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Messy Social Work

by Rich and Tim

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Latest episodes

A conversation about grief, belonging, and discovering who you are beyond caring for everyone else

October 23, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min

What happens when the strategies that helped us survive become the very things that stop us from being seen? In this deeply moving conversation, Sharon shares her extraordinary life story: the disappearance of her mother when she was a…
What social workers need to know about working with fathers

October 16, 2026 · 56 min

In this episode of Messy Social Work, Tim and Rich begin with a conversation about shame, connection, and the ways we "make our own social worlds". Reflecting on Margaret Wheatley's work, they explore how small acts of openness can shape…
Dr Beverly Barnett-Jones MBE on power, community and the purpose of social work

October 13, 2026 · 51 min

What is social work really for? In this special episode, Rich and Tim sit down with Dr Beverly Barnett-Jones MBE, one of the most influential voices in British social work, for a conversation that spans personal history, political…
Episode 100: One hundred episodes of Messy Social Work

October 4, 2026 · 55 min

In this special 100th episode of The Messy Social Work Podcast, Rich Devine and Tim Fisher hit pause to reflect on the journey so far. Armed with a list of 100 AI-generated questions inspired by their previous episodes, they take each…
Terri-Anne on care experience, loneliness and the courage to challenge patterns passed down through generations

September 28, 2026 · 1 hr 6 min

In this episode of This Is Messy Social Work, Rich and Tim are joined once again by care-experienced advocate, project worker and Churchill Fellow, Terri-Anne Hamer. Terri-Anne shares insights from her Churchill Fellowship research…

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"I call her my second mum" The extraordinary relationship between care leaver Shakira and her Personal Advisor, Sarah.

September 18, 2026 · 60 min

What difference can one consistent relationship make in a young person's life? In this moving and deeply honest episode, Rich and Tim are joined by care leaver Shakira Peart and her Personal Advisor Sarah Fisher. Together, they reflect on…
What social workers get wrong in court: Insights from family barrister Gemma Chapman

September 11, 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

In this episode, Richard Devine sits down with family law barrister Gemma Chapman to explore the intersection between social work, family justice and advocacy. Gemma shares her journey into family law, what she enjoys most about being a…
Rich and Tim relational skills, networks, theory and leadership in Family Group Decision Making

September 3, 2026 · 56 min

In the second part of their Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) series, Richard Devine and Tim Fisher explore themes six to ten, moving beyond process and practice into the relational, cultural and leadership dimensions of family-led…
Rich and Tim on Family Group Decision Making: Power, participation and family leadership

August 30, 2026 · 53 min

In this episode, Richard Devine and Tim Fisher explore the first five themes of Family Group Decision Making (FGDM), unpacking the philosophy, values and practice wisdom behind one of the most significant relational approaches in…
Peter Block: relationships, resistance and the relevance of 'Flawless Consulting'

August 19, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

Flawless Consulting by Peter Block has sold more than a million copies and is widely regarded as one of the most influential books ever written about consulting. But what can a business classic teach social workers, practice leads, and…
Lee Crouch, a parent with lived experience of reunification: what social workers need to know

July 31, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/
Practice lessons from the death of Victoria Marten (Part 2)

July 24, 2026 · 57 min

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/ Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/ Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

Messy Social Work is a podcast for social workers, leaders, students and anyone interested in helping people navigate life's toughest challenges. Hosted by Rich Devine and Tim Fisher, the podcast explores child protection, systemic practice, relationships, leadership, trauma, family support and the realities of frontline social work. Each week, we speak with leading thinkers, practitioners, researchers and people with lived experience to explore what helps, what harms and what social work can learn from both success and failure. Expect honest conversations, practical ideas, challenging questions and occasional disagreement, all grounded in a belief that meaningful change happens through relationships. Because social work isn't neat. It's messy.