In this episode of In Case You Forget, Jami and Jamie are joined by Blake Boyer, a seasoned social worker and TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) practitioner. TBRI is a holistic, trauma-informed intervention designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children by focusing on connection, empowering environments, and proactive correction. Blake shares her personal journey through nine years of child welfare work, offering a candid look at how secondary trauma and the weight of human depravity can lead to exhaustion. The conversation explores the spiritual and practical discipline of setting boundaries, emphasizing that a caseworker's faithfulness to God is more important than their output at work. Blake encourages listeners to reject the "savior complex," reminding them that they are humans "made of dust" and that God is the only one sovereign over the outcomes of their cases.

About the Guest Blake Boyer is an MSW and practitioner of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) with nine years of experience in child welfare, working at both micro and macro levels. She is the creator of the Instagram page @ChristianSocialWorker, where she provides education and support for believers navigating the ethical and emotional complexities of the foster care system. Blake lives in the North Georgia Mountains with her husband and son.

In This Episode

Recognizing that it is okay to "switch it up" or move into different roles within social work to preserve your marriage, health, and faith.

The importance of a "warm handoff"—transitioning cases planfully and healthily rather than quitting abruptly due to burnout.

How to foster a culture of collaboration and servant leadership within a child welfare office.

Staying grounded by focusing on "molecular" responsibilities: controlling your own attitude and obedience when the system feels out of control.

Identifying the signs of a "callous heart" as a primary indicator that you are in desperate need of a break.

Practical "in-the-moment" breaks, such as parking the car to pray or checking in with your nervous system during a long day of visits.

Finding your identity in the character of God (the Just Judge and Savior) rather than in your professional performance.

The necessity of having a life and hobbies—like art or hiking—outside of social work to keep your soul soft.

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In this episode, Jami and Jamie speak with author and Bible teacher Blair Linne about her unexpected battle with debilitating anxiety. Blair recounts how a "buildup" of life stressors—moving for a church plant, postpartum changes, and a car accident—led to a season of panic attacks and a loss of identity. She challenges the stigma of anxiety in Christian circles and reframes weakness as a "portal" to deeper dependence on God. This conversation offers caseworkers practical "body-guarding" tools, such as box breathing and "stacking" time, to help navigate the heavy weight of secondary trauma.

About the Guest

Blair Linne is a Bible teacher, author, and spoken word artist based in Dallas, Texas. She is the author of several books, including Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. Blair is a pioneer in Christian spoken word and co-hosts The Glo Podcast with The Gospel Coalition.

In This Episode

• How "high capacity" individuals can be blindsided by postpartum and trauma-induced anxiety.

• Reframing weakness as a teacher that helps us receive help and lean on God.

• Identifying the "buildup" of stress that can lead to a tailspin from one final event.

• The connection between anxiety and grief: Grieving the life and dreams you thought you would have.

• Practical "body-guarding" tools: Box breathing, "blue spaces," and the physiological benefits of dancing.

• Moving from being "depleted" to being "dependent" on God's strength.

• How to avoid being "Job's friend" by listening well to a person's unique story of struggle.

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Jami and Jamie welcome Mia Arrington, a therapist and former foster youth, to discuss the complex intersection of personal history and professional service. Mia shares her journey of "surrendering" to a career in social work despite her initial vow to never deal with foster care again. She explores how personal "triggers" can actually be a gift, indicating a deep level of empathy for the lives being served. The episode provides a roadmap for workers to recognize when they are burnt out, the importance of "Sabbath" and disconnection, and how to appropriately share one's story to humanize the therapeutic process.

About the Guest

Mia Arrington is a wife, mom, therapist, and social worker. As a former foster youth and adoptee, she is the founder of A Fostered Love, a faith-rooted space providing trauma-informed support for foster alumni, adoptees, and parents to help them understand and heal their stories.

In This Episode

• Navigating the "obedience" of returning to the foster care field after personal trauma.

• Seeing adoption and foster care as a "celebration" of image-bearers, even amidst loss and trauma.

• Normalizing triggers: Why being impacted by a client's story is a sign of a healthy, feeling heart.

• The ethical balance of "judicious disclosure"—sharing parts of your own story to benefit the client.

• The life-changing gift of Sabbath: 15 years of prioritizing a "non-negotiable" day of rest.

• Building a "toolkit" for grounding your nervous system, from cozy blankets to fiction books.

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Listen to Mia's episode of The Forgotten Podcast

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In this episode, Jami and Jamie are joined by therapist Kimberly Glaudy to explore the four major attachment styles and how they influence the way caseworkers serve families. Kimberly breaks down the "dance" between a caseworker's attachment pattern and that of their clients, explaining why up to 80% of people in helping professions may lean toward a dismissive style. The conversation highlights how understanding your own "recipe" for relationship can prevent burnout and help you better interpret the behaviors of "needy" or "avoidant" clients. Kimberly offers a message of "earned security," reminding listeners that they can grow toward health even if they didn't start there.

About the Guest

Kimberly Glaudy is an author, therapist, and mentor with over 25 years of experience in youth and community development. Based in Houston, she leads a therapeutic group practice and is the co-founder of Revive Coaching and Consulting. She is a renowned trainer in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and has served refugees, survivors of trafficking, and youth in state custody.

In This Episode

• Defining the four major attachment styles: Secure, Dismissive, Preoccupied, and Disorganized.

• How a "dismissive" caregiver style can lead to becoming a "hyper-independent" adult and expert problem solver.

• Understanding "preoccupied" or "needy" client behavior as a strategy to ensure their needs are met.

• The concept of "earned security"—the ability to move toward healthy attachment through intentional work.

• Why self-awareness of your own "dance" is the first step toward helping a client.

• The "Yes and Thank You" practice for dismissive workers learning to receive care.

• Moving beyond meeting goals on a treatment plan to helping a child experience true love and safety.

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In this episode of In Case You Forget, Jami and Jamie sit down with Austin Ludwig, a foster care advocate, speaker, and artist, to discuss the profound and lasting impact a caseworker can have on a child's life. Austin shares his personal journey of entering the foster care system as a teenager after years of instability. He reflects on the shift from viewing social workers as the "enemy" to seeing them as the only consistent humans in an inconsistent season. Austin offers a unique perspective on how small acts of intentionality—like remembering a child's favorite ice cream flavor or being the first person to offer a celebratory smile in a courtroom—build the bridges of trust necessary for a child to flourish.

About the Guest

Austin Ludwig is a self-produced artist, speaker, and foster care advocate based in Atlanta, Georgia. After spending much of his childhood in foster care and aging out at 18, Austin experienced the redeeming love of Jesus, which now fuels his music and ministry. He currently works at WinShape Homes, raising awareness and supporting the next generation of youth in care.

In This Episode

• The shift in a child's perspective from fearing caseworkers to seeing them as a "consistent human" in crisis.

• The importance of being a "very human bridge" in the midst of an inhumane system.

• Why "giving a child voice" through small choices is essential when they feel out of control of their lives.

• Navigating the imbalance of having high responsibility but very little authority in the workplace.

• The significance of "eye-to-eye" connection and celebration during monumental court hearings.

• Encouragement for workers to fight against "calloused" hearts and maintain sensitivity through community and faith.

• How the work of a caseworker mirrors the "cross-bearing" nature of Jesus.

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Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative

The weight of child welfare work doesn't stay at the office. It follows you home, fills the quiet hours of the night, and often leaves you feeling scattered, guilty, or numb. If you are a foster care caseworker, you know the reality of carrying a heavy caseload while managing the emotional toll of decisions often beyond your control.

From the Forgotten Initiative, this is In Case You Forget, hosted by Jami Kaeb (host of The Forgotten Podcast) and Jamie Finn. This 12-part series offers faith-based encouragement and honest stories from the field to help you navigate the spiritual and emotional realities of your calling. Inviting you into a space specifically designed for the unique challenges of the child welfare system.

Whether you are walking into a difficult court hearing, responding to a late-night crisis call, or quietly wondering how much longer you can keep showing up, this podcast is here to remind you that you aren't alone. Our mission is to provide a steady source of hope and practical guidance so you can stay in this calling long-term without losing your faith, your family, or yourself.