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Yocheved shares her background growing up in a loud, opinionated family as the quieter sibling sandwiched between strong personalities, and how her parents’ journey as baalei teshuva (people who became religious later in life) — including her father returning to school for a master’s in education — shaped her identity as an educator. Chavie and Yocheved compare birth order dynamics, with Chavie as the oldest of nine and Yocheved navigating not knowing where she fit, and how that later informed Yocheved’s certainty about becoming an educational advocate. Yocheved talks openly about struggling in traditional classrooms, loving college and research, and realizing that her strength was learning rather than schooling, which leads into a candid conversation about why so many children struggle in rigid educational systems and where responsibility really lies between schools and parents. The conversation turns personal as Yocheved shares her fertility journey, her decision to be open about shidduchim and PCOS, and what it was like raising children with very different temperaments, including selective mutism and multiple neurodivergent diagnoses. Chavie and Yocheved dig into nature versus nurture, letting go of outcomes in parenting, and how to set measurable goals without lowering expectations. They close by talking about confidence versus self-esteem, avoiding power struggles, trusting your gut as a parent, and how to show up to schools in ways that are effective rather than just emotionally validating.   Yocheved Shapiro, M.Ed. is a dedicated educator and advocate with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Holding a Master’s in Educational Psychology, she combines professional expertise with personal experience as a parent of three neurodivergent children, championing their success in every aspect of life. She is passionate about guiding and empowering parents and educators in navigating and gaining access to the appropriate resources to best support children.   This Week's Prompt How Do You Color Outside the Lines of Societal Expectations In Your Daily Life? This is a NEW segment at the end of every episode featuring voice notes from listeners with their hot takes on our featured topic!    Referenced On the Pod 10:39 Totally Unexpected! interview with Chevee Szokovski 48:47 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs  1:22:32 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People  1:29:29 Ari Shapiro’s (Yocheved’s son) website 1:29:57 JEM - Jewish Educational Media  2:15:15 Totally Unexpected! interview with Sarah Immerman    Stay in touch with Yocheved! WhatsApp: 718-501-2165 [email protected] Yocheved on Instagram www.ShapiroEducationalConsulting.com  Yocheved's WhatsApp Group   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie and Yocheved start by bonding over their shared experiences navigating parenting struggles and challenges. Yocheved unveils her family’s roots in Iran, including the persecution and faith of the Mashadi Jewish community, and how her parents’ immigration to the United States eventually brought them into the Chabad community in Minnesota. Chavie and Yocheved talk about their shared curiosity about the human mind, and Yocheved reflects on being drawn to both Chassidus and psychology from a young age, which led her to pursue her PhD in clinical psychology at twenty-one. Chavie walks through Yocheved’s creative work as a photographer and filmmaker, and how that work grew into advocacy for children outside the mainstream in Crown Heights, including founding Lamplighters, a Chassidic Montessori school. They talk about what it looks like to pursue a life mission while raising children, and the constant tension between guilt and gratitude that follows. Chavie and Yocheved discuss the role of women in Jewish ritual spaces and what it looks like to push edges without compromising halachic values. Chavie closes the conversation by asking Yocheved about psychedelics and whether it’s possible to be on a healing journey without them. Yocheved Sidof is a spiritual and social entrepreneur, teacher, and guide devoted to cultivating deeper ways of being rooted in Torah, presence, and lived faith. She is the founder of Ohmek, a contemplative community offering sacred spaces for spiritual deepening, healing, and remembrance through learning, ritual, and embodied practice. Yocheved leads healing pilgrimages to Poland and Israel, inviting participants to meet history, grief, and holiness with courage and consciousness. She draws on Jewish mysticism, trauma-informed wisdom, and decades of leadership experience, while currently pursuing a PhD in Transpersonal Research. Her work speaks to women seeking a spiritually grounded path that honors devotion, depth, and the quiet unfolding of the soul.   This Week's Hot Take  Fast Fashion: Love it, hate it, or necessary evil? NEW segment at the end of every episode featuring voice notes from listeners with their hot takes on our featured topic!   Referenced On the Pod 1:18:53 Ohmek  1:26:55 Thomas Huebl 1:40:33 Tanya Chapter 42 2:04:50 Michal Carlebach's episode on Totally Unexpected!    Stay in touch with Yocheved! https://linktr.ee/Yochevedsidof ohmekliving.com Yocheved's Weekly Class on Spotify ‎Open this link to join Ohmek WhatsApp Community   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie and Abi start off discussing how important it is to be selective with friendships as adults in order to preserve emotional bandwidth for deeper relationships. Abi shares her experience moving between Chabad and non-Chabad schools and how she was always drawn to creativity from a young age, from tinkering with Barbie clothing and scarves to studying fashion in school. She talks about working in retail fashion, stepping back to raise her children, and later joining a children’s wear store in Toronto. There, she became involved in everything from buying and visual merchandising to sales and running the store’s social media. Chavie asks Abi to walk her through her approach to growing an Instagram presence, including her top tips for reels and the tension between being real online without sharing more than feels right. Chavie and Abi also share date night ideas and talk about navigating relationships with people who struggle with anxiety. Chavie closes out the conversation by asking Abi to share her ideal daily routine. Abi explains that her non-negotiable is starting the day without her phone and giving herself a quiet buffer before everything else begins.   Abi Radcliffe is a Canadian modest content creator. She enjoys sharing light and easygoing content that bring joy. You can find her sipping black coffee at work or fleeing the country to discover new places. She is a mother of three plus a cat that is definitely considered her fourth child. Abi loves sharing fashion finds and content that is happiness inducing.    Referenced On the Pod 11:08 Andrew Huberman’s podcast, The Huberman Lab 57:25 Abi Radcliffe's Fierce & Frum blog  1:00:29 Astrology episode on Totally Unexpected! with Mendel Zirkind  1:18:36 Sha’ar Habitachon - Gate of Trust by Rabbeinu Bachya ben Yosef ibn Paquda  2:05:09 Moishe & Chaya Chanin’s podcast, Undecided & Committed    Stay in touch with Abi @abiradcliffe_ on Instagram!   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

This week, Chavie welcomes her lifelong bestie, Chevee Szokovski, to the pod. They start by rewinding the clock to their high school days in Chicago. Chevee shares that she never quite fit in with the popular cliques going back to grade school and that she often felt socially isolated in high school as well. Chavie and Chevee dive into what it’s like to forgive childhood bullies while still carrying the scars they left behind. They reminisce about their seminary days and what life was like living in an Israeli dorm. Chevee opens up about dating, marriage, and how she and her husband were primed to start a Chabad House, until her husband came to the realization that his values didn’t align with that life path. Chavie asks Chevee how she navigated this life-altering shift while maintaining her marriage. They also talk about Chevee’s work as an early childhood educator and her focus on normalizing the inclusion of children with special needs in mainstream classrooms. And of course, if Chavie's bestie and book club buddy is on the pod, you know there will be plenty of Brene Brown quotes to go around.   Chevee is a wife and mom of three, and has been best friends with Chavie Bruk for more than half their lives. She strives to live a values-driven life and is deeply passionate about education and inclusion. Chevee has been teaching for over 20 years and is a lifelong learner. She is the director of FCHS, a Hebrew school for children with special needs.  Referenced On the Pod 6:56 "Sorry I’m Late I Didn’t Want To Come" by Jessica Pan  1:11:48 "Call Me Back with Dan Senor" podcast  1:39:08 “Clear is Kind” - Brene Brown  1:40:15 "All I Needed To Know I Learned In Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum 1:47:14 "What Happened To You" by Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry   Stay in touch with Chevee at [email protected].   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    This episode is dedicated it to Eli Schlanger and all the other beautiful souls who were murdered in Sydney, Australia. We keep in our hearts their families, for whom Chanukah is never going to be the same. As Jews, we are not strangers to holding pain and suffering and fear alongside joy and light and courage and strength. From the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone a happy, peaceful, and joyous Chanukah, and I ask that we keep in mind all the souls that lost their lives for being Jewish, and elevate them in our determination to not back down. Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie and BrookeLynne dive into all things parenting in this episode. BrookeLynne shares how a Chicago girl like her ended up with a name like Brookelynne. She talks about excelling in grade school, then running into challenges in the magnet school she attended, and later in college, where she discovered that the standardized educational system wasn’t the best fit for her. Through it all, she still got a master’s in early childhood education. Chavie and BrookeLynne talk about normalizing parenting struggles and finding ways to address them without shame. They bond over hot takes, like: you can be a playful parent without having to constantly play with your kids; it’s ok to limit screens even on plane rides; and not every child will feel like their parent is “their person” — and that’s ok.   BrookeLynne Dukes is a parenting coach, early childhood educator and presenter. BrookeLynne gets parents and gets kids. She helps adults get clear on their role in a child’s life, how to  decatastrophize, move out of urgency, how to understand brand new humans, and learn how to teach them the skills that don’t always come as naturally to them!   Referenced On the Pod 26:34 Ken Robinson - Do School’s Kill Creativity?  44:23 Hunt Gather Parent  1:33:20 Shoshana Bruk’s interview on Totally Unexpected!  1:39:10 Dr. Shefali on Conscious Parenting    Stay in touch with BrookeLynne! @brookelynnedukes on Instagram [email protected] WhatsApp Business: ‪+1 (312) 298‑9810‬   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Aura starts off by sharing her experience working behind the camera as a makeup artist to Hollywood’s stars. Chavie asks Aura if there was a conflict between being a creative in the artistic mecca of fashion while straddling her identity as a religious Jew. They talk about Aura’s beginnings in the colorful, lively home of her legendary parents, Rabbi Shlomo and Olivia “Schwartzy” Schwartz. Chavie and Aura also explore the dynamics of dating within the Chabad world, including Aura’s story of dating someone outside the community: a Modern Orthodox boy who happened to be the lead singer of Blue Fringe. Aura opens up about her own spiritual journey, how incorporating Chitas into her daily life grounds her, and the various podcasts and workshops she now leads on topics like Rosh Chodesh, the often-taboo subject of money, and her newest course inspired by The Artist’s Way. Aura grew up as the ninth of twelve children to Rabbi Shlomo and Olivia Schwartz, in a home filled with song, stories, and community. For more than twenty years she worked as a makeup artist, creating beauty tutorials for brands like CoverGirl and Burt’s Bees, where her greatest joy was connecting with women and helping them recognize their own inner beauty. In 2020, Aura expanded her work by completing training at the IPEC Life Coaching School. Today, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, musician Dov Rosenblatt, and their five children. She leads Women’s Rosh Chodesh Circles, facilitates retreats—including one this past week in the Ellijay mountains—and is building a Women’s Spa Retreat. Aura also hosts the Dream Detour podcast, where she explores spirituality, abundance, and the journey back to our truest selves. Referenced On the Pod 10:35 Aura on Awake Jewish Women  23:36 Aura’s Divine Wealth series on her podcast, Dream Detour 38:49 Dov Rosenblatt’s band, Blue Fringe  42:41 C Lanzbom, Soul Farm 55:12 Chitas  59:39 Chayenu pamphlets 1:04:15 Chana Kalmenson on Aura's podcast, Dream Detour 1:16:26 IPEC Life Coaching  1:43:07 Cathy Heller on Aura's podcast, Dream Detour 1:43:28 The Artist Way by Julia Cameron  1:44:28 Tonia Chazanow's podcast, Human & Holy podcast  Stay in touch with Aura! Aura on Instagram  Aura on Facebook Aura's upcoming workshop, The Artists Way Forward   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog  This episode is dedicated by our dear friends and cousins Laibe and Esta Gordon of the Five Towns, in loving memory of Laibe’s older brother, Binyomin, Yonasan Binyomin ben Reb Nissan, Zichrono Levracha, who passed away on Lamed Tishrei. May Hashem send comfort to his wife, Sandy, his daughters, Perel, Naomi, and Malkie, and the entire family.  Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

In this conversation, Chavie and Gitty start off by exploring Gitty’s unique childhood, going from a Modern Orthodox school to a Bais Yaakov and constantly having to juggle the subtle social dynamics. As a child of immigrants, her parents always demanded excellence and went to great lengths to make sure Gitty had the tools to succeed. Gitty talks about getting married right out of seminary, how she started a jewelry and accessories business after moving to Lakewood, and how she intuitively saw the potential in using social media as a promotional tool for launching her makeup work when Instagram was still in its infancy. Chavie and Gitty talk about the tension between being open with their audiences and welcoming all questions while still maintaining boundaries, and they discuss what they consider to be “off-limit” questions. Chavie asks Gitty about her journey of self-discovery post-divorce and what led her to become a Chabad Rebbetzin. Gitty shares openly and emotionally about the joys and challenges of running a Chabad House and life alongside her husband, who serves as both a Chabad rabbi and a Dayan (rabbinical judge).   Rebbetzin Gitty Hecht is married to HaRav HaDayan Mordechai Z. Hecht and serves as Rebbetzin of their shul, Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC, in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY. A former global bridal makeup artist, Gitty is now a sought-after speaker and educator who shares relatable, down-to-earth perspectives on real-life challenges through a contemporary Torah lens. A selection of her insightful talks can be found online.    Referenced On the Pod 54:33 Totally Unexpected! episode about Human Design 1:34:40 The Tanya Stay in touch with Gitty! @gittyhecht on Instagram [email protected] www.gittyhecht.com   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

In this conversation, Chavie and Esty bond about the joys of school finally being in session after a far-too-long, in their very frank opinion, summer break. They talk about how important it is to acknowledge that while they may be imperfect moms, they are the perfect moms for their children. Chavie and Esty share deeply moving and hilarious life hacks from their grandmothers, who were the original models for today’s “self-care” trend. Esty shares about her life journey from being a teenager who discarded boundaries, growing up in Kfar Chabad, Israel, and then finding personal growth and balance through a reconnection with Tanya and Chassidic spirituality. Chavie asks Esty about her journey from being a well-known wig stylist (and Chavie’s personal wig stylist for more than ten years!) to guiding others in the pursuit of a more spiritual life. As always, Chavie doesn’t shy away from getting to the core of her guest’s personal journey and digs deep with Esty to explore how she made that transformation. Esty Prus is a mother of seven, speaker, and the founder of Simply Tanya. Through her unique blend of personal storytelling, Chassidic insight, and practical tools, Esty inspires women to embrace meaningful change from the inside out. Drawing deeply from the teachings of Tanya, she shows how its timeless wisdom can guide every stage of life. Esty also produces and leads transformative women’s retreats and journeys to the Rebbe, weaving together learning, reflection, and community experiences that leave a lasting impact.   Stay in touch with Esty! @estyprus on Instagram   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie and Yitzchok kick off by reminiscing about his visit to Montana for Chavie's birthday, when he created the Overflowing Cup art installation, proudly displayed in the background of every Totally Unexpected! episode (check out Chavie’s Instagram reels, it’s a must see!!). Yitzchok shares his fascinating childhood journey from the Australian Outback to Crown Heights at the Rebbe’s farbrengens. Chavie asks what first sparked his love for art and self-expression, and Yitzchok opens up about the moment he had to make a Sophie’s Choice: between continuing his calling as a Chabad shliach or to make an impact on the world through his talents as an artist. Together, they explore: Yitzchok's innovative Chassidic pop-art installations, what Jewish art really means, and the value in letting go of inhibitions for creativity and self-expression to flourish. They also discuss the role of art in the Orthodox Jewish school curriculum and why nurturing creativity is vital for a child’s development. Chavie and Yitzchok also bond over their passion for out-of-the-box socks.   Yitzchok Moully, is a conceptual artist exploring the intersection of spirituality and the material world. Blending his colorful hippie upbringing with his Hasidic roots, he creates bold, vibrant works that bring Chassidic ideas to life through contemporary art. His practice invites collaboration, often inviting the viewer to be an essential part of the artwork’s meaning and impact. Today, his focus is on Jewish public art—sculptures and murals that transform communal spaces into vibrant landmarks of Jewish creativity and identity.   Referenced On the Pod 1:01:30 Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room  1:21:10 “Popthodox-Black Humor” Yitzchok's pop art installation in Israel 1:38:42 This Year's Menorah Installations 1:47:35 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo    Stay in touch with Yitzchok! [email protected]   https://www.moullyart.com/ https://www.instagram.com/moullyart/   https://www.instagram.com/madewithmoully   https://www.instagram.com/jewishpublicart/    Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie begins by asking Chanie about her childhood growing up in Crown Heights. Chanie describes herself as a “poster child” within mainstream Chabad institutions but, as a result, lacking the stimulation to go deeper in her own self-discovery. Chavie and Chanie discuss the challenges of going out on shlichus—starting a Chabad House—at a very young age, newly married, and often with a first child on the way. They compare notes on having to show up for their communities as though they had everything figured out, even while they were still at the earliest stages of personal growth and identity. Chanie explains how her desire to create language for these challenges and break the taboos around discussing them led her and her husband to start M54, an organization focused on helping individuals acknowledge these realities and find inner solutions for navigating them.   Chanie is the co-founder of the Chabad House at Brandeis University and the CEO of M54, an organization she launched with her husband, Rabbi Peretz Chein, to help people find agency as they navigate today’s often overwhelming lives. On campus, she developed innovative programs focused on personal growth while fostering deeper connections with Judaism and G-d. Over the years, the Chabad House has positively influenced countless students and alumni, its impact growing steadily with each incoming class. Chanie’s dedication to meaningful conversations and attentive listening led to the creation of M54 in May 2020, at the onset of the Covid pandemic. Chanie is also a mother of six and has chosen home birth for each of her children.   Referenced On the Pod 6:30 Chanie’s new program, M54 8:00 Episode with Chavie’s mother, Rivkie Block on Totally Unexpected!  33:15 Episode with Yossi Jacobson on Totally Unexpected!  58min Rosh Chodesh Society  1:47:15 Chavie’s blogpost, Observations From the Netherlands  1:57:30 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo    Stay in touch with Chanie! [email protected] Chanie on Instagram  www.M54.org www.chabadbrandeis.org   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog  Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie sits down with Aleeza to explore her spiritual journey into Orthodox Judaism, embracing kosher, Shabbat, and modest dress as a student and tells the story of how she met her husband. Aleeza reflects on how quickly it all happened, joking that “fast is my slowest speed,” while sharing how her family needed time to adjust. She opens up about her lifelong dream to move her family to Israel and the Covid-era saga that unfolded when her family finally made Aliyah. Chavie asks Aleeza how she landed her Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking, and what drew her into the world of matchmaking in the first place. Together, they discuss the role of self-awareness and personal growth in finding a life partner, they explore whether there really is a ‘shidduch crisis’ in the Orthodox community, and the universal challenges of dating, no matter the person's religious background.   Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker, best known as the star of Netflix’s hit series Jewish Matchmaking. She hosts the popular Matchmaker, Matchmaker podcast, where she shares insights and experiences to guide people on their journey to find love. Aleeza has trained more than 450 matchmakers and coaches and is now spearheading the Jewish Matchmaking Movement in partnership with World Mizrahi, a global initiative to create meaningful connections within the Jewish community. For Aleeza, fostering relationships isn’t just a career it is her calling and her passion.   Referenced On the Pod 7:34 Jewish Matchmaking show on Netflix  53:58 Nefesh B’Nefesh  1:11:07  Aleeza’s Company - MarriageMindedMentor.com 1:21:55 Erin & Sara Foster’s podcast: The World’s First Podcast  1:25:59 Indian Matchmaking show on Netflix  1:15:06 Aleeza’s new book: Matchmaker Matchmaker  2:19:34 Elisheva Liss interview about sex-ed in the Orthodox-Jewish community   Stay in touch with Aleeza! MarriageMindedMentor.com @aleezabenshalom on Instagram  Aleeza’s Podcast, Matchmaker Matchmaker    Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog   Today’s episode is dedicated by Max Coen, a family friend who has devoted his life to Eretz Yisroel. Max is dedicating this episode to Mrs. Chavie and Rabbi Chaim Bruk as a proud partner in their work in Montana and beyond.   Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie sits down with Malky to explore the fascinating world of Human Design. Malky shares her journey of growing up in a big family where her voice often got lost, and how discovering her Human Design chart shifted her perspective. Instead of seeing her personality as a flaw, she learned to recognize her unique way of showing up in the world. Chavie reflects on her own experience and how Human Design has helped her accept her natural personality rather than struggle against it. Together, they break down the five energy types—Generators, Manifestors, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors—and discuss practical ways to apply Human Design in daily life.    Malky Lichtenstein is a Human Design coach, wife, and mom of two from Brooklyn, New York, now based in Waterbury, Connecticut. She’s passionate about making Human Design feel simple, grounded, and practical—whether she’s reading for a parent, a couple, or someone just starting their journey.   Referenced On the Pod A Modern Guide to Human Design by Rachel Lieberman  Human Design Free Chart    Stay in touch with Malky!  @malky.lichtenstein on Instagram    Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog   Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie and Adele kick things off by reminiscing when Chavie lived in Adele’s childhood home in Morristown, New Jersey, as a dorm counselor. Years later, their paths crossed again when Chavie hired Adele to create a brand video to launch Chavie’s then-new blog, clearasmud.blog. Adele shares how she jumped into the workforce straight out of high school, hustling an office job at a title insurance firm. From there she waltzed into Bloomingdales in Short Hills Mall and got a job in beauty and cosmetic. These early experiences and training in sales laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial drive today. Adele talks about her desire to help women feel good about themselves and how that propelled her to sharing her lifestyle online and becoming a trusted source for all things fashion, beauty, and design. Chavie asks Adele about the shift in her online presence recently, and Adele opens up about how she is reevaluating the value she wants to offer online. Together, they dive into everything from fashion and beauty to health and current events to AI and the challenges of managing technology use for kids.   Adele Beiny is a lifestyle creator, beauty enthusiast, and mother of two known for her savvy, honest approach to all things wellness, travel, and real life. She’s the voice behind Life’s Looking Good (@lifeslookingood), where she shares unfiltered takes on aesthetic trends, wellness experiments, and making everyday life feel like an adventure. Whether she’s testing the latest treatments, exploring Europe’s best-kept secrets, or helping other women embrace change with confidence, Adele brings humor, candor, and lived experience to every conversation.   Referenced On the Pod 9:25: Clear as Mud Blog & Brand Story  14:33 Life Unfiltered (Adele’s podcast)  20:58 A Modern Guide to Human Design by Rachel Lieberman  23:00 Human Design Free Chart  40:58 Olympia Gayot, Creative Director, J Crew  1:32:50 Ayurvedic principles regarding the suppression natural urges 1:35:48 The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter    Stay in touch with Adele!  @lifeslookingood on Instagram www.lifeslookingood.com   Stay in touch with Chavie! @chaviebruk on Instagram www.totallyunexpected.blog   This week’s episode is dedicated by Sholem and Rifky Kushner, in the merit of the safe return of all our beloved hostages still held in Gaza—especially Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who are in urgent need of a miracle.   This episode is also sponsored by two wonderful couples from Lakewood, New Jersey, who prefer to remain anonymous. They deeply appreciate the podcast and are delighted to lend their support to Totally Unexpected!   Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie opens by asking her mother how she feels about Chavie sharing her life so openly on social media. They then go on to talk about the fascinating connection Rivkie’s father had with the Lubavitcher Rebbe during his time in Paris while the family was trying to emigrate to America. Chavie asks her mom how she sustains her energy and commitment through forty years of leading Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas with her husband, Rabbi Chaim Block. Rivkie talks about evolving from the wide-eyed idealism of youth to a more grounded acceptance of challenges as opportunities for growth. Chavie shares a childhood story she’s never told before, and Rivkie speaks about her determination to keep working and growing despite societal expectations around age and aging.   Rivkie Block was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and serves as the co-founder and director of Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas, which she and her husband, Rabbi Chaim Block, established 40 years ago. She is also the founder and director of the Gan Ganni Preschool in San Antonio, which she launched 36 years ago, that focuses on nurturing each child’s individual spirit and creativity. Rivkie and Rabbi Chaim are the proud parents of nine children, all of whom serve as Chabad emissaries around the world.   Referenced on the Pod 37:30 Montana Chai Anniversary Video Series   Stay in touch with Chavie! Chavie's Instagram Totally Unexpected! Substack   Today’s episode is dedicated by Lewis and Maggie Sperber who have become dear friends and committed supporters of our work in Montana. Lewis and Maggie love that this podcast is a space for authentic Jewish conversations, honest debate on contemporary issues, and helps people feel connected in this journey we call life. Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].

Chavie opens the conversation by reflecting on how Dr. Cohen was her doctor since she was just three years old. Dr. Cohen tells the story of his family’s fascinating immigration from Europe to the Texas-Mexican border in the early 1900’s when there was still a lot of resistance to Jewish immigration in the USA. He shares how he began his medical career as an ER doctor on Native American reservations, later exploring homeopathy and alternative healing. He talks about his time living on the road, immersed in nature, and how that experience shaped his desire to integrate the natural world into his healing practice. Dr. Cohen also opens up about his spiritual journey and how his Jewish practice evolved. Chavie recalls when Dr. Cohen moved with his family to San Antonio and helped form the first minyan alongside her father, Rabbi Chaim Block, the founding rabbi of Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas. Chavie and Dr. Cohen explore a wide range of health topics from balancing homeopathy with Western medicine, to finding nuance in vaccine conversations, and most importantly, learning to trust nature as a path to true healing.  Dr. Larry Cohen was born in Texas and has lived in many other states throughout his life. He earned his MD in 1975, followed by one year of postgraduate work in psychiatry and internal medicine. He then joined the Public Health Service, working on the Navajo Reservation and later with the North Carolina branch of the Cherokee Nation. Afterward, he spent over a year traveling in a VW camper (what else!). He eventually returned to San Antonio to practice emergency medicine before pursuing further study at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA. There, he collaborated with two other physicians and several PhD psychologists in a program that integrated classical homeopathy, nutrition, yoga, breathwork, biofeedback, meditation, and massage therapy. Later in his career, Dr. Cohen studied functional medicine and focused on treating complex chronic illnesses. He incorporated intravenous therapies and established a multidisciplinary clinic that included Chinese medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and a PhD clinical psychologist. Referenced on the Pod 0:08:55 – Hair, the Musical 0:10:25 – The Himalayan Institute 0:10:37 – Biofeedback 0:10:50 – Swami: Encounters with Modern Mystics by Doug Boyd 0:32:30 – Divided Legacy by Harris L. Coulter 0:44:53 – Homeopathic Psychology by Philip M. Bailey, M.D. 0:45:22 – Dr. Samuel Hahnemann 0:46:40 – Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means 0:58:38 – Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing by Dr. Vasant Lad 1:14:34 – Homeopathic Remedies: For Health Professionals and Laypeople by Dale Buegel, Dennis Chernin, and Blair Lewis 1:15:06 – Homoeopathy for the First Aider by Dr. Dorothy Shepherd 1:15:35 – Helios Homeopathic Remedy Kits 1:54:58 – Chavie’s Essay: Walking Through the Fire of My Life   Stay in touch with Chavie! Chavie's Instagram Totally Unexpected! Substack Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at [email protected].