Queens of Social Work

Send a text In this episode, we explore the dynamic interplay between religion and spirituality and how these concepts influence and inform social work practice.  Joining us is Jirzia Blackman, LCSW-S, aka Queen J, the founder and CEO of a Counseling and Wellness Center in San Antonio, Texas. With over 17 years of experience, Queen J specializes in individual, couples and family therapy, using hol...

Send a text Welcome to Season 3 of the Queens of Social Work podcast!  We’re excited to kick off a new season and wish you all a Happy New Year.  While this time of year can bring hope, it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re reflecting on unachieved goals or feeling stuck in your personal or professional life. In this episode, we tackle the theme of “Getting Unstuck” with our guest, Ti...

Send a text Happy New Year to all our listeners!  Thank you for supporting The Queens of Social Work podcast throughout 2021.  Your engagement inspires us to continue creating content that uplifts and empowers social workers of color. As we close out Season 2, we reflect on the highlights of this past year and look forward to bringing you more resources, insights and real talk about the challenges...

Send a text Happy Holidays, Queens and Kings!  In this festive episode, we’re keeping it lighthearted and sharing some of our favorite guilty pleasures that bring us joy, especially during the busy holiday season.  From comfort food to binge-worthy shows, we hope this fun and relatable conversation brings a smile to your face and inspires you to embrace the little things that make you happy. As so...

Send a text The holiday season can be a mix of emotions and after diving into some heavier topics in recent episodes, we’re shifting the focus to something lighter—celebrating holiday traditions and the joy they bring. In this uplifting episode, we are joined by Queen E, Dr. Ellen Daniel, a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Temple University.  Togethe...

Send a text The holiday season can bring a mix of emotions—joy and connection for some, but for others, grief and sadness can be overwhelming.  For many, the holidays serve as a powerful reminder of loss and can trigger deep emotions. In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by Queen J, also known as Joi Britt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Life Intentionally Psychotherapy Service...

Send a text In this episode, we explore how to improve healthcare outcomes for communities of color.  We’re joined by King Kai (Kai Smith), the founder of Better Urban Health, a New York State Health Home care management agency committed to addressing critical issues in healthcare access and equity. Better Urban Health focuses on: 1.Enhancing healthcare coordination and literacy 2.Elevating the st...

Send a text October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this episode is dedicated to discussing cancer’s impact on the Black and Brown communities.  We explore critical topics like cancer disparities, prevention and education with two inspiring experts in the fields of research and public health. Meet Our Guests: Queen K – A native of Queens, New York, with over 8 years of experience in oncology....

Send a text October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States and in this episode, we delve into the cycle of domestic violence and explore ways to address and prevent it.  We also share critical resources to support those impacted by domestic violence, whether for yourself or someone you know. This episode discusses the global prevalence of domestic violence, drawing on s...

Send a text In this episode, we take a walk down memory lane to share some of the most memorable cases we’ve encountered during our careers as social workers.  If you work in social work, you know the stories are endless, so this is just the beginning—stay tuned for future parts! While we share moments of humor and camaraderie, this episode also touches on serious and sensitive topics that may be...

Send a text In this episode, we share our personal experiences with COVID-19 and discuss how the pandemic has impacted our lives and our work as social workers.  From navigating professional challenges to surviving the emotional and physical toll, we reflect on the resilience and lessons learned during this unprecedented time. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: For the latest COVID-19 updates, t...

Send a text We’re back for Season 2 and we couldn’t be more excited!  Did you miss us?  This season, the Queens of Social Work Podcast dives even deeper into the world of social work, sharing our experiences in the field while tackling topics like professional relationships, navigating loss, self-care and so much more. Whether you’re a social worker, a student in the field or someone passionate ab...

Send a text In this special bonus episode, we’re diving into the journey of obtaining social work licenses.  Responding to a listener’s suggestion, we discuss: How we prepared for social work licensure exams. Key qualifications and requirements for different types of social work licenses. Practical tips to help you succeed on your licensure journey. This episode is packed with insights and advice...

Send a text We did it, y’all!  In this episode, we celebrate the end of Season One by looking back on our favorite episodes and sharing highlights from this incredible journey.  We also give you a sneak peek into our plans for the summer and what’s coming next in Season Two. As we wrap up, we want to thank you for your support and for tuning in each week.  Whether you’re a social worker or someone...

Send a text In this powerful episode, we sit down with our friend Cole Williams of Cole Speaks to discuss the transformative work he’s doing through The Delta Project.  Focused on supporting young fathers involved in the justice system, Cole shares how the project empowers them to rebuild their lives and strengthen family connections. This conversation is especially meaningful as we reflect on Fat...

Send a text Mental health challenges are more common than we realize and can significantly impact workplace dynamics.  In this episode, we explore our experiences working with colleagues who may display traits of personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder or Histrionic Personality Disorder and how these behaviors can affect professional relationships. This candid conversation a...

Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Queen J of Vibe BK to explore the differences between “old school” and “new school” social work approaches.  Queen J shares her firsthand experiences navigating the shift in social work practices and discusses the challenges and opportunities for social workers today. We also dive into topics that matter most to social workers serving communities of co...

Send a text Social work is often misunderstood and stereotypes about the profession can diminish the vital contributions social workers make every day.  In this episode of the Queens of Social Work podcast, we tackle common myths and facts about social work to set the record straight. From misconceptions about what social workers do to myths about our earning potential, we break it all down and hi...

Send a text April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and in this episode, we shine a light on the systemic issues and disparities that have long affected the child welfare system.  These challenges continue to impact vulnerable children and families, making it essential for social workers to address and advocate for meaningful change. We’re joined by Queen C, a native New Yorker with nearly 20 years o...

Send a text April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and in this special episode, we speak with Queen K, a social worker whose cultural background and diverse experiences have shaped her child welfare practice. Born in Aruba and raised in the Bronx, Queen K’s journey into social work began after earning her B.A. in Psychology from SUNY Albany.  Her first role as a case manager for teen mothers in fos...

Send a text Social work is a vital profession rooted in a rich history of advocacy and social justice.  In this episode, we take a brief look at the origins of social work and explore its historical context.  While we touch on the foundational aspects of the field, we also dive into why we became social workers and what makes this profession so essential today. If you’ve ever wondered how to becom...

Send a text Welcome everyone! We are so glad you could join us! In this episode you will be introduced to Queen P and Queen H, two clinical Social Workers who live and work in New York City. We discuss how we met and our road to becoming Social Workers. Come laugh with us!  Social workers of color face immense challenges—systemic racism, underfunding, and overwhelming caseloads. They work tireless...