You have no idea how much I have to resist the urge to “get ready” to commiserate with ya’ll. I could definitely improve my hair and put on some makeup but who has the time? This is me, raw and unfiltered. Much as I’d like to strive for “better,” I think this is what I need. Maybe someone else does too?

It started with coffee (before 6 am). Then green tea. Then a smoothie. And finally, wine (it’s almost 9). I am technologically challenged, friends! But nothing keeps a good woman down. I recorded this podcast to tell you about some of the things you can expect as a listener, and a woman named Mary who needs our help.

Feel free to mail gift cards to [email protected]. She doesn’t have Venmo or know what it is. This is vetted.

I survived a tough childhood, defying odds by putting myself through college and law schooI. I was hit by a motorcycle on my second day at UCLAW and knocked unconscious. Everyone said to delay admissions by a year. I returned the following week. I lacked the use of my dominant right hand for months, unable to even take notes. I still managed to succeed - academically and during 20 years of legal practice.

A breast cancer diagnosis at age 39 (months after the birth of our third child) ended my career during what "should have been” the beginning of my prime years. While I was still undergoing treatment, in the midst of the pandemic, our 12 year-old daughter, Molly, was killed. My soul was shattered. Sometimes I wanted to die. Not literally. I longed to be with Molly, wherever she went. Of course, my husband and boys (ages 4 and 10 at the time) need me. I put one foot in front of the other. I eventually started to live again, striving to make all 3 of our kids proud. Longing for Molly will never end but I’ve learned how to simultaneously embrace life.

A month ago, our town of Pacific Palisades burned down. Our special community, which held our family through my cancer battle and Molly's death, scattered like ashes in the wind. Many of our friends and neighbors lost everything and face dire situations. I've been in grief for four years. Now, it feels like everyone I know has joined me in "grief life."

This podcast is about winning, even when life deals you shitty cards. Being resilient and non-resistant to what can't be controlled (most things). I'm determined to live a meaningful life, doing as much good for as many as possible. Doing what Molly would have done if she had more time on Earth. That's all. I wake up, do that every day, and repeat.

Now, it means giving back to the Palisades, which has given so much to us. It also means supporting our Jewish community that held us during our darkest hours. I'm a proud Jew who loves Israel (and a lifelong Democrat who's lost many "progressive" former friends over that simple statement). The Jewish people are in grief - and simultaneously under attack for simply existing. We're 0.2 percent of the global population. We must take care of each other, while continuing to live our Jewish values, helping to repair the world.

My life is vastly different from what I envisioned for my future. Grief is my constant companion. I also live with chronic pain. But this life - one I would have never chosen - is good! Dare I say, I'm enjoying riding the waves of life (though it feels like a tsunami lately and some smooth sailing would be welcomed). I've learned to take everything less seriously. I look at it this way - all our lives are represented by a little dash between a birth date and death date. It’s fleeting no matter how many years you live. As Michael Singer wrote in "The Untethered Soul," "you're floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you have to be here, at least be happy and enjoy the experience."

Join me for coffee at 10 am PST every morning where we'll discuss the crazy s**t happening in the world, existential questions alongside the everyday (I love travel, great food and wine, books, interior design, bird watching - lots that I fit in around my roles as wife, mom, friend, non-profit leader, community organizer, etc).

I'm a critical thinker who evaluates each person and issue on the merits, no group think. I welcome respectful debates and differing perspectives. It's how we learn! I'm a lifelong seeker and student.

My podcast will feature REAL people. As an employment lawyer, I observed that ordinary life is way more interesting than fiction. My cases involved wild stuff that I couldn't begin to make up! I lose interest in podcasts that only feature other podcast hosts and published authors as their guests. All walks of life will be represented here.

It won't be scripted, planned or edited. No filters. Just authenticity. It means that I won't always express myself perfectly because I'm human. Without editing, you'll see my flaws. I prefer this but ask you to please keep it in mind (most podcasts are edited). Like you, I'm learning, making mistakes and trying again.

Thanks for joining me for coffee (or maybe wine if s**t doesn’t go as planned) and commiseration!