The Social Worker / Le travailleur social

CASW | ACTS
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As the Canadian Association of Social Workers marks 100 years, The Social Worker Podcast examines where the profession has been and where it’s going. The Social Worker Podcast brings forward the voices, stories, and lived experiences that have shaped, and continue to shape social work in Canada. Each episode invites practitioners and leaders to reflect on the profession’s legacy, confront its harms, and imagine a more just future. Real stories, honest conversations, and a century of learning. Learn more about CASW here: https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/about-us/about-casw Alors que l'Association canadienne des travailleurs sociaux célèbre son centenaire, Le balado du Travailleur social  revient sur le parcours de la profession et se penche sur son avenir. Le podcast « The Social Worker » donne la parole aux personnes, aux récits et aux expériences vécues qui ont façonné et continuent de façonner le travail social au Canada. Chaque épisode invite des praticiens et des dirigeants à réfléchir à l'héritage de la profession, à faire le point sur ses inconvénients et à imaginer un avenir plus juste. Des histoires vraies, des conversations sincères et un siècle d'apprentissage. Pour en savoir plus sur l'ACTS, rendez-vous ici : https://www.casw-acts.ca/fr/%C3%A0-notre-sujet/%C3%A0-notre-sujet

Episodes

  1. APR 24

    The Social Worker Interview with Jaeyell Kim

    In this episode of The Social Worker Podcast, presented by the Canadian Association of Social Workers, we’re joined by Jaeyell Kim, a Korean-Canadian social worker, educator, and mental health advocate whose work is deeply rooted in supporting youth, newcomers, and families across Canada. Jaeyell shares his journey into social work, shaped by his own lived experience navigating racism, migration, and identity. From being one of the only Korean-speaking social workers in his community to building more accessible and culturally responsive care, his story highlights the critical role of representation in mental health services. In this conversation, we explore: What “transitional trauma” means and how it impacts newcomers navigating unfamiliar systemsThe realities of language barriers, stigma, and access to care in immigrant communitiesHow culturally grounded practice can build trust, safety, and connectionJaeyell’s creative use of comics and storytelling to make mental health more approachableHis advice to the next generation of social workers on cultural humility and lifelong learning This episode is a powerful reminder that social work is not just about services — it’s about understanding, belonging, and meeting people where they are.

    43 min

  2. MAR 27

    The Social Worker Interview with Lisa Mishibinijima

    As we close out National Social Work Month, The Social Worker Podcast is honoured to feature Lisa Mishibinijima, whose spirit name is Kinew Kwe (Golden Eagle Woman).  Lisa is an Anishinaabekwe of the Bear Clan and a band member of M’chigeeng First Nation. Before any professional role, she grounds herself in her relationships — as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, cousin, friend, hunter, and helper. These responsibilities guide how she moves through the world and how she shows up in community.  Living and working in Sioux Lookout since 2009, Lisa has spent over 20 years supporting community wellness through roles in harm reduction, youth justice, counselling, shelters, management, and frontline service. Today, she works with the Hepatitis C Program at Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, continuing to support healing and wellness in First Nations communities.   In this episode, Lisa reflects on:  The importance of relationships and accountability in social work How land-based knowledge and culture shape her practice Supporting community through harm reduction and frontline care The role of lived experience in guiding healing and wellness The land as teacher and guide in both life and practice

    31 min

  3. MAR 25

    Le balado du Travailleur social : entretien avec Marie-Michèle Doiron et Gaëlle Troude

    Alors que nous continuons à célébrer le Mois national du travail social et le centenaire de l’ACTS, le balado Le Travailleur social a l’honneur d’accueillir Marie-Michèle Doiron et Gaëlle Troude, de l’AQTS.      Marie-Michèle est travailleuse sociale depuis 2009 et exerce à Québec, où elle travaille au sein du réseau de la santé et s’implique actuellement dans le milieu syndical et les négociations. Gaëlle, travailleuse sociale depuis l’obtention de sa maîtrise, a bâti sa carrière dans des milieux communautaires et institutionnels à Montréal, avec un engagement profond envers la collaboration et la pratique systémique.  Dans cet épisode spécial, Marie-Michèle et Gaëlle racontent comment leur parcours personnel dans le travail social a commencé, ainsi que le cheminement qui a mené à la création de l’Association québécoise des travailleuses sociales et travailleurs sociaux (AQTS) — une association professionnelle dédiée à la représentation et à la défense des travailleurs sociaux à travers le Québec.        Dans cet épisode, elles reviennent sur :   Leurs parcours uniques vers le travail social et ce qui continue d’inspirer leur pratique   La création d’une association provinciale et l’importance d’une voix collective  La distinction entre les ordres professionnels, les associations et les syndicats  La nécessité d’une plus grande reconnaissance et visibilité de la profession  Leurs espoirs pour l’avenir du travail social au cours des 100 prochaines années

    36 min

  4. MAR 20

    The Social Worker Interview with Karen Lok Yi Wong

    The Social Worker Podcast is honoured to feature Karen Lok Yi Wong — a registered social worker whose work has shaped dementia care, aging policy, and equity in elder support systems across Canada.  Karen brings years of practice experience across community senior services, long-term care, and geriatric acute care, alongside a deep commitment to research and advocacy for older adults and their families. Her contributions have been recognized with the Inspiring Social Worker of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award.  In this episode, Karen reflects on:  Supporting older adults and people living with dementia The realities of transnational family caregiving How structural forces — including racism — shape access to dementia supports Addressing stigma and barriers within Chinese communities The role of research in advancing anti-oppressive gerontological social work  Through both practice and research, Karen’s work highlights how social workers can challenge inequities and improve systems of care for aging communities.

    31 min

  5. MAR 13

    The Social Worker Interview with Julia Falzarano

    As we continue celebrating National Social Work Month and 100 years of social work in Canada, we’re honoured to feature Julia Falzarano on The Social Worker Podcast.  Julia shares how her journey began in pediatric health and nutrition before she realized social work aligned more deeply with her holistic values. After completing her BSW, Julia found her calling in grief and loss.  In this powerful conversation, Julia reflects on:  Anticipatory grief and how loss reshaped her practice Building her own practice with a bereavement leave fund  The barriers people face when seeking grief support Her vision for a clearer “map” to help individuals and families navigate grief resources  Through free monthly workshops for young people navigating loss, Julia is expanding access to grief-informed care and raising awareness about the fragility and sensitivity of grief.  This episode reminds us that social work is everywhere - in policy spaces, in private practice, in community workshops, and in the quiet moments of holding space for loss.

    25 min

  6. MAR 6

    The Social Worker Interview with Erin Beckwell

    The Social Worker Podcast is here! As we celebrate National Social Work Month and 100 years of CASW, CASW is proud to launch it's special 100-year podcast series with its very first episode featuring Erin Beckwell. In this inaugural conversation, Erin reflects on: Why she chose social workThe defining moments that shaped her practiceThe power of mentorship and lived experienceHer hopes for the next 100 years of the profession This episode sets the tone for the series with a thoughtful, honest, and grounded conversation, in values that continue to shape social work across generations. National Social Work Month is about recognizing the impact of social workers in communities across the country and this conversation is a powerful reminder of why this profession matters. For more information on National Social Worker Month 2026 and The Social Worker Podcast, visit https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/national-social-work-month-2026

    56 min
  • 6 Episodes

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About

As the Canadian Association of Social Workers marks 100 years, The Social Worker Podcast examines where the profession has been and where it’s going. The Social Worker Podcast brings forward the voices, stories, and lived experiences that have shaped, and continue to shape social work in Canada. Each episode invites practitioners and leaders to reflect on the profession’s legacy, confront its harms, and imagine a more just future. Real stories, honest conversations, and a century of learning. Learn more about CASW here: https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/about-us/about-casw Alors que l'Association canadienne des travailleurs sociaux célèbre son centenaire, Le balado du Travailleur social  revient sur le parcours de la profession et se penche sur son avenir. Le podcast « The Social Worker » donne la parole aux personnes, aux récits et aux expériences vécues qui ont façonné et continuent de façonner le travail social au Canada. Chaque épisode invite des praticiens et des dirigeants à réfléchir à l'héritage de la profession, à faire le point sur ses inconvénients et à imaginer un avenir plus juste. Des histoires vraies, des conversations sincères et un siècle d'apprentissage. Pour en savoir plus sur l'ACTS, rendez-vous ici : https://www.casw-acts.ca/fr/%C3%A0-notre-sujet/%C3%A0-notre-sujet

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