Episode 19 of the Revolutionary Social Work Podcast continues our Social Work Outside the Status Quo series, recorded live at the NASW National Conference in Chicago. With Alicia Stettler unable to join from Hawaiʻi due to the six-hour time difference, Jerome MT stepped in as guest alongside Professor Ace for a powerful conversation with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett (PMG), joining from Ireland.

This episode explores the urgent relevance of dissenting social work—how it confronts the profession’s complicity in systems of control, and why critical dialogue must remain central to practice. We get into collective action, the rise of AI, abolitionist tensions, Indigenous worldviews, and the role of social workers in shaping more humane futures.

PMG brings sharp insight into the need for structural rethinking and invites listeners to approach the work with historical awareness, political clarity, and relational grounding.

🎓 To learn more about Dr. PMG and dissenting social work:

Visit: https://www.pmgarrettdsw.com/Watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba6_45xLZ6Y

Contact: pm.garrett@universityofgalway.ie

🌍 Learn more about Revolutionary Social Work: https://revolutionarysocialwork.com

🌺 More from Alicia: https://aliciastettler.com

🌀 More from Professor Ace: https://professorace.com

📚 Watch the class on RSW values: https://youtu.be/L6vnVENCvU0Chapters

00:00 Welcome + Theme Song

03:20 Introduction to Dissenting Social Work04:14 Contextualizing Dissenting Social Work

08:13 The Importance of Critical Engagement

12:37 Collective Action in Social Work

14:40 Practical Approaches to Dissent

18:10 Themes of Dissent in Social Work

21:54 The Role of Technology in Social Work

26:41 Indigenous Perspectives on Technology and Social Work

29:00 Enhancing Human Connection through AI in Healthcare

30:01 Racial Capitalism and Technology's Impact on Society

31:38 Understanding Social Structures and Their Influence

33:30 The Need for New Economic and Social Systems

35:11 Abolitionism in Social Work: Challenges and Perspectives

39:47 Indigenous Perspectives on Justice and Social Work

44:42 The Role of Critical Conversations in Social Change

#dissentingsocialwork #revolutionarysocialwork #socialworkpodcast #nasw2025 #abolition #criticalsocialwork #indigenousjustice #pmg #paulmichaelgarrett #professorace #aliciastettler #socialworkeducation #aiandsocialwork

© Revolutionary Social Work

Episode 18 kicks off our Social Work Outside the Status Quo series, recorded live from the NASW National Conference in Chicago. Professor Ace is joined by special guest MT and Alicia Stettler, LCSW from the Big Island of Hawai‘i, for a wide-ranging conversation on healing, family, and therapeutic practice.Topics include yoga as a parenting tool, transforming energy in relationships, the Circle of Self framework, food and mental health, vicarious trauma, and pain reprocessing therapy. Alicia shares practical strategies for emotional regulation, burnout prevention, and working with chronic pain through neuroplasticity. This episode is for anyone exploring mental health, parenting, and care work grounded in real life.Contact us: revolutionarysocialwork@gmail.comMore info:→ https://revolutionarysocialwork.com→ https://aliciastettler.com→ https://professorace.comTimestamps:00:00 – Intro and Theme 02:20 – Welcome to the Conference 03:56 – Incorporating Yoga into Family Life 07:57 – Navigating Conflict with Calmness 11:58 – Transforming Energy in Relationships 13:55 – Dealing with Resistance 20:20 – The Circle of Self Framework 38:47 – The Importance of Movement in Life 44:08 – Navigating Depression and Mental Health 49:15 – Understanding Trauma and Healing 54:08 – Vicarious Trauma and Empathy 59:35 – Gratitude and Connection to Nature 1:00:39 – Food, Mood, and Wellbeing 1:09:55 – Embracing Change and Resilience 1:10:38 – Honesty in Nutrition and Parenting 1:11:59 – Understanding Childhood Reactions 1:13:32 – Raising Nutritional Revolutionaries 1:14:23 – Introduction to Pain Reprocessing Therapy 1:15:44 – The Psychology of Chronic Pain 1:17:21 – Neuroplasticity and Pain Management 1:18:17 – Mapping Pain and Sensations 1:20:45 – Integrating Emotional and Physical Healing 1:22:54 – Exploring Complex Regional Pain Syndrome 1:24:50 – Collaborative Approaches to Pain Management 1:26:19 – The Interconnection of Physical and Emotional Pain 1:26:46 – Final Thoughts on Pain Reprocessing Therapy #NASWNationalConference #SocialWorkPodcast #SocialWorkOutsideTheStatusQuo #ProfessorAce #AliciaStettler #PainReprocessingTherapy #CircleOfSelf #YogaTherapy #VicariousTrauma #MentalHealth #SelfCare #ParentingAndMentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #ChronicPain #TraumaInformedCare #CommunityMentalHealth #Mindfulness #NutritionAndMentalHealth #Neuroplasticity #TherapistBurnout #WellnessInSocialWork© Revolutionary Social Work

In Episode 17 of the Revolutionary Social Work Podcast, hosts Christian Ace Stettler and Alicia Stettler sit down with Charlie Stark to explore what happens when social work merges with emergency management. Charlie shares his journey pursuing an interdisciplinary degree that bridges both fields—while raising hard questions about bureaucracy, community, and the human cost of disconnection.

Together, they unpack the four stages of emergency management—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—and explore the critical, often-overlooked role of social workers in community recovery. The conversation moves beyond theory to touch something real: the loss of connection in modern education, the alienation of online learning, and the urgent need to foster intentional, vulnerable, human relationships in a system built to standardize.Full

Timestamps – Chapters

00:00 Theme Song

00:35 Introduction and Backgrounds

03:36 The Interdisciplinary Degree Journey

06:31 Emergency Management Overview

09:43 Social Work and Emergency Management Integration

12:31 The Role of Community and Social Capital

15:47 Bureaucracy and Its Impact on Social Work

18:39 The Importance of Human Connections

21:44 Reflections on Modern Communication and Community

24:25 Final Thoughts on Social Work and Emergency Management

38:14 The Quest for Meaningful Connection in Education

40:36 Challenges of Online Learning and Community Building

46:18 Navigating Modern Communication and Connection

52:15 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction

59:30 The Power of Language in Social Work

01:11:41 Understanding Neurodiversity and Human Connection

Key Topics Discussed

Interdisciplinary education: Social Work + Emergency Management

The four phases of emergency response

How bureaucracy fails communities

Why human connections matter more than material resources

Social capital as a foundation for community resilience

The alienation of online learning and tech overload

Exclusionary language in academic and social work settings

Neurodiversity as a universal reality

Building community in disjointed systems

Creating space for empathy, vulnerability, and understanding

Questions for Reflection

What does it mean to build social capital in your community?

How can we resist the push toward conformity and remain human?

What role should social workers play in emergency recovery?

How can professors foster community in online learning environments?

#SocialWork #EmergencyManagement #CommunityResilience #InterdisciplinaryEducation #Neurodiversity #HumanConnection #MentalHealth #OnlineLearning #Bureaucracy #SocialCapital #RevolutionarySocialWork #ChristianAceStettler #CharlieStark© Revolutionary Social Work

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

📅 Release Date: April 5th, 2025🎧 Hosts: Alicia and Ace🎙️ Guests: Ukumbwa SautiIn Episode 15 of The Revolutionary Social Work Podcast, hosts Ace and Alicia engage in a powerful dialogue with Ukumbwa Sauti, exploring the Dagara tradition, mental health, and the profound wisdom embedded in Indigenous knowledge systems. This episode centers on kinship — not just as blood relation but as an active practice of relationship with all beings, nature, and our shared humanity.Together, they unpack how cultural humility is more meaningful than the illusion of cultural competence, why talking circles matter in academic and community spaces, and how fear, anger, and ancestral energy influence our work, growth, and ability to connect.Whether you’re a social worker, educator, healer, or simply someone seeking a deeper connection to self and the earth — this conversation offers reflection, grounding, and vision.🎙️ Featuring themes of:Revolutionary Social WorkMental Health through Indigenous LensesKinship as a VerbConnection to NatureHealing & Growth through CommunityNavigating Academia & EmotionsCultural Humility over CompetenceTechnology, Ancestry & Spiritual Wisdom⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Theme Song & Opening00:35 – Introduction and Context Setting01:15 – Exploring the Dagura Tradition10:11 – Connection to Nature and Mental Health16:26 – The Importance of Ancestral Connection29:08 – Kinship and Anti-Racism Perspectives30:21 – Transformative Change and Kinship32:43 – Relationality and Connection to the Earth35:35 – Kinship as a Verb: Active Relationships40:07 – Cultural Humility and Kinship in Social Work43:57 – The Fluidity of Kinship vs. Cultural Competence46:55 – Community and Kinship Beyond Individualism49:34 – Indigenous Wisdom and Hope for the Future52:15 – Navigating Fear and Anger in Social Work63:23 – Understanding Our Energies and Purpose66:08 – Bravery in Vulnerability and Connection67:30 – Grounding in Ancestry and Future Visions71:01 – The Role of Relationships in Personal Growth75:03 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Authenticity77:13 – Listening and Reacting in Modern Conversations80:45 – The Power of Reflection and Unity84:46 – Appreciation and Connection Through Technology© A Conscious Party

📅 Release Date: February 22nd, 2025🎧 Hosts: Alicia and Ace🎙️ Guests: Jerome MTIn this episode of The Revolutionary Social Work Podcast, hosts Ace and Alicia (joining from Alaska) sit down with Jerome MT (calling in from Texas) to discuss the deep connections between health, diet, and mindful consumption. They explore the historical and cultural significance of sugar, its role in modern society, and the impact of dietary choices on overall well-being.Together, they challenge dietary dogma, discuss the power of fasting, and emphasize intentional living when it comes to what we eat, what we consume mentally, and how we navigate political awareness in an era of information overload.💡 Key Topics Discussed:✅ Health is wealth: How diet plays a crucial role in overall wellness✅ Sugar’s historical role in slavery and global economics✅ The conspiracy surrounding modern sugar consumption✅ Mindful eating and understanding seasonal and ancestral diets✅ Moving beyond dietary dogma and embracing an abundance mindset✅ The mental and physical benefits of fasting✅ How cultural traditions shape our eating habits✅ Mindful consumption beyond food—media, words, and community✅ The challenges of political awareness while maintaining inner peace✅ Information overload and its effect on emotional regulation🔹Chapters00:00 – Theme Song00:35 – Introduction and Seasonal Reflections03:34 – Health as Wealth: The Importance of Diet12:17 – The Sugar Conundrum: Historical and Modern Perspectives23:33 – Mindful Consumption and Cultural Implications30:07 – Exploring Ancestral Diets and Modern Eating Habits41:23 – The Shift from Dogma to Abundance in Diets43:58 – Fasting: A Personal Journey and Its Benefits59:00 – The Broader Implications of Consumption Beyond Food01:03:44 – The Power of Positive Nourishment01:05:26 – Mindful Consumption and Its Impact01:10:06 – Navigating Limited Choices in Nourishment01:16:26 – Finding Balance in Political Awareness01:23:15 – The Challenge of Information Overload01:32:08 – Intentional Living and Mindful Choices#Health #Diet #MindfulConsumption #Nutrition #Wellness #FoodChoices #SeasonalEating #Fasting #AbundanceMindset #CulturalPractices #PersonalGrowth #CommunitySupport #SelfAwareness© A Conscious Party

📅 Release Date: February 18th, 2025🎧 Hosts: Alicia and Ace🎙️ Guests: Rev LoveJoin Ace and Alicia for an inspiring conversation with Rev Love—a musician, sound healer, yogi, and social justice organizer. Discover how music, yoga, and revolutionary love intersect with the legacies of Tupac Shakur, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, and other political prisoners like Veronza Bowers and Delbert Africa. We explore how art can serve as a form of resistance, the challenges of community activism in a divided world, and the importance of healing practices for driving social change from the inside out.In this episode, we touch on:The impact of Tupac Shakur and Dr. Mutulu Shakur on personal growth and collective consciousnessBuilding meaningful relationships with political prisoners and understanding their storiesThe power of sound healing, yoga, and creative expression as tools for inner revolutionNavigating government, corporate, and CIA influence on our communities and media narrativesBalancing online activism with grassroots organizing to cultivate real-world connectionsEmbracing revolutionary love and empathy to bridge divides in social work and everyday lifeIf you’re ready to open your heart, question oppressive narratives, and foster community in the spirit of revolutionary transformation, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 – 00:35 Theme Song00:35 Introduction and Connection Through Technology03:45 Influence of Tupac and Political Prisoners08:34 The Power of Community and Connection12:05 The Role of Art in Storytelling14:09 The Impact of Modern Media on Youth17:24 The Importance of Local Organizing19:28 Revolutionary Struggle and Inner Work22:22 Balancing Online and Local Activism24:00 Infiltration and Division in Movements25:32 Navigating Division in Society27:21 The Challenge of Political Identity28:42 Critique and Independence in Social Work29:59 Corporate Influence on Government31:52 The CIA’s Role in Hollywood34:28 The Impact of Algorithms on Discourse36:24 The Power of Narrative in Film37:51 Funding Both Sides: The Role of Money38:23 The Struggle for Authentic Conversations39:19 Revolutionary Love and Community Building44:33 Sound Healing as a Revolutionary Practice50:27 The Power of Love and Connection51:09 Art as Resistance: The Story of Veronza Bowers52:47 The Journey of Veronza Bowers: A Political Prisoner’s Tale55:44 Finding Peace in the Chaos: Music from Prison57:02 The Legacy of Political Prisoners57:56 Empathy and Understanding: The Context of Political Prisoners01:03:49 Curiosity as a Catalyst for Change01:05:21 Revolutionary Pathways: Guidance for the Curious01:09:53 Open Hearts and Minds: The Importance of Community#RevolutionarySocialWork #TupacShakur #MutuluShakur #PoliticalPrisoners #SoundHealing #RevLove #HipHop #SocialJustice #Activism #Incarceration #VeronzaBowers #CommunityOrganizing #Yoga #RevolutionaryLove #CIA #Hollywood #Algorithms #SocialWork #Empathy #Resistance #InnerWork #LoveAndConnection© A Conscious Party

In Episode 12 of The Revolutionary Social Work Podcast, hosts Ace and Alicia welcome Zenia, a clinical social worker in Canada, founder of A Little Zen, and leader of The Embodiment Lab. Together, they explore the profound impact of seasonal changes on mental health, the acceptance of winter’s darkness, and the transformative power of aligning with nature's rhythms. This episode delves into personal stories of living in extreme weather conditions, the mental health challenges of seasonal transitions, and the societal pressures surrounding New Year’s resolutions. Zenia introduces Yoga Nidra as a practice for setting intentions and embracing natural cycles, highlighting how gratitude, manifestation, and community can counteract anxiety and foster growth. Zenia also shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey in creating The Embodiment Lab, a holistic healing space dedicated to fostering connection, transformation, and self-discovery. Key Topics Discussed: ⚫ Mental health and seasonal changes ⚫Coping with darkness and light during winter ⚫The importance of rest and introspection ⚫Manifestation, anxiety, and gratitude ⚫The role of Yoga Nidra in transformation ⚫Creating safe spaces for healing and growth ⚫Challenges of entrepreneurship in social work ⚫The intersection of therapy and embodiment Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV-tPqlRqpXDWuI-NOOtbNeitLPYkGIQ8 Revolutionary Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV-tPqlRqpXAGPDy0ZKBrdSKYPKMEztPa Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionarySocialWork/sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 Theme Song & Introduction to the Revolutionary Social Work Podcast 00:35 Weather and Seasonal Changes: Embracing Acceptance 03:19 Experiences of Living in Extreme Weather Conditions 06:06 The Impact of Darkness and Light on Mental Health 08:46 Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder 11:26 Aligning with Nature's Rhythms: Solstice vs. New Year 13:46 The Importance of Rest and Reflection in Winter 16:38 The Challenges of Seasonal Transitions 19:04 Personal Experiences with Heat and Cold 21:50 Setting Intentions for the New Year 24:49 The Seeds of Intention: Yoga Nidra and Transformation 27:24 Embracing Natural Cycles: Rest and Renewal 30:10 The Power of Manifestation: Shaping Our Reality 32:50 Navigating Anxiety: The Role of Gratitude 35:33 The Entrepreneurial Journey in Social Work 38:20 Building the Embodiment Lab: A Holistic Space 54:31 The Power of Connection and Sharing Experiences 56:48 Embracing Change and Overcoming Resistance 01:00:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth 01:03:49 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing 01:07:26 The Intersection of Therapy and Embodied Practices 01:10:58 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship in Healing 01:14:29 Closing Reflections and Future Aspirations #RevolutionarySocialWork #SeasonalChanges #MentalHealth #Gratitude #Manifestation #Embodiment #Healing #YogaNidra #Entrepreneurship #SocialWork © A Conscious Party