A Life Worth Working
Michelle Weise & Dana Allen Walsh
A Life Worth Working is a podcast hosted by Michelle Weise and Dana Allen Walsh. Michelle is an education and workforce strategist and author of Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don't Even Exist Yet, and Dana is a senior pastor at a progressive church. This isn't a religious podcast.
“A Life Worth Working” celebrates the scraps, screw-ups, and detours of our work lives because we believe that nothing is wasted. The hardest moments we endure, from epic failures to employment gaps and crushing disappointments, all become fertile ground for new growth and endless possibilities.
So you’ll hear about the wild journeys of our guests: a comedy writer turned ER doctor, a hedge fund manager turned death doula, a musician turned consultant, even a K-pop star turned lawyer—the list goes on! Each guest reveals pivotal moments of growth born from career zig-zags and dead-ends.
Forget linear paths! We’re all navigating spaghetti-shaped journeys. And even those who appear to have it all figured out are fumbling their way through. Our guests talk about the pitfalls, the whispers they couldn’t ignore, or the moments of release that enabled them to jump to something unexpected. And perhaps most importantly, they talk about the messiest, hardest, and most painful parts of their journeys that created the conditions for new life and growth.
If you’re interested in dwelling in that messy middle, you’ll love this podcast. And best of all, you’ll hear each of these guests in quick, punchy 20-minute episodes.
“A Life Worth Working” celebrates the scraps, screw-ups, and detours of our work lives because we believe that nothing is wasted. The hardest moments we endure, from epic failures to employment gaps and crushing disappointments, all become fertile ground for new growth and endless possibilities.
So you’ll hear about the wild journeys of our guests: a comedy writer turned ER doctor, a hedge fund manager turned death doula, a musician turned consultant, even a K-pop star turned lawyer—the list goes on! Each guest reveals pivotal moments of growth born from career zig-zags and dead-ends.
Forget linear paths! We’re all navigating spaghetti-shaped journeys. And even those who appear to have it all figured out are fumbling their way through. Our guests talk about the pitfalls, the whispers they couldn’t ignore, or the moments of release that enabled them to jump to something unexpected. And perhaps most importantly, they talk about the messiest, hardest, and most painful parts of their journeys that created the conditions for new life and growth.
If you’re interested in dwelling in that messy middle, you’ll love this podcast. And best of all, you’ll hear each of these guests in quick, punchy 20-minute episodes.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 24, 2025 • 7min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Kristin Olson
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.
Jun 17, 2025 • 22min
How Do You Find Courage to Follow an 'Impractical' Calling? Kristin Olson's Yoga Journey
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.
Jun 12, 2025 • 8min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Damon Davis
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.
Jun 10, 2025 • 15min
How Can We See beyond Labels? Damon Davis's Guide to Wonder-filled Living
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.
Jun 5, 2025 • 5min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Kwaku Aning
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.
Jun 3, 2025 • 28min
Unleashing Curiosity: Kwaku Aning's Journey from Classroom to Consulting
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.
May 29, 2025 • 11min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Scarlett Lewis
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.
May 27, 2025 • 39min
Can Our Deepest Pain Reveal Our Professional Purpose? Scarlett Lewis's Calling after Sandy Hook
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.
May 22, 2025 • 4min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Jeffrey Rosen
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.
8 snips
May 20, 2025 • 22min
Finding Virtue in a Distracted World: Jeffrey Rosen on the Pursuit of Happiness
Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center and a professor at George Washington University Law School, shares insights on living with purpose and principle. He discusses the importance of self-mastery and character development in today's distraction-heavy world. Rosen emphasizes the value of deep reading and morning rituals in shaping our lives. He also explores the concept of vocation as a journey, alongside the historical wisdom of the Founding Fathers, to inspire listeners to cultivate their own paths to happiness and civic engagement.
