Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 1 chart position in 1 market.
By chart position
- 🇦🇺AU · Mental Health#1475K to 30K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
2.5K to 15K🎙 Weekly cadence·100 episodes·Last published 5mo ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
5K to 30K🇦🇺100% - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
1.5K to 9K
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
Mail Bag
Jan 21, 2026
Unknown duration
How to Feel Confident When Working With Parents
Jan 7, 2026
Unknown duration
Owning Your Own Sh*t
Dec 10, 2025
Unknown duration
Working With Couples (Without Playing Referee)
Nov 26, 2025
Unknown duration
Looking Back at Our Money Stories
Oct 16, 2025
Unknown duration
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/21/26 |  Mail Bag | What if I don’t know what I’m doing in my first session?How do I know if I’m being paid fairly?How do I protect my energy in private practice?This episode is a mailbag episode, where Bronwyn and I go through some listener questions. We talk honestly and practically about what it’s really like in the early and middle stages of practice. From first session nerves, to niching, money, burnout and protecting your energy in private practice.This episode is a mix of lived experience, mistakes we’ve made, and the things we wish someone had told us sooner.In this episode we cover:What actually helps when you’re seeing your first ever clientHow to think about niching without boxing yourself inWhy pay is complicated and what to look at beyond the numberHow to protect your mental health and energy in private practiceWhy listening matters more than saying the right thingIf you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing this job “right”, this one is for you.If this episode stirred something for you, you are not alone. We are all human in this work.Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources• Mental Work PodcastGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request herehttp://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976 | — | ||||||
| 1/7/26 |  How to Feel Confident When Working With Parents | Have you ever been sitting with a young person in session while their parent waits outside, unsure how much to involve them and quietly worrying about saying the wrong thing?Working with parents alongside young people can feel daunting. Consent, confidentiality, boundaries, imposter syndrome and distressed parents can contribute to avoiding it altogether. Avoiding bringing families into the room missed crucial information and support for the young person can leave families feeling excluded and unsure of how to help.In this episode of the Inside Social Work Podcast, I talk about how to confidently and ethically include parents in therapeutic work with young people. We don’t need to be family therapy trained to include parents in sessions, and I share how we include them in thoughtful collaboration that supports the work rather than complicates it.If you work with young people and feel unsure about how to manage parents, this episode offers reassurance, practical ideas, and a reminder that you do not need to do this perfectly to do it well.In this episode, I talk about• Why involving parents often feels overwhelming for clinicians• Common fears early career practitioners have when working with families• How to set clear boundaries around confidentiality and expectations• Practical ways to include parents without overwhelming the work• Shifting from fixing to holding space when emotions run high• How collaboration with families can strengthen outcomes for young peopleContact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:Mental Work PodcastConnected teensGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request herehttp://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976 | — | ||||||
| 12/10/25 |  Owning Your Own Sh*t | What happens when we don’t own our stuff?This episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by psychologist and researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins to talk about something many of us encounter in our work: what happens when we avoid taking responsibility for how we show up in the work.We explore those reactive moments. The times we avoid difficult conversations. The situations where our own history or blind spots start to shape our interactions with clients and teams. We discuss the importance ofemotional responsibility in mental health settings and why being trained in this work does not make us immune to rupture, defensiveness or being messy humans.We talk about• Why mental health workers idealise their colleagues• What happens when professionals avoid their own inner work• How shame and perfectionism show up in teams• When supervision becomes a mirror rather than a shield• The difference between being healed and being honest• How to recognise your triggers before they spill into the work• Ways to bring more transparency, ownership and repair into your workplaceIf this episode stirred something for you, you are not alone. We are all human in this work.Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources• Mental Work Podcast• Brene Brown YouTube clip on blame•📕 Dare to Lead by Brene Brown•📕 Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown• Grow Yourself Up by Jenny Brown Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976 | — | ||||||
| 11/26/25 |  Working With Couples (Without Playing Referee) | Couples therapy can be some of the most rewarding work we do, but it can also be some of the most challenging. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in the room thinking, am I helping or am I refereeing?, this episode is for you.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I revisit a conversation originally recorded with Dr Bronwyn Milkins on the Mental Work Podcast, where we break down what it really looks like to work with couples without getting pulled into the crossfire.We explore what actually happens in sessions, why structure matters, and how to navigate the emotional intensity that comes with two people bringing their pain, frustration, and hopes into the room.Whether you’re new to couples work or trying to build more confidence, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real clinical experience.We explore:Why couples work can feel emotionally demandingHow structure helps contain conflictWhat live conflict reveals about patternsHow to stay steady without taking sidesWhat to consider when separation is on the tableResources:When should you refer an individual to couples therapy? Blog post by Marie.This Complex Life - Marie's podcast where she delves into the messiness of wellbeing and relationships.Books: Come Together by Emily Nagoski, Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel, Eight Dates by John and Julie GottmanInterested in couples therapy training? Gottman Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy are common evidence-based approaches!Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976 | — | ||||||
| 10/16/25 |  Looking Back at Our Money Stories | Money touches every part of our lives, yet so often it’s the thing we avoid talking about. In this final episode of our money mini-series, Ashton Hayes (Becoming an AMHSW Podcast) and I wrap up our reflections on the money stories and money blocks that shape how we live, work, and relate.Together we explore:How old beliefs about money can quietly influence our choicesThe importance of transparency around money in relationshipsWhy financial literacy matters for social workers and clients alikeGendered expectations about money and worthSmall, practical steps that help you feel more confident with moneyWhy reflective practice applies just as much to money as it does to social workThis episode is about going gently with yourself, questioning the stories you’ve inherited, and starting the conversations that so many of us have avoided.ResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itWhy do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Saving money starting out and the mistakes we madeWe don’t have to work for freeUntangling money blocks in social workGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976 | — | ||||||
| 10/15/25 |  Untangling money blocks in social work | Our relationship with money doesn’t start when we open our first bank account. It’s shaped from childhood, through our families, culture, community, and the messages we absorbed without even realising. These “money stories” influence how we value ourselves, the fees we set, the risks we take, and the limits we place on our practice.In this episode, Ashton and I explore the money myths and blocks that show up for social workers in private practice. We share our own experiences, unpack where these beliefs come from, and talk about how shifting them can open up new possibilities in our work and lives.What we cover:What “money stories” are and why they matterHow family and culture shape our beliefs about moneyCommon money myths (hard work equals worth, ambition equals greed)How money blocks play out in practice, undercharging, burnout, and fear of growthPractical tools and resources to reflect on and reframe your money storyResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itWhy do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Saving money starting out and the mistakes we madeWe don’t have to work for freeAlso explore:Books – She’s On the Money, Barefoot Investor, Profit First, You’re a Badass at Making Money by Jen SinceroJournaling prompts – Ashton’s 30-day reflections on money blocksHow to Improve Your Relationship With MoneyGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:<a href="https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976" rel="noopener noreferrer"... | — | ||||||
| 10/14/25 |  We don’t have to work for free | Social work is often framed as a profession of sacrifice, but does that mean we should give away our time and expertise for free?In this episode, Ashton and I unpack the belief that charging for our services makes us less caring. We talk about fee transparency, the real costs of running a practice, and how the expectation of free or underpaid labour undermines both social workers and clients.We also reflect on the importance of boundaries, sustainability, and the difference between choosing to give back through volunteering or community work and being pressured to undervalue ourselves.We cover:Why social workers are pressured to work for free (and why it’s harmful)The hidden costs of private practice (training, HEX debt, ongoing supervision)Fee transparency and clear expectations with clientsHow undervaluing ourselves undermines the professionBalancing generosity and sustainability in practiceThe difference between volunteering by choice vs. being exploitedResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itWhy do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Saving money starting out and the mistakes we madeAlso explore:Open letter from Ashon Hayes - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-accredited-mental-health-social-worker-ashton-hayes-idq9c/ Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5... | — | ||||||
| 10/13/25 |  Saving money starting out and the mistakes we made | Starting in private practice is exciting and expensive. There are so many choices about what to spend on and what to skip. From shiny new tech to endless training courses, it can be easy to waste money before you’ve even found your feet.In this episode, Ashton and I talk about where you can actually save money when you’re just starting out, the investments that are worth it, and our biggest money blunders (spoiler: ring lights and training we never finished).We cover:Why systems are the best early investmentHow to avoid wasting money on unused tech or subscriptionsThe hidden savings in group supervision and training bundlesThe importance of cancellation policies to protect your incomeBalancing “just getting started” with optimising as you growOur own biggest money mistakes (and what we’d do differently)This conversation is about being strategic. Spend where it counts, cut back where you can, and don’t let shiny distractions eat into your income.ResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itWhy do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 10/12/25 |  Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth? | Money is often the thing we’re told not to talk about. Yet for social workers, it’s at the heart of so many challenges in our profession.In this episode, Ashton and I unpack:Why social workers feel guilty about charging for their workThe gendered expectations tied to caring professionsHow undervaluing ourselves hurts both us and the professionThe hidden costs of private practice training, supervision, sick leave, overheadsShifting mindset from “martyrdom” to sustainabilityHow charging fairly allows us to keep showing up for clientsWe talk openly about the guilt, the judgment, and the reality of making a living in social work.If this resonates, start with the Intro Episode of the series and follow through each conversation. Together, they’re about honesty, growth, and reclaiming what it means to thrive in this profession.Resources Listen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 10/9/25 |  The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it | Social work doesn’t follow a straight line, it’s often what we call a squiggly career. Along the way, there are challenges, shiny distractions, and moments of doubt. But there are also incredible rewards.In this episode, Ashton and I reflect on:The hardest parts of working as Accredited Mental Health Social WorkersThe risks of chasing every new training or modalityWhy having a clear thread or anchor point mattersCommon misconceptions about AMHSW accreditationThe role of hobbies, creativity, and connection outside of workThe great things that keep us engaged in this profession🎧 Tune in to hear the lessons we’ve learned and the joys we’ve found along the way.Resources Listen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 10/8/25 |  The moments self-doubt almost stopped us | Self-doubt has a way of creeping in at the worst times whether it’s applying for a job, saying yes to a leadership role, or even putting yourself out there creatively.In this episode, Ashton and I talk about the moments where self-doubt almost stopped us from saying yes to opportunities and how we found ways to push through. We explore:Why self-doubt shows up even for experienced social workersHow writing, speaking, and visibility can feel like barriersGendered expectations around confidence and “meeting the criteria”Strategies that help us move forward despite inner criticismProgress over perfection and learning to reframe self-doubt as growth🎧 Listen to the episode now and reflect on the role self-doubt has played in your own career.ResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeSusan David - Emotional agility Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 10/7/25 |  The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe | Have you ever looked at your career and thought, my younger self would never have seen this coming?In Episode 3 of our mini-series, Ashton and I reflect on how our work, values, and lives have evolved in ways our 25-year-old selves could never have predicted. From unexpected career shifts to the courage to take up space, we explore the surprises that come with time and experience.We also invite you to reflect: what would surprise your younger self about where you are now?In this episode we cover:How career paths rarely unfold the way we imagine at the startThe tension between early dreams and where we’ve landedWhy public speaking, podcasting, or leadership might feel impossible when we’re just starting outThe role of values in shaping a career, more than goals or tick-box achievementsHow looking back can spark empathy for our younger selves — and gratitude for our growthResources:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownJoin the Career Clarity Challenge today!Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 10/6/25 |  How our social work practice has grown | Social work careers rarely look the same. In this episode we share what ours look like now and how they keep evolving, Ashton and I talk about where that journey has taken us and the work we’re doing now.I share what it’s like running The Therapy Hub in Melbourne, supporting young people, families, and couples, as well as the trainings and parenting programs I’ve developed. Ashton talks about her dual focus: Willow Tree, her counselling clinic, and Ashton Hayes & Co Consulting, where she mentors and supports social workers across Australia.Together, we explore:The realities of running private practices and balancing multiple rolesFinding a niche in therapy and why it’s an evolving processThe overlap between mental health, relationships, and educationHow supervision, mentoring, and leadership strengthen our fieldWhy building community matters as much as individual client workGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 10/5/25 |  Why we became social workers (and why we stayed) | Every social worker has a story about how they got here. Some of us take winding paths through other careers, while others stumble into social work almost by accident.In this first episode of our 10-part collaboration series, I sit down with Ashton Hayes (host of Becoming an AMHSW) to share our journeys into social work.We talk about:The meandering, non-linear paths that led us into social workHow travel, life experience, and curiosity shaped our choicesThe breadth of social work, from policy to practice, and everything in betweenWhy the profession can be so hard to define, yet so rewardingThe challenges of explaining what we do, and how training shapes our careersThis isn’t the neat checklist version of becoming a social worker. It’s about real experiences, twists and turns, and the values that pulled us into the work.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 10/2/25 |  Behind the scenes of becoming an accredited mental health social worker series intro. | Have you ever wondered if you’re really cut out to be an accredited mental health social worker? If you’re smart enough, good enough, or if everyone else has it figured out while you’re still feeling like an imposter? What about talking money and finances? Branding and marketing?You’re not alone.In this special 10-part collaboration, I team up with Ashton Hayes, host of Becoming an AMHSW, to share the messy, honest realities of becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. We share our own lived experiences, the winding career paths that shape who we are, impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and discuss the often-taboo topic of money stories.You won't want to miss this seriesAcross the series we talk about:The challenges and frustrations of AMHSW applications and pathwaysThe truth about starting out in private practiceWhy vulnerability and connection matter so much in this workMoney beliefs, charging clients, and financial security in social workBuilding networks and community so the work feels less lonelyThis isn’t a guidebook. It’s two social workers sharing the behind-the-scenes stories that often go unspoken. Our hope is that you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and maybe even inspired as you navigate your own career.🎧 Listen to the collaboration series on Inside Social Work and Becoming an AMHSW.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 9/24/25 |  Benefits of Supervision | Have you ever sat in a supervision session that felt more like a checklist than real support? Maybe you’ve wondered what supervision is actually meant to give you.In this solo episode of Inside Social Work, I talk about why supervision matters, how it’s shaped my own practice, and why it’s more than a professional requirement. We’ll explore how good supervision helps prevent burnout, what makes it different from line management, and how to find the right fit as your needs change.This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with reflections for social workers, therapists, and anyone holding the weight of other people’s stories.Key Takeaways:Why real supervision is about reflection and growth, not just case managementHow supervision helps with ethical decision making and burnout preventionWhat to look for in a supervisor beyond credentialsWhy it’s okay for your supervision needs to change over timeHow group and peer supervision can build connection and perspectiveWhat supervision can and can’t do when it comes to workplace challengesIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with a colleague or anyone who’s thinking about their own supervision practice. You can also download my free resource on reflective questions for supervision in the show notes.Resources:Reflective Questions for Getting the Most Out of SupervisionSupervision PART 1Supervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group SupervisionPart 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning PreferencesBenefits of Clinical SupervisionGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 9/17/25 |  Therapy With Teens | Teenagers today are navigating a very complex world Social media and digital technology, constant connection, academic pressure, identity exploration, and big emotions can make adolescence feel overwhelming, not just for teens, but for parents, carers, and the professionals who support them.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins to share insights from our years of working with teens and their families. We explore what makes therapy unique for young people, how to support them through life’s challenges, and why safety and trust matter more than quick solutions.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, this conversation is a reminder that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and understood.We explore: • Why teens often feel misunderstood by adults • How therapy can help with identity exploration and emotional regulation • The importance of trust, consent, and autonomy in therapy • Strategies for parents and carers to strengthen connection • Practical ways therapists can engage teens meaningfullyIf you’re worried about a young person in your life, reaching out for support is a powerful first step. You can visit The Therapy Hub to find guidance and professional support.If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit, leave a review, or subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.Resources:Inside Social Work PodcastThe Therapy HubHeadspace Postvention ToolkitBe You: Suicide Prevention and Responsehttp://marievakakis.com.au/courses/working-therapeutically-with-teens/https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/introduction-to-mental-health-support-and-interventions-for-teens/Get Ready for Therapy GuideTrainings:https://marievakakis.com.au/professionals-training-and-supervision/Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned... | — | ||||||
| 9/8/25 |  What Bad Therapy Taught Me About Good Therapy | Therapy is often seen as a safe, supportive space, but what happens when it goes wrong? In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to unpack what bad therapy has taught her about being a better therapist.We talk about what happens when therapy misses the mark, how defensiveness impacts client relationships, and why rupture and repair skills are essential for every therapist.Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or someone navigating therapy yourself, this conversation will help you see the importance of transparency, fit, and realistic expectations.We explore:• How defensiveness can damage the client–therapist relationship• Why rupture and repair is one of the most important therapeutic skills• The role of client expectations in therapy outcomes• How deliberate practice builds confidence and skill• Why talking about therapy’s side effects matters• How marketing and branding can help clients find the right fit• Practical advice for clients to ask the right questions• Why mistakes in therapy are inevitable but repair is possibleResources:• Santio Counselling Centre• Inside Social Work Podcast• Get Ready for Therapy GuideGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 9/3/25 |  Very Bad Therapy Encore | Therapy is meant to be supportive and healing, but not every client experience feels that way. In this encore episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Ben and Carrie, from the Very Bad Therapy podcast, about what happens when therapy goes wrong, why it matters to talk about it, and how we can do better.Key Takeaways• Bad therapy cannot be reduced to a checklist. It depends on the individual client experience• Many clients internalise bad therapy and believe they are at fault• Therapy can have side effects and sometimes people feel worse afterwards• Mistakes will happen. Repair and humility matter more than perfection• Asking about expectations is just as important as setting goals• Therapists will feel defensive. The work is to notice it and respond with openness• Deliberate practice builds skills by focusing on one area at a time• Administrative details like fees, scheduling, and emails are part of the relationship and need careThis conversation is for therapists and anyone who has ever questioned whether therapy was helping. Ben and Carrie share lessons from hundreds of client stories that challenge us to rethink how we work, listen, and repair when things go wrong.Resources: Very Bad Therapy podcast with Ben Feinman and Carrie WiitaModern Therapist Survival Guide with Kurt and KatieSantio Counselling Centre in CaliforniaLearn Psychotherapy podcast with Ben and CarrieInside Social Work with Marie VakakisIf this episode resonated with you please follow and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sharing the episode helps more people join these honest conversations about mental health and relationships.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 8/19/25 |  What Just Happened? How to Use ‘Here and Now’ Comments in Therapy | When you’re in a therapy session and something happens right in the moment, a shift in body language, a sudden silence, a flicker of emotion, naming it can change everything.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work Podcast to talk about using ‘here and now’ comments to deepen connection and insight in the room. We explore why they work, when to use them, and how to navigate the risks.We discuss:What ‘here and now’ comments are and why they matterHow they can build safety and trust in therapyPractical ways to notice and name what’s happeningThe difference between curiosity and confrontationHow to handle moments when it lands badlyWhy slowing down is often the most powerful thing you can doWhether you’re new to therapy or an experienced practitioner, this conversation offers practical tools to bring more presence, attunement, and awareness into your work.Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:Inside Social Work Podcast on SpotifyInside Social Work Podcast on AppleMental Work PodcastGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 8/6/25 |  Student Placements in Private Practice with Amy Howell | Student placements in private practice are becoming more common, but they raise a lot of questions for students, supervisors, and clients.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by social worker and supervisor Amy Howell to explore what it’s like offering student placements in a private practice setting, what support students need, and how services can navigate the challenges that come up.We discuss:Why more students are doing placements in private settingsWhat good supervision looks like when you’re in private practiceThe ethical, practical and emotional sides of student workHow to create a learning environment that feels safe and reflectiveWhat students need to feel supported, not thrown in the deep endThis episode is for anyone supervising students, considering offering placements, or thinking about private practice as a student.🎧 Listen now and explore more resources and links below.🔗 ResourcesThe Therapy HubAASW Supervision GuidelinesInside Social Work PodcastProfessional LearningGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 7/30/25 |  Inside the Therapy Room with the Whole Family | What actually happens when the whole family comes to therapy? And how do you even start a conversation when everyone’s at odds?In this special crossover episode with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast, we explore the unique challenges and dynamics of working with whole families in therapy. From preparing for multi-person sessions to setting boundaries, managing multiple agendas and keeping kids engaged, this is an honest look into the real-world practice of systemic family therapy.We talk about:How therapists manage logistics, power dynamics and safetyThe importance of clear contracting when working with familiesWhy it’s important to name the emotional undercurrents in the roomWhat makes systemic therapy different from individual or couples workWhy therapists need to get comfortable with discomfortWhether you're a social worker, counsellor or psychologist working with families or just curious what it’s really like in the room, this episode shares insights, humour and real talk from inside the therapy process.ResourcesMental Work Podcast episode: https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/intro-to-family-therapy/https://mhpn.org.au/members/#/Network/95487Professional Learning: https://marievakakis.com.au/professionals-training-and-supervision/Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 7/23/25 |  Is Caring Costing You? Money Beliefs and Private Practice | For many social workers and mental health professionals, the tension between caring and charging is real.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins, host of the Mental Work podcast, to unpack how unexamined money beliefs can impact your practice, your wellbeing, and even your sense of identity as a helping professional.We explore:Why helping professions carry deep shame around moneyHow personal history and family beliefs shape financial decisionsThe unconscious ways clinicians undercharge, overwork, and self-sacrificeHow to create ethical, sustainable private practice modelsWhat healthy boundaries around time, fees, and energy really look likeThis conversation is for any social worker or therapist trying to navigate the emotional side of money while building a values-aligned career.🔗 ResourcesMental Work Podcast –https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/are-your-money-beliefs-holding-you-back-with-marie-vakakis/ How to Improve Your Relationship With Money – https://www.raskmedia.com.au/2025/01/02/how-to-improve-your-relationship-with-money/Relationships & money: how to start having better conversations – https://marievakakis.com.au/relationships-money-how-to-start-having-better-conversations/ Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 7/1/25 |  Is Finding Your Dream Job a Scam? | Why does doing what you love sometimes leave you exhausted, stuck, or questioning your identity?In this episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Dr Bronwyn Milkins, psychologist and host of the Mental Work podcast, about why the dream job ideal doesn’t always lead to happiness. We explore how hustle culture, guilt and overidentification with our jobs contribute to burnout, and what it actually looks like to reclaim space outside work.Whether you're a therapist, educator or any kind of helping professional, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like work became too much of their identity.Key takeaways:Why the dream job ideal can create internal pressureWhat happens when you’re praised for over-functioningThe role of guilt in keeping people stuck in burnoutHow boundaries and rest protect your wellbeingWhy it’s hard to separate identity from professionWhat sustainable success could look like insteadHow to shift your values without losing your sense of purposeContact Dr Bronwyn Milkins here at mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:Mental Work PodcastInside Social WorkThe Therapy HubCareer GuideIf this episode hit close to home, share it with a friend or colleague who might be carrying the same weight.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
| 6/17/25 |  Talk About the Talking: What Really Matters in the First Three Sessions | Do you ever feel like you need to have all the answers in the first few sessions? Maybe you’ve wondered if your client is silently asking themselves, is this going to help?In this episode of Inside Social Work, I chat with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast about the pressures, pacing, and expectations that sit inside the first three sessions of therapy. We unpack what actually helps clients stay engaged and why slowing down can sometimes be the most helpful thing we do.This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with reflections for early career therapists and anyone supporting people through the first steps of therapy.Key Takeaways:Why the first three sessions can feel like they carry extra pressure for both clients and therapistsWhat actually helps people stay in therapyThe power of making the therapy process visibleWhy clarity, structure, and customer service really matterHow scripts and checklists can guide, not restrict, the workWhy slowing down is sometimes the most effective thing we can doThe importance of culture, lived experience, and meaningful engagementPractical ways to check in, offer choice, and build trustIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with your colleagues or anyone supporting people in their early therapy sessions. You can also explore more resources and on-demand training via the website. Thanks for listening to Inside Social Work.Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:On-Demand Training: Enhancing Clinical Outcomes in the First Three SessionsMental Work Podcast👉 Learn more about my on-demand course: Enhance Clinical Outcomes in the First Three Sessions: https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/enhancing-clinical-outcomes-in-the-first-three-sessions/ Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work | — | ||||||
Showing 25 of 100
Pitch Fit is a Pro feature
See how bookable this show is for guests, which brands already advertise, the per-episode ad value, and the best-fit guest and sponsor profile. The numbers are blurred on the free plan.
How readily this show books outside guests like you.
How proven this show is for host-read sponsorships.
For Guests
ProFor Advertisers
ProUpgrade to Pro to unlock guest cadence, sponsor categories, fit scores, and per-episode ad value for this show.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.