THE SOCIAL WORK RANTS PODCAST

Basiliso Moreno, LMSW
  • 4.3 (12)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Podcast host Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW has been in the Social work field for the past 24 years. This social work podcast provides the listeners a dose of the hosts' world in social work, sharing personal stories, hopefully providing some education, smiles and laughs. The host also interviews other social work and mental health professionals in the field. Thank you for listening and supporting. Top 10 Social Work Podcast Please subscribe to the podcast. Leave a comment/rating on podcast episodes. The podcast can be found via on Twitter/X @SOCIALWORKRANTS and IG @THESOCIALWORKRANTSPODCAST

  1. 12h ago

    NY Knicks and Mental Health; Episode 268

    This episode of The Social Work Rans Podcast focused on men's mental health month and highlighted the mental health discussions of New York Knicks players Karl Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. I discussed how Robinson openly addressed his mental health struggles during the playoffs, while Towns shared his ongoing grief over losing multiple family members to COVID and unapologetically talks how faith go him through. I connected these athletes' experiences to broader mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of seeking therapy and support, and mentioned upcoming resources and hotlines for those needing help. I compared this to Ron Artest/Metta World Peace's public acknowledgment of his psychiatrist during the 2019 Lakers championship celebration, highlighting how high-profile athletes can help normalize mental health discussions. I expressed support for Robinson's courage in speaking out about mental health issues.#mentalhealth #mensmentalhealth #knicks

    13 min

  2. 5d ago

    Reimbursement Issues in Private Practice; Episode 267

    ANNOUNCEMENT: If you're a caregiver based in New York State or still have family in New York, join me on Thursday June 18th for my webinar, Caregiving: A Public Health Issue. 8pm est; $15 per person.Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1991026454723?aff=oddtdtcreatorOn this episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast, I discussed the changes to reimbursement rates for providers using CPT codes 90834 and 90837 on the Alma platform, effective July 15th. The changes involve adjusting the rates for session durations, with code 90837 (53 minutes and up) being reimbursed at the same rate as code 90834 (37-52 minute sessions). Basiliso also mentioned the impact of inflation on these changes, citing a recent 4.2% inflation rate.Inflation and Mental Health ConcernsI discuss the impact of inflation on various aspects of life, including healthcare costs and gas prices, noting that while President Biden reduced the national inflation rate, many expenses continue to rise. I expressed concerns about technology platforms like Headway that visually scan patients during mental health sessions, citing ethical issues around patient privacy and surveillance. I also mentioned challenges with audits and payment reimbursements for agencies.I highlight the work of Justin Gillespie from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who is working on legislation to address reimbursement rates at both state and national levels.Payer Regulation Impact on NonprofitsI discussed recent payer regulation changes affecting Medicaid and HMO services, including increased denial rates and higher audit frequencies leading to potential nonprofit closures. They highlighted budget issues in New York City affecting nonprofit organizations' ability to pay staff and bills. Basiliso noted that the full impact of the HR1 legislation may not be fully realized until after the November general election.Medicaid Recertification Changes UpdateI also warned about upcoming changes to Medicaid recertifications and a new work requirement effective in July, which will require individuals to show proof of working up to 80 hours to maintain their benefits. These changes will significantly impact vulnerable populations and make social workers' jobs more challenging. The discussion was presented as educational content to help professionals understand the evolving landscape affecting their work.

    13 min

  3. Jun 6

    Men mental Health; Episode 266

    Episode 266 of The Social Work Rants podcast, focusing on Men's Mental Health Month and addressing the significant mental health challenges facing men. The episode highlighted disturbing statistics showing men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, with suicide being the second leading cause of death for men under 45. Bas shared personal experiences, including the suicide of a friend named Ernest in 2014 and the recent death of former NHL player Claude Lemieux, emphasizing how suicide often goes undetected. The podcast covered statistics showing only 41.6% of men with mental health illnesses receive treatment compared to 56.9% of women, and noted that men are three times more likely to become dependent on alcohol and substances. Bas also discussed how eating disorders affect an estimated 6.6 million males in the US but are often underdiagnosed and undertreated due to the misconception that they are women's issues. The episode concluded with calls for men to seek professional help, emphasizing that it's okay not to be okay but professional treatment is essential.Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast

    14 min

  4. May 29

    Workplace wellness and Burnout; Episode 265

    In honor of #mentalhealthawareness month, this episode of the Social Work Rants podcast focuses on workplace wellness and burnout in the social work field. Basiliso and Kelecia Smith, MSW, LMSW, discuss how current workplace well-being programs often fail to address the actual needs of workers, citing a Harvard Business Review article that noted mental health needs and burnout continue to rise despite corporate spending on wellness programs. They explored the challenges of balancing caregiving responsibilities with work demands, particularly for the 63 million Americans who are caregivers. The conversation covered how administrative burdens, high client volumes, and inflexible work structures contribute to clinician burnout, with both participants sharing personal experiences of long commutes and unsustainable work schedules. They discussed the importance of organizations meeting workers where they are and involving staff in the development of well-being programs beyond surface-level initiatives like free coffee and happy hours. Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast

    48 min

  5. May 23

    Music Industry Social Work; Episode 264

    This week's episode The Social Work Rants Podcast features Sabella (Bella) Reyes, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the music industry. Bella explained her role as the self-proclaimed first "music industry social worker," focusing on supporting independent music creators who generate less than 50% of their income from music by providing mental health support, business literacy training, and resource navigation for the independent music community. We discussed the challenges independent artists face including work-life balance issues, lack of proper artist development, and the impact of AI music on the industry, with Bella sharing her experience transitioning from the US Navy to working with independent artists and her leadership journey in corrections mental health. The conversation also covered how the music industry has evolved from the label-supported era of the 1980s and 1990s to the current digital age where artists must handle both creative and business aspects of their careers. Bella discussed challenges in the music industry, particularly for independent artists, including issues with AI-generated content and intellectual property rights. They highlighted the financial struggles of independent artists who often fund their own projects and the lack of camaraderie and sportsmanship in the industry, using historical conflicts like those between Tupac and Biggie as examples. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the importance of sharing information and resources in both the music industry and social work, emphasizing collaboration over competition. Bella can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bella_beatmessenger Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcast

    49 min

  6. May 16

    Financial Challenges and Wellbeing During the Trump Administration; Episode 263

    In this episode of the Social Work Rants podcast, Basiliso interviewed Justin Brown Woods, co-host of the Price of Avocado Toast podcast and financial counselor, to discuss the intersection of mental health and finances in 2026. They explored current money struggles facing Americans, including rising gas and grocery prices, student loan debt, and the impact of political instability on personal finances. Justin emphasized the importance of values-based budgeting and curating positive financial content on social media, while Basiliso shared his experiences as a member of the sandwich generation and discussed the challenges of caring for family members while facing financial pressures. They also touched on the potential for Americans to consider relocating due to political or safety concerns, and the need for more open conversations about financial struggles within communities.Justin can be found on Instagram at  https:/ /www.instagram.com/priceofavocadotoast  Follow the podcast on Instagram: https:://www.instagram.com/thesocialworkrantspodcastThe podcast is sponsored by Bas Moreno Consulting, providing financial education for people of color in the sandwich generation who are struggling with their finances while caregiving. Follow ‪@basmorenoconsulting‬

    46 min

  7. May 8

    Financial Stress affecting Your Mental Health; Episode 262

    In this episode of the Social Work Rants Podcast, host Bas Moreno discussed the intersection of mental health and finances, highlighting how rising costs of living, including gas prices, utilities, and food, are significantly impacting both mental health and financial stability. Moreno emphasized that financial stress is a major trigger for mental health issues and stressed the importance of addressing money-related concerns in social work practice. He also discussed the challenges of budgeting in uncertain economic times, the high cost of caregiving, and the need for professionals to be comfortable discussing money with clients. Moreno encouraged colleagues to help clients navigate financial struggles and to prioritize their own financial well-being, suggesting strategies such as using high-yield savings accounts and automating savings. The episode concludes with a reminder about Mother's Day and acknowledgment of the challenges faced by those grieving lost loved ones.

    24 min

  8. May 1

    Mental Health Awareness Month: Grief, Therapy, Seasonal Depression & Social Work Self-Care

    In this powerful and personal episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast, host Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW opens up during Mental Health Awareness Month about grief, seasonal depression, therapy, and the emotional weight of approaching the 6th anniversary of his mother’s passing.Bas reflects on the complicated feelings that come with grief, caregiving, family dynamics, and remembering a loved one after loss. He shares honest memories about caring for his mother, navigating difficult family moments, and learning how to process grief in healthier ways over time.This episode also highlights the importance of mental health support for social workers, caregivers, helping professionals, and anyone carrying emotional stress. Bas strongly encourages listeners to seek support from licensed therapists and mental health professionals, while reminding the audience that AI tools should never replace professional therapy.Bas also discusses how seasonal depression has impacted him in the spring, why this year feels slightly different, and how consistent therapy over the past two years has helped him better manage grief, stress, and personal reflection.In addition, Bas shares updates about his upcoming free financial webinar on May 12th with financial advisor Mike Profit, his upcoming presentation at the NASW Maryland Ocean City Conference, and an invitation for social workers—especially men in social work—to connect about being guests on the podcast for a June Father’s Day episode.This episode is a heartfelt reminder for social workers, caregivers, and helping professionals to take their own healing seriously, celebrate small wins, and seek support before burnout, grief, or stress become too heavy to carry alone.In This Episode, We Discuss:Mental Health Awareness Month and why it mattersGrief and the anniversary of a parent’s passingSeasonal depression and springtime emotional challengesThe importance of therapy for social workers and caregiversWhy AI should not replace licensed mental health professionals.Complicated family dynamics during caregiving.Celebrating personal wins while still healing.Mental health stress connected to social work, politics, and current events.Upcoming financial wellness webinar with Mike Profit.NASW Maryland Ocean City Conference presentation.Invitation for male social workers to appear on the podcast for Father’s Day.

    20 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Podcast host Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW has been in the Social work field for the past 24 years. This social work podcast provides the listeners a dose of the hosts' world in social work, sharing personal stories, hopefully providing some education, smiles and laughs. The host also interviews other social work and mental health professionals in the field. Thank you for listening and supporting. Top 10 Social Work Podcast Please subscribe to the podcast. Leave a comment/rating on podcast episodes. The podcast can be found via on Twitter/X @SOCIALWORKRANTS and IG @THESOCIALWORKRANTSPODCAST

Information

  • Creator
    Basiliso Moreno, LMSW
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    270
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Basiliso Moreno, LMSW
  • Show Website
    THE SOCIAL WORK RANTS PODCAST

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