We chat with Michele Manco, a clinical social worker in the Bronx with years of experience working in psychiatric emergency and crisis settings. We talk about Michele's life and the road that led her to being a social worker—we also discuss the history of social work itself, and we dive into the very real struggles and often harsh circumstances that are a daily reality for social workers and the people they serve. (C/W: This conversation does broach topics involving psychiatric distress and suicide.)

Additional links/info below...

• Michele's Twitter page
• Laura Abrams & Alan Dettlaff, Social Work, "Voices from the Frontlines: Social Workers Confront the COVID-19 Pandemic"  
• J. Scott Janssen, Social Work Today, "Moral Distress in Social Work Practice – When Workplace and Conscience Collide" 
• Mark Fisher, The Guardian, "Why Mental Health Is a Political Issue" 

Featured Music (all songs sourced from the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org)

• Jules Taylor, "Working People theme song"
• The Shivers, "Only Mine"