inSocialWork® is the University at Buffalo School of Social Work’s monthly podcast series. Our purpose is to engage practitioners and researchers in lifelong learning and to promote research to practice and practice to research.
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Our Latest Episode
As of March 2026, the United States is fourteen months into the current administration’s second term. A number of observers argue that recent developments — from mass deportations and expanded detention to the politicization of federal agencies and attacks on gender-nonconforming communities — reflect patterns of rising authoritarianism.
In this episode, Stephen Pimpare, PhD, explores why social workers should see this moment as directly relevant to their work. Drawing on political analysis, professional ethics and historical context, he examines how the field of social work has responded to past and present threats to democratic institutions and vulnerable populations. The conversation considers whether the profession has acted with courage or, at times, complicity, and what it means to engage meaningfully in the current environment.
Pimpare also reflects on the ethical, educational and practice implications for social workers, emphasizing the profession’s responsibility to advance human rights, engage in policy practice and address systemic inequities. The discussion highlights how social workers may begin to navigate this moment, from understanding power and institutional constraints to identifying practical ways to contribute to collective action.
Stephen Pimpare, PhD, is professor of public policy and director of the Master in Public Policy program at Vermont Law and Graduate School. He is the author of four books, including A People’s History of Poverty in America, which received the Michael Harrington Award, and Politics for Social Workers: A Practical Guide to Effecting Change, which received the 2023 Best Book Award from the Society for Social Work and Research.
Technology in Social Work
It is an exciting time to be a social worker! Innovative technology has opened up new possibilities to better serve our clients.
On inSocialWork®, you can discover how social workers are leveraging technology in creative ways to build upon client strengths and increase the impact of their agencies. Our episodes cover a wide range of technologies—from telehealth and apps to text messaging, social media and even video games.
Trauma-Informed and Human Rights Perspective
Here at the UB School of Social Work, we integrate a trauma-informed and human rights perspective into all of our programs. inSocialWork® offers a variety of podcasts on trauma, trauma-informed care, human rights and social justice.
Global Social Work
Social workers need a variety of skills and a strong knowledge base to successfully navigate the diverse landscape of our increasingly global world. The UB School of Social Work provides many opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice and global citizenship.
Self-Care
Self-care is an essential part of sustaining good social work practice.
At inSocialWork®, we encourage social workers to explore, develop and engage in good self-care to enrich both their lives and their profession.
Top Downloads
From mental health to substance abuse, from ethics to cultural competence, you can explore a variety of topics with inSocialWork®.
The topics with the most downloads are:
- Macro Social Work and Community Issues
- Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
- Social Work Practice and Interventions
Contact us
Are you a social work practitioner, researcher or educator doing innovative work? Do you have questions or an idea for a future podcast? We would love to hear from you. Write to us at insocialwork@buffalo.edu.