Former Korean pop star Soeun Lee shares how one of the greatest moments of despair led to her crafting a new voice for herself.
In this episode of "A Life Worth Working," hosts Michelle Weise and Dana Allen Walsh chat with Soeun Lee, a former Korean pop star who navigated a demanding career starting at the age of 16. Soeun shares her fascinating journey from being a young pop sensation to becoming a practicing lawyer and now a studio producer.
Wallis Annenberg GenSpace Executive Director Christopher Leech shares how the hardest career experience of his life led to an understanding that although what he was doing was noble and important, it wasn't what he was supposed to do with his life.
This episode delves into the remarkable journey of Christopher Leech, whose deep curiosity about people led him to work in dementia care and later into bioethics. His passion brought him to GenSpace, a unique community center in Los Angeles designed for innovative aging. Christopher shares his experiences from his multifaceted career, emphasizing the importance of challenging aging stereotypes, fostering intergenerational relationships, and encouraging older adults to embrace new experiences. He highlights the powerful impact of creating meaningful, inclusive spaces for the elderly.
Yoga studio owner Kristin Olson shares how the fear and uncertainty of a marital separation and a pandemic-shuttered studio pushed her to re-imagine her business: launching 200- and 300-hour teacher trainings, international retreats, and an online platform that now gather 50+ students a class. What began as crisis evolved into a thriving practice where neighbors become friends and yoga mats feel like home.
In this episode, Kristin Olson shares her path from discovering yoga as a teenager to becoming a renowned yoga teacher and ultimately opening her own studio in Massachusetts. She discusses the call to pursue her passion, the challenges of balancing career and personal life, and the philosophy that grounds her practice and teaching. This episode explores the personal and professional evolution that led Kristen to find fulfillment and purpose in her work, highlighting the importance of authenticity and listening to one's inner voice.
In this Sh*t Pile episode of "A Life Worth Working," postdisciplinary artist Damon Davis discusses the concept of enough-ness and how sometimes the most challenging experiences come from the relationships closest to you.
In this episode of "A Life Worth Working," hosts Dana Allen Walsh and Michelle Weise chat with award-winning post-disciplinary artist Damon Davis. Exploring a vast array of mediums—illustration, painting, printmaking, music, film, and public art—Damon emphasizes that the true art lies in the process of creation, not merely the finished product. He shares how his diverse experiences and unyielding curiosity fuel his artistic evolution, illustrated by his latest project, "Ligeia Mare," a science fiction opera. This episode dives into how imagination, vulnerability, and relentless self-awareness can lead to a truly fulfilling artistic life. Join the conversation to explore the soul of work and discover how art is a byproduct of living with purpose and curiosity.
Michelle & Dana dive into musician-turned-consultant Kwaku Aning’s story of heartbreak, evolution, and redirection. From the residue of his pain and experience, he’s built a new path—proof that nothing is wasted and that our failures shape who we become.
In this episode of 'A Life Worth Working,' hosts Dana Alan Walsh and Michelle Weise delve into the fascinating journey of Kwaku Aning of Retro-Futurism consulting. Kwaku shares his story of how the traits that once got him in trouble—curiosity and constant chatter—eventually became his greatest assets. Discover how these gifts led him from teaching music at a charter school in Harlem to a versatile career, connecting people and ideas in innovative ways.
In this Shit Pile Episode of "A Life Worth Working," Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, shares how she transformed unimaginable pain into purpose after losing her son at Sandy Hook. Scarlett discusses facing challenges and finding the good that can emerge from difficult experiences, showing us that nothing is wasted.
In this deeply moving episode, Scarlett Lewis shares her remarkable journey of transforming personal tragedy into a global movement. After losing her son Jesse in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Scarlett was inspired by a message left by her son to start the Choose Love Movement. She discusses how this movement focuses on social-emotional learning, courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion in action, aiming to provide essential life skills for flourishing. Scarlett provides insights into how her purpose evolved through this tragedy and highlights the importance of choosing love over fear. Her story serves as a powerful example of turning pain into purpose and highlights the transformative power of love, compassion, and community.
In this special sh*t pile episode of A Life Worth Working with Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center, reflects candidly on a painful public critique early in his career that forced him to confront his ego and embark on a profound inner journey.
What does it take to live a life of purpose and principle? In this compelling episode, hosts Dana Walsh and Michelle Weise engage in a rich conversation with Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center, as he reflects on the defining moments and habits that have shaped his life. From his early inspirations and intellectual awakenings to the quiet power of deep reading and the discipline of morning rituals, Rosen offers a rare glimpse into how character is forged.
Listeners will also explore how the Founding Fathers’ timeless wisdom and the pursuit of self-mastery are not just historical ideals—but essential tools for modern democratic life. If you're searching for insight into living deliberately, creatively, and civically, this episode is not to be missed.
In this bonus episode, Meredith talks about how she "found the courage out of the ashes of [her] life." You're not going to want to miss this extra episode of A Life Worth Working.
In this episode of 'A Life Worth Working,' hosts Michelle Weise and Dana Walsh explore the profound impact of mortality with guest Meredith Wilson Parfet, CEO of Raven Yard. Meredith's journey began with personal tragedies that led her to a deep exploration of death and dying. From sitting with the dying as a hospice volunteer to becoming a death doula and chaplain, she integrates her experiences to help others navigate grief and crisis. The episode delves into how confronting death can lead to a richer, more authentic life, challenging societal norms around invincibility and immortality.
Welcome to 'A Life Worth Working' hosted by Michelle Weise and Dana Walsh. In this episode, they interview Jacob Lentz, a former comedy writer turned ER doctor. Jake shares his remarkable career pivot from writing for TV and experiencing the unpredictability of Hollywood, to attending medical school and becoming a doctor. He discusses the challenges, failures, and curiosities that fueled his journey, and his time volunteering in an ER to understand his calling. Tune in to hear about Jake's unique path, the importance of resilience and curiosity, and the profound lessons learned from interacting with people during their difficult moments.
In this Sh*t Pile episode of “A Life Worth Working,” hosts Michelle Weise and Dana Walsh chat with Jacob Lentz, a former comedy writer turned emergency room doctor. Jake shares a story about how Hollywood strangely prepared him well for the slog and grind of going through medical school while also becoming a commissioned officer in the Navy Reserves.
In this episode of A Life Worth Working, hosts Michelle Weise and Dana Allen Walsh sit down with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work. Simone shares his journey from avoiding a writing career in favor of stable, writing-adjacent jobs to finally embracing his calling as an author. He discusses the risks of a work-centric culture, the importance of creating boundaries, and finding fulfillment through multiple facets of identity. Simone emphasizes developing "evergreen characteristics" and diversifying sources of meaning beyond work. Tune in to explore practical tips for a balanced and purpose-driven life.
Author Simone Stolzoff shares his way of thinking about the manure-like experiences in our lives and the tradeoffs we have to consider making.
