🎧 How can we navigate grief, hold space for others, and create a world where humanity thrives?

In this episode, Matthew Solomon sits down with veteran war journalist, activist, and author Ash Gallagher to explore how we navigate grief, confront systems of violence, and integrate our emotions to live more fully. Drawing from her experiences covering war zones, Ash shares powerful lessons about holding space for grief and joy, acknowledging systemic harm, and moving toward collective healing.

Key Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] Holding Space for Grief in Challenging Times: Why grief is essential, how we’ve been socialized to suppress it, and why integrating it enriches our lives.
• [5:59] Lessons from War Zones: How Middle Eastern communities taught Ash to integrate grief, joy, and daily life.
• [14:35] The Role of Technology in Isolation and Connection: How digital spaces can both help and hinder our sense of community.
• [20:02] Life as a War Journalist: What drew Ash to combat journalism and how it shaped her activism and healing journey.
• [31:30] Breaking the Cycles of Violence: Exploring systemic violence, its roots, and how we can disrupt harmful patterns through acknowledgment and recognition.

Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Ash Gallagher’s Work:
• Website: https://www.ashgallagher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthrevolution
• Medium: https://medium.com/@ashgallagher
• Substack (Bodies in Resistance): https://ashgallagher.substack.com
• Reimagining Safety Documentary:
• Website: https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingsafetymovie

Takeaways from Ash:

• “Joy holds room for grief. They coexist and enrich our humanity.”
• “Acknowledgment is the first step toward breaking cycles of harm. See the pain, honor it, and create space for healing.”

Join the conversation and connect with Ash to explore the intersection of grief, activism, and personal growth.