Maayan Aviv, the CEO of ⁠American Friends of Natal⁠, brings both American perspective and Israeli grit to her work in trauma support. Her military service gave her a front-row seat to resilience, and her nonprofit leadership demands it daily. She reflects on leadership, identity, and the hope that someday her organization won't need to exist.

American Friends of Natal supports Natal; Israel's Trauma and Resiliency Center.

Follow American Friends of Natal: https://www.instagram.com/americanfriendsofnatal/

Follow Maayan Aviv: https://www.instagram.com/maayanaviv28/

From the scars of childhood trauma to the healing work of parenting Dr. Robyn Kloslowitz; a clinical psychologist, shares how understanding trauma reshapes not only our personal growth but the way we raise our children. We'll explore the difference between guilt and shame, why community is essential for healing, and how parenting can become a path to mending the inner child. We delve into her book Post traumatic parenting and how the impact of trauma matters more than the content of trauma.

Sound Bites

"All research is me search."

"You can heal your inner child."

"Trauma poker has no winners."

"Parenting is very joyful and fun."

Read her book 'Post-Traumatic Parenting': https://tr.ee/AcRwDr4cOq

Join the Post-Traumatic Parenting Community:

IG: @dr.koslowitzpsychology

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/664641005009362

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrobynkoslowitz/

Podcast: https://pod.link/1551713661

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCsfIBh0QCK2meFnPATqcq2Q

Allison Gandlin shares her unique journey from being a dancer to becoming the 2024 NFL Flag Player of the Year. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, the importance of teamwork and leadership, and how her Jewish identity has shapes her values. Allison reflects on her experiences with imposter syndrome, the significance of recognition, and her aspirations to spread positivity and love through sports. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the responsibilities that come with being a trailblazer.

Sound Bites

• "I always felt kind of a little bit like an imposter."

• "Femininity isn't weak."

• "I want to be able to share a message."

Follow Allison: https://www.instagram.com/allison.gandlin/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

This week's guest is Rachel Lebowitz, founder of Empowered COO. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of vulnerability, accountability, and the journey of self-discovery for women. We discuss the pressures women face in both personal and professional spheres, the importance of redefining roles, and the impact of upbringing on identity. Rachel shares her insights on navigating gender dynamics in business, the shift from codependency to empowerment, and the significance of making personal choices. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to embrace their strengths while acknowledging their weaknesses, ultimately encouraging people to create small, intentional changes in their lives.

Soundbites:

"I want to be the empowered woman."

"How quickly can I pivot or rebound?"

Read her book "Empowered COO: Eliminate Burnout, Resentment and Self Doubt as a Second-in-Command" : https://a.co/d/51VBiPG

Rachel's Website: http://www.empoweredcoo.com/

Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowering_supportive_roles/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

Aja shares her journey from growing up in an Italian family to discovering her Jewish identity and pursuing a career in fashion. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and her commitment to her values. Aja's story highlights the importance of community, creativity, and personal growth. She shares how she's balancing motherhood and identity while designing a brand- and a life - that reflect her values and her heart.

Sound Bites

• "I wanted to go to art school."

• "It was a journey for me."

• "I converted at 23"

Check out Transcendent Active: https://transcendentactive.com/collections/all-collections-activewear

Follow Transcendent Active on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transcendent_active/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

Lauren Hofstatter, also known as the Orthodox Therapist, is a Licensed mental health counselor who focuses on intimacy and relationships. In this episode, she shares insights on intimacy, relationships, and the unique challenges faced by women in the Orthodox Jewish community. Lauren emphasizes the significance of genuine support and understanding in relationships, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding intimacy in Judaism. Through her experiences, she aims to empower women to find their voices and navigate their paths with confidence.

Sound Bites

• "I needed something for me."

• "It's okay to not be perfect."

• "You can have kids and a career."

For more on 'The Orthodox Therapist': https://www.orthodoxtherapist.com/about

Follow Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theorthodoxtherapist/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

Meet Estee Stimler ; writer, lyrcistic, PhD Researcher in comedy and unapologetic trailblazer. In this conversation, she opens up about the layered realities of Jewish identity, and her own creative journey from speechwriting to the musicals and plays. With warmth and wit, Estee explores how humor shapes family bonds, why positive representation matters in Jewish media, and how art can balance self-expression with social responsibility. Her work is driven by a belief that creativity thrives without competition and that empowering others is the surest way to make space for diverse voices to shine.

Takeaways

• Growing up in a creative environment fosters unique perspectives.

• Jewish identity can be complex and multifaceted.

• Humor is a powerful tool for connection and understanding.

• Artistic expression can coexist with social responsibility.

• Positive representation of Jewish culture is essential in media.

• Community support plays a crucial role in personal growth.

• Theater can be a platform for discussing important issues.

• Empowering others leads to collective success.

• Trailblazing means creating space for diverse voices.

For more on Estee Stimler: https://www.esteestimler.com/

Projects in Development: https://www.esteestimler.com/in-development

For Estee's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esteestimler/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

"I hope to uninstall my spiritual dimmer switch - after all I was the one who installed it."

In this powerful episode, Chana Leah Bleznick shares her journey from a childhood shaped by addiction, abuse, and complex family dynamics to becoming a mother, disability rights advocate, and outspoken voice for mental health in the Jewish community. She opens up about her identity as a Baal Teshuvah, the struggle to fit in, and the transformative power of community and authenticity. Through raw honesty and deep reflection, Chana Leah invites us into a conversation about resilience, motherhood, and breaking the silence around mental health and addiction - paving the way for healing and hope in future generations.

Sound Bites

• "I wanted to be accepted and liked."
• "A body in motion, stays in motion."
• "It's not the suffering Olympics."
• "I want to show up fully as me."

Check out Chana Leah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanaleahbleznick/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

Avivit Ohana, founder of ELI (Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Israel), shares her journey from childhood in Israel to becoming a leader in entrepreneurship and mentorship for young Jewish professionals. She discusses the influence of her family, her military service in the IDF, and the importance of resilience in the face of failure. The conversation also highlights the founding of ELI, an initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of Jewish business leaders by connecting them to Israel's start-up ecosystem. She emphasizes the significance of mentorship and the need for young adults to follow their passions while being flexible in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Sound Bites

• "I always dreamed about the US."

• "You need to listen to yourself."

• "Israel is the start-up nation."

Check out ELI: https://www.eli-org.com/

Follow ELI on IG: https://www.instagram.com/elibyisrael/

Follow Avivit on IG: https://www.instagram.com/avivitohana/

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/

This weeks guest is Michelle Morris; a storyteller, strategist, and a founder on a mission to elevate Jewish voices. In this episode, she shares how she built HerSpace to empower Jewish women in the arts — and why her new venture, Emerald PR, is all about crafting positive, purposeful narrative. Michelle seeks to empower women with opportunities that they can to do anything, without the pressure of doing everything. The conversation explores themes of identity, community, and the balance between tradition and modernity, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in the pursuit of empowerment.

Sound Bites

"Real-life events can empower women."

"Positive PR tells positive Jewish stories."

"Creativity thrives within parameters."

Emerald PR: https://www.emeraldpr.co.uk/

Learn more about HerSpace: https://www.jewishrenaissance.org.uk/blog/herspace-festival

Michelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-morris-b9097b2a0/

Michelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_stmorris/

Follow the Trailblazer pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/