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Crossover Episode: Funky Production: Social Work, Race, Class, and Education with l o t i walker
5th August 2026 • Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian • Relando Thompkins-Jones
00:00:00 01:04:32

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Relando Thompkins-Jones continues his storytelling on the connections between Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian and Social Justice Origin Stories with the release of this bonus crossover episode of the very first recorded interview on Notes From an Aspiring Humanitarian from 10 years ago.

In this episode, Relando Interviews his friend l o t i walker, a social worker, social justice advocate, artist, and photographer, on why she chose social work, the challenges of working within under-resourced systems, the importance of cultural humility, and building trust through client-centered practice.

l o t i also talks about the role of art in her life as a form of self-care, describes her “funky production” approach to problem-solving, and speaks on the power of storytelling and naming our experiences for ourselves.

Companion Episodes:

Ideas Need Time To Grow: How Starting My First Podcast Led Me To Social Justice Origin Stories

Making Race Heard with Surabhi Pandit

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🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW

Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991

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LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/

LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Bonus Episode Setup

02:25 DIY Recording Origins

03:16 Why Storytelling Matters

04:09 Podcast Launch Intro

06:30 Why Social Work

11:08 Art Photography Self Care

13:46 Funding Politics Advocacy

15:44 School Based Social Work

20:55 Race Culture Humility

27:43 Funky Production Mindset

31:03 Proud Moments Trust

33:41 Earning Trust

35:09 Client Centered Practice

39:12 Mentors Who Shaped Me

42:25 Unlearning In Academia

44:20 Keep Learning And Networking

45:24 Cultural Share Mementos

55:53 Advice For Future Social Workers

01:00:29 Closing And Community Call

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