A raw, honest conversation about why you can’t save the world until you save yourself.In Episode 16 of The Revolutionary Social Work Podcast, Alicia and Professor Christian Ace Stettler sit down with Causha A. Spellman-Timmons (they/them) for an unfiltered, revolutionary conversation on what it means to show up for yourself, your community, and your purpose.Together, they unpack the fear of success, the addiction to chaos, the weight of the savior complex, and the consequences of burnout in social work and activism. Causha reflects on their own journey—from surviving the overlapping systems of oppression to reclaiming balance through water, land, and kinship. We dive deep into entrepreneurship, heart wisdom, language in social work, and the emotional labor behind DEI work—especially in a time of political backlash and performative justice.This is a bold and vulnerable conversation about accountability, multiple truths, and choosing a change of heart over a change of mind. For those disillusioned by political games and celebrity savior narratives, this episode explores what true democracy, community, and authentic leadership can really look like.📣 To connect with Revolutionary Social Work, email: RevolutionarySocialWork@gmail.comAbout Causha A. Spellman-Timmons:Causha (they/them) is a Black, Queer, Non-binary, polyamorous activist, social (justice) worker, abolitionist, educator, speaker, and consultant with decades of experience in abolitionist education, community care models, and trauma-informed consulting. Their work centers radical healing and systemic change across justice movements. They are the founder of CAST CoCo, a coaching and consulting firm centering healing-centered, justice-rooted living and working. Causha also serves on the steering committee and as board secretary for the Willow Permanent Real Estate Cooperative. Follow them on Instagram: @soulsurvivor_84Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Intro Theme Song (🎵 35 seconds)00:35 – Introduction and Personal Updates06:40 – The Viability of Entrepreneurship for Social Workers12:32 – The Savior Complex in Social Work18:35 – Mindset Shifts and Personal Growth21:39 – Heart-Centered Leadership and Community Engagement35:34 – Heart-Centered Wisdom and Listening39:45 – The Role of Community and Interdependence45:33 – Navigating Division and Multiple Truths51:58 – The Impact of Chaos on Personal Growth01:05:28 – Political Rhetoric and Social Responsibility01:15:31 – Authenticity in DEI Work01:15:45 – The Complexity of DEI01:17:14 – Fear and Anxiety in Education01:17:49 – Political Disillusionment and Economic Concerns01:19:03 – The Fractured Political Landscape01:19:48 – The Challenge of Political Identity01:21:18 – The Illusion of Political Change01:21:43 – The Role of Celebrity in Politics01:23:06 – The Historical Context of Political Parties01:25:09 – Community Engagement in Politics01:27:05 – The Search for Authentic Leadership01:28:30 – The Role of Media in Politics01:31:20 – The Complexity of Political Influence01:33:27 – The Nature of Political Loyalty01:34:47 – The Power of Secrets in Politics01:36:57 – The Importance of Organization in Activism01:37:51 – The Need for Genuine Political Engagement01:39:47 – Disillusionment with Political Figures01:41:36 – The Role of Money in Politics01:43:02 – The Impact of Timing in Political Movements01:43:56 – The Need for Continuous Activism01:45:38 – Looking Ahead to Future Conversations📧 Connect with the Hosts:Professor Ace – Castettler@alaska.eduAlicia Stettler, LCSW - Stettler.Alicia@gmail.comRevolutionary Social Work – RevolutionarySocialWork@gmail.com#SocialWork #Entrepreneurship #RevolutionarySocialWork #Activism #MentalWellness #Accountability #HeartWisdom #FearOfSuccess #ChaosAddiction #DEIRollback #TrueDemocracy #AbolitionistSocialWork #PoliticalDisillusionment #MultipleTruths #CommunityHealing #CaushaSpellmanTimmons #ChristianAceStettler #AliciaStettler