The TrailBLAZER Pod
Faye Lax - Rosenberg
Jewish women entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders share their stories every week on The TrailBLAZER Pod. Host Faye Lax-Rosenberg sits down with Jewish women who built businesses, broke barriers, and refused to shrink, and asks them to share it honestly. The wins, the pivots, the moments they almost turned back. Jewish mentorship at your fingertips.
Episodes
Yehudis Kornfeld I On the Mitzvah of Muscle #jewishwomen #jewishstories
Yehudis Kornfeld stopped being afraid of aging. That's not where she started. She watched her grandmother suffer frp, Alzheimer's for years. Both her parents have heart disease. Her father has prostate cancer. Her father-in-law fell at 70 and was never the same. By the time Yehudis had her fifth baby at 39 and turned 40 the next month, the fear she'd carried for decades was finally sitting in her own body. She went looking for a way out and found electrical muscle stimulation (EMS); a workout in a full-body suit that fires every major muscle at once. She tried it before buying a suit. First session, her muscles "woke up from the dead." Power 20 Studios opened six months later in Tom's River, New Jersey. Priced deliberately below the $250-per-session industry standard so regular women could actually afford it. Her thesis is the one her clients rarely walk in believing: modern medicine extends your lifespan. Muscle extends your healthspan. Those are two different things. This episode goes into the fear, the body at 40, the suit, the bulky-weights myth, and the mitzvah of muscle that most people gloss over. Connect with Yehudis: 📷 Instagram: @power20studios 📧 Email: [email protected] 📞 917-588-7617 Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📷 @thetrailblazerpod 📬 https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/ 🔔 New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #JewishWomen #BoldJewishWomen #TrailBLAZERPod #WomenFounders #Longevity #StrengthTraining #EMSTraining
She Doesn't Want to Inspire Change. She Wants to Create It I Mussie Holtzman
She doesn't want to inspire change. She wants to create it. And she learned the difference at 17. Mussie shares the Shabbaton at 17 that redirected her whole career, why she thinks the reason people avoid therapy is that we've called it "for broken people" too long, why the therapeutic relationship is a mirror of every other relationship in your life, and the line that stopped me mid-interview: "It's not pathological. It's just weird." A conversation about therapy, advocacy, mental health, identity, self-worth, and why humble isn't the strategy for women who want to make change. Connect with Mussie: 📷 Instagram: itsnotmuss 📧 Email: [email protected] Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faye-r-b70408b8/ 📷 @thetrailblazerpod
She Says Effort Without Structure Is Just Chaos. She Helps Business Owners Fix It I Blimi Adler
Effort without structure is just chaos. That's the thesis Blimi Adler has spent six years proving. She's a business structurist. She helps founders trade the busy-14-hour-day feeling for a business that actually moves. Plus two newer offerings, CEO Mode and Launch Mode, that meet earlier-stage founders and first-time business owners where they are. Blimi shares how she got here. From a childhood spent trying to fit into a box that didn't have her shape, to an accounting career , to the coaching course she bought that reset her whole trajectory. Plus the business plan she wrote in a journal at twenty-two that turned up in her garage a decade later. Plus: her "know the rules, then break them" framework, why every employee at every level deserves to know what success looks like for them, the reason she think we need to stop avoiding business conversations at girls' nights, and what it actually means to call yourself self-made. A conversation about entrepreneurship, structure, clarity, self-made narratives, and how confidence is the output, not the input. Connect with Blimi: ✉️ [email protected] 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blimiadler/ Just getting started? Launch Mode gives you a clear, step-by-step guide to building your business, from education to community, with support and resources along the way. https://www.blimiadler.com/launchmode Ready to hire your first few employees and strengthen your leadership, systems, and operations? Check out CEO Mode. https://www.blimiadler.com/ceomode Special offer for Trailblazer listeners: use code TRAILBLAZER10 for 10% off Launch Mode or CEO Mode. Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📷 @thetrailblazerpod 📬 https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/ 🔔 New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #JewishWomen #BoldJewishWomen #TrailBLAZERPod #WomenFounders #BusinessConsulting #JewishEntrepreneurs #BlazingInBusiness
One in Three Women Describe Their Birth as Traumatic. She's Trying to Change That | Toby Deutsch
One in three women describe their birth as traumatic. Toby Deutsch was one of them. Then she had a miscarriage, discovered neuroplasticity, and rewired herself into a completely different person for her second birth, which was redemptive, and the foundation of the company she now runs. Toby shares how years of searching for her calling all pointed to the thing her own body finally taught her, and how she built Gentle Beginnings around helping other women prepare for birth the way she wishes someone had prepared her. Plus: the neuroplasticity fact that reframes everything (pregnant brains rewire six times faster than regular ones), why she calls postpartum the whole thing, the Ayurvedic saying that says forty days influence forty years, and the founder truth that passion and execution live in different parts of the brain. A conversation about birth, motherhood, neuroscience, founding, confidence, and doing it scared until the doing turns into the confidence. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Connect with Toby: 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/ 🌐 https://www.gentlebeginnings.life 🎙️https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/podcasts/gentle-beginnings-2 📧https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/newsletter 📱https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📷 @thetrailblazerpod
The Way Other Kids Played House, She Played Business | Noa Mintz
At twelve, she was running a nanny agency from the middle school bathroom. At fifteen, she'd hired her first CEO. At twenty-six, she's building the first digital infrastructure for post-intensive-care recovery, because modern medicine got so good at saving lives it created a whole new syndrome, and nobody built a system to catch it. Noa played business the way other kids played house. She never really stopped. Noa shares how her curiosity about people and problem-solving followed her from childhood into studying cognitive neuroscience at Brown University, working in healthcare technology, and eventually founding a company focused on helping people recover after intensive care. Plus: her advice for women starting something of their own, why judgment might be the most important skill to develop, how to separate signal from noise, and why your failures may teach you more than your successes. A conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, healthcare, AI, judgment, and staying true to yourself while building something that matters. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Connect with Noa: 📷 https://www.instagram.com/noamintzz/ 🌐 https://libyhealth.com/ 🌐 https://nanniesbynoa.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/noamintz Connect with Faye: 📷@thetrailblazerpod 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/faye-r-b70408b8/
She Was Too Nervous to Read the Agenda. Now She Speaks at Money 20/20 I Miriam Sheril
What if the imposter syndrome you can't shake was actually a shared secret across every room you've ever walked into? When Miriam Sheril was a Federal Reserve intern in January 2009, her job was to read the meeting agenda out loud. She spent three days a week nauseous leading up to it. Instead of asking am I in the wrong career?, she found herself asking who else in this room is faking it? a question that would carry her through fifteen years at the Fed, the launch of FedNow, and the leap to running US strategy at a UK-based fintech called Form3. In this episode Miriam shares what fifteen years inside the Federal Reserve taught her about power, politics, and the imposter syndrome nobody escapes, and how being openly Orthodox in fintech turned out to be the strategy, not the risk. Deep on the five-item checklist she used to pivot in her career, the colleague who told her to stop saying "this might be a stupid question," and the American Bankers piece she calls her proudest work. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.
She Practiced Law for 20 Years. Then She Built a Jewish Netflix. | Heidi Oshin
What if every zig and zag in your career was actually the path, not the detour? When Heidi Oshin was twenty years into a law career she didn't love, she didn't ask did I waste the time? She asked what's next? and pivoted to build a program for twice-exceptional children, then Menemsha Films, then during pandemic week one, Chaiflicks, the largest streaming service dedicated to Jewish-themed stories anywhere in the world. In this episode Heidi shares how three completely different careers stacked into one life — and what that life taught her about pivoting, about being the only woman at the table, and about believing in a dream long enough to build it. Deep on rehearsing her way through misogynistic 1980s law rooms, the line every young woman needs about imposter syndrome, why twice-exceptional kids get missed, launching a streaming service in COVID week one, and the advice she'd give the woman sitting on her next pivot but too scared to move. Use code TRAILBLAZERS36 for you Chaiflicks discount code Connect with Heidi: https://www.chaiflicks.com/ Instagram: @ChaiFlicks Connect with Faye: https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ @thetrailblazerpod https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.
She Had Cancer at 21. Here's Why She Calls It a Gift I Amanda Spiro
What if the worst thing that ever happened to you turned out to be the thing that saved you? When Amanda Spiro was 21, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Instead of asking "why me," she found herself asking something most people never get to ask: what is this trying to teach me? In this episode, Amanda shares how cancer became the catalyst for the most precious chapter of her life, meeting her husband during chemo, deepening her Jewish identity, and finding a clarity she'd been searching for since childhood. Connect with Amanda: 📷 Instagram: @amandadawnspiro 📷 Instagram: @amandaspiroshares 🌐Chabad of Trois-Rivières: https://www.chabad3r.com/ Connect with Faye: 📷 @thetrailblazerpod 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/
On Refusing to Be a Copy | Malky Allouch
She said to herself "I'm done being a victim," and started a business. Malky grew up in Boulder, Colorado, Chabad shluchim's daughter, one of eleven, sandwiched in the middle. The quiet one who wanted to be seen and despised being seen at the same time. She found her one safe space in writing, first teenage angst, then poetry, then eventually a livelihood. Malky's story isn't a comeback narrative. It's a flip. She'd been in postpartum depression, bills she couldn't cover, when one morning she decided she was done being a victim. The copywriting business launched inside thirty days. Clients came in two weeks. The philosophy she now teaches other founders: make your success non-negotiable, and be an original in a world of copies . This episode goes deep on the morning that broke the postpartum cycle, the 5% tasks no one wants to do that actually build a business, why she says you have to make success non-negotiable before anything else works, why she rejects traditional gender roles, and the literal business strategy of going to a national park and watching the clients roll in. Connect with Malky: 🌐 https://soulfulcopy.org/ 📸 Instagram: @malky.allouch 📸 Instagram: @soulful_copy 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malky-allouch/ Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📸 @thetrailblazerpod 📩 https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/ 🔔 New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.
On Being the One They Didn't See Coming | Chaya Krinsky
Chaya grew up in Long Beach, California, Chabad rabbi's daughter, one of seven, smack in the middle. From thirteen, she had a job: a ninety-minute drive each way to teach Hebrew school. By her twenties she was teaching toddlers in Greenwich, Connecticut, building bulletin boards so elaborate the director asked her to write a curriculum book. She loved it. Then her husband Bruce bought a defunct furniture company. They spotted a gap: nothing in the furniture market was chic, stylish, and affordable. Tov Furniture was born in their basement. Today Tov is a cult brand. While every competitor hid a shipping container crisis from customers, Chaya and Bruce flew to the ports and shot stories explaining what was actually going on. The customers stayed. The fans multiplied. And underneath all of it: a personal reclamation. Chaya spent her teenage years hearing she looked like Barbie and spent years trying to prove she was more. Now pink is her signature color, on purpose. She says being a female founder in a male-dominated industry is her biggest superpower. Connect with Chaya: 🌐 Tov: https://tovfurniture.com/collections/new-arrivals 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tovfurniture 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chayaxkrinsky/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaya-krinsky-0466a3ba Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📸 @thetrailblazerpod
On Asking the Questions Everyone Else Is Afraid to Ask | Yael Morris
She got labeled with a learning disability. Turns out that was the superpower. Yael Morris, founder and CEO of Decode, joins Faye for a conversation that doubles as a masterclass in listening. As a young girl, Yael got labeled with a learning disability and spent years convinced she wasn't capable. She ran a marketing agency during COVID, and discovered her clients couldn't answer the most basic question about their own customers. So she went and asked them herself. Decode runs third-party interviews with lost-deal prospects and churned customers to get the truth no salesperson can pull out of them. This episode goes deep on the dating-as-sales metaphor that explains why your prospects ghost you, why you should never try to objection-handle, the Toronto vs Tel Aviv risk-tolerance gap, and the two definitions of success: the one with a number on it, and the one where you can actually go to sleep at night. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Connect with Yael: Decode: https://decodeinsights.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yaelmorris Connect with Faye: Website: https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ IG: @thetrailblazerpod
On Being a Professional Problem Solver | Lizzy Livne
She built the company she wished existed: real humans, real problems. Not a task app. Not a chatbot. A partner. Lizzy's parents used to ask her: "did you try?" instead of "what'd you get?", the kind of message that builds a kid who finishes a degree in two and a half years against everyone telling her not to risk it. At twelve, she saw an Israeli soldier and decided she was going to be one. She fought her way into combat command course as an Jewish American: Hebrew not great, shoes not the right size, mental block on the three-meter rope. She passed at the last possible second. Twice she's been active duty in war. After October 7, she fought her way back in as a reservist. Now she runs Quiet Lux, a personal life management service where real humans handle everything quietly piling up in the background, from school forms to sold-out Chanel bags to MRIs that didn't reach your doctor. This episode goes deep on the conversation every founder needs to have with their spouse before they start, the framework for knowing when to quit, and how most people aren't thinking about you as much as you think they are. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Connect with Lizzy: 🌐 Quietlux: https://www.thequietlux.com/ 📸 Instagram: @thequietlux 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lizzy-livne-93792b45?skipRedirect=true Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📸 @thetrailblazerpod
Discipline Builds Plan A. Adaptability Writes Plan B. | Hadas Frank
What does it look like to make a plan, follow it perfectly, and then have to write a better one in a new country at 19? Hadas Frank, AI strategic consultant and educator, joins Faye for one of the most clear-eyed founder conversations on the show. Hadas was diagnosed in third grade with learning challenges, told to lower her expectations, and pushed by her mother into grinding 90s, an accelerated university program in tenth grade, and a meticulous plan for an Israeli government career. Then at 19 she married an American, moved to New York, and used her work-permit waiting period to teach herself the markets, tech, and finally generative AI, building Next Gen AI from scratch. This episode goes deep on what it really means to throw out a decade-old plan, prompt engineering vs prompt design, when to use ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini, why she sees her Orthodox Jewish identity as leverage at non-Jewish business conferences, and the advice she gives every woman whose original plan no longer fits her life. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one.Connect with Hadas: 🌐 Website: https://nextgenaiadvisors.com/ 📸 Instagram: @hadas_frank 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadas-frank-ai1/ Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📸 @thetrailblazerpod 📩 https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/
On Learning to Take Up Space | Melissa Weisz
What does it look like to use the tools of acting to live a fuller life? Melissa Weisz, actor, writer, producer, and facilitator, joins Faye for a personal and powerful conversation around identity and taking up space. Melissa opens up about stumbling into acting through a Yiddish-language Romeo and Juliet, discovering on her first scene that her messy emotions finally had a place to go, and how she now teaches women to use acting techniques as life tools, to feel their own feelings, take up space in a room, and stop performing the polite version of themselves. This episode goes deep on the difference between feeling and acting on a feeling, why anger was the hardest emotion to access, the most important real estate in a person's life (the moment between trigger and response), and what it means as a Jewish woman to refuse to perform a smaller version of yourself. New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Connect with Melissa: Website: www.melissamalkyweisz.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/melissaweisz/ Connect with Faye: Website: https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ IG: @thetrailblazerpod Substack: https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/
She Grew Up Jewish in the USSR. Here's What She Sees Happening in America | Izabella Tabarovsky
She grew up Jewish in Siberia, where being Jewish was encoded in your passport but impossible to practice. Then in 2017, she saw something on American TV that looked exactly like Soviet anti-Zionist propaganda. That moment changed everything. This week, scholar and author Izabella Tabarovsky joins Faye to talk about Soviet Jewish identity, anti-Zionism on American campuses, and what the refuseniks can teach Jewish students today. Connect with Izabella: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Refusenik-Jewish-Students-Survival/dp/B0G2GKWKCJ Instagram: @IzaTabaro https://www.instagram.com/izatabaro?igsh=dWNobXo1NXIzZGZs&utm_source=qr X: @IzaTabaro https://x.com/izatabaro?s=21
She Didn't Have a Roadmap. Just an Obsession With Learning | Esty Scheiner
What happens when a girl with no tech background, no resources, and no roadmap decides to teach herself to code, and ends up at Google, Y Combinator, and building her own AI compliance company? Esty Scheiner, founder and CEO of Shiboleth, joins me for one of the most honest and inspiring founder conversations on the show. Esty opens up about teaching herself to code in high school with almost no resources, landing a spot at Google's prestigious Security Summer Institute, doing coding exercises in a notebook during seminary with no internet access, dropping out of NYU at 19 to manage a 6-person R&D team. This episode goes deep on imposter syndrome, what it really means to be a founder, the emotional toll of pivoting an idea you built from scratch, how to say "I don't know yet" without losing credibility, and why your starting point has nothing to do with your ceiling.
TraiBLAZER: Debbie Sassen on the Go-Get-'Em Mindset
She went from babysitting to Wall Street and built a money coaching business along the way. This week, Debbie Sassen joins Faye to talk about the go-get-'em mindset that shapes not just your career, but your entire relationship with money. From early money memories to financial literacy and entrepreneurship, this conversation will change the way you think about wealth. Connect with Debbie: 🌐https://debbiesassen.com/about-me/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/debbiesassen/ 🎙️ The Jewish Entrepreneur Podcast:https://debbiesassen.com/podcast/ Connect with Faye: 🌐 https://thetrailblazerpod.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/ 📩 https://trailblazerpod.substack.com/
TrailBLAZER: Yael Simon on Finding Power Through Alignment
What does it really mean to live and lead in alignment? Yael Simon joins me to explore the powerful intersection of identity, ambition, faith, and leadership. She reflects on growing up with strong influences, from family aspirations to religious identity, and how those forces guided her early career path and definition of success. But along the way, she began asking deeper questions about self-worth, people-pleasing, and the pressure to meet external expectations. Yael shares how learning to pause, reassess, and trust her own values transformed the way she approaches leadership, decision-making, and personal growth. We unpack the subtle ways people-pleasing can influence our decisions, why external validation often masks deeper questions of self-worth, and how learning to trust your internal compass can transform both your personal and professional life. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of self-discovery, leadership, faith, and personal alignment, and a reminder that true success comes from building a life that reflects who you really are. More on Yael www.arakura.co www.amplifyinvestorsummit.com www.artofthedeal.online https://www.linkedin.com/in/yael-dallal-simon/ https://www.instagram.com/yaelsimonllm/
TrailBLAZER: Riki Zahn on Moving Beyond Black and White Thinking
A lot of us think in black and white; success or failure, strong or weak, hustle or quit. But what if the real growth happens in the gray? In this episode, I sit down with Riki Zahn, founder of After Hours Club, a mental health-focused art and wellness community creating mindful, immersive, and creative experiences. In this episode, Riki opens up about losing her father at a young age, navigating post-grad depression, and feeling the quiet loneliness that often comes with entrepreneurship. Through her own healing journey, she built After Hours Club, a safe space where anyone can decompress, connect, and process their emotions through art and community. If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone navigating adulthood and ambition, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to build alone, and that growth often lives in the gray. Sound Bites "I was meant to go through that." "Being a founder is really lonely." Connect with Riki: Website: https://www.afterhoursclubnyc.com/ After Hours Club IG: https://www.instagram.com/afterhoursclubnyc/ Riki's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikizahn/ Riki's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rikizahn/
TrailBLAZER: Leah Sroka on When Pressure Pays Off
In this episode of The Trailblazer Pod, Leah Sroka, a personal jeweler in NYC's Diamond District, uncovers her journey from retail floors to founding her own fine jewelry business. Leah shares the lessons she learned building her career, from mastering the craft of jewelry-making to navigating the intricacies of entrepreneurship as a woman. She dives into why virality doesn't equal sales, why diamonds aren't a simple investment, and how pressure shaped her career, while peace defines her success today. Leah also discusses the importance of networking, confidence, and using your unique strengths to grow a business with purpose. If you're interested in women-led businesses, entrepreneurship, jewelry industry insights, or redefining success, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. More on Leah: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsroka/
TrailBLAZER: Rachel Lubchansky on Not Letting Imposter Syndrome Steal Your Voice
She thought she was headed for Broadway. Instead, she built a business. In this episode, Rachel Lubchansky shares her journey from aspiring performer to entrepreneur, podcast host, and advocate for women in business. We dive into imposter syndrome, overcoming fear, and the mindset shifts required to step into leadership as a female founder. Rachel opens up about how Judaism shaped her identity, how motherhood influences the way she runs her business, and how she transitioned from the fashion world into entrepreneurship. This conversation explores the realities of small business growth, the pressure women put on themselves, and why community and support are essential for success. We also discuss: • Overcoming imposter syndrome in entrepreneurship • The strengths women bring to business and leadership • Motherhood and entrepreneurship • Building authentic community over competition • Why "balance" is often misunderstood • The real stories behind business growth If you're a woman entrepreneur, small business owner, or aspiring founder navigating self-doubt, ambition, and growth, this episode will resonate. More on our guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.lubchansky/ Podcast: https://small-business-growth-made-simple.simplecast.com/ Website: https://www.rachel-lubchansky.com/about-me
TrailBLAZER: Michelle Mozes on Hustling Hard Toward Your Dreams Instead of Hustling Hard to Burnout
Michelle Mozes, rebrand expert, business coach, and creative entrepreneur, joins us for an honest conversation about personal branding, authenticity, and building a business that supports real life; not burnout. Michelle opens up about her journey with anxiety and depression, how fear became a catalyst for growth, and why finding yourself is an ongoing process at every stage of life. We dive into big-picture vision, scaling a business smarter (not harder), creativity in chaos, and what it truly means to stand out in a crowded market by being fully yourself. This episode is especially powerful for women entrepreneurs, creatives, coaches, and busy moms who want to grow a meaningful business without losing themselves in the process. For more on Michelle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemozes/ Website: https://michellemozes.com/ Podcast:
TrailBLAZER: Author Melanie Goldberg Silver on Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls
In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Goldberg Silver, writer, attorney, and author of Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls to talk about identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Raised in Brooklyn with a richly diverse Jewish heritage, Melanie shares how her early experiences with anti-Semitism shaped her worldview and ultimately led her to activism, writing, and a legal career focused on combating terrorism finance. For Melanie, writing became a vital outlet for self-expression and advocacy, from her college years to navigating unexpected professional pivots later in her career. Her children's book, Bedtime Stories for Strong Jewish Girls, brings together inspiring stories of strong Jewish women throughout history, created to empower young readers with confidence, curiosity, and pride in their heritage. We also discuss the importance of women supporting women, why representation and historical storytelling matter now more than ever, and how Melanie hopes to pass resilience, knowledge, and inspiration on to her daughters and future generations. This conversation is about strength, identity, setbacks, and the hope that the next generation will keep asking questions, seeking knowledge, and finding inspiration in their history. Follow Melanie for more: Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatgmel/ Book IG: https://www.instagram.com/strongjewishgirls/ Buy the book: https://a.co/d/1MDWRPC
TrailBLAZER: Female Founded on Community Over Competition | Jewish Women in Business
What happens when Jewish women in business come together with intention, support, and shared values? In this episode, Faye, Chana, and Rosie explore the power of community, collaboration, and connection for women entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into why networking events and safe spaces are essential for Jewish women navigating business, family life, and ambition. You'll hear how collaboration (not competition) leads to successful ventures, why professional communication skills are vital, and how identifying gaps in resources can spark new business opportunities. Most importantly, this episode celebrates women learning from each other, sharing experiences, and building environments where ambition and values can coexist. ✨ If you're a Jewish woman entrepreneur, business owner, or aspiring founder, this episode is for you. Topics covered: Jewish women in business & entrepreneurship The importance of community and collaboration Networking events and resource sharing Balancing business, family, and values Overcoming fear and building confidence Creating safe spaces for open dialogue
TrailBLAZER: Jessica Cohen on Why Women Should Never Shrink Their Ambition
What does it mean to lead as a Jewish woman today? In this honest conversation, Jessica Cohen shares her journey from a driven young girl with big dreams to a woman serving her community through public service. From law school and life pivots to confronting anti-Semitism and finding the courage to run for city councilwoman, Jessica reflects on how identity, resilience, and community shape leadership. This interview explores what it looks like to embrace ambition as a woman, balance multiple roles without shrinking yourself, and show up for your community, even when it's hard. Jessica also discusses the importance of Jewish visibility in public life, the role of technology in government, and why women should never apologize for wanting more. Whether you're a Jewish woman navigating leadership, considering public service, or searching for inspiration to step into your full potential, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and real-world wisdom. ✨ Topics include: Jewish women in leadership Facing anti-Semitism and turning adversity into action Law school, career pivots, and public service Balancing ambition, family, and community For more on Jessica Cohen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacohen18/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwomancohen/
TrailBLAZER: Donna Griffit on The Stories We Tell
This week's guest is Donna Griffit, world-renowned corporate storyteller and pitch alchemist. Donna shares how she became a storytelling expert, helping founders find their voice, cut through the noise, and own their narrative. We explore entrepreneurship, why self-promotion isn't bragging, and the unique dynamics women navigate, and the opportunities they can claim in building and funding companies. This conversation is about asking for what you want, telling your story with intention, and turning inflection points into opportunity. Sound Bites "The storyteller has to tell her own story." "You have to find your company's story." "It's okay to freak out, but let's then be tactical." "It's all about your listener. It's not about you." "If you don't ask, the answer is always no." More on Donna Griffit Website: https://donnagriffit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaabraham/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzkJG4mKRbHPe6XOZj_6rvyQVzlaZQoux Book: Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups
TrailBLAZER: Kylie Lobell on Choosing to be Chosen
Kylie Ora Lobell reflects on a childhood shaped by feeling unseen, the ways food and writing became coping mechanisms, and how those experiences ultimately led her to a deeper search for meaning. In this conversation, Kylie opens up about identity, faith, rejection, and the power of community, offering an honest and relatable perspective on what it means to find belonging and purpose. Whether you're navigating your own spiritual journey or simply looking for more meaning in your life, this episode has something for you. Sound Bites "You have to keep trying whatever it is you want in life." "I hope it helps Jews from birth be proud of who you are." 'Choosing to be Chosen' is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and out February 17: https://a.co/d/ba2YoR0 Handles X: @kylieoralobell IG: @kylieorawriter TikTok @kylieoralobell Website: https://koldigitalmarketing.com/
TrailBLAZER: Elissa Sagoskin on Triumph, Not Defeat
For Elissa Sagoskin, sports have always been more than a pastime; they're a part of who she is. Now, she's channeling that passion into coaching and representing Jewish female athletes on the world stage, with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics. Elissa is also a mother to her son, Amichai, who has cerebral pals, and through him, she's learned to flip the script on how we see bodies, movement, and minds. She challenges us to celebrate different ways of being in the world, reminding us that she doesn't see disability… she sees ability. Sound Bites "I didn't see disability, I saw ability." "You can move in a different way." Follow Elissa Sagoskin: https://www.instagram.com/elissa_sagoskin/ Israel Flag Football: https://www.instagram.com/israelflagfootball/ Elissa's blog: https://www.changeperceptions.net/ Elissa's TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/elissa_sagoskin_sagoskin_the_making_of_a_superhero
TrailBLAZER: Dr. Zahava Berkowicz on Being the Queen of Tenacity
What happens when the whispers of your intuition are louder than you realize yet you still don't know how to listen? In this episode, Dr. Zahava Berkowitz, founder of Ima Acupuncture, reflects on the quiet signals she once brushed aside, the life-altering choices that followed, and the moment she finally understood her inner guidance had been trying to steer her all along. And when she did trust that inner voice, she went on to create a thriving, healing-centered practice helping others reconnect with themselves. Sound Bites "I was really nervous, and I thought it was normal" "It was 100% my intuition, like, screaming at me" "I just didn't have the skill set to know that yet" IMMA: website: https://helloimma.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imma.wellness/
TrailBLAZER: Yael Dahan on Legacy, Leadership, and the Power of Dance
Yael Dahan is the founder of Penny's Dance studio. Yael's dream of starting her own dance studio came to fruition when she decided to take control of her career path. She had limited resources but a burning passion. Penny's Dance Studio is named after and in honor of her grandmother Penny who shared her love for dance, hard work and helping others with her granddaughter. Yael shares the values that shaped her, the courage it took to follow her own path, and the joy she's found in building a community around movement and legacy. Penny's Dance Studio Website: https://pennysdance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennysdancestudio/ Yael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaelsjournal/
TrailBLAZER: Lirone Glikman on the Super Connector's Playbook
What if networking wasn't just about collecting contacts, but about connecting with purpose? Welcome back to the TrailBLAZER Pod. In this episode, Lirone Glikman CEO of The Human Factor, author of The Super Connector's Playbook, speaker, and global networking expert, shares how authenticity, energy, and even rejection can become your greatest assets. From the power of asking for advice to building real community, Lirone reveals how true success starts with genuine human connection. Get ready to rethink how you build relationships and maybe, rediscover your purpose along the way. Sound Bites "The world is your oyster mentality." "No is a part of the journey." "I want it to be actionable." "Women will do the visibility very well." "We will feel uncomfortable asking." The Human Factor: https://lironeglikman.com/ The Super Connector's Playbook: https://lironeglikman.com/tscp-book/ The Lirone Glikman Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/0B6AmP249PG8vcyFdznFQ5 Lirone's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lirone_glikman/
TrailBLAZER: Allison Chait on Beauty with a Mission
Allison Chait, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Shabbos Brushups ; the makeup line redefining faith and self-expression. In this episode, she shares her journey from a creative childhood to studying at FIT, finding spiritual inspiration in Israel, and launching a brand that blends beauty, identity, and community. She opens up about balancing business with belief, advocating for Israel, and how her products empower Jewish women to feel confident without compromise. Sound Bites "I always felt good in my own skin." "You should really love what you do." "I want to share love, that's it." Use code 'Brushups15' for 15% off when you shop at Shabbos Brushups: https://shabbosbrushups.com/pages/about Follow Shabbos Brushups on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushupsbyallison/
TrailBLAZER: Dina Shanowitz on When Necessity Becomes Innovation
Dina Shanowitz is the founder & CEO of Zomee. When Dina became a mom, she realized that the breastfeeding pump she needed simply didn't exist. So she built it. Zomee is more than a customizable pump. It's a brand created by a mom, for moms, building community, breaking stigma, and redefining what support for mothers looks like. Sound Bites "I felt like I failed." "I stood by my values." Use code TRAILBLAZER for 10% off at Zomee: https://zomee.com/collections/breast-pumps-1 Follow Zomee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zomeepump Follow the Trailblazer pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/
TrailBLAZER: Dr. Aimee Baron on 'I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
Dr. Aimee Baron is the founder of I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, but her journey started long before that. A lifelong dreamer of becoming a pediatrician, she built her career caring for other people's children all while silently grieving her own losses. After suffering six miscarriages, including four in the second trimester, she finally became pregnant with her twins. But even in her deepest pain, no one around her was talking about pregnancy loss or fertility treatment. So instead of staying silent, she built what she needed: a community. I Was Supposed to Have a Baby was born so no one else would have to walk that road alone. This conversation is raw, vulnerable, and a powerful reminder that you can hold heartbreak in one hand and hope in the other. I Was Supposed to Have a Baby Website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwassupposedtohaveababy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iwassupposedtohaveababy
TrailBLAZER: Maayan Aviv on Letting People be People
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/
TrailBLAZER: Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Post Traumatic Parenting
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
TrailBLAZER: Allison Gandlin on Engineering a life of Strength, On and Off the Field
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/
TrailBLAZER: Rachel Lebowitz on Making Your Own Rules
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/
TrailBLAZER: Aja on Designing a Life You Believe In
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/
TrailBLAZER: Lauren Hofstatter on Jewish Family Wellness
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/
TrailBLAZER: Estee Stimler on Creating Positive Jewish Content
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/
TrailBLAZER: Chana Leah Bleznick on Uninstalling Her Spiritual Dimmer Switch
"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/
TrailBLAZER: Avivit Ohana on Fostering Entrepreneurship
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/
TrailBLAZER: Michelle Morris on Creating Space for Jewish Women
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/
TrailBLAZER: Dr. Azi Jankovic on Post Traumatic Growth
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 challenges of navigating mental health diagnoses, and the significance of finding strength in adversity. She introduces her Echo Method, a framework for change that encourages education, curiosity, healing, and observation. Ultimately, the episode is a message of hope, resilience, and the power of reclaiming your story. Sound Bites "You are not crazy." "Knowledge is power." "The CEO of your mental health." "You can change your mind."TrailBLAZER: Dr. Azi Jankovic on Post Traumatic Growth Dr. Azi Jankovic links Website: https://azijankovic.com/ Book: https://azijankovic.com/ Free Chapters: http://www.azijankovic.com/chapters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azijankovic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.azi.jankovic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azi.jankovic/ Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram for more: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazerpod/
TrailBLAZER: Rebekah on the Becoming of a Mother
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 for someone else. Ultimately, Rebecca advocates for women to embrace their multifaceted identities and pursue their dreams without guilt. This is a story of rediscovery, resilience, and the quiet strength that lives in every mother. Sound Bites "When a baby is born, so is a mother." "There's nothing a mother cannot do." "Creating purpose from pain is powerful." Check out 'It's a Mom' Follow Rebekah on Instagram Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram
TrailBLAZER: Rachel Vecht on Parenting, Inclusion, and Confronting Antisemitism
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 the impact of recent events on her work, particularly regarding antisemitism and inclusion in the workplace. Throughout the conversation, Rachel highlights the need for education and dialogue to foster understanding and support for diverse identities. Sound Bites "80% of parenting is modeling." "I'm just aiming for good enough." Fillow the TrailBLAZER
TrailBLAZER: Kelly Levi on Helping Jewish Students Find Their Place on Campu
Kelly 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 7th, and how mentorship plays a crucial role in navigating these challenges. Kelly shares her journey from law to education, the importance of Jewish identity in college applications, and the evolving landscape of college admissions for Jewish students. For more on Kelly: The Write Stop! If you enjoyed this episode, checkout our episode with Maya on her experience as a Jewish student and advocate at Columbia University Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram
TrailBLAZER: Debra Levy on The Power of Change
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 the role of Judaism in her life. She also addresses the challenges of navigating boundaries in professional relationships and the significance of courage and vulnerability in making life changes. Debra Levy is an ADHD and Executive Function Coach for adults, and is the owner of A Life That Fits, LLC. She is dedicated to helping her clients make time and space for what matters most in their lives. Sound Bites "It helped me to be flexible." "You're not broken." "It's not all at once." "You can say no also." "You have to have courage."
TrailBLAZER: Nina Badzin on How to Make (and Keep) Adult Friendships
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, Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. Tune win to gain insights on fostering meaningful connections, building Jewish literacy, and embracing life transitions with courage and authenticity. Sound Bites "I love writing. I still do." "How do you let go of that?" "I learned a lot that year too." "I didn't have basic Jewish literacy." "I should have been a writer." "I wanted a blog like yesterday." "It's okay for things to change." "Doing what feels true to you." Check out the Dear Nina: Conversations about Friendship podcast Follow the TrailBLAZER Pod on Instagram