The Dignity Lab

Dr. Jennifer Griggs
  • 4.8 (13)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.  

  1. 6D AGO

    The Impossible Question

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. This short episode explores "The Impossible Question": Why did they do it? Jennifer discusses why people universally seek reasons after experiencing harm, how this search can deepen emotional disorganization or shame, and why answers often do not heal. The core message: understanding others' motivations rarely brings resolution, since even those who inflicted harm may not fully grasp their own actions. Healing comes from letting go of the need to know why and shifting focus to recognizing unmet needs—both in ourselves and others. Takeaways When harmed, most people instinctively ask "Why?" as a way to make meaning and organize their experience.Not getting answers often triggers shame or confusion about one’s worth.The search for motivation rarely helps—explanations, if available, don’t resolve pain and can leave us feeling worse. Many people, including those who cause harm, are unaware of their true motivations in the moment; naming deeper needs is often challenging.Unmet needs—belonging, recognition, control, contribution, safety—often drive behavior, though the strategies to meet them may be unskillful and hurtful.Accepting that you may never know why, and that the person who caused harm may not know either, helps release the grip of the impossible question.Moving forward in healing involves shifting the focus from seeking reasons to accepting unmet needs and letting go.Listeners are encouraged to share this episode and explore additional resources on universal needs at www.thedignitylab.com. 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.

    8 min

  2. MAR 22

    What Happens When & If We Choose to Forgive?

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. Jennifer explores the benefits of forgiveness on emotional, psychological, physical, and organizational health. She discusses the neural changes associated with forgiveness. She also shares her personal experience with forgiveness on her health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding forgiveness as a process rather than a one-time event, highlighting both its potential benefits and limitations. Forgiveness is associated with reduced anger, depression, and improved self-esteem.Meta-analyses show that forgiveness interventions can improve emotional wellbeing.Chronic pain and physical conditions may be alleviated through forgiveness interventions.Forgiveness helps manage emotions.Organizational forgiveness can enhance trust and productivity.Cultural factors can influence the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions.The Body Toussaint et al. 2016 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-012-9441-2Jennifer P Friedberg, et al. The effects of forgiveness on cardiovascular reactivity and recovery. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2009.Lee, Enright, & Song 2014 https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000025Mental Health Akhtar & Barlow 2021 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27009829/Worthington 2024 https://doi.org/10.1080/00207284.2024.2340593Organizations Wenrui Cao, et al. Forgiveness in the workplace: A longitudinal study of forgiveness climate and work outcomes. Frontiers in Psychology, 2021.Gelfand & Baumeister 2012 https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2010.0497Cameron & Caza 2003 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/107179190200900103Neuroscience Xiaoyan Li, et al. Trait forgiveness is associated with resting-state functional connectivity of the default mode network. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2017.Strang et al. 2014 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0087654Neural mechanisms review 2022 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.

    15 min

  3. MAR 15

    Fostering Positive Emotions

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. In this episode of the Dignity Lab, Jennifer explores the complex relationship between pain and positive emotions. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging difficult emotions while also cultivating positive feelings such as love, joy, and gratitude. Through a discussion of ten specific positive emotions, you will gain some practical strategies to nurture these feelings, even in the aftermath of hurt. The episode encourages a balanced emotional landscape, where both pain and positivity coexist, ultimately supporting healing and resilience. Takeaways Growing positive emotions alongside your hurt is essential.This episode is not about positive thinking or toxic positivity.We can plant tiny shoots of life in the middle of the ashes.Positive emotions need tending in a world of harm.Emotions are automatic reactions; feelings are our interpretations.Positive emotions broaden our perspective and build resilience.Love can be felt for people, pets, or even nature.Joy can exist even in hardship; it's about recognizing it.Gratitude can start with noticing small things going right.Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, not 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.

    17 min

  4. MAR 8

    Your Emotions & Feelings

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. In this conversation, Jennifer Griggs discusses the significance of naming emotions in the healing process, emphasizing how it aids in emotional recovery and allows individuals to explore deeper feelings that may have been suppressed. Takeaways The literature on forgiveness highlights the importance of naming emotions.Naming emotions with precision is crucial for healing.Alexithymia, a common condition, can make naming and processing emotions more difficult.Understanding our emotional experience can lead to better mental health.Digging deeper into our feelings can reveal suppressed emotions.The process of forgiveness is intertwined with emotional awareness.Emotional healing requires a comprehensive understanding of our feelings.The journey of healing often involves confronting uncomfortable emotions. 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.

    17 min

  5. MAR 1

    Telling Your Story in a New Way

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. In this episode of the Dignity Lab, Jennifer Griggs discusses the importance of storytelling in the healing process after experiencing harm. She emphasizes the need to tell our stories in a way that allows for emotional detachment, which in turn can facilitate healing. Jennifer provides practical techniques to help individuals reframe their narratives and gain new perspectives on their experiences. She also encourages listeners to share their stories with trusted individuals to foster connection and understanding. Takeaways Storytelling is essential for truth-telling and healing.Keeping stories in the dark can sap joy and energy.Writing stories down can help detach from emotional pain.Start with smaller stories to practice the writing technique.Writing in the second or third person can provide perspective.Identifying violated elements of dignity is crucial.Sharing stories with trusted individuals can aid healing; it's important to clarify what you need from listeners.Reflecting on the impact of storytelling is valuable. 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.

    12 min

  6. FEB 22

    The Language of Needs

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. In this episode, Jennifer explores the universal needs that underpin human dignity and healing after harm. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding these needs, both for oneself and in relationships with others. The conversation delves into the impact of dignity violations, the collective nature of needs, and the role of nonviolent communication in fostering understanding and compassion. Jennifer encourages listeners to reflect on their own needs and how they relate to their experiences of harm and healing. Takeaways Understanding universal needs can aid in healing after harm.Dignity violations occur when needs are ignored or dismissed.Reclaiming our needs is an act of integrity, not selfishness.Needs are not demands; they are essential for our well-being.The language of needs can help us navigate relationships.Dignity is inherent and can be bruised by unmet needs.Collective needs must be recognized in communication.Ignoring higher needs dehumanizes individuals.Understanding needs fosters compassion and accountability.Reflecting on unmet needs can guide healing strategies. 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.

    13 min

  7. FEB 15

    Dignity, Forgiveness, & the Alternatives to Forgiveness

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. In this episode of the Dignity Lab, Jennifer Griggs explores the concept of dignity in the context of forgiveness and its alternatives. She discusses how understanding dignity can aid in healing from past hurts, emphasizing the importance of validating one's own experiences and recognizing the elements of dignity that may have been violated. She also covers the ways in which taking accountability can, if applicable, can further healing. Takeaways Dignity is your inherent worth or value.Understanding dignity aids in healing even if forgiveness does not appeal.Dignity is vulnerable to harm and trauma.Naming dignity elements helps validate personal pain.Validating experiences confirms their authenticity.Accountability is a key element of dignity.Recognizing personal agency can empower healing.Accountability helps make sense of personal hurt. 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.

    13 min

  8. FEB 8

    5 Reasons Not to Forgive

    Join the dialogue - text your questions, insights, and feedback to The Dignity Lab podcast. In this episode of The Dignity Lab, Jennifer discusses the complexities of forgiveness, outlining five reasons why it may not be the right time to forgive. She emphasizes the importance of understanding what forgiveness is not, clarifying misconceptions, and ultimately defining forgiveness and its alternatives as a personal journey towards emotional freedom. Takeaways It's too soon to forgive if you're still in acute pain. Being told to forgive can be counterproductive.Being attached to one’s victim identity can hinder forgiveness.Misconceptions about forgiveness can create barriers.Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning harm.Forgiveness does not require an apology from the offender.Justice is an important aspect of healing.Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event.Forgiveness is an inside job and personal work.Forgiveness is an invitation to emotional freedom. 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.

    10 min
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4.8
out of 5
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About

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.  

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jennifer Griggs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dignity Lab
  • Show Website
    The Dignity Lab

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