The Chillspot Radio warmly welcomes CSUN MSW Alumni, Michael Curry. Being among the first graduating class in the pandemic, Michael reflects on how he navigated that time period. He shares the real ways he accesses self-care including painting, fitness, and commuting as a means of decompressing. He also shares his aspirations and goals not only for professional growth, but his personal mission to make social work and mental health services more accessible for black people. We talk about the importance of representation within higher education, training spaces, and how we can meaningfully and intentionally take up more space!

Terrence Stewart, ASW joins us for the podcast today and reflets on his educational journey as one of the few Black men in the CSUN Master's of Social Work Program during his time in the program. He shares how he found wellness through balance and intentionality (from daily meditation habits to mentors modeling and holding compassionate and supportive spaces) during the many demands and stressors of graduate school. With warmth, authenticity, and enthusiasm, Terrance is an inspiration for anyone, but particularly black men, questioning whether they could/should pursue higher education.

Dr. Daniel Lee, Mayor and first Black elected Council Member of Culver City, CA joins the Chill Spot Radio. We look at black male identity and how it intersects with social work values, the systematic racism and urban education. We learn how, "not going with the flow" bends the arc towards change.

Councilmember Lee if running for U. S. House Representative for CA-37. Please visit his website to learn more: https://danielwaynelee.com/