Chava Green⁠ is an educator, writer, and public speaker. She has a PhD in Religion and a B.A. in Women’s Studies. She shares her unique journey from a secular upbringing to embracing Hasidic Judaism. She discusses her childhood influences, academic pursuits, and the evolution of her understanding of feminism. Chava reflects on her existential crisis following the loss of her grandfather and how it led her to explore spirituality and Judaism. She emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in her journey and ultimately finds a balance in the Chabad community. Chava highlights the misconceptions surrounding Hasidic women and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of their experiences. She also reflects on the complexity of identity in today's world and the significance of being a trailblazer in both personal and communal contexts.

​To get in touch with Chava: https://thehasidicfeminist.wordpress.com/

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

April 1st marks the first day of National Child Abuse Prevention month. In this episode, I chat with Rahel Bayar, a former sex crimes prosecutor about her career. Rahel discusses her upbringing in a values-driven household, the pivotal moments that led her to law school, and her experiences in the legal field. The conversation delves into the alarming statistics surrounding child sexual abuse, the importance of awareness and education in prevention, and the dynamic between parents and children in addressing these issues. Rahel also shares insights on the role of social media in raising awareness and fostering conversations about sensitive topics. Rahel discusses the mission behind her consultancy firm which focuses on abuse and harassment prevention. She emphasizes the belief in the goodness of people and the necessity of having difficult conversations to foster understanding and safety in communities.

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

Sound Bites

• "The statistics on sexual abuse are under-reported."

• "It's a horrific number."

• "Awareness sheds light on it."

• "Social media is about the reach of each platform."

• "I look at social media as a vehicle."

• "I believe that we can make a difference."

Yael Trusch⁠ is a Jewish money mentor and the host of ⁠Jewish Money Matters⁠ Podcast. She has empowered thousands of Jewish women and couples to transform their finances in a way that aligns with their Jewish values. The conversation highlights the significant impact of cultural backgrounds on financial perceptions, particularly when it comes to women and money. Yael opens up about her personal struggles with finances. She passionately advocates for aligning financial practices with Jewish values, encouraging a mindset that prioritizes generosity, ethical decision-making, and values-based financial choices. The discussion further explores societal perceptions of money, especially in the context of women’s roles, and offers valuable insights on how to overcome financial barriers while staying true to one's integrity and purpose.

Sound Bites

"I am a social introvert."

"I was definitely an avoider."

"I'm not going to be a statistic."

"Nobody's talking about this."

"Money is a means to serve God."

"You don't limit God."

"Money's not a bad thing."

"It's time to stop that."

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

Yaffa Palti is a Torah educator, motivational speaker, and much more! In this episode, she reflects on her journey of self-discovery, overcoming identity challenges, and finding strength through faith. She shares insights on growing up in a large family, adjusting to life in a new country, navigating marriage, and battling anxiety. Yaffa highlights the importance of mindset shifts, and personal growth, and emphasizes how embracing challenges can lead to transformation.

Sound Bites

• "Sometimes our coping mechanisms can destroy us."

• "We can change that, we can break that."

• "I was a leader who wasn't in their academic box."

• "I felt very confused."

• "All it takes is for people to see you."

• "He saw my potential. He believed in me."

• "Anxiety has to be your friend."

• "I was scared to leave my home."

• "I was consumed with anxiety."

• "Everyone needs a mindset shift."

• "Healing and growth is not linear."

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

Laura Cohen is the founder of ⁠ELY Active⁠; a modest activewear company that is more than just a brand. It's a movement. Laura is on a mission to break down stereotypes and empower women to be themselves.

Laura shares her journey from growing up in Paris to moving to Israel, her extensive career in marketing, and her transition into the fitness world. She discusses the challenges of finding modest workout clothing and how this inspired her to create a solution for herself and other women. Laura left a successful 13-year career in marketing to focus on ELY active and her mission. The conversation highlights themes of empowerment, creativity, and the importance of community among women.

Sound Bites

"I need to be different."

"If you don't do it now, when?"

"Don't limit yourself, you know."

"There is no shortcut in life."

"It's a question of priority."

"It's okay to say no, you know."

"I can and I will, watch me."

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on ⁠Instagram⁠

Emmie Levy is a dancer who danced alongside Usher in the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show. She is also the founder of the '⁠Emmie Effect'⁠, a movement dedicated to empowering young girls through confidence and positivity. In this conversation, Emmie reflects on her journey—from a joyful childhood immersed in dance to navigating career transitions and, ultimately, realizing her dream of dancing at the Super Bowl. She discusses the vital importance of instilling confidence in young girls, and the delicate balance between hard work and faith. Emmie highlights the significance of forging one's own path and inspiring others to believe in themselves, embodying the true spirit of a trailblazer.

Sound Bites

• "I danced alongside Usher in the Super Bowl."

• "You need to put your best foot forward."

• "I am a confidence and manifesting coach."

• "Confidence is the foundation of everything."

• "I want to give back to those young girls."

• "Your biggest dream can come true."

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

In this episode, Jennie Berkovich, a board-certified pediatrician and Director of Education for the Jewish Orthodox Women's Medical Association (⁠JOWMA⁠), shares her journey from a secular upbringing in Russia to becoming a leader in the Orthodox community. The conversation explores her experiences in medical school, the challenges of being an observant woman in medicine, and the importance of preventative health measures tailored to the Orthodox community. Jenny emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive communication in health education and discusses her role in JOWMA, focusing on mentorship and community health education. The episode also delves into time management, personal priorities, and the evolving landscape of the Jewish community regarding health and wellness.

Sound Bites

• "I was a pediatrician before I knew that was a doctor."

• "I had to learn how to stand up for myself."

• "We do so much in our efforts to react."

• "It has to be relatable to be impactful."

• "We have to give information in a non-judgmental way."

• "I think balance can be dangerous."

In this episode, Faye speaks with Holocaust educator Naomi Lopien, who shares her journey of discovering her father's Holocaust experiences and her commitment to Holocaust education. Naomi discusses her childhood, the impact of her parents' experiences, and the lessons of kindness and tolerance she learned from them. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving history and combating Holocaust denial, while also reflecting on her mission to educate future generations about the Holocaust.

Sound Bites

• "This book really feels like I'm reading your father's diary."

• "He had tears rolling down his eyes."

• "You can never unsee or unhear what you've seen or heard."

• "I feel burdened by my own burden."

Noemie translated her father's memoirs of surviving seven camps in the holocaust into the book 'The Long Night'

Check out Noemie's holocaust education platform: Holocaustmatters.org

Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram

In this episode, Faye and eating psychology coach, Alexandra Zohn, delve into the intricate relationship between stress and eating habits. They explore how emotional and psychological factors influence food choices, the differences between eating psychology and traditional nutrition, and the impact of societal pressures on eating behaviors. Alexandra shares insights on various eating disorders, the importance of understanding one's relationship with food, and practical techniques for reconnecting with hunger and fullness cues. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about eating challenges and the importance of seeking help.

Sound Bites

"How stress really affects the way we eat?"

"What is an eating psychology coach?"

"Food is comforting to a certain degree."

"90-95% of people who lose weight gain it back."

"Eating disorders can start in childhood."

"The way we eat is the way we live."

"You don't need to be diagnosed to need help."

"Ask for help, the sooner the better."

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

'

#eatingpsychology #eatingpsychologycoaching #intituitiveeating #healthyeating #jewishpodcast #jewishwomen 

Andrea is a a professional life coach the ⁠Next ChaptHer Podcast⁠. She shares her transformative journey through various life pivots, including the profound impact of 9/11 on her career choices, her transition into teaching, and returning to work after being a stay at home mom. She discusses the importance of listening to one's internal voice, the process of rediscovering purpose after parenthood, and her evolution into a life coach. Andrea emphasizes the significance of community and connection among women, and introduces her coaching framework, 'Roadmap to Joy,' designed to help others navigate their own life transitions.

Sound Bites

• "What happens when life forces you to pivot?"
• "I saw the second plane hit."
• "Where there's a will, there's a way."
• "I felt completely lost on the inside."
• "Joy means journey of you."
• "You can submit it anonymously."
• "There's always a new path to take."

____________________________________________________________

Don't forget to follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/