Why Don't We Talk About This? podcast

#Fitness #Society #Self-Improvement #Mental Health #Paula McMillan-Perez, LCSW #LCSW #Paula McMillan-Perez #Podcasting Education #Social Work #Normal #Reduce Stigma #Silence The Shame #Progress With Paula

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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You already know that there are a bunch of things people talk about in pockets or completely avoid. Things that may be controversial or uncomfortable but we need to get them off our chest. During "Why Don’t We Talk About This?", licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, Paula McMillan-Perez speaks with folks whose learned experiences and/or professions give way to a diverse knowledge of topics that we just aren't talking about...but should be!

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Why Don't We Talk About This?

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112 επεισόδια

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Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Sensory Rest 29:40

πριν 5 μέρες29:40

29:40

Send us a text Paula discusses the importance of sensory rest, in the third of seven essential types of rest that will be explored in this series. Emphasis is placed on disengaging from screens and devices to reduce constant stimulation. She highlights the challenges of maintaining sensory rest in a tech-dependent society, noting the impact on mental health and stress management. Practical tips include limiting screen time, practicing silence, and creating calming environments. She also suggests using sensory tools to support with management and stresses the importance of self-reflection as well as communication with loved ones to support sensory needs and overall well-being. In this episode, you will hear: + understanding sensory rest + importance of sensory rest for health and focus + challenges of tech usage and sensory rest + practical tips for sensory rest + self reflection and communication Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Mental Rest 43:33

πριν 12 μέρες43:33

43:33

Send us a text Paula explores the importance of mental rest, the second of seven essential types that will be explored in this series. She explains the ways mental rest involves a break from constant mental stimulation, which is crucial for brain function and overall well-being. Paula highlights the challenges of achieving mental rest in a digitally-driven, fast-paced society, noting that cultural and personal responsibilities often hinder it. She poses suggestions of practices to utilize that can benefit our ability to increase mental rest as well as explores reasons that it isn’t talked about as well as reasons that we may not even allow ourselves to participate in increasing mental rest. In this episode, you will hear: + challenges of mental rest in modern society + impact of digital stimulation + barriers to mental rest + stigma and cultural norms + importance and practical tips for increasing mental rest Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Physical Rest 27:07

πριν 19 μέρες27:07

27:07

Send us a text Paula discusses the importance of rest, emphasizing that it involves more than just sleep. She highlights seven types of rest that will be explored in this series, starting with physical rest, which includes sleep and gentle movement. She stresses the need for consistent rest to avoid burnout and improve overall health, including brain function and muscle recovery. She shares personal anecdotes and strategies to enhance physical rest and encourages listeners to prioritize rest and persistently work towards incorporating healthy rest practices into their daily routines. Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Twice the Family with Julie Ryan McGue 44:30

πριν 26 μέρες44:30

44:30

Send us a text Julie returns to share highlights her and her twin sister’s adoption search in her new book, “Twice the Family” which covers their upbringing in a large Irish Catholic family. She highlights the unique bond twins share, challenges associated with a disabled sibling and the impact of infertility on her family. Julie emphasizes the importance of writing for personal healing, their own catharsis and understanding. Guest Bio: Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She writes about finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it. She is the author of two published works: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging (She Writes Press, 2021), and Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship (Muse Literary, 2023). Her third book, Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood releases in February 2025. Contact/Socials: Facebook : juliemcguewrites Instagram : julieryanmcgue LinkedIn : Julie McGue Goodreads : julieryanmcgue X : juliermcgue Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Friendships with Vanessa Cruz 1:02:10

πριν 5 weeks1:02:10

1:02:10

Send us a text Vanessa and Paula who are long time friends and former colleagues discuss their evolving friendship as well as the complexities of adult relationships. Vanessa highlights shared experiences, importance of honestly and the challenges associated with maintaining connections as we grow older. Emphasis is placed on the value of genuine, supportive friendships and the benefits of prioritizing self-care and boundaries. Guest Bio: Vanessa Cruz is an accomplished science educator based in New York City, bringing passion and expertise from her Dominican roots and Afro-Latina heritage. Holding dual master's degrees, she is dedicated to fostering educational excellence and equity. As a single mother of three children, Cruz is committed to raising the next generation with strong values of learning, social justice, and personal empowerment. Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Money with Marci Grossman, CPA 36:41

πριν 6 weeks36:41

36:41

Send us a text Marci returns to speak with Paula about her new app, "Let's Talk About Money," designed to help take the guess work out and facilitate financial conversations. The app, available on Android, includes over 100 conversation starters to help users discuss various financial topics, such as debt and medical expenses. Marci emphasizes the importance of communication in financial relationships and shares her goal of making financial education accessible. Paula highlights the app's potential to bridge gaps in financial education and support diverse audiences. Guest Bio: Marci is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) with a passion for financial literacy. Let's learn about money and let's talk about money by making financial literacy more accessible and less taboo. Contact/Socials: App : https://bit.ly/talkaboutmoneyapp Email : marci@moneymarci.com Facebook: MoneyMarci Instagram: money.marci TikTok : marcigrossman Website: www.moneymarci.com Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Working with Children in Schools w/ Debbie Gonzalez, LCSW 51:25

πριν 8 weeks51:25

51:25

Send us a text Debbie discusses the challenges of working with children in school settings, emphasizing the need for adults to develop their emotional intelligence. She highlights the impact of unresolved adult trauma on children and the importance of understanding the context behind children's behaviors. Gonzalez critiques the common practice of punishing children for misbehavior, such as withholding recess, and advocates for a more compassionate and empathetic approach. In this episode, you will hear: + the role environment and parental input + expectations and behavioral changes + impact of trauma and emotional intelligence + role of social workers and professional development + importance of community and consistency + addressing systemic issues and long-term solutions Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Resolutions and Resistance 13:37

πριν 9 weeks13:37

13:37

Send us a text During this fun-size episode to get the ball rolling on our New Year, Paula discusses the cultural and personal pressures associated with resolutions and resistance towards them. She highlights the societal expectation to be productive, the intrinsic need to rest, explores the concept of resistance in therapy as well as the importance of understanding one's motivations. In this episode, you will hear: resolutions and their cultural context concept of rest as resistance resistance in the therapeutic space alternatives to New Year’s resolutions cognitive restructuring for positive change Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Ask P Anything Vol. 3 44:22

πριν 12 weeks44:22

44:22

Send us a text In our highly anticipated Year-End "Ask Paula Anything - Vol.3" Episode, Paula dives into an array of questions submitted by our vibrant and supportive community of listeners. She shares her unique perspectives and offers a wealth of personalized feedback covering a variety of topics that resonate with many. Paula provides insightful suggestions and diverse strategies, serving as a catalyst for achieving even greater success as we eagerly anticipate 2025! Social Work Professional Development - 10 CEUs Retreat, Remix, Revive - Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025 For More Information: https://bit.ly/4gzTkTW Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Community and Connection in Social Work w/ Cristino N. Chavez Jr., LMSW, CTP 49:34

πριν 13 weeks49:34

49:34

Send us a text Cristino, a first-generation Salvadorian social worker, discusses his diverse roles, including forensic social worker and PhD student among others he currently holds. He emphasizes the evolving use of social media as a tool for connection and information dissemination. In addition, he critiques the social work licensing exams, arguing they perpetuate inequality and hinder entry into the profession as well as highlights the need for systemic change and the importance of social workers in leadership roles. Cristino shares a call to action, emphasizing the ongoing revolution in social work and the need for continuous transformation. Guest Bio: Cristino N. Chavez Jr. (he/him/his) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and currently holds several roles including forensic social worker, adjunct professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work, board member, and an immigration court mental health consultant. Cristino received his BA in Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury and MSW at Adelphi University. Cristino is currently a doctoral student at Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work, on his journey toward earning his Ph.D. in Social Welfare. His research, teaching, and practice focuses on criminal & juvenile justice, immigration, and social policy. Contact/Socials: Email : cncsw.consulting@gmail.com Instagram : @cnc_lmsw LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/cnc_lmsw Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Mentorship in Social Work with Erica P. Sandoval, LCSW, SIFI 46:47

πριν 14 weeks46:47

46:47

Send us a text Erica discusses the importance of mentorship in her career and the upcoming third volume of "Latinx in Social Work," which focuses on mentorship. She highlights her journey, including support from mentors referred to as Madrinas and the challenges she faced, including toxic work environments and betrayal. Erica emphasizes the role of community and collective action in overcoming these challenges. She also shares her transformation through holistic practices and the launch of Siembra Today, a nonprofit providing accessible mental health and wellness tools for BIPOC communities. Guest Bio: Erica Priscilla Sandoval is an award-winning mental health practitioner, speaker, executive coach, entrepreneur, podcaster, philanthropist, and author. Erica is most recently the Executive Director of Siembra Today , a women-run, BIPOC-led nonprofit devoted to providing accessible mental health and wellness support through narrative storytelling, books, workshops, healing circles, conferences, and social media campaigns. Siembra Today’s goal is to destigmatize and promote mental health and wellness for the Latino/a/x/e and BIPOC community, so that they can plant seeds of hope for themselves and future generations. Erica is also the founder and CEO of Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation —known as Sandoval CoLab—which provides talk therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and holistic offerings. She is the creator of the book series Latinx/e in Social Work , personal narratives available in both English and Spanish that amplify the voices of Latinx/e social workers. Erica holds a Post Master’s in Clinical Adolescent Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, Silver School of Social Work. As a proud immigrant from Ecuador, her passion is fueled by supporting her community. Contact/Socials LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericapsandoval/ Instagram: latinxinsocialwork , sandovalcolab , siembratoday Websites: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/ , https://www.sandovalcolab.com/ , https://www.siembratoday.org/ Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Being Thankful for 100 Episodes! 28:04

πριν 14 weeks28:04

28:04

Send us a text It's been 100 episodes and what better day to share how thankful we are for the show than Thanksgiving. (United States Version) Paula and everyone at Fonzie-Try Media appreciate everyone who been a guest, listened, followed, and shared. Enjoy and thanks for listening to our show! Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about the Journey From Incarceration to Social Work with Joseph Williams, LCSW 45:43

πριν 16 weeks45:43

45:43

Send us a text Joe shares his transformative journey from gun violence and incarceration to becoming a social worker. He highlights his motivations, including the birth of his daughter and the desire to break the cycle of crime as his “Why?” while uplifting the importance of lived experience in therapy, advocating for more clinicians with similar backgrounds and his work with the alternative-to-incarceration program CASES. Guest Bio: Joseph (Joe) Williams, LCSW, is a formerly incarcerated Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Lyfe-Chess Strategist. Joe grew up in the Brownsville & East New York sections of Brooklyn. He received his Bachelors from Bard College’s Prison Initiative (BPI) in 2013 while incarcerated, and shortly after release, received his Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University. Joe is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Social Work (DSW ‘25) at NYU, with over a decade of experience providing trauma-informed talk-therapy, counseling, and success mentoring to youth, young adults, families, and communities from all walks of life. Contact/Socials Email : joewilllcsw@gmail.com Instagram : joe4gi Website : lyfechessynk.com Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Training & Development for School Social Workers with Dr. Gabriella McBride, DSW, LCSW 45:56

πριν 17 weeks45:56

45:56

Send us a text Gabi and Paula converse about her career trajectory, starting out as a foster care social worker, transitioning to Founding Social Worker & Director of Social Services at Mott Haven Academy Charter School and involvement with launching a program at NYU Silver School of Social Work designed specifically to train school social workers. She highlights need for specialized training for school social workers, noting the complexity of their roles and the lack of consistent support. They emphasized the importance of community, data utilization, and professional development as well as discussed the challenges of advocating for oneself in the school system and the need for increased quality professional development opportunities. Guest Bio: Gabriella McBride, LCSW, DSW, earned her MSW degree from CSSW in 2006 and DSW from NYU in 2023. Following a supervisory role at New York Foundling, she joined Mott Haven Academy Charter School in 2009, where she served as a Founding Social Worker and the Director of Social Services until 2021. Gabriella has supervised MSW students since 2007 and has taught as an adjunct faculty member at NYU Silver since 2016. Gabriella's teaching is influenced by critical pedagogy, aiming to transform social work practice both within the classroom and in practicum placements. Gabriella's doctoral capstone was on using simulation in social work education and dialogic pedagogy in classrooms as an anti-racist teaching practice. Currently, Gabriella is involved with launching the School Social Work Training Academy at NYU Silver School of Social Work, a program dedicated to training school social workers serving youth and families in New York City. Gabriella is also a proud mama of two beautiful children. Contact/Socials Email : gc85@nyu.edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-mcbride-6a73b069/ Follow us on Instagram @whydontwetalkabouthispod…

Why Don't We Talk About This?

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Talking about Challenges Faced by Youth and Families with Jaran David Manzanet, MSW 50:25

πριν 18 weeks50:25