The podcast is named in memory of Bill Sackter (1913-1983). Bill, who was understood to have an intellectual disability, was the first employee of Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop, a learning lab embedded in The University of Iowa School of Social Work that was created in 1975.

It was the place where Bill found a job and a purpose. It was also a place where social work students could get comfortable interacting with people with disabilities, better understand their needs, and ultimately learn how to be better social workers.

In 2020, we closed the coffee shop doors due to the COVID pandemic. Now we are taking the opportunity to reimagine the Learning Lab and update the way we honor Bill Sackter’s memory, as well as carrying on the legacy of innovative Social Work faculty who came before us.

In a way, this podcast becomes the new Wild Bill’s … The place where we get together and talk about things that matter. We’ll look at social justice through a social work lens, exploring at how our practices and perspectives continue to evolve and improve—and how the social work profession can continue to make life better and more equitable for marginalized populations.

It’s a place where UI School of Social Work faculty, students, and staff can provide interactive learning in a collaborative, community-based setting—and we invite everyone to join us.

To listen to the podcast episodes, use your favorite podcast app. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Can’t find us on your favorite app? Let us know at [email protected].