The Melanated Social Work Podcast

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The Melanated Social Work Podcast is hosted by four men of color within the field of social work; Josh McNeil, Marvin Toliver, Michael Grinnell, and Jesse Wiltey. Join us as we discuss social work, mental health, politics, music, liberation and many other topics.

Melanated Social Work


    • Aug 8, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 5m AVG DURATION
    • 50 EPISODES

    4.9 from 215 ratings Listeners of The Melanated Social Work Podcast that love the show mention: msw student, social workers, black men, color, profession, field, necessary, four, love love love, currently, experiences, issues, refreshing, thank, definitely, love this podcast, think, listen, amazing, great.



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    Latest episodes from The Melanated Social Work Podcast

    Episode 50 with Bilal Baig: Sort Of

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 57:30


    On this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of interviewing the phenomenal Bilal Baig. Tap in to here about their series Sort Of on HBO, how the show came to be, and their upcoming projects.

    Episode 49 with Lama Rod Owens: Love and Rage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 51:57


    On this episode of the Melanated Social Work Podcast, the folks of Melanated Social Work connect with Lama Rod Owens. Tap in to hear about his healing journey through meditation, finding a community through meditation, and how he has utilized meditation to process anger.

    Episode 48 with Monique Castro: Indigenous Circle of Wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 68:08


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work connect with Monique Castro, the founder and therapist at the Indigenous Circle of Wellness (ICW). Tap in to hear about how ICW came to fruition in response to the need of the community to have healing spaces centered on indigenous practices.

    Episode 47 with Reggie Walker: The Real with Reggie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 74:59


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the pleasure to connect with Reggie Walker (former NFL player, mental health and sexual assault survivor advocate, and author), to discuss his experience navigating the NFL, his healing journey, and his book The Game Within the Game.

    Episode 46 with Ruth J. Beard: NABSW

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 52:19


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work get to connect with Ruth J. Beard, a founding member of the NABSW.

    Episode 45 with Joi Britt & Kim Young: Colorism Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 72:30


    Episode 44: Colorism Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 62:39


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social begin to breakdown colorism as part of multiple episode series. They discuss their early experiences with colorism, how this has impacted their own identities, and the apprehension for men to explore colorism.

    Episode 43 with Dr. Jennifer Mullan: Decolonizing Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2021 82:08


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work, had the honor of connecting with Dr. Jennifer Mullan. Tap in to hear about her journey into the work, how she started the Decolonizing Therapy IG page, as well as hear about her dope offerings. 

    Episode 42: Minoritea Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 76:48


    On this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of hosting the amazing Aunteas of the Minoritea Report Podcast. Tap in to find out about their podcast and enjoy the vibe. Make sure to check out their podcast too! We're featured on their episode dropping 8/2/21.Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minoritea-report/id1458662102Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FCmGoy0Noc9Qk6fnvQaL3

    Episode 41 with adrienne maree brown: Emergent Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 70:28


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of speaking with renowned author adrienne mare brown. Tap in to her about how the work of Emergent Strategy relates back to our work as social workers and healers. 

    Episode 40 with Sonya Renee Taylor: The Body is Not an Apology

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 68:34


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work connect with international award winning poet, author, activist, and radical thought leader, Sonya Renee Taylor. Tap in to hear about her book, The Body is Not an Apology, what does it mean to cultivate radical self love, and how it connects to healing work and therapy. recorded on 4/15/21

    Episode 39 with Ericka Hart: We Hart Ericka

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 80:18


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work connect with sex educator, activist, and writer, Ericka Hart. Tap in to hear about her experience as a sex educator, hear about a recent incident involving the Columbia School of Social Work, and a discussion about changing the system of higher education.recorded on 4/1/21

    Episode 38 with Brittani Williams: Hip Hop Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 84:32


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of connecting with Brittani Williams, LCSW, therapist, emcee,  and educator. Listen to hear about her journey into social work, how she's brought hip hop into her therapy practice, and the process of starting her own private practice. 

    Episode 37 with Dr. Tanya Sharpe: Social Work Views from the 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 57:39


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work connect with Dr. Tanya Sharpe, the founder and director of The Centre for Research and Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims (The CRIB). Listen to hear about her journey into social work, what brought her to Canada, and the groundbreaking work that she is doing with The CRIB.

    Episode 36: The Caucasity of Social Work Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 63:21


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work continue to discuss a recent incident of white supremacist microaggressions. If you haven't done so already, please listen to Part 1 of this conversation.

    Episode 35: The Caucasity of Social Work Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 69:34


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work reflect on their experience over the last year providing consultation and facilitation, and discuss a recent incident of white supremacist microaggressions. Stay tuned for the Part 2 follow up!

    Episode 34 with Khalida Sethi & Sonalee Rashatwar: Radical Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 79:40


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of connecting with Khalida Sethi and Sonalee Rashatwar of the Radical Therapy Center in Philadelphia, PA. Hear about their journey in the field, how the Radical Therapy Center was founded, and explore what is politicized therapy.

    Episode 33: The Joi of Social Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 55:32


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work connect with Joi Britt and hear about her experience growing up in New York and being "regular Black", her renowned podcast The Joi of Social Work, and her process of developing her private practice.

    Episode 32 with Dr. Jean Latting: Leading Consciously

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 56:09


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work had the privilege of connecting with social work pioneer, Dr. Jean Latting. We got to hear about her journey into social work, her experiences as a Black professor, and what it means to lead consciously.

    Episode 31 with Stic: Revolutionary But Gangsta

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 97:59


    On this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the privilege of choppin it up with Stic of the legendary hip hop duo Dead Prez. Stic discussed his journey growing up, the influences that brought him toward his healing path, and his new upcoming fit hop film A Beautiful Run.Follow Stic on IG: @sticSupport RBG Fit Club: https://rbgfitclub.com/RBG Fit Club Podcast: https://rbgfitclub.com/pages/rbg-fitclub-podcast

    Episode 30: Fuck 45

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 73:27


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work process the fuckery that occurred at the nation's capital on Jan 6th. The caucasity...

    Episode 29 with Julio Rivera: Touchdown Julio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 69:01


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work interview the CEO and Founder of the Liberate app. Tap in to hear about his experience within the tech industry, how he came to develop the liberate app, and the importance of developing spaces centered on Black healing.Download Liberate for iOS and android

    Episode 28: 2020 Wrap-up Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 50:15


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work share some of their reflections from 2020. This is part 2 of 2 parts.

    Episode 27: 2020 Wrap-up Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 55:31


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work share some of their reflections from 2020. This is part 1 of 2 parts.

    Episode 26: Let's Play On with Xavier de Guzman

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 61:07


    On this episode of podcast, the folks of Melanated Social Work tap in with Xavi de Guzman, actor and star of the ABC series Take Two and the CW series The 100. We discussed his upbringing in Canada, his experience within the industry as a Filipino, and his foundation, the Play On Foundation, which is dedicated to neurological research and brain aneurism prevention.https://www.letsplayon.org/

    Episode 25: Mic Check-in with Melody Thornton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 71:57


    In this episode of the podcast, the folks of Melanated Social Work interview grammy nominated vocalist Melody Thorton (formerly of The Pussycat Dolls). We discussed some of her experiences of colorism within the music industry, her journey toward healing, and her most recent project, Lioness Eyes.

    Episode 24: Talkin' with Tish Guerin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 83:38


    In this episode of The Melanated Social Work Podcast, we have the honor of interviewing Tish Guerin, MSW, LCSW, LISW, BC-TMH. Hear about her journey building her private practice, becoming the first full time in-house team clinician for the NFL, and her thoughts about the NASW. Make sure to check out her instagram page and website!IG: @therealdopetherapistwebsite: https://www.therealdopetherapist.com/

    Episode 23 with Michaela Hatton: Doin the Real Social Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 54:45


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work sit down with Michaela Hatton, BSW (IG: @michaelahatton) and hear about her experience being arrested on June 14, 2020 while making some good trouble in Richmond, VA. Please make sure to donate directly to Michaela to support the work that she is doing.Cash App: $michaela1998Venmo: @michaelahatton

    Episode 22: Choppin it up with the NASW

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 92:11


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work sit down with Mit Joyner, President of the NASW, and Dawn Hobdy, Vice President of Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion at the NASW. We discuss the current priorities of the NASW, how they are hoping to address anti-blackness within the field, and whether or not folks should become members.

    Episode 21: Reimagining with Rachel Cargle

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 79:02


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of sitting down to chat with Rachel Cargle. Check out the episode to hear about her experience as a public academic, her perspective on anti-racism work within social work, and how declaring her highest values has cultivated her self-care.

    Episode 20 with Kim Young: Dope and Black Social Work Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 48:41


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of being joined by Kim Young, MSW, LCSW (IG: @dopeblack_socialworker). We discuss her path toward becoming an LCSW, being a revolutionary before a therapist, and why she was recently blocked on Instagram by the NASW. Make sure to check out her website: www.dopeblacksocialworker.com

    Episode 19 with Tigist Kebede: Melanated Melbourne

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 90:39


    On this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of being joined by Tigist Kebede (IG: @thecolouredtherapist) of Melbourne, Australia. We explored the experience of anti-blackness in Australia and how this connects back to the Movement for Black Lives in the US. In addition, we discussed Australia's response to COVID-19 and the racial disparities in their response. Please make sure that you donate to support Tigist and the work she's doing! (Paypal: www.paypal.me/thecolouredtherapist)

    Episode 18: White Supremacy at Work Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2020 93:46


    By request, this episode is a follow up to "Episode 2: Microaggressions and White Supremacy at Work". In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work discuss how white supremacy is coming up in the workplace and explore what is anti-racist social work.

    Episode 17: Q&A with Recent MSW Grads

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2020 81:12


    On June 25th, 2020, the folks of Melanated Social Work hosted a live Q&A for the class of 2020 MSW graduates. This episode is portions of the live recording.

    Episode 16: Justice for George Floyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 58:59


    The folks of Melanated Social Work process their thoughts and feelings together about the the recent murder of George Floyd and outpouring of community response.

    Episode 15: Relationships & COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 77:21


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work respond to your questions about relationships and discuss how to maintain a healthy relationship during shelter in place.

    Episode 14: Real Talk with Feminista Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 56:48


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work have the honor of interviewing the phenomenal activist, author, journalist, and podcast host (the list of accolades goes on and on), Feminista Jones! Tap in to hear her thoughts on "white people whisperers", experiences within the non-profit industrial complex, and discuss her book Reclaiming Our Space: How Black Feminists Are Changing the World from the Tweets to the Streets.

    Episode 13 with Soco Rey: Therapy that's Chill AF

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 40:50


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work interview Soco Rey of Soco Rey Therapy in Inglewood, CA. Hear about her journey of becoming a therapist, starting and running her own practice, and why Soco Rey Therapy is chill AF.

    Episode 12: Physical Distancing & Social Solidarity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 73:03


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work discuss the impact of COVID-19, how they're coping during this difficult time, and answer a question from a listener. (Note: This episode was recorded on March 19th, 2020)

    Episode 11: Toxic Masculinity Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 67:54


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work revisit the conversation about the passing of Kobe Bryant, discuss toxic masculinity and the documentary about the life of Aaron Hernandez, and answer a question from the listeners. Also, stay on the look out for more announcements about our Live Podcast in Philadelphia happening in April!

    Episode 10: Toxic Masculinity Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2020 62:30


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work discuss the recent passing of Kobe Bryant, break down masculinity and toxic masculinity, and answer a question from the listeners. Stay on the look out for the Part 2 of this episode where we continue to discuss toxic masculinity and the recent documentary about the life of Aaron Hernandez.

    Episode 9: 2019 Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2019 53:00


    2019 is almost a wrap! In this episode the folks of Melanated Social Work chop it up about some of the biggest events of 2019, their favorite movies and albums of the year, and their reflections on the year as a whole.

    Episode 8: Boundaries & Good Practice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2019 69:36


    In episode 8, the folks of Melanated Social Work discuss navigating boundaries within therapy, running into clients within the community, and the therapeutic use of disclosure. (We also answer a listener question at the end of the episode!)

    Episode 7 with Sonalee Rashatwar: Fatphobia, Colonialism & White Supremacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2019 50:06


    In this episode, we had the honor of interviewing the amazing Sonalee Rashatwar! She offered up education on fatphobia, described how she combats fatphobia as a clinician and radical educator, and helped break down how fatphobia is linked to colonialism and white supremacy. Also, make sure to check out her Instagram account, @thefatsextherapist.

    Episode 6: You Got Questions? We Got Answers

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2019 55:20


    Listeners' choice! By popular demand, the folks of Melanated Social Work explore some of the questions that you've sent in. In this episode, hear tips for finding a good therapist, approaches for networking within the mental health field, the first CDs we ever bought (yes you read right - we use to buy our music on CDs), and many other topics.

    Episode 5: Mass Shootings and Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2019 53:06


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work discuss the impact of the numerous recent mass shootings and how we are processing these difficult times.

    Episode 4: Gentrification, Masculinity, and The Last Black Man in SF

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 47:22


    In this episode, the fellows of Melanated Social Work discuss their reception of the film The Last Black Man in San Francisco and explore the mental health impacts of gentrification, and the connection between community, identity and masculinity.

    Episode 3: Therapists Talk Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 47:25


    In this episode of the Melanated Social Work Podcast, Josh, Michael, Marvin, and Jesse discuss their perspectives on therapists participating in therapy. They also break down some of the stigma associated with receiving mental health services and how we can work to dismantle this.

    Episode 2: Microaggressions and White Supremacy at Work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2019 32:57


    In this episode, the folks of Melanated Social Work discuss experiences of microaggressions and white supremacy at work, as well as, how they've taken care of themselves and each other in the process.

    Episode 1: Introductions & A Tribute to Nipsey Hussle

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2019 55:30


    Hey folks! Welcome to the first episode of The Melanated Social Work Podcast! In this episode you'll get to hear about the backgrounds of Josh McNeil, Marvin Toliver, Michael Grinnell, and Jesse Wiltey, the founding members of Melanated Social Work. We discuss the formation of our brotherhood and the early beginnings of #melanatedsocialwork. In addition, we discuss the life and legacy of Nipsey Hussle, his impact on us, and processing grief and trauma.P.S. I'm getting over a cold, so I apologize in advance for any sniffles... Jesse

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