Laughing Through The Struggles

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Podcast by Beth and George

Laughing Through The Struggles

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!
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Latest episodes

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10 November 2025

A.D.V.O.C.A.T.E Find Out What It Means To Me

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.

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01:26:49

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20 October 2025

Lets Play Catch Me Up

In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George dive into the highs and lows of child welfare work. They discuss the challenges of navigating data dashboards, the evolving standards of care, and the often frustrating world of case management. With humor and honesty, they address the discrepancies in monitoring between DCFS and private agencies and the difficulties faced by caseworkers in achieving measurable success. Meanwhile, George shares his efforts to surprise Beth for her birthday, showcasing the delicate balance between personal and professional life in the field of social work.

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58:03

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28 September 2025

The Great Battle Of Poverty Vs. Neglect.......

In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles,' Beth and George, seasoned social workers, discuss the misconception of equating poverty with child neglect. They share personal anecdotes and highlight the importance of understanding the economic challenges families face. With humor and frankness, they advocate for supportive community approaches over judgmental ones, stressing that the economics of a household should not automatically raise red flags in child welfare investigations. Offering practical advice, they encourage listeners to lend a helping hand discreetly, emphasizing that simple gestures of kindness can significantly impact struggling families.

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59:18

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22 September 2025

Father Where Art Thou...........

In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George dive into the complexities of father involvement in the child welfare system. They explore systemic biases that favor mothers while marginalizing fathers, despite research indicating positive outcomes from actively involving dads. A heartfelt story highlights a dad's dedicated fight to reclaim his children against legal and familial barriers. The episode emphasizes the need for social workers to challenge stereotypes and engage both parents in the process, advocating for unity and better emotional and social wellbeing for children.

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49:08

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01 September 2025

Rate Me 1-4......

In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George explore the complex realities and absurdities of child welfare. They discuss the new safe model, the redesign of their work protocol, and the ideal versus actual implementation of policies. Amid amusing anecdotes and serious discussions, they critique issues like the flawed distribution of foster care placements and the restricted access to alternative therapies for youth. Their candid conversation reveals both the frustrations and rewards of their social work, as they seek to bring families' voices into the conversation, despite systemic barriers.

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47:03

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18 August 2025

And The Award Goes Too....

In this episode of 'Laughing through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George, two seasoned social workers, discuss the complexities of child welfare. They share anecdotes from their professional experiences, touching on themes of respect and understanding, especially regarding interactions with foster parents. Beth recounts a challenging colleague she once worked with, emphasizing the importance of forming one's own opinions rather than relying on others' biases. Meanwhile, both hosts open up about the stress and anxiety of returning from vacations to daunting email inboxes. The episode blends humor and heartfelt reflections, capturing the unpredictable world of child welfare.

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01:01:49