The Dignity Lab

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode, Jennifer discusses the concept of non-attachment and provides practical strategies for releasing attachment to things that may hinder living and leading with joy and purpose. She identifies eight things to hold lightly, including the need for external validation, opinions of others, making other people happy, and limiting beliefs. Jennifer also shares strategies for cultivating acceptance, practicing gratitude, being mindful, and reflecting on attachments. She concludes by inviting listeners to join the Dignity Lab, a leadership mastermind, and encourages them to share the episode with others.

Takeaways

• Non-attachment involves fully engaging with experiences without fixating on or trying to control them.
• Holding lightly to external validation, opinions of others, and making other people happy can decrease stress and increase adaptability.
• Cultivating acceptance, practicing gratitude, being mindful, and reflecting on attachments are strategies for releasing attachment.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode, Jennifer explores the concept of authenticity and its relationship to vulnerability. She defines authenticity as living in accordance with our values and being committed to personal growth. Jennifer discusses the importance of clarity on our values and boundaries in order to be authentic. She also addresses the challenges of vulnerability in the workplace and offers strategies for creating a safe environment for vulnerability. The episode concludes with a call to reflect on our values and take steps to be more authentic and create a safe space for others to be authentic as well.

Takeaways

• Authenticity means living in accordance with our values and being committed to personal growth.
• Clarity on our values and boundaries is essential for authenticity.
• Creating a safe environment for vulnerability in the workplace is important.
• Start small and gradually increase vulnerability to create a culture of authenticity.
• Reflect on your values and take steps to be more authentic and create a safe space for others.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode of The Dignity Lab, host Dr. Jennifer Griggs and producer Vanessa Aron reflect on season 2's conversations, highlighting how dignity can be reclaimed through storytelling, community engagement, and embracing joy. They discuss insights from the seasons' guests, who shared experiences about maintaining dignity amidst systemic challenges. Jennifer and Vanessa emphasize the importance of redefining community inclusively and understanding the role of power dynamics in dignity work.

The hosts also explore the transformative power of joy, play, and movement, linking bodily freedom with personal empowerment. They discuss how physical expressions like dance and play are essential in experiencing dignity and overcoming shame. As they wrap up the season, Jennifer provides a glimpse into season 3, promising new conversations about dignity at work and in the world.

Takeaways:

• Sharing personal narratives is a powerful way to reclaim dignity.
• Redefining community inclusively helps protect and respect everyone's dignity.
• Physical expressions like dance and play are crucial for experiencing dignity.
• Listening to and learning from others' stories is key to dignity reclamation.
• Understanding power dynamics is essential for effective dignity work.
• Setting and respecting boundaries plays a critical role in maintaining dignity.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode of The Dignity Lab, Shawn Askinosie, founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate, shares the personal and poignant experiences that have shaped his commitment to ethical entrepreneurship.

From his early legal career to creating a business that deeply respects its community of cocoa farmers, Shawn's journey illuminates the powerful interplay between personal history and professional purpose.

Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Griggs, this episode explores how Shawn's childhood memories, pivotal life events, and philosophical insights into capitalism and suffering inform his innovative approach to business and community engagement.

Guest Contact:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Episode Resources

• Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul

Takeaways:

• Reflecting on his grandparents' farm life, Shawn credits his values of community and responsibility to his upbringing.
• Shawn ties family experiences to his business practices, fostering deep connections and mutual respect with farmers and business partners.
• He critically examines capitalism, advocating for a model that ensures fair growth and mutual benefits.
• Shawn’s personal journey through joy and suffering informs his compassionate business practices.
• 'Integrated kinship' with cocoa farmers illustrates partnerships based on mutual respect and long-term collaboration.
• He highlights the importance of being present, both in personal interactions and in business, enabling deeper moments, connections, and understanding.
• Community and dignity are central to Shawn's business ethos, ensuring practices are socially responsible.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Griggs shares a reading of the impactful poem "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. This poem is a guide to living a life filled with dignity and peace, reminding us that we are all children of the universe, deserving respect and kindness.

About the Author: This poem was written by Max Ehrmann, an American writer, poet, and lawyer. Throughout his career, Ehrmann demonstrated a deep concern for social issues, as evidenced by poems like "Complacent Women" (1918) and "Washington, D.C." (1924), which addressed topics such as women's rights and political corruption. His writings often blended idealism, spirituality, and observations on human nature. Ehrmann composed "Desiderata" in 1927, drawing from his experiences in life and work. He said he wrote it for himself, "because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of." Some sources report that he wrote it for his daughter, leaving the messages of the poem as part of his legacy. “Desiderata” in Latin means “things desired.”

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode of The Dignity Lab, Dr. Griggs engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Danielle Kramer, a board-certified clinical sexologist and expert on misogyny.

Dr. Kramer delves into the complexities surrounding abortion care, reproductive autonomy, and the broader implications of bodily autonomy. They emphasize the importance of moving away from black-and-white debates and fostering nuanced discussions.

The discussion also includes the critical role of bodily autonomy in reproductive rights and highlights the intersection of misogyny and reproductive restrictions. Dr. Kramer explores historical contexts, the spread of abortion misinformation, and the importance of advocacy efforts.

Guest Contact:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• Website

Takeaways:

• Nuanced discussions on abortion are essential to avoid black-and-white thinking.
• Bodily autonomy is crucial for reproductive rights and healthcare decisions.
• Misogyny intersects with reproductive restrictions, aiming to control women's bodies.
• Historical context reveals the exploitation of Black women in gynecology and obstetrics.
• Accurate information and advocacy are necessary to combat abortion misinformation.
• Balancing advocacy with self-care and support systems is vital for emotional well-being.
• Personal stories and empathy are powerful tools in the conversation around abortion.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode of The Dignity Lab, Dr. Jennifer Griggs engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Kim Cameron, a leading expert in organizational behavior and management. Dr. Cameron, who co-founded the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan, delves into the concept of virtuous organizations and how they foster environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

Dr. Cameron outlines the critical role of positive, virtuous leadership in creating workplaces that allow employees to flourish, irrespective of their demographics, knowledge, or training.

He explains how virtuous organizations embody practices such as gratitude, integrity, compassion, and trust, which collectively enhance the overall well-being and performance of the organization. Dr. Cameron demonstrates the profound impact of small, incremental improvements and the empowerment of positive energizers within the organization.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing organizational change, the pitfalls of cynicism, and the strategies to overcome resistance and foster a positive culture. Dr. Cameron offers practical advice for leaders at all levels who aspire to cultivate a dignified and virtuous workplace.

Guest Contact

• Kim Cameron

Episode Resources

• Article: Bad is Stronger than Good

Takeaways:

• Virtuous leadership helps individuals flourish and reach their potential.
• Virtuous organizations practice gratitude, trust, integrity, compassion, forgiveness, optimism, and purpose.
• Small, 1% improvements can lead to significant positive changes.
• Positive energizers uplift others and spread positive practices.
• Organizational change is challenging but can be achieved with positive energy and engagement.
• Supporting colleagues enhances organizational health and productivity.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Griggs interviews Dr. Mary Dixon-Woods, director of The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute at the University of Cambridge. They discuss the critical importance of giving people a voice in healthcare settings and its impact on dignity and organizational culture.

Dr. Dixon-Woods recounts her journey into healthcare improvement, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based approaches. She explains how giving people voice allows for the expression of ideas, concerns, and contributions, fostering dignity.

The episode delves into the role of fear in silencing voices, the concept of "forbidden knowledge," and the necessity of creating environments where unsayable things can be said.

Using personal anecdotes, Dr. Dixon-Woods illustrates the profound impact of voice on workplace satisfaction and engagement. She highlights the importance of structured approaches to diagnosing and addressing problems, as well as techniques for facilitating respectful and effective communication.

This episode underscores the transformative power of giving people a voice in promoting understanding, healing, and organizational change.

Guest Contact:

• LinkedIn

Episode Resources:

• The Health Foundation
• THIS.Institute: The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute

Takeaways:

• Giving people voice combines respect with the opportunity to express ideas, concerns, and contributions, enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Fear and "forbidden knowledge" can silence voices, necessitating safe spaces and structured approaches for expression.
• Effective communication techniques, such as asking clarifying questions, can facilitate respectful dialogue and maintain dignity.
• Structured approaches and listening systems are essential for diagnosing and addressing organizational issues.
• Physical work environments and human resource systems significantly impact how valued employees feel, contributing to overall satisfaction.
• Leadership commitment to listening and taking action is vital for fostering a culture of voice and dignity.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode, Dan Green, Assistant Director at the University of Michigan's Office of Student Conflict Resolution, delves into restorative justice principles and practices.

Dan recounts his journey into restorative justice, emphasizing its balance of high support and accountability. He explains how it creates a platform for discussing harm and restoration among all parties. The episode covers the types of complaints his office handles, challenges in implementing restorative justice, and the significance of early harm intervention. Dan differentiates between retribution and restoration and addresses power imbalances in restorative processes.

Using personal anecdotes, Dan illustrates the humanizing effect of restorative justice and the crucial role of community. He highlights the importance of emotional self-regulation, safety, and trust-building. This episode underscores the transformative power of restorative justice in promoting understanding, healing, and peace.

Guest Contact

• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Episode Resources

• The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr

Takeaways

• Restorative justice combines high support with high accountability, allowing for dialogue on harm and restoration.
• Early and frequent harm intervention can prevent conflicts and strengthen relationships.
• The punitive justice narrative hinders restorative justice implementation.
• "Calling in" fosters growth and inclusion for those who have caused harm.
• Restoration aims to reintegrate individuals into the community, contrasting with punishment-focused retribution.
• Restorative justice humanizes and empowers individuals in the healing process.
• Community involvement is vital, fostering trust and connection.
• Emotional self-regulation enables respectful and constructive expression.
• Safety and trust are essential for effective restorative justice.
• Restorative justice leverages community power to address harm, rebuild trust, and promote peace.

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.

Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Griggs sits down with Milton Anderson to explore the themes of dignity, resilience, and the power of relationships.

Milton shares his journey of maintaining dignity and equanimity in the face of adversity, the importance of building relationships across differences, and the insights he gained from working on a research project about pain management in cancer patients. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes, experiences of racism, and the significant role of faith and love in navigating life's challenges.

Episode Resources

• The social and behavioral influences (SBI) study: study design and rationale for studying the effects of race and activation on cancer pain management
• Patient activation reduces effects of implicit bias on doctor-patient interactions
• Examining the effects of physician burnout on pain management for patients with advanced lung cancer

Takeaways

• The significance of maintaining dignity and self-respect despite external challenges.
• The impact of developing relationships across racial and cultural divides.
• Lessons learned from working as a standardized patient in a research project.
• The importance of advocacy in healthcare settings.
• The role of love and faith in addressing societal and personal issues.

Dignity Lab Leadership Roundtable: If you're interested in leading with purpose, dignity, and courage, consider joining our Leadership Roundtable. Learn more and set up a complimentary call at Jennifer Griggs' website. 

Exploring what it means to live and lead with dignity at work, in our families, in our communities, and in the world. What is dignity? How can we honor the dignity of others? And how can we repair and reclaim our dignity after harm? Tune in to hear stories about violations of dignity and ways in which we heal, forgive, and make choices about how we show up in a chaotic and fractured world. Hosted by physician and coach Jennifer Griggs.

For more information on the podcast, please visit www.thedignitylab.com.
For more information on podcast host Dr. Jennifer Griggs, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/.
For additional free resources, including the periodic table of dignity elements, please visit https://jennifergriggs.com/resources/.

The Dignity Lab is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will receive 10% of the purchase price when you click through and make a purchase. This supports our production and hosting costs. Bookshop.org doesn’t earn money off bookstore sales, all profits go to independent bookstores. We encourage our listeners to purchase books through Bookshop.org for this reason.