Welcome to the first episode of the Revolutionary Social Work Podcast with your hosts Ace and Alicia! In this episode, we introduce the vision behind our podcast, where we have deep, authentic conversations about transforming ourselves and the world through social work. We share our personal experiences living in different parts of Alaska, including the positive aspects of life in Girdwood, and how these experiences shape our approach to social work and personal growth.

We dive into the power of integrating yoga therapy and breathwork into clinical practice, exploring how these tools promote the connection between the mind and body, helping us manage stress and cultivate mental well-being.

At the heart of our approach is Revolutionary Social Work, a transformative framework that emphasizes self-reflection, personal transformation, and challenging systems of inequity. We discuss the Circle of Self, which focuses on seven elements: movement, stillness, community, love, nature, nourishment, and spiritual wellness.

Finally, we critique the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), discussing concerns about its social media presence and political endorsements, which some view as divisive and lacking diversity of thought.

Episode Highlights:

• Our journey living in different parts of Alaska and how it shapes our work (06:18)
• The mind-body connection through yoga therapy and breathwork (19:19)
• How revolutionary social work challenges inequities and transforms systems (35:09)
• The power of self-reflection and revolutionizing ourselves for social change (37:21)
• Exploring the Circle of Self framework for holistic well-being (52:10)
• Critiquing the NASW’s political endorsements and social media presence (59:23)

Key Takeaways:

• Revolutionary social work prioritizes personal transformation as the foundation for creating larger systemic change.
• Yoga therapy and breathwork are powerful practices for mental health and self-regulation.
• The Circle of Self offers a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on essential elements like movement, stillness, and community.
• We critically examine the NASW’s social media practices and political endorsements, raising concerns about inclusivity and diversity of thought.

Join us as we kick off this journey of transformative social work, challenging the status quo, and finding new ways to connect the mind, body, and spirit for personal and collective change.

Follow and listen to Revolutionary Social Work on Spotify now!

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