Ask Adam: Straight Up Social Work is a straight-talking podcast answering real questions about social work - the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. Honest insights, and practical reflections that get to the point.
Care‑experienced young people are dying far too young and the latest national review makes it clear: this is a national emergency. In this episode, Adam breaks down the stark findings, from deaths in adult prisons to young women grieving child removal, trans young people lost to suicide, asylum‑seeking young people, murders, and unmanaged medical conditions.
We dig into the review’s three big themes: being alone, the dangerous drop in support at 18, and a stretched workforce struggling to help young people transition safely into adulthood.
This episode ends with a clear call to action: better opportunities, ring‑fenced jobs, apprenticeships that lift, and health services that finally prioritise care‑experienced young people.Our young people deserve better and it’s on all of us to make it happen.
8 Aug 2026
Ep 8. Wellbeing and Tools to Survive
In this episode of Ask Adam: Straight Up Social Work, I’m sharing the real story of how I learned to survive the job. The tools and techniques that actually work, the ways I’ve learned to look after myself, and the honest lessons from navigating the chaos that social work throws at you. It’s part wellbeing, part survival guide, all rooted in my own journey through the tough bits and the light‑bulb moments. If you’re trying to stay grounded, stay human, and stay standing, this one’s for you.Follow me on Tiktok on: @AskAdam187
Music: #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/trinity/no-rules-tonight
License code: GPJDVNCLORSJGFAL
11 May 2026
Ep. 7 Economic Abuse and the Impact It Has on Families
In this episode, we’re digging into economic abuse, what it looks like, how it shows up in families, and why it’s so often missed. From controlling bank accounts to sabotaging work and trapping someone in debt, we break down the patterns that limit choice, independence, and safety. If you work with families where domestic abuse is a feature, this is essential listening for spotting the signs and strengthening your practice.
Links: https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/
Research: https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/news/every-three-weeks/
Source of Information: Eleni Kazagli
Music: #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/trinity/no-rules-tonight
License code: GPJDVNCLORSJGFAL
27 Apr 2026
Ep.6 Protecting and Keeping Yourself Safe Online as a Social Work
The internet can be a wild place, especially when you’re a social worker. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to keep yourself safe online with simple steps, real‑world examples, and a few laughs along the way. We’re talking privacy settings, boundaries, digital footprints, and more, with extra guidance from
Reference: MasteringSocialWork.co.uk.
13 Apr 2026
Surviving the first month in your newly qualified social work role
This is the second sponsored episode by Leicestershire County Council.
The first month as a newly qualified social worker is… a lot. This episode breaks down how to survive it with your sanity (and sense of humour) intact. We talk finding your people, backing each other up, staying prepared, riding out the training tsunami, fuelling yourself (yes, cake is mentioned more than once), holding your boundaries, and finally accepting that the to‑do list is infinite. You’ve got this.
Find out more about working for Leicestershire County Council here:
https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/working-for-the-council/working-in-children-and-family-services
31 Mar 2026
Applying, Preparing and Interviewing for your first Social Work post
This episode is sponsored by Leicestershire County Council
Landing your first social work job doesn’t need to feeloverwhelming. In this episode, I break down how to nail your application, prep with purpose, and walk into your interview ready to show them exactly what you bring. Straight‑up, practical tips to help you get the job and get started.
For all Social Work jobs in Leicestershire
https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/working-for-the-council/working-in-children-and-family-services (https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/working-for-the-council/working-in-children-and-family-services)
Current ASYE Role:
https://eism.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/lcc/job/7345/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share (https://eism.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/lcc/job/7345/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share)
Or email: CFSrecruitment@leics.gov.uk
Music: #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/trinity/no-rules-tonight
License code: GPJDVNCLORSJGFAL
16 Mar 2026
Ep.3 Language That Cares and Helps Us Ally With The Protective Parent
In this episode, we dig into the power of everyday language to shift Domestic Abuse practice. How do we speak in ways that honour the protective parent, reduce shame, and build genuine partnership. We break down simple, practical phrasing that avoids parents feeling traumatised, strengthens safety planning, and helps us show up as allies.
9 Mar 2026
Ep.2 The Important Roles Mum's Play in Offering Protection in Domestic Abuse
In this episode, we get straight to the heart of something every child‑protection practitioner sees but isn’t always named out loud: the powerful, often invisible ways mums work to keep their children safe in the midst of domestic abuse.
How we have got to recognise the strengths within survivors and how we have to identify what safety they are already putting in place, to reduce the risk from the perpetrator.
This episode is aimed at Children's Social Workers, Police and Domestic Abuse advocates and services, with practical advice on how to engage Mum's best.
Links:
Safe and Together Institute
Music: #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/trinity/no-rules-tonight
License code: GPJDVNCLORSJGFAL
2 Mar 2026
Ep.1 The Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy
My first episode dives into the often‑hidden truths of violence faced by women and girls. We look at the statistics and data which led to the change, that we have a collective responsibility to do better and the urgent need for change in all services working with children and families.
Hear a break down some of the key elements of the strategy and what it means for practice.
Links: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/freedom-from-violence-and-abuse-a-cross-government-strategy
Links: https://enough.campaign.gov.uk/
Music: #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/trinity/no-rules-tonight
License code: GPJDVNCLORSJGFAL
21 Feb 2026
Introduction to Ask Adam: Straight Up Social Work
Ask Adam: Straight Up Social Work is all about short, bite‑sized learning for children's Social Workers. Quick hits of clarity, confidence and straight‑talk you can actually use on the frontline. I will take a question each week and find ways to support you in practice/
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