Social Work: Beyond The Classroom

25/07/2025

Season 3 Final Episode out now.

Reflecting across Cultures - What have we learnt

In this final episode of Beyond the Classroom, Luna, Ali and Ajai all meet to discuss with Fran their journey of learning and reflect on what we need to know when working across cultures.

It’s a dynamic discussion that revisits key learnings from earlier in the series, offering the team a chance to reflect collectively and share their growing knowledge. Fran joins the conversation to contribute her perspective as an Anglo practitioner, drawing on decades of experience in practicing with cultural humility. This episode will leave you thinking about the next steps we all need to take in building truly inclusive and culturally responsive practice.

Have a listen to Season 3 Episode 4 (FINAL) here:
https://tinyurl.com/y24j3u89

Have a listen to all our episodes here: https://tinyurl.com/SWBTC2024

Or go to your Spotify App and search for Social Work Beyond the Classroom or scan our QR code to take you to our episodes. Check out Season 3 Episode 4.

Podcast · Podcasters24 · A podcast series by a group of social work students, where they explore social work theories, share real-life placement experiences, and interview experts. Season 1 includes four episodes: looking at what is Radical Social work, the link between theory and practice for stu...

25/07/2025

Season 3 Episode 3 out now

Breaking Barriers, explores how caste, gender, migration, and culture shape social work, especially when working with Indian communities in Australia.
Ajai and Shravan bring valuable insight from a background in social work policy and cross-cultural systems in both India and Australia.

Have a listen to Season 3 Episode 3 here:
https://tinyurl.com/mvxxppwp
Have a listen to all our episodes here: https://tinyurl.com/SWBTC2024

Or go to your Spotify App and search for Social Work Beyond the Classroom or scan our QR code to take you to our episodes. Check out Season 3 Episode 3.

25/07/2025

Episode 2 Faith, Family and Fear is out now.

Faith, Family, and Fear: Social Work Across Pakistan and Australia. We explore how faith-based values, community pressures, and social taboos shape social work engagement, especially in areas like domestic violence, mental health, and gender rights. This episode will take us through the cultural and religious values in both countries, the barriers to accessing social services, and how social workers can balance advocacy with respect for belief systems, all while addressing key questions like the role of religion in shaping family dynamics and how to support vulnerable people when cultural norms create barriers.

Listen to Series 3 Episode 2 here:
https://tinyurl.com/ynnkkus8

Have a listen to all our episodes here: https://tinyurl.com/SWBTC2024

Or go to your Spotify App and search for Social Work Beyond the Classroom or scan our QR code to take you to our episodes. Check out Season 3 Episode 2.

25/07/2025

Season 3 Episode 1 is out now.

Between Harmony and Honesty – Social Work in Australia and China

In this premiere episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Luna—a Master of Social Work student at Western Sydney University—dives into the intricate interplay between Western individualism and East Asian collectivism in the context of cross-cultural social work practice. With a focus on Chinese communities in Australia, Luna is joined by guest social worker Winnie, who shares her personal reflections and professional experiences navigating cultural tensions in real-world settings.

The conversation explores how core cultural values shape help-seeking behaviours, challenge dominant Western assumptions in practice, and highlight the need for cultural humility. Winnie shares real-life stories and thoughtful strategies for bridging cultural gaps respectfully, emphasizing the idea of finding a “third space” where both individual dignity and community belonging are honoured. This episode offers a thought-provoking start to a series that blends academic inquiry with grounded practice wisdom.

Have a listen to this and all our episodes here:
https://tinyurl.com/SWBTC2024

Or go to your Spotify App and search for Social Work Beyond the Classroom or scan our QR code below.

In the words of Nike - Just do it - you will enjoy the listen.

20/07/2025

Coming soon. Four fabulous episodes looking at cultural perspectives in social work. Looking at China, India and Pakistan and how we as social workers can best work with clients from these countries. Insight provided by students and guests. Stay tuned. Out soon

14/06/2025

Last episode dropped today

The Role of a Social Worker

Episode Number: 5

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the critical role social workers play in supporting those affected by domestic and family violence (DFV). From trauma-informed care to cultural responsiveness, we break down the unique challenges and ethical tensions faced by professionals on the front line.

We also talk burnout, systemic injustice, and why true cultural safety is more than just a checklist—it’s a shift in practice and power.


Key Topics

What social workers really do in DFV settings [00:57]

The burnout crisis in the community services sector [02:35]

The importance of culturally safe and intersectional practice [03:19]

Barriers for CALD, Indigenous, and refugee clients [04:00]

The need for diversity, systemic reform, and cultural humility [05:15]

Practical ways organisations and practitioners can do better [06:17]

Have a listen here: https://tinyurl.com/48av347n

12/06/2025

How Domestic and Family Violence Manifests in Youth

OUT TODAY

Episode Number: 4


Episode Summary

In this eye-opening episode, Bachelor of Social Work students Amelia and Ismah explore how domestic and family violence (DFV) affects young people. While often viewed through the lens of adult relationships, DFV in youth is equally complex.

Trigger warning, we discuss the many forms violence can take—including emotional, psychological, and financial abuse—and the impact of witnessing violence at home. We also examine statistics highlighting how widespread these experiences are among Australian youth and share vital support services for those in need.

Key Topics

Forms of DFV in youth: physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect, and witnessing violence

How DFV impacts mental health and development in young people

The hidden nature of non-physical abuse and its long-term effects

Statistics on youth experiences with DFV and mental health issues

Where young people can go for help—national support services and helplines

Have a listen here: https://tinyurl.com/2s4jhwsy

11/06/2025

OUT TODAY

Understanding Domestic and Family Violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Episode Number: 3

Episode Summary

In this powerful and reflective episode, Caroline and Amelia explore the complex issue of domestic and family violence (DFV) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. While DFV exists across all cultural groups, Indigenous communities face unique challenges rooted in colonisation, intergenerational trauma, racism, and systemic disadvantage.

Drawing on research and Indigenous-led knowledge, we unpack the root causes of DFV, examine the current barriers survivors face, and highlight the leadership and resilience within communities. We also reflect on our responsibilities as non-Indigenous social work students and discuss what culturally safe, trauma-informed practice looks like.

This episode offers a call to listen, reflect, and support Aboriginal-led solutions.

Key Topics

Introduction to the context of DFV in Indigenous communities
The impact of colonisation and intergenerational trauma
Challenging misconceptions and understanding structural violence
Confronting statistics and systemic failures
Why survivors face barriers to safety and support
Community strengths and Indigenous-led healing programs
Reflections on culturally safe social work practice
Final thoughts and what social workers can do better

Have a listen here: https://tinyurl.com/39zendhz

10/06/2025

A Leading Cause of Domestic Violence: Coercive Control
Episode Number 2

OUT TODAY

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Ismah and Caroline unpack the detrimental nature of coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that often goes unnoticed or misunderstood despite its commonality and impact. The episode explores how coercive control perpetuates domestic violence through non-physical attempts of abuse, including control, manipulation, and psychological abuse being weaponised in intimate relationships. The exploration of how the patriarchy deeply influences coercive control to persist. With the normalisation of control in heterosexual relationships eroding a person's autonomy, self-worth, and safety.

Listen here https://tinyurl.com/3rdcpc68

Key Topics

Understanding Coercive Control
Non-Physical Abuse
Why Victims Stay
Patriarchy
Victim Blaming & Societal Misunderstanding

10/06/2025

Released tomorrow Episode 2 - A Leading Cause of Domestic Violence: Coercive Control

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Ismah and Caroline unpack the detrimental nature of coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that often goes unnoticed or misunderstood despite its commonality and impact. The episode explores how coercive control perpetuates domestic violence through non-physical attempts of abuse, including control, manipulation, and psychological abuse being weaponised in intimate relationships. The exploration of how the patriarchy deeply influences coercive control to persist. With the normalisation of control in heterosexual relationships eroding a person's autonomy, self-worth, and safety.

09/06/2025

Out today. Have a listen at https://tinyurl.com/2u5krnjh

In the first episode of Season 2, Sonia and Mariam open up a powerful conversation about what domestic and family violence (DFV) really is—and what it’s not. Going beyond the common assumptions, they unpack the many forms of DFV, from emotional and financial abuse to cultural and technological control.

This episode explores why leaving is often the most dangerous time, the impact on children, and the need for trauma-informed, culturally safe social work practice. Whether you’re a student, social worker, or someone who wants to understand the complexity of DFV, this episode provides essential insights grounded in both evidence and empathy.

Key Topics

What DFV really looks like—beyond physical violence

The Power and Control Wheel and patterns of coercive behaviour

DFV statistics in Australia and the impact on Aboriginal communities

Barriers to leaving and the myths around victim-survivors

The role of social workers in prevention, response, and advocacy

Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches

What social workers and communities can do to create change

Have a listen!!!

09/06/2025

Social Work: Beyond the classroom, Season 2 Episode 1, is out tomorrow. Stop the Silence on Domestic and Family Violence is 5 powerful episodes on Domestic and Family Violence. Ideal for students, social workers, and change makers.

Available on Spotify.

Click here for seasons 1 and 2. 😀🖱 https://tinyurl.com/SWBTC2024