Related Episodes
inSocialWork® is the podcast series of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. The purpose of this series is to engage practitioners and researchers in lifelong learning and to promote research to practice and practice to research. inSocialWork® features conversations with prominent social work professionals, interviews with cutting-edge researchers, and information on emerging trends and best practices in the field of social work.
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The following episodes are in one or more categories related to:
Episode 110 - Dr. Kathryn Chernack: Social Media Use and Social Work Practice: Boundary and Ethical Considerations
Episode 273 - Ashley Davis and Rebecca Mirick: Only liberal views welcome? Experiences of conservative students in BSW education
Interviewer: Peter Sobota, LCSW
Monday, October 21, 2019, 7:56:04 AM

In this episode, our guests Dr. Ashley Davis and Dr. Rebecca G. Mirick discuss the dynamics of power and privilege in relation to teaching and social work education, with an emphasis on the experiences of conservative students. They describe their research involving students’ perceptions of microaggressions within classroom, and provide compelling examples of how conservative students have experienced marginalization. Strategies for creating a more inclusive and affirmative learning environment are considered.
- Episode 273 - Ashley Davis and Rebecca Mirick
Episode 266 - R. Bong Vergara: Running a Social Enterprise as a Professional Social Worker
Interviewer: Gokul Mandayam, PhD
Monday, June 17, 2019, 9:57:57 AM

In this episode our guest R. Bong Vergara describes how he utilizes innovation and social enterprise to build sustainable social impact and build wealth for impoverished communities. He weaves social and physical sciences perspectives to challenge conventional approaches and invites both social workers and citizens alike to move from being a technology consumer to a technological innovator.
- Episode 266 - R. Bong Vergara
Episode 260 - Dr. Alan Delmerico: Geospatial Analysis: "Where" Matters
Interviewer: Robert Keefe, PhD
Monday, March 25, 2019, 9:50:20 AM

In this episode, our guest Dr. Alan Delmerico - a health geographer and economist, describes how he is gathering data and using it to help researchers and practitioners account for the interaction between people and their geospatial contexts (social workers: think person in environment). He discusses how these interactions shape outcomes and help inform interventions that assist in promoting improved healthcare promotion, accessibility, and prevention efforts.
- Episode 260 - Dr. Alan Delmerico
Episode 254 - Dr. Christopher Larrison: How the Use of Apps Helps People with Mental Illness Forge Relationships and Develop Social Networks
Interviewer: Robert Keefe, PhD
Monday, December 31, 2018, 7:41:08 AM

In this episode, our guest Dr. Christopher Larrison describes his work utilizing smartphone technology to help people with mental illness connect, build relationships, and develop supportive networks. He discusses what he is learning about how smartphones can be used as a conduit to reduce clients' isolation and increase their access to useful information about themselves and their condition.
- Episode 254 - Dr. Christopher Larrison
Episode 252 - Dr. Lauren McInroy: Participation in Online Fandom Communities and Identity Development of LGBTQ+ Youth
Interviewer: Nancy Smyth, PhD
Monday, November 19, 2018, 8:48:10 AM

In this episode, our guest Dr. Lauren McInroy discusses her research exploring the relationship between participation in online fandom communities among LGBTQ+ youth and certain aspects of identity development. She explains how online fandom can foster resilience, heighten well-being, and help LGBTQ+ youth navigate challenges. The episode concludes by stressing why social workers need to recognize the importance of online communities for marginalized adolescents and young adults.
- Episode 252 - Dr. Lauren McInroy
Episode 247 - Carol Scott: Frequency and Engagement: Analyses of Emerging Adults' Social Media Use
Interviewer: Melanie Sage, PhD
Monday, September 10, 2018, 7:59:02 AM

In this episode, our guest Carol Scott, MSW, discusses her work examining emerging adults' social media use and the risks to their well-being. She describes the importance of understanding the distinction between frequency and engagement in the study of social media use and offers guidelines for talking with emerging adults about their use of social media.
- Episode 247 - Carol Scott
Episode 231 - Dr. Allan Barsky: Practice Standards on Social Work and Technology: Changes, Challenges, and Ongoing Debates
Interviewer: Karen Zgoda, MSW, LCSW, PhD candidate in Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts-Boston
Monday, January 15, 2018, 8:44:32 AM

In this episode, our guest Dr. Allan Barsky discusses updates and enhancements that were recently made to the practice standards involving the use of technology. He describes how the standards can provide guidance when utilizing technology in micro, mezzo, and macro level interventions and in developing policies that address the benefits, challenges, and risks associated with the use of technology in practice.
- Episode 231 - Dr. Allan Barsky
Episode 224 - Janelle Goodwill: How Media Influences Young Black Men's Conceptualization of Masculinity
Interviewer: Chris St. Vil, PhD
Monday, September 25, 2017, 9:18:36 AM

In this episode, our guest Janelle Goodwill, MSW, describes her work on the YBMen Project, which studies what is unique about how media affects young black men in college. Exploring their preferences and learning how young black men use media for support, our guest discusses how media affects their mental health and their view of Black masculinity.
- Episode 224 - Janelle Goodwill
Episode 216 - Dr. Ande Nesmith: Text-Based Crisis Intervention Counseling: A Promising Venue to Reach Underserved Young Clients
Interviewer: Charles Syms, LCSW/ACSW
Monday, May 22, 2017, 9:06:26 AM

In this episode, Dr. Ande Nesmith takes the path of least resistance and most user-friendly access by utilizing text-based intervention counseling to reach and assist younger clients. She describes her program, her research, and what she is learning about the differences between in-person and text-based counseling formats.
- Episode 216 - Dr. Ande Nesmith
Episode 210 - Karen Zgoda, Rachel L. West, and Patricia Shelly: Promoting Macro Social Work Through Social Media/Twitter Chats
Interviewer: Annahita Ball, PhD
Monday, February 27, 2017, 7:30:43 AM

In this episode, our guests Karen Zgoda, Rachel L. West, and Patricia Shelly describe how they are using macro social work Twitter chats to promote support for and education about all forms of macro practice activities. They discuss what Twitter chats are, why they matter, and why social workers are producing and participating in them.
- Episode 210 - Karen Zgoda, Rachel L. West, and Patricia Shelly
Episode 207 - Dr. Julie Dodge, Dr. Christie Bernklau Halvor, and Dr. Sonja Vegdahl: Using Gamification in Social Work Education
Interviewer: Steve Sturman
Monday, January 16, 2017, 9:17:05 AM

Online coursework is now a mainstream approach to the delivery of education and training to professional social workers in the United States. As online courses and programs grow, more and more faculty will be asked to teach using platforms and instructional methods that they may be unfamiliar with. One of these methods is known as gamification. While it should not be confused with game-based learning, it uses game-like features in the educational setting. In 2015, three members of the Concordia University social work faculty decided to incorporate some gamification elements into one course each was teaching. In this episode, Drs. Julie Dodge, Christie Bernklau Halvor, and Sonja Vegdahl explore that experience.
- Episode 207 - Dr. Julie Dodge, Dr. Christie Bernklau Halvor, and Dr. Sonja Vegdahl
Episode 203 - Dr. Linda Plitt Donaldson, Dr. Kristie Holmes, and Dr. Charles E. Lewis, Jr.: Wanted: Social Workers on Capitol Hill
Monday, November 07, 2016, 7:43:19 AM

For a variety of reasons, social workers in the United States, unfortunately, often avoid becoming actively engaged in the political process. In this podcast, Drs. Linda Plitt Donaldson, Kristie Holmes, and Charles E. Lewis, Jr. discuss the importance of social workers pushing past their reticence and becoming more involved in the political process. The panel shares their thoughts and suggests a range of approaches from advocacy to running for political office.
- Episode 203 - Dr. Linda Plitt Donaldson, Dr. Kristie Holmes, and Dr. Charles E. Lewis, Jr.
Episode 199 - Karen Zgoda, Dr. Melanie Sage, Dr. Jonathan Singer, and Dr. Lauri Goldkind: Technology-Mediated Assignments for Real World Learning
Interviewer: Nancy Smyth, PhD
Monday, September 12, 2016, 7:44:53 AM

Have you considered incorporating technology or social media into your courses? If you have, then you are not alone. However, it can be daunting, given that there seems to be an increasing push to use these digital tools but not much direction as to how to do it. In this podcast, four social work educators talk about how they have used digital tools in their teaching. Professors Karen Zgoda, Melanie Sage, Jonathan Singer, and Lauri Goldkind offer examples from their work as they share thoughts about, and experiences with, integrating technology-mediated assignments into their coursework.
- Episode 199 - Karen Zgoda, Dr. Melanie Sage, Dr. Jonathan Singer, and Dr. Lauri Goldkind
Episode 184 - Nancy Roget: Around the Next Curve: Using Technology in Addiction Social Work Practice
Interviewer: Charles Syms, LCSW
Monday, February 01, 2016, 7:51:28 AM

The literature on the use of tele-mental health is more than 50 years old, yet its integration into clinical social work practice has lagged. In this episode, Nancy Roget illustrates how technology can be incorporated into clinical social work by using applications being developed to address the treatment and recovery needs of substance addicted individuals. Additionally, Ms. Roget explores the of use of technology in clinical supervision.
- Episode 184 - Nancy Roget
Episode 179 - Dr. Virginia Eubanks: Casework, Social Justice, and the Information Age (part 2 of 2)
Monday, November 09, 2015, 7:49:06 AM

This episode is the second of two parts that explore social justice in the information age. In it, Dr. Virginia Eubanks continues her discussion on this topic with a question and answer exchange with members of University at Buffalo School of Social Work community.
- Episode 179 - Dr. Virginia Eubanks
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Episode 177 - Dr. Virginia Eubanks: Casework, Social Justice, and the Information Age (part 1 of 2)
Interviewer: Kathleen Kost, PhD
Monday, October 12, 2015, 7:56:03 AM

This episode is the first of two with Dr. Virginia Eubanks. In it she discusses her work in understanding technology in the lives of low-income communities as well as how technology is used to manage the poor. She highlights an attempt to use technology to change the eligibility and case management processes for financial assistance as an example of why this topic is an important social justice issue.
- Episode 177 - Dr. Virginia Eubanks
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Episode 176 - Adalberto Méndez López and Dr. Filomena Critelli: Globally Connected Classrooms: Partnership, Technology, and Human Rights
Interviewer: Laura Lewis, PhD
Monday, September 28, 2015, 7:39:58 AM

In this episode, our guests Adalberto Méndez López and Dr. Filomena Critelli discuss their experience of bringing their students together via technology to co-instruct a new course titled "Disability and Human Rights from the Perspective of Law and Social Work". Along the way, they tell what they learned while bridging the gap between disciplines, cultures, degrees of technological know-how, and geographical locations.
- Episode 176 - Adalberto Méndez López and Dr. Filomena Critelli
Episode 170 - Dorlee Michaeli: How Social Media Expands Social Work Career Choices
Interviewer: Pat Shelly, MSW
Monday, June 22, 2015, 7:37:39 AM

In this episode, Dorlee Michaeli describes how current and emerging social media expand social work career choices and practice. Ms. Michaeli tells us how she developed herself into a social worker who is social media savvy and why she believes social media competence is important for current social work practice. She discusses how and why social media is altering the landscape of social work practice and education.
- Episode 170 - Dorlee Michaeli
Episode 160 - Dr. Faye Mishna: It Just Crept In: The Digital Age and Its Implications for Social Work Practice
Interviewer: Nancy Smyth, PhD, LCSW
Monday, February 02, 2015, 8:35:57 AM

In this episode, our guest Dr. Faye Mishna discusses her research examining social workers' experiences and how communication technology has entered their daily practice. Existing literature has highlighted the risks involved, but Dr. Mishna recommends that social workers rethink the restrictions and attempt to maximize the potential that may be present. Based on her research, she makes practical suggestions and discusses practice implications of embracing this technology.
- Episode 160 - Dr. Faye Mishna
Episode 159 - Bonnie Collins and Elaine Hammond: Integrating Spirituality Into Social Work Practice: A Conversation (part 1 of 2)
Monday, January 19, 2015, 9:50:26 AM

Every social work student learns about the biopsychosocial model early in his or her social work education. The use of this three-dimensional model underscores the complexity of the client experience. However, social workers are increasingly recognizing and adding an additional dimension. Spirituality has been an often-controversial aspect of social work practice. Social work students as well as seasoned professionals are frequently unsure if, when, or how to introduce this topic. Part 1 of this conversation looks at the difference between spirituality and religion, and how social workers prepare to address this sensitive topic.
- Episode 159 - Bonnie Collins and Elaine Hammond
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Episode 156 - Beth Kanter: Social Media in Nonprofits: Letting Outsiders In and Letting Insiders Out
Interviewer: Nancy Smyth, PhD, LCSW
Monday, November 24, 2014, 7:54:04 AM

In this episode, our guest Beth Kanter describes how Networked Nonprofit (NNP) organizations use transparency, agility, and simplicity to share and shape their work. Networked Nonprofits use social media to raise awareness of social issues, organize communities of interest, and improve how they provide services. Ms. Kanter discusses how NNP's facilitate conversations between people and between people and organizations to expand their efforts easily, quickly, and inexpensively.
- Episode 156 - Beth Kanter
Episode 144 - Michael Langlois: Gamer-Affirmative Practice: Today's Play Therapy
Interviewer: Anthony Guzman, MISM, MNCM
Monday, May 26, 2014, 9:50:52 AM

In this episode, our guest Michael Langlois addresses the pervasiveness of technology -- specifically video games -- in our clients' day-to-day lives. Concurrently, he notes how direct social work practitioners have been largely hesitant and dismissive about utilizing video games in their work. Speaking from a cultural competency perspective, Mr. Langlois describes how he utilizes video games in his clinical work and builds an argument for their use in a 21st century practice environment.
- Episode 144 - Michael Langlois
Episode 116 - Dr. Janet Joiner: Cyberbullying and Cyber Social Work
Interviewer: Anthony Guzman, MISM, MNCM
Monday, April 01, 2013, 9:02:37 AM

The internet and social media have created numerous new opportunities for communication, relationships, and learning. Opportunities for the misuse of this technology have accompanied the popularity of these media. In this episode, Dr. Janet Joiner discusses her work with cyberbullying behavior and addresses how modern technology can be integrated safely and productively into social work practice and education.
- Episode 116 - Dr. Janet Joiner
Episode 115 - Dr. Allan Barsky: Online Social Work with Individuals, Families, and Groups: Ethical Issues and Responses
Interviewer: Anthony Guzman, MISM, MNCM
Monday, March 18, 2013, 8:53:54 AM

As more social work practitioners and educators incorporate the online environment into their work, it is essential that they understand the associated ethical implications. In this episode, Dr. Allan Barsky explores managing the ethical and practice issues related to online social work practice. His discussion includes topics on confidentiality, professional boundaries, competence, informed consent, documentation, and work with high-risk clients.
- Episode 115 - Dr. Allan Barsky
Episode 114 - Dr. Alexa Smith-Osborne and Dr. Jayshree Jani: 'Cyber-Marriage': Wartime Military Relationships and Partners' Perceptions of the Impact of Telecommunications
Interviewer: Lisa Butler, PhD
Monday, March 04, 2013, 8:23:30 AM

In this episode, Drs. Alexa Smith-Osborne and Jayshree Jani discuss their work studying the impact of technological advances in communications on relationships experiencing separation related to military deployment. Focusing on the perspective of the female partners, our guests contrast the experiences of the target population with those of civilian women in long-distance relationships. Protective factors as well as risk factors of the multiple modes of communication are explored.
- Episode 114 - Dr. Alexa Smith-Osborne and Dr. Jayshree Jani
Episode 107 - Dr. Allan Barsky: Ethical Issues in End-of-Life Decision Making
Interviewer: Deborah Waldrop, PhD, LMSW
Monday, November 12, 2012, 8:06:53 AM

In this episode, Dr. Allan Barsky focuses on ethical issues in end-of-life decision making. In order to assist clients and families with end-of-life choices, Dr. Barsky argues that social workers need to be aware of ethical issues that may arise in relation to self-determination, informed consent, mental capacity, and principles such as the sanctity of life, client autonomy, and judicious management of resources. He discusses a model for engaging clients, family members, and co-professionals in discussions and problem-solving processes when conflict about end-of-life decision making arises.
- Episode 107 - Dr. Allan Barsky
Episode 100 - Dr. Nancy Smyth: The UB School of Social Work: Adventures and Future Ideas in a Digital Age
Interviewer: Anthony Guzman, MISM, MNCM
Monday, July 09, 2012, 9:15:31 AM

It's our 100th episode, and we have invited our Dean, Dr. Nancy Smyth, to reflect on our long, sometimes strange trip as we've found our way in producing years of compelling podcasts and sharing the work of our tremendous guests. Dr. Smyth discusses the early days of our series, our impact so far, and her thoughts about the future as Social Work and Social Work Education comes to grips with the risks and opportunities in the digital age.
- Episode 100 - Dr. Nancy Smyth
Episode 69 - Dr. Patricia Carlson and Dr. Nancy Humphreys: The Walmartization of Social Services: Impacts and Ethical Considerations of When Clients Become Workers
Interviewer: Charles Syms, MSW
Monday, April 18, 2011, 9:00:33 AM

Drs. Patricia Carlson and Nancy Humphreys discuss findings of state and national studies examining the phenomenon of women who leave the welfare rolls and become employees of social service agencies. This conversation addresses prevalence, impact, and ethical implications.
- Episode 69 - Dr. Patricia Carlson and Dr. Nancy Humphreys
Episode 67 - Dr. Poco Kernsmith and Dr. Roger Kernsmith: I <3 U Send Pix: Addressing Youth Sexting
Interviewer: Nicole M. Fava, MSW, PhD Candidate
Monday, March 21, 2011, 10:19:49 AM

Behaviors like sexting are not new phenomena. However, technology increases the ease and risks of such behaviors. This podcast explores the prevalence of sexting and discuss an appropriate and balanced approach to practice and policy intervention.
- Episode 67 - Dr. Poco Kernsmith and Dr. Roger Kernsmith
Episode 63 - Dr. Faye Mishna: Bullying in the Cyber Yard: Old Problems, New Contexts
Interviewer: Nancy Smyth, PhD, MSW
Monday, January 24, 2011, 10:17:58 AM

Dr. Faye Mishna discusses her research on cyber bullying among youth, its prevalence, its effects, and what social workers can do to begin to address this growing problem.
- Episode 63 - Dr. Faye Mishna
Episode 62 - Dr. Jay Wolfson: Head, Heart, and Hope: The Complex Challenges of Decision-Making at End of Life
Interviewer: Deborah Waldrop, PhD, LMSW
Monday, January 10, 2011, 9:46:33 AM

In this episode, Dr. Jay Wolfson discusses his experience and reflections serving as guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo, the young woman whose case captured the nation's attention in 2003. Dr. Wolfson describes the clinical, political, and legal issues he encountered and the complex drama between the head (science) and the heart (hope) present as families and professionals make critical decisions that affect the life (and death) of others.
- Episode 62 - Dr. Jay Wolfson
Episode 60 - Alankaar Sharma: Tuskegee and the Negro Project: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Public Health (part 2 of 2)
Interviewer: Adjoa Robinson, PhD, MSW
Monday, November 29, 2010, 8:33:52 AM

This is the second of two episodes in which Alankaar Sharma discusses his work comparing and contrasting the well-known Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments and the lesser known Negro Project, both intended to further knowledge related to prevention and reducing the extent of sexually transmitted disease in African-American men. Here, Mr. Sharma concludes his discussion by attempting to answer the question, "Why the immense difference in support and time between the two studies?" He concludes with comments about African-American access to health care services today, and "post-racial" America.
- Episode 60 - Alankaar Sharma
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Episode 58 - Alankaar Sharma: Tuskegee and the Negro Project: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Public Health (part 1 of 2)
Interviewer: Adjoa Robinson, PhD, MSW
Monday, November 01, 2010, 11:22:31 AM

From Tuskegee to current revelations of U.S. experiments in Guatemala in the 1940's, public health research and interventions have been impacted by intersections with race and gender. This is the first of two episodes in which Alankaar Sharma discusses his work comparing and contrasting the well-known Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments and the lesser known Negro Project, both intended to further knowledge related to prevention and reducing the extent of sexually transmitted disease in African-American men. Here, he describes the historical context of the studies and how stereotypical and dominant narratives of Black men influenced the research.
- Episode 58 - Alankaar Sharma
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Episode 52 - Dr. John Bricout: Technology as a Social Force in Assisting Persons with Disabilities' Employment and Community Participation
Interviewer: Barbara Rittner, PhD, MSW
Monday, August 09, 2010, 8:55:15 AM

In this episode, Dr. John Bricout discusses his work and the powerful impact he believes that technology is having on persons with a disability. He describes the implications for social work practice, persons with disabilities, and the communities we live in, and the potential for change in how we construct meaning around what constitutes being "normal."
- Episode 52 - Dr. John Bricout
Episode 37 - Dr. Claudia Coulton: Location, Location, Location: Using Technology to Address Social Problems in Context
Interviewer: Kelly Patterson, PhD, MS
Monday, January 11, 2010, 8:23:00 AM

Social problems have specific physical and social contexts. Dr. Claudia Coulton discusses how social work practitioners, researchers, and students can use technology such as geographic information systems (GIS) and other analytic tools to understand social problems, improve service delivery, and promote community and social development.
- Episode 37 - Dr. Claudia Coulton
Episode 24 - Dr. Frederic Reamer: Ethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Social Work: Trends and Challenges
Interviewer: Steven Schwartz, PhD Candidate
Monday, July 13, 2009, 7:33:15 AM

This discussion highlights a wide range of complex and challenging ethical issues in contemporary social work. Frederic Reamer introduces listeners to an array of ethical dilemmas that arise in clinical social work, supervision, administration, and advocacy. He shares his insights about the ways in which ethical standards in social work have changed over time and summarizes what he believes is essential ethics-related knowledge for every social worker.
- Episode 24 - Dr. Frederic Reamer
DISCLAIMER: The content shared by the presenter(s) and/or interviewer(s) of each podcast is their own and not necessarily representative of any views, research, or practice from the UB School of Social Work or the inSocialWork® podcast series.
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