The TrailBLAZER Pod

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 Trau...

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...

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 he...

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 dyna...

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-...

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 miscon...

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 sel...

"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...

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 initiati...

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 o...

In this episode, Dr. Azi Jankovic shares her powerful journey with mental health, discussing her personal experiences with depression and bipolar disorder. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around mental health, advocating for a holistic approach to treatment, and empowering others to share their stories. The conversation explores the impact of childhood experiences, the challe...

When a baby is born, so is a mother, but that transformation isn't always easy! In this conversation, Rebekah Garfunkel shares her journey through postpartum anxiety, identity shifts, and the birth of her business, It's a Mom . With vulnerability and wisdom, she opens up about finding purpose through pain, the healing power of creativity, and what it really means to hold onto yourself while caring...

In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from being a teacher to founding Educating Matters, a business focused on parenting and work-life integration. She discusses her early life, the influence of her Jewish identity, and the challenges of modern parenting. Rachel emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior for children and the pressures parents face in today's society. She also addresses t...

Kel ly Levi, a mentor in the college admissions process joins me this week on the pod! After leaving a career in law, Kelly found her calling helping students and their families navigate the college admissions process. And in a post-October 7th world, her work has taken on even deeper meaning. She discusses the challenges faced by Jewish applicants, especially in the wake of the events of October...

In this conversation, Debra shares her unique journey of personal growth, shaped by her experiences of moving 26 times during her childhood. She discusses how these changes fostered her adaptability and resilience, leading her to a career in interior design, professional organizing, and ultimately ADHD coaching. Deborah emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, understanding one's strengths, and...

In this episode of The Trailblazer Pod, writer and podcast host Nina Badzin joins me to unpack the challenges of making and keeping friendships as adults. We explore key topics like adult friendship dynamics, navigating long-distance friendships, and managing friendship breakups. Nina also shares her personal journey of Jewish identity, creative career pivots, and launching her popular podcast, De...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jacki Edry, author, mother of neurodivergent children, and brain tumor survivor, for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, identity, and advocacy. Jackie opens up about her early life, her evolving relationship with Judaism, and her intimate understanding of autism and neurodiversity. She challenges conventional approaches to autism treatment, cha...

In this deeply moving episode, Beth Segaloff , founder of the Tree of Life Center, opens up about her powerful journey through love, loss, and healing. After the devastating loss of her fiancé, Ben, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan, Beth was thrust into the depths of grief. She shares how this life-altering experience led her into the world of holistic healing. Beth's story is one of pr...

Rabbi Joanna Samuels , CEO of the JCC of Manhattan, explores what it means to lead with compassion, clarity, and courage. This conversation dives into the power of deep listening in a polarized world, the emotional complexity faced by Jewish women after October 7th, and the need for meaningful dialogue in politically fraught spaces. Rabbi Samuels also shares insights from her work with the Better...

Chaya Rosenzweig is a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, and philanthropist. She is the owner and founder of ⁠ Rose Capital Group ⁠ . Chaya shares her journey of becoming a confident businesswoman. She discusses overcoming obstacles after moving to America, building a real estate career, and trusting her intuition. The conversation explores self-empowerment, resilience, setting boundar...

⁠ Ariella Cohen Coleman ⁠ is an attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate. In this episode, she shares her journey from a quiet childhood rooted in a loving Jewish family to navigating profound grief after her father's death. She discusses her career shift from fashion to law, driven by a desire to advocate for others facing health challenges. Ariella opens up about her struggles with rare health condi...

Last week, we had Jillian Gothelf on the pod for a conversation about social media pressure, body confidence and more. This week, she's back! But this time, with her 94 year old grandma, Joan Feldman. Both Jillian and her grandma are going through a transformation with their connection to Judaism. We explore the rich tapestry of Jewish identity through the lens of 94 yr old Joan's life experiences...

Jillian Gothelf has an MA in Media Psychology and is the host of the " ⁠ Hotter in Person ⁠ " podcast, which is all about how social media impacts mental health and how to boost self esteem in the digital age. In this episode, we discuss the impact of social media on mental health, body image issues, and the importance of self-perception. The conversation highlights the significance of understandi...

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 i...

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, th...