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That Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 45: Talking Sisterhood, Leadership, and Service with Dr. Araba Afenyi-Annan and Educator Leola BanksEpisode 45 is the season finale for Season 2 for That Social Work Lady Podcast. Recorded on November 12, 2022, this episode pays homage to my sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I am so grateful to the two women who joined me to celebrate our sorority's centennial celebration: Dr. Araba Afenyi-Annan and Educator Leola Banks. We pledged together at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Iota Psi Chapter) and have each done the work to live out our sorority mission - Greater Service, Greater Progress!Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was organized on November 12, 1922, in I...
2022-11-2051 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 44: But Is She Funny?Comediennes are community griots. They make spaces for the stories that we all need to know and tell them with flare and honesty while making us laugh. enoje (EN-oh-jay) is a community griot. In episode 44, she graces me with her brilliance, and goals for creating space for women to explore comedy for our mental health and well being. She takes her cue from her own mother's laughter. Remembering stories from her childhood of her mother and the aunties being in the kitchen telling each other stories from their day and laughing uncontrollably. Their joy is...
2022-11-061h 05That Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 43: Bodily Autonomy is for EverybodyAbortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. Why then is something so basic at the heart of so many toxic conversations?Episode 43 brings a topic that is very dear to my heart - bodily autonomy. It’s time we reframe the abortion conversation as a discussion about right to privacy and bodily autonomy. Any other approach to this conversation is problematic and grounded in patriarchal toxicity. American citizens with the capacity for pregnancy deserve to be able to make medical decisions about their bodies with the guidance of medical care professions of their choosing without the...
2022-10-3040 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 42: Jacqueline M. Baker Talks Leadership & EtiquetteJacqueline M. Baker is a speaker, author, leadership consultant and advisor known for her unique approach to modern etiquette and leadership. As the author of The Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You and Leader by Mistake: Becoming A Leader One Mistake At A Time, she frequently speaks and writes on the leadership-for-all concept.In Episode 42, I got to speak with leadership consultant and entrepreneur Jacqueline M. Baker about her company Scarlet Communications and the impact she has had on leadership training in corporate America. Baker’s story is one of perseverance, finding your niche and pursuing it...
2022-10-2340 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 41: Find Your North Star and #JustStart with Jacqueline M. BakerEpisode 41 brings another Black woman's story and this time we're getting advice from a leadership expert. Jacqueline M. Baker is a speaker, author, leadership consultant and advisor known for her unique approach to modern etiquette and leadership. As the author of The Unexpected Leader: Discovering the Leader Within You and Leader by Mistake: Becoming A Leader One Mistake At A Time, she frequently speaks and writes on the leadership-for-all concept.This conversation that I got to have with Jacqueline M. Baker is a full motivational lesson for the unexpected leader. I appreciate Baker for her...
2022-10-0949 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 40: Pivoting while Parenting for Black and Brown Mamas and PapasThe world has shifted. It has changed. So how do you are a parent of black or brown child pivot to be responsive to the times we live in now?...parents fear being viewed as inconsistent or worst undermining our own authority by changing our minds. The paradox of that is that there is no better expression of authority to making a change due to changing circumstances or the realization that you didn't do enough due diligence before making a decision.-Heather Frazier, Pivot Parenting PodcastEpisode 40 explores the need for black and brown...
2022-10-0241 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 39: Authentic Rest is PowerWhew! I'm tired (please read as tiiiii'ed). But I know I'm not the only one out here feeling the multiple levels of tired that I feel.Episode 39 in this Season 2 is all about rest. Michale Bernard Beckwith once said, "Authentic Rest is power." I read that quote when my son was an infant after my body had been stressed and strained beyond my previously recognized limitations. I thought then that I knew what 'rest' meant. However, according to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith I grossly overestimated what I knew. Dr. Dalton-Smith's research demonstrates that we a...
2022-09-2641 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 38: Talking Autism Awareness with Special Needs Advocate and Educator Vertongie Kendrix-BaileySpecial Needs Advocate and Educator Vertongie Kendrix-Bailey shares in Episode 38, that was stressful to see her toddler cry a lot, act as if he was lost at times and throw tantrums. When he was 4 years old, her son Hezekiah was diagnosed with autism after a comprehensive evaluation by his medical team. The medical team that evaluated Hezekiah included a pediatrician, a psychiatrist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language pathologist, and a nurse. After the evaluation and diagnosis Kendrix-Bailey knew she had to get help for her son. With that in mind, Kendrix-Bailey took it upon herself to educate he...
2022-09-1827 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 37: Where Humility, Hard Work and Determination MeetIn Episode 37, Vertongie Kendrix-Bailey shares her journey as a mother and advocate for her two sons: Zechariah and Hezekiah. Her parenting philosophy guides how she has crafted community to support her values and goals for her family. As a highly educated professional, Vertongie is the kind of mother who uses all her resources and skills to provide for and advocate for her children and herself. Vertongie also serves as a parent liaison for Children with Special Needs, participates on nonprofit boards, trains parents on how to be better advocates for their children, organizes local campaigns, and found h...
2022-09-1149 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 36: Coffee, Counseling, and Accessing CareEpisode 36 continues our conversation with Detroit's very own #communitycounselor Patrece M. Lucas, MS, LPC.Patrece specializes in providing culturally specific counseling and creating safe healing spaces for African, Black, and other indigenous and BIPOC communities. She has committed her life's work to advocating for communities of color to not only survive but to dismantle broken systems and create new ones that are inherent on supporting and uplifting the communities capacity to thrive. As a licensed Mental Health Counselor Patrece serves as a community counselor in Detroit and its surrounding communities. She is in private practice a...
2022-08-2839 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 35: Where Luck + Blessings + Opportunity Meet with Patrece M. LucasEpisode 35 invites Detroit's very own #communitycounselor Patrece M. Lucas, MS, LPC.Patrece is a licensed Mental Health Counselor and serves as a community counselor in Detroit and its surrounding communities. She is in private practice as a counselor, wellness partner and mediator at her agency called indigo transitions. indigo transitions is about assisting the INDIGO (person) transition and adjusts to functioning in this social construct wholly as THEY ARE...At indigo transitions, Patrece assists clients as they PREPARE for, MANIFEST, and begin to LIVE their best lives. P...
2022-08-2144 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 34: You're Not a Heretic But You Just Might Be a SaintThat Social Work Lady welcomes both Jasmine Logan and Jada Williams back to the studio for Episode 34.Both Jasmine Logan and Jada Williams are master level divinity students at Wake Forest University. In Episode 34 they offer me a crash course on womanist theology. The concepts they share about womanist theology are mind-blowing. Especially the idea that womanist theology takes many of the iconic bible stories and views them through the eyes of a Black woman...well that just makes me giddy! #BlackWomenStoriesMatter Logan already made my head spin in Episode 32 when she introduced the idea...
2022-08-1444 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 33: When the Unexpected Community is Where You Heal MostEpisode 33 is a Millennial Theologian Takeover!I am so grateful to welcome theologian Jasmine Logan back on That Social Work Lady along with her colleague Jada Williams. Jada Williams is in her fourth year of the dual JD/MDiv program at Wake Forest University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Young Harris College, where she was a Division II NCAA basketball player and heavily involved in other campus organizations and clubs ranging from Greek life to religious life to residence life. Jada is a certified beekeeper, began her own cheesecake business in 2020...
2022-08-0741 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 32: The Costs and Redemption of Being the "Good" Black GirlMillennial Theologian Jasmine (Jazz) Logan is back in the studio for Episode 32. During this conversation, Jazz candidly shares her experience as #churchgirl who grew up in the evangelical Christian church. From her perspective the #colorblind ideals of the church actually negated her experience as an African American girl growing up Christian. There were times when she felt that the church not only did not recognize the uniqueness of her experience as being a minority on the church campus but actively pointed out her differences and in same cases 'disciplined' her for them. In Episode 32, Theologian...
2022-07-3145 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 31: The Road to Divinity (School) with Jasmine LoganThat Social Work Lady welcomes Jasmine (Jazz) Logan to the studio for Episode 31. In Episode 31, millennial theologian Jasmine Logan and I delve into how the contemporary church has outed itself as a the white supremacist christian church of America. Logan holds no punches in her description of the ways the religion of a 'color blind' Jesus does harm to children and youth in the church who do not happen to be white or male or heterosexual. Some may call her ideas radical. Other call them in direct alignment with the actual teachings of the historical Christ.
2022-07-2447 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 30: Talking Love in ACTion with Pastors Sharon and Rodney LoganEpisode 30 welcomes Pastors Sharon and Rodney Logan , co-founders of ACTS Christian Center in Maricopa, AZ to the studio.For over 20 years they have done the work to expand the idea of community and service. "By the way we love" is their mantra which is given meaning by their work as community organizers and builders.In Episode 30, Pastors Sharon and Rodney invite a candid conversation about 'church hurt' and community engagement. From their perspective the church is not always a physical place but is a people who live their purpose and operate from a place of...
2022-07-1757 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 29: Carrie Bushell Answers, "What Do Social Workers Do?"In Episode 29, I welcome Social Worker Carrie Bushell to the mic. As a seasoned social worker, Carrie has worked with children and their families at every important developmental stage in their life. Together we've been in the trenches for 54 years!In this episode, Bushell shares her passion for social work and rights several myths about social workers. For the first of many times, Bushell and I combat the myth that social workers 'take people kids.' Social Worker Carrie Bushell and I both love what we do as social workers. We know the important...
2022-07-1049 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 28: “Willfully Blind” Book Talk with Author B. Angela ReddAuthor B. Angela Redd returns to the studio for Episode 28. Avid reader Tameka Kelsey also graced us in the studio to discuss Redd’s debut novel: Willfully Blind.B. Angela Redd is a writer hell-bent on dragging readers, occasionally kicking and screaming, into the psyche of her characters. Her latest novel achieves that and more. A literary fiction writer to her core, she masterfully seizes and conveys the depths of her characters through stories that are both complex and thematic. With a three-tier Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Political Science, and Sociology from the Un...
2022-06-2639 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 27: Writing Between the Lines with Author B. Angela ReddFor Episode 27, That Social Work Lady welcomes author B. Angela Redd to the studio to discuss community, family, and her writing process.Since the age of twelve years old Redd has believed she was destined to be a writer after completing her first play and corralling neighborhood kids to read for parts, study their lines, and show up on time daily for rehearsal. Her passion for writing never ceased throughout the years. It would be thirty years before Redd put family, career, and life on pause, faced down the paralyzing fear and self-doubt she’d kno...
2022-06-1954 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 26: Community Building is Family Legacy with CoHost Yvonne JonesSocial Activist Yvonne Jones returns for the final installation of our mini series #mamaknowscommunity. This time she again welcomes three generations of women from her family to talk community, family, and legacy. Welcome back to the studio Mrs. Emma Steward, Mrs. Shirley Roberson-Presley, and Dr. Penny Logan.Our guests hold no punches in this open and honest conversation about the struggle for liberation for the Black community. There are also surprise connections between Mrs. Jones' family and the legendary Fred Hampton.Community Mother Emma Steward, Educator Shirley Roberson-Presley and Dr. Penny Logan speak with Mrs. J...
2022-06-1253 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 25: Community Building is a Family Affair with Cohost Yvonne JonesSocial Activist Yvonne Jones is back in the studio for Episode 25. This time she welcomes three guests: Mrs. Emma Steward, Educator Shirley Roberson-Presley, and Dr. Penny Logan.Each of these women are not only members of Mrs. Jones’ family but as community builders have been working to better neighborhoods and families in the Black Community for generations.In this candid conversation social activist Jones talks with Community Mother Emma Steward, Educator Shirley Roberson-Presley and Dr. Penny Logan to share what community means to them as well as the ways they have been work to preserve th...
2022-06-0540 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 24: Talking History, Influence & Activism with Yvonne Jones and Nehanda GreenEpisode 24, Social Activist Yvonne Jones co-host for continuation of our mini series #mamaknowscommunity.Mrs. Jones is a lifetime Detroit resident. She spent her formatives years during the turmoil of Civil Rights Movement and has first hand experience with the Detroit Rebellion of 1967. She is unashamed of being a direct benefactor of Affirmative Action and the advances made by the Civil Rights Movement. In her second episode as co-host, she continues her conversation with Pan African Activist Nehanda Green. Ms. Green is the mother of one adult daughter and two granddaughters. She has both an undergraduate degree and a...
2022-05-2935 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 23: Yvonne Jones Co-host, #MamaKnowsCommunity with Pan African Activist Nehanda GreenIn Episode 23, introduces Yvonne Jones as co-host for That Social Work Lady Podcast's mini series #mamaknowscommunity.Mrs. Jones is a lifetime Detroit resident. She spent her formatives years during the turmoil of Civil Rights Movement and has first hand experience with the Detroit Rebellion of 1967. She is unashamed of being a direct benefactor of Affirmative Action and the advances made by the Civil Rights Movement. In her debut episode as co-host, she invites Pan African Activist Nehanda Green to the studio. Ms. Green is the mother of one adult daughter and two granddaughters. She has both an u...
2022-05-2247 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 22: Trekking the Bruce Trail with Zwena GrayEpisode 22 was taped days before Environmentalist Zwena Gray began her 900 kilometer (559 mile) trek along the Canadian Bruce Trail.Originally from Detroit MI, Zwena is an outdoor enthusiast, community builder, and a business owner. This summer she will be working as the Environmental Director at @campkawartha. Her work focuses on the Black community and teaching sustainability strategies. In Episode 22, Zee shares her inspiration for embarking on a "thru - hiking" journey on the Bruce Trail. The Bruce Trail is Canada's oldest and longest hiking trail. Zee anticipates that it will take her between 5 - 6 weeks to com...
2022-05-1544 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 21: Mamapreneurship is Tiffany Funderburk’s Way of LifeOn Episode 21, I got to share the mic with entrepreneur Tiffany Funderburk.During our candid conversation, Tiffany Funderburk shares some of the tenets of her philosophy on parenting and entrepreneurship. Truly she offers a master class on nurturing a marriage while raising a blended family. Hint: her definition of community is the foundation.Born in Cali, but raised in Detroit, Tiffany attended Detroit Public Schools. After high school she attended Western Michigan University. While at WMU she joined the U.S. Army and became an active member of the National Guard. She has been married fo...
2022-05-081h 04That Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 20: She's a Real Life Actual Historian - My Chat with Dr. Hilary JonesEpisode 20 completes the conversation Dr. Hilary Jones and I began in Episode 19.An Associate Professor of History at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Hilary Jones credits her high school French teacher as the person who opened the door to her interest in francophiles in the African diaspora. Now, nearly 3 decades later, Dr. Jones is a scholar with a vested interest in setting the historical record straight about the lives, contribution and history of Africans in the diaspora and Senegal. Dr. Jones' research has appeared in the Journal of African History, Cultural Geographies, Slavery and Abolition...
2022-05-0146 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 19: Teranga Lessons Learned with Dr. Hilary JonesSeason 2's dedication to #blackwomenstoriesmatter continues with Episode 19. This week we welcome scholar and educator Dr. Hilary Jones.Dr. Jones is Associate Professor of History at University of Kentucky where she serves the African American and Africana Studies Program and participates in the Commonwealth Institute of Black Studies. She also authored The Métis of Senegal: Urban Life and Politics in French West Africa (Indiana University Press, 2013), and examines the making of multiracial communities in Senegal’s colonial capital. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Jones is a graduate of Cass Technical High School and Spelm...
2022-04-2448 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 18: You Are Welcome to Participate in All This Joy! (Part Two)Episode 18 is the conclusion of a two part conversation of affirmation with Human Services Leader MiVida Burrus. The founder of Faith with Heels, LLC MiVida Burrus shares her insight on the importance of building others up as you create and establish networks that work. Her community building strategies are heart full and centered on the promotion of joy and healing.How is she able to do all that she does? Faith. Fo more information about programs and organizations discussed during the Episode 18 check out:HAVEN of Oakland...
2022-04-1738 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 17: You are Welcome to Participate in All This Joy! (Part One)In 2022, MiVida Burris took on the mantra: You are welcomed to participate in all this joy! In Episode 17, for Season 2 she shares the meaning behind her mantra and what joy she is inviting others to participate in. When you listen to MiVida's story, you will wonder how she has the capacity to walk in joy or faith given all that she has survived. But I assure you for her, that's the point. She lives her life full of joy, passion and purpose! And welcomes you to join her. During our conversation MiVida also shares her inspiration for c...
2022-04-1038 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 16: Talking Radical Friendship with Crystal BellFor Episode Sweet 16, Motivational Speaker Crystal Bell rejoins me in the studio.Crystal Bell is an agent of change in both the professional and private sectors. She has made it her life’s mission to empower others. Crystal urges others to see the incomparable value of friendships—and relationships in general—she is best known for authentically connecting with audiences through witty storytelling, wisdom and insight. Crystal thrives off the power of connectivity seeing opportunity where others see void and destitution. Her transparency, coupled with humor and bouts of laughter, allow people to “connect the dots” in a creative...
2022-04-0344 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 15: You Won't Steal Crystal Bell's Joy!In Episode 15 for Season 2, I welcome Motivational Speaker Crystal Bell.As a motivational speaker for over thirty years, Crystal's audiences have been enlightened and inspired to live life out loud—despite the obstacles. Whether she’s facilitating a workshop on vision and goal-setting, or she’s training corporate professionals to meet their organizational team goals, Crystal Bell leaves a positive impact and the minds and hearts of men and women that can’t easily be erased. Her extensive non-profit career with both local and national organizations has not only positioned her as an expert in community development, team-bui...
2022-03-2743 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 14: Weight Won't Be the Only Thing You LoseThis week I welcome Weight Loss Advocate Ciara Hamiel back to the studio to share her journey.Ciara began her weight loss journey with a starting weight of 450 lbs. With hard work, dedication, and assistance of the gastric sleeve surgery, she have lost over 235lbs. Ciara knew she needed to do something with her life. In this episode she is candid about her journey and shares with me the things she both lost and gained on the road to a healthier self.Motivated by the love of her two sons, Ciara hopes her story is a...
2022-03-2043 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 13: Found Community with Ciara HamielThis week That Social Work Lady welcomes 30 year old Ciara Hamiel to the studio.Ciara Hamiel is a weight loss advocate who wants to support other women on their pathway to weight loss success. In episode 13, Ciara shares her experience with community. She admits that as a young woman she did not have the confidence to build community solo, but is grateful for the ways she has been adopted into community. As a result she has found community at every point in her life and it has helped her fulfill the needs she has a...
2022-03-1344 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 12: Finding Purpose and Building Generational Wealth with Sonni HarvinEpisode 12 for Season 2 welcomes Sonseeahray (Sonni) Harvin back to the studio. This time we're talking purpose and generational wealth. After her first closing - helping a military family return home from Italy - she was hooked on helping with homes. Sonni found her true vocation as a realtor and investor. After purchasing homes with other realtors, Sonseeahray saw an opportunity to create a different experience for buyers and sellers. One with an agent who cares and is who’s business is devoted to integrity, education and service. Further, Sonni feels strongly about empowering individuals to change the traj...
2022-03-0645 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 11: Superwoman Isn't Human But We Are, That's Why We Need CommunityThis week I welcome Realtor Sonseeahray (Sonni) Harvin into the studio.Sonni was born and raised on Detroit's west side. She is an alumna of both Renaissance High and Emory University where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degree. Currently, Sonni lives with her three children (2 in college and 1 in middle school) in Oakland County, MI. In this candid conversation, Sonni shares that after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2010, she began to see the necessity of community. After living most of her young adult years in survival mold focused on rearing her children and fi...
2022-02-2748 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 10: The One Where I Talk About BrunoI'm in the studio solo dolo for this episode and I'm talking about Bruno!Every family has secrets. Some of those secrets are merely private things that truly aren't anyone's business outside of the family. But there are other secrets that are truly damaging and traumatic. There are secrets that hurt, harm and kill. Watching Disney's Encanto brought home to me the impact that generational trauma has on families, particularly Black families. Many family members carry the shame of their generational trauma without zero understanding of the origin of the trauma and why they function t...
2022-02-2038 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 9: Gentle Parenting is Revolutionary ParentingIf you want to raise free black children into adults who can stand in their own birthright as humans worthy of love, you have to operate from the grounding principle: Love Does Not Abuse.Gentle Parenting is the 'new' trend in parenting techniques. In Episode 9, I share ideals researched and popularized by bell hooks nearly 30 years ago. Her ideals expound on the Kingian idea that to build the beloved community we must eradicate militarism.Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was both a theologian and philosopher. His theories on building the beloved community through...
2022-02-1335 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 8: Is Maurita Mussawwir a Hidden Figure?Season 2, Episode 8 I welcome back to the studio Engineer Maurita Mussawwir!Maurita is a native Detroit, a mother, a graduate of Central State University and an engineer. She has been in the field of engineering for more than 20 years. During this episode, she shares stories about her love of math and science. You see Black girls love math and science too. Maurita is living proof of that fact!Of course, most of us learned this lesson a few years ago when the movie Hidden Figures came out. Maurita's love of math and science...
2022-02-0643 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 7: Raising Children Takes a Village - But What Kind?Episode 7, I welcome Ms. Maurita Mussawwir to the studio. Maurita is the perfect example of why #blackwomenstoriesmatter. She is so unassuming in her mannerisms. You'd never know that she is parenting two different generations simultaneously. In our conversation, Maurita gets candid about her experience navigating potty training for one child and driver's training for the other at the same time! That alone is a major feat but in addition to parenting, Maurita is a full time engineer, volunteer, active member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, and more!In our conversation we reminisce about our common e...
2022-01-3045 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 6: Something New with Lisa LipscombI welcome Lisa Lipscomb back to the the studio for Episode 6.This time we dive into Lisa's passion - Something New. What began as a challenge from her father who told her "for the rest of your life you will be learning something new" morphed into a practice that grew into a business. Lisa Lipscomb not only intentionally seeks out novel experiences, she teaches others how to incorporate 'something new' as a practice to reinvigorate their life.She teaches others how to get out of the rut of routine. Her goal is to help other b...
2022-01-2344 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 5: Lisa Lipscomb Builds Community On Purpose in Her Classrooms and BeyondIn Episode 5, I got to welcome Lisa Lipscomb to the the studio.Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading & Language Arts, a Master in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College, and a Master of Learning Technologies and Instructional Design from Utah State University. She is a Detroit native where she attended St. Mary's and is a graduate of Redford High School. She is a veteran educator. Working in public schools for nearly 3 decades. Lisa has personally witnessed a shift in education. As an educator...
2022-01-1649 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 4: Talking Gunsense with Julie CollinsJulie Collins is back in the studio with me for Episode 4.Today we are talking gunsense. Julie has been campaigning for sensible gun laws for nearly 2 decades. In today’s conversation she and I get candid about the work of gun violence prevention groups and the constant backlash from the gun industry.We all believed that after The Columbine High School massacre in 1999, America would work to create laws that would at least protect children. But instead, in many states gun laws have become more lax. Granting accessibility to gun purchases by anyone at any ti...
2022-01-0946 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 3: Julie Collins is Black Women's HistoryIn Episode 3 of Season 2, I welcome Mrs. Julie Collins to the That Social Work Lady couch. Julie shares with me stories from her life as a Black women propelled into activism. While much of work as a community organizer has focused on bringing gun sense legislation to America, she has also worked to help better local schools, address the appalling disparity in maternal health care for Black women, and more.Julie Collins is a national speaker, and is currently a field organizer for Red Wine and Blue a group working to get suburban women involved i...
2021-12-1943 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 2: How to 'Therapy' for the Rest of UsIn Season 1, I encouraged you to find a therapist and actively involve yourself in purposeful healing. I mean we were in a pandemic, quarantined for months. Our whole person was ripe and ready to work through all the big ugly things that were weighing us down and holding us back.And according to the numbers, you went. The rate at which Americans started therapy over the last year surpasses all other years in this decade! The idea of therapy as a tool to support growth and help us as individuals and family to process emotional pain or...
2021-12-1239 minThat Social Work LadySeason 2, Episode 1: "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up" Is the Wrong QuestionSeason 2 of That Social Work Lady is live!!That Social Work Lady Podcast began as a pandemic project. Like most projects that begin on a whim, the podcast began without a plan. It was just an idea to create a podcast that focused on exploring the ideas in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s thesis 'the beloved community' through my eyes as a social worker.Now in Season 2, I'm asking the question: What do I want That Social Work Lady to be when it grows up? And of course...
2021-11-2438 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 36: Blinded by Faith, Again with Crystal WeaverBack in the studio with entrepreneur, mother, and survivor Crystal Weaver.In today's conversation, Crystal continues to share her life story. Her transparency and desire to unmask family secrets that if remained hidden would continue to fester and hurt for generations is heroic. Crystal has survived the death of her first born, domestic violence, and divorce. Yet remains true to her heart and open to love in the ways it manifests that are healing and grounded in faith. Her story is not unfamiliar. In fact it is a common narrative among women, that is why...
2021-10-1142 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 35: Blinded by Faith with Crystal WeaverIn part one of this two part session, Crystal Weaver - Detroit native, YouTube vlogger, Content Creator, Mother, Entrepreneur - shares her life story and the inspiration behind her YouTube channel, Blinded by Faith.Crystal joined the ranks of motherhood at 18, and married her first husband at 19. Before her 30th birthday, she birthed 6 children, divorced her first husband, survived her firstborn’s death after a long illness, and married her second husband.Now at 42, Crystal is a pro at self reinvention. In this episode she shares her story, her faith walk, and the superhero complex th...
2021-10-1135 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 34: Martha Jean the Queen, Black Radio Hall of Fame Inductee, My InspirationIf you've ever wondered what inspired me to start a podcast you really don't have to look or wonder for long. I was raised on radio at a time when my city, Detroit, was reigned by TWO queens: Aretha and Martha Jean.If you've never heard of her Martha Jean the Queen was born Martha Jean Jones in Memphis, TN in 1930. A larger than life figure, the Queen built a communication empire after 46 years in the industry. She is a member of both the Black Radio Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2021-09-2230 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 33: Poverty is ViolenceThat Social Work Lady is going online! Be on the look out for our Facebook and Instagram pages. I can't wait to be able to interact with you all online!Poverty is violence. Here are a few quick stats:The poverty rate in U.S. is close to 12%, meaning 1 in 8 Americans live at or below the poverty level.1 in 6 children in the U.S. are living in povertyThe poverty rate for single-mother households is 31%, meaning almost 1 in 3 single mothers live in poverty.11 million children, or about 1 in 9 of all children in the U.S., live at 50 p...
2021-09-2231 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 31: Doing the Work to Build The Beloved CommunityBack in the studio, solo dolo. In episode 31, I'm taking a deep dive into what is meant behind the phrase: The Beloved Community. The goal of Season 1 of That Social Work Lady has been to introduce myself and share with my listeners how community is built, supported, maintained, and structured. In community, we all have a role to play and something to share. No matter who you are and no matter what you believe you have to offer everyone can contribute to community.The late great Congressman John Lewis was a...
2021-09-0833 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 32: Short Sightedness May Be Our DownfallDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a radical revolutionary genius who has been relegated in American history to a caricature for complacency. In today's episode I am back in the studio solo dolo committed to continuing the conversation on the Kingian principle of beloved community.Let's begin with an exert from Dr. King's speech "The Other America." In the 1 minute and 55 second I share today, Dr. King talks about how time is used in politic and in our lived experienced. Dr. King once said, "Social progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability; it comes through t...
2021-09-0832 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 30: Talking Joy as a Form of Resistance with Ben WillBen Will graced us in the studio once again in Episode 30.This week we talk about Joy as a form of Resistance. He even brought new music in for us to listen to. This is a real treat! "Blade of Grass" is a Ben Will original. A song that is full of joy and resiliency written at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic while awaiting the fate of those responsible for the death of George Floyd and after the January 6th Insurrection attempt. All of Ben Will's work embodies...
2021-08-2542 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 29: Community + Creativity + D*mn Good Music = Ben WillEpisode 29 is a very special treat! In the studio live with me is a true creative genius - Ben Will.Ben Will is what you get when you combine community, creativity, service, and d-mn good music. I am so excited to have him come to the studio to talk about this music, inspiration, and joy. He also happens to be my youngest sibling.Together we explore the big question of 'the role creatives play in community' and more specifically the role and responsibility he has taken on as a creative in community. Ben Will is...
2021-08-2542 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 28: It's Easier to Raise Whole Children - Talking Choice in EducationToday, Kija Gray of Openly Gray and Our Children Count joins us for another heartfelt conversation in the studio. Our discussion this time focuses in on education and the ways in which parents can both advocate and craft the academic experiences of their children.We dispel a few myths the first of which is: 1. Black people do homeschool. 2. The choice to homeschool by Black parents is not always predicated on school based trauma.In her work with families, Kija coaches parents making the choice to homeschool their children. Her work with families interested i...
2021-07-1940 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 27: Talking a Joy Centered Life with Kija GrayWOW! Episode 27 was just a good time. This week I welcomed my sister, Kija Gray. Kija lives for community and works with purpose to establish it everywhere she goes.Kija is not only a #freerangechick, she is also known as the @KijaBakes on Facebook. Follow her for delicious pound cake design. In addition to being a bakeologist, Kija is a firm advocate for parents taking the reins of their children's education. To provide an academic experience for their children that is as unique as the individual. This year, millions of American households were thrown into sc...
2021-07-1943 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 24: If Black Fathers Matter Why Does The Lie That They Don’t ExistIn this episode of THAT SOCIAL WORK LADY, I welcome back Mr. Nelson Jones, Jr. to the studio. The focus of our conversation is the narrative that continues to be perpetrated in mainstream media that black fathers are absent and disengaged in relation to child rearing.Mr. Jones poignantly states at the start of our discussion, “Who benefits from this narrative?”
2021-06-1442 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 23: Black Father’s Matter - Father’s Day EditionIn this Father’s Day edition of THAT SOCIAL WORK LADY, my dad Nelson Jones, Jr. joined me in the studio.In our conversation I finally got to the root of my dad’s stellar work ethic and mantra - No Sick Days. I was so delighted to have my dad to myself to talk about the lessons he learned from his father and maternal grandfather. They were the men who helped shape the man that helped raise me.In our community, there is a narrative myth that black fathers are largely absent and disengaged in t...
2021-06-1439 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 26: Shift Your Expectations - An ADHD GuideWelcome to Episode 26! We more than half way through the first season of That Social Work Lady!In this episode we're talking more about ADHD. Today I want to provide you with a guide to supporting someone with ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a real medical diagnosis. ADHD indicates that an individual is near-atypical. The short hand of that is 'when you have ADHD your brain works different from someone who does not have ADHD.'Oversimplifying ADHD into categories of 'that's a bad kid' or 'she's just flighty' not only does a disservice...
2021-06-0725 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 21: Black Fathers Matter Part 1This month I want to dedicate the THAT SOCIAL WORK LADY podcast to Black fatherhood and Black fathers.Contrary to mainstream media, of all ethnic and racial groups Black fathers lead all other fathers in parenting. They are more engaged and more hands on than any other group of dads across class, social status, race, and ethnicity.In this episode I get to sit down with an up and coming coaching legend in Detroit football, James ‘JR’ Pollard. He started coaching at age 15 but is known all around the Highland Park community as simply Coach.
2021-06-0742 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 25: ADHD AND ME (And Maybe You, Too)I am That Social Work Lady.I am also an adult woman with Attention Deficit Disorder. There are many misconceptions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Most adults still believe that ADHD is just a product of bad parenting or society's focus on medicating everyone so that they will be more compliant and docile.Well...I'm here to tell you there is so much more to a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder beyond your media sponsored misconceptions. It is actually a true blue medical diagnosis with actual symptoms that have real world implications. I...
2021-05-2438 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 20: More Tales from the MotherHOODBack in the studio with experienced mamas: Tameka Kelsey and Jasmine Willis.We start this episode with the hard question: What does it mean to parent from a place of fear?As Black mothers we canNOT separate the reality of racial discrimination, racist practices in US police departments, school systems, housing from daily parenting conflicts like lost laundry, dirty rooms, and puberty.The stress of being a Black mother in the US cannot be underestimated. It is hard emotional work that canNOT be done successfully without a purposeful village.While America d...
2021-05-0949 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 18: Tales from the MotherHOOD!Talking Mamahood with 2 expert mothers both with more experience in the ‘hood than I. Today I welcome my sister friends Tameka Kelsey (mothering for 27 years) and Jasmine Willis (mothering for 15 years) to the studio.Although we all came to the motherhood at different points in our lives, not one of us would change our membership.During this episode we explore our unique journeys through the ‘hood and lessons we’ve learned. As black mothers we raise our kids with fierce determination knowing that both white supremacy and the patriarchy are working diligently against us. Yet despit...
2021-05-0943 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 17: Leaders Must First ServeIn the studio with me for episode 17 is my good friend and mentor Mr. Jonathan Wynne.Mr. Wynne is the founder of Kingdom Concepts. He is an author, consultant, coach, minister, and so much more. Whether you have attended one of his parenting workshops or was coached by Mr. Wynne on the basketball court you are aware of the fact that for him people come first.In this episode I get to have a candid conversation with him about building community through servant leadership by attending to the unique needs of people. It is always...
2021-04-1140 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 16: Be a Blessing and You will be BlessedHorace HB Sanders is back in the studio with me for our 16th episode. HB takes us on a candid view of his journey as a professional comedian.I appreciate HB's candor and willingness to share life lessons he's picked up along the way. So often people rate your success by your visibility and will judge you as unsuccessful because they 'can't see' your growth. But the greatest value in this conversation comes from lessons HB learned through his professional community. Everyone wants to be blessed but many don't want to be a b...
2021-04-1143 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 15: The Gift of Tenacity and Other Lessons from Our FathersToday in the studio I invite my good friend Horace HB Sanders. HB is a professional comedian and community organizer based in Detroit. In this episode we define tenacity being sure to distinguish it from stubbornness. We dive deep into how tenacity has been the gift that set us up for success in the pursuit of life goals even in the face of multiple personal challenges. We also being a very important conversation about the impact our fathers had on setting us up to follow our unique paths. Talking about Black Fathers is such an...
2021-04-1142 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 19: Making an IMPACT with Jonathan WynneWelcome to Episode 19!!Today I welcome back my good friend Jonathan Wynne, founder of Kingdom Concepts. We talk about this journey as an author and consultant. His motivation behind his books and the impact his work has had on communities is inspiring. I highly recommend you check out his books on parenting which include Impact Parenting: Raising College Ready Kids and Pandemic Parenting: IMPACT Strategies for Success. For more information about Kingdom Concepts or to order one of Mr. Wynne's books check out his website at https://jonathanwynne.com.
2021-04-1142 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 13: In Everything that You Do Be a Village BuilderIn this episode I welcome Family Nurse Practitioner Tracy Threat. Mrs. Threat is, not only my very good sister friend, she is an amazing health care professional. She helps outline for us who in a medical office is trained to do what so that we know who to ask which questions.But I'm most excited that she came into the studio to share her journey towards becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her story is confirmation that you can make all the plans you want, however, your plans may not be your calling. When you plans don't align...
2021-03-2238 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 14: The Care of Your Health is Bigger than Your VitalsToday we welcome Nurse Practitioner Tracy Threat back to the studio.Mrs. Threat is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to health care management, not just for her patients but she is what many would call a nurse's nurse. In this episode, she shares with us the most critical element of professionalism for a health care professional - listening.Learning how to listen is critical in all best practice models. When we learn how to listen whether we are nurses, social workers, lawyers, post master generals, or Boy Scout leaders we are better equipped...
2021-03-2236 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 11: You Need a Therapist, and You Need a Therapist, and You Need a Therapist!In this episode I reflect on the impact the Covid 19 Pandemic has had on us as individuals, in our families and our communities.Seeking support to integrate the many ways that you have been traumatized or triggered by the pandemic is critical to your personal health and healing. There are so many resources available to all of us to help navigate the emotional, social, and mental isolation we've all felt.Research proves that prolonged social isolation can lead to adverse health consequences including: depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function*, accelerated cognitive** decline, poor cardiovascular...
2021-03-1530 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 12: Pandemic Quarantine, Day 367In this episode, my 13 year old son joins me in the studio to talk pandemic quarantine and what life has been like from March 2020 - March 2021.The Coronavirus Pandemic deeply impacted us all. It's important that we each have critical conversations with our loved ones about the way our nation's response to the pandemic has altered our daily lives.I get to talk with my son about his thoughts and feelings with being in a slow down with me, his mom, for 13 months. He has permission to be honest about his feelings and I get...
2021-03-1521 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1: Episode 10 Where There is a Will, There Is CommunityJoin me as I invite my mother, Mrs. Yvonne Jones, back to the studio to talk community.In her lifetime Mrs. Jones has made a commitment to support children in the community with the resources she has. In this conversation she provides very specific strategies for building community where you are:1. Set an intention to help2. Take an inventory of what you have to offer3. Seek and opportunity to match what you have to offer with a need4. Fill the need with what you haveThese four steps are how...
2021-02-2327 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 9: Mental Illness is a Family AffairIn this episode, I share the mic with my mother Mrs. Yvonne Jones. A family member reached out to my mother and requested that we share his experience as a person who has been incarcerated and has a diagnosed mental illness. We share our family's experience of navigating the limitations of services and supports when we have had family members in mental health crisis. The letter he wanted us to share with you is below in it's entirety:Hi I'm have a message that needs to get out on Mental Health....
2021-02-2333 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 8: The Big Deal with Culturally Responsive EducationOnce again we're talking education with Ms. Cassie Williams, M. Ed. a master educator and leader in education. Educators, parents, and community leaders across the country have been promoting and demanding culturally responsive instruction in classrooms. In this episode, Ms. Williams breaks down that the pathway to Culturally Responsive Instruction is paved with providing students with the tools they need to 'be whatever it is they want' in life. Ms. Williams bases her belief on the tenet that 'hard word and having a plan will get you anywhere you need to go in life.' With that in...
2021-02-0839 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 7: Let's Talk Parity in EducationThat Social Work Lady welcomes our first guest Ms. Cassie Williams, M. Ed. to talk parity in education. Ms. Williams, a leader in education, shares her experience as a product of traditional public schools, a parochial school, a private afrocentric school, and a charter school academy. As a leader, Ms. Williams is a champion for Education for Liberation which she defines as empowering students with the knowledge they need to 'be whatever they want to be.'During this conversation we explore the impact school choice had on the trajectory of our lives as well as the...
2021-02-0828 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 5: What Is a Mental Health Baseline?Your mental health baseline is you at your mental best. It is your personal mental health norm. Unfortunately, most of us assume that our mental health norm is happy. However, happy is an experience or a mood it is not a mental health status. In this episode, I provide you with a quick guide to discovering your own mental health baseline. It is my hope that you will be able to take this information so that you can learn your mental health norm and create a plan to support yourself when you get off your baseline.
2021-01-2618 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 6: Everyday We Gotta FightThe black communities of Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta were called out for their activism and the subsequent outcome of the 2020 election.On January 20, 2021, many of us in all of those communities breathed a sigh of relief when the 46th President of the United States was installed. However, the election of Joseph R. Biden and the changing of the guard in the US Senate do not represent the end of our community activism. Each of us must find ways to remain engaged and active in our communities. We can no longer afford to sit o...
2021-01-2616 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 4: Cancel Culture is Popular AND ToxicOn this episode of That Social Work Lady I delve into the ideas of #cancelculture. The fact is that whatever you don't heal will come back to haunt you. Cancelling someone won't change that dynamic in your life. Cancelling someone what heal the spaces in you that are broken. But it will allow you to ignore those places. It will allow you to sink deeper into denial about the hurts and pains and incomplete grief you harbor.In this episode we explore 'cancel culture' and what's at the root of the need to cancel people o...
2020-12-3025 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 3: Black Girls Choose Magic InsteadWhen you are born at the intersection of disdain and disregard, society sets you up to be a person without worth who can be ignored. Black women everyday consider their place in this society as disdained and disregarded and choose magic instead. Let's talk about #BlackGirlMagic and one of the secrets that make it work.Mary Mcleod Bethune built a school from selling sweet potato pies for $1.50 in 1904. Here is her recipe:Filling9 Medium Sweet Potatoes or Yams (about 4 pounds)1 Cup Butter or Magarine, softened1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar1/2 Cup...
2020-12-3037 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 2: One Ingredient to Raising Free Black ChildrenI’m Wanda Olugbala and this is my podcast, That Social Work Lady. Let's build community.In this episode we connect the tradition of Santa Claus with patriarchy and white supremacy. Learn how I disconnected these traditions in order to set myself on the path for raising a free black child.
2020-12-2823 minThat Social Work LadySeason 1, Episode 1: Introducing That Social Work LadyI’m Wanda Olugbala and this is my podcast, That Social Work Lady. Let’s build community.I have nearly 3 decades of experience in social work. I’ve only worked in urban centers. The primary focus of my practice is children and their families. I invest in children. I help create environments where children are seen, heard, nurtured, cherished and safe to explore both their internal and external worlds. I am dedicated to helping adults repair and strengthen their primary relationships in such a way that they bring up competent, healthy, successful families where positive self esteem and se...
2020-11-2028 min
Serroc's Poetry SlamSlam #5 - How do you bury a god?Wanda Olugbala, poet, author, blogger, mother and social worker shares her poem "How do you bury a god?" in tribute to the late Toni Morrison. Her blog can be found at http://www.feerfree-living.com .
2019-08-1808 min