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
May 15, 2025 • 4min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Meredith Parfet
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.
4 snips
May 13, 2025 • 20min
Searching for Work that Matters? Meredith Parfet on Trading Hedge Funds for Hospice Work
Meredith Wilson Parfet, CEO of Raven Yard, shares her transformative journey from finance to hospice care following personal tragedies. She discusses how confronting death enriches life, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connections during end-of-life care. Meredith also dives into her work as a death doula and chaplain, illustrating how grief can lead to personal growth and deeper meaning. The conversation challenges societal norms about invincibility and immortality, encouraging listeners to embrace life’s impermanence.
May 6, 2025 • 16min
Is It Ever Too Late to Start Over? Comedy Writer Jacob Lentz Becomes Dr. Lentz
Jacob Lentz, a former TV comedy writer turned emergency room doctor, shares his incredible journey of reinvention. He discusses the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and how it prepared him for the challenges of medical school. Lentz highlights the value of resilience and curiosity, illustrating how failures transformed into learning opportunities. He explores the emotional depth of working in an ER, emphasizing the importance of authentic human connections during crises. His story proves it's never too late to pursue your passions and embrace change.
May 1, 2025 • 5min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Dr. Jacob Lentz
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.
Apr 29, 2025 • 18min
Is Your Job Taking over Your Life? Simone Stolzoff on Finding Fulfillment beyond Work
Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, shares his journey from avoiding a writing career to embracing it fully. He tackles the perils of a work-centric culture and emphasizes the need for boundaries to reclaim personal life. Simone argues for diversifying our sources of meaning beyond just work, discussing the importance of multiple identities. Practical tips for achieving balance and fulfillment beyond professional roles are explored, urging listeners to recognize their intrinsic value and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Apr 24, 2025 • 5min
The Sh*t Pile Episode with Simone Stolzoff
Author Simone Stolzoff shares his way of thinking about the manure-like experiences in our lives and the tradeoffs we have to consider making.
Apr 22, 2025 • 1min
Nothing Wasted | The Sh*t Pile
Once you subscribe to “A Life Worth Working” (wherever you get your podcasts), you'll get a special little episode delivered every Thursday: a precious, little gem we lovingly call a "Shit Pile Episode" (yep, we curse here—and it's totally OK!). Each guest shares the shittiest moment of their careers and how vital and life-giving those moments ended up being. And then the following Tuesday, you’ll get to hear a full episode with that particular guest. But heads up: we don’t repeat the Thursday stories in the Tuesday ones, so subscribe now! You definitely don't want to miss our stories about the muddy mess.
Apr 15, 2025 • 17min
Nothing Wasted: Finding the Soul of Work
Delve into the transformational theme of 'nothing wasted,' highlighting how discarded elements can lead to growth and new beginnings. Explore the evolving nature of work and the quest for purpose amid AI advancements. Hear personal journeys of reevaluating career paths after major life events and the dynamic concept of calling in all forms of work. Discover the importance of self-reflection, community support, and embracing life’s non-linear journeys toward meaningful fulfillment.
Apr 5, 2025 • 2min
A Life Worth Working Trailer
“A Life Worth Working” is a podcast hosted by a disruptive innovation expert and a reverend, but it's not a religious podcast. We feature the gloriously messy stories about career paths that we like to call the spaghetti pathways of our work lives. 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 — all in quick, punchy 20-minute episodes.Once you subscribe to “A Life Worth Working” (wherever you get your podcasts), you'll get a special little episode delivered every Thursday: a precious, little gem we lovingly call a "Shit Pile Episode" (yep, we curse here—and it's totally OK!). Each guest shares the shittiest moment of their careers and how vital and life-giving those moments ended up being. And then the following Tuesday, you’ll get to hear a full episode with that particular guest. But heads up: we don’t repeat the Thursday stories in the Tuesday ones, so subscribe now! You definitely don't want to miss our stories about the muddy mess.
