Social Workers, Rise!

Latest Episodes:

Top 3 Social Work Problems of 2026 Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

We are talking with Marya Wright, DSW MSW BSW, about the challenges plaguing the Social Work industry, demanding more from NASW, her Future Vision, and talking about why she is so passionate about being elected as the next NASW-CA President Elect.

Contact Dr. Wright here: Support@MaryaWrightConsulting

linktr.ee/maryawrightconsulting

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You Don’t Have to Advocate for Everything: Focused Impact Without Burnout Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

There’s a growing pressure in our field to speak on every issue, respond to every crisis, and carry the weight of the world. And if we’re not careful, that pressure turns into overwhelm, exhaustion, and burnout.

In this episode, I’m giving you permission to step back.

We’re talking about the emotional cost of constant advocacy, how chronic outrage impacts your nervous system, and why trying to care about everything can actually dilute your impact. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in every room to be effective. You don’t have to respond to every headline to be committed to social justice.

We’ll break down how to understand your capacity, clarify your focus, and engage strategically — so your advocacy is sustainable, aligned, and powerful.

This is about protecting your energy.
This is about choosing focus over noise.
This is about staying called — not overwhelmed.

Social workers, you can care deeply without carrying everything.

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Clinical Supervision, Income Streams & Generational Wealth in Social Work Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

In this joint episode with Bas Moreno, host of Social Work Rants, we have a real and honest conversation about the challenges happening in clinical supervision right now — and what social workers can do about it.

We talk about:

Common clinical supervision struggles (from both supervisor and supervisee perspectives)
The writing process behind The Rising Clinical Supervisor Log
Building multiple income streams as a social worker
Why generational wealth matters in our profession
Balancing advocacy, social justice, and personal well-being
Practical self-care strategies for stress management

With my book, The Rising Clinical Supervisor Log, publishing this Wednesday, I also share what it was like to write it, why I created it, and how it’s designed to support both clinical supervisors and associates in staying organized, ethical, and confident.

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RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

You Need Experience to Get Experience: Real Strategies for Early-Career Social Workers Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

“You need experience to get hired… but you need a job to get experience.”
If you’re an early-career social worker, MSW student, or associate clinician, this frustrating catch-22 probably sounds very familiar.

In this episode, we break down why this happens in social work and—more importantly—what you can actually do about it. You’ll learn realistic, ethical, and practical strategies to gain experience, build confidence, and move forward in your social work career without burning out or feeling discouraged.

Whether you’re struggling to land your first job, feeling stuck in an underpaid role, or questioning your competence, this episode will help you reframe the problem and take actionable next steps.

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5 Ways to Overcome Communication Challenges in your Internship Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Does your internship feel chaotic, confusing, or overwhelming? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In this episode, we break down common communication challenges interns face and share 5 practical, confidence-building strategies to help you navigate unclear expectations, lack of training, and difficult workplace dynamics. If you’ve ever felt like a burden, an inconvenience, or like you’re expected to “just figure it out,” this episode is for you.

Whether you’re in social work, counseling, psychology, or another helping profession, these tools will help you advocate for yourself, communicate more effectively, and protect your confidence during your internship.

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Social Work Salary Transparency Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Talking about what Social Work Salaries actually looks like in this profession. This is a collaborative podcast with the hosts of Social Work to Wealth. Between Catherine's experience in medical social work and Taylor’s salary database with over 1,500 entries, we looked at how social workers are getting paid and why we need more transparency around it.

This episode is all about shifting the mindset that social workers should expect to struggle financially. We talk through what influences salary, how job titles can open doors, and why it’s valid to want better pay, even if you love the work you do. Catherine also shares how she’s built multiple income streams and why knowing your financial needs is one of the best things you can do for your career.

Takeaways From This Episode:

Why salary transparency helps shift the culture of financial struggle in social work
What the real salary landscape looks like across roles and regions (yes, some social workers are making $300K)
Why it’s okay to leave a job simply because you need more money
How to think about total compensation, not just your hourly rate
How to identify job titles outside the “social worker” label
Why diversifying your income is worth considering (and what that can actually look like)
Tips for negotiating your salary

Mentioned resources:

Supervision Log & Resource Guide on Amazon
Salary Database – Submit or browse entries

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What's a Palliative Social Worker? | Medical Social Work Skills, Salary & Insights for New MSWs Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, breaks down what it means to be a Palliative Care Social Worker — a role focused on enhancing quality of life for patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

You’ll learn how palliative social workers support the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families through psychosocial assessments, family meetings, and advance care planning — all while collaborating with nurses, physicians, and chaplains as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Catherine explains salaries, how to get started, the difference between hospice and palliative care (hint: palliative care isn’t just for end-of-life) and explores the key skills you’ll need, including:

- Communication & compassion in difficult conversations

- Grief counseling, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention

- Navigating family conflict with cultural humility

- Self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and self-care to prevent compassion fatigue

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate exploring career paths or simply curious about medical social work, this episode offers a clear, compassionate look into palliative care and the heart of this meaningful field.

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Hospice Social Work Explained | Skills, Salary, and Stories for New MSWs Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Catherine Moore, LCSW, shares her personal journey as a hospice social worker, including the story of her first hospice patient and the lessons she learned supporting individuals and families through the final stages of life.

You’ll discover what hospice social workers really do—from grief counseling, crisis intervention, and family mediation, to navigating ethical dilemmas like the Right to Die and End of Life Option Act. Catherine also discusses self-care, spiritual experiences, salaries, and the deep emotional impact of this work.

Whether you’re a new MSW graduate or exploring social work career options, this episode offers a heartfelt, realistic look into hospice care, advocacy, and what it means to provide dignity at the end of life.

*Trigger Warning: Discussion of death, dying, and ethical dilemmas.

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⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

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RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

How Fitness Reduces Stress and Boosts Mental Health | Stress Management Tips for Busy Professionals Oct 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with fitness coach Anthony Briseno to talk about how movement can truly transform your mental health. Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or just someone trying to balance a busy life, this conversation will give you practical ways to understand the emotional benefits of exercise, make time for movement, and use fitness as a tool to manage stress.

Anthony opens up about his journey from the business world to becoming a fitness coach, and how that shift helped him recover from burnout and anxiety. We dive into the connection between physical and emotional health—and how even small, consistent movement can help you feel calmer, more focused, and more resilient.

Connect with Anthony here:

Email: DJImic86@Yahoo.com

IG FitBodyBootCampLeagueCityTexas

What You’ll Learn:

How exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout
Simple ways to move your body throughout the day
Time-saving fitness tips for busy professionals
How to start a sustainable fitness routine and
The mental and emotional benefits of consistent movement

About the Host:
Catherine Moore, LCSW, is a mental health therapist, keynote speaker, and host of the Social Workers, Rise! Podcast. She helps social workers and helping professionals manage stress, prevent burnout, and find purpose in their work.

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Thank you to our SPONSORS

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RISE Directory for Clinical Supervision

Why Is Compassion Fatigue Called the ‘Common Cold’ of Helping Professionals? Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

Compassion fatigue — it’s called the “common cold” of helping professionals for a reason.

In this episode, we dive into the signs and symptoms every social worker should recognize, from emotional exhaustion to the subtle ways it sneaks into daily life. You’ll hear real stories, strategies for breaking generational patterns of overgiving, and why self-awareness is essential for long-term sustainability in this field.

Plus, we celebrate the incredible work of social workers through the SWAG Awards, highlighting those who go above and beyond. Whether you’re new or seasoned, this episode offers both validation and practical tools to thrive.

Sharise Nance is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Specialist, Award-Winning author, Global Speaker, and Entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. She co-founded HandinHand Counseling Services to address mental health disparities in Black communities and systemic pay gaps in the field. Known as the “Compassion Fatigue Lady,” Sharise is a pioneer in combating Compassion Fatigue and Leadership Burnout in Western PA.

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