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Social Work is Everywhere

Social Work is Everywhere

Written by: University of Maryland School of Social Work
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The Social Work is Everywhere Podcast highlights social work practice, research and expertise in various industries and roles across the globe. Hosted by University of Maryland School of Social Work faculty, this podcast explores and informs how social work shows up everywhere in society.

© 2025 Social Work is Everywhere
Science Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • A Chat with the Office of Access, Strategic Initiatives, and Support (OASIS)
    Dec 11 2025

    In this special episode of the Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast, we bring you highlights from our conversations with the OASIS team at the University of Maryland's School of Social Work. Join us as we discuss strategic planning, collaboration, community and global engagement, and the importance of aligning strategic goals with personal and institutional values. Learn about the evolving landscape of social work, the significance of relational intelligence, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Raju Varghese. Tune in for insights on building resilient, adaptable, and collaborative approaches in social work.

    00:00 Introduction to the Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast
    00:06 Highlights from University of Maryland Faculty and Staff
    00:16 Strategic Planning and Partnerships with OASIS
    00:35 Reflections on Resiliency and Adaptability
    00:41 Key Takeaways from the Oasis Team
    00:48 Community and Policy Developments
    01:18 Aligning Goals with Values
    02:09 The Importance of Relational Intelligence
    03:48 Interdisciplinary and Global Initiatives
    04:34 Building Relationships Across Schools
    05:12 Redefining Strategy and Resilience
    06:19 The Role of Social Work in Everyday Life
    06:48 Closing Remarks and Tribute to Dr. Raju Varghese

    To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

    Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today.

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    8 mins
  • Moving Well: Bringing Mental Health Support to Truck Drivers in Africa
    Nov 13 2025

    Join Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson on the Social Work Is Everywhere podcast as they explore the Moving Well Project—a groundbreaking initiative delivering mental health and HIV prevention support to long-distance truck drivers in Zambia and beyond.

    In this episode, you’ll hear from:

    • Sabeen Ahmed, clinical social worker and curriculum developer for the Moving Well app
    • Munsaka Mubela, coordinator with the Truck Drivers Association of Zambia
    • Gracious Witola, social scientist and public health researcher

    Discover how the team:

    • Identified the unique mental health and HIV risks faced by truck drivers
    • Developed and adapted a mobile app to deliver accessible, culturally relevant support
    • Overcame challenges in reaching a mobile population through creative solutions like WhatsApp groups
    • Engaged local communities, government, and private sector partners for sustainable impact

    Learn about the project’s successes, lessons learned, and hopes for scaling up to reach more drivers across Africa and the world.

    If you’re inspired by this work, please consider supporting the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Your donation helps fund scholarships, research, and community partnerships: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/give

    For more information about admissions: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/msw

    MentalHealth #SocialWork #Africa #TruckDrivers #HIVPrevention #MovingWellProject #PublicHealth #Podcast

    To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

    Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today.

    Follow us on social media!

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    34 mins
  • Building Bridges: Community Partnerships in Zambia with Dr. Simona Simona
    Oct 9 2025

    In this episode of the 'Social Work Is Everywhere' podcast, hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson interview Dr. Simona Simona, a lecturer at the University of Zambia and Assistant Dean for Research in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Simona shares insights on the critical role of community partnerships in research, emphasizing ethical, relevant, and community-driven approaches. He reflects on his decade-long collaboration with Dr. Michalopoulos, particularly focusing on their work with vulnerable communities like Fisher Folks and international truck drivers. Dr. Simona discusses the importance of integrating cultural humility over mere competency and offers advice to global social workers on avoiding extractive research practices. The episode also highlights Dr. Simona's contributions to the field through his work on gender-based violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and his development of educational resources, including an upcoming book on using R for quantitative methods. Listeners are encouraged to support the University of Maryland School of Social Work and connect with Dr. Simona via LinkedIn.

    To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

    Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today.

    Follow us on social media!

    Facebook

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    LinkedIn

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    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
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