Spark Sessions Podcast

This episode features Xuan Troung, MSW, LCSWA.  Xuan shares about her journey, life post grad school and how she continues to advocate for disability rights.

Join Kris + Michelle as they discuss Season 3 where we will focus on novice social workers.  Our guests for this season have graduated within the past two years and are here to spill the beans on the real world of social work.

In this episode, Kris + Michelle reflect on the final two episodes of Season 2.  Make sure you're all caught up, then listen to their reflections on the season and evolving roles of social workers.

This episode features Keshia Sandidge, LCSW, who is running for NC Senate in District 34.  Keshia shares her journey of getting involved with political action and reminds us that social work is political.

This episode features Miriam Espaillat, MSW, LCSW.  Miriam is the co-founder + Director of Community for Raydal Hospitality.  Miriam shares how she uses her social work skills + social justice mindset in the restaurant industry.

In this episode, Michelle + Kris share their thoughts and reflections on the first part of Season 2.  Make sure you are all caught up and then listen along.  They also share how to become a supporter if you are so inclined!

This episode features Jordan Harrold, MSW, LCSW, owner, Clinical Director, and therapist at Harrold Counseling and Wellness. Jordan shares how she has bridged a personal tragedy into shaping her work and passion.

In this episode, Kris + Michelle speak with Tchernavia Montgomery, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director of Care Ring.  Tchernavia discusses health equity, showing up as our full selves, and how her own journey keeps her hopeful for others.

In this episode, Kris + Michelle interview Maruka Rivers, LCSW, CCPT, Chief Visionary Officer & Clinical Director of MRiversAwakenings Healing Collective. Maruka leads a conversation about bridging the gap between micro and macro work while focusing on decolonizing therapy.

This episode features Roger Suclupe, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Assistant Professor + BSW Program Director at UNC Charlotte School of Social Work.  Roger shares how he bridges the gap between the classroom and the community.

This episode features Anna Blanton, LCSW, APHSW-C.  Anna helps us discuss the realities of self-care and how her career in Hospice reminds her to stay connected to the joys of every day.

This episode features Joey Honeycutt, MDiv, MSW, LCSW-A.  Joey shares how a crisis of faith led her and how her social work training came together on her life's journey.

Join Kris + Michelle as they discuss our upcoming Season 2 where we will highlight social workers as doers and, more importantly, bridge builders.

Join Kris + Michelle as they download Season 1 of Spark Sessions Podcast and chat about what has resonated with them thus far.

This episode is Part 2 of the conversation with Kristie Puckett-Williams, the Statewide Campaign for Smart Justice Manager for the ACLU of North Carolina.  Kristie continues an honest look at how we really move towards racial equity.

This episode features Meredith Powers, PhD, MSW who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at UNC Greensboro. Dr. Powers helps us connect the concepts of social justice and environmental justice, reminding us that we are all interconnected.

This episode features Holly Jackson the Founder + Creator of Walls of Love.  Holly shares how her personal struggles led her to showing love and support through the magic of human kindness.

This episode features Kristie Puckett-Williams, the Statewide Campaign for Smart Justice Manager for the ACLU of North Carolina.  Kristie shares her personal journey and the pain that let her to fight to decarcerate.

This episode features Tomeka Isaac and Michaela Penix, two amazing women working hard in their own ways to close the gaps in maternal health.  Tomeka shares her personal story of loss and Michaela sheds light on how you can help stand in the gap for mothers and babies.

This episode features Alison Clougherty, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Blind Early Services of Tennessee.  Alison shares her very personal journey of raising a child who is blind and helping others understand that ability is more than meets the eye.

This episode features Brandon Stiles, a senior manager at an electric company in the southeast US.  Brandon shares an important perspective on representation in the workplace and how happy hours can change everything.

This episode features Toussaint Romain, a lifelong activist.  Listen as he shares his focus on community and his unique perspective on getting involved.

This episode features Artie Hartsell, a social worker whose lived experiences were the catalyst for their organizing for equality.  Their trajectory of service and organizing began early in life and has led them to working closely on LGBTQIA+ and human rights legislation.

This episode features Emmanuel and Adrienne Threatt, co-founders of Hope Vibes, a Charlotte based non-profit that started with a social media rant.  Come hear about their innovative solutions to support our homeless neighbors.

This inaugural episode focuses on what "sparks" Kris and Michelle - how they met, how they created this space to inspire change, and how they hope you will be moved to action by the lived experiences of doers and action takers.  Come get to know us.

Meet Kris Taylor and Michelle Vance, the co-hosts of Spark Sessions Podcast!  As social work educators, Kris and Michelle inspire people to see themselves as solutions.  Their intention is to ignite curiosity and change by highlighting voices and invite listeners to build knowledge, networks, and strategies to fight injustices. Together, we can shift conversation to action. In this podcast series teaser, hear from Kris and Michelle about the purpose behind Spark Sessions Podcast and what to expect from the series.