In this episode of Keeping It Real with Tiff and Carl, listeners are taken inside Part One of a class Carl taught at the 2025 CalWORKS Training Academy, focused on building deeper awareness of bias in everyday practice. Carl guides participants through an exploration of dominant and counter narratives, helping frontline professionals recognize how assumptions, intentions, and lived experience shape interactions with clients and colleagues. The conversation unpacks how well-meaning actions can still lead to harmful impact, often showing up as microaggressions, and introduces practical tools for noticing bias in real time. This first segment sets the foundation for honest reflection, working through defensiveness, and beginning the work of interrupting exclusive behaviors—preparing participants to respond with accountability, curiosity, and growth as the class continues.

This episode shows he second part of Tiff's class at the CalWORKs Training Academy for helping professionals from counties across California. The conversation reframes the role of CalWORKs social workers, case managers, and employment counselors, challenging the traditional gatekeeper mindset rooted in compliance and rules.Tiff facilitates an exploration of what it means to act as concierges of service—trusted guides who build supportive relationships, leverage strengths, and connect families to meaningful resources. Through real-world examples and practical tools, this opening segment sets the foundation for shifting from punitive approaches to relationship-centered practices that empower families and strengthen the people who serve them.

This episode introduces the first segment of a class taught by Tiffany at the CalWORKs Training Academy for helping professionals from counties across California. The conversation reframes the role of CalWORKs social workers, case managers, and employment counselors, challenging the traditional gatekeeper mindset rooted in compliance and rules.Tiff facilitates an exploration of what it means to act as concierges of service—trusted guides who build supportive relationships, leverage strengths, and connect families to meaningful resources. Through real-world examples and practical tools, this opening segment sets the foundation for shifting from punitive approaches to relationship-centered practices that empower families and strengthen the people who serve them.