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Paula highlights the confirmation of a a new policy in New York City Public schools banning cell phones and internet-enabled devices following several other states who have adopted similar practices. This policy will affect grades 3-12 and includes exceptions for educational and medical needs. She identifies increase in concerns include mental health impacts, safety, and parental communication which motivates these shifts as well as the responsibility of schools to develop their own policies and ensure secure storage. Paula also advises on strategies that parents and guardians to discuss the policy with their children and ensure they know how to handle emergencies as well as what questions to ask school staff to ensure they are receiving the most accurate information.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ impact on students and parental concerns
+ challenges in implementing cell phone/device policy
+ exceptions and special considerations
+ parental concern and communication
+ discipline and accountability
+ transitional period and community support

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Steven discusses his work with the Men's Helpline, a nonprofit supporting men through infertility and pregnancy loss. He highlights the lack of resources and support for men experiencing infertility, noting that one in six couples struggle with infertility. Steven emphasizes the importance of mental health support and advocates for increased awareness and access to fertility treatments. He shares personal experiences and the challenges of navigating infertility, including the financial burden and societal stigmas. Our conversation underscores the need for more inclusive and comprehensive support systems for men and women dealing with infertility.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ personal experience with infertility
+ challenges and misconceptions in men’s mental health
+ impact of infertility on relationships and family dynamics
+ support systems and coping mechanisms
+ advocacy and awareness as well as access and equity
+ access and equity in fertility treatment
+ cultural and religious perspectives

Guest Bio:

Steven J. Miller, APSW, is a therapist and advocate specializing in reproductive mental health, with a focus on infertility and pregnancy loss. He serves as the Research and Development Chair at Men’s Helpline and hosts The MILES Podcast, which spotlights men's fertility experiences. Steven has over 15 years of social work experience and provides therapy through Synapse Solutions and Corazon Counseling. He contributes to national and state-level advocacy through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Building Families Alliance–Wisconsin. With clinical insight and lived empathy, Steven is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those often overlooked and expanding support for individuals facing reproductive challenges.

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Check out the latest episode of “Why Don’t We Talk About this Podcast?! with my fantastic guest, Christina Broderick-Royes, LSW!

Christina shares her journey from pre-med to social work, highlighting her experience in non-profits and higher education. She emphasized the importance of data in business, sharing such metrics as impacting 6,000 individuals and issuing 189 digital badges. Christina stressed the need for social workers to embrace entrepreneurship, overcome scarcity mindsets, and leverage their skills. She advised on hiring support for tasks that hinder growth, citing her own experience with marketing and administrative support. Christina also underscored the significance of mentorship, accountability, and quick action in achieving business success.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ transition to entrepreneurship and business growth
+ challenges and learning curves
+ mentorship and support systems
+ overcoming perfectionism and taking action
+ balancing business and personal life

Episode Resources:

"The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks

Harvard Business Review - "10 Must Reads on Strategy"

Guest Bio:

Christina Broderick-Royes is a social worker turned entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, published author, and adjunct professor. She is the founder of Intention Elevation, a consulting company that helps organizations and entrepreneurs design transformative mental health and leadership initiatives rooted in strategy, clarity, and impact. Christina has worked with over 70 organizations nationwide, blending her clinical expertise with sharp strategic thinking to support historically marginalized communities. Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or retreats, she equips leaders with the tools to grow, lead, and sustain change. Her work bridges purpose and profit—proving that social work skills can build powerful, scalable businesses.

Contact/Socials:

Email: christina@intentionelevation.com
Instagram: @chrissie.broderick
LinkedIn: Christina Broderick-Royes, LSW

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Paula discusses the concept of emotional support coworkers, highlighting their role in providing active listening, empathy, and encouragement during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of emotional support in reducing stress, boosting mood, and fostering resilience. Paula notes that emotional support can positively impact mental and physical health, job performance, and satisfaction. She advises on themes associated with offering help appropriately as well as addresses the challenges of receiving support and the benefits of professional help when needed.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Understanding Emotional Support Coworkers
• Benefits of Emotional Support at Work
• How to Provide Emotional Support
• Challenges of Being an Emotional Support Coworker
• The Role of Emotional Support in Personal Growth

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Jenn shares her journey of pivoting her business after a last-minute workshop cancellation in Prague in 2022. She developed a comedian's formula to teach people how to connect and storytell, which significantly impacted her career. Jenn emphasized the importance of creativity in problem-solving and the need for human connection in an increasingly AI-dominated world. She also discussed the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the role of storytelling in business, and the significance of authenticity and community in personal and professional growth.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ the art of pivoting and adapting
+ creativity in problem solving
+ the impact of AI on communication and creativity
+ power of storytelling in business
+ intersection of comedy and personal growth
+ importance of connection and community

Bio:

Award-winning comedian, speaker & consultant with a thing for synthesizing ideas through storytelling.

Jenn’s work has been featured by SiriusXM, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, Inspiring Lives Magazine, on stages at YALE, Twitter and Google Headquarters in NYC and comedy clubs throughout New York City and Europe.

Performing all over the country, internationally and virtually, too! Jenn emcees and leads workshops and keynotes helping audiences learn how to answer the one question everyone hates (but can’t avoid) “What do you do?” using the “comedian’s formula” for educating, connecting and amusing your audience.

Jenn’s experience spans 15+ years and at least 8 different avenues in the creative industry that include earning a BA in Dance from Point Park University, co-writing an off-off-Broadway musical, co-writing an album, owning and running a Talent Management company representing actors for film, TV and theater, Motivational Speaking, Business Coaching, Storytelling Consulting and comedy.

Contact/Socials:
Website - https://www.JennLederer.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennlederer/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jennlederer

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Keisha discusses the evolving dynamics of client relationships in the beauty industry. She highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for clients, which often leads to deeper personal connections. Keisha emphasizes the value of building trust and rapport, noting that clients often return for the experience and personal connection rather than just the service. She also addresses the challenges of mentorship in the industry, stressing the need for genuine experience and expertise over social media influence. Keisha underscores the significance of personal relationships and the emotional support provided by beauty professionals.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ the role of beauty salons in community building
+ impact of personal relationships on client loyalty
+ mentorship and support in the beauty industry
+ value of creating a positive experience
+ impact of personal relationships on professional success
+ role of social media and influence in the beauty industry

Guest Bio:

Keisha aka The Nail Teach is a nail technician who has been in the beauty business for 25+ years! A NYS licensed Teacher of the Nail Technology program, Nail Tech Influencer, Educator on Social Media, and Content Creator.

Contact/Socials:
Instagram - Keishanails
Email - TheNailTeach@gmail.com
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheNailTeach/

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Satori discusses the lived experiences that inspired her forthcoming film "Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale," releasing June 12 on various platforms (Apple Tv+, Amazon Prime, Google Play). She highlights the often-unspoken challenges of menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, and the lack of medical training and support for women experiencing these symptoms. Satori emphasizes the importance of community and open dialogue about menopause to address misdiagnoses and improve women's health. She also touches on the cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences and the need for better representation and advocacy for women's health issues.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ understanding menopause and its symptoms
+ personal journey and the birth of a film
+ impact of menopause on personal and professional life
+ challenges and advocacy for menopause awareness
+ cultural and socioeconomic differences in menopause experiences
+ role of storytelling in healing and empowerment
+ menopause and gender identity
+ advocacy and support for women’s health

Guest Bio:

Satori Shakoor is a dynamic storyteller, multi-disciplinary artist, and social entrepreneur known for her bold and transformative work in the arts. A 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow, Satori began her career as a recording and touring vocalist with George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic as one of the Brides of Funkenstein before expanding into acting, comedy, and television writing. She is the creator and Executive Producer of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®, an award-winning storytelling platform that fosters healing and community connection. Satori’s storytelling prowess has been showcased on global stages, including The Moth, PBS, and NPR, while she also serves as host of Detroit Performs Live for Detroit PBS. With her solo, standup storytelling concert film, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale, she breaks outdated stigmas around aging and womanhood, bringing humor, truth, and empowerment to center stage. A sought-after facilitator and speaker, Satori has worked with major institutions like Duke University, the University of Michigan, and even the United Nations. Her work continues to inspire and transform communities, using the power of storytelling to connect humanity and spark meaningful dialogue.

Contact/Socials:

Website - www.satorishakoor.com
Website - www.twistedtellers.org

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Sandra discusses her journey with ADHD, diagnosed at age 38, and the concept of being "neuro spicy." She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, advocacy, and understanding one's brain to manage ADHD effectively. Sandra highlights the need for accommodations in professional settings, such as performance improvement plans (PIPs), and advocates for universal design learning (UDL) to create inclusive workspaces. She stresses the significance of rest and self-care, and encourages individuals to pay attention to their needs and advocate for themselves to thrive professionally and personally.

In this episode, you will hear:

• understanding the term “neurospicy”
• navigating professional roles and ADHD diagnosis
• leadership and advocacy in social work
• obstacles navigating professional spaces
• advocating for accommodations in the workplace
• role of culture and community in support

Guest Bio:

Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW, known as The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, is a clinical leader, speaker, and advocate transforming how we view neurodiversity in leadership. As Clinic Director for Transformations Care Network, she drives operational innovation, integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles from academia into workplace practices, and cultivates inclusive, high-performing teams.

A specialist in coaching Latinx and neurodivergent professionals, Sandra blends metacognitive strategies and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) into leadership development to foster emotional resilience and strategic growth. She is the creator of the J.A.R. Framework, a model that reframes invisible impact to strengthen leadership effectiveness.

A contributing author to Latinx in Social Work Vol. 3 and a sought-after speaker, Sandra’s work challenges outdated narratives and celebrates cognitive diversity as a catalyst for success. Through her platform, The NeuroSpicy Social Worker, and her doctoral research at Simmons University, she is redefining leadership for a more equitable future.

Contact/Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurospicysw/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandracrespo/

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