Episode 19 Unseen Tides: The Power of Death Work and Harm Reduction with Leilani Maxera

On the next episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, we delve into a profound journey of compassion, understanding, and cultural roots. Christian Ace Stettler, professor of social work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, alongside his intrepid student co-host Diana Lanni, will guide you through this enlightening dialogue. This week, we're honored to welcome Leilani Maxera, a beacon in the fields of therapy, death education, and grief work. Daughter of the Hawaiian diaspora and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Leilani has cultivated a practice grounded in empathy, authenticity, and transformation. Her private practice, Kaipuokaualoku Therapy + Death Work + Consulting, stands as a testament to her commitment to facilitating healing and understanding in our most vulnerable moments. Leilani’s extensive background in harm reduction, particularly her efforts in managing a syringe exchange and an overdose prevention program, serves as a powerful testament to her dedication in reducing stigma around drug use. In this episode, she'll share her unique insights into her life's work, and how her Hawaiian roots have shaped her perspective. We'll be diving into an array of topics, including the significant yet often overlooked field of death work. We will unravel its nuances, its role in social work, and how it intertwines with the themes of loss, grief, and healing. In addition, we'll be discussing harm reduction, the importance of support groups, and the power of storytelling as an educational tool. Join us as we uphold our mission to unfold unique stories and foster critical dialogue, reflection, and understanding for all listeners. By focusing on stories, experiences and ideas, we aim to uphold social work values and build a bridge between academic theories and real-life applications. Tune in to The Critical Social Worker Podcast as we navigate the intersection of personal narratives, social justice, and transformative experiences. Your story. My story. Our story. Remember, together, we aim to change ourselves and the world, one story at a time. Download the Callin app for iOS and Android to listen to this podcast live, call in, and more! Also available at callin.com