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What does it take to rebuild your life when everything you once knew comes crashing down? In the Season 2 premiere of Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with renowned artist, entrepreneur, and mother Elizabeth Sutton for an incredibly raw and vulnerable conversation about childhood trauma, complicated family dynamics, divorce, grief, faith, and the journey toward emotional freedom. Behind Elizabeth’s vibrant artwork and successful brand is a story filled with unimaginable challenges. At just 13 years old, the loss of her grandmother and the collapse of her parents’ marriage changed the course of her life. Years later, financial devastation, a difficult marriage, and a series of heartbreaking losses forced her to confront the patterns and emotional wounds she had carried since childhood. Elizabeth opens up about building her art career out of financial necessity, navigating divorce with two young children, and the devastating car accident that took the life of one of her closest friends and team members. She shares how that tragedy became a turning point, pushing her to seek healing, redefine her relationship with faith, and rebuild her life from within. Together, Tamara and Elizabeth explore what it means to grieve relationships with people who are still alive, recognize unhealthy attachment patterns, establish boundaries with family, and discover that true happiness isn't measured by financial success, but by emotional safety, meaningful relationships, and inner peace. In this episode, they discuss: How childhood trauma shapes relationships and attachment styles Grieving family relationships while the people are still alive The realities of divorce, financial insecurity, and starting over Building a successful art career during life’s darkest moments Surviving devastating loss and finding the courage to heal Breaking generational cycles and creating healthy boundaries Rediscovering faith, self-worth, and emotional independence Why hitting rock bottom can become the beginning of transformation Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder that while we cannot change what happened to us, we can choose how we move forward. Because sometimes becoming your own home is the greatest transformation of all.Tune in to Season 2, Episode 1 of Talk2Tamara, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow Elizabeth: @elizabethsuttoncollection Follow Talk2Tamara: @talk2tamara

Dr. Yehudah Pryce reflects on his time in prison and personal transformation. Dr. Yehudah Pryce's story is one of resilience and reflection. At just 19 years old, he was sentenced to 24 years in prison, a reality that felt incomprehensible to someone so young. In our latest episode, we dive deep into his experiences, focusing on the raw emotions and mental struggles he faced during his incarceration. Confronting Reality When he first received his sentence, the gravity of spending a quarter century behind bars was overwhelming. Yehudah recalls, "How do you conceptualize having to spend a quarter century of your life behind bars?" The initial shock led him to push the reality aside, clinging to a glimmer of hope that an appeal might allow him to escape his fate. Identity and Survival In prison, Yehudah developed a new identity, one that he felt was congruent with his past actions. He describes this transformation as a defensive mechanism, saying, "I kind of just pushed it from my mind as much. Yes, it was sad. I felt a certain loss of myself... that was essentially taken away from me." He found himself grappling with anger and victimhood, feeling that the system had failed him. The Shift Towards Acceptance However, it wasn’t until he had served nearly nine years that Yehudah began to accept his reality. He reflects, "What am I sacrificing my life for?" This question catalyzed a profound shift in his mindset. By recognizing the power of his choices, he began to craft a new narrative for his life. Empowerment Through Choices Yehudah emphasizes the importance of finding agency within the confines of prison. "I found a certain empowerment by taking all the choices, all the opportunities I had for choices... that gave me so much agency," he explains. This mindset ultimately propelled him towards personal growth and self-discovery, allowing him to visualize a future beyond incarceration. The Bigger Picture Dr. Pryce also shares insights into the broader patterns he observed among fellow inmates. Many had faced significant trauma before entering prison, highlighting systemic issues that contribute to cycles of incarceration. He notes, "Up to 98% of people who are incarcerated have experienced at least one lifetime traumatic event." Reflecting on his journey, Yehudah Pryce’s story stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and transformation. As he continues to share his experiences, he encourages others to recognize the power of their choices, no matter the circumstances.

This week on Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with saxophonist and 613 Music Academy founder Sarah Koussevitzky for a conversation about what happens when the identity you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears. Sarah spent years immersed in music, performing at jazz festivals, studying jazz at the University of Texas at Austin, and building a life around being a musician. Then COVID brought that world to a halt, and somewhere along the way, Sarah stopped playing, took down her websites, deleted pieces of her musical past, and eventually stopped calling herself a musician altogether. What followed was a journey of searching. Through Judaism, community, teaching, marriage, and eventually motherhood, Sarah continued to redefine who she was. But becoming a mother brought another unexpected identity shift, forcing her to confront the parts of herself she thought belonged to an old life and decide which ones she wanted back. Sarah shares how Jewish music ultimately helped reconnect her to the part of herself she had walked away from and inspired her to create 613 Music Academy, a space that brings together her love of jazz, Jewish music, education, and community. Tamara and Sarah also talk about burnout, hustle culture, learning to listen to yourself, letting go of labels, balancing ambition with motherhood, and realizing that growth doesn’t always require becoming someone new. Sometimes, it means finding your way back to who you’ve been all along. It’s a conversation about identity, faith, motherhood, music, and learning that every version of yourself can belong in the same story.

This week on Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with Isaac Rudansky, author, entrepreneur, and lifelong creative, to talk about the nearly decade-long journey that eventually led him to a three-book deal with Penguin Random House. Isaac’s story didn’t begin with a publishing deal. It began with hundreds of pages written in the early hours of the morning, an editor telling him his manuscript simply wasn’t ready, and a decision to put it away. He went on to build a successful advertising business, start a family, and spend nearly nine years away from the book. But the feeling that he had started something and never finished it never fully went away. When he finally returned to writing, the road wasn’t any easier. Isaac rewrote the manuscript, studied the craft, attended workshops, queried roughly 350 middle-grade literary agents, and faced rejection after rejection. Even the agent he wanted most turned him down multiple times. Instead of accepting the no, Isaac kept refining the book and trying again. Eventually, the same agent who had previously passed on his work read the new manuscript and wanted to represent him. That journey ultimately led to something Isaac had spent years chasing: a three-book deal with Penguin Random House. But this conversation goes far beyond becoming a published author. Tamara and Isaac get candid about ambition, rejection, creativity, insecurity, growing up in a creative and religious home, the need for external validation, and why achieving the thing you thought would finally make you feel “enough” doesn’t necessarily stop you from searching for the next thing. They also explore the power of what Isaac calls “idiotic optimism”: believing in something even when the odds are stacked against you, being willing to look a little crazy while chasing it, and using that chip on your shoulder as motivation to keep going. This episode is about unfinished dreams, relentless persistence, and the complicated relationship between success and self-worth. Because sometimes the dream you put away is the exact one you’re supposed to come back to.

In this deeply personal episode of Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with Shelby Armstrong, a former D1 athlete, fitness manager, and entrepreneur, for an honest conversation about relationships, emotional abuse, resilience, and finding your way back to yourself. Shelby opens up about the patterns that followed her through several serious relationships, from feeling responsible for someone else’s happiness to confusing intensity with intimacy. She shares the reality of her most recent relationship, where love bombing and feeling deeply cared for slowly turned into walking on eggshells, sleepless nights, emotional manipulation, and feeling like she had lost pieces of herself along the way. She also shares the moment she realized she needed to leave, the people who helped her find the strength and resources to do it, and what it took to rebuild her life on her own terms. Now on the other side, Shelby reflects on learning that healthy love may not feel intense or chaotic at all. Sometimes, it simply feels calm, safe, and easy. This conversation is about more than leaving an unhealthy relationship. It’s about recognizing patterns, trusting yourself again, allowing others to support you, and rediscovering the version of yourself you thought you had lost. As Shelby puts it, she finally feels free to show up fully as herself and wants a future with someone who allows her to keep doing exactly that.

In this episode, Tamara sits down with Hannah Schuster, a New York attorney, entrepreneur, founder of Shuster Law, and creator of Legal Bestie, for a conversation that goes far beyond the courtroom. Hannah shares how an unexpected divorce during law school, years of helping families navigate high-conflict situations, and becoming a stepmom completely transformed the way she approaches both life and law. Together, they dive into blended families, conflict resolution, co-parenting, setting healthy boundaries, and why "winning" a divorce often comes at the expense of the people who matter most. Hannah also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, the life-changing perspective it gave her, and the importance of prioritizing your health, relationships, and peace over perfection. Whether you're navigating divorce, blending a family, facing a personal challenge, or simply trying to create healthier relationships, this episode is filled with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and powerful reminders that your hardest seasons can become the foundation for your greatest growth. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 0K3OIBPCZZHWHONY, HS0RF6DPAEIJMPL8

In this episode, Yakira Apfel — fitness studio owner and mom of four — opens up about a road that wasn't always visible from the outside. She talks about the eating disorder that took root in seventh grade and followed her into seminary, the shame of wondering if what she went through was even "real enough" to count, and the honest admission that she didn't get help until years later. She's candid about postpartum anxiety, a decade of hypochondria, and what it actually took to come back to herself — including the role movement and purpose played in pulling her out of it. We also go into her religious journey — how becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with observance, the moment her family was turned away from a school over a single photo, the quiet grief of being judged on appearance instead of character, and what it meant to finally set down something she'd been carrying for years. By the end, Yakira lands on what she calls mental agility: not the absence of struggle, but the capacity to actually feel the hard stuff — the anger, the grief, the fear — and come back from it. A raw, honest conversation about eating disorders, motherhood, faith, and learning to trust yourself.

In this powerful episode, Tamara sits down with bridal makeup artist, entrepreneur, and content creator Chava Lowy for an honest conversation about resilience, rejection, and finding purpose. After being isolated from her classmates, rejected by schools, and struggling with severe acne as a teenager, Java shares how those painful experiences shaped her confidence instead of breaking it. She opens up about building a successful makeup business at a young age, learning to trust herself, healing from childhood wounds, and why your greatest setbacks can become the foundation of your biggest success. Whether you've ever felt overlooked, misunderstood, or like you weren't enough, this episode is a reminder that your story isn't over and your hardest seasons may be preparing you for something far greater.

From Controlling Wife to Empowered Woman: Esther Malka's Marriage Transformation | Talk2TamaraIn this powerful episode of Talk2Tamara, host Tamara Gestetner sits down with Irina, also known as Esther Malka — a speaker, podcast host, and content creator who helps women strengthen their marriages by embracing traditional feminine values. Esther opens up about her own marriage struggles — being controlling, ungrateful, and living in "victim mode" — and how she transformed her mindset to build a happy, healthy relationship. We talk about the difference between masculine and feminine energy, why women are natural "receivers" and men are natural "givers," the danger of rejecting your husband's efforts, and how embracing femininity (not feminism) can actually empower women in marriage. This conversation is honest, controversial, and eye-opening — a must-watch for any woman who wants to understand her marriage on a deeper level. 🎙️ Follow Esther Malka: Instagram @whatyourhusbandwonttellyou.pod 🎙️ Follow Tamara Gestetner: Instagram @talk2tamara 🌐 Website: tamaragestetner.com#feminineenergy #relationshipadviceforwomen #Talk2Tamara #EstherMalka #MarriageTips #jewishpodcast #WifeGoals #healthymarriages #podcastbrasil

Your body never stops talking to you — the question is, are you listening? In this episode, I sit down with Adina Erez, CEO of Bleu Glove Concierge, who blends evidence-based medicine with a whole-person approach to healing. We talk about how chronic stress, grief, and "survival mode" show up in the body as real physical symptoms — from Crohn's disease and IBS to burnout and emotional eating. Adina shares the hard truths she tells patients every day: that hunger is a life force, that compassion (not perfectionism) is the real healer, and that you can't expect anyone else to be on your team if you're not on your own. We get personal — I open up about my own diagnosis with Crohn's after losing my mother, and how "the body keeps score" became more than just a phrase for me. This is a conversation about medicine, but it's also about grief, self-abandonment, and finally coming home to yourself. 🩺 In this episode: Why the same diagnosis can lead to completely different outcomes The link between grief, trauma, and autoimmune disease Why hunger is often the first thing we ignore Compassion vs. perfectionism — and why one heals and one harms Learning to be okay with not being okay "Are you on your own team?" — the question everyone needs to ask themselves 💙 About Adina Erez & Bleu Glove Concierge: Bleu Glove is redefining what healthcare can be. We bring expert medical care to patients at home, in the office, in our clinic, and virtually, while partnering with businesses and healthcare organizations to provide comprehensive corporate medicine, occupational health, medical clearances, and wellness solutions. Personalized care. Exceptional medicine. Wherever you need us. 📱 Instagram: @bleugloveconcierge 🌐 Website: Bleugloveconcierge.com 🎙️ Find Tamara: 📱 Instagram: @talk2tamara 🌐 Website & all podcast platforms: https://tamaragestetner.com/ If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations on health, healing, and being human. #TheBodyKeepsScore #GutHealth #CrohnsDisease #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SurvivalMode #SelfCompassion #TalkToTamara #BleuGloveConcierge #EmotionalHealing #WomensHealth #Burnout #TraumaHealing #ConciergeMedicine

Send us Fan Mail Comedian Chani Lisbon sits down with Tamara on Talk2Tamara for one of the rawest, most honest conversations yet — covering alcohol addiction, losing her faith, living with alopecia, and how she found her way back to sobriety, Hashem, and herself. Chani  opens up about taking her first drink at 15 and feeling like it was “the answer to her entire life,” becoming a functioning alcoholic in her 20s in New York, the random encounter on Kingston Avenue that led her to recovery, and the painful moments of relapse-adjacent temptation — including living with alopecia and losing her hair three times. This episode is honest, vulnerable, and unexpectedly funny. Chani shares how she rebuilt her relationship with Judaism, became a full-time Jewish comedian, moved from New York to Florida, and learned to forgive the people who hurt her most — including a moment where she looked at her abuser across a room and, for the first time, felt only love. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, faith, identity, or forgiveness — this conversation will give you hope. 🎤 Guest: Chani Lisbon — Comedian 🎙️ Host: Tamara — Talk2Tamara WHAT WE COVER: 00:00 - Hook: A really hard day before the podcast 01:00 - Intro: Meet Chani Lisbon 03:00 - Growing up, divorce, and finding alcohol at 15 08:00 - Moving to New York and becoming a functioning alcoholic 14:00 - The moment that led to getting sober 19:00 - Alopecia, pain, and choosing not to drink 22:00 - Becoming a full-time Jewish comedian 28:00 - Moving from New York to Florida 35:00 - Forgiveness, faith, and looking at her abuser with love 49:00 - Dating, marriage, and surrendering to Hashem 58:00 - Where to find Chani + closing thoughts FOLLOW TAMARA: Instagram: @talk2tamara Website: Tamaragestetner.com FOLLOW CHANIE LISBON: Instagram: @chani_lisbon Merch: “Hashem is Legit” / “Good Jewish Girl” #Talk2Tamara #ChaniLisbon #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #JewishComedian #FaithAndRecovery #AlcoholAddiction #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastInterview #RecoveryStory #Alopecia Support the show Follow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan Mail Marriage, Loneliness & Intimacy Real Talk with Dr  Lauren  Orthodox Therapist  | Talk2Tamara We're BACK! 🎙️ After a technical issue delayed Part 1, Dr. Lauren —  PhD in Clinical Psychology and known as The Orthodox Therapist — finally  joins us for the full conversation we've all been waiting for.  In this episode, we dive deep into: ✅ Why people feel MORE lonely in marriage than when they were single ✅ The unrealistic expectations we bring into marriage ✅ Why self-work matters MORE than couples work ✅ Pre-marital counseling — does it actually help? ✅ Intimacy, physical connection & what nobody talks about ✅ How the Jewish community approaches relationships & therapy ✅ The pressure men face around sex (and what's actually realistic) ✅ Should you ever share your sex life with friends? Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married — this episode will  give you a completely new perspective on emotional connection and what  it really takes to build a healthy relationship. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode! 👍 Like this video if it helped you 📲 Find Dr. Lauren: Instagram: @theorthodoxtherapist Website: www.theorthodoxtherapist.com --- marriage advice, loneliness in marriage, orthodox therapist, Support the show Follow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Talk to Tamara! In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Hopper, a Fox News journalist, psychologist, and single mother who shares her powerful journey through divorce, engagement, and self-discovery.  Brittany opens up about: • Finding love again after divorce and the lessons learned • Breaking the stigma around single motherhood • Why she's become a hopeless romantic despite hardship • The importance of self-love and reflection • Her faith and optimism in finding happily ever after • Toxic relationships vs. choosing individual happiness Listen as Brittany shares candid insights about relationships, co-parenting with kindness, and maintaining hope through life's challenges. Perfect for anyone navigating divorce, looking for love again, or learning how to prioritize themselves. WATCH FOR: Inspiring stories about resilience, healing, and second chances Channel: Talk to Tamara Host: Tamara Guest: Brittany Hopper (@brittanyhopper.tv) #TalkToTamara #SingleMom #Relationships #DivorceTalk #LoveJourney #PodcastInterview Support the show Follow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan Mail This is a deeply honest conversation about breaking generational trauma,  childhood abuse, and the healing journey towards forgiveness and peace. Leah shares her powerful story of growing up in an abusive home in Melbourne,  Australia, and how she found the strength to build a completely different life  for herself and her family. We discuss: ✨ Recognizing childhood trauma and abuse ✨ Breaking generational patterns ✨ The journey toward forgiveness (without sacrificing boundaries) ✨ Why family loyalty shouldn't come at the cost of your mental health ✨ How to heal from deep pain and shame ✨ Building healthy relationships after trauma ✨ The importance of seeking help and speaking up This conversation is for anyone who has experienced family trauma, felt lost on  their healing journey, or struggled with the pressure to maintain relationships  with toxic family members. If you're carrying pain in silence, know that you're  not alone, and healing is possible. 🎙️ Hosted by Tamara Gestetner 🎤 Guest: Leah --- **IMPORTANT MESSAGE:** If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out for help: - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 - RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673 - Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 --- 📌 **Connect with Tamara:** Instagram: @talktotamara Website: tamaragestener.com Consultation bookings available at tamaragestener.com --- **Hashtags:** #TraumHealing #FamilyTrauma #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildhoodAbuse #Forgiveness  #GenerationalHealing #MentalWellness #SurvivalStory #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries --- ⚠️ **Trigger Warning:** This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse,  physical abuse, and emotional trauma. Please take care of yourself while  listening. If you need support, reach out to a mental health professional or  the resources listed above. --- **Duration:** 1 hour 2 minutes **Content:** Educational | Self-Help | Mental Health | Personal Development Support the show Follow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan Mail How to process grief without living in survival mode | Losing my mother | Talk2Tamara In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of navigating grief and loss after losing my mother. From her sudden illness and multiple surgeries to the devastating diagnosis of cancer, I explore how grief showed up in unexpected ways throughout the entire process—not just after her passing. 🎙️ **What You'll Learn:** • The real story of my mother's illness and how it changed our family forever • How grief manifests differently for everyone, even before losing someone • The five stages of grief and how they showed up non-linearly in my life • Why surviving in "survival mode" prevents true healing • How unprocessed grief shows up as anxiety, physical illness, and other symptoms • The importance of sitting with your emotions instead of running from them • Practical insights on moving from anger to gratitude and acceptance 💔 **Key Insights:** This episode dives deep into the emotional toll of caregiving, the loss of identity, and the journey toward healing. If you've experienced loss or are currently grieving, this conversation is for you. I discuss how I escaped survival mode and learned to process my grief in healthier ways. ⏰ **Timestamps:** 0:00 - Introduction & My Mother's Story 16:08 - The Diagnosis Journey 28:18 - Unexpected Turns & Medical Complications 5:34 - The Physical Impact & Identity Loss 23:48 - Living in Survival Mode 26:52 - How I Coped (& Why It Didn't Work) 28:46 - The Five Stages of Grief 29:14 - Denial & Putting On a Brave Face 30:38 - Anger & Why I Suppressed It 31:05 - Bargaining, Depression & Numbness 32:35 - Finding Acceptance After 8-9 Years 33:27 - Key Message: Process Your Grief 🔗 **Resources & Support:** If you're dealing with grief, consider journaling or meditation to help process your emotions. Remember: grief is not linear, and there's no "right" way to grieve. 👉 **Subscribe** for more real conversations about life's most difficult moments. Support the show Follow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.