Laughing Through The Struggles

Laughing Through The Struggles

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Laughing Through The Struggles episodes

  • Rate Me 1-4......
    In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George explore the complex realities and absurdities of child welfare. They discuss the new safe model, the redesign of their work protocol, and the ideal versus actual implementation of policies. Amid amusing anecdotes and serious discussions, they critique issues like the flawed distribution of foster care placements and the restricted access to alternative therapies for youth. Their candid conversation reveals both the frustrations and rewards of their social work, as they seek to bring families' voices into the conversation, despite systemic barriers.
    48 min
  • And The Award Goes Too....
    In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George, two seasoned social workers, discuss the complexities of child welfare. They share anecdotes from their professional experiences, touching on themes of respect and understanding, especially regarding interactions with foster parents. Beth recounts a challenging colleague she once worked with, emphasizing the importance of forming one's own opinions rather than relying on others' biases. Meanwhile, both hosts open up about the stress and anxiety of returning from vacations to daunting email inboxes. The episode blends humor and heartfelt reflections, capturing the unpredictable world of child welfare.
    1 hr 2 min
  • Catch Me Up.....
    In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Beth and George, both seasoned social workers, dive into the ups and downs of child welfare. They blend personal anecdotes and humor to discuss the challenges of attending school activities as reluctant participants and the humorous side of losing one’s voice. The duo also highlights recent restructuring in their department, focusing on strategy and quality improvement. The episode offers a fresh perspective on child welfare, ensuring listeners experience both the heartfelt and humorous sides of social work, making it accessible to both professionals and those simply curious about the field.
    53 min
  • 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.
    54 min
  • 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.
    54 min
  • 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.
    1 hr 4 min
  • 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.
    50 min
  • 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

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    59 min
  • 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.
    59 min
  • 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.
    45 min

About Laughing Through The Struggles

From the publisher's feed

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 tackling the misconceptions about our roles, we're here to bring you insights sprinkled with humor and real-life stories.