Live To 120 With Bracha

Pregnant, planning to be, or just curious what really happens on the labor and delivery floor? Labor & delivery nurse Perri Lurie pulls back the curtain on childbirth with honest, no-fluff answers from someone who has supported countless women through everything from routine deliveries to high-stress emergencies.

In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, we cover:

• How a labor and delivery unit actually works, and who decides who gets seen first
• What "being monitored" really means
• Early labor vs. active labor vs. transition: what to expect physically and emotionally
• Red flags every pregnant woman should know
• How to advocate for yourself (respectfully but firmly) and what to ask your care team
• The truth about epidurals: myths, timing, and what to expect
• Why tearing happens and what may help reduce the risk
• Planned vs. emergency C-sections, and how nurses support women through fear or disappointment
• The honest advice Perri would give if she weren't afraid of hurting feelings: why birth rarely goes exactly as planned, why flexibility isn't failure, and how social media can distort expectations

Whether you're a first-time mom or have been through it before, this conversation will help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered to speak up during one of the biggest moments of your life.

Know a pregnant friend, sister, or mom-to-be? Share this episode with her, and follow the show so you never miss an episode on health and wellness to help you live long and live strong.

Connect with Bracha: @liveto120podcast

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk with your own doctor or midwife about your care.

Keywords: labor and delivery, labor and delivery nurse, what to expect in labor, giving birth, childbirth, first time mom, pregnancy podcast, women's health podcast, epidural, c-section, birth plan, how to advocate in labor, Live to 120 with Bracha

Rachelle Yadegar has built a life around faith, modesty, and showing up authentically — even when things haven't gone according to plan. In this conversation, she shares what modesty means to her today, why she chose hats and scarves over wigs, and how she's held onto her faith through the chapters she didn't see coming.

We talk about marrying later than expected, the pressure to look a certain way, mothering little kids while carrying something heavy, and what it actually takes to grow through a hard season instead of being defined by it. If you've ever wondered why your life isn't following the timeline you imagined, this one's for you.

What we cover:
• Meet Rachelle Yadegar
• What modesty really means to her
• Why hats and scarves instead of wigs
• Fashion, beauty & refusing to compromise
• Facing the unexpected
• Mothering through a hard season
• When life doesn't follow your timeline
• Turning pain into growth
• What she'd say if she weren't afraid of hurting feelings

Follow Live to 120 with Bracha so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Rachelle Instagram: @rachelleyadegar
Follow the podcast on Youtube, IG and TikTok: @liveto120podcast

Makeup artist Gila Katz opens up about skincare routines, beauty tips, and the hysterectomy that changed her life as a young mother.

In this episode, Gila Katz (@gilaglam) joins Bracha to talk skincare essentials, makeup application tips, and the truth behind viral teen makeup trends. But the conversation goes deeper — Gila shares her personal journey with hysterectomy at a young age, the postpartum complications that led to it, and how she rebuilt her confidence and identity as a mother afterward.

This episode covers:

• Finding the right skincare and makeup routine for your skin type
• The truth about teen makeup trends and beauty standards
• Gila Katz's hysterectomy story and postpartum health journey
• Rebuilding identity and confidence after a major medical diagnosis
• Women's health topics that don't get talked about enough

It looks like a perfect story from the outside. It wasn't. And that's exactly why she's telling it.

Follow Gila Katz Instagram: @gilaglam

New episodes every week — subscribe so you don't miss the next one.

Guest: Dr. Sasha Hakman

Episode Summary

Infertility—both primary and secondary—affects millions of people, yet so many struggle in silence. In this episode, Bracha sits down with Dr. Sasha Hakman, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, to unpack the realities of infertility, the science behind IVF and genetic testing, and a deeply personal diagnosis that changed the way Dr. Hakman practices medicine. This is a conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the moments that reshape how we understand our own bodies.

In This Episode

• Dr. Hakman's path into reproductive endocrinology and what drew her to the field
• Her early experiences treating patients through infertility
• Primary vs. secondary infertility — clear definitions and common causes
• The stigma around secondary infertility ("you already have a child, why are you upset?")
• When to advocate for yourself and when it's time to see a reproductive endocrinologist (REI)
• What Dr. Hakman wishes more people understood about the complexity of infertility
• IVF and PGT explained — including PGT-M, PGT-A, and mosaic embryos
• Ethical considerations and informed choice in genetic testing
• Dr. Hakman's personal discovery of having congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
• How CAH affects hormones, fertility, and daily life
• How her own diagnosis reshaped her approach to patient care
• What people can pair with fertility treatment, and how lifestyle, age, and hormones factor in
• Realistic expectations — medically and emotionally — for anyone starting treatment

About Dr. Sasha Hakman

Dr. Sasha Hakman is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist known for her work in fertility medicine and genetic testing.

Connect with Dr. Hakman:
🌐 Website: https://www.sashahakmanmd.com/
📷 Instagram: @sashahakmanmd
📍 Practice: @beverlyhillsfertility

Connect with Live to 120 with Bracha
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Liveto120podcast
📷 Instagram: @liveto120podcast

What does a mommy makeover actually involve — and why is it about so much more than appearance? In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, host Bracha sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ourian for an honest conversation about how motherhood changes the body and what surgery can (and can't) restore.

Dr. Ourian breaks down what's really included in a mommy makeover — from diastasis recti repair to combined lipo and tummy tuck procedures — and explains why these changes are functional, not just cosmetic. They also dig into breast procedures, vaginal rejuvenation after childbirth, and how to know when plastic surgery is the right choice versus when it isn't.

In this episode:

• What a mommy makeover includes and how it's customized per patient
• Why loose skin and ab separation aren't fixable through diet and exercise alone
• Breast augmentation vs. lift vs. reduction, and implants vs. fat transfer
• Vaginal rejuvenation — surgical and non-surgical options for postpartum comfort and function
• Realistic expectations: healing timelines, scarring, and maintenance
• Dr. Ourian's honest take on unrealistic expectations and choosing the right surgeon

This is an educational, respectful, and stigma-free conversation for any mom considering plastic surgery — or anyone who just wants to understand what it really involves.

Connect with Dr. Ariel Ourian:
Instagram: @drourian — https://www.instagram.com/drourian/

Thank you for listening to Live to 120 with Bracha. Until next time — live long and live strong.

In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, host Bracha sits down with board-certified OBGYN Dr. Karen Toubi for an honest conversation about women's health, intimacy, and thriving through every stage of life.

Dr. Toubi shares her journey into OBGYN care, why intimate pain is common (and treatable), and how brain health, blood flow, and cardiovascular health affect pleasure and function. She also breaks down the real differences between perimenopause and menopause, clears up myths around hormone therapy, and explains how vaginal estrogen can ease discomfort and support long-term health.

In this episode:

• Why intimate pain is common, under-discussed, and often very treatable
• How intimacy connects to physical and mental well-being
• Perimenopause vs. menopause — what's the difference
• Hormone therapy myths vs. facts
• How vaginal estrogen supports long-term comfort and health
• Why women deserve honest, judgment-free care

Quote: "You will have to make time for your sickness if you don't make time for your health."

About Dr. Karen Toubi: Board-certified OBGYN based in Beverly Hills, focused on women's health and hormonal wellness. Founder of Power Unpaused, an online menopause community.

Follow Dr. Karen Toubi: https://www.instagram.com/drkarentoubi/

Is "anti-aging" even real — or just marketing? This week on Live to 120 with Bracha, I'm joined by Daphna Shalom, a certified physician's assistant and skincare expert known for her holistic, evidence-based approach to healthy, glowing skin.

We break down the real difference between aging and damage, which skin concerns are actually reversible, and give you an honest look at Botox, fillers, microneedling, and chemical peels — including how to find a trustworthy practitioner and avoid red flags. We also cover IV therapy (what it can and can't do), and Daphna gets refreshingly honest about the truths she'd share if she wasn't worried about hurting feelings.

If you've ever wondered what's worth your money and what your skin actually needs — this one's for you.

Follow Daphna Shalom: @bevmed_la

Follow the show for more conversations on living long and living strong

How do psychiatric medications actually work, and are they safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, psychiatrist Dr. Zev Weiner joins us to demystify mental health medications. We break down the science behind SSRIs, SNRIs, and mood stabilizers, debunk the biggest misconceptions about psychiatric drugs, and explore the latest advancements in psychopharmacology.

Dr. Weiner also shares crucial, evidence-based insights on treating perinatal and postpartum depression, explaining how doctors weigh the risks of medication against the risks of untreated depression during pregnancy. Whether you are navigating your own mental health journey, planning a family, or trying to find the right treatment plan, this episode offers clear, compassionate, and clinical guidance.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Demystifying Meds: Learn how SSRIs, SNRIs, and stimulants actually interact with your brain chemicals.
• Pregnancy & Postpartum Safety: A transparent look at the latest research regarding medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• The Treatment Trial-and-Error: How psychiatrists determine the right dosage, what "normal" side effects look like.
• Tapering Off: When and how to safely discontinue psychiatric medication.

Episode Topics:

• Intro to Dr. Zev Weiner
• What inspired Dr. Weiner to practice psychiatry?
• How SSRIs, SNRIs, and stimulants actually work
• The biggest misconceptions about psychiatric meds
• Medication safety during pregnancy and postpartum (PPD)
• How doctors weigh medication risks vs. untreated depression
• Finding the right dosage, side effects, and tapering off safely
• Dr. Weiner’s unfiltered advice on mental health treatment
• Outro & where to find Dr. Weiner

Connect with Our Guest:

• Website: https://www.zevwienermd.com/about

Connect with Bracha:

• Instagram: @liveto120podcast
• Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a friend!

Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or treatment.

For many raised in traditional or religious communities, sex is often framed as something private, mysterious, or even uncomfortable to talk about. Then you get married, and you're expected to instantly know how to build a healthy, passionate, and deeply connected intimate life.

In this episode, Bracha sits down with licensed therapist and certified sex addiction therapist Lauren Hofstatter (LMHC, QS, CSAT) to bridge the "sex education gap." Together, they unpack how silence and shame during adolescence impact adult relationships, how to navigate the unique intimacy challenges within Orthodox and non-Orthodox communities, and how to reclaim sex as a sacred tool for connection rather than just an obligation.

Whether you are looking to improve communication with your partner or want to know how to start healthy, age-appropriate conversations with your kids, this episode breaks the silence with humor, honesty, and deep clinical insight.

• Intro: Welcome to Live to 120. It's time to have "the talk."
• Meet Lauren Hofstatter: How a passion for healing intimacy led her to mental health work, and the common struggles her Orthodox and non-Orthodox clients face today.
• The Sex Education Gap: The real-world consequences of religious silence and misinformation on adult intimacy and self-worth.
• An Age-by-Stage Guide for Parents: How to talk to your kids about bodies, boundaries, and consent from preschool through the teenage years without the awkwardness.
• Faith, Culture, and Taboos: How to hold onto your religious values while cultivating a fulfilling, shame-free sex life.
• Sex as Connection, Not Just an Activity: Practical tools, emotional check-ins, and communication habits couples can start using tonight to build trust and playfulness.
• The Unfiltered Truth: Lauren answers Bracha’s signature question: "What would you tell us if you weren’t afraid of hurting our feelings?"

• "You can love your faith and still want great sex. The two aren’t in conflict—they’re connected."
• Communication is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Expressing wants and needs shouldn't trigger defensiveness when built on emotional safety.
• Overcoming the stigma of couples therapy: When to seek professional help to align your desires with your partnership.

• Website: theorthodoxtherapist.com
• Follow Lauren on Social Media: @theorthodoxtherapist

• Subscribe & Review: If this episode sparked a healthy conversation for you, please share it with someone you love, and leave us a 5-star review on Spotify!
• Stay Connected: Live long, live strong.

What does it really take to age well — and how do you know when cosmetic treatments are helping you or holding you back?

In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, host Bracha sits down with Dr. Jason Litner, a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his natural results and honest, patient-first approach to facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Litner brings refreshing candor to topics most people only whisper about — from when to stop doing fillers and consider surgery, to the emotional side of wanting to change your appearance, to the real risks of facelifts that no one talks about.

What We Cover:

Dr. Litner's Background His path into plastic surgery, his training, and the philosophy that shapes how he treats patients today.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical — What's Right for You? Botox, fillers, lasers, and skin tightening are powerful tools — but they have limits. Dr. Litner explains how to know when you've outgrown them and what the transition to surgery actually looks like.

Facelifts — Then vs. Now Mini facelifts, deep plane facelifts, neck lifts — what's changed in the last 10 to 20 years, why younger patients are choosing surgery earlier, and what makes results look natural instead of "done."

Rhinoplasty & Cultural Identity A thoughtful, sensitive conversation about nose jobs in the Jewish community — preserving ethnic identity, generational shifts in perspective, and where the line is between healthy confidence and low self-esteem.

What He'd Tell You If He Wasn't Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings The most honest segment of the episode. Dr. Litner shares what he really thinks about unrealistic expectations, social media beauty standards, and why surgery will never fix emotional pain.

Key Takeaways:

• Age is not the only factor — anatomy, skin laxity, and emotional readiness matter just as much
• Overdoing non-surgical treatments can actually make surgical results harder to achieve later
• A good surgeon knows when to say no — and that's a sign of integrity, not rejection
• Plastic surgery is a tool, not a solution to self-worth
• Aging gracefully and making thoughtful enhancements are not mutually exclusive

Connect with Dr. Jason Litner:

Website: https://www.beverlyhillsprofiles.com/

Instagram: @profilesbeverlyhills

Practice Location: 435 N Bedford Dr PH 500, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Connect with Bracha & Live to 120:

Instagram, TikTok, YouTube : @liveto120podcast

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Live to 120 with Bracha — Live Long and Live Strong.