The Joi of Social Work

We have reached the end of Joi's recovery journey... well at least this part! After almost 8 weeks, Joi is feeling almost back to herself and is ready to get back to the routines that help keep her healthy - physically and mentally. Thank you for listening and for your support during this time!!!

We made it to week 5 of Joi's recovery journey! Listen as she has her follow up appointment with her doctor about how she can try to handle her mood swings and abnormal feelings. Also is anyone else going through perimenopause or menopause and are you also miserable?

Week 4 was packed with working, prepping, peopling and fun! Shout out to Black women who will love on you & tell you to sit down!! As mentioned in the episode - Congratulations to @millennialswc for their 8th conference!

We are halfway through Joi's fibroid recovery and this week will discuss the things that have come up during weeks 2 and 3 of healing. As mentioned in this episode, get your copy of Holding Space for Me by Dr. Kenshara Cravens-Knoxson https://www.themedicalsocialworker.org/product/book3/. Follow her on IG @themedicalsocialworker.

Trigger Warning: episode contains discussion about suicidal ideations. Coming home from the hospital and adjusting to post-op life have come with many physical and emotional changes. Asking for help isn't one of Joi's strongest qualities; but she has really had to use it during week 1 of recovery.

She's back... SORTA! Joi recently has undergone a Myomectomy to remove her fibroids. During this limited weekly series, she will discuss finding out her diagnosis to the roller coaster of recovery.

Well hello there! It has been a long time since we have chatted over here... let's catch up! 2024 has been an interesting one. Lots of endings, pauses and fresh starts. I am excited to see where 2025 takes me and I hope you too decide to lean in on your goals and achieve them! My word for the year is ME! I am focusing on Joi! Have you been missing me? Make sure you check out Courageous Exchanges with Alex & Joi on YouTube and were you listen to podcasts. Follow us on IG @courageousexchanges.

Well hey y'all! 2023 has been some kind of year! Here is a quick recap of what has happened since we last spoke. Make sure you stay tuned for what is to come in 2024.

It has been a long time since we have last caught up with Joi! Post-tour life has been interesting with a mix of great and exciting things; as well as some challenges. In this episode she discusses potentially leaving Private Practice and how this work is exhausting to Black women.

Don't call it a comeback!!! Just a little update or whatever from Joi! Coming to The Joi of Social Work Podcast Tour? ATL Show - Friday, April 21 DMV Show - Saturday, April 22 NYC Show - Friday, April 28 Tickets can be purchased here - https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-joi-of-social-work-podcast-tour-1703049

After 5 years; the time has come for The Joi of Social Work Podcast to end. We are forever grateful to those who have supported and listened over the years. Thank you for taking this journey with Joi! Please stay in touch by following her on IG @thejoiofsocialwork. Stay tuned for Tour information!

This is the 2nd to last episode of The Joi of Social Work Podcast! And we are talking about DATING!!!! Dating has been a topic that has come up a few times on this podcast. From Joi not being interested in it at the start of this podcast to feeling the most hopeful about it in years; here goes a conversation about it between Joi and her Social Work Sisters Tiyanna, LCSW (@tspeaksnyc) and Tabatha, LMSW (@the4airproject).

Often times in the Black community, you hear therapists referred to as "The Lady"; especially when someone gets caught doing something they aren't supposed to be doing... you know cheating! On this episode Joi connected with Quinelle Hickman, LMFT & founder of Counseling to Comfort NYC (IG: @counselingtocomfort_nyc)to discuss what couples & family therapy can look like. Looking for a therapist? Check out websites such as: therapyforblackgirls.com therapyforblackmen.org latinxtherapy.com atherapistlikeme.org cliniciansofcolor.org thelovelandfoundation.org borishensonfoundation.org

Being an entrepreneur can feel rewarding & flexible. Yet also lonely & stressful. How do you manage taking care of yourself while also taking care of a business, clients & other expectations of life? On this episode Joi is joined by father, entrepreneur, owner of Opn & mental health advocate Dwight Peters (IG: @dwightlpeters/@get_opn). They discuss how being an entrepreneur can impact your mental health & some ways to combat it. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988. You don't have to do life alone! Happy Holidays & see you in 2023!

This is the most personal episode to date... talking about career, grief and goals are easy compared to this.

In this episode Joi reflects on wanting more... and by more, to truly live a good life. The first step of that is being honest about what you want and what that means to YOU! Next add or subtract things from your life that do or do not go with the life you see for yourself. After that; do the work to get it! What you want is not too large! Unrealistic! Too much! Baby, it probably is more basic than you think! Get it! Do it!

What if you f***ed around & found out what life was like if you focused on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness? If your emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental & financial wellness were at a 10/10... what would your life look & feel like? How does it feel thinking that could be your reality? Do you embrace it? Are you scared? In this episode Joi rates where she is with each dimension.

So often we give sooooo much of ourselves to our jobs, family, friends and relationships that there isn't much to give to ourselves. What about if you gave to yourself first? What about if you did things that only benefited you? How do you think you would feel? Maybe a little guilty. But could you also possibly feel refreshed, happier or have more energy? You are your longest relationship... you matter too!

Some of us are blocked from our greatness because of ourselves! Someone might have told us we couldn't have it, it didn't make sense or that it wasn't realistic and we believed them. Or we told ourselves it was too much or too hard and also believed that. In this episode Joi makes a commitment to herself to have the life she envisions. What about you? What does your future you look like? What do they do? What are they like? Thank you for helping The Joi of Social Work Podcast in reaching #3 of the Top 40 Social Work Podcasts!!!!

On this episode Joi vents about dating life and expectations. Do you think she is asking for too much? Are her expectations too high? She also discusses the 21 day feelings check in she will be doing away. Are you intentional about checking in and acknowledging your feelings?

It was such a pleasure for Joi to be joined on this episode by one of her best friends Lakeisha! Hear about her journey to and out of Social Work. What is your passion? Has it changed? Are you feeling stuck in you job or career? This episode might be helpful of you!

Self-Disclosure & Social Media by thejoiofsocialwork

Are you a woman who doesn't have other friends who are women? Do you find yourself not trusting or wanting to be with other women? It could be them & that you need to surround yourself with a different type of woman that you connect more with. Or it could be you Sis! As Joi returns back from an amazing & inspiring weekend in Philly to celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary of @fbfbody; she couldn't help but think how impactful her relationships with women have been!

On this episode Joi is joined by one of her good girlfriends who came to Atlanta to visit. They talk about ALL the things; with a focus on selfishness, mindset & chicken! What are you thoughts about being called selfish or mean? Is your mindset one of abundance or scarcity? Are you a drums or flats person?

Have you ever sabotaged an opportunity or relationship? It could have been out of fear or even overthinking all the "what ifs". On this episode Joi is joined by returning guest and fellow Clinical Social Worker Kee, LICSW, LCSW-C (IG: @livefreewithkee) who is dropping all the gems!

In this episode Joi discusses her biggest mistake in private practice. What do you think it is? Want to make a Juneteenth donation? CashApp: $JoiSw or Venmo @Joi-SW. Email [email protected] for additional payment methods. Pick Joi's Brain Session: https://calendly.com/thejoiofsocialwork/60min In GA or can make it here Saturday, August 20th? Get your tickets to Therapist Night Out (IG: @_therapistnightout). Visit www.therapistnightout-us.com for more information.

In this episode Joi briefly discusses what being an Auntie biologically, with her play play nieces & nephews and in Social Work means to her.

Hey y'all! We are back with a new episode! Joi is talking with fellow LCSW, Veronica (IG: @prettyblessed_mua) about the significance of SHE to her and why women need other women. Also in this episode you'll find out why Joi is NEVER moving back to NYC! Sorry... not sorry. Upcoming Events: Dope Therapy Talks Session 2 - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dope-therapy-talks-in-session-skills-techniques-tickets-328263253227?aff=erelexpmlt

Loooooooooveeeee!!!! There are so many things I want to tell you! On this episode Joi is joined by her mentee Dani, LMSW (@danistarrtalks) and her fiancé. They are talking marriage, dating and Black love!

On this episode Joi talks about her recent feelings surrounding her mental health and how she has been coping. Also find out about a potential career change for her...

We are reporting live from Joi's new home in GA! Ever taken a step - big or small and felt super proud of yourself? That is what Joi is feeling nowadays! What are you proud of yourself for doing? Sometimes it is having a difficult conversation. Sometimes it is setting a boundary. Others it can be moving away from a place or people who are unhealthy. Whatever it is be proud of yourself boo!

Hello! Hello! Hello!!! We are back with a New Season of The Joi of Social Work Podcast! Welcome back... Now we are not sure if we are back on schedule but here is a lil something something. As you might know; Joi is moving to Georgia & has officially said goodbye to her home state of New York. Here is a quick update since we left off. Upcoming Events: Dope Therapy Talks: A Series - Session 1 with Marvin Toliver, LCSW https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dope-therapy-talks-consultation-intake-and-first-session-tickets-275984546207

Happy Last Episode of this 4 year season of The Joi of Social Work Podcast! Thank you for all of your support and love over the last 4 years! We will be back... we think... just stay tuned and connected! Upcoming Event: The Joi of Social Work 4 Year Anniversary Celebration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-joi-of-social-work-4-year-podcast-anniversary-tickets-216042046577

What a better way to begin wrapping up this 4 year season of The Joi of Social Work Podcast than by having some of Joi's favorite Social Workers and Podcasters as guests! Thank you Josh, Michael, Jesse and Marvin of Melanted Social Work (IG: @melanatedsocialwork)for you time, knowledge and dedication to yourselves and this work! You are greatly appreciated! Life Intentionally is expanding their services! For more information check out https://www.lifeintentionallyps.com. Upcoming Events: The Joi of Social Work 4 Year Podcast Anniversary Celebration - Saturday, February 5 from 6-9pm in The Bronx, NY. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-joi-of-social-work-4-year-podcast-anniversary-tickets-216042046577

Happy New Year!!! Well hey y'all hey! Welcome to 2022! As you know (or may know) we have a few more episodes until we take a break. The Joi of Social Work Podcast will be taking a pause after January 2022 & 4 years of podcasting to evaluate what is next. Thank you so much for your support during this journey! On this episode Joi discusses moving out of NY, the series finale of Insecure & how nudes have aided with her self love journey! Make sure you are following Joi on Instagram @thejoiofsocialwork to know when we will returning & to keep up with that she has going one. Thank you again for your continued support! You are appreciated!

2021 is just about a wrap! How has your year been? What have you learned? How have you grown? This feels like a perfect time to reflect on the year. On this episode Joi is joined by Andre (IG: @communityovercompetition_) and they talk about all the things... including "winging" the year versus having a vision or goals. See you in 2022! Don't forget The Joi of Social Work Podcast 4 Year Anniversary Celebration is taking place on Saturday, January 22 from 6-9pm. Get your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-joi-of-social-work-4-year-podcast-anniversary-tickets-216042046577.

Happy December! As we are in the holiday season, many folks will be spending time with their family. Is your family good for your mental health? Let's forget about the thickness of blood and water... are they really helping or hurting your mental health? In this episode we discuss mental health and family with Queen H and Queen P who are The Queens of Social Work (IG: @thequeensofsocialwork). Events: The Joi of Social Work 4 Year Podcast Celebration is happening on January 22. We are doing a giveaway thanks to Simone, MSW,RCSWI (@beyond_balancellc). Make sure you pay attention for how to enter. Tickets can be purchased at https://joiswyear4.eventbrite.com.

Tis the season to be... SELFISH! Wait Joi! We were taught to make sure others felt good or better than us. What do you mean be selfish? Tune in to here what Joi thinks about selfishness and why she believes we need to tap into it a little more than we do! Podcasts to listen to: Queens of Social Work Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/queens-of-social-work/id1560925098 Peace & Prosperity Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-prosperity-podcast/id1566200301 Upcoming Events: 1/22 - The Joi of Social Work Podcast Year 4 Anniversary... stay tuned!

On this episode Joi is joined by no other than THEE Marvin Toliver (IG: @mtoliver_lcsw)! We love that Marvin, along with his @melanatedsocialwork brothers believe in being both seen & heard. We need that especially in the Social Work field where there can be so many mixed feelings regarding speaking up for yourself. Interested in joining Tiyanna (IG: @tspeaksnyc) & Joi's First Annual Mental Health Provider Gift Exchange? Be sure to DM Joi by 11/15 your name and email address to be added to the list. Check out their Instagrams for more information. Mentioned in this episode: Shout out to Opn. for coming to disassemble Joi's couch from her office! Opn. (IG: @get_opn) is a Black owned handyman company based in Harlem. Reach out to them for your needs regarding furniture assembly/disassembly, TV mounting & cell phone repair to name a few.

Friends! How many of us truly have them? How many of you have good friends? What does that even mean to you? Over the years, Joi has used this "French Fry Friend Theory" to break down how she looks at friendships. Listen to learn more about it!

On this episode Joi is joined by fellow Social Workers Domonique (IG: @theselfcarementor), Bia (IG: @biathepodcaster) and Denise (IG: @dreyes_lmsw) talking about dating... as social workers... and women of color in NYC. YIKES! If you know, you know! What do you look for in someone you are dating? Are you the shot shooter or do you like to be approached? Who taught you about relationships; especially healthy ones?

The idea that everyone NEEDS therapy is debatable however there could be benefits for all of us if we do the work! Joi has uncovered in her therapy journey that she hasn't always been honest or really addressed the "problem" that she needs to. You can go or feel that you "should"... but it doesn't work if you don't! Upcoming Events: 10/11: You Got This Wellness Summit hosted by @sassia_sa_ent & Joi - https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVvkAUMYjp/

Happy September! In life we have several periods of transition. With all that has been going on for and with her lately, Joi has felt it is time for a change (before her big transition). Over the week she decided to cut her hair the shortest it has been. They say a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life... well let's get it!! What happens when you need to cut off dead relationships? Do you set and maintain boundaries before you do? Or do you simply have a "it ain't nothing to cut that ***** off" attitude? In this episode Joi & her friend discuss boundaries in varies relationships. Upcoming Events: 9/18: Curlz N Kickin In - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curlznkickin-ita-day-to-discuss-it-all-tickets-166936171583 10/11: You Got This Wellness Summit - https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVvkAUMYjp/

When you think of what a Social Worker looks like what do you see? When you think about what they sound like and the words they use, what are they? I used to think of sweater vests and complicated jargon until I realized - "Hey I am a Social Worker and I am FAR from that!" On this episode Joi pulls up on and discusses Social Work and life with fellow Social Worker Marcel "Trey" Crooks founder of Represent the Alternative (IG: @repthealternative). From what inspired him to be a Social Worker to ALL that he is doing now; there is a true realness and authenticity that Trey brings to the field and the world. Stay tuned for Part II!! Upcoming Events: 9/18: Curlz N Kickin In - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curlznkickin-ita-day-to-discuss-it-all-tickets-166936171583 Announcements: *@lafleurevents is currently accepting bookings beginning October 2021. Schedule your tour starting Tuesday, August 31. *Get your Community Over Competition merchandise ASAP from @communityovercompetition_

Happy 37th Birthday Joi!!! In this episode Joi reflects on the last year and what she is hoping to accomplish this year! Heads up... there are tears! Shout out to her MAU Sedicah (IG: @spbeauty___) for the 3:30am beat. Upcoming Events: Saturday, September 18: Curlz N Kickin It - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curlznkickin-ita-day-to-discuss-it-all-tickets-166936171583?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Happy August!!! Happy Leo Season!!! Two years ago on March 31 we lost rapper, activist, entrepreneur & more, Nipsey Hussle. As a result a Queens entrepreneur, Sassie (IG: @sassie_sa_ent, @sassie_sa_husslenchat, @sassie_lashes_ & @lafleurevents)created a space to honor and celebrate not only Nipsey's life; but other Black men out here doing their thing! On this episode learn more about The Hussle Awards and the fabulous Sassie! August 15 is the 3rd Annual Hussle Awards! Get your tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-ny-hussle-awards-ceremony-tickets-144050403635?aff=ebdssbeac

Happy Juneteenth Pt. 2! This episode almost did not happen due to the onset of burnout for Joi; however Mr. Networking King himself, Andre Apparicio (@itsaprocess_org) said F that let's record! On this episode he and Joi discuss mindset, the importance of networking and neighbors that don't steal! Be sure to follow Andre and all he has coming up! Upcoming Events: 7/6 at 7pm: IG Live with @pushpast_pastpain

Often times the more you learn about yourself; the more you learn about your family. The more you learn about your family; the more you see them as humans... as people! In this episode Joi discusses seeing her parents differently now that she knows more about trauma and the impact of parental relationships. On Juneteeth Joi attended the private screening of her friend Dejinay's documentary "More Than Academics". The role Dejinay, an NYC teacher, plays in her students' lives is powerful and impactful. She has given her students a space to feel safe and heard. She has taught them to communicate while showing them school is literally more than academics. Please stay tuned for more on this documentary! Upcoming Events: 6/26 - SW Appreciation Gathering is going down in NYC

Friends! How many of us have them? How many of have equally yoked friends? In this episode we are talking about friendship - what we learned about it from the adults around us, why do we give more grace to intimate partners than friends and our opinion of having friends who hold you accountable. Let us know what you think & share your friendship stories with Joi. You can email them to [email protected]. Upcoming Events: 6/26 - Social Work Appreciation Gathering, New York, NY (6/13 is the absolute last day to register) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-work-appreciation-gathering-tickets-154308866975?aff=eand Things To Check Out: 6/19 - More Than Academics Documentary, New York, NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morethanacademics-documentary-premiere-tickets-154484133201

Whew Chile.... the last month has been rough!!! Has anyone else been struggling emotionally? Joi has one of those open and honest conversations about the current space that she is in. Things To Check Out: 6/19 - More Than Academics Documentary, New York, NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/morethanacademics-documentary-premiere-tickets-154484133201 Upcoming Events: 6/26 - Social Work Appreciation Gathering, New York, NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-work-appreciation-gathering-tickets-154308866975?aff=eand