(Literally) Working Through It

From Chaos to Creation with Michael Ahmad

In this deeply personal interview, Brigid speaks with pop artist Michael Ahmad about his third studio album, “Call of the Void”, released on May 5th. After a ten year hiatus from music, Michael returns with a body of work born from immense personal tragedy — including his divorce, the loss of both his parents in 2024, and the ongoing war in Gaza affecting his Palestinian family. With raw honesty and introspection, Michael explores how grief, spirituality, and art intertwine to form a path toward healing. The conversation offers a moving glimpse into how engaging with creativity can help someone emerge from heartbreak and how connection persists beyond loss. Listen to “Call of the Void” wherever you stream music now! Find Michael Ahmad on socials @themichaelahmad and at www.themichaelahmad.com Get full access to (Literally) Working Through it at literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe [https://literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Weathering Life's Tornado Moments with Stephanie Arne

It’s Earth Day! I love the Earth. It honestly shocks me that more people aren’t constantly wandering around and in awe of everything they see (THE OCEANS BREATHE! TREES TALK TO EACH OTHER! BUGS SURVIVE WINTER BY PRODUCING THEIR OWN ANTIFREEZE!). Whenever I feel overwhelmed with trying to live life under oppressive man-made systems, I tend to turn on a show about the universe. Knowing that I, as one single human, am SO insignificant in the grand scheme of things usually helps me put my own personal problems into perspective. The same goes with loss. The cycles of nature remind me that losing things is a natural part of life. Without letting go of the old, we’re not able to let it compost and nourish something new. I’m not great at relinquishing control, but I’m getting incrementally better at accepting the fact that I didn’t actually have much of it to begin with. No one understands this better than my guest on today’s podcast - Stephanie Arne. Stephanie is an award-winning conservationist, adventurer, and storyteller who knows firsthand how the lessons of nature can support us in confronting personal grief and loss. In this conversation, Stephanie shares how her grappling with her family history helped her understand more about herself, and how the grief she has experienced in life taught her how to strengthen her resilience and hope for the future. Enjoy!Learn more about Stephanie at www.stephaniearne.com [https://www.stephaniearne.com/] Support the show at patreon.com/literallyworkingthroughit [https://patreon.com/literallyworkingthroughit] Follow the show @literallyworkingthroughit on socials Get full access to (Literally) Working Through it at literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe [https://literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Losing Your Job but Finding Yourself with Kelsea Little

In this deeply resonant conversation Brigid talks with storyteller and creative consultant Kelsea Little about their similar experiences with layoffs and job loss. Sharing personal stories about how being laid off affected their identities and sense of self, they discussed the changing nature of workplace loyalty, the stigma surrounding job changes, and the importance of taking time to process grief after a layoff. Kelsea shared her journey of finding sobriety and building a new life after leaving her 12-year corporate career, while exploring themes of impermanence, the need for self-trust, and the importance of finding fulfillment outside of work. This conversation highlights the challenges of balancing professional identity with personal growth, and the power of community and authenticity in navigating career changes.Learn more about Kelsea at https://www.kelsealittle.com/ [https://www.kelsealittle.com/] Get full access to (Literally) Working Through it at literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe [https://literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Sacred Privilege of Grief with Amy Stapleton

In the depths of our grief, how do we help ourselves? And, just as importantly, how do we help each other through it? In the newest episode of (Literally) Working Through It, Brigid talks with Reverend Amy Stapleton - a licensed professional counselor, ordained minister, and community organizer based in Colorado. Their inspiring and all-encompassing conversation touches on: * How joy and grief are often intertwined (example: four months after Brigid’s brother died, Amy officiated her wedding) * What it takes to give ourselves permission to grieve (spoiler: it’s nonjudgement) * Ways to support those we love in their own grief process (other than bringing a casserole) * How collective grief can inspire truth-telling and transformative change in our communities (because we save ourselves when we save each other) Listen to the new episode now on Substack, Apple, and Spotify Get full access to (Literally) Working Through it at literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe [https://literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

INTRODUCING: (Literally) Working Through It

“The worst part about death is that life goes on.” Laundry has to get done. Kids have to get dropped off. Your boss is asking when that project will be completed. How the f*ck are we supposed to do it all while grieving? Join host Brigid Dodge as she explores all the ways that life keeps moving forward after loss. Through expert interviews and personal stories, this series explores how we integrate profound grief while challenging the systems that discourage us from truly feeling it. Get full access to (Literally) Working Through it at literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe [https://literallyworkingthroughit.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]