Why Don't We Talk About This?

Paula McMillan-Perez, LCSW

You already know that there are a bunch of things people talk about in pockets or completely avoid. Things that may be controversial or uncomfortable but we need to get them off our chest. During "Why Don’t We Talk About This?", licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, Paula McMillan-Perez speaks with folks whose learned experiences and/or professions give way to a diverse knowledge of topics that we just aren't talking about...but should be!

  1. Pay it, Youth Forward with Thomas J. Lagrave Jr., LCSW

    FEB 3

    Pay it, Youth Forward with Thomas J. Lagrave Jr., LCSW

    Send us a text Thomas shares his journey from a recovering addict to advocating for young people. He discussed his military background, including his service as a Navy SEAL, and his transition to working with adolescents at Daytop Village and Boys & Girls Clubs. Thomas emphasized the importance of consistency and trust in his work, noting the significant challenges youth face today, such as anxiety and suicidal ideation. He highlights his efforts to address these themes, contributing factors, and stresses the need for a national platform to amplify his message and support young people. In this episode, you will hear: + personal journey and early career + transition to The Boys & Girls Club and further education + challenges and strategies in working with youth + impact of societal and economic factors on youth + commitment and future goals Guest Bio Thomas J. LaGrave Jr. is a bestselling author, licensed clinical social worker, and former Navy SEAL Hospital Corpsman with over 35 years of experience working with more than 3,000 young men. Known for his raw, real approach to adolescent mental health, Tom blends lived experience with clinical expertise to help teens—and the adults who care for them—navigate depression, addiction, masculinity, and emotional intelligence in a tech-saturated world. A sought-after speaker and media guest, Tom is the author of Special Welfare. Social Warfare and a trusted voice on raising emotionally healthy men in today’s complex culture. A media favorite, Tom has been interviewed on Good Day San Antonio, ARC Seattle, KOMO News, and countless podcasts. Contact Website: https://www.thomasjlagravejr.com __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Paula's Upcoming Events Millennial Social Work Conference: March 6th - 7th Retreat, Remix, Revive: March 27th- 29th Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    57 min
  2. Talking about Puberty Education with Jennalyn Suda, LMSW

    JAN 20

    Talking about Puberty Education with Jennalyn Suda, LMSW

    Send us a text Jennalyn shines a light on her work in trauma-informed puberty education. She highlights the lack of puberty education and emphasizes the importance of beginning early. Jennalyn not only shares her experiences with students who lack this knowledge but also receives feedback from parents and school staff, as well as focuses on professional development and family consultation to improve puberty education. In this episode, you will hear: + challenges and importance of puberty education + normalizing and integrating puberty education + addressing criticism and building confidence + incorporating trauma-informed care in puberty education + creating safe spaces and empowering students + role of media and pop culture in puberty education Guest Bio:  Jennalyn Suda, LMSW, is a school social worker in Rochester, NY, and a Doctor of Social Work student at the University at Buffalo. With both her BSW and MSW in social work from SUNY Brockport, her current work centers on trauma-informed, developmentally responsive support for students with complex social-emotional and behavioral needs. Through her consulting practice, Long to Learn LLC, Jennalyn researches and advocates for inclusive and empowering puberty education that helps students understand their changing bodies and emotions within safe, affirming, and healing-centered learning environments. Contact/Socials: LinkedIn: Jennalyn Suda, LMSW Email 1: JSuda@Buffalo.edu Email 2: info@LongtoLearn.com Website: www.LongtoLearn.com Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    54 min
  3. Talking about Bending Time with Michelle Niemeyer

    12/09/2025

    Talking about Bending Time with Michelle Niemeyer

    Send us a text Michelle discusses "The Art of Bending Time," which helps individuals optimize their time, leading to increased efficiency and personal growth. She shared her personal journey from burnout to health recovery through functional medicine and health coaching. Michelle emphasized the importance of finding activities that bring joy, maintaining physical and mental health, and avoiding multitasking. She highlights the significance of integrating personal and professional life for overall well-being and stresses the impact of small changes, such as turning off notifications and creating a supportive community, to enhance productivity and happiness. In this episode, you will hear: + journey from law to time management + discovery and recovery from liver disease + development of “the art of bending time” + practical tips for time management + importance of finding joy in work + role of community and support Guest Bio: Michelle is a speaker, coach, and former attorney who teaches professionals how to bend time so they can stay sharp, productive, and profitable – without burning out. After finding her way to burnout and back in her own high-performing legal career, Michelle created The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps people connect the dots across work, life, and purpose to magnetize success and reclaim their joy. She helps businesses retain top talent, boost development, and keep their people energized and engaged – all while making the magic happen. Contact/Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-melin-niemeyer/ Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    51 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

You already know that there are a bunch of things people talk about in pockets or completely avoid. Things that may be controversial or uncomfortable but we need to get them off our chest. During "Why Don’t We Talk About This?", licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, Paula McMillan-Perez speaks with folks whose learned experiences and/or professions give way to a diverse knowledge of topics that we just aren't talking about...but should be!