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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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

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04 August 2025

Catch Me Up.....

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Beth and George, both seasoned social workers, dive into the ups and downs of child welfare. They blend personal anecdotes and humor to discuss the challenges of attending school activities as reluctant participants and the humorous side of losing one’s voice. The duo also highlights recent restructuring in their department, focusing on strategy and quality improvement. The episode offers a fresh perspective on child welfare, ensuring listeners experience both the heartfelt and humorous sides of social work, making it accessible to both professionals and those simply curious about the field.

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52:51

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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