Social Work Shorts (Episode 51) The World, the Mind, and the Modern Condition
Episode 51! We live in a world that demands more of us than ever before. We're constantly connected, constantly responding and constantly trying to keep up. But is the problem really our ability to cope, or is it the way modern life is organised?
In this episode of Social Work Shorts, I explore the relationship between the modern world, our minds and our wellbeing. Drawing on ideas from Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Burkeman, Viktor Frankl and others, I consider why we confuse busyness with effectiveness, why happiness always seems to be somewhere just around the corner, and why finding meaning might be more important than chasing success.
I also introduce three interconnected pillars of resilience – emotional, physical and practical – and explore how routines, meaningful activity and a greater sense of control can help us build lives that support rather than exhaust us.
Resilience isn't simply about learning to tolerate more pressure. It's about creating the conditions in which we can live, work and flourish.
Whether you're a social worker, student, manager or simply someone trying to make sense of an increasingly demanding world, this episode offers an opportunity to reflect on how you're living and what really matters.
The question to take away: Are you organising your life around what matters to you, or around what the world demands of you?
11 Oct 2026
Social Work Shorts (Episode 50) Back to the start!
Episode 50! Epic! I've decided to go back to where the podcast started and explore self-care, wellbeing, and resilience. It's where it all began and when I look back over the years (!) that it's taken me to get to Episode 50 I realise that what I say has changed - not foundationally - but has become richer I think. So I thought over the next few weeks we could explore where my thoughts are now on such things! Enjoy!
27 Sept 2026
Social Work Shorts (Episode 49) What's the purpose of social work - what should we be central
In this episode I explore the purpose of social work, the rise and exploitation of self, and critical realism - in half an hour! Epic! Based on this weeks teaching I've delivered at university I talk you through some key points.
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