The Socially Engaged Podcast

Socially Engaged

Welcome to The Socially Engaged Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of social work and the people who make it happen. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the impact of social work, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a powerful reminder of what it means to be socially engaged.

  1. May 6

    Bordering on Change: Community, Research, and Health Equity with Dr. Eva Moya

    In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Eva Moya, Chair and Professor of Social Work at the University of Texas at El Paso, to explore her remarkable career spanning more than four decades in border health, community engaged research, and social work education. A native of the U.S.–Mexico border, Dr. Moya shares how her lived experience shaped her commitment to health equity, transnational social work, and participatory research. She discusses how research informs community programs and policy, the importance of partnering with communities, and offers powerful guidance for social workers across micro, mezzo, and macro practice settings.

    49 min

  2. Apr 13

    Thriving, Not Just Surviving: College Success, Mental Health, and the SEW Balance Method with Lepa Modie, MSW, LCSW

    In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Lepa Modie, MSW, LCSW, Founder and CEO of SEW Solutions LLC and author of Well Sh*t Now What: Your Survival Guide for College Success. Lepa shares her journey as a therapist, the development of the SEW Balance Method, and her experience building a successful practice. She also reflects on writing her book, how her MSW education shaped her career, and offers wisdom for social workers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to thrive, not just survive.

    41 min

  3. Mar 30

    Beyond the Stacks: Social Work, Libraries, and Community Care with Dr. Beth Wahler

    In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we speak with Dr. Beth Wahler, social worker, researcher, educator, and consultant, about her groundbreaking work helping libraries address complex community and staff challenges through social work informed solutions. Dr. Wahler shares her experience as an academic leader, her international research journey, and why research, needs assessments, and evaluation are essential tools for effective community practice. She also discusses strategies for reducing staff stress and trauma, developing strong library leadership, and encouraging social workers to embrace research and consulting as impactful career paths.

    45 min

  4. Mar 23

    Healing, Justice, and the Journey Within featuring Justin Perry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI

    In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Justin Perry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI, social worker, therapist, supervisor, speaker, and advocate, to explore his journey through clinical social work, private practice, leadership, and community activism. Justin shares insights from his work supporting clients navigating trauma, addiction, and relational challenges. He discusses what inspired him to start Perry Counseling, Healing, and Recovery, the role social workers play in social justice movements, and the importance of modeling healing and resilience both in and beyond the therapy room. He also offers heartfelt encouragement for students and practitioners pursuing micro, mezzo, or macro social work, and answers the ultimate sports question: Why is Duke vs. UNC the most iconic sports rivalry? This is an episode filled with candor, clarity, and inspiration.

    54 min

  5. Mar 16

    Leading with Purpose: Mental Health Advocacy with Ericka Ellis Stewart

    In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Ericka Ellis Stewart, Acting Executive Director of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas. Ericka shares her journey as a mental health advocate and nonprofit leader working to expand access, reduce stigma, and strengthen community based mental health supports across the region. Drawing from her dual perspective as both a practitioner and a graduate student, Ericka discusses her leadership role within a mental health nonprofit, the critical programs and services offered by Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, and how her MSW education is actively shaping her approach to advocacy, administration, and community engaged work. She reflects on the highlights and challenges of nonprofit leadership, the importance of prevention and early intervention, and offers encouragement for social workers and students navigating micro, mezzo, and macro practice. This episode highlights the powerful intersection of education, leadership, and community care, and what it means to lead with purpose in the mental health space.

    38 min

  6. Mar 9

    Healing Together: Child Advocacy, Trauma Informed Practice, and Community Support with Mary Kathryn Elkins

    We continue celebrating Social Work Month with this special episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast. Today we sit down with Mary Kathryn Elkins, MSW, LCSW, Director of Healing Services at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. Mary Kathryn shares her journey as a social worker, her passion for trauma informed practice, and her experience supporting children and families navigating complex trauma. She discusses her training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), her role as a PCIT Senior Leader for North Carolina, and how research and practice intersect in child advocacy work. Mary Kathryn also offers meaningful insight into leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, the emotional weight of this work, and words of encouragement for emerging social workers exploring micro, mezzo, or macro practice.

    41 min

  7. Mar 2

    Behind the Scenes of Social Work Education: Practicum, Purpose, & Professional Growth with Jackie Garcia & Frances Ferrante

    To kick off Social Work Month, this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast features Jackie Garcia, MSW, LCSW, Director of Practicum Education, and Frances Ferrante, MSW, LCSW, BSW Practicum Director at UNC Charlotte’s School of Social Work. Together, Jackie and Frances offer an inside look into the vital world of social work practicum education, where classroom learning connects with real world practice. They discuss the role of practicum in shaping professional identity, the importance of strong practicum partnerships, the common challenges and successes students experience, and how the practicum office supports students in navigating micro, mezzo, and macro settings. Jackie and Frances also reflect on their own journeys as social workers, share memorable stories, and offer meaningful advice for students entering practicum or preparing for life after graduation. This special Social Work Month episode highlights the heart of practicum education and the impact of supportive practicum leadership.

    39 min

  8. Feb 17

    Holding Space for Loss: Parent Grief, Support, and Hope with Kaela O’Donnell, MSW, LCSW & Eric Buther of Santiago Strong Foundation

    In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Kaela O’Donnell, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director and grief group facilitator at Kindermourn, and Eric Buther, grieving father and co‑founder of the Santiago Strong Foundation. Together, they share their experiences from two deeply interconnected perspectives: the professional supporting grieving families, and the parent who has walked through unimaginable loss. Kaela discusses the role of social workers in grief work, the importance of community based support, and common misconceptions about child loss. Eric shares his family’s story, his experience in Kindermourn’s Grieving Parents group, and how his son Santiago’s legacy fuels advocacy and healing. This episode offers powerful insight, honesty, and hope for social workers, helpers, and anyone supporting communities in grief. You can find information about Kindermourn here: https://www.kindermourn.org/ and Santiago Strong Foundation here: https://www.santiagostrong.org/

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Socially Engaged Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of social work and the people who make it happen. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about the impact of social work, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a powerful reminder of what it means to be socially engaged.

Information

  • Creator
    Socially Engaged
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Socially Engaged
  • Show Website
    The Socially Engaged Podcast