The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast Christian Ace Stettler

It is my pleasure to (re)introduce you to Ms. Kiva Harper. It was a wonderful conversation and hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did!
You should listen if you are passionate about social work, mental health, trauma, and community healing. Let's continue to learn, grow, and revolutionize our approaches to social work.
Meet Kiva: A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma-focused psychotherapy for more than two decades, Kiva Harper has emerged as one of the nation's foremost thought leaders in trauma treatment. Harper now speaks and consults extensively, is a frequent mental health correspondent for network TV & radio, a contributing writer to industry trades and a social media influencer. You can join her VIP list here: https://forms.gle/7FUU7Mt3P1FjgfjE8
Episode Highlights:
Community Trauma Response: Kiva provides an in-depth look at her community's reaction to recent tragic events, including a school shooting and a police-involved shooting. She discusses the critical role of social workers in these crises and the personal toll these events take on professionals.
Understanding Trauma: Dive deep into a nuanced discussion on trauma with Kiva. She challenges the traditional perceptions of trauma as merely external events, emphasizing its internal effects on individuals. This segment explores the lasting impact of trauma on mental health and community well-being.
Clinical Supervision and Vicarious Trauma: Kiva highlights the often-overlooked aspect of vicarious trauma among social workers. She shares strategies for clinical supervision that help mitigate these effects, ensuring that caregivers remain effective and healthy.
Interactive Q&A: The episode includes a live Q&A session, where Kiva addresses questions from the audience, offering her insights on clinical practices, community engagement, and personal self-care strategies.
Social Work in Times of Crisis: Explore how social workers like Kiva navigate their roles in heightened crisis situations, providing support, advocating for resources, and fostering resilience in their communities.
Listen, learn, and let's revolutionize our approach to social work together.
#SocialWork #MentalHealth #CommunityHealing #RevolutionarySocialWork #Trauma

In this thought-provoking episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, Christian Ace engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett about dissent and decolonization in social work. Recorded live from the heart of social work education in Galway, Ireland, the episode delves into critical themes shaping the future of the profession.
Dr. Paul Michael Garrett, a renowned social work educator and writer, brings his extensive expertise to the discussion, shedding light on the challenges and importance of dissent in a profession often at risk of falling into compliance. With a keen focus on decolonization, Dr. Garrett emphasizes the need to stretch reading lists, critically analyze canonical figures, and listen to the diverse experiences of students to promote dissenting social work.
Throughout the conversation, the concept of neoliberalism and its impact on social work practice emerges, highlighting the urgent need for collective action and solidarity among social workers. Dr. Garrett advocates for trade unions as crucial support systems for social workers engaged in dissent, underscoring the importance of building networks and alliances within the profession.
The episode also addresses the incorporation of decolonization into social work education, stressing the significance of learning from perspectives outside of Eurocentric frameworks. Dr. Garrett challenges social work educators to create more inclusive learning environments by embracing diverse voices and critically examining existing power structures.
As the conversation unfolds, the challenges of online education and the overprofessionalization of social work are explored, alongside the imperative of addressing the systemic issues of colonization and capitalism embedded within the profession. Dr. Garrett calls for critical activism and progressive responses to confront these challenges head-on, emphasizing the role of social work in promoting social justice and equity.
In conclusion, Episode 51 serves as a rallying cry for social workers to embrace dissent, decolonize their practice, and actively engage in transformative change. Through critical reflection and collective action, social work can fulfill its promise as a force for positive social transformation.
Join the conversation and explore the transformative power of dissent and decolonization in social work with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett.
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dissenting-Social-Work-Critical-Resistance-ebook/dp/B08SXZ7XYQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BEG9X02MXG7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EQf4MCDEUfoIvzh2yD7TFh4R4hRBMMmf7Y86mNMesBvdaNgJWIPnIUPj6rTymQNei6nBVd_4DEt3XvwMcEe47-IxyMz3gSfy3ce9cTV2lVE0of3TVc9_ouTjSCGxKYuRUOuGZDqpUW1DmHKtf1axREa4zuWVliPMZXvTsX7tXrG_PKZwrA7oeN3oHIRWyfmGfKnCkaH7lLeHbvHjmKPmUSB4qiBh2_AtZ4iD8o5QERs.ZTXsYtMOcmCuHyuM1-KZyYfzV4EXxXrwnguPTMfUkjI&dib_tag=se&keywords=paul+michael+garrett&qid=1713826283&sprefix=paul+michael+garrett%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1
Article Link: https://academic.oup.com/bjsw/advance-article/doi/10.1093/bjsw/bcae018/7615071article/doi/10.1093/bjsw/bcae018/7615071

In the 50th episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, Christian Ace Stettler is joined by guests G Ford and Chris Flores for a conversation recorded live from the Kaimana Beach Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii. In a serendipitous encounter, Hawaiian Elder Maui Loa joins the dialogue, adding a wealth of knowledge and wisdom for listeners to reflect upon.
G, working in dialysis, and Chris, specializing in forensic case management, share powerful stories of making a significant impact in their clients' lives. They emphasize the importance of listening, respect, and finding humor in difficult situations, highlighting the challenges faced in their respective fields and the importance of self-care.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as the speakers explore the topic of gaining trust in Indigenous areas. They discuss their experiences and strategies for building trust with Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of relating to people on their level, honesty, and respect for their culture. The guests also touch on the challenges faced by Indigenous communities and the need for social change.
The episode covers various topics, including the impact of restrictions on selling art on the streets, the role of education in personal growth, the power of social media, and finding a balance between technology and nature. Throughout, the importance of connection, balance, and mindfulness in navigating life is underscored.
As the conversation comes to a close, expressions of gratitude and appreciation are shared for the wisdom and experiences shared by the guests and Hawaiian Elder Maui Loa. Episode 50 serves as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of fostering empathy, understanding, and unity in our communities.

In this episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, Alicia Stettler, LCSW, and host Christian Ace Stettler engage in a powerful conversation about their experiences in Hawaii and their commitment to speaking up against injustice.
Alicia, originally from the U.K. with roots in Jamaica and Hawaii, brings a unique perspective to the discussion as a co-founder of A Conscious Party and a conceptualizer of Revolutionary Yoga. As a full-time mother and clinician (LCSW) for SEARHC in Alaska, she emphasizes the importance of regulating one's energy when working with clients who have experienced trauma.
Throughout the conversation, Alicia and Christian touch on various topics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for understanding and unity. They advocate for peace, empathy, and the rejection of division, highlighting the importance of learning, listening, and gathering together.
The concept of the circle emerges as a central theme, both in the context of revolutionary yoga therapy and in promoting unity and revolutionizing minds. Alicia and Christian emphasize the power of sitting in a circle, patiently listening to diverse perspectives, and understanding different experiences.
Key takeaways from the episode include the importance of speaking up against injustice, choosing battles wisely, and recognizing the individual experiences within racial categories. Unity and the rejection of division are seen as essential for progress and peace in society, with gathering together and listening to each other as key components of achieving unity.
As the episode comes to a close, Alicia and Christian highlight the significance of revolutionary yoga therapy, mindfulness, nourishment, and promoting love and peace as integral aspects of revolutionary social work.
Overall, Episode 49 serves as a reminder of the power of dialogue, empathy, and collective action in addressing social injustices and promoting unity and peace in our ourselves and our communities.

In this compelling conversation, Alan Dettlaff, a leading figure in the abolitionist movement within social work, provides profound insights into the challenges and aspirations of this transformative approach.
Dettlaff introduces us to the UpEnd Movement, a revolutionary initiative dedicated to dismantling the child welfare system, viewed as a mechanism of family policing that perpetuates inequality. He eloquently articulates the broader abolitionist mission to dismantle oppressive systems, including prisons, policing, and the child welfare system, to pave the way for a more just and equitable society.
Throughout the dialogue, Dettlaff confronts the profession's historical roots in social control and emphasizes the urgent need for social work education to engage in critical conversations about racism, oppression, and abolitionist approaches. He challenges social workers to grapple with the silence and fear that inhibit speaking out against injustice, particularly concerning the genocide in Palestine.
The conversation navigates through various themes, from the impact of racism on child welfare to the structural issues leading to family separations. Dettlaff underscores the importance of empowering parents facing child welfare investigations and advocates for a future where oppressive systems are replaced with structures prioritizing equity and justice.
In a series of thought-provoking sound bites, Dettlaff challenges social workers to question the status quo, advocate for systemic change, and center the voices of marginalized communities in their practice.
Overall, this conversation with Alan Dettlaff serves as a clarion call for social workers to embrace abolitionist principles, challenge oppressive systems, and strive towards a future grounded in equity, justice, and collective liberation.
Takeaways:
The Up End Movement is an abolitionist organization focused on abolishing the child welfare system, which is seen as a family policing system that perpetuates inequality.
The abolition movement aims to end systems that maintain oppression and contribute to inequality, such as prisons, policing, and the child welfare system.
Social work as a profession has a history of social control and needs to critically examine its role in maintaining oppression and inequality.
Social work education should engage in critical conversations about racism, oppression, and the need for abolitionist approaches.
The profession of social work is at a crossroads, with some social workers advocating for a more radical future while others resist change.
Social work students play a crucial role in pushing for a more radical and abolitionist future for the profession.
The profession needs to address the silence and fear that prevent social workers from speaking out against injustice, including the genocide in Palestine. It is crucial to challenge oppressive systems and speak out against injustice in social work and the child welfare system.
Racism has a significant impact on child welfare, and it is essential to address the structural issues that lead to family separations.
Parents facing child welfare investigations should be aware of their rights and seek legal assistance to counter the power of the system. T
he future of social work lies in imagining a society without oppressive systems and working towards building new structures that prioritize equity and justice.

In this transformative episode of The Critical Social Worker, host Christian Ace Stettler engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Abyd Quinn Aziz, a Reader/Professor in Social Work at Cardiff University and a revolutionary force in the field.
Abyd's journey from grassroots advocacy to academic leadership serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo in social work. Throughout the discussion ,Abyd shares profound insights and experiences, shedding light on various aspects of social work practice and academia.
Key topics explored include:
Intersection of Ramadan and Social Justice: Abyd discusses the significance of fasting and self-reflection during Ramadan, and its connection to social justice and activism.
Navigating Cultural Differences: The conversation explores the challenges of providing culturally sensitive social work services, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds.
Expanding the Definition of Social Work: The dialogue considers embracing community-based initiatives and adopting an abolitionist framework in social work practice, challenging traditional paradigms and fostering equitable outcomes.
Anti-Racism and Decolonization: Abyd's commitment to anti-racism and decolonization permeates the dialogue, inspiring listeners to confront systemic injustices and imagine a more just and inclusive society.
Throughout the episode, Abyd's warmth, wisdom, and revolutionary spirit shine through, underscoring the transformative power of friendship and shared learning. The engagement and contributions of the audience further enrich the dialogue, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives and insights.
his episode reminds us to reflect on the importance of mindfulness and consideration in intercultural interactions, challenging us to be more respectful and considerate in future conversations.
Join us in honoring the revolutionary work of Abyd Quinn Aziz and embark on a journey of critical inquiry and social transformation. Let's continue to challenge the norms, dismantle oppressive systems, and pave the way for a more just and equitable future in social work and beyond.