Podcast
Helpful Social Work Podcast
Hosted by Shantel Thomas and Sylvia Smith · EN
In 2024 the platform was handed over to the ARM-OUR; a podcast from the Anti-Racist Movement, where courage meets compassion, and connection flourishes within our community.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
5a – More Than Hair: Identity, Power and the Salon Chair
Apr 2401:09:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode we step into the world of theatre and storytelling through JaJa’s African Hair Braiding — a play that centres the beauty, complexity and politics of Black life within the familiar space of the hair salon. The conversation reflects pertinent themes such as identity, migration, labour and belonging. We delve into the unspoken dynamics that live in community spaces — the care, the tension, the humour and the truth. Through this discussion, we reflect on what it means to be seen, to be held and sometimes to be challenged within spaces that feel like home. This episode is hosted by Sylvia, who guides a thoughtful and honest conversation that goes beyond the stage and into life in living colour. As always with ARM- OUR, this isn’t about passive listening. It’s an invitation to reflect: What resonated with you? What felt familiar? What challenged your thinking? If this conversation moves you, share it with your community, subscribe to the podcast and be part of growing a space where these conversations can continue.
Transcribe →4a – Give to Gain: The Power of Giving and Black Women’s Generosity
Mar 800:49:34Tap to summarizeWelcome Back to ARM-OUR or OUR-ARM, the podcast from the Anti-Racist Movement (ARM). Giving can be powerful, restorative, and intentional and this episode explores how we reclaim our energy and connect more deeply to our shared humanity. For this relaunch episode, we mark International Women’s Day with a powerful conversation inspired by the theme Give to Gain and the call to give again. Black women have always given, we give our care, labour, wisdom, leadership and for our community. Giving is deeply connected to our humanity; it is how we nurture, sustain and uplift one another. Yet too often that giving has been expected, unrecognised, or taken for granted. In this episode, four women from ARM come together to reflect on what it means to give — not from exhaustion or obligation, but from a place of healing, intention, and collective strength. Through honest and unfiltered conversation, we explore how generosity, boundaries, and mutual care remind us that when giving is rooted in our shared humanity, it becomes a powerful force for restoration, dignity, and real change. Heal boldly. Lead courageously. And never shrink your voice. If this episode resonates with you, share it, comment, like, and subscribe — and help us keep the conversation going. Your voice matters, and together we can give and connect more deeply to our shared humanity. Lots of Love, Shantel Founder/Director Anti-Racist Movement CIC
Transcribe →3a – The Power of the Pen: A Black Women’s Writing Retreat
Jul 18Tap to summarizeWelcome to today’s episode. We’re diving into the power of Black women’s writing — not just as creativity, but as survival, healing, and resistance. This episode comes out of a five-day writing retreat in July 2025 for Black women in academia, social work, and beyond. I brought them together to write for the upcoming special issue for the British Journal of Social Work (listen back to episode 1 for details). What happened in that space was profound: women who had been silenced found their voices, those isolated in their institutions found solidarity, and writing itself became a tool of leadership and liberation. In this conversation, we explore what it means to claim space on the page, to move from the margins to the centre, and to imagine writing as a form of organisational transformation. Stay tuned — this is about writing as resistance, and resistance as survival.
Transcribe →2a – From Tumbles to Triumphs: Our Final March in May – Slips, Steps, and Solidarity
Jun 6Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the finale of our unforgettable “March in May” fundraiser—a journey that took us across the stunning Seven Sisters hills and deep into conversations about resilience, representation, and collective joy. Still time to donate: https://gofund.me/e6a2187d (copy and paste into browser). The ARM Core Collective reflect on what it meant to walk 10,000 steps a day for the 31 days in May, covering the equivalent of 3.5 Mount Kilimanjaros. From laughter-filled moments (yes, there were plastic bags and unexpected tumbles!) to powerful reflections on visibility and anti-racism, this episode is a celebration of community, courage, and connection. We also honour the historical significance of our route, where the West Indian Regiment once trained during WWI—reminding us that every step we take is part of a much larger story. So grab your headphones, take a walk with us, and let’s close this segment with purpose and pride.
Transcribe →1b – Unmasking the Media: Racist Imagery in Print
Apr 22, 202500:40:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we tackle a tough conversation head-on. Our core collective delves into a deeply disturbing situation that shook us to our core and compelled us to respond. We confront the impact of racist imagery, prioritising its effects over its intent. As a collective, we recognise the urgent need to call out these issues, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Ignoring them only perpetuates behaviour, which is then deemed unconscious. We can no longer tolerate this and have a responsibility to take action. Join us as we share our candid thoughts and stand firm. Welcome to ARMOUR. Get in touch- Email: antiracistmove@gmail.com
Transcribe →Season 10: 1a – Reimagining Anti-Racist Social Work – Call for Abstracts (Season 10, Episode 1)
Apr 7, 202500:56:49Tap to summarizeThis isn’t reform, it reimagination. Season 10 begins with a call for radical, anti-racist visions for social work. In this episode, we launch a call for abstracts for the upcoming British Journal of Social Work special issue: “Reimagining Anti-Racist Social Work – Rooted in Care, Resistance and Solidarity” led by the Anti-Racist Movement. We explore: The purpose and vision of the special issue Who we want to hear from (spoiler: it’s not just academics) How to submit your abstract Deadline: Friday 9th May 2025 Submission details, just click: https://academic.oup.com/bjsw/pages/social-work-special-issue-2026. Join us as we kick off a new season rooted in justice, imagination, and action.
Transcribe →9a EDI Under Pressure: Bias, Backlash & Breaking Barriers
Feb 7, 202500:51:29Tap to summarizeWelcome to today’s episode – the last for series 9 – where we dive deep into the complexities of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Members of the core collective unpack the challenges of implementing and measuring EDI efforts and explore the growing hostility toward EDI, the intricacies of intersectionality, and the global state of anti-racism work. Amid these critical discussions, we also find moments of joy, and as we wrap up, we reflect on the importance of remembering history, staying vigilant, and leading with compassion—core values that lie at the heart of social work. Join us for an insightful and uplifting conversation that challenges, informs, and inspires
Transcribe →8a Intentions in Motion: Reflecting on 2024, Focusing on 2025
Jan 3, 202501:02:05Tap to summarizeHappy New Year to you ALL. Welcome to Bridging the Years, the first episode of ARMOUR or OURARM for 2025. As we step into this new year, we pause to reflect on the lessons, triumphs, and growth of 2024. What did the past year teach us? How did it shape who we are today? More importantly, we’ll set our sights on the year ahead—exploring the power of intention and the possibilities it holds. This year, we’re inviting the entire ARM collective to join us in a special way: by choosing and sharing one word that captures their intention for 2025. Whether it’s ‘growth,’ ‘balance,’ ‘resilience,’ or something deeply personal, we believe these words have the power to inspire and guide us as a community. So, settle in as we take a thoughtful journey through reflection, intention, and the collective wisdom of the Anti-Racist Movement. Let’s start 2025 with clarity and connection.”
Transcribe →7b Breaking the Silence: ADHD, Leadership and the Black Woman’s Experiences – Shantel and Laurelle
Dec 31, 202400:50:42Tap to summarizeIn this deeply moving season finale of ARM-OUR, Laurelle and I hold nothing back as we delve into the intricate intersection of neurodiversity, leadership, and identity. As Black women navigating the dual worlds of executive leadership and ADHD (and dyslexia), we explore the layers of complexity, resilience, and vulnerability that come with breaking stereotypes and challenging expectations. This conversation is a raw, honest reflection on the highs and lows of our journeys—offering insights, solidarity, and a reminder that we’re never alone in the struggle or the triumph. Laurelle Brown is CEO of the award winning Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy which helps systems, leadership & practice work better for racialised children; Co-founder of Kijiji -The community for Black safeguarding children professionals and a proud ADHD-er. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a joyful and prosperous 2025!!! We appreciate all your support thus far!!!
Transcribe →7a Championing Change: A Conversation with Dr. Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE
Dec 20, 202401:10:42Tap to summarizeWelcome to this special episode, where we have the privilege of sitting down with the extraordinary Dr. Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE. With decades of experience in social work and child protection, Dr. Barnett-Jones has dedicated her life to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. A trailblazer in her field, she has not only transformed social work practice but has also influenced policy at a national level. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we delve into her personal journey, exploring the experiences that shaped her passion for social justice. From her early days as a frontline social worker to receiving her MBE for her contributions to the profession, Dr. Barnett-Jones shares invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of her career. Whether you’re a social work practitioner, an advocate for change, or simply curious about the human stories behind this vital profession, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of one of the most respected voices in the field. Join us as we celebrate resilience, compassion, and the profound impact of a life devoted to serving others. NB: This episode was recorded over the summer and was the 1st in a series of 1-2-1 conversations with key players doing great work in the space.
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