Meet Basiliso Moreno, LMSW | Social Worker, Podcaster, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Basiliso Moreno, LMSW and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Basiliso, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I’m a single parent of two, a 12 year old son and 9 year daughter. The days they were born are two of the best days of my life. Every decision I make regarding employment, i have them in mind. Their mom passed away in 2016. Prior to our divorce in 2015, we were married for 9 years. We separated in 2014 and I did a whole life reset. Moved back with my parents from NJ and brought along two littles ones. they were allowed to live with me full time. They were too young to understand why we were living in nyc, living with grand ma and grand pa. It was rough but a necessary process.

During the next couple of years their mom’s health was deteriorating. It was to a point I knew she was going to die, it was a matter of when. July 20th 2016 was that day. My worse nightmare played out at work. I had taken my son to work and that afternoon I received the phone call of her passing. I took my son to the bathroom and told him. His face was almost like a sense of relief that she is no longer suffering and took the news with grace and composure beyond his years. I was stuck on how to tell my 4 year old daughter at the time her mom passed. Like how do you explain to a 4 year old? Google didnt have the answers. I asked friends. I came up with some story of angels. It didn’t click. As the years go by my daughter understands death more, how permanent it is. Every year we celebrate her birthday with balloons. She asks questions about her mom. She doesn’t know the real story of what happen. My son knows the cliff notes age appropriate version. As my daughter gets older I will give her the cliff notes version and as they both get older, I will tell the truth if they want to hear it.

Going back to the dating world was a huge adjustment. I felt I was finally ready to date in January 2015. Dating apps were a thing. Learning to set up dating profiles from coworkers. My Parents were watching the kids while I was planning around dates. I would try to set up dates when the kids were supposed to be asleep. It was hard. Three months after my ex wife passed I would meet my now fiancee.

Together we parent to the best of our abilities. I have been there for both kids since day one of their lives. Changing diapers, singing to them, playing with them, talking to them. Having them now record some of my Zumba videos. My son came up with the theme song to my social work podcast. I became a first time home owner this year. The pandemic which I call the Covid era or the shooting your shot era, I started investing in the stock market, thinking about leaving a legacy for the kids.

They can always hear my voice with the podcast. They can always read my words with my upcoming book. Setting up UTMA accounts for them and letting them know they are shareholders for companies such as Apple and Microsoft, making them say “I own a piece of that”. Teaching them take care of their rooms in their new home. Despite all the changes, I as a parent try to continue to monitor how are they feeling. I learned how to be resiliant from my kids.

Leaving a legacy, setting up affairs like a living will and life insurance as a “just in case”. Telling my kids I love them and letting them know I will always be there for them. Thats the most important thing I’ve done so far as a parent, love them.

What should our readers know about your business?
In January 2020, I started The Social Work Rants Podcast. Initially I had no idea what I wanted to talk about. Then Covid came and initially I was providing resources for social workers to use for their clients. In April 2020, my mom got sick and died May 3rd 2020. I then began using the podcast as a sense of therapy for myself. I then used my platform to highlight other social workers, mental health professionals, mental health advocates as a networking tool. Since we couldn’t meet in person, meeting via audio on the podcast became the norm. The podcast can be heard on all audio platforms and most recently on youtube. It has been heard in over 30 countries.

In October 2020, I started my LLC, Bas City Entertainment LLC, an online selfcare business focusing on my upcoming poetry book and Virtual Zumba classes. I have always wanted to give back to people . I am still trying to figure out the business side of things. I’m learning as I’m going. My Book Triumph through Pain, How to maximize your full potential during down times is coming soon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Rehobeth beach is the place to go. ALot of small shops by the beach with a boardwalk. More closer to home, going to a Middletown high school football game is a must. They are one of the best high school teams in the country. Metro diner makes an amazing chicken with waffels. I live about an hour from Philadelphia so and “real” excitement happens there for a big city feel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my beautiful fiancee Jenisse. Shout out to my children Elijah and Sophia. I love you both. To the listeners of The Social Work Rants Podcast, I thank you for listening. To all my fellow social workers and mental health professionals, I thank you for your hard work.

Website: www.basmoreno.com

Instagram: @TheSocialWorkRantsPodcast; @BasCityEntertainmentllc

Twitter: @socialworkrants

Facebook: Bas City Entertainment LLC

Youtube: The Social Work Rants Podcast