Podcasts All Social Workers Need To Be Listening To

Social Work Podcasts

Are you enjoying the wealth of information that is available on podcasts? It’s hard to keep up with all the advances and innovations in social work. Podcasts fit my multi-tasking lifestyle. Since they are audio only, I usually listen to social work podcasts while I drive to and from work. It feels great to be keeping up and learning while I commute.

There are 4 podcasts that I think are essential listening for social workers and therapists.

I found some interesting subject covered in these first two podcasts. I spent many years working with homeless youth and juvenile offenders. I enjoyed finding podcasts on both topics, as well as subjects new to me such as equine therapy and military social work.

1. inSocialWork^® (170 episodes) hosted by the University of Buffalo School of Social Work

The mission of inSocialWork^® is “to engage practitioners and researchers in lifelong learning and to promote research to practice and practice to research”. This podcast is of particular interest to me as a clinical supervisor as it strives to bridge the gap between academia and clinical practice. Important topics such as compassion fatigue, burnout and self-care, and trauma informed teaching and supervision are covered.

Favorite episode: episode 137 Clinical Supervision: Integrating a Trauma-Informed Lens featuring Eda Kauffman

2. The Social Work Podcast (98 episodes) hosted by Jonathan Singer, Ph.D., LCSW

Dr. Singer’s podcast “provides information on all things social work ….”. He covers a wide range of topics including clinical, policy, and research issues. I was pleased to find an episode on perinatal loss, an issue very close to my heart as a loss mom myself.

Favorite episode: episode 79 Perinatal Loss featuring Sarah Kye Price, Ph.D.

Folks, I am seriously addicted to these next two podcasts. They are focused on private practice, but I think they offer a lot to clinicians in any setting. Practice of the Practice and Selling the Couch both also have active Facebook groups that you can join (you’ll see me posting there).

3. Practice of the Practice (87 episodes) hosted by Joe Sanok, LLC, LPC, NCC

One of the things that I like about Practice of the Practice, is that Joe is completely down-to-earth and fun to listen to. He covers all aspects of private practice from how to start your own practice, developing a niche, and marketing. Joe frequently interviews expert counselors about their practices and clinical approaches.

Favorite episode: session 50 Social Media Tips featuring Michelle Corteggiano and session 35 Sex and Counseling featuring with Monica Lieser (I actually have a lot of favorites!)

4. Selling the Couch (30 episodes) hosted by Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.

Selling the Couch is a new podcast, but already has some great content! Melvin is a therapist turned podcasters who interviews clinicians and marketing experts to support building the knowledge and habits that will lead to a successful private practice.

Favorite episode: session 22 The Miracle Morning featuring Hal Elrod

All of these social work podcasts are available free on iTunes. I hope you’ll take some time to listen!

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Sharon Martin

Sharon Martin has a passion for clinical supervision, mentoring new social workers, blogging, and reading all things social work related. She is a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years in the field. Sharon has worked extensively in Bay Area non-profits and successfully runs a private counseling practice in San Jose. Sharon writes regularly for PsychCentral and the Good Men Project. She's also the author of The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism.