Dr. JoAnn S. Lee
& Dr. Todd Sage
After years of incredible conversations, insightful interviews and serving as a trusted voice in the social work community, our longtime host, Peter Sobota, is retiring and handing over the microphone to a new hosting team. Faculty members JoAnn S. Lee and Todd Sage will be hitting the airwaves and taking control of the next generation of inSocialWork.
In this special episode, Peter sits down with our new hosts to discover what brought them to this work, including JoAnn’s passion for uncovering the human stories behind academic research and how organic chemistry indirectly led Todd to social work and motivational interviewing.
Most importantly, you’ll get a sneak peek at what’s ahead. Todd is excited to dive into motivational interviewing and the wild world of AI, while JoAnn plans to bridge the gap between heavy research and everyday practice through engaging and accessible conversations. Listen in to say a fond farewell to Peter, get to know Todd and JoAnn, and see why you definitely want to stay tuned.
JoAnn S. Lee, PhD, MSSW, is an associate professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work. Her research focuses on improving public systems to better support the transition to adulthood for all youth. She teaches theory and research classes across the graduate curriculum. She earned her MSSW from Columbia University and her PhD in social welfare from the University of Washington.
Todd Sage, PhD, LMSW, CASAC-MAC, is a clinical associate professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, where he teaches motivational interviewing, substance use disorders, group work, mental health and disability, and the practicum sequence. He is co-chair of the Western New York Citizen Review Panel, which provides oversight of the region’s child welfare system. A member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, he has trained more than 600 child welfare workers in trauma-informed motivational interviewing.
Show Notes
Cite this podcast – Sobota, P. (Host). (2026, July 21). Passing the Mic: Farewell Peter, Hello to Our New Hosts. (No. 350) [Audio podcast episode]. In inSocialWork. University at Buffalo School of Social Work.