Black Masculinity, HIV and Decolonizing Therapy with Marvin Toliver, LCSW; Episode 272

What happens when social workers, therapists and caregivers are expected to support everyone else while navigating political instability, financial pressure and burnout themselves?In this episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast®, host Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW, reconnects with licensed clinical social worker, therapist, speaker and nonprofit founder Marvin Toliver, LCSW.Marvin discusses his private practice, Reimagine Culture LLC, and his nonprofit organization, Dear Black Man, You Good?, which works to improve the mental health and overall wellness of Black men through radical education, community care, healing groups and nontraditional wellness experiences.The conversation explores Black masculinity, homophobia, HIV stigma, social work entrepreneurship, private practice, clinical supervision, decolonizing therapy and the emotional cost of helping others during difficult political and economic times.Marvin also reflects on his deeply personal TEDx talk about Black masculinity, sexuality, homophobia and his HIV diagnosis. He explains why vulnerability and storytelling can help others feel less isolated, challenge stigma and create opportunities for collective healing.Bas and Marvin also discuss the importance of local politics, protecting vulnerable communities, taking PTO, setting boundaries and addressing the systems that contribute to poverty, health disparities, burnout and financial instability.This episode is an honest conversation about survival, liberation, community care and what it means to remain present when the world feels overwhelming.