Why Don't We Talk About This?

Paula McMillan-Perez, LCSW
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Talking about the Impact of COVID-19 on Children & Adolescents with Rachael Goren, MPH, Psy.D.

    6D AGO

    Talking about the Impact of COVID-19 on Children & Adolescents with Rachael Goren, MPH, Psy.D.

    Send us Fan Mail Rachael and Paula discuss the disruption in developmental milestones, increased anxiety, and OCD rates among youth associated with COVID-19. Rachel emphasized the need for a national conversation on these issues and highlighted her agency's efforts by hosting an upcoming conference: From Disruption to Integration. Rachel also shares personal experiences, strategies for resilience, healing, self-care, and community support. In this episode, you will hear: + challenges faced by different age groups + parental struggles and coping mechanisms + role of tech and overstimulation + importance of community and support + planning for the future and resilience Guest Bio: Dr. Rachael Goren is co-owner and Director of Training and Outreach at Learning Solutions in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological and neuropsychological assessment, training, and professional development. She holds a BA from Brandeis University in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Women’s Studies, an MPH from UMass Amherst, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University New England. Her specialties include ADHD, giftedness/twice exceptionality, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and women’s health across developmental stages. She has worked in schools, hospitals, and colleges, and is also a former educator and yoga instructor. Contact/Socials: Email: rgoren@learningsolutionsls.com Facebook: Learning Solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning.solutions.noho Website: Learning Solutions, Northampton Conference: From Disruption to Integration: What COVID-10 Changed, What it Revealed and How We Build Resilience Together (Tickets) Coupon Code: WDWTAT10 And for social workers, LMHCS, and psychologists- CEs are available! Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    52 min
  2. Talking about Social Media Exhaustion

    MAY 5

    Talking about Social Media Exhaustion

    Send us Fan Mail Paula explores the theme of social media exhaustion, including the emotional, mental, and practical exhaustion that comes from constant engagement with social platforms. Speaking from both her personal and professional experience, she unpacks how social media shifted from a more genuine connection to a performative, noisy, comparison-driven space. She discusses how this fatigue goes beyond simple burnout, touching on self-worth, identity, overstimulation, etc. Paula also talks about the quiet cultural shift of people posting less, disappearing from platforms without announcements, and reclaiming privacy and presence. In this episode, you will hear: from connection to obligation and comparisonsocial media fatigue vs. burnoutidentity, audience, and performancemental health impacts of stepping backboundaries, breaks, and practical strategiesFollow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    33 min
  3. Talking about New MSW Grad Job Search

    APR 28

    Talking about New MSW Grad Job Search

    Send us Fan Mail Paula addresses some concerns new MSW graduates are navigating, emphasizing the importance of addressing imposter syndrome and negotiating for better job conditions. She highlights the value of internships and advocates for the "pay for placement" movement to combat unpaid labor. Paula discusses the overwhelm associated with choosing among available career paths/populations, including clinical, macro, school, and hospital roles, and stresses the need for liability insurance and appropriate supervision. She also addresses the impact and importance of addressing possible burnout, as well as the importance of mentorship and networking. In this episode, you will hear: + addressing imposter syndrome and experiencing anxiety + value of internships and field placement/practicum + navigating the job market and career paths + addressing burnout and supervision support + strategies for overcoming job search challenges Offerings: DIY Resume Level Up - https://bit.ly/4uhQtpK DFY Resume Level Up - https://bit.ly/3QDSXQA Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    34 min
  4. Talking about Death & Grief Doulas with Lauren Seeley

    APR 21

    Talking about Death & Grief Doulas with Lauren Seeley

    Send us Fan Mail Lauren, a death and grief doula, discussed her multifaceted role in the funeral and pet loss industries. She emphasized the importance of community in addressing grief and shared her journey from being a young caregiver to a certified death doula. Lauren highlighted her work with pet loss, memorialization, and creative grief workshops, including partnerships with institutions like the Met Museum and Green-Wood Cemetery. She stressed the need for normalizing conversations about death and encouraged seeking support at any stage of grief. Lauren also advocated for trusting one's intuition and staying open to new ways of processing loss. In this episode, you will hear: + journey into death doula work + creative grief workshops and community engagement + challenges and misconceptions in the death doula field + normalizing conversations about death + role of intuition and self-trust in grief support Guest Bio: Lauren Seeley is a death and grief doula for pets & humans. She is a death educator and facilitator of the Silent Book Club Of Death NYC, and her own book club The Ahhsweetdeath Book Club with assigned monthly reading and author talks. She is a memorialist & curator for funerals, altars, memorial spaces, designer, illustrator, reiki practitioner, and creative grief artist. She has taught Reliquary Grief workshops at The Metropolitan Museum of Arts Cloisters location, and will be teaching one for the Dia De Los Muertos Celebration. She resides in Brooklyn, NY and works with a funeral practice in Brooklyn as well. Contact/Socials: E-mail: laurenseeley81@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahhsweetdeath Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    45 min
  5. Talking about Fonzie Crossing the Rainbow Bridge

    APR 14

    Talking about Fonzie Crossing the Rainbow Bridge

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Paula shares her grief over the loss of her dog, Fonzie, who passed away recently. Fonzie, a tripod and cancer survivor, was a significant part of her life, providing comfort and support after her car accident. Paula discusses the concept of the Rainbow Bridge, a metaphor for pets' afterlife, and the stages of grief. She emphasizes the importance of expressing grief authentically. She acknowledges the impact pets have on our lives, serving as a tribute to Fonzie and a reflection on the emotional journey of pet loss. In this episode, you will hear: + Fonzie’s Story and Impact + His Role and Associated Grief + Rainbow Bridge and Pet Loss + Personal Grief Journey Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    24 min
  6. Talking about Cosmetology Realness with Kathy Matias

    APR 7

    Talking about Cosmetology Realness with Kathy Matias

    Send us Fan Mail Kathy shared her journey of relocating to New York for her passion for cosmetology. She detailed the challenges of transitioning, the reality of the learning process, and the high costs of education. Kathy highlighted honest concerns with her cosmetology school as well as emphasized the importance of researching accredited schools with the realities of starting at the bottom in the industry. Despite the difficulties, Kathy encourages aspiring cosmetologists to pursue their passion with proper preparation and support. In this episode, you will hear:       +    challenges of becoming a licensed cosmetologist       +    navigating schools in New York       +    expectation vs. reality in education       +    importance of conversation and awareness Guest Bio: Kathy Matias is a NYS Licensed Cosmetologist who moved from Cali to New York to follow her passion and chase her dreams.  Social: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ma_bella_nails/ Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    57 min
  7. Talking about ADHD & Clumsiness

    MAR 17

    Talking about ADHD & Clumsiness

    Send us Fan Mail Paula explores the connection between ADHD and clumsiness, sharing her personal experiences and the broader implications for individuals with ADHD. She explains how ADHD can lead to frequent minor injuries, poor spatial awareness, and difficulties with fine motor skills. Paula emphasizes the importance of understanding proprioception and dopamine levels in ADHD. She also highlights the emotional impacts, such as shame and anxiety, and suggests strategies to improve coordination and safety. In this episode, you will hear: personal experience with ADHD and clumsinessimpact of ADHD on daily life and social perceptionchallenges of ADHD in daily activitiesbrain science and ADHDenvironmental and emotional impactsstrategies for improving coordination and safetyFollow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    32 min
  8. Digital Lending & Currency with Niteesa Brooks, MA, PMP, CSM

    MAR 10

    Digital Lending & Currency with Niteesa Brooks, MA, PMP, CSM

    Send us Fan Mail Niteesa discussed her journey from social work to tech, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of social work and its transferable skills. She highlights her work with a digital health research company and her involvement in blockchain and cryptocurrency through Chain Slate, which aims to educate communities in Zambia about financial technology. Niteesa stressed the importance of patience, confidence, and continuous learning in navigating non-traditional roles. She also addressed the lack of diversity in tech conferences and the need for education and representation in these spaces. In this episode, you will hear: + journey into social impact and technology + challenges and opportunities in cryptocurrency and blockchain + navigating non-traditional roles and overcoming challenges + diversity and inclusion in tech and crypto spaces Guest Bio: Niteesa Brooks is a speaker, social entrepreneur, social worker, and global program and project management leader. She has worked with organizations including NewYork-Presbyterian, Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, and early-stage health tech startups, leading large-scale digital health research studies for pharmaceutical companies. In the blockchain space, she has managed compliance and security audits for both emerging and established blockchain organizations. She’s the co-founder of Chainslate, an educational community expanding access to blockchain and crypto education in Zambia. Niteesa holds a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and is passionate about creating opportunities where technology, healthcare, and social impact intersect. Contact/Socials: Website: https://niteesabrooks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theniteesa/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theniteesa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niteesabrooks/  Follow us on Instagram! Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com

    49 min
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Paula McMillan-Perez, LCSW
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Why Don't We Talk About This?
  • Show Website
    Why Don't We Talk About This?