Academy i3 Podcast

Academy for Professional Excellence
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Academy i3 Podcast is a series of podcasts where we lead with open hearts and open minds to Inspire, Inquire, and Impact the workforce. On each episode, join Charlie Rodnuson, Practice Coach for the CWDS (Child Welfare Development Services) program, as he talks with special guests on experiences and conversations that transform the heart, mind, and practice. This podcast is produced by the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work. Hosted, produced, and edited by Charlie Rodnuson. Logo by Michael Eakes.

  1. JAN 13

    Increasing Affective Capacity ft. Jesse Greenfield

    In this episode, hosts Charlie and Shane welcome Jesse Greenfield, MPHCHES—public health educator, improviser, and co-founder of Kaleidoscope Training Center. Jesse shares their journey from the medical field to applied improvisation, exploring how storytelling and play can empower individuals and communities to build stronger, healthier relationships. The conversation dives deep into the concept of "affective capacity"—our ability to connect emotionally with ourselves and others—and why it’s essential for personal well-being, effective communication, and thriving workplaces. Listeners will learn practical tools for increasing affective capacity, including the power of play, somatic practices, and authentic self-reflection. Jesse also guides the hosts through an improv game, demonstrating how simple, playful exercises can foster trust, openness, and collaboration. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just curious about emotional intelligence, this episode offers actionable insights for nurturing healthy relationships and creating supportive environments at work and beyond. Episode Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 0:39 – Jesse’s Journey: From Medicine to Applied Improv 7:51 – Defining Affective Capacity 8:10 – Emotional Connection in Health & Communication 13:46 – The Role of Trust and Relational Dynamics 17:51 – Building Affective Capacity: Personal Practices 27:06 – The Power of Play and Improv 31:41 – Bandwidth Check-Ins & Self-Reflection 34:25 – Tips for Novices: Starting Your Affective Capacity Journey 37:54 – Supporting Each Other: Extroverts, Introverts, and Processing Styles 40:12 – Leadership & Fostering Team Capacity 45:18 – Creating Safe, Supportive Work Environments 46:50 – Improv Game: “Accept This” in Action 51:16 – Debrief: Lessons from Play 1:01:01 – Openness, Exploration, and Growth 1:04:47 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways 1:04:54 – Closing Remarks Learn about our guest: Jesse Greenfield, MPH, CHES (they/them) is a public health educator and improviser living in San Diego, California. They love using storytelling as an information-sharing tool to empower individuals and communities to live their fullest and healthiest lives. As co-founder and Director of Programming for Kaleidoscope Training Center, Jesse facilitates applied improvisation workshops to support people in improving their spoken and unspoken communication with others, creating joyful connections, and being effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Some groups they have worked with in this capacity include school staff, medical professionals, queer youth, social workers, and more. Guest contact information  Jesse’s Business Website https://www.kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com/, which has all of their info about programming and upcoming offerings contact info jesse@kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com in case folx want to reach out.  If people are looking for a great book that will support them in improving their facilitation using applied improv, I'd highly recommend the book Training to Imagine by Kat Koppe

    1h 5m

  2. 12/09/2025

    Building Accessible Digital Work Environments ft. Courtney Ketcham

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Ketcham, former Accessibility Remediation Coordinator at the Academy for Professional Excellence. Courtney shares her journey, expertise, and practical tips on making digital spaces accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or advocate, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories about the importance of accessibility, universal design, and inclusion in the digital world.

    1h 1m

  3. 11/18/2025

    ICWA: Key Insights for Child Welfare Professionals

    Join us for this episode of the Academy i3 Podcast as we welcome Sunni Dominguez, Tribal Stars Program Manager and member of the Ipay Nation of Santa Isabel. Sunni shares her expertise on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), discussing its history, why it matters, and how it impacts Native American families and child welfare professionals. In this conversation, we cover: The origins and purpose of ICWA Key provisions and compliance challenges The importance of cultural connection and community leadership Best practices for social workers and agencies Real stories and lived experiences from Native communities Whether you’re a child welfare professional, student, or someone interested in social justice and Native American issues, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for making a positive impact. Sunni Dominguez is Iipay/Kumeyaay from the Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel. She served as an elected tribal official for 14 years and currently sits on the Tribal Advisory Committee for the CDSS Office of Tribal Affairs. With over 20 years of experience in tribal family advocacy, early childhood education, and cultural preservation, she now serves as Program Manager for the Academy for Professional Excellence Tribal STAR program. As a trainer for ICWA: Working with Native American Families and Tribes, Sunni draws on her experiences as a mother, grandmother, foster parent, and Indian custodian to support better outcomes for Native American children and families. Her work focuses on spiritual healing and protecting past, present, and future generations.👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!

    37 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    Peer Support in Professional Spaces

    This episode of the Academy I3 podcast delves into the vital topic of peer support, exploring its significance in both personal and professional contexts. The discussion highlights how peer support fosters a sense of community, encourages open dialogue, and provides practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Through real-life examples and expert insights from Betsy Watson, MSW, and Shelley Townley, BA, the episode emphasizes the transformative power of shared experiences and the importance of building supportive networks. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how peer support can enhance well-being, resilience, and growth within various environments.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Introductions08:45 – Defining Peer Support and Its Importance15:22 – Origins of Ventura County’s Peer Support Program23:10 – One-on-One Support and Resiliency Groups28:55 – Innovative Approaches: Therapy Dogs, Mindfulness, and Chair Yoga35:40 – Training Peer Supporters and Program Growth42:12 – Immediate Support Compared to Traditional Support (EAP, Therapy)49:05 – Critical Incident Response and Trauma Bonding55:30 – Coalition-Building Across Counties and First Responders1:28:50 – Final Takeaways and Advice for New Workers and Leaders Learn about our guest: Betsy Watson, Supervisor, Ventura County Child Welfare – 23 years in child welfare, involved in peer support since 2018, with expertise in staff wellness and workforce resilience. Shelley Townley, Supervisor, Ventura County Child Welfare – Nearly 30 years in child welfare, peer support involvement since 2016, experienced in program development, coalition-building, and sustaining trauma-informed practices.Guest contact information Follow us on social media:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy

    41 min
  5. Emerging Practices in Social Work

    09/18/2025

    Emerging Practices in Social Work

    In this episode, host Charlie Rodnuson interviews Giovanni Holloway, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in child welfare and social services in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The conversation covers emerging practices in social work, the importance of self-care and work-life balance, diversity and culturally responsive approaches, creative community engagement such as natural hair care forums for foster families, the effects of policy on caseloads and workforce retention, and practical advice for social workers at all stages of their careers.

    47 min
  6. Workforce Recruitment & Retention Strategies ft. Lisa Maaca Bartlette

    08/12/2025

    Workforce Recruitment & Retention Strategies ft. Lisa Maaca Bartlette

    Boost well-being and retention for child welfare workers through trauma-informed care and psychological safety. In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, the discussion centers around the critical issues of workforce recruitment and retention in the field of child welfare. Guest Lisa Maaca Bartlett, an experienced social work professional and academic, shares her insights on creating supportive work environments, the impacts of trauma-informed care, and the significance of psychological safety within organizations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by child welfare workers, including secondary traumatic stress, and offers practical strategies to improve retention and well-being among staff. This episode is a valuable resource for leaders and practitioners looking to enhance their organizational culture and support their teams effectively. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 07:00 – Research on Workforce Retention 11:47 – Themes for High Turnover Rates 16:38 – Impact of Stress and Burnout 24:22 – Trauma-Informed Care in Practice 35:29 – Supporting Current Workers: Psychological Safety 36:20 – Understanding Psychological Safety 37:30 – Four Stages of Psychological Safety 48:42 – Trauma-Informed Care and Workforce Retention Strategies Check out the resources we mentioned: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Trauma-Informed Care Curriculum: https://www.nctsn.org/ Harvard Business Review Article: "The Hazards of a ‘Nice’ Company Culture" by Timothy R. Clark (2021): https://hbr.org/2021/06/the-hazards-of-a-nice-company-culture Learn about our guest:  Lisa Maaca Bartlette, MSSA, is a social service entrepreneur and founder of Lisa Maaca, Inc., specializing in Trauma-Informed Care. Drawing from her own healing journey and extensive social work experience in Ohio and California, Lisa delivers transformative, evidence-based programs and keynotes across the US. She consults and trains California’s Child Welfare and Juvenile Probation workforce, helping reshape how trauma is understood and addressed. With a background in Business Management, a Master of Science in Social Administration, and ongoing doctoral studies focused on Trauma-Informed Care and Neurobiology of Trauma, Lisa combines research and real-world practice to inspire positive organizational change. Contact Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-maaca-bartlette-47225525/  Subscribe for more psychological safety and workforce development content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy #ChildWelfareWorkforce #TraumaInformedLeadership #PsychologicalSafety

    1h 5m
  7. Integrating Intersectionality ft. Audrey Tousant Shelby

    07/08/2025

    Integrating Intersectionality ft. Audrey Tousant Shelby

    Learn how intersectionality shapes our lives and influences our workplaces! In this episode of the Academy i3 podcast, hosts Charlie and Shane are joined by Audrey Tousant Shelby, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practicum Education at USC and a child welfare professional with 16 years of experience. Audrey discusses her journey through social work, her passion for understanding disproportionality in child welfare, and her dedication to addressing disparities in care for children of color. The conversation covers key topics like intersectionality, positionality, and how organizations can create more inclusive and psychologically safe environments. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to healthier workplaces and communities. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:03 Meet Audrey Tousant Shelby 02:30 Defining Intersectionality 03:22 Intersectionality in Organizations 04:45 Understanding Positionality 08:23 Challenges of Discrimination 10:50 Recognizing and Addressing Bias 22:13 Promoting Inclusivity in the Workplace 28:47 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Learn about our guest:  Audrey Tousant Shelby, MSW, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practicum Education at USC, with over 16 years of leadership in child welfare across nonprofit, county, and state systems. She began her career at SHIELDS for Families, where she designed and led programs across the child welfare continuum and rose to oversee the entire division. Her career includes high-impact roles such as Chief of Staff to the Chief Deputy Director of LA County’s Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare Administrator, County Consultant, Program Manager, and Supervisor. In these capacities, she has led strategic initiatives including the Family First Prevention Services Act, Thriving Families, and equity-focused reforms. A USC MSW alumna, Mrs. Shelby has trained and coached professionals statewide, developed culturally responsive curricula, and advanced key practices like Safety Organized Practice and Family Finding. As an adoptee, she is deeply committed to transforming foster care into a system of child well-being, with a focus on equity and family preservation. You can contact Audrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyshelby/ Subscribe for more DEI and organizational culture content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy #Intersectionality #DEI #WorkforceDevelopment

    32 min
  8. Brain Health in Workforce Wellness ft. Maria Garay-Serratos

    06/10/2025

    Brain Health in Workforce Wellness ft. Maria Garay-Serratos

    Learn how chronic stress and traumatic brain injuries can silently impact workplace dynamics and employee wellbeing! In this episode of the Academy I3 podcast, hosts Charlie and Shane engage in a thought provoking discussion with Dr. Maria Garay Seratos, an expert in domestic violence, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Dr. Seratos talked about the profound impact of brain injuries and chronic stress on groups that are marginalized, particularly within the context of child welfare and the workplace. She highlights the critical symptoms and long-term effects associated with TBI and chronic stress, underscoring the need for greater awareness and support in professional environments. Dr. Seratos emphasizes the importance of creating brain health initiatives, educating the workforce, and integrating these efforts into broader DEI strategies. This episode sheds light on a largely unrecognized issue, urging organizations to prioritize brain health as a fundamental component of employee wellbeing and organizational success. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Meet Dr. Maria Garay Soratos 02:11 The Link Between Brain Health and DEI Challenges 04:09 Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 06:04 Non-Concussive Head Impacts and CTE 07:20 The Prevalence and Impact of TBI 10:10 Brain Health and Chronic Stress 11:28 Intersectionality and Brain Health in the Workplace 14:39 Misconceptions About Brain Health 19:53 Strategies for Supporting Brain Health in the Workplace 35:32 The Role of Leadership in Promoting Brain Health 39:37 Long-Term Benefits of Prioritizing Brain Health 41:00 Envisioning the Future of DEI and Brain Health 44:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn about our guest:  María E. Garay-Serratos, MSW, PhD, is a domestic violence – traumatic brain injury/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (DV-TBI/CTE) expert and thought leader. Her life’s mission is to create global awareness to address the silent and unrecognized DV-TBI/CTE pandemic. Dr. Garay-Serratos is currently the Founder and CEO of Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation and the Protagonist, Associate Producer, DV-TBI/CTE Expert Consultant for This Hits Home, a feature documentary released in 2023. Her work and story have also been the focus of various media/social media articles/interviews including NPR, The National Desk Spotlight on America, USC News, The Global Good Podcast, HuffPost, The Los Angeles Times, Boston University CTE Center, and Concussion Legacy Foundation. Prior to founding Pánfila and involvement with This Hits Home, Dr. Garay- Serratos served as a C-level executive for over 25 years for various non-profit organizations. She attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, where she earned her undergraduate degree in sociology. Her graduate studies were in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California where she earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate. Check out Dr. Garay-Serratos' organization: Pánfila Domestic Violence HOPE Foundation Subscribe for more workforce wellness content: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcademySDSU Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sdsuacademy #BrainHealth #WorkforceWellness #DEI

    45 min
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About

The Academy i3 Podcast is a series of podcasts where we lead with open hearts and open minds to Inspire, Inquire, and Impact the workforce. On each episode, join Charlie Rodnuson, Practice Coach for the CWDS (Child Welfare Development Services) program, as he talks with special guests on experiences and conversations that transform the heart, mind, and practice. This podcast is produced by the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work. Hosted, produced, and edited by Charlie Rodnuson. Logo by Michael Eakes.

Information

  • Creator
    Academy for Professional Excellence
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Academy for Professional Excellence
  • Show Website
    Academy i3 Podcast