It's Who You Know! The Podcast

Michelle W. Malkin officially closes out the It's Who You Know! The Podcast project. In conversation with her husband, Barak Malkin, they discuss the industry of podcasting, lessons from working in the Jewish community, and reflections on this project.

Michelle currently serves as the Executive Director for Aleph: The Jewish Renewal Movement, where she will be hosting new podcasts highlighting what Jewish Renewal is, as well as how and where to experience it (expected summer 2026). After Passover 2026, you can learn more about Aleph and the Jewish Renewal Movement at www.aleph.org.

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

These four inspiring leaders and I discuss a broad range of topics including their decision to transition out of their leadership roles, what success means to them, thoughts of the wider Jewish community, and advice for those seeking to serve in similar roles. I am deeply grateful to these four leaders for their service to the Jewish community that impacted many lives over the last 10-24 years.

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

David and I dive into his inspiring journey in Jewish leadership, which led him to expand free loan services across the NYC area. We discuss his decision to pursue Rabbinic ordination as a means of driving positive social change and explore the profound impact of his work, all centered on his mission to bring more good into the world.

hfls.org

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

Jen and I dive into her deep passion for creating spaces where people of all abilities feel a true sense of belonging. She shares how this passion has guided her journey to her current role and offers valuable insights from leading a nearly $20 million capital campaign. Tune in as Jen reveals the process, challenges, and key lessons learned in turning her vision into reality!

keshet.org

One Community Campaign

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

Adina and I explore how art-making serves as a powerful tool for processing various facets of our lives. From spiritual texts to personal experiences and global events, her work empowers individuals within the Jewish community to use artistic expression as a means to reflect on emotions, navigate experiences, and deepen their spiritual journeys.

Jewish Studio Project

Interview with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Institute for Jewish Spirituality

The Place of All Possibility

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

In the season opener of It's Who You Know!, I sit down with Josh to explore his new organization and its mission to make rest practices—like sabbaticals, break weeks, and daily rest routines—integral to the culture of the Jewish community sector. Josh shares insights on the importance of rest and how incorporating these practices can enhance our sector's long-term impact and sustainability.

https://restofourlives.org

Breakweek Implementation Guide:
https://restofourlives.org/reflections/breakweekimplementationguide 

Developing a Rest Ethic:
https://restofourlives.org/reflections/want-the-best-results-at-work-develop-a-rest-ethic

Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist: https://adamgrant.net/

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

Sarah and I discuss what recruiting looks like from the recruiter's perspective. She shares insights into the application process, resume and cover letter building, and how to put your best foot forward in the job search process.

drgtalent.com

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

In the final episode of this series, career coach Denise and I discuss ways to transition from job loss to job readiness. This challenging process is an integral part of your career journey. During this time, actions taken can build your network, fine-tune your professional goals, and significantly impact your career trajectory. No pressure!

careerhappinesscoaching.com

"Things do not necessarily happen for the best, but I can choose to make the best of things that happen." - Tal Ben-Shahar, Choose the Life You Want: The Mindful Way to Happiness

Managing Yourself: Turn the Job You Have into the Job You Want, by Amy Wrzesniewski, Justin M. Berg, and Jane E. Dutton

STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

Mark and I discuss his work in examining and highlighting staff engagement in Jewish organizations, helping to focus job hunters on finding their next position with an organization that cares about the satisfaction of its staff. 

JCCA - Mark S. Young

Bless Our Workforce: Changing The Way We Manage Our People by Mark S. Young

Don’t Salaries Matter? Of work, weasels, and employee engagement in the nonprofit sector. By Amy Born & Gali Cooks, Dec. 13, 2022

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast

IWYK was named #13 of the Top 70 Philanthropy Podcasts in 2025

Jay and I discuss how to have a growth mindset during a time of transition. There are many tools for self discovery and realization that could help not only with your search but your success in your next role.

Jay Strear EOS Worldwide

SMART Goals

SWOT Analysis

Kolbe Assessment

Listen to all IWYK episodes on our website: https://itswhoyouknowthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Look for new live streamed episodes on our new YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/@itswhoyouknowthepodcast