The Social Work Bubble Podcast

Laura Swanson

Laura Swanson, LCSW is a therapist in Central New York, and began The Social Work Bubble to create more conversations and community around social work! The podcast is meant as a resource for those interested or in the field, and dives into clinical practice, intervention, ethics, case studies, and licensing, MSW programs, and everything in between! Use this as a space to build community with fellow social workers so we can all thrive in this wonderful field!

  1. Ep. 99 Stepping Up to Nonprofit Leadership! ft. Kathy Archer

    7H AGO

    Ep. 99 Stepping Up to Nonprofit Leadership! ft. Kathy Archer

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Kathy Archer, an incredible coach for women leaders in the nonprofit world! Kathy gives great insight on leadership, her observations on how people struggle to step into leadership, being authentic, and more! An important conversation for any social workers wanting to progress their career! Kathy Archer If leadership feels heavy and lonely, you're not alone. Leadership coach Kathy Archer helps nonprofit women leaders stop drowning in work, doubting themselves, and carrying it all alone. After 25 years as a nonprofit leader, burnout forced her to figure out a better way, and now she helps you do the same. She's the author of Character Driven Leadership for Women and Mastering Confidence. Connect with her at kathyarcher.com or tune into her podcast, Surviving to Thriving. Website: https://www.kathyarcher.com/Book: Character Driven Leadership for WomenBook: Mastering ConfidenceLaura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a NY Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    41 min
  2. Ep. 98 Making Money & Other Social Work Myths ft. with Jenna Rodjenski, LCSW

    12/22/2025

    Ep. 98 Making Money & Other Social Work Myths ft. with Jenna Rodjenski, LCSW

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Jenna Rodjenski, a social worker and group practice founder & owner from Philadelphia! Jenna sheds light on how she challenged some beliefs about social work, making money in social work, being firm with boundaries & what it can look like to really thrive in this work! An empowering conversation that left me with an excitement for social work & a refreshed perspective on what my own work life balance can look like. Jenna Rodjenski, LCSW, is a therapist, End of Life Doula, and co-founder of Take Care Collective - a growing mental health collective based out of Philadelphia and Baltimore. Take Care promotes mental wellness through individual therapy, community events, professional development, and retreats. Jenna earned her BSW and MSW from Fordham University and began her career in community mental health before transitioning into private practice. She is a strong advocate for sustainability and balance in the work we do, advocating for change and development rooted in collective care and creativity. To follow Jenna and Take Care Collective visit www.takecarecollective.org or follow us on IG @takecarecltv.  Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community, highlight social work voices, and shed light on the variety that social work offers. Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    59 min
  3. Ep. 97 Embracing Leadership & Avoiding Burnout ft. Tenisha Tolen, LMSW

    11/17/2025

    Ep. 97 Embracing Leadership & Avoiding Burnout ft. Tenisha Tolen, LMSW

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Tenisha Tolen, LMSW all about her journey in social work, including how she stepped into leadership roles, what it takes to be a leader in social work, setting boundaries, and how we can address the gaps in social work leadership and diversity!  Tenisha is a Licensed Master Social Worker and the founder of Safe Space Behavioral Health, a wellness platform dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and lead with authenticity. Through her work, she offers coaching, mentorship, therapy, and workshops that focus on self-discovery, emotional wellness, and leadership development. With years of experience in both clinical and leadership roles, Tenisha is deeply passionate about fostering spaces where others feel empowered to step into their purpose and potential. She believes that healing and leadership go hand in hand—and that when people are given the tools and support to grow, they naturally become changemakers in their communities. Grounded in compassion and authenticity, Tenisha continues to create safe, transformative spaces for people to reconnect with themselves, embrace balance, and lead from a place of wholeness. Safe Space Behavioral HealthLaura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    35 min
  4. Ep. 96 Passing & Privilege: An NYU Social Work Story ft. Ashley Escobar

    11/10/2025

    Ep. 96 Passing & Privilege: An NYU Social Work Story ft. Ashley Escobar

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Ashley Escobar, an MSW student at NYU, recounting how she reconciled her Latina identity with being white passing, observations on being white passing in social work, and how she is finding her power within the current political and social climate. Ashley Escobar is from West Harlem and of Ecuadorian descent. She earned my BA in Psychology from the City College of New York in 2021, and is currently pursuing her MSW at NYU. Ashley's goal is to work with young adults who are BIPOC as a clinical social worker. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with my loved ones and attending concerts. She is also a Leo and a Swiftie. Instagram: @empoweringwithashleyLaura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    50 min
  5. Ep. 94 ft. The Vital Role of Geriatric Social Work ft. Chaundra Scott, LMSW

    10/27/2025

    Ep. 94 ft. The Vital Role of Geriatric Social Work ft. Chaundra Scott, LMSW

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Chaundra Scott and dive into her own social work journey & the wonderful and essential world of geriatric social work! We discuss Chaundra's passion for the aging and older population & the need for more social workers in this niche & so much more! Chaundra Scott, LMSW is a Maryland based & licensed social worker with 20+ years of social work experience. She compassionately supports families in need with discharge planning, placement, care coordination and elderly support. She earned her MSW degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in Gerontology. Chaundra is currently working in a medical social worker role; and is also a thriving social work entrepreneur with author projects, social work resources, special events, and a senior placement agency. When she’s not helping others she enjoys being a girl mom, volleyball mom, crafting, writing, and watching her favorite shows/movies. Instagram: @thee_wellnesscollective @mamaseniorcareservices The Wellness Collective LinksMama Senior Care Services LinksLaura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    38 min
  6. Ep. 93 Finding Purpose in Adoption Recruitment! ft. Kristy Ashley

    10/20/2025

    Ep. 93 Finding Purpose in Adoption Recruitment! ft. Kristy Ashley

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, I speak with Kristy Ashley, and adoption recruiter with the Children's Home, as she details her journey in this field, what her role typically looks like, and meaningful moments she has experienced as an adoption recruiter. Kristy Ashley is an Adoption Recruiter based in Binghamton, NY, with nearly 22 years of dedicated service at The Children’s Home. She holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has spent her career working with children of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout her tenure, Kristy has taken on a wide range of roles, including direct care provider, supervisor, and director of an abuse and neglect shelter, which she managed for almost a decade. In her current position, she focuses on helping children in foster care find permanency through adoption — a mission she carries out with compassion and persistence. Outside of her professional work, Kristy is a proud mother of two teenage boys and enjoys cheering them on at football and baseball games. Known for her commitment and resilience, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in her community. The Dave Thomas Foundation for AdoptionKristy's FacebookKristy's LinkedInLaura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    34 min
  7. Ep. 92 Social Work Needs to Change for Social Workers! ft. Emma Yeager, LMSW

    10/13/2025

    Ep. 92 Social Work Needs to Change for Social Workers! ft. Emma Yeager, LMSW

    Send us a text On this episode of The Social Work Bubble Podcast, Emma Yeager and I dive into why mentorship is such a crucial piece to thriving in social work & how we aim to fill this need with The Social Work Neighborhood mentorship program! The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Emma Yeager, LMSW graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 2022 and with her MSW, specializing in Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Misuse, from the University of Texas-Arlington in May 2024. Having extensive experience with the hospice and state hospital setting through her BSW and MSW internships, she is passionate about furthering the education and understanding of social work, personality disorders, and adoption trauma. She loves connecting with other social workers and empowering those around her to advocate for themselves and others. Keep Up with Emma Instagram @emma.grace.yeager Laura Swanson, LCSW began The Social Work Bubble in order to build community and a hub of helpful resources and support for social workers! Her aim is to connect fellow social workers and build each other up so we can all thrive in the wonderful field of social work! If you enjoyed today's episode, please 'like' and follow the podcast wherever you're listening! Don't forget to share The Social Work Bubble Podcast with your social worker friends! For More Things Social Work & Therapy: The Social Work Neighborhood Mentorship: Want to mentor another social worker? Or do you need a social work mentor? Join The Social Work Neighborhood! (Free social work mentorship) Follow the podcast on InstagramNeed a Therapist? Work with Me!Support the show

    44 min

About

Laura Swanson, LCSW is a therapist in Central New York, and began The Social Work Bubble to create more conversations and community around social work! The podcast is meant as a resource for those interested or in the field, and dives into clinical practice, intervention, ethics, case studies, and licensing, MSW programs, and everything in between! Use this as a space to build community with fellow social workers so we can all thrive in this wonderful field!