Why Don't We Talk About This?

Paula McMillan-Perez, LCSW
Why Don't We Talk About This?

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 Relationships in the Beauty Industry with The Nail Teach

    1D AGO

    Talking about Relationships in the Beauty Industry with The Nail Teach

    Send us a text Keisha discusses the evolving dynamics of client relationships in the beauty industry. She highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for clients, which often leads to deeper personal connections. Keisha emphasizes the value of building trust and rapport, noting that clients often return for the experience and personal connection rather than just the service. She also addresses the challenges of mentorship in the industry, stressing the need for genuine experience and expertise over social media influence. Keisha underscores the significance of personal relationships and the emotional support provided by beauty professionals. In this episode, you will hear: + the role of beauty salons in community building + impact of personal relationships on client loyalty + mentorship and support in the beauty industry + value of creating a positive experience + impact of personal relationships on professional success + role of social media and influence in the beauty industry Guest Bio: Keisha aka The Nail Teach is a nail technician who has been in the beauty business for 25+ years! A NYS licensed Teacher of the Nail Technology program, Nail Tech Influencer, Educator on Social Media, and Content Creator. Contact/Socials: Instagram - Keishanails Email - TheNailTeach@gmail.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheNailTeach/ Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod

    43 min
  2. Talking about Menopause with Satori Shakoor

    JUN 10

    Talking about Menopause with Satori Shakoor

    Send us a text Satori discusses the lived experiences that inspired  her forthcoming film "Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale," releasing June 12 on various platforms (Apple Tv+, Amazon Prime, Google Play). She highlights the often-unspoken challenges of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, and the lack of medical training and support for women experiencing these symptoms. Satori emphasizes the importance of community and open dialogue about menopause to address misdiagnoses and improve women's health. She also touches on the cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences and the need for better representation and advocacy for women's health issues. In this episode, you will hear: + understanding menopause and its symptoms + personal journey and the birth of a film + impact of menopause on personal and professional life + challenges and advocacy for menopause awareness + cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences + role of storytelling in healing and empowerment + menopause and gender identity + advocacy and support for women’s health Guest Bio: Satori Shakoor is a dynamic storyteller, multi-disciplinary artist, and social entrepreneur known for her bold and transformative work in the arts. A 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow, Satori began her career as a recording and touring vocalist with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic as one of the Brides of Funkenstein before expanding into acting, comedy, and television writing. She is the creator and Executive Producer of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®, an award-winning storytelling platform that fosters healing and community connection. Satori’s storytelling prowess has been showcased on global stages, including The Moth, PBS, and NPR, while she also serves as host of Detroit Performs Live for Detroit PBS. With her solo, standup storytelling concert film, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale, she breaks outdated stigmas around aging and womanhood, bringing humor, truth, and empowerment to center stage. A sought-after facilitator and speaker, Satori has worked with major institutions like Duke University, the University of Michigan, and even the United Nations. Her work continues to inspire and transform communities, using the power of storytelling to connect humanity and spark meaningful dialogue. Contact/Socials: Website - www.satorishakoor.com Website - www.twistedtellers.org Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod

    56 min
  3. Talking about Navigating Neurospicy with Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW

    MAY 27

    Talking about Navigating Neurospicy with Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW

    Send us a text Sandra discusses her journey with ADHD, diagnosed at age 38, and the concept of being "neuro spicy." She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and understanding one's brain to manage ADHD effectively. Sandra highlights the need for accommodations in professional settings, such as performance improvement plans (PIPs), and advocates for universal design learning (UDL) to create inclusive workspaces. She stresses the significance of rest and self-care, and encourages individuals to pay attention to their needs and advocate for themselves to thrive professionally and personally. In this episode, you will hear: understanding the term “neurospicy”navigating professional roles and ADHD diagnosisleadership and advocacy in social workobstacles navigating professional spacesadvocating for accommodations in the workplacerole of culture and community in support Guest Bio: Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW, known as The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, is a clinical leader, speaker, and advocate transforming how we view neurodiversity in leadership. As Clinic Director for Transformations Care Network, she drives operational innovation, integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles from academia into workplace practices, and cultivates inclusive, high-performing teams. A specialist in coaching Latinx and neurodivergent professionals, Sandra blends metacognitive strategies and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) into leadership development to foster emotional resilience and strategic growth. She is the creator of the J.A.R. Framework, a model that reframes invisible impact to strengthen leadership effectiveness. A contributing author to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 3 and a sought-after speaker, Sandra’s work challenges outdated narratives and celebrates cognitive diversity as a catalyst for success. Through her platform, The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, and her doctoral research at Simmons University, she is redefining leadership for a more equitable future. Contact/Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurospicysw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracrespo/ Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod

    55 min
  4. Talking about Political Social Work with Victor Manalo, Ph.D, MSW

    MAY 20

    Talking about Political Social Work with Victor Manalo, Ph.D, MSW

    Send us a text Victor discusses his journey from macro social work to advocating for social workers' involvement in politics. He emphasized the importance of local government and his role in Higher Education. Additionally, he shares that his “Why?” regarding running for president elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is to address membership decline and improve chapter support. Victor highlights the need for social workers to balance micro and macro practice, engage in community advocacy, and foster respectful relationships with elected officials.  In this episode, you will hear: + role of political social workers + challenges and misconceptions within social work + balancing macro and micro practice + journey with NASW and vision  + power of listening and compassion Guest Bio: Victor earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach.  For over 25 years, he has taught policy, political practice, and community organizing in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles.  Victor has been an active member of NASW since 1991. Victor is a former Mayor and Councilman for the City of Artesia, California, Chairman of the Artesia Planning Commission, Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Behavioral Health Commission, and local government consultant. Contact/Socials: Email: victor@victormanalo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.macro.social.worker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-manalo Website: www.VictorManalo.com Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod

    1h 6m
  5. Talking about Embracing Accountability and Increasing Authenticity with Stephanie Piazza, MSW(c)

    APR 29

    Talking about Embracing Accountability and Increasing Authenticity with Stephanie Piazza, MSW(c)

    Send us a text Stephanie, a Nuyorican (a Puerto Rican located in New York City-in this case, The Bronx), trauma-born Capricorn, mother of three and first year MSW student/intern, discuss her journey from being a soldier in the U.S Army from deployment in Iraq and beyond to today. She highlights the pivotal role of therapy in her recovery and speaks of her struggles associated with self-sabotage. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and accountability noting the lack of support available for veteran transitioning to civilian life. Stephanie uplifts the need for more peer support and representation in mental health services, especially for women of color.  In this episode, you will hear: + challenges access mental health services in the military + resilience and accountability in mental health + combined experiences of military life with a mental health diagnosis + impact of deployment on veterans + role of social work in supporting veterans + importance of representation and authenticity in social work Guest Bio: Stephanie Piazza is a dedicated Social Work Intern, Veteran, and proud Mother who brings a unique, trauma-informed perspective to her practice. A Capricorn by nature, Stephanie is grounded, resilient, and deeply curious about human behavior—consistently exploring how people act, feel, and think. With humor as a vital tool in her work and life, she strives to build authentic connections with others. Stephanie is committed to using her lived experience and empathic abilities to empower individuals, helping them recognize their inherent strength, beauty, and potential. Contact/Socials Instagram:@madamep82 Facebook: Stephanie Lee Piazza (tread carefully) Email: stphnpiazza@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod

    46 min
  6. Talking about Working with Your Partner with JR Perez

    APR 22

    Talking about Working with Your Partner with JR Perez

    Send us a text JR Perez discusses the challenges and benefits of working together with Paula in business. They highlight the learning curve of running Personalize Your Coaching and Personalize Your Therapy, which started in 2018 and 2023, respectively. Paula shares her struggles with imposter syndrome and the need for a CEO mindset. JR emphasizes the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and understanding each other's roles. He also explains the financial aspects of business, including the impact of business structure and the necessity of hiring experts. They also discuss the importance of maintaining work-life balance and the value of having a supportive team. In this episode, you will hear: + challenges of working together + navigating business and personal relationships + learning and adapting in business + building a professional network Guest Bio: JR Perez is a dynamic individual with a passion for both podcasting and pop culture. As the Executive Producer of the hit podcast "Why Don't We Talk About This?", he brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to the show. Through his leadership, the podcast has gained a dedicated following, tackling thought-provoking topics that encourage open conversations. Beyond his podcasting prowess, JR is a devoted action figure collector and an avid professional wrestling fan. In all aspects of his life, JR Perez brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a genuine desire to connect with others. Contact/Socials: Instagram: jayareperezrtb Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod

    53 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!

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