Send us Fan Mail

Your body keeps score long after your shift ends and sometimes it forces you to listen. I’m joined by Shantice Wright, a Trenton raised social worker, quality assurance analyst, doctoral candidate in social work and human rights leadership, and the founder of Wright Holistic Realms LLC, to talk about what it really costs to stay on autopilot in high stress helping professions. Shantice shares the moment her “big girl job” in child welfare collided with a life threatening spinal infection, months of recovery, and the shock of having to relearn how to walk. From there, we unpack the everyday patterns so many of us normalize: not sleeping, not drinking water, eating whatever is fastest, never doing anything fun, and feeling unable to say no because of power dynamics, people pleasing, or fear of looking incompetent. We connect burnout, compassion fatigue, and nervous system overload to the ethical reality that we cannot provide safe, high quality care when we are depleted.

We also zoom out to the system. Shantice explains how her capstone links intersectionality, child welfare leadership, and human rights, including why representation matters, how racial disproportionalities intensify stress for staff and families, and why she advocates for cultural humility rather than “cultural competence.” Finally, she walks through holistic wellness practices she uses and teaches, plus what you can find through her business, including mentorship and community resources designed to help helpers thrive. If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a colleague who’s carrying too much, and leave a review with one boundary you’re committing to this week.

Book List: (just for fun) Hidden Pictures-Jason Rekulak; None Of This Is True-Lisa Jewell; The Only One Left-Riley Sager; Razorblade Tears- S.A. Cosby; That’s Not My Name-Megan Lally.

How to reach Shantice:

Website: www.wrightholisticrealmsllc.org

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: @wrightholisticrealmsllc

Instagram: @wrightholisticrealmsllc

FaceBook: wrightholisticrealmsllc

Tiktok: @wrightholisticrealmsllc

X: @wrighthrllc

-----------

Special thanks:

We could not have got started without Ellen and her fabulous branding and photos. If you need a photographer or graphic designer, [email protected]

Johnny Peacock Music for the music. Looking for a custom sound? Reach out to Johnny.  [email protected] 

My cousin Gab for sharing your expertise. The best resource and expert to help pull this together. For any podcast assistance, contact [email protected] 

Monmouth University: School of Social Work; Department of Communication (WXCM 88.9FM); and the Department of Psychology for all your support. Go Hawks

My capstone committee, and my fabulous professors and mentors, for pushing me past my comfort zone

“Team B” for supporting this…so honored to know you all

Special thanks to my children, just because <3

humanUpNJ