Laughing Through The Struggles

By Beth and George

We're two social workers—Beth and George—sharing our experiences, debunking myths about our profession, and providing a glimpse into what child welfare really involves. From advocating for families to... more

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FAQs about Laughing Through The Struggles:

How many episodes does Laughing Through The Struggles have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.

Laughing Through The Struggles episodes:

July 14, 2025 Home Visits
In this episode of Laughing through the Struggles, hosts Beth and George delve into their day-to-day experiences as child welfare social workers. They share stories of home visits, navigating everything from roach encounters to the more severe realities of neglect. The conversation turns serious as George discusses a tragic case involving a two-year-old found unresponsive, contrasting the lighter anecdotes with genuine challenges faced in their field. The duo combines humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners a candid glimpse into the unpredictable world of child welfare, providing both education and entertainment.
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54min
July 07, 2025 Siloed Systems and other Sugar Honey Iced Tea......
In this episode, Beth and George delve into the challenges of siloed communication within child welfare agencies. They highlight the frustrations of inconsistent policies and procedures, exacerbated by leadership egos. With nearly 30 years of combined experience, the hosts share personal stories and observations, illuminating the systemic issues that hinder effective collaboration. The conversation touches on the difficulties of transitioning young adults into suitable services and the roadblocks presented by current policy frameworks. Despite the weighty topics, Beth and George infuse the discussion with humor, offering an engaging and insightful exploration of social work dynamics.
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54min
June 30, 2025 What in the Scooby Doo?!
In this podcast episode, hosts Beth and George explore recent headlines about child protection interventions in different states, with a specific focus on Iowa. An Iowa camp, reportedly designed for children's rehabilitation from substance abuse, saw 88 minors taken into protective custody. While media have sensationalized this as a church camp raid, the hosts question the portrayal and stress the importance of understanding the camp's true nature as a rehabilitation facility. They criticize media for clickbait tactics and emphasize the need for evidence in legal interventions, questioning the lack of transparency from authorities amid ongoing investigations.
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1h 4min
June 23, 2025 Georgia Tann We Hardly Knew Ye!!
In this riveting podcast episode, hosts Beth and George dive into a shocking chapter of social work's past. Uncovering the story of Georgia Tann, a woman who operated under the guise of a social worker in the early 1900s, they explore her notorious role in orchestrating illegal adoptions through the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Beth's genuine outrage and emotional recount of learning about Tann's actions draw listeners into a gripping tale of power abuse and injustice. This episode not only reveals a lesser-known aspect of social work history but serves as a reminder of the field's evolving ethics.
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50min
June 02, 2025 My Height Falls Short, But ABA Doesn't
In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles,' Beth and George are joined by their first guest, Sarah Woods, a board-certified behavior analyst. Sarah discusses her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), motivated by her personal experiences with autism in her family. The podcast delves into Sarah's advocacy for children and the use of behavior modification techniques beyond just autism care. Together, they explore the intertwined paths of personal experiences and professional life, touching on themes of resilience and transformation amidst challenges. The conversation, sprinkled with humor, provides insights into child welfare and behavioral therapy.
Any Questions for Sarah: [email protected]
Questions and Stories: [email protected]
Instagram: lttsbg
Facebook: Laughing Through The Struggles Podcast
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59min
May 26, 2025 A Headbang and Shoestrings
On Laughing through the Struggles, co-hosts Beth and George bring to light the often overlooked need for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in child welfare. The conversation revolves around systemic issues delaying access to this vital service, which is crucial for children on the autism spectrum. Highlighting Sarah Woods’ expertise in ABA therapy, they discuss potential solutions for integrating such support into care facilities despite bureaucratic red tape. This insightful episode incorporates humor and the hosts’ personal anecdotes, providing a balanced perspective on the urgent need for policy reform in social services.
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59min
May 12, 2025 No Diddy Though!!!!
In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' Beth and George discuss the often uncomfortable yet significant aspect of handling inappropriate comments from clients and sometimes even professionals in the social work field. The duo explores various scenarios, sharing personal anecdotes and discussing strategies for maintaining professionalism. They emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and safety, reminding listeners to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable. Through humor and candid conversation, Beth and George aim to provide both insight and support for social workers navigating these tricky situations.
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45min
May 06, 2025 Self-Care, Take Care
In this episode, hosts Beth and George delve into the intricacies of managing self-care within the demanding field of social work. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries and the common struggle to prioritize personal health. Reflections on generational work habits reveal how societal expectations have shifted over time, influencing work-life balance. The hosts engage in humorous banter, underlining the necessity of laughter as an essential tool for coping with stress. Through personal anecdotes, they demonstrate how self-care isn't just a luxury, but a critical component for sustaining effectiveness in their profession.
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58min
April 28, 2025 I Believe The Children Are The Future
In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' Beth and George highlight the importance of including youth in child welfare decisions, particularly concerning case planning and permanency. They discuss the often-overlooked voices of children in care, emphasizing the need to involve them in deciding their futures. The conversation reflects on laws that require youth involvement and the challenges faced in engaging them. Beth and George also debunk adoption fantasies, revealing uncomfortable truths about the system that often resembles 'shopping' for children, and the importance of creating supportive environments for these youth.
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48min
April 07, 2025 This ones for you.....
In the podcast 'Laughing through the Struggles,' social workers Beth and George navigate the turbulent seas of child welfare. The hosts discuss the unpredictable nature of their field, from long work hours and travel distances to handling unexpected events that fall beyond their control. This episode sheds light on how committed social workers manage emotional challenges, emphasizing thoughtful responses and personal boundaries. With authentic storytelling and humor, the hosts invite listeners to understand the pressures they face, focusing on accountability and the essence of being a compassionate worker in a demanding profession.
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1h

FAQs about Laughing Through The Struggles:

How many episodes does Laughing Through The Struggles have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.