NASW Social Work Talks

In this powerful episode of Social Work Talks, host Elisabeth Joy LaMotte chats with psychotherapist, speaker, and author Rebecca Alexander for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Diagnosed in adolescence with retinitis pigmentosa—and later with Usher Syndrome, the leading genetic cause of combined blindness and deafness—Rebecca was told at a young age she would lose both her sight and hearing. Now in her 40s, living with limited vision and total deafness without cochlear implants, she continues to navigate life with remarkable resilience and purpose. Rebecca shares how her experiences shaped her identity, her work, and her unwavering commitment to connection. With two Master's degrees from Columbia University, a thriving psychotherapy practice in Manhattan, and a mental health curriculum she teaches both professionals and organizations, she also brings both lived experience and clinical insight to her work. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of profound challenges, growth, strength, and meaning are always possible.

In the debut episode of the Power of Social Work Podcast, and as part of Social Work Talks Careers in Social Work Series, the NASW New York Chapter sits down with German Sanchez, MA, LCSW, RDT, Board President, alongside Policy Coordinators Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), M.S. and Gideon Mosse. German shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to becoming a behavioral health officer and clinical supervisor, highlighting how personal experiences shaped his path into social work. The conversation dives into the realities of earning an LCSW, navigating burnout, and finding purpose in a demanding field.   Through powerful client stories and real-world advocacy insights, this episode explores what sets social workers apart—meeting people where they are, working from a systems perspective, and driving meaningful change both in individual lives and across communities.   The team also breaks down the critical role of advocacy, the work happening behind the scenes at NASWNY, and how social workers can use their collective voice to influence policy, improve working conditions, and strengthen the profession. Whether you're a student, seasoned professional, or considering a career in social work, this episode is a compelling look at the impact and power of the field.

Kelley Kitley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience. In this episode Kelley discusses, What Every Social Worker Must Know About Motherhood, Stress, Alcohol Use and Practical Ways to Help. She and our host, Makeeba Royal, NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health, chat about the significance of viewing alcohol consumption and use from a different lens -- and the value of a holistic approach to care and therapy. 

Joslyn Berndt founded the innovative CARES program in collaboration with the University of Texas Steve Hicks School of Social Work in 2017. In this new episode of Social Work Talks, we sit down with her to discuss the program, which houses social workers in an investment business and empowers them to foster productive and personalized landlord-resident communication, especially in times of crisis. 

In this powerful episode of Social Work Talks, filmmaker and actor Steven Grayhm discusses his film SHEEPDOG, now streaming online. Grayhm directed, produced, and starred in the film, which explores the mental health challenges facing veterans and the importance of connection, care, and community. During the conversation recorded when the film was still in theaters, he highlights a staggering reality: nearly 5 million veterans in the United States have not accessed available VA care. Enter NASW Member Dr. Tara Consolino, DSW, LMSW, who heads Darkling Psychotherapeutic Services, PLLC, and served as a consultant on SHEEPDOG. The film's social worker character, played by Oscar‑nominated Virginia Madsen, is inspired by her real‑world work helping veterans heal. She and Grayhm share how much the film has touched so many people.

In this episode of Social Work Talks, moderator Mel Wilson is joined by Nina Schlegel and Daniel Faber both of the Global Center for Climate Justice to discuss how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalized communities across the United States. The conversation explores the impact of climate change denialism, voter disenfranchisement, and environmental injustice on communities of color, including Native American communities, as well as rural and inner-city populations—and why climate justice is a critical social work issue.

In this powerful episode we chat with , palliative care social worker Dr. Arden O'Donnell, PhD, MPH, LICSW, APHSW-C about what it means to live—and die—according to our values. Dr. O'Donnell shares insights from over a decade of work supporting patients and families facing serious illness. The conversation examines the vital role of palliative care social workers in helping people navigate complex medical decisions, communicate their wishes, and maintain dignity at the end of life. Through real-world experience and reflection, Dr. O'Donnell discusses why early, honest conversations matter and how dying can be a conscious, meaningful part of living. 

Join the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the YMCA for an inspiring conversation about the vital role social workers play in strengthening communities. We explore how the YMCA's mission aligns with the social work profession to promote well-being, mental health, and youth development. Hear stories from the field, learn about innovative programs, and discover the many ways social workers are making an impact at the Y. Our host, April Ferguson, NASW's Senior Practice Associate for Children and Adolescents, chats with our featured guests, Anna Stindt, MSW, APSW – Mental Health Director, La Crosse Area Family YMCA and Diara Jackson, LCSW-C Senior Executive Director, Social and Emotional Learning, Youth Development & Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Y in Central Maryland.

When Artificial Intelligence enters social work conversations, we often rush to warn colleagues about the potential harm it could cause—almost as if we're trying to protect the profession from an existential threat. This podcast, featuring Dr. Lauri Goldkind, Professor at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services, invites us to face the reality that technology and social work must work together—leveraging strengths, reducing harm, and staying open to new possibilities. There's no going back. So, what will the future hold? Dr. Goldkind discusses this with our host, social worker Lorrie Appleton.

The NASW's Social Work Talks Podcast is embarking on a NEW occasional series on careers within the Social Work Profession! In our inaugural episode we chat with NASW Maryland Executive Director Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW. Proctor shares her journey into macro social work and the impact of her chapter's advocacy. Under her leadership, the NASW–Maryland chapter, is one of the fastest growing for social work students and draws social workers in the micro, mezzo, macro, and international fields. We discussed why she chose macro social work and how her chapter advanced two major laws signed by Governor Wes Moore: the Social Work Licensure Compact and the Supporting Older Adults with Resources (SOAR) Act. Tune in to learn how macro social workers shape policy, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities across the profession. Tune in wherever your listen to podcasts!

NASW Social Work Talks podcast episode 131 - Menopause and Mental Health with Lauren Tetenbaum LICSW, Author of the book, Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period

The First Gen Madrina: Bridging Professional Growth Emotional Wellness & Financial Empowerment | With Sara Diaz, LCSW, Founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC and Podcast Sara Diaz, LCSW, founder of The First Gen Madrina, LLC, joins us to explore the unique experiences of first-generation students and professionals. In this episode, Sara discusses the intersection of financial empowerment, mental wellness, and professional development—particularly for first-generation communities. Sara also leads The Madrina Network, https://thefirstgenmadrina.com/, an online coaching and community space specifically designed to support social workers navigating transitions or seeking purpose in their work.

In this special episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, we will delve into the intersection of mental health awareness and social work practice, providing insights into self-care strategies in today's challenging climate. Nick Szubiak, LCSW is the Founder of NSI Strategies, an organization that provides support to integrated healthcare environments.

In this episode of Social Work Talks, we discuss cannabis use and the impact it has on pregnancy and help social workers bring awareness to women who are pregnant and using cannabis. Joining us today is Dr. Roger Zoorob, the Richard M. Kleberg, senior Professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. And we have Dr. Mary Velasquez, Centennial Professor and Leadership for Community Professional and Corporate Excellence, and Director of the Health Behavior Research and Training Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work.

Grief and trauma are universal experiences and, as social workers, we know these issues will show up in our work, no matter our practice area. Grief is an inevitable part of life—but trauma can make the grieving process much more complex. That's where the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing comes in. With decades of experience, they provide critical support to individuals and communities navigating the intersection of grief and trauma. Since 1975, the Wendt Center has been a lifeline for people in the Greater Washington area, helping them rebuild a sense of safety and hope after loss, illness, violence, or other trauma. Nationally recognized for their expertise, they offer specialized support to children, adults, families, and communities, helping them heal from life's most challenging experiences. In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Sellevaag, LICSW, who leads the Wendt Center's Training Institute, to discuss how mental health professionals and allied workers can increase their capacity and confidence to support those impacted by grief and trauma. Don't miss this insightful conversation on a critical topic that touches us all.

In NASW's latest episode of Social Work Talks, sponsored by Illinois Department of DCFS, we converse with the Maryland Office of Public Defenders about their Office of Reentry Services. With the help of social workers on staff, it focuses on helping incarcerated individuals re-enter society—and provides them with resources so they can get a fresh start in becoming productive members of their communities. This is thanks to the help of the Second Chance Act. Tune in, learn, and share.

For more than 30 years, Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children, providing leadership for local, state and national efforts working to improve the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Leading the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national, nonprofit public charity, since 2001 and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption-Canada since 2004, Ms. Soronen works to find forever families for the more than 140,000 waiting children in North America's foster care systems.

Imagine this scene. You are sitting in your office when a call comes in. A man and his wife are on the line. The wife says she was given your name from someone who thought you could help. Their adult children have not spoken to them for 10 months. They have pleaded, cajoled, and apologized for all past transgressions hoping they can make amends and, yet no amount of remorse can stop the pain of being disconnected. The husband says, "We miss our children. We miss our grandchildren. What can we do?" This scenario is an example of an emotional cut-off. Family disengagement and emotional splinters are trending upward for a variety of reasons. Our special guest, Margaret Otto, LSCSW and co-founder and director of KC Center for Families and Organizational Systems, offers insight regarding understanding the dynamics associated with emotional cut-offs and how they precipitate transgenerational impact.

Wendy Cervantes is the Director of Immigration and Immigrant Families at the Center for Law and Social Policy. In this episode, she and Mel Wilson, NASW's Senior Policy Advisor focusing on social justice issues, discuss what mass deportation would look like under a potential Trump Administration and why such policies are harmful to children and families.

Dr. Judith R. Smith, LCSW is author of the new book, Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change. We chat with her about her research and the impact of having a "difficult adult child" on aging mothers and explore how social workers can best support these parents in navigating both the emotional and practical challenges they face.