About Just A Social Worker; Celebrating Social Workers.
Just a Social Worker is a podcast for social workers. Discussion will occur around hot topics impacting social workers, the social work field, ways we show up as social workers, and even treatment modalities social workers use to help our clients and others.
Episode 14 : Thoughts on Chiles vs. Salazar and its impact on social workers.
In this episode, social worker Laurie Eldred discusses a recent US Supreme Court case impacting social workers and therapists. The conversation covers the role of social workers, understanding conversion therapy, professional stances, legal implications, and ethical considerations. Key takeaways include the non-evidence-based nature of conversion therapy and the firm stance of professional organizations against it, especially when involving minors.
Takeaways
Conversion therapy is not an evidence-based form of treatment
Professional organizations have taken a firm stance against conversion therapy involving minors
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Case Overview
06:09 Understanding Conversion Therapy and Its Impact
12:00 Ethical Considerations and Conclusion
12 May 2026
Episode 13: Ethical Work and the Immigrant Community with Jenny Bishop Holly DeVivo
The podcast episode features a discussion on immigration advocacy, ethical considerations in social work, and the complexity of the immigration process. The guests share their personal experiences, challenges, and the importance of understanding the role of social workers in immigration advocacy. They also highlight the need for ethical and professional conduct in immigration evaluations and the impact of immigration policies on individuals. The conversation delves into the role of social workers in advocating for and supporting immigrant communities. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, consultation, and the corrupt nature of the immigration system. Additionally, it explores the exploitative functions of capitalism and the need for educational initiatives and community support in addressing immigration issues.
Takeaways
Immigration Advocacy
Ethical Considerations in Social Work
Complexity of Immigration Process Advocacy and support for immigrant communities
The role of social workers in immigration advocacy
Resources (because we all like a good resource)
NASW MI Immigration Article Series
https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/708846/Immigration-in-SW-Series-Are-we-truly-providing-culturally-competent-care.htm (https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/708846/Immigration-in-SW-Series-Are-we-truly-providing-culturally-competent-care.htm)
https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/704583/Immigration-in-SW-Series-The-Intersection-of-Immigration-Status-Human-Rights-Advocacy--SW-Ethics.htm (https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/704583/Immigration-in-SW-Series-The-Intersection-of-Immigration-Status-Human-Rights-Advocacy--SW-Ethics.htm)
https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/721916/We-Are-Living-Through-This--And-Social-Workers-Cannot-Look-Away.htm (https://www.nasw-michigan.org/news/721916/We-Are-Living-Through-This--And-Social-Workers-Cannot-Look-Away.htm)
NASW MI Community Calendar:
https://www.nasw-michigan.org/events/event_list.asp (https://www.nasw-michigan.org/events/event_list.asp)
ACLU MI: https://www.aclumich.org/ (https://www.aclumich.org/)
Lighthouse Immigration Advocates: https://lia-michigan.org/ (https://lia-michigan.org/)
MI Immigration Rights: https://michiganimmigrant.org/ (https://michiganimmigrant.org/)
Contact Jenny Bishop or Holly DeVivo. https://www.elevatedtherapeuticservicesllc.com/ (https://www.elevatedtherapeuticservicesllc.com/)
Just A Social Worker Podcast/Laurie Eldred on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justasocialworkerpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/justasocialworkerpodcast)
https://www.instagram.com/laurieeldred_lmsw_caadc (https://www.instagram.com/laurieeldred_lmsw_caadc/)
You can support me here: buymeacoffee.com/justasocialworker (http://buymeacoffee.com/justasocialworker)
29 Apr 2026
Episode 12: Chatting with Val Laster on current social work issues.
The conversation covers the diverse applications of social work, including the transition to Core Well Health, parallel career paths, and the challenges in accessing healthcare. It also delves into the hot topics in social work, such as somatic work and the mind-body connection, as well as the modalities of healing used in practice. The conversation covers the emergence of somatic and movement therapy as effective approaches in therapy, the empowerment and collaborative dynamics in therapy, and the impact of AI on social work and the need for ethical guidelines and policies around its use.
Takeaways
Diverse Applications of Social Work
Somatic Work and Mind-Body Connection Somatic therapy and movement therapy are emerging as effective approaches in the field of therapy.
The impact of AI on social work and the need for ethical guidelines and policies around its use.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Social Work
06:31 Expansive Scope of Social Work
13:44 Hot Topics in Social Work
19:10 Empowerment in Therapy and Collaborative Dynamics
Connect with Val: valerie.laster@corewellhealth.org (mailto:valerie.laster@corewellhealth.org)
NASW MI Mind Body Group: https://www.nasw-michigan.org/page/Mind-Body-Interest-Group (https://www.nasw-michigan.org/page/Mind-Body-Interest-Group)
Thank you for listening to this podcast. I hope you find it helpful, supportive and inspiring for yourself and the social work profession. We can take all the hope we can get.
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If you like the work I provide, please follow me and give me a 5 star review so others can find me. If you want to support me in a small way, you can buy me a coffee to fuel me through the day. I would love it!
buymeacoffee.com/justasocialworker (http://buymeacoffee.com/justasocialworker)
14 Apr 2026
Episode 11: Interview with Taryn on Private Practice, Social Work, and Much More.
The conversation covers Taryn Sinclair's journey in social work, the challenges of private practice, and the impact of business culture on the social work profession. It also explores the importance of sustainable work practices, the role of community partnerships, and the impact of trauma on client populations. The conversation covers Taryb's career journey, the challenges of self-care in the face of societal issues, and the hope for progress and change. Taryb reflects on the evolution of their career, the impact of community work, and the struggle to balance self-care with social and political activism.
Takeaways
Sustainable work practices benefit both clinicians and clients.
Community partnerships are essential for establishing referral systems and networks.
The impact of trauma on client populations is broad and diverse. Career evolution
Struggle with self-care and activism
Chapters
00:00 Client Populations and Community Partnerships
29:36 Struggle with Self-Care and Activism
35:14 Hope for Progress and Change
Want to contact Taryn: https://ravenwiseconsulting.net/ (https://ravenwiseconsulting.net/)
Please follow me on Instragram; www.instagram.com/justasocialworkerpodcast (http://www.instagram.com/justasocialworkerpodcast)
Substack: https://substack.com/@justasocialworker (https://substack.com/@justasocialworker)
Website: www.justasocialworker.com (http://www.justasocialworker.com)
Like, Review and Share Us on all the major platforms.
29 Mar 2026
Episode 10 Follow up of safety and social workers
The episode discusses the tragic deaths of social workers in California and the VA, highlighting the unsafe working conditions and violence experienced by healthcare and social service workers. It emphasizes the need for research, system work, and support to address workplace violence and its impact on the larger community.
Takeaways
Workplace violence and unsafe conditions are prevalent in the healthcare and social service industry.
There is a need for more research, system work, and support to address workplace violence and its impact.
Chapters
00:00 Tragic Deaths of Social Workers
05:55 Impact of Workplace Violence
Show Notes:
https://upte.org/ucsfsurvey (https://upte.org/ucsfsurvey)
https://www.mysocialworknews.com/article/half-of-ucsf-social-workers-surveyed-report-sexual-assault-or-harassment-at-work (https://www.mysocialworknews.com/article/half-of-ucsf-social-workers-surveyed-report-sexual-assault-or-harassment-at-work)
https://www.bls.gov/iif/factsheets/workplace-violence-healthcare-2018.htm (https://www.bls.gov/iif/factsheets/workplace-violence-healthcare-2018.htm)
16 Feb 2026
Episode 9 Updates on Recent Events
Hi social work gang.
I talked about few things in this epsiode and I want to share my notes. Please check out the following people and/or organizations that I have used to be active in my community and against things happening in my world.
Heather Cox Richardson: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/ (https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/)
Books to Read:
Assata: An Autobiography. You can find this at your local library, Thrift Books, Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Assata-Autobiography-Shakur/dp/1556520743 (https://www.amazon.com/Assata-Autobiography-Shakur/dp/1556520743)
5 Calls
www.5calls.org (http://www.5calls.org)
Open comments by the Department of Education on the changes to the designation of social work as a professional degree:
https://www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001 (https://www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001)
Please check out my website: www.justasocialworker.com (http://www.justasocialworker.com)
Instagram @justasocialworkerpodcast or @laurieeldred_lmsw_caadc
13 Jan 2026
Episode 8-Social Work is Political with Jaxie @socialworkispolitical
The conversation begins with an introduction to social work and the importance of political engagement within the profession. The discussion highlights the inherent political nature of social work and the impact of political decisions on social workers and their clients. The conversation covers the importance of local advocacy and its impact, the role of political engagement and moral compass, personal growth and evolution, and the significance of advocacy in social work. It emphasizes the diverse forms of advocacy and the impact of local involvement.
Takeaways
Social work is inherently political
The impact of political decisions on social work and social workers Local involvement has a significant impact
Advocacy for change can take various forms
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Social Work and Political Engagement
28:51 Local Advocacy and Impact
34:04 Political Engagement and Moral Compass
42:25 Personal Growth and Evolution
Want to follow Jaxie's work? Check her out at on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/socialworkispolitical/ (https://www.instagram.com/socialworkispolitical/)
Do you love this podcast? Subscribe and follow me..better yet give me 5 stars so others can find me too.
I can followed on Instagram through my podcast or through my professional page.
https://www.instagram.com/justasocialworkerpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/justasocialworkerpodcast/)
https://www.instgram.com/laurieeldred_lmsw_caadc/ (https://www.instgram.com/laurieeldred_lmsw_caadc/)
9 Jan 2026
Episode 7-Deconstructing Social Work with Liz Sweetbrass, LMSW-C
The conversation explores the concept of decolonization in social work and the power dynamics in therapy. It delves into the importance of understanding and addressing power dynamics in therapy, as well as the essential work of decolonization for social workers. The discussion also highlights the need for social workers to engage in their own decolonization process and the significance of returning to inherent wisdom and intuition. The conversation delves into the themes of reconnecting with identity and privilege, community engagement, mutual aid, and the impact of consumerism. It explores the loss of connection, pursuit of wealth, and the feeling of emptiness, as well as the importance of local community engagement, reducing consumerism, and supporting mutual aid networks. The conversation also highlights the significance of political engagement, rest, nurturing the nervous system, and expanding understanding through little acts of kindness. Additionally, it touches on the importance of seeking resources, trainings, decolonizing book clubs, and IFS work, as well as the ongoing conversation about dismantling systems of oppression.
Takeaways
Decolonization in social work
Power dynamics in therapy Reconnecting with identity and privilege
Community engagement and mutual aid
Chapters
00:00 Decolonization and Essential Work for Social Workers
21:04 Reconnecting with Identity and Privilege
26:28 Supporting Neighbors and Political Engagement
32:41 Decolonizing Book Club and IFS Work
9 Jan 2026
Episode 6-Social Work and Safety
The podcast episode discusses the tragic incident of a social worker's murder and the safety concerns in the social work profession. It also highlights the importance of unions for social workers and the need for structural improvements to anticipate and respond to workplace tragedies.
Takeaways
Safety issues in the social work profession
The importance of unions for social workers
Chapters
00:00 Challenges in the Social Work Profession and the Role of Unions
9 Jan 2026
Episode 5-Social Work Under Pressure
The conversation covers the restriction of access to social work education, the impact of NASW restructuring, and the targeting of the social work profession. These themes are explored in detail, highlighting the challenges and implications for social workers and the profession as a whole.
Takeaways
Restriction of access to social work education
Impact of NASW restructuring
Chapters
00:00 Targeting of Social Work Profession
9 Jan 2026
Episode 4-Social Workers and Political Action
The conversation explores the importance of political action for social workers and the key responsibilities they have in advocating for clients and communities. It delves into the role of policy and practice in social work, the need to protect the social work profession, and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. Additionally, it discusses the focus on prevention and long-term solutions, fulfilling ethical responsibilities, and the collective impact of political action.
Takeaways
Political action is essential for social workers
Advocating for clients and communities is a key responsibility of social workers
Chapters
00:00 The Role of Social Workers in Political Action
07:11 Focus on Prevention and Long-Term Solutions
4 Aug 2025
JASW Podcast-Episode 3 with Lynne Bosma!
Welcome to Just A Social Worker Podcast episode 3 with Lynne Bosma from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and macro social workers.
We dive into being a macro social worker, her experiences, the benefits and downsides of being a macro social worker as well as issues of health inequities, racism and sexism.
Want to know more! Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast.
Want to learn more about Lynne? You can follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnegbosma/
21 Jul 2025
Just A Social Worker Podcast Episode 2 with Dr. Raenece Johnson
Welcome to our first interview episode! This week I am talking to Dr. Raenece Johnson who is the president of the NASW-MI chapter, recently PhD defender and overall bad ass! Check out the episode about our talk on social work, education, access and just being silly.
**Note...this podcast is not intended to be therapy or mental health treatment. It is intended for entertainment only and the opinions of the guests and hosts are not representative of the entire field of social work. If you need mental health treatment and live in the United States, please call 988**
Want to connect with Dr. Johnson? She can be followed here on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rae-johnson-ph-d-572b2b139/
20 May 2025
Hi! It's Me, I'm the Social Worker. It's Me!
The host introduces the Just A Social Worker podcast and shares their vision for celebrating social workers in this introductory episode.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
9,374
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
40
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
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