Gayle Kirschenbaum grew up as the target of her mother’s relentless cruelty. At sixteen, she left home—but the emotional wounds lingered for decades. In this heartfelt conversation, Gayle shares how she transformed their turbulent relationship through the radical act of forgiveness.

We talk about:

💔 Breaking free from generational pain

🧠 Understanding family dynamics & mental health

💡 Why forgiveness doesn’t require an apology

🌱 How empathy & kindness can change everything

Gayle’s story is more than healing—it’s a roadmap for anyone ready to reclaim peace and rewrite their family narrative.

📖 Learn more: gaylekirschenbaum.com

📚 Bullied to Besties – Barnes & Noble

📸 Instagram

In this conversation, Jordana speaks with Aryeh Siegel who shares his remarkable journey from a secular upbringing to a deep exploration of spirituality, particularly through Transcendental Meditation and later, Jewish practices. A former TM teacher and national leader, Aryeh Siegel oversaw meditation programs in rehab centers before discovering the movement’s spiritual and ethical corruption. After becoming Torah observant, he testified as an expert witness in a class action suit that ended TM’s use in public schools. He discusses the impact of meditation on mental health, the development of his kosher meditation practice inspired by The Rebbe, and the feedback he has received from his books. Aryeh emphasizes the importance of finding a spiritual path that resonates with one's identity and the therapeutic benefits of meditation.

The two discuss how:

• Meditation can provide profound rest and healing.
• Meditation is a therapeutic tool for stress management.
• The Lubavitcher Rebbe sought a kosher meditation for Jews.
• Aryeh transitioned from TM to Jewish spirituality.
• Meditation is a therapeutic tool for stress management.
• The technique of meditation can be adapted to Jewish practices.

Find his books

View his website

In this episode of Behind the Pages, Jordana speaks with Bari Mitzmann who shares her journey as an author. Bari Mitzmann is a Nevada-based marketing director by day and a content creator by night. She is passionate about destigmatizing mental health struggles and helping others cultivate a genuine, healthy relationship with G-d and Judaism. Her new book, Hakol B’Seder, chronicles her journey of healing and rediscovering what it means to live an authentic Torah life.

The conversation delves into:

-Bari’s experiences with mental health and how that affected her relationship with Judaism

-Empathy and understanding are crucial in addressing mental health.

-Being open about struggles can help others feel less alone.

-Writing can be a therapeutic process.

-The writing process involves multiple revisions and feedback.

-It's essential to define your motivation for writing a book.

-Publishing a book is a collaborative effort with many contributors.

Hakol B’Seder is available for purchase at barianna.com/book.

Connect with Bari on Instagram

Connect with Bari via her website

Ever wonder who really writes the stories behind the stories? 👀✍️

In this powerful episode of Drink It In: Behind the Pages, Jordana sits down with Rea Bochner — ghostwriter, spiritual coach, and founder of @awakejewishwomen — for a raw and deeply moving conversation.

Rea opens up about her journey through:

✨ Wrestling with faith and reclaiming her Jewish identity

✨ Turning grief into healing through the written word

✨ The sacred power of storytelling — especially for Jewish women

✨ Life as a ghostwriter (it’s more soulful than you think)

✨ 20 years of sobriety and the wisdom it’s brought her

If you’ve ever felt like your story is still unfolding… or you’re waiting for the words to express your truth — this episode will meet you there.

🎧 Listen now and let your soul drink it in.

📍Connect with Rea:

Website: awakejewishwomen.com

Instagram: @awakejewishwomen

Email: [email protected]

Do you remember Ruchi Koval from Season 1? Well Ruchi is back as a guest on the podcast for season 14! Ruchi is a parenting coach who helps parents of teens and adult kids find peace and confidence in their relationships. She is also a kiruv Rebbetzin, musician, author of three books, mother of seven, and grandmother.

Jordana and Ruchi discuss:

• Ruchi Koval's journey from a reluctant Rabbitsen to a successful author.

• The importance of structure in writing books.

• Feedback from readers can be life-changing for authors.

• Writing is a solitary process but can lead to profound connections.

• Authors should embrace their unique voice and experiences.

• Book titles should resonate with potential readers

• Coaching informs speaking, which in turn informs writing, creating a symbiotic relationship.

• Writing a book can enhance credibility and open doors for speaking engagements.

• It's essential to clarify the purpose and audience before starting to write a book.

• Scheduling time for writing is crucial to ensure completion of a book.

• Support systems can provide the necessary safety nets to overcome fears.

Purchase Ruchi's newest book "Soul Purpose"!

Connect with her on her website or on Instagram!

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

What if the key to your identity was hidden in your family’s past—buried for centuries?

In this powerful episode of Drink It In: Behind the Pages, Jordana sits down with Devorah Esther Ivel Colon, a descendant of Christopher Columbus, who shares her unbelievable journey from Christianity to Orthodox Judaism—uncovering her roots in the hidden Converso communities of Puerto Rico.

💫 Devorah’s story isn’t just about personal transformation—it’s about history, healing, and the legacy of the Spanish Inquisition still echoing today.

Tune in as we explore:

• The emotional toll of reclaiming a lost Jewish identity

• The role of dreams and inner truth in guiding her journey

• The impact of generational trauma—and how writing became her healing

• Her mission to preserve the voices of forgotten Jews

📚 Her debut book, The Last Anusah, and her historical fiction series The Watchmen are available now on Amazon.

👇 Tap to listen, and let this story awaken something deep in your soul.

You can find her books on Amazon and Amazon Kindle

The Last Anusah

The Watchmen Vol. I -The Awakening of Fernand

The Watchmen Vol. II- The Escape of Clara Rochel

Ever wonder if astrology and Torah can align?

In this fascinating episode of Behind the Pages, Jordana sits down with Yitzchok A. Pinkesz, the Torah-observant astrologer behind the groundbreaking book, Kosher Astrology: A Jewish Guide to Celestial Wisdom 🌌📖

For over 15 years, Yitzchok has blended Jewish philosophy, psychology, and astrology — and now he’s opening up about:

💫 Why astrology isn’t off-limits in Judaism

🌀 How your birth chart might reveal your spiritual gifts

🛠️ The real story behind writing (and editing!) his book

💬 The surprising reactions he’s received from the Jewish world

💡 How self-awareness through the stars can spark compassion and growth

This isn’t about horoscopes and hype — it’s about discovering deeper meaning and personal purpose, the kosher way.

🎧 Tune in now and open your mind to a whole new realm of Jewish insight.

📕 Grab the book: Kosher Astrology on Amazon

🌐 Learn more: kosherastro.com

📸 Follow on IG: @kosherastro

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: KosherAstro Channel

#DrinkItInPodcast #KosherAstrology #JewishGrowth #SpiritualWisdom #BehindThePages

Season 14, Episode 4 is here!

In this powerful episode of Behind the Pages, Jordana sits down with Raizy Fried—author of two cookbooks and 'The Anatomy of A Yenta,' which combines memoir and self-help. Raizy Fried is a world-renowned author and dynamic speaker known for her heartfelt, woman-to-woman communication. With her warm and engaging style, Raizy captivates audiences.Her platform INSPIRED LIVING is where you can explore a variety of topics that focus on elevating and enriching the changing lives of today's Jewish women.

Raizy shares her journey from a Boro Park girl to a successful author and influencer. She discusses her early experiences with cooking, her evolution into writing, and how the challenges she faced actually helped her reach her full potential.

They dive into how:

• The concept of a self-help memoir is innovative in the Jewish literary world.

• How authors may face challenges in sharing her story while respecting others' dignity.

• How women should be inspired to cultivate their own brand and elegance.

If you’ve ever felt called to write, teach, or inspire—this one’s for you.

Listen now and get ready to be moved, motivated, and reminded of the power of your own voice.

Raizy can be reached on:

Instagram: @raizyscookin

Or her website: https://www.raizyfried.com/

Check out her first cookbook, second cookbook, and self-help memoir.

Season 14, Episode 3 is here!

In this powerful episode of Behind the Pages, Jordana sits down with Chana Weisberg—author of seven beloved books, host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast, and editor at Chabad.org.

Chana opens up about her journey as a writer and speaker, sharing what it takes to connect deeply with readers, listeners, and audiences through authentic storytelling. From lessons drawn from biblical women like Sarah and Rivka to practical tips for aspiring writers, this episode is packed with wisdom.

They dive into:

— The role of women in Judaism

— How feedback shapes a writer’s growth

— Using your past to fuel your purpose

— Why great communication changes everything

If you’ve ever felt called to write, teach, or inspire—this one’s for you.

Listen now and get ready to be moved, motivated, and reminded of the power of your own voice.

Chana can be reached on

Instagram or her website

#DrinkItInPodcast #BehindThePages #JewishWomen #ChanaWeisberg #WritingJourney #Storytelling #SpiritualGrowth #JewishPodcast #WomenWhoInspire

Season 14, Episode 2 of Drink It In: Behind the Pages is here!

This week, Jordana sits down with Rabbi Asher Gottesman—spiritual entrepreneur, connection coach, and author of Connection—for a raw, real, and deeply moving conversation.

From losing it all to finding deeper purpose, Asher opens up about hitting rock bottom and discovering the power of human connection, service, and self-acceptance.

Together, they explore:

• What it means to truly connect with yourself and others

• Why your story matters—flaws, failures, and all

• The healing power of vulnerability and community

• The behind-the-scenes journey of writing a book that speaks to every soul

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too broken to begin, this episode will remind you: connection is the key to wholeness.

Listen now, connect with our guest, and tag someone who needs this conversation.