EP 28: Joy & Sorrow with Shawn Askinosie

In this episode for The School of Unlearning, I sit down with the author, founder and CEO of Askinosie chocolate.

I first came across Askinosie chocolate via Shawn's book, “Meaningful Work”. I read this book and fell in love with his spiritual and thorough approach to finding a vocation and meaning in our personal lives. I immediately searched for the nearest store that sold Askinosie chocolate and bought a bar. I’ve been hooked ever since. 

This episode is deeply personal, a conversation between two people navigating grief, joy, loss, meaning and yes, chocolate. Shawn urges us to look to what breaks our heart in order to find meaning in our lives and in our work. 

In this episode you'll hear: 

• What core learnings Shawn had to endure at age that shaped his worldview on religion and grief.
• How important the space to talk about grief is and what happens when we don't have that space. 
• How joy and sorrow are inseparable and how they amplify each other. 
• The influence of loss and ambiguous loss in daily life
• How sitting with and moving through grief can build emotional confidence 
• The origin of Askinosie Chocolate and the values behind it. 
• What relationship driven chocolate means to Shawn
• How storytelling makes chocolate taste better :)
• The importance of space and alone time in finding meaning in life and in work
• "Begin with your sorrow" to find purpose and meaning in work.
• Why healing isn't a singular or a linear experience 
• What Shawn is actively unlearning in the present moment 

"Maybe if we combine our sorrow? Maybe that's joy?" Ross Gay 

 

Check out Shawn’s TED Talk here.

To enjoy direct trade chocolate made by Askinosie chocolate, click here. 

About Elisa: 

I am a Conscious Leadership Coach and host of The School of Unlearning Podcast. I coach leaders/executives and teams all over the world to shift their mindset. Together we move from serious to curious and from fear to love. 

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