Chavie begins the conversation by asking Chaim about his childhood, growing up under the Rebbe’s wings in Crown Heights. He shares how idyllic it was to live in the Rebbe’s presence and how it permeated every aspect of daily life. He also reflects on some of the negative influences he absorbed as a yeshiva student, particularly the “you are with us or against us” mentality. Chaim talks about how his marriage to Chavie and the personal growth that followed helped shift his perspective, allowing him to see the world in a more nuanced way. He and Chavie discuss the importance of having a mentor—an objective third party to guide couples—along with seeking more rigorous support through therapy. Chaim and Chavie share numerous personal anecdotes about how this approach has helped them navigate the often-turbulent reality of raising five adopted children in the remote Jewish outpost of Bozeman, Montana.

Rabbi Chaim Bruk is the Co-CEO and spiritual leader of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana. He moved to Montana in 2007 with his wife Chavie, where they launched a renaissance of Jewish life across the state. They are raising their five children in Big Sky Country, where they enjoy nature daily. Chaim loves teaching Torah, writing about Judaism and current events, and has an obsession with kosher sushi.

Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Rabbi Chaim!

Stay in touch with Chavie!

This week's episode is sponsored by Dr. Leorah Ross and her daughter Kochav in honor of the yahrzeit of her father, Reb Shmuel Zev OBM, and in honor of Klal Yisroel, our amazing Jewish family. 

This week’s episode is also dedicated by Daniel ben Yita Feiga and Sarah Emunah bas Sarah, who are dear friends and pillars of Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana.   

Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Mina and Chavie begin by reminiscing about their high school days together in Chicago. Mina reflects on how her parents nurtured creativity in each of their children, inspiring her to explore photography and writing. She then shares the earth-shattering moment when, at just eight years old, she learned her brother passed away as an infant due to a genetic condition. She and Chavie discuss Ambiguous Loss—the often-overlooked, long-term impact of unresolved grief. Mina describes how, from the moment she learned of her brother’s death, she began “looking for her brother” and committed her life to helping children with special needs. Chavie and Mina talk about the many roles women navigate throughout their lives and the importance to know, “you can do it all but not all at the same time.” Mina shares her own journey with life coaching and somatic healing, which led to her to participate in Chai Lifeline’s Tour de Simcha, a 50-mile cycling marathon with a fourteen month old baby.

Mina Richler is a proud Jewish woman and a loving mother of seven. She was born and raised with her twelve siblings in New City, New York as grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. In 2007, Mina co-founded Chabad of Gloucester County with her husband Avi and serves as Rebbetzin and Director for Women & Youth. Mina's happy place is over a hot cup of coffee and in deep discussion with just about anyone. In her spare time Mina can be found writing, road cycling, or behind a camera capturing G-d's beautiful people and life as it is.

Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Mina!

Stay in touch with Chavie!

This week's episode is dedicated by our dear friends Maxine and Ralph Milliken in loving memory of their dear son Todd Edward Wasserman, Tanchum Peretz, who spent the final few months of his life in Bozeman enjoying the great outdoors, and sadly left his world at a young age due to his struggle with asthma. He was a giver and was always there to help others in their time of need.

For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Brochie talks with Chavie about pausing her interior design business after having twins, which created an "empty space" for her to explore a new approach to design. She shares how she discovered Human Design, which focuses on identifying one's unique gift to share with the world and the most natural way to do so. Chavie and Brochie discuss how and if this aligns with Hassidic and Jewish values of dedicating all talents and skills to serving Hashem. Brochie then shares how she came across Designology and the Place Types method, which helped her identify her clients' unique aesthetics rather than following a rigid color palette approach. Together, Chavie and Brochie discuss their frustrations with design trends and explore which styles resonate most with them.

Brochie Spritzer is a luxury interior designer who uncovers each client’s unique style through their personality. Just as your personality influences how you dress, it also shapes your interior design style. Brochie brings the concept of "placetypes" to life, showing how different personalities translate into interiors. Instead of imposing a signature look, she designs from her clients’ perspective, creating spaces that feel personal, sophisticated, and one of a kind.

Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Brochie!

Stay in touch with Chavie!

This week's episode is sponsored by the Jewish Children's Library Fund, which helps establish Jewish children's libraries in communities across the United States. The goal is to create libraries in community members' homes, providing a dedicated space—beyond school or shul—where children can experience Jewish pride. The fund offers matching grants and a database to help you get started. If you or someone you know is interested in opening a library, text Reuven Rockford at 954-709-9541 and visit their website at www.jewishchildrenslibraryfund.com.

For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Chavie and Michal compare notes on growing up outside mainstream religious communities, and speaking Yiddish and Hebrew, respectively, as their first languages. Michal shares how she developed a passion for education early on and always knew she wanted to be a teacher.  Chavie and Michal then discuss how although teaching might not be the most glamorous career, it is such a powerful position and should only be pursued by those who are truly passionate and qualified. Michal shares how she realized that "what she does" is not "who she is" which helped her navigate  launching her online fashion business while also running a Chabad House and being a full-time mom. Michal and Chavie discuss the unique needs of the modest consumer, sharing tips and best practices for looking your best while shopping smart and spending wisely.

Michal was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She is a devoted mother, business owner, and educator who leads Chabad House in Toluca Lake together with her husband. After spending a decade teaching middle school in Los Angeles and running a homeschool in The Valley, Michal transitioned to entrepreneurship, creating a unique, quality-driven modest fashion brand. Her deep appreciation for fashion is matched by her lifelong passion for education. Known for curating designs from around the world, Michal caters to the modern, modest, and fashion-forward woman. She loves inspiring women to care for themselves at every stage of life, empowering them to embrace their creativity and express their individuality through clothing. 

This Week's Q&A’s

Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Michal!

www.instagram.com/shopmoddo

www.shopmoddo.com

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This week's episode is dedicated by Rabbi Shneur Zalman and Mimi Felig of Miami in loving memory of their son, Boruch Sholom Dovber ben Shenur Zalman. Also in honor of the Bruk family and the entire team at Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana, with blessings for continued success in their holy work, including this podcast, Totally Unexpected! 

For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Sheva and Chavie begin by discussing the value of dark humor as a coping mechanism for navigating life’s painful moments. Sheva reflects on her childhood, growing up in the desert of Tucson, Arizona, on a beautiful 10-acre property raised by her hippie parents. After being expelled from high school, she attended a school for troubled youth. At 15, she found a job and eventually left home at 16. Sheva shares with Chavie how the challenges she faced as a teenager helped her identify with her daughter, Rozie, who was born with Down syndrome. Labeled by society as "high functioning," Rozie doesn’t fit neatly into societal categories—neither fully part of the special needs community nor the "normal" world. Sheva also talks about her journey to becoming frum, finding structure while striving to maintain her individuality. In addition to her spiritual journey, Sheva shares about studying fine arts with a focus on illustration, becoming an EMT, and taking pride in raising a creative family.

Sheva Givre was born and raised in the beautiful desert of Arizona, lived in Baltimore, Maryland and recently moved to Parkland, Florida. She used to be the author and photographer of the inspiration blog, My Shtub. In recent years she changed her advocacy from blog writing to social media where she shares the joys and challenges of family, motherhood, and raising her four children including a child with special needs.  

This Week's Q&A’s

Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Sheva!

www.instagram.com/pearlyluart

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This week's episode is sponsored by East Side Kosher Deli in Denver, Colorado, a one stop kosher concierge for your vacation anywhere out West. For more information please visit www.eastsidekosherdeli.com or chat with a representative on WhatsApp at 747-243 -1683.

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Shaina and Chavie start off by reflecting on Shaina’s upbringing on Shlichus (Chabad outreach) in 1970s Los Angeles. They explore how the unique challenges of her childhood and teenage years pushed her to grow up before she had the tools to manage her emotional and mental health. As a young parent, Shaina was determined to break the cycle, so she sought help to equip herself with the skills to raise her children differently. Chavie and Shaina discuss somatic techniques for regulating conflict and challenges with children and teens, emphasizing the importance of managing our body’s responses. Shaina also highlights the need to shed shame and stigma in our communities around issues like infertility and teenage struggles while respecting boundaries and privacy.

Shaina lives in Los Angeles and is a certified parent and life coach specializing in working with and supporting parents of teens. Her journey began–like that of many parents—navigating the uncharted waters of raising children without a guidebook. She immersed herself in countless  parenting resources, often second-guessing her decisions along the way. This experience inspired her to pursue professional certification, with a focus on the transformative approach of “parenting from the inside out.”

This Week's Q&A’s

 Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Shaina!

www.parenteencoach.com

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

In this episode, Chavie and Sheva dive into the intersection of fashion and spirituality. Sheva shares her journey from being a fashion-forward teen with limited resources to founding a spiritually-driven fashion magazine that empowers Jewish women to embrace their essence. She reflects on transforming mivtzoim, (Jewish outreach), in high school from a dreaded task into something cool and inspiring. Sheva talks about her evolution from personal shopper to stylist, adapting during the pandemic, and the lessons she’s learned about managing energy, surrendering to challenges, and stepping into an abundance mindset and her power as a Jewish woman.

Sheva grew up in Hallandale, Florida with a strong desire to empower women in being their best selves. Starting off as a personal shopper & color analyst, Sheva evolved and created the first Jewish women’s fashion and lifestyle digital magazine. She’s a wife, mother, and female entrepreneur, like many of her clients.  

This Week's Q&A

 Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Sheva!

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This episode is sponsored by Sichos in English, the pre-eminent publisher of Chassidic thought in English where Jewish mysticism comes to life. Learn more at www.sie.org. For sponsorship or advertising opportunities, please reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Sarah and Chavie begin by discussing how Sarah started journaling as a young child, which ignited her love for self-expression. They explore the tendency for kids to box themselves into labels and emphasize the importance of letting them know it’s okay to have fun and embrace who they are. The conversation shifts to the "Suffering Olympics" and hustle culture, where unhappiness and hardship are often rewarded and seen as virtues. Sarah shares how much she values her ability to acknowledge emotions in her profession and reflects on the breakthroughs she’s achieved in helping teens express their feelings in a healthy way. Chavie asks Sarah about her spiritual journey and the impact it has had on her identity as a singer-songwriter. 

Sarah Immerman, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist originally from Cleveland and now based in Boston. She specializes in helping teens and young adults navigate emotion dysregulation using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is currently the Director of Family Services and the Assistant Director of the Day Program. She is an NCSY advisor and was a counselor and behavior team member at Camp HASC. Sarah is also a singer-songwriter and loves to journal.  

This Week's Q&A

Referenced on the Pod

Stay in touch with Sarah!

Stay in touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

This episode is dedicated by Rabbi Moshe & Dini Scheiner and their incredible community at the Palm Beach Synagogue, www.palmbeachsynagogue.org. For sponsorship or advertising opportunities you can reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Moshe shares his journey with Chavie growing up as a shy introvert in a large family and developing a debilitating anxiety with many physical symptoms that went unexplained for years. Life took a dramatic turn when his wife had a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumor, propelling him into a journey of healing and self-discovery. Moshe shares how he found The Emotion Code, a method to release trapped emotions, and learned to address the deep connection between emotions and physical health. Chavie also shares her struggle with celiac disease and how Moshe helped her uncover the emotional triggers that were the underlying factors of the symptoms. Moshe and Chavie talk about the the power of attracting energy and how to know the difference between toxic positivity and trusting that everything happens for a reason.

Moshe Weinbaum grew up in London, England, and studied abroad in the US. His life’s passion has always been to help others. He has worked with youth, teenagers, and adults. When he discovered the Emotion Code and Body Code, he knew it could be an effective tool to help people become healthier. Moshe specializes in treating addiction, relationships, trauma, and other behavioral and social challenges. 

This Week's Q&A

References & Resources

The Emotion Code, by Bradley Nelson

Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell

Stay in Touch with Moshe!

www.awarenessrelease.com

Stay in Touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at [email protected].

Chavie and Shoshana begin with an account of Shoshana's challenging childhood before she found a fresh start with the Bruk family in Bozeman, Montana. Shoshana shares what it was like to be the eldest of her new siblings while integrating into an observant Jewish household and community. Wanting to fully commit, she attended an all-girls Chassidic boarding school, only to find herself feeling alienated from that environment. Chavie discusses the impossible choices she faced in addressing Shoshana's subsequent mental health struggles as a teenager and the impact it had on their new mother-daughter relationship, which she was so committed to cultivating. The episode concludes with an honest and sometimes comedic reflection on where their relationship stands today, and the love and respect at the core of it all. Shoshana also shares where she stands today in her Jewish identity and her message for girls and women who may be experiencing similar challenges.

Please note: This episode contains numerous references to abuse, self-harm, and other challenging mental health issues.

This Week's Q&A

Stay in Touch with Chavie!

www.instagram.com/chaviebruk

www.totallyunexpected.blog

Sponsors

This episode is sponsored by dear friends dedicating it to the Bruk children: Shoshana, Chaya, Zeesy, Menny, and Chana Leah. Also in recognition of a new book titled Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe by Levi Y. Shmotkin.