A Life Worth Working

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.