Shows
Mane Up Memphis PodcastEp 12: Shedding Myths And Building Better Brotherhoods (pt 1)Send us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgStrong doesn’t have to mean silent, stoic, or endlessly self-sacrificing. We sat down at 111 Madison and pulled apart the myths that keep men stuck—why isolation masquerades as strength, how performance swallows identity, and where leadership really comes from. The heartbeat of our conversation is community: the kind that challenges you, carries the right weight, and helps you rotate—on purpose—between being a student, a peer, and a mentor.We trace a fluid path through the decades: discovery in your 20s, establishing in your 30s, recalibr...
2025-11-1233 min
FIRE Social Worker ShowS3E4 - The New FIRE: Redefining Wealth, Purpose, and What It Means to Be a LightSend us a textIn this deeply personal episode of The FIRE Social Worker, Joey Laswell steps away from numbers and net worths to talk about what truly matters: purpose. Broadcasting from his newly rearranged office, Joey opens up about his shifting view of the FIRE movement—moving from “Financial Independence, Retire Early” to a mission that’s all about lighting fires in people.He explores how small, positive actions compound into massive change, why choosing kindness is a radical act in dark times, and how being a “good person” is the ultimate return on investment...
2025-10-2226 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 11: Meaning, Mission, and the Many Colors of ManhoodSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.org#ManeUpMemphis
2025-10-0645 min
Mane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 10: Navigating Manhood Online - Struggles, Stereotypes, and Finding AuthenticitySend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgMasculinity in the digital age has become a complex landscape to navigate, especially for those seeking authentic representations of what it means to be a good man. In this thought-provoking conversation, Joey and Emmanuel bring their perspectives as social workers and men to examine how online spaces shape our understanding of modern manhood.The hosts introduce a fascinating concept: the "digital social worker" – professionals who could help mediate online interactions with expertise in human behavior and mental health. As cyberbullying rates continue to rise and young men in...
2025-09-3034 min
FIRE Social Worker ShowS3E3 - Learning When to Say NoSend us a textFeeling like you're juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle? You're not alone.Ambition is the double-edged sword many of us in helping professions wield daily. We care deeply, we aim high, and we often stretch ourselves beyond reasonable limits trying to meet every expectation. The result? We feel like we're failing everywhere despite our best efforts.This episode dives into the uncomfortable truth about trying to do it all. As social workers, parents, community members, and financial beings, we're told to excel in every arena simultaneously. Pay off debt...
2025-09-1206 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 9: Is Anybody Listening? Raw Talent Meets Genuine VulnerabilitySend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgMeet Isabella&Sebastian, the Memphis-based musical duo whose authentic sound and emotional storytelling are capturing hearts from Tennessee to Brazil to Japan. Their journey began with a single song released "into the void" of streaming platforms—no promotion, not even an Instagram account—yet within weeks, "Helium" had gathered thousands of streams and now sits at over a million.What makes this pair extraordinary isn't just their music, but their ages—Isabella at 20 and Sebastian at just 13. Despite their youth, their artistic maturity shines through in every note a...
2025-08-3053 min
Mane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 8 - Money, Mental Health, and Moving Forward: The Mood Dudes ReturnSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgWhat happens when strength becomes a burden? In this candid reunion episode, the Mood Dudes challenge the notion that "being strong" is always beneficial, particularly for men navigating mental health challenges in today's world.From back injuries to housing transitions, we share personal updates that spark deeper conversations about financial literacy and well-being. We explore the often-misunderstood relationship between renting and buying homes, debunking the myth that homeownership is universally superior. "Rent is all you will pay; mortgage is the least you will pay" becomes a powerful...
2025-08-141h 19FIRE Social Worker ShowS3E2 - Too Many Irons in the FIRESend us a textMajor updates on this episode. I’m pulling back from hour long episodes to short mini-sodes that are easier to digest, more free flowing and conversational. The journey towards financial independence is a long and winding path, but in the end I think it’s going to be fun and rewarding. What are some things you want me to focus on? Email me at Joseph@firesocialworker.comSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.card...
2025-08-1411 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 7: Your Money Story Doesn't Have to Be Your Money FutureSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgWarren Albright's financial journey began with a piece of wisdom from his father that changed everything: "Stop buying vehicles and buy something that's going to make you money." Taking this advice to heart, Warren purchased his first rental property at just 18 years old—setting in motion a lifelong commitment to financial literacy and wealth building.During our conversation, Warren shares how his unique background—military service that taught him discipline, 17 years as an educator, and formal education in accounting and business—shaped his approach to finances. Now as a f...
2025-07-251h 15Mane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 6: The Mood Dudes Unpack Healthy Masculinity in the Modern EraSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgWhat does healthy masculinity actually look like in today's world? The Mood Dudes tackle this provocative question head-on in a candid, thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man.Join clinical therapists Immanuel, James, and Joey as they break down the artificial barriers between "masculine" and "feminine" tasks, revealing how many gendered expectations are simply life skills everyone should master. With refreshing honesty, they explore why men often struggle to express platonic affection for one another without discomfort or fear of...
2025-07-081h 10FIRE Social Worker ShowSeason 3 - Episode One: Catching UpSend us a textLet’s catch up! I’ve been away from the mic for a while, but I want to get back into the grind! I apologize for the audio quality, but I’m on the road and didn’t have my usual set up. Future episodes will be much better, I promise!Support the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/
2025-07-0722 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 5 - Cultivating Community: The Heart of Mane Up MemphisSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgWhen passion meets purpose, communities transform. In our latest episode, we sit down with Jasmine West-Hunter, the dynamic Volunteer and Event Coordinator for Mane Up Memphis, to explore how this innovative nonprofit is reshaping Memphis through mental health services and financial literacy training for youth ages 11-25.Jasmine shares her fascinating journey from agricultural business student to community builder, revealing how she was drawn to Mane Up Memphis after witnessing founder Racheal Shantel speak with rare authenticity about her path. "She showed the grit, the grind, and...
2025-07-0346 min
Mane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 4 - The Mood Dudes Inside Mane Up MemphisSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgThe Mood Dudes are hosted by Immanuel, James, Joey, three Mane Up Memphis™ clinicians bringing you behavioral health knowledge through the lens of your favorite superhero hood. Get ready for action-packed adventures served with a side of humor, pop culture references, and a dash of edge.Subscribe now, or you’ll miss your mental wellness power-up!#ManeUpMemphis
2025-06-2555 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 3 - Rebuilding Memphis from the Inside Out: Mane Up MemphisSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgWhat happens when someone falls through the cracks of our systems? When traditional pathways fail, where do people turn? Racheal Chantel faced these questions head-on and decided to build a solution from the ground up.In this powerful conversation, Racheal shares her remarkable journey from commercial construction management to founding Mane Up Memphis, a revolutionary approach to mental health support. After returning to Memphis and experiencing the pandemic's forced pause, Rachel began noticing how intentionally designed gaps in our systems keep vulnerable people trapped. "People falling through...
2025-06-2058 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 2: Men's Mental Health: Breaking the SilenceSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgThe numbers hit like a sledgehammer: 30% of men will face depression, yet most of us were taught to "shake it off" by age six. In this powerful episode, licensed therapist and Certified Financial Social Worker, Joey reveals why men's mental health demands our urgent attention this June.Joey dives into the devastating disconnect between mental health statistics and society's expectations of masculinity. When we're conditioned to bench press feelings instead of expressing them, the consequences manifest through physical health problems, substance use, broken relationships, and alarming suicide...
2025-06-1905 minMane Up Memphis PodcastEpisode 1: Introducing the Mane Up Memphis PodcastSend us a message at info@maneupmemphis.orgMane Up Memphis Podcast serves up practical therapy insights, financial-empowerment tips, and inspiring local stories—straight from the nonprofit that says “wrap-around support or bust.” Hosted by LMSW & CFSW Joseph Laswell. New episodes every Tuesday. #ManeUpMemphis
2025-06-0601 minFIRE Social Worker ShowBalancing Big Purchases While Managing Everyday Expenses Isn't EasySend us a textRob and Becky are facing the financial realities that many homeowners dread - multiple expensive home repairs colliding with everyday budget challenges. Their journey through pool repair financing and potential HVAC replacement decisions offers a candid look at how couples navigate significant financial choices together.When they discovered their grocery bill had already hit $400 halfway through the month despite actively trying to reduce spending, it highlighted how even careful budgeters can be surprised by inflation's impact on essentials. Add in an unexpected $500 car repair, and you've got the perfect financial storm...
2025-03-1453 minFIRE Social Worker ShowMoney Matters: Insights from Veterans on FinancesSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/
2025-02-2853 minFIRE Social Worker ShowBuilding Financial Resilience in Military LifeSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/
2025-02-2158 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Service to Stability: Unpacking Military Money MattersSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/
2025-02-1458 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Service to Scams: Navigating Financial Threats and Empowering Veterans Through Gaming and EducationSend us a textSupport the showPlease join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.https://laswell.veteran.cards/
2025-02-0752 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Corps to Code: Michael Cragholm on Veteran Transition, Tech Innovation, and Jiu-Jitsu EmpowermentSend us a textDiscover how Marine Corps veteran Michael Cragholm turned his military discipline into entrepreneurial success, reshaping the way we view veteran transitions with his tech innovation, Grappl.io. Join us as Michael reveals his inspiring journey from the rigorous world of the Marine Corps to the dynamic sphere of entrepreneurship. His story is more than just a career change—it's a testament to the transformative power of resilience and leadership honed in the military, now inspiring a new wave of veteran entrepreneurs to pursue unconventional paths.Uncover the evolution from personal jiu-jitsu se...
2025-01-1759 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Airwaves to Assets: Joey Laswell on Veteran Empowerment Through Gaming and FinanceSend us a textDiscover the intricate dance between finance, gaming, and veteran empowerment in our latest episode with Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker and former Air Force member. Joey shares his expert insights on personal finance management, highlighting the psychological factors that influence financial decision-making. Explore the innovative efforts of Military Broadcast Radio (MBR), a Denver-based nonprofit that's revolutionizing veteran support through podcasting and gaming. Joey helps us unpack the timeless benefits of gaming for veterans, while breaking down misconceptions and spotlighting the profound community-building it fosters.Embark on a journey through...
2025-01-1059 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Call Centers to Coaching: Marthea Pitts on Redefining Social Work Careers and Financial EmpowermentSend us a textJoin us for an eye-opening conversation on the Fire Social Worker Show as we feature Marthea Pitts, the powerhouse known as the MSW Coach. With a career journey that has taken her from state government call centers to a PhD candidate at Florida A&M University, Marthea’s story is one of tenacity and innovation. She reveals her unique approach to social work, driven by a talent for demystifying complex policies and a commitment to uplift underserved communities. Discover how Marthea’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create coaching programs that empower social work...
2025-01-081h 08FIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Service to Savings: Joey and Kenny Laswell on Military Financial Freedom and Lifetime ResilienceSend us a textIn this heartfelt and insightful episode of Money in the Military, host Joey Laswell brings his brother, Kenny Laswell, retired Master Sergeant of the Air Force, onto the show for an in-depth discussion about life in the military, personal finances, and transitioning to civilian life.Highlights:Kenny’s Military Journey: Kenny shares his story of joining the Air Force in 2003, motivated by a desire to create a better life for his growing family. Over a 20-year career, he served as a structures troop in the Civil Engineer Squadron, with fi...
2024-12-2759 minFIRE Social Worker ShowFrom Air Force to Airwaves: Tony Hollinsworth on Overcoming Financial Turbulence and Empowering VeteransSend us a textWhat if the journey from military service to podcasting could teach you invaluable financial lessons? Join us for a riveting episode featuring Tony Hollinsworth, the voice behind "Inside the Hoosier Mind," as we explore his transformation from an Air Force serviceman tangled in debt to a successful podcast host. Alongside financial expert Joey Laswell, Tony opens up about his Indiana pride, military challenges, and the financial strategies that turned his life around.We'll navigate the often-turbulent waters of military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, unraveling the financial chaos and unexpected...
2024-12-201h 00FIRE Social Worker ShowHarnessing AI: Dr. Badillo-Diaz on Transforming Social Work and Ethical InnovationSend us a textIn this engaging third-round discussion, Joey Laswell, The FIRE Social Worker, reconnects with Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, The AI Social Worker, to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Social Work.We discuss:The ethical considerations and potential of AI in social work practice.* How AI tools like ChatGPT and HIPAA-compliant solutions (Bastion GPT, Uphill) are helping practitioners reduce burnout and streamline administrative tasks.* The impact of AI on social work education, research, and workforce readiness.* Real-world applications, from chatbot therapy assistants to tools for...
2024-12-171h 07FIRE Social Worker ShowNavigating Financial Landscapes Beyond the BarracksSend us a textJoin our engaging discussion on military finance and personal wealth management, where we promise you'll uncover strategies to navigate financial challenges unique to military life. Featuring Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker and former Air Force member, and Mr. Cameron, a veteran turned aspiring podcaster, we explore insights from Joey's inspiring journey of overcoming significant debt while in service. Discover how understanding personal finance behaviors and the contrast between perceived and actual wealth, as highlighted in "The Millionaire Next Door," can transform your financial approach.Technology meets financial literacy as...
2024-12-1300 minFIRE Social Worker ShowEmpowering Military Minds with Money ManagementSend us a textUnlock the secrets to financial success for military members and veterans with Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker, and Cameron, a budding Military Broadcast Radio podcaster. Learn how to navigate the unique financial landscape faced by service members, from tracking military-issued gear to overcoming the hurdles of managing money during deployments. Cameron sheds light on his personal financial struggles while stationed in Germany, offering valuable lessons on maintaining financial discipline and the importance of a saving mindset.Hear compelling stories like that of Specialist Oskar, who made savvy decisions to...
2024-12-061h 03