From Social Worker to Podcaster: Expanding My Reach, One Conversation at a Time

When I first became a social worker, I knew I was stepping into a profession where I could make a real difference. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals and families facing immense challenges: navigating mental health, addictions, and chronic diseases; experiences of discrimination or abuse; housing instability; limited access to quality health care, education, or financial resources; and many other systemic barriers. Social work has always been about making connections for me, about being a guide in moments of crisis and a witness to the incredible resilience people carry within themselves.

But as I continued to grow in my career, I began to feel a pull to do something more. Not to leave social work behind—because social work is part of who I am—but to reimagine how I could use my skills to make a broader impact. I started asking myself, How can I amplify the stories of hope and transformation that I’ve been privileged to witness? How can I reach people who may never walk into a brick-and-mortar office but still need inspiration, education, or a sense of community?

That’s where the idea of a podcast came in!

This decision wasn’t made overnight. While working on my Doctorate of Social Work, I had the chance to dive deeply into maternal health—a topic that is close to my heart. Part of my research involved collecting personal narratives of people in their parenting journeys. I heard incredible tales of strength, vulnerability, and perseverance. These stories weren't just academic data points—they were reminders of how powerful storytelling can be in bringing people together and sparking change.

It was those moments, combined with my over 20 years of social work practice, that inspired me to create a podcast. I realized I could take what I’ve learned as a social worker and researcher and bring it to a wider audience. Through a podcast, I could create a space where real stories meet real solutions, where everyday people can share their triumphs, struggles, and lessons in a way that empowers others.

Launching this podcast isn’t just about storytelling—in fact, it is so much more! It is also about bridging gaps, breaking stigmas, and disrupting negative patterns. I want to explore topics like mental health, parenting, addictions, and navigating social systems. I want to amplify voices that often go unheard and provide listeners with practical tools and inspiration to take action in their own lives.

This journey has also been deeply personal for me. As a mother of two amazing kids—a nine-year-old daughter who is deeply imaginative, intuitive, and empathetic with a love of the arts, and a six-year-old son who is very practical and logical, with a passion for playing chess and other strategic games—I'm reminded daily of the importance of leading with purpose. Life hasn’t always been easy, especially as I’ve navigated my own transitions, but those experiences have only strengthened my resolve to create something meaningful.

Podcasting for me is not about leaving my social work roots behind—it's about expanding them. It’s about creating a space where my professional expertise and personal passions intersect. It’s about using my voice to uplift others and create a ripple effect of change.

I’m stepping into this chapter with excitement and hope. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: storytelling has the power to heal, connect, and inspire. I invite you to join me on this journey as I speak about stories that matter, invite conversations that challenge, and share solutions that can uplift. Together, we can build a world where every voice is valued, every story has meaning, and every person feels seen.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!