What happens when an outsider is brought in to run one of the most trusted emergency organizations in the Jewish world?

In this episode of the None of Your Business Podcast, Michael sits down with Yehiel Kalish, former CEO of Hatzalah, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about leadership, pressure, and the realities behind the scenes of lifesaving work.

Yehiel shares how a political loss unexpectedly led him into the world of emergency medicine, what it was like leading Hatzalah without ever being a responder himself, and why he ultimately made the difficult decision to step down after five years.

From lightning-fast response times to the unseen emotional toll on volunteers, this episode pulls back the curtain on an organization most people only see in moments of crisis.

Together, Michael and Yehiel dive into:

• The inner workings of Hatzalah — how it’s structured, funded, and why it operates so differently from other organizations

• Response times that can be under a minute — and the pressure that comes with it • Who gets accepted into Hatzalah (and why it’s not about money or connections)

• The emotional and psychological toll on responders — and how they cope with trauma • The challenges of expanding into new communities like Lakewood and Jackson

• Women in Hatzalah — how real-life situations are handled with sensitivity and urgency • Leadership lessons from stepping into a role you’re not fully prepared for

00:00 Not A Hatzalah Guy

02:03 Outsider Perspective Matters

03:36 Podcast Intro And Retirement

04:36 How He Became CEO

16:02 Response Times And Expectations

21:50 Women Responders Protocols

28:54 Personal Background Origins

32:49 Chicago Culture Of Caring

36:19 What the Agudath Israel of America Does

38:43 Abuse Laws Defense

48:38 Agudah Camping Legacy

50:11 Leaving for Private Sector

56:21 Legislating in Office

01:06:30 Parnassa and Responsibility

01:12:46 Future Plans Lobbying

01:19:32 Health Lessons from Calls

01:28:37 Suicide and Mental Health

01:33:07 Closing and Guest Picks