Messy Social Work
Rich and TimMessy 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, rese... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 124 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Social SciencesScience | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
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 activism, healing,... more
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 other on a whis... more
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 exploring how we ... more
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 a seven-ye... more
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Reviews
- Raw and honest.
Really enjoy these podcasts.The learning and the reflections result in growth and the desire to be better.
Apple Podcasts4Life is tricky
Australia3 months ago - So glad you’re both back for 2026
There is nothing better than raw honesty and I loved listening to your reflections in this episode, I love the commitment to ‘space’, and I hope you find it (and selfishly hope that the podcast will continue to exist in between the spaciousness). It’s such an amazing resource and the balance between your lovely friendship, social work chats and reflections is ideal for anyone with an interest in the sector.
Apple Podcasts5bookish2543
United Kingdom9 months ago - Weaponising empathy and professional curiosity
Words fail to describe my feelings about this episode. I listened today to Lads like Us , and Danny and Mike are inspirational. I have already passed on the episode with others (including to a friend who was interacting with a distraught child yesterday in out of school education) to share the wealth of wisdom, experience and insight. I will continue to share to motivate and inspire others. Thank you Rich, Mike and Danny…you are amazing, brilliant individuals.
Apple Podcasts5UlongtimeUnited Kingdom2 years ago - Learning so much from all of these podcasts
Absolutely recommend
Apple Podcasts5NoraleneUnited Kingdom3 years ago - Excellent podcasts
Really great podcast! I learned a lot, especially from the authority and power in child protection podcast. This podcast was actually the jumping board for my capstone work. Thank you
Apple Podcasts5MharsbarrrAustralia3 years ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #30 |  United States/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #249 | United States/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #26 | United Kingdom/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #114 |  Canada/Science/Social Sciences |
Apple Podcasts | #197 | United Kingdom/Science |
Apple Podcasts | #44 | Australia/Science/Social Sciences |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Messy Social Work
What is Messy Social Work about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show centers on the realities, ethics, and systems shaping frontline social work, with a strong emphasis on child protection, kinship care, trauma-informed practice, and leadership. Conversations weave lived experience with academic and practitioner perspectives, offering practical strategies, critical policy discussions, and candid reflections on burnout, supervision, and systemic change. Noteworthy are the guest lineups—practitioners, researchers, and people with lived experience—who illuminate how theory translates into everyday practice, how power and blame evolve in public discourse, and how teams and communities can sustain humane, effective support for families.
Where can I find podcast stats for Messy Social Work?
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How many listeners does Messy Social Work get?
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What are the audience demographics for Messy Social Work?
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How many subscribers and views does Messy Social Work have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Messy Social Work?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Messy Social Work:
1. Happy Place
2. We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
3. Miss Me?
4. Great Company with Jamie Laing
5. My Therapist Ghosted Me
How many episodes of Messy Social Work are there?
Messy Social Work launched 4 years ago and published 124 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Messy Social Work?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Messy Social Work?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Messy Social Work?
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What guests have appeared on Messy Social Work?
Recent guests on Messy Social Work include:
1. Shakira Peart
2. Sarah Fisher
3. Gemma Chapman
4. Neil Woods
5. Gareth K Thomas
6. Rose Byrne
7. Madeleine McCormack
8. Sharon Shoesmith
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.