NASW Social Work Talks

Latest Episodes:

EP 149 - Healing the Helpers Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

Many social workers and other helping professionals dedicate their careers to supporting others while carrying unresolved childhood trauma of their own. In this episode of Social Work Talks, NASW member Elisabeth Joy LaMotte, LICSW, speaks with social work educator and author Adam McCormick about his brand new NASW Press book, Healing the Helping Professional: The Unfinished Business of Childhood Trauma. McCormick examines how adverse childhood experiences can shape professional practice, workplace relationships, self-perception, and overall well-being. He discusses the ways unresolved trauma may influence helping professionals throughout their careers and offers insights into the healing process, emphasizing self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. This conversation explores the importance of addressing the emotional impact of childhood trauma, not only for personal well-being, but also for sustaining an effective, ethical, and compassionate social work practice. Social workers, counselors, therapists, and other helping professionals will gain valuable perspectives on the connection between healing, professional development, and long-term career sustainability.

EP 148 - The Movement to Build Social Work Political Power Aug 21, 2026

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What does it take for social workers to build political power and have a seat at the table where decisions are made? In this episode of the NASW-NY Power of Social Work Podcast, our guest Brian Romero, MSW, shares with co-hosts Gideon Mosse and Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), NASW-NYS, insights on political engagement, advocacy, and the growing movement to strengthen social work's voice in public policy. Hear advice for emerging macro social work and social justice leaders and learn how NASW-NY PACE advances the profession through political action. Listen now and discover how to build a stronger political future for social work.

EP 147 - Understanding Gambling Disorder and How Social Workers Can Help Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

As sports betting, online gambling, and prediction market apps continue to grow, so does the risk of increased gambling addiction. In this episode of Social Work Talks, experts from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and its Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling discuss the warning signs of problem gambling, what drives gambling behavior, and how social workers can help through awareness, screening, and evidence-based treatment.

Hosted by NASW Senior Practice Associate for Behavioral Health Makeba Royall

Guests: Paul Sacco, Ph.D., MSW, Professor at University of Maryland School of Social Work, and Kristen Beall LCSW-C, Clinical Manager at University of Maryland, Center for Excellence on Problem Gambling

EP 146 - Anime and Adolescent Wellness: Using Modern Media to Build Rapport and Assess Sexual Risk Jul 15, 2026

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Anime is often viewed as harmless entertainment, but some content can include explicit sexual themes that influence adolescent development and mental health. In this episode, we explore with our guest Jermaine Wall, LCSW-S, owner of Crescent Counseling why social workers and mental health professionals should consider digital media use as part of assessment and treatment planning. Listen now and join the conversation wherever your normally listen to podcasts, or on our website: https://www.socialworkers.org/news/nasw-social-work-talks-podcast We also discuss the complex intersection of anime, sexual content, identity development, and clinical practice through a research-informed, clinically grounded perspective. Learn why digital media should be part of comprehensive psychosocial assessments, how anime and other online content can shape adolescent behavior and development, and what social workers, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals should consider when assessing risk and developing treatment plans.

EP 145 - Destigmatizing and Advocating for Communities Affected by Mental Illness Jun 05, 2026

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Social Work Talks sits down with NAMI New York State to discuss the growing need for stronger mental health advocacy, policy reform, and collaboration between social workers and individuals with lived experience. This episode explores efforts to address insurance prior authorizations, mental health care access, and the movement to recognize mental health as a constitutional right in New York State. Tune in for an important conversation on reducing stigma, advancing mental health equity, and strengthening support for communities statewide.

EP 144 - End False Confessions Amongst Youth May 29, 2026

Show notes

Representatives from the #Right2RemainSilent: Children's Early Access to Counsel campaign join Social Work Talks to discuss groundbreaking youth justice legislation aimed at protecting young people during police interrogations.

The coalition, made up of more than 150 organizations across New York State, is advocating for passage of the Youth Interrogation Bill, which would require that anyone under the age of 18 consult with an attorney before waiving their constitutional right to remain silent during law enforcement questioning.

Leading the discussion is José Perez, Program Strategist at Children's Defense Fund – New York and an impacted individual dedicated to criminal justice reform and systemic change.

This important conversation explores:

The history and urgency behind the legislation
The impact of false confessions on youth
Racial inequities within the legal system
Adolescent brain development and decision-making
Why youth access to legal counsel matters

EP 143 - What Social Workers Need to Know About the Supreme Court's Decision in Chiles v. Salazar May 12, 2026

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In this episode of Social Work Talks, we break down the Supreme Court's ruling on conversion therapy bans, free speech, and the growing debate around "talk therapy." Our host NASW Member and Social Worker Lorrie Appleton sits down with our guest NASW Deputy General Counsel Ashlee Fox, JD, MSW, who leads the National Association of Social Workers Legal Defense Fund. Learn why many experts believe this case could have far-reaching implications for professional standards, evidence-based practice, and the future of mental health care. Tune in for this important conversation every social worker should hear. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SocialWorkTalks #SocialWork #MentalHealth #Therapy #NASW #ConversionTherapy#BehavioralHealth

EP 142 - Beyond Burnout: Understanding Moral Injury Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Social Work Talks, we discuss Moral Injury and how it manifests in social work with Pari Thibodeau, PhD, LCSW. Pari is a licensed clinical social worker providing therapeutic interventions for adults coping with trauma at the Stress, Trauma, Adversity Research & Treatment Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Pari is also a doctorate-level social work researcher in the space of workforce well-being, with a special focus on the well-being and mental health of behavioral health providers. Pari examines the concept of moral injury as a metric of well-being. Our host for this conversation is NASW Staffer, Josh Klapperick, MSW.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, moral injury occurs "when individuals perpetrate, fail to prevent, or witness acts that violate their own ethical code, often leading to intense guilt, shame, and betrayal."

EP 141 - When a Therapist's Diagnosis is Not a Secret Apr 07, 2026

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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.

EP 140 - A Journey To Becoming a Social Worker and Social Justice Leader Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

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.

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