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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20 January 2026

New Year New Worker......

In this episode of Laughing through the Struggles, hosts Beth and George explore the intersection of procrastination and productivity in the field of child welfare. They share relatable anecdotes about last-minute delivery under pressure and the constant push and pull between proactive and reactive measures in social work. Through candid conversations and humor, Beth and George offer listeners a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of supporting families, tackling paperwork, and finding balance amidst chaos. Whether you're new to social work or a seasoned professional, this episode provides a hearty mix of insights, laughter, and real-world challenges.

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48:46

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12 January 2026

Stressors Coming Down On Me PT.2

In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles', Beth and George delve into the real-life challenges faced by social workers in the child welfare field. Through their candid discussion, they highlight the critical issue of coping mechanisms, from unhealthy addictions to setting effective boundaries. The duo shares harrowing stories, including a co-worker who turned to meth amidst personal turmoil, to underscore the stressors inherent in their roles. Yet, they find time for laughter, reflecting on personal anecdotes, and emphasizing the importance of self-care in managing the emotional toll of their work.

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56:27

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30 December 2025

Stressors Coming Down On Me Pt1............

In this episode of 'Laughing Through the Struggles,' hosts Beth and George bring humor to the intense world of child welfare as they discuss their favorite Christmas movies and the unique stressors they face on the job, especially during the holiday season. They share personal anecdotes about managing the constant deadlines and unforeseen challenges that arise, emphasizing the importance of self-care and laughter. This episode is a tribute to a long-time colleague who faced a medical crisis, casting a spotlight on the mental strain social workers endure and the camaraderie that helps them persevere.

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56:40

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08 December 2025

I'm Locked Out..They Won't Let Me In.....

In this episode of Laughing through the Struggles, Beth and George tackle the complex issue of lockouts in child welfare. They provide insights into how these situations arise, discussing the influence of the foster care crisis and the role of juvenile courts. With a mix of humor and serious discussion, the hosts explore the challenges facing social workers and families, highlighting the nuances between necessary safety measures and parental abdication. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how lockouts are becoming a more frequent, yet contentious, aspect of child welfare cases.

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55:20

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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