In this episode, we welcome Licensed Master Social Worker Nina Lugo, a passionate social worker making a difference in the lives of students, parents, and educators. Nina opens up about the realities of social work, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional toll that comes with helping others navigate life's challenges.

We explore how social work extends beyond just students—supporting parents and coworkers is just as important. Nina shares how she approaches tough conversations, from guiding parents through difficult truths about their children to breaking the stigma around mental illness and helping kids develop healthy coping mechanisms.

We also dive into the state of the education system, the lack of essential life skills being taught in schools, and the pressing need for more mental health resources and role models for young men. Nina emphasizes how anxiety and fear are normal emotions that shouldn’t be demonized and how reframing conversations around mental health can help dismantle outdated stereotypes—especially regarding men and emotional expression.

Throughout this conversation, Nina offers incredible insight into self-care as a social worker, the struggles of keeping work stress from creeping into personal life, and the importance of being in this field for the outcome, not the income.

This is a raw, honest discussion about mental health, resilience, and the people working behind the scenes to create lasting change.

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"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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This episode is a big one. An important one. Our most personal one yet.

We told you we were gonna cry today—and for good reason. Steve is having a baby, and we dive deep into the whirlwind of emotions that come with it. Excitement, nerves, and the realization that life is about to change forever. We talk about giving up vices when major life shifts happen, the risks and rewards of big decisions, and the responsibility of breaking family patterns when bringing a new life into the world.

Plus, a little debate on what the baby is gonna call Uncle JP, and why Knocked Up just became required viewing.

This one’s real, raw, and straight from the heart. Tune in. 💙

0:30 I told you we were gonna cry today

2:00 Steve is having a baby

5:40 Excitement and nerves go hand in hand in these moments

12:00 Giving up your vices when life changing events come along

17:00 Risks always have rewards in these situations

18:50 Live Podcast from the Delivery room?

22:00 How are you excited to prepare for this baby on the way?

25:30 Breaking the patterns of yourself and your family when bringing a new life into the world

30:00 Wondering what the baby is gonna call Uncle JP

40:00 Now we gotta watch “Knocked Up” before the baby comes

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

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Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

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In this episode, we dive into the environments that fuel our best work, the luxury of staying ahead, and the mindset shifts that help us keep going. We reflect on learning to trust ourselves, overcoming perfectionism (“Perfectionism is better spelled paralysis” – Winston Churchill), and embracing where we are while recognizing how far we've come. From Kobe Bryant’s lessons in discipline to the importance of taking risks in life, career, and money, this conversation is all about persistence, self-belief, and the power of consistency. Plus, we ask: what if we were 52 weeks ahead on the podcast? Tune in for an inspiring, thought-provoking episode!

1:00 What environment do you do your best work in?

4:30 the luxury of being ahead on the podcast

6:00 How’s your heart? & learning to trust yourself

10:00 the power that comes from not giving up

14:00 “Perfectionism is better spelled paralysis” -Winston Churchill

16:30 this podcast is just two guys doing a Rick Rubin impression

19:00 The excitement of having things to look forward to

20:15 Embrace where you’re and recognize how far you’ve come

22:00 The power of seeing our consistency pay off

26:44 Learning a lesson from Kobe Bryant and the 2008 USA basketball team

28:55 Life is all about taking risks, in money, in your career, in your personal life

31:00 what would it be like to be 52 weeks ahead on the podcast

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Join our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotions

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Join Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!

https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/

Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.
Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:

https://www.online-therapy.com/create_account.php?ref=199376&click_id=1025bb329a3007391208e272f114bc&utm_source=3088_Who%20Thought%20Wed%20Be%20Here%20Podcast&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=2&offer_ref=offer1&&cookie_test=1

Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK https://www.jokerink.com/

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!

"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.

https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod

Please Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!