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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14 July 2025

Home Visits

In this episode of Laughing through the Struggles, hosts Beth and George delve into their day-to-day experiences as child welfare social workers. They share stories of home visits, navigating everything from roach encounters to the more severe realities of neglect. The conversation turns serious as George discusses a tragic case involving a two-year-old found unresponsive, contrasting the lighter anecdotes with genuine challenges faced in their field. The duo combines humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners a candid glimpse into the unpredictable world of child welfare, providing both education and entertainment.

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53:04

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07 July 2025

Siloed Systems and other Sugar Honey Iced Tea......

In this episode, Beth and George delve into the challenges of siloed communication within child welfare agencies. They highlight the frustrations of inconsistent policies and procedures, exacerbated by leadership egos. With nearly 30 years of combined experience, the hosts share personal stories and observations, illuminating the systemic issues that hinder effective collaboration. The conversation touches on the difficulties of transitioning young adults into suitable services and the roadblocks presented by current policy frameworks. Despite the weighty topics, Beth and George infuse the discussion with humor, offering an engaging and insightful exploration of social work dynamics.

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53:42

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30 June 2025

What in the Scooby Doo?!

In this podcast episode, hosts Beth and George explore recent headlines about child protection interventions in different states, with a specific focus on Iowa. An Iowa camp, reportedly designed for children's rehabilitation from substance abuse, saw 88 minors taken into protective custody. While media have sensationalized this as a church camp raid, the hosts question the portrayal and stress the importance of understanding the camp's true nature as a rehabilitation facility. They criticize media for clickbait tactics and emphasize the need for evidence in legal interventions, questioning the lack of transparency from authorities amid ongoing investigations.

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01:03:12

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23 June 2025

Georgia Tann We Hardly Knew Ye!!

In this riveting podcast episode, hosts Beth and George dive into a shocking chapter of social work's past. Uncovering the story of Georgia Tann, a woman who operated under the guise of a social worker in the early 1900s, they explore her notorious role in orchestrating illegal adoptions through the Tennessee Children's Home Society. Beth's genuine outrage and emotional recount of learning about Tann's actions draw listeners into a gripping tale of power abuse and injustice. This episode not only reveals a lesser-known aspect of social work history but serves as a reminder of the field's evolving ethics.

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49:18

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02 June 2025

My Height Falls Short, But ABA Doesn't

In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles,' Beth and George are joined by their first guest, Sarah Woods, a board-certified behavior analyst. Sarah discusses her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), motivated by her personal experiences with autism in her family. The podcast delves into Sarah's advocacy for children and the use of behavior modification techniques beyond just autism care. Together, they explore the intertwined paths of personal experiences and professional life, touching on themes of resilience and transformation amidst challenges. The conversation, sprinkled with humor, provides insights into child welfare and behavioral therapy.

Any Questions for Sarah: sarahwoods@visionsllc.org

Questions and Stories: laughandstruggle@gmail.com

Instagram: lttsbg

Facebook: Laughing Through The Struggles Podcast

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58:35

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26 May 2025

A Headbang and Shoestrings

On Laughing through the Struggles, co-hosts Beth and George bring to light the often overlooked need for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in child welfare. The conversation revolves around systemic issues delaying access to this vital service, which is crucial for children on the autism spectrum. Highlighting Sarah Woods’ expertise in ABA therapy, they discuss potential solutions for integrating such support into care facilities despite bureaucratic red tape. This insightful episode incorporates humor and the hosts’ personal anecdotes, providing a balanced perspective on the urgent need for policy reform in social services.

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