8 Excellent Podcasts for Child Advocates
Podcasts have become wildly popular within the last decade and today you can find one on nearly any topic. But with such variety on offer, it can be hard to find just what you’re looking for, which is why we’re back with another podcast roundup—this time geared specifically for our first responders in the Child Advocacy [center] or CAC space.
Just like our roundup for law enforcement, we’ve found some of the best podcasts that can help you grow in your career, stay up-to-date on new research and child abuse prevention strategies, and take care of your own emotional and mental wellbeing.
If you’re looking for engaging conversations around pivotal topics in the child welfare space, try…
From the National Children’s Alliance comes the One in Ten podcast which aims to bring together “the brightest minds working to solve one of the world’s toughest challenges—child abuse.” The host, Teresa Huizar, CEO of NCA and expert in the space, launched the podcast in May of 2019 after realizing the content gap. Each episode focuses on a relevant topic and guest experts on science, law, medicine, morality, and messaging about child abuse prevention.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: The Future of Possible in Children’s Advocacy Centers
If you want your CAC to be all it can be to your community, try…
Launched in early 2019 by the Northeast Regional Children’s Advocacy Center (NRCAC), this podcast explores topics near and dear to the CAC community. Host Tony DeVincenzo, the training specialist at NRCAC and law enforcement veteran, highlights topics including funding opportunities, forensic interviewing skills, and CAC accessibility to help keep you “informed, inspired, and connected to the people, practices, and programs of CACs” across the country and around the world. New episodes premiere on the first Thursday of every month.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: In Search of the Perfect Forensic Interview
If you want to stay in know about the latest social work topics, try…
This podcast, brought to you by the National Association of Social Workers, “seeks to inform, educate, and inspire” through conversations with experts on important topics in the social work space. Recent episodes have explored such topics as sleep health as a social justice issue, professional wills, and supporting families to prevent abuse and neglect. Although topics are varied and not all specifically related to CAC work, the podcast is an inclusive space where a multitude of ideas are explored with subject matter experts that can keep you up to date on the latest developments, research, and perspectives.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: How Can Social Workers Avoid Job Burnout?
If you want to hone your skills as a forensic interviewer, try…
FORGOTTEN VICTIMS: THE FORENSIC INTERVIEW
Featuring hosts Scott Modell, Ph.D. and Staci Whitney, LMSW, Forgotten Victims aims to “educate and empower multidisciplinary team members to successfully investigate crimes against individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.” Speaking with expert guests and themselves, the hosts discuss case studies, the latest research in the field of forensic interviewing, and teach practical skills. Although episodes are not posted at regular intervals (new content premieres once a month on average), the existing 20 episodes are a one-of-a-kind podcast made for the forensic interviewer—or those who aspire to the profession.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: Becoming a Forensic Interviewer ft. Julie Kenniston
If you’re either a current or aspirational play therapist, try…
Hosted by Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, and creator of Synergistic Play Therapy, Lessons from the Playroom is about exploring “the little lessons kids teach us that make a big difference in the play therapy process” as well as to educate and enlighten fellow play therapists to “transform both you and the clients that you work with.” Episodes premiere weekly, on Tuesdays. With two seasons and more than 150 episodes, you’ll have plenty of interesting content to explore from an expert in the space.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: Regulating the Collective Nervous Systems of Families
If you need a little therapeutic self-care, try…
From Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, and Burnout Prevention Consultant, this podcast interviews guests and “discuss[es] holistic and alternative approaches used in psychotherapy, counseling, coaching, and healing sessions.” Episodes explore things like self-care, therapist burnout prevention, and mindfulness. Reagan bills the show as taking a “bottom-up” approach to healing trauma. Past expert guests have included Dr. Patricia Ogden, Dr. Janina Fisher, and Dr. Kristin Neff. The podcast was launched in August of 2015 and has nearly 400 episodes—and counting.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: Vicarious Trauma and Helping Professionals
If you want guidance on how to be your best both personally and professionally, try…
Dr. Rick Hanson and his son, Forrest Hanson, co-host this podcast which explores “the practical science of well-being.” Focusing on self-care and self-betterment, this podcast can help you be your best self so you can take better care of yourself and others. Dr. Rick promises to “teach you how to increase your everyday happiness, build inner strengths, and get the most out of life.” Past guest experts include Gabrielle Bernstein, Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. With over 300 episodes and plenty of guest experts, you’re practically guaranteed to find at least one episode that speaks to your needs.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: Overcoming Compassion Fatigue
If you just need a good night’s sleep, try…
Described as bedtime stories for grownups, this soothing podcast hosted by yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai is designed to help you relax and fall asleep more easily. Work stress, especially for those in the helping professional space, can be especially difficult to unwind from. Stories are told twice, with the second reading at a slower, softer pace. Nicolai explains that these stories (which she writes and tells) are designed to occupy the part of the brain that wanders and worries, making you feel safe and allowing your body to slip into rest and digest mode.
HIGHLIGHTED EPISODE: Sunday Reset
