ProSocial Podcast

In this episode of the ProSocial Podcast, Dr. Nafees Alam presents the Point-Counterpoint Methodology, a practical framework designed to strengthen critical thinking, intellectual diversity, and professional judgment in social work and beyond. Rather than treating education as a process of reaching agreement, the methodology encourages participants to develop a deeper understanding of competing vi...

In this episode of the ProSocial Podcast , social workers and hosts Matthew Watson, Zander Keig, and Dr. Nafees Alam welcome psychologist and scholar Dr. Lee Beckstead for a nuanced discussion of Chiles v. Salazar and its implications for mental health practice. Moving beyond simplistic narratives surrounding conversion therapy bans, the panel explores a pressing ethical concern: whether ideologic...

October 7, 2025 Oral Arguments: Chiles vs. Salazar March 31, 2026 Supreme Court Opinion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prosocialworkers.substack.com

This podcast explores the application of Empowered Humanity Theory (EHT) within social work practice, emphasizing its alignment with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Developed as a neuroscience-informed framework, EHT cultivates three core attitudes—Value-Centered Identity, the Dignity Lens, and a Compassionate-Inquisitive Mindset—supported by daily practices that...

Summary In this episode of the Pro Social podcast, Matthew Watson and Dr. David Derozotes explore the significance of dialogue in social work, particularly in clinical practice. They discuss how dialogue can bridge differences, foster relationships, and create inclusive communities. The conversation delves into the skills required for effective dialogue, the importance of ground rules, and the app...

In this podcast, Nicole Runyon, a Licensed Master Social Worker and parenting coach in Michigan, presents the challenges faced by the I-Generation, particularly focusing on the mental health crisis among this population. She identifies the three D’s: disorder, dysfunction, and disconnection, and emphasizes that the mental health symptoms observed in this cohort are often misunderstood messages ind...

Summary In this episode of the ProSocial podcast, hosts Matthew Watson and Zander Keig engage with Jacob Winkler, a group therapist, to explore the concept of political resilience and the role of process groups in fostering honest communication. The conversation delves into the importance of emotional engagement, navigating difficult conversations, and the theoretical foundations of group therapy....

Summary In this episode of the Pro Social Podcast, Matt Watson, Zander Keig, and Amanda Smith delve into the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its application in social work. They discuss the importance of dialectical thinking in navigating emotional complexities, the significance of validation in relationships, and the necessity of self-care for social workers. The conversation...

Summary In this episode of the Pro Social Podcast, Matt Watson and Paul Stayback discuss the intersection of social work, gun violence, and mental health. They explore the challenges of engaging with firearms owners in therapy, the importance of viewpoint diversity in social work, and the need for nuanced conversations about gun control and safety. Paul shares his journey into social work, his exp...

Summary In this episode of the Pro Social Workers podcast, social workers discuss their experiences with social work orthodoxy, focusing on the importance of viewpoint diversity in social work education and practice. The conversation highlights personal stories of cancellation, censorship, and the challenges faced in academia when navigating gender ideology and political beliefs. The speakers emph...

Summary In this episode of the ProSocial Workers podcast, hosts Matthew Watson and Dr. Nafees Alam discuss the importance of ideological diversity in social work, the challenges of polarization, and the need for open dialogue across differing viewpoints. They explore the NASW Code of Ethics and how it incorporates political beliefs, emphasizing the necessity of creating brave spaces for discussion...

A livestream about transgender sports policies. The panelists, Social Work Professor Nafees Alam, Psychotherapist Stella O'Malley, and author and Social Worker Zander Keig, discuss the nuance and complexities of balancing competitive fairness with inclusivity. They explore scientific research, share their relevant lived experiences, examine multiple perspectives, and consider policy frameworks tha...

A recent doctoral dissertation found that a strong majority of social work educators identify as politically progressive and support the Democratic party (Stoeffler et al., 2023). Therefore, the authors suggest social workers should embrace progressive values. Yet the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (2021) makes several references to honoring and protecting political and reli...

Effective social work relies on dialogue as a foundational tool for relationship-building, fostering mutual understanding, and bridging divides. This course explores the principles and practices of meaningful dialogue within social work, emphasizing its role in creating safe spaces for honest communication and advancing pluralistic, just, and democratic societies. Dialogue serves as a powerful mea...

Summary Join Dr. Elizabeth Spievak from the Institute for Liberal Values as she moderates a conversation with social workers Zander Keig, Brandy Shufutinsky, and Matt Watson. They explore the complexities of social work ethics, the role of social justice, and the importance of accountability and accessibility in the field. Panelists discuss their experiences and perspectives on how social work can...