Join Anna Shull, LMSW for candid conversations with social workers!
Find inspiration in social work! Join us for captivating conversations with social work professionals who tackle systemic issues, advocate for marginalized communities, and support fellow social workers in the community. Gain insights for your own social work education and career journey in this new series hosted by Anna Shull, LMSW.
Ready to hear from social workers making a real difference? Join host Anna Shull, LMSW, for inspiring conversations with practicing social workers who are transforming lives, communities, and the profession itself. The Voices of Social Work podcast shares authentic stories from professionals who tackle systemic issues, advocate for marginalized communities, and support fellow social workers on their journey.
Crafting the Perfect MSW Personal Statement: A Conversation with Michelle Bruxer, MSW
Episode 6
Join us for a great conversation with Michelle Bruxer, MSW aka the Founder of MSW Helper, helping future social workers with crafting the perfect MSW personal statements and applications.
Calling All Social Work Newbies: A Conversation with Regine Amos, MSW
Episode 5
Social Work newbies, this is a good one for you. We’re joined this week by Regine Amos, an MSW graduate who is now pursuing a fellowship in individual therapy, individual counseling, and working at a university with college students.
Inside the World of Social Work Policy: A Conversation with Cristino Chavez, LMSW
Episode 4
Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we dive deep into the world of social work with our special guest, Cristino Chavez, a highly accomplished Research Associate, PhD student, adjunct professor, LMSW, and Immigration Court Mental Health Evaluator.
What You’ll Gain from Each Episode
Real-World Insights from the Field
Learn directly from professionals working in diverse social work settings, from clinical practice to macro-level policy work. Our guests share their experiences navigating challenges in healthcare, child welfare, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and community advocacy. Each episode offers a glimpse into the daily realities of social work practice, providing insight into what various social work careers actually entail.
Whether you’re exploring social work specializations or trying to understand the differences between clinical and macro social work, our podcast episodes feature practitioners who bring these career paths to life through their personal stories.
Career Guidance and Professional Development
Whether you’re considering an MSW program, exploring specializations, or planning your next career move, gain practical advice from social workers who’ve walked the path before you. Learn about different career trajectories, from direct practice to administration and policy work. Our guests discuss their educational journeys, including decisions about online MSW programs versus traditional programs, and share insights about advanced standing MSW options for BSW graduates.
Hear candid discussions about maintaining professional boundaries, preventing social work burnout, pursuing advanced certifications, and understanding LCSW requirements by state. Each conversation provides practical strategies for building a sustainable and fulfilling career in social work.
Current Issues and Innovation in Social Work
Stay informed about emerging trends reshaping the field. Episodes explore trauma-informed care approaches, the integration of technology in social work practice, social justice initiatives, and evidence-based interventions. Learn how experienced professionals are adapting to changes in healthcare policy, addressing systemic inequalities, and implementing innovative solutions to complex social problems.
Who Should Listen to The Voices of Social Work Podcast
| Audience | What You’ll Discover |
|---|---|
| Prospective Students | Is social work the right career path? Learn about day-to-day realities, educational requirements, and career prospects |
| Current BSW/MSW Students | Mentorship, real-world perspectives, internship insights, and preparation for professional practice |
| New Graduates | Licensure preparation, job search strategies, and navigating your first professional role |
| Experienced Practitioners | Fresh ideas, peer support, continuing education insights, and leadership development |
| Career Changers | Transitioning into social work, leveraging previous experience, and educational pathways |
Featured Topics and Episode Themes
Each episode of The Voices of Social Work podcast dives deep into topics that matter to social work students and professionals. Recent conversations have covered:
- Navigating Your First Year: Tips for new social workers adjusting to professional practice, managing caseloads, and finding supervision
- Educational Pathways: Choosing between BSW programs and direct MSW entry, understanding program accreditation, and maximizing your education
- Building Professional Resilience: Strategies for self-care, preventing compassion fatigue, and maintaining work-life balance
- Advocacy and Systems Change: How to effect policy change while providing direct services, engaging in community organizing, and addressing structural inequities
- Clinical Practice Excellence: Evidence-based interventions, therapeutic techniques, and building strong client relationships
- Career Advancement: Moving into supervision, administration, or private practice; pursuing doctoral education; and developing leadership skills
Learn from Diverse Social Work Voices
Our podcast features social workers from various backgrounds and practice settings, ensuring you hear perspectives that reflect the diversity of the profession. Guests include:
- Clinical social workers in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice
- School social workers supporting students and families
- Child welfare workers protecting vulnerable children
- Medical social workers are coordinating care and advocating for patients
- Policy advocates working on systemic change
- Social work educators and researchers advancing the profession
- Military and veteran social workers serving those who served
According to the National Association of Social Workers, the profession continues to grow and diversify, with social workers making significant impacts across multiple sectors. Our podcast captures this diversity, bringing you stories from every corner of the field.
How The Voices of Social Work Support Your Journey
This podcast serves as more than entertainment—it’s a professional development resource designed to support you at every stage of your social work journey. Each episode is crafted to provide:
Practical Takeaways: Every conversation includes actionable advice you can apply to your education, job search, or current practice. Whether you’re writing your MSW application essays or preparing for the LCSW exam, you’ll find relevant insights.
Emotional Support: Social work can be challenging, and hearing from others who understand these challenges provides validation and encouragement. Our guests share honestly about difficulties they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome them.
Professional Networking: Connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for social justice and a desire to help others. Many guests share their contact information for listeners who want to continue the conversation.
Start Listening Today
New episodes of The Voices of Social Work podcast are released regularly, featuring in-depth conversations with social workers who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Each episode runs approximately 30-45 minutes, perfect for your commute, workout, or study break.
Join host Anna Shull, LMSW, as she guides thoughtful conversations that explore both the rewards and challenges of social work practice. Anna brings her own clinical experience and genuine curiosity to each interview, creating a safe space for guests to share their authentic experiences.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore social work as a career or a seasoned professional seeking inspiration and connection, The Voices of Social Work podcast offers valuable insights to support your journey. Subscribe today and become part of a community committed to social justice, human dignity, and professional excellence.
Connect and Continue Learning
The Voices of Social Work podcast is more than just listening—it’s about building connections and continuing your professional development. After each episode, explore additional resources on our website to deepen your understanding of the topics discussed.
Remember, every social worker’s journey is unique, but we all share common values and challenges. Through these conversations, you’ll discover that you’re not alone in your experiences and that there’s a supportive community ready to help you succeed in this meaningful profession.
Listen to The Voices of Social Work podcast wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes featuring real social workers, real stories, and real impact for your social work education and career.
