Episode 3: Breaking Down Barriers: The Use of Self: A Journey from the Barrio to Social Work

The Dr. Homeboy Podcast

Welcome to the Dr. Homeboy podcast, hosted by Marco Antonio Romero. In this engaging episode, Dr. Homeboy delves into the concept of "The Use of Self" in social work. With a combination of academic insights and personal anecdotes, Marco provides an in-depth understanding of how self-awareness and personal history can be powerful tools in social work interventions.

Marco shares his own compelling life story, from growing up in a gang-infested barrio to serving in the United States Army and finally to his journey into social work. His positionality statement offers a transparent look at the intersecting identities that shape his perspective and mission.

This episode serves as an educational resource aimed at helping male Mexican American teenagers disengage from gang activity and reintegrate into society. It also offers valuable insights for educators, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders.

Tune in to explore the profound impact of personal experience in social work and discover the resources available to support at-risk youth. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

Annotated Outline

Episode Introduction

1. The episode begins with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and set the ambiance for the podcast.
2. Greet and introduce the podcast's title and host's name.
3. Provide disclosure.
4. Call to action: Audience engagement.

Talking Point 1

1. Introduce the title of the episode and what will be covered.
2. Define the “Use of Self.”
3. Provide the author’s positionality statement.
4. Provide the author’s story (life story).

Talking Point 2

1. Introduce and provide an article on the use of self.
2. Provide the author’s positionality statement.
3. Provide the author’s story (life story).

Marco Antonio begins by introducing the episode’s title, “The Use of Self: A Journey from the Barrio to Social Work.” It is centered on the use of self (Kaushik, 2017), which is the first and main component of the title. Additionally, Marco Antonio Romero incorporates his life story, which is pertinent to the teenage Mexican American male population, as he was once a teenage Mexican American male who experienced educational disparities and found himself in gang involvement. As such, the episode discusses the use of self (Kaushik, 2017), Marco Antonio Romero’s positionality statement, as it influences the researcher and shapes the research outcomes Curran & Randal, 2020; Holmes, 2020) and his life story that ties into the importance of addressing educational disparities amongst teenage Mexican American males and gang involvement.

Talking Point 3

1. Recap of the episode and key takeaways.
2. Call to action.
3. Final words.
4. Exit the episode with an engaging music interlude and sound effects that capture the listener’s attention and exit the podcast, leaving them wanting to tune back in next time.

References

Curran, M. and Randall, A. K. (2020). Positionality statements. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/assets/14756811/Positionality-Statements-16213545 17813.pdf

Holmes, A. G. D. (2020). Researcher Positionality: A consideration of its influence and place in qualitative research: A new research guide. International Journal of Education, 8(4), p1-10. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1268044.pdf

Kaushik, A. (2017). Use of Self in Social Work: Rhetoric or Reality. International Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 14(1), 21–29. https://www.jswve.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/10-014-106-JSWVE-2017.pdf

Romero, M.A. (2024). Capstone Proposal [Unpublished manuscript]. Simmons University.

Romero, M.A. (2024). Comprehensive Exam [Unpublished manuscript]. Simmons University.

Romero, M.A. (2024). Positionality Statement [Unpublished manuscript]. Simmons University.