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“Healing Overflow with Dr. Toya Jones,” A Social Work Podcast
From toxic relationships to childhood and adult trauma, Toya Jones, BASW program director and assistant professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, shares tips on how to heal and maintain good mental health. With guests like former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Logan and Tamiko Dawkins, director of programs at Light of Life Rescue Mission, as well as numerous solo episodes, Jones covers it all. We asked her to share how this podcast started.
“I started the podcast in the middle of the pandemic. We, as a people, were hurting. We were struggling; I was struggling. I knew I could bring encouragement, mental health tips, and healing strategies to folks who could use them in such a difficult time. I am a trained trauma therapist and a faculty member who teaches clinical courses, so I wanted to bring the classroom to my laptop and offer a time for others to sit with me at my dining room table. When the COVID restrictions were lifted, I couldn’t let go of my love for sharing healing tools. I felt that the School of Social Work should have a podcast to share therapeutic tips with others but also enlighten others about the vast social work profession. Social workers are in so many different careers helping people all over the world. So, I asked Dean [Betsy] Farmer if I could continue my podcast here at Pitt as a social work podcast. She said yes immediately, and the podcast continued here on campus. We are in the third season, and the podcast audience just keeps on growing,” says Jones.
“As you heal, your healing will spill over onto everyone around you,” Jones says, “so let’s keep healing together!”
Listen to the “Healing Overflow” podcast.
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A trailblazer in the digital audio world, Jonathan Singer (PhD ’09) was among the first on the podcast scene in 2007. “The Social Work Podcast” provides information on all things social work, including direct practice (both clinical and community organizing), research, policy, education ... and everything in between. Singer has published more than 140 episodes exploring topics near and dear to every social worker’s heart! You can listen to recent episodes of “The Social Work Podcast.”
Ian Kehinde, a civil engineering student at the Swanson School of Engineering, started the “Let’s Talk Social Innovation” podcast in September 2023, with the goal to change communities through conversation.
The podcast has featured Pitt School of Social Work alums like Center on Race and Social Problems Director Kyaien Conner (MSW ‘04, PhD ‘08), visual artist Morgan Overton (MSW ‘20), and activist Lisa Freeman (BASW ‘02, MSW ‘04).
View all available episodes on YouTube!
Created by Kelly Berthold (MSW ‘17), the “Know Your Fundamentals” podcast is designed for professional moms navigating the challenges of work, family, and self-care, though its insights are valuable for anyone seeking personal growth and connection. The podcast breaks down complex concepts into relatable, actionable insights, offering listeners practical strategies to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Join the supportive community in our private Facebook group, Life, Family, and Career Wellness Support for Empowered and Thriving Professional Moms, to access exclusive content and connect with like-minded individuals and listen to the podcast.