bruce Thyer, a Distinguished Research Professor and former Dean at Florida State University, dives into the world of experimental research designs in social work. He discusses the evolution of these designs, from basic surveys to complex analyses, stressing their ethical importance. Thyer highlights practical applications through real-world examples, such as a dental healthcare study. He also emphasizes the critical role of random assignment and the need for rigorous evaluation of psychosocial interventions, aiming to empower social workers in their practice.

Dr. Bruce Thyer, a distinguished research professor and former dean at Florida State University's College of Social Work, discusses the vital role of single system design (SSD) in evaluating social work interventions. He shares real-world applications of SSD, such as its effectiveness in weight loss and group home settings. The conversation dives into the nuances of various design methodologies like AB and ABC, addressing concerns about generalizability, and emphasizes the ethical imperative for social workers to rigorously assess their practices.

In this insightful discussion, Anna S. Mueller, a sociologist and associate professor at Indiana University, delves into the chilling social roots of youth suicide. She explores how rigid cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and misleading social connectedness contribute to suicide clusters in communities like Poplar Grove. Anna highlights the critical role school social workers play in combating these issues and urges a shift towards combining clinical therapy with community engagement. Her recommendations for schools offer practical steps to prevent youth suicide effectively.

Episode 141: In today's episode I speak with Jessi Gold, MD about her 2024 book, How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine, a powerful, honest, and often funny exploration of mental health and well-being, both in and outside of healthcare. Today's conversation covers the importance of vulnerability and storytelling in addressing mental health stigma; practical tips for healthcare providers to prioritize their own mental well-being; and wow societal expectations around medicine influence mental health discourse. You can read a transcript of today's interview at https://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/2024/12/JessiGold.html. You can connect with other social workers at the Social Work Podcast Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/swpodcast, or follow the Bluesky feed at https://jbsinger.bsky.social.

Episode 140: In today's episode I talk with David Lay Williams, Professor of Political Science at DePaul University about his 2024 book, The Greatest of All Plagues: How Economic Inequality Shaped Political Thought from Plato to Marx. Today's conversation will provide you with a deeper understanding of the historical roots of economic inequality, insights into the ethical, social, and political implications of economic disparities, exposure to various philosophical arguments and proposed solutions related to inequality, and a framework for connecting historical thought to contemporary discussions on wealth, poverty, and social justice. You can read a transcript of today's interview at https://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/2024/11/economic-inequality.html. You can connect with other social workers at the Social Work Podcast Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/swpodcast, or follow the Bluesky feed at https://jbsinger.bsky.social.