Épisodes

  • New Year New Worker......
    Jan 20 2026
    In this episode of Laughing through the Struggles, hosts Beth and George explore the intersection of procrastination and productivity in the field of child welfare. They share relatable anecdotes about last-minute delivery under pressure and the constant push and pull between proactive and reactive measures in social work. Through candid conversations and humor, Beth and George offer listeners a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of supporting families, tackling paperwork, and finding balance amidst chaos. Whether you're new to social work or a seasoned professional, this episode provides a hearty mix of insights, laughter, and real-world challenges.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    49 min
  • Stressors Coming Down On Me PT.2
    Jan 12 2026
    In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles', Beth and George delve into the real-life challenges faced by social workers in the child welfare field. Through their candid discussion, they highlight the critical issue of coping mechanisms, from unhealthy addictions to setting effective boundaries. The duo shares harrowing stories, including a co-worker who turned to meth amidst personal turmoil, to underscore the stressors inherent in their roles. Yet, they find time for laughter, reflecting on personal anecdotes, and emphasizing the importance of self-care in managing the emotional toll of their work.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    56 min
  • Stressors Coming Down On Me Pt1............
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George bring humor to the intense world of child welfare as they discuss their favorite Christmas movies and the unique stressors they face on the job, especially during the holiday season. They share personal anecdotes about managing the constant deadlines and unforeseen challenges that arise, emphasizing the importance of self-care and laughter. This episode is a tribute to a long-time colleague who faced a medical crisis, casting a spotlight on the mental strain social workers endure and the camaraderie that helps them persevere.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    57 min
  • I'm Locked Out..They Won't Let Me In.....
    Dec 8 2025
    In this episode of Laughing through the Struggles, Beth and George tackle the complex issue of lockouts in child welfare. They provide insights into how these situations arise, discussing the influence of the foster care crisis and the role of juvenile courts. With a mix of humor and serious discussion, the hosts explore the challenges facing social workers and families, highlighting the nuances between necessary safety measures and parental abdication. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how lockouts are becoming a more frequent, yet contentious, aspect of child welfare cases.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    55 min
  • A.D.V.O.C.A.T.E Find Out What It Means To Me
    Nov 10 2025
    In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' Beth, George, and their guest Thane Hunt delve into the intricacies of social work and child welfare. Thane shares his journey from being a police officer to an advocate for individuals with disabilities. The hosts discuss how disability services focus on empowering clients by aligning with the independent living philosophy, emphasizing everyone's unique potential. Thane also highlights the significance of understanding success varies from one person to another. Furthermore, the conversation reveals the critical challenges faced in communication, especially where language and disability create barriers. Ultimately, they underline the importance of personalized approaches in fostering positive outcomes.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 27 min
  • Come and Knock on Our Door
    Jan 27 2025

    Hey there! Welcome to the first episode of "Laughing Through the Struggles with Beth and George". Join us as we dive into the world of child welfare and social work, where laughter and learning go hand in hand. This is a passion project we've been dreaming about, and it's finally happening!

    We're two social workers—Beth and George—sharing our experiences, debunking myths about our profession, and providing a glimpse into what child welfare really involves. From advocating for families to tackling the misconceptions about our roles, we're here to bring you insights sprinkled with humor and real-life stories.

    Whether you're in the field, a parent, or just curious about what we do, there's something for you. We promise not to bore you with the technicalities but instead engage you with genuine conversations that reflect our love and challenges in this journey.

    So, come along as we lay it all out, exploring 15 years of being in social work, the ups, the downs, and everything in between. We're excited to connect with you and share this wild ride through laughter, passion, and the occasional WTF moments.

    Thanks for tuning in, and remember, we're not for everybody, but if you're here, you're definitely in for a treat!

    email: laughandstruggle@gmail.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    44 min
  • Nah! That's snot it
    Feb 3 2025

    In today's episode we talk about some myths surrounding DCFS!!! Listen as we debunk some misconceptions people think are true.

    email: laughandstruggle@gmail.com

    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 3 min
  • That's an Investigation
    Feb 10 2025
    In an episode of Laughing through the Struggles, hosts Beth and George delve into the complexities of child welfare investigations. They shed light on call protocols, investigative search criteria, and the reality of the decision-making process. The duo emphasizes that, contrary to common perception, investigations do not automatically lead to child removal and that there are steps to mitigate safety issues.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    53 min