That's So Akiba

What if everything you’ve built… came from survival mode... and now it’s time to let it go?

In this deeply personal Season 2 finale of That’s So Akiba, Sarah Akiba opens up like never before. From navigating trauma, toxic relationships, and generational survival patterns… to stepping into motherhood and choosing surrender over control—this episode is a raw reflection on growth, healing, and redefining success.

After two seasons of powerful conversations, Sarah pauses to take it all in: the journey, the evolution, and the woman she’s becoming as she prepares to welcome her first child.

This isn’t about hustle.

This is about presence.

This is about breaking cycles.

In this episode, Sarah shares:

- The truth about living in survival mode and why she’s choosing to break it

- Her journey through trauma, relationships, and healing

- The emotional story behind trusting timing, motherhood, and faith

- Why surrendering control is her biggest lesson right now

- Redefining success beyond hustle, struggle, and burnout

- The power of being present and choosing real life over distractions

This episode is for anyone navigating change, healing from the past, or stepping into a new version of themselves.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to fight for everything… this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

What if the hardest moments in your life were actually guiding you back to who you’re meant to become?

Chaya de Paz, the creator behind Modest Fashion by Chaya, is a mother of three redefining what it means to live with faith, confidence, and authenticity. Known for her joyful approach to motherhood and elegant modest style, Chaya has built a growing following rooted in positivity and connection to Hashem.

But her path wasn’t always clear.

In this episode, Chaya opens up about a difficult chapter in her life, how she slowly returned to her faith, and why modesty became something she chose with love rather than obligation.

Chaya describes modesty through a powerful metaphor: a diamond.

“You don’t leave a diamond anywhere. You protect it. You keep it sacred.”

In a deeply personal moment, Sarah also shares how prayer on Yom Kippur helped pull her out of one of the darkest times in her life—showing how struggle can often become the gateway to faith.

We talk about:

- Building confidence after criticism growing up

- What modesty truly means in Judaism—inside and out

- Why covering your hair represents dignity, beauty, and protection

- Taking small steps back toward faith

- Motherhood, partnership, and choosing joy in everyday chaos

- Finding God in your darkest moments

Follow  @Modestfashionbychaya   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modestfashionbychaya

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modestfashionbychaya

Shop My; https://shopmy.us/shop/modestfashionbychaya

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 

02:00 The Intersection of Faith and Fashion

04:02 Overcoming Childhood Challenges and Building Confidence

05:58 The Personal Journey to Modesty and Love for Faith

07:59 Understanding Modesty in Jewish Law

09:49 Motherhood, Self-Care, and Maintaining Happiness

12:00 Handling Life’s Challenges with Faith and Patience

13:55 The Significance of Wigs and Hair Covering in Judaism

15:56 The Biblical Roots of Modesty and Dietary Laws

17:49 Baby Steps in Personal Growth and Religious Observance

20:03 Finding Light in Dark Times and Personal Testimonies

21:54 The Power of Prayer and Connection with God

24:03 Overcoming Hardships and Spiritual Resilience

25:49 Living with Joy, Gratitude, and Authenticity

27:51 Closing Remarks and How to Follow the Guest

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

What if success wasn’t just about numbers, trends, or perfection — but about showing up for yourself, your family, and your passions?

Giordana "Gigi" Vogel, founder of De La Heart, mother of two, and self-proclaimed beauty hacker, joins Sarah for an intimate conversation about wellness, longevity, and building a brand that truly serves people. From her early journey in yoga and mind-body practices to creating a multimillion-dollar beauty and wellness brand, Gigi shares how everything she does comes “from the heart”, inspired by personal needs and the women around her.

The conversation touches on:

- Balancing motherhood, family, and career

- Building an authentic brand that adds real value

- Natural wellness, beauty hacks, and longevity practices

- Trusting your body, birthing naturally, and embracing life fully

- Staying grounded while navigating success, social media, and external pressures

- Saying yes to opportunities and showing up unapologetically

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:11 The Journey of Wellness and Entrepreneurship

05:50 Balancing Wellness and Self-Care

09:23 Living to 100: Insights on Longevity

11:52 Motherhood and Natural Birth Experiences

15:05 The Evolution of Delahart and Its Products

17:45 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship

20:51 Personal Growth and Authenticity

23:53 Advice for Women on Longevity and Wellness

Follow Gigi and De La Heart:

Instagram: @ggvogel_ https://www.instagram.com/gigivogel_

Instagram: @delaheart https://www.instagram.com/delaheart/?hl=en

Website: https://www.delaheart.com/

Follow Sarah:

Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba:

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

What if building a successful business didn’t have to mean burnout, competition, or doing it all alone?

Leah Uzan, co-founder of Lemon Pop Creative Agency, shares her perspective on women-led entrepreneurship, creative leadership, and building something truly meaningful. From growing up in Miami to working in hospitality, social media, and branding before it became a buzzword, Leah walks through the experiences that shaped her path — and how Lemon Pop was born during COVID and grew into a thriving agency with 40+ clients and a waitlist.

Leah and Sarah get real about leading with intention, delegating under pressure, trusting your instincts, and building a business that actually reflects your values. They also talk motherhood, legacy, manifestation, and redefining success on your own terms — especially during life’s busiest and most demanding seasons.

Leah opens up about her mother’s resilience, growing up around disability, and how learning to over-communicate became one of her greatest strengths as a leader.

This episode is a reminder that ambition and heart can coexist, and that the most fulfilling success is built with integrity, intuition, and purpose.

Learn more about Lemon Pop Agency: https://www.lemonpopcreative.com/

Follow along: https://www.instagram.com/lemonpopagency/

Follow Leah: https://www.instagram.com/leahesper/

Timestamps: 

00:00 – You Can Do It: Confidence, Work Ethic & Having It All  

03:00 – Welcome to That’s So Akiba + Meet Leia of Lemon Pop  

06:00 – Growing Up in Miami & Early Creative Roots  

09:00 – From Friendship to Collaboration: Building Together  

12:00 – Lemon Pop’s Origin Story & Finding Purpose Through Work  

15:00 – Work, Hustle & Redefining Balance  

18:00 – Running a Growing Agency & Managing the Pressure  

21:00 – Partnership, Trust & No Competition Between Women  

24:00 – Giving Back, Purpose & Building Brands with Heart  

27:00 – Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Social Media Work  

30:00 – Staying Inspired Through Passion Projects  

33:00 – Manifestation, Goals & Looking Ahead to 2026  

36:00 – Friendship, Family & Creating a Strong Support System  

39:00 – Motherhood, Timing & Trusting Your Intuition  

42:00 – Shoutout to Strong Mothers & Generational Strength  

45:00 – Turning Struggle Into Superpower: Communication & Grace  

48:00 – Love, Healing & Chosen Family  

51:00 – Gratitude, Reflection & Closing Thoughts  

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

What if finding your way back to yourself isn’t about hustling harder, having all the answers, or being perfect — but about faith, presence, and a little more compassion?

This week, Sarah sits down with spiritual teacher, speaker, and content creator Meir Kay for a real, open-hearted conversation about identity, faith, fear, and transformation.

Meir opens up about the viral moment that introduced millions to his message — standing blindfolded in Union Square offering hugs as an Orthodox Jew during a time of rising antisemitism — and the fear, faith, and courage it took to show up anyway. From there, the conversation goes deeper, touching on depression, losing yourself, rebuilding faith, and how even our darkest moments can become unexpected sources of light.

Together, Sarah and Meir talk about what it means to be a proud Jew in a complicated world, how to live with less fear, and why being human always comes before labels. Meir shares simple, powerful tools for grounding anxiety, building daily faith, and reconnecting with God — not through perfection, but through honesty, breath, prayer, and self-forgiveness.

This episode is an invitation to come home to yourself. To remember that you are enough. To choose love — with boundaries. And to trust that healing your own life might just help heal the world too.

Learn more about Meir Kay: http://linktr.ee/meirkay

Follow  @MeirKay : https://www.instagram.com/meirkay

Chapters: 

00:00 Standing Proud as a Jew: The Union Square Hug Story

02:05 Rising Antisemitism & Choosing Love Over Defense

03:21 Blindfolded in Union Square: Fear, Faith, and Vulnerability

07:13 Facing Fear & Trusting God in Real Time

08:36 The Hugs That Changed Everything

09:04 Arab–Jewish Connection & Remembering We’re Family

14:24 What Faith Looks Like in Daily Life

16:16 Regulating the Nervous System with Breathwork

16:34 Tehillim, Prayer, and Ancient Wisdom

18:07 Speaking to God in Your Own Words

20:50 Losing Yourself, Depression, and Identity

23:58 Stepping Back, Numbing, and Hitting Bottom

26:52 Teshuva: Returning to Yourself and to God

27:54 Turning Darkness into Light

28:42 Pain as Purpose: Becoming a Messenger

31:56 Healing the Body, Healing the World

33:43 Technology, Addiction, and Awareness

34:46 Money, Trust, and Fear

36:39 “I Am Enough” and Breaking the Consumer Spell

41:33 Protecting Your Energy While Staying Loving

42:51 Daily Self-Care Practices That Actually Work

44:47 Looking Ahead to 2026: Purpose, Retreats & Growth

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1kXcQdM_6vgbED6z6KPMpA

What if the thing you are searching for this year is not more success, more productivity, or more answers — but deeper purpose?

It's been nearly one year of That's So Akiba podcast - so why keep going?

As listeners enter 2026, Sarah shares an honest conversation about purpose, inspiration, freedom, joy, and the power of community. From building businesses and hosting dinners to motherhood, relationships, and daily acts of kindness, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose a more intentional way of living.

Sarah explores why people have always been her purpose, how giving to others creates fulfillment, and why joy is different from fleeting happiness. She opens up about shedding relationships and habits that no longer serve her, choosing worthy connections, and learning to show up fully for the people who matter most.

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Searching for purpose & inspiration

02:05 – Living life through inspiration (work, mindset, daily rituals)

02:55 – Why purpose matters right now

03:24 – Realizing work as fulfillment and purpose

04:10 – Community as purpose & making others feel good

05:10 – Acts of kindness & the ripple effect

06:15 – Shedding old traits: Year of the Snake → Year of the Horse

07:20 – Freedom, joy vs. happiness

08:15 – Finding your “why”: journaling, prayer, daily intention

09:35 – Small mindset shifts that transform your life

10:43 – Personal reflection: people as purpose & motherhood

11:50 – Building community (it starts with one person)

12:40 – Showing up better for family, not just work

13:05 – Choosing worthy connections

14:15 – Giving back authentically

14:55 – Entering 2026 with intention & purpose

15:25 – Subscribe, share & closing message

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thatssoakiba⁩

What if the thing that saved you… was simply being seen?

In this emotional, full-circle episode of That’s So Akiba, Sarah Akiba sits down with Izzy Gleeson and Melody Buzzi — AWOM Girls Club Alumni — to reflect on how a girls mentorship program that began nearly 10 years ago became a lifelong sisterhood and a turning point for their lives.

Sarah shares the story of starting AWOM Girls Club at local schools as a mentorship program designed to help young women become the strongest versions of themselves — not through perfection, but through truth, resilience, empathy, and support.

And the most powerful part?

The girls became the leaders.

The students became the teachers.

The community kept growing.

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Intro 

00:39 – Meeting during COVID + starting AWOM Girls Club on Zoom

01:20 – What is AWOM Foundation + how Girls Club began (10 years!)

02:35 – Why Melody joined (popular loner + craving real girl friendships)

03:45 – Why Izzy joined (sports + clubs + leadership energy)

06:55 – The AWOM Girls Club Fashion Show (“runway of life”)

11:30 – Students becoming teachers + growing into leaders

16:20 – Why Girls Club wasn’t just a club — it was family

18:15 – What Girls Club helped them overcome: insecurity + mental health

19:49 – Social media pressure + makeup, hiding, depression

20:45 – Journaling as healing + “I wasn’t alone”

29:19 – Izzy’s goals: 2026 vision + photography + mental health reset

37:40 – Melody’s struggle after high school + bad habits + alcohol

42:42 – Closing message: community, love, and never giving up

Learn more about AWOM Foundation & AWOM Girls Club: https://www.awom.org/

AWOM Girls Club was created under AWOM Foundation (Angel Watching Over Me) to give teen girls the one thing they often don’t get enough of:

a safe space to be real mentorship through the hardest years

tools for confidence, emotional growth, and self-worth community that feels like family.

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thatssoakiba⁩  

Building a business isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people, the passion, and the process. Aloni Matzon and Sarah Akiba, together with their partners, opened Papa, Thanks So Much, a coffee and matcha shop that’s as intentional as it is inviting.

In this episode, Aloni shares the behind-the-scenes story of bringing this dream to life—from navigating the whirlwind of opening a new venture to balancing family, faith, and fun. He offers insights on partnership, communication, and creating a space that feels like home.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

- Behind-the-scenes of launching a new venture and navigating the whirlwind of entrepreneurship

- Lessons on partnership, communication, and intentional living

- How small details—from the perfect coffee and matcha to a curated playlist can transform a space

- Embracing imperfection, enjoying the ride, and leaning on those who matter most

Visit Papa, Thanks So Much: 3 N Federal Highway, Dania Beach, Florida 33004

Follow @papathankssomuch https://www.instagram.com/papathankssomuch/

Follow  ⁨@AloniMatzon⁩ : https://www.instagram.com/alonimatzon/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro 

05:00 – Papa, Thanks So Much origin & early momentum

10:00 – Coffee, matcha, and intentional design choices

15:00 – Partnership dynamics & communication in business

20:00 – Parenthood, presence, and personal growth

25:00 – Masculine & feminine energy in relationships

30:00 – Future plans, podcast goals & Papa opening details

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

Subscribe to That's So Akiba: 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thats-so-akiba/id1793125684

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatssoakiba

What if the version of Valeria Lipovetsky you think you know is only half the story?

In this raw and intimate conversation,  Sarah  sits down with her close friend — creator, entrepreneur, and mother — Valeria Lipovetsky, to dive into the parts of her life she rarely shares publicly.

From immigrant-household survival mode… to therapy breakthroughs… to redefining femininity, creativity, partnership, and identity — Valeria opens up about the inner work behind her success and why she’s rewriting the rules of what it means to be a woman who leads, creates, and loves.

Follow Valeria on social media: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/valerialipovetskyblog/

Podcast: https://www.notalonepod.com/

What we talked about: 

00:00 – Welcome Back & Big News

01:00 –  Introducing Valeria

03:00 – Timing, Schedules & Surrendering Control

03:30 — Growing Up in an Immigrant Household

05:00 – Therapy & Emotional Awareness

06:40 — The Breaking Point: “I Hit Capacity”

07:40 — The Need to Constantly Evolve

09:20 — Protecting Her Marriage Through Boundaries

10:00 – Creativity & Work-Life Balance

15:00 – Success, Leadership & Authenticity

15:45 — Learning Through “Bad” Choices

16:20 — Redefining Leadership

17:30 — The Magic of Being the Same On & Offline

20:00 – Motherhood & Family Dynamics

25:00 – Career Identity & Public Presence

30:00 – Cycle Syncing & Feminine Flow

35:00 – Curiosity, Inspiration & Portfolio Living

40:00 – Seasons of Life & Growth

❤️Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

People think being creative is fun all day — but as Karly Doehla from Kasa Karly reveals, it’s hard work, grit, and faith that build an empire. 

Karly is the powerhouse founder who joins That’s So Akiba with Sarah Akiba to talk about how heartbreak led her to start her jewelry brand from scratch — and how it grew into a million-dollar business.

From selling jewelry on a fold-out table to creating the viral Samara earring, Karly opens up about motherhood, marriage, and what it really takes to stay creative, authentic, and resilient.

In this episode:

- The real story behind Kasa Karly’s million-dollar success

- How creativity can be both beautiful and exhausting

- The viral rise of the Samara earring

- Marriage, compromise, and lessons in love

- The hard truths of being a mom and entrepreneur

Timestamps:

00:00 The Exhausting Reality of Creativity

02:57 Navigating Marriage and Commitment

06:03 The Wedding Experience: Expectations vs. Reality

08:55 The Birth of Casa Carly: A Journey of Resilience

11:56 Lessons Learned from Setbacks and Growth

24:33 Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

27:42 Building a Strong Brand Identity

30:47 The Power of Authentic Connections

32:48 Transformative Experiences Through Jewelry

36:28 Overcoming Struggles and Embracing Change

40:33 Inspiration from Family and Personal Growth

42:55 Living Life with Joy and Flexibility

Learn more about Kasa Karly: https://kasakarly.com/

Follow Karly: ⁠ ⁨@KasaKarly⁩ ⁠ Kasa Karly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasakarly/?hl=enPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatkarly/

Follow Sarah: 

Instagram:  @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba 

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA 

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/