In honor of #mentalhealthawareness month, this episode of the Social Work Rants podcast focuses on workplace wellness and burnout in the social work field. Basiliso and Kelecia Smith, MSW, LMSW, discuss how current workplace well-being programs often fail to address the actual needs of workers, citing a Harvard Business Review article that noted mental health needs and burnout continue to rise despite corporate spending on wellness programs.

They explored the challenges of balancing caregiving responsibilities with work demands, particularly for the 63 million Americans who are caregivers. The conversation covered how administrative burdens, high client volumes, and inflexible work structures contribute to clinician burnout, with both participants sharing personal experiences of long commutes and unsustainable work schedules. They discussed the importance of organizations meeting workers where they are and involving staff in the development of well-being programs beyond surface-level initiatives like free coffee and happy hours.

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This week's episode The Social Work Rants Podcast features Sabella (Bella) Reyes, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the music industry. Bella explained her role as the self-proclaimed first "music industry social worker," focusing on supporting independent music creators who generate less than 50% of their income from music by providing mental health support, business literacy training, and resource navigation for the independent music community.

We discussed the challenges independent artists face including work-life balance issues, lack of proper artist development, and the impact of AI music on the industry, with Bella sharing her experience transitioning from the US Navy to working with independent artists and her leadership journey in corrections mental health.

The conversation also covered how the music industry has evolved from the label-supported era of the 1980s and 1990s to the current digital age where artists must handle both creative and business aspects of their careers. Bella discussed challenges in the music industry, particularly for independent artists, including issues with AI-generated content and intellectual property rights. They highlighted the financial struggles of independent artists who often fund their own projects and the lack of camaraderie and sportsmanship in the industry, using historical conflicts like those between Tupac and Biggie as examples.

The conversation concluded with a discussion on the importance of sharing information and resources in both the music industry and social work, emphasizing collaboration over competition.

Bella can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bella_beatmessenger

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In this episode of the Social Work Rants podcast, Basiliso interviewed Justin Brown Woods, co-host of the Price of Avocado Toast podcast and financial counselor, to discuss the intersection of mental health and finances in 2026. They explored current money struggles facing Americans, including rising gas and grocery prices, student loan debt, and the impact of political instability on personal finances. Justin emphasized the importance of values-based budgeting and curating positive financial content on social media, while Basiliso shared his experiences as a member of the sandwich generation and discussed the challenges of caring for family members while facing financial pressures. They also touched on the potential for Americans to consider relocating due to political or safety concerns, and the need for more open conversations about financial struggles within communities.Justin can be found on Instagram at  https:/ /www.instagram.com/priceofavocadotoast  Follow the podcast on Instagram: https:://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcastThe podcast is sponsored by Bas Moreno Consulting, providing financial education for people of color in the sandwich generation who are struggling with their finances while caregiving. Follow ‪@basmorenoconsulting‬

In this episode of the Social Work Rants Podcast, host Bas Moreno discussed the intersection of mental health and finances, highlighting how rising costs of living, including gas prices, utilities, and food, are significantly impacting both mental health and financial stability. Moreno emphasized that financial stress is a major trigger for mental health issues and stressed the importance of addressing money-related concerns in social work practice. He also discussed the challenges of budgeting in uncertain economic times, the high cost of caregiving, and the need for professionals to be comfortable discussing money with clients. Moreno encouraged colleagues to help clients navigate financial struggles and to prioritize their own financial well-being, suggesting strategies such as using high-yield savings accounts and automating savings.

The episode concludes with a reminder about Mother's Day and acknowledgment of the challenges faced by those grieving lost loved ones.

In this powerful and personal episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast, host Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW opens up during Mental Health Awareness Month about grief, seasonal depression, therapy, and the emotional weight of approaching the 6th anniversary of his mother’s passing.Bas reflects on the complicated feelings that come with grief, caregiving, family dynamics, and remembering a loved one after loss. He shares honest memories about caring for his mother, navigating difficult family moments, and learning how to process grief in healthier ways over time.This episode also highlights the importance of mental health support for social workers, caregivers, helping professionals, and anyone carrying emotional stress. Bas strongly encourages listeners to seek support from licensed therapists and mental health professionals, while reminding the audience that AI tools should never replace professional therapy.Bas also discusses how seasonal depression has impacted him in the spring, why this year feels slightly different, and how consistent therapy over the past two years has helped him better manage grief, stress, and personal reflection.In addition, Bas shares updates about his upcoming free financial webinar on May 12th with financial advisor Mike Profit, his upcoming presentation at the NASW Maryland Ocean City Conference, and an invitation for social workers—especially men in social work—to connect about being guests on the podcast for a June Father’s Day episode.This episode is a heartfelt reminder for social workers, caregivers, and helping professionals to take their own healing seriously, celebrate small wins, and seek support before burnout, grief, or stress become too heavy to carry alone.In This Episode, We Discuss:Mental Health Awareness Month and why it mattersGrief and the anniversary of a parent’s passingSeasonal depression and springtime emotional challengesThe importance of therapy for social workers and caregiversWhy AI should not replace licensed mental health professionals.Complicated family dynamics during caregiving.Celebrating personal wins while still healing.Mental health stress connected to social work, politics, and current events.Upcoming financial wellness webinar with Mike Profit.NASW Maryland Ocean City Conference presentation.Invitation for male social workers to appear on the podcast for Father’s Day.

On this episode, Rosita and Da Homeless Hero Shams discuss housing and homelessness challenges in New York City.

The discussion covers the city’s budget crisis, shelter system issues and the challenges of transitioning people from shelters to permanent housing.

Shams shares his experience working with the Mayor Adams administration to address homelessness.

We discuss the high cost of sheltering individuals ($4,800 per person per month), the 90 day rule elimination that previously hindered housing transitions and the complex barriers preventing property owners from accepting housing vouchers.

The conversation also addresses the racial disparities in the housing process in housing access, the challenges of affordable housing requirements that often exclude those most in need and the importance of involving people with lived in policy decisions.

#housing #nyc #socialwork

In this episode, Dr. Marya Wright, DSW discusses her journey to becoming the new president-elect of the California NASW, the importance of strong professional associations, and the current political landscape affecting social workers. She shares insights on leadership, advocacy, and balancing personal and professional life during challenging times.

Key Topics:

Maria Wright's election as president-elect of California NASW.

The importance of advocacy and membership in social work.

Impact of current political climate on social workers.

Strategies for leadership and community engagement.

Balancing personal life and professional responsibilities.

Follow Dr. Wright on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmaryawright

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In honor of #financialliteracymonth the host uses the power and control wheel to discuss financial abuse in domestic violence situations. The host provides examples of financial abuse.

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April is Financial Literacy Month.

In this episode of the Social Work Rants Podcast, host Bas Moreno discussed ways to use tax refunds wisely, particularly for social workers and mental health professionals. He emphasized building an emergency fund with 3-6 months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account, paying down high-interest debt, obtaining life insurance, and starting retirement accounts like IRAs or 403Bs. Moreno also highlighted current economic challenges, including rising inflation and gas prices, and encouraged listeners to prioritize financial stability despite limited resources. He announced upcoming projects, including a workshop on April 21st and a presentation at the National Association of Social Work conference in Maryland in May, as well as focusing writing a new book based on intersectionality in mental health and finances.Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast#financialliteracymonth #socialwork

In this episode of the Social Work Rants Podcast, Basiliso discussed financial stress among social workers, particularly in the current economic climate with rising inflation, gas prices, and housing costs. He highlighted challenges facing social workers including low salaries despite having advanced degrees, increasing student loan burdens, and the impact of COVID-19 on both workers and clients.

Basiliso provided financial advice including budgeting tips, recommendations to use high-yield savings accounts, and suggested using tax refunds to pay down debt or save for essentials. He also mentioned plans to interview a financial expert for Financial Literacy Month and writing a book on the intersection of mental health and finances in Latino communities.

Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast