This week on Restart with Debbie, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with one of the most powerful, passionate, and inspiring women I know — Judge Trudy Stern, from New York. Trudy isn’t just a judge; she’s a leader, a mother, a grandmother, and a proud Jewish activist whose work through NORPAC has shaped the U.S.–Israel relationship for over two decades. Together, we spoke about her personal journey — from a ski trip in Colorado that changed her life, to standing before members of Congress, fighting for Israel’s voice in the world. We talked about the rise in antisemitism, the importance of truth in media, and what it really means to “get off the couch and do something.” It’s a conversation full of wisdom, strength, and love for Israel. I’m so proud to call her my friend — and I promise, this episode will leave you feeling both inspired and empowered. 💙🇮🇱

Hi my loves, welcome back to Restart! In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my cousin the world-renowned architect Kobi Karp, for a beautiful and personal conversation about life, design, and the meaning of home. From his early days in Hadera and Minneapolis to shaping skylines across Miami, Dubai, and beyond, Kobi shares how culture, light, and emotion guide his architectural vision. We talk about sustainability, peace, and finding harmony between nature and space and how Israeli spirit and Jewish values subtly shape his work across the globe. This is more than a talk about architecture, it’s about building a life filled with beauty, resilience, and purpose.

Hi, my loves 💖 Welcome back to Restart! In this special episode, I had the joy of hosting my dear friend Rami once again at my home in Tel Aviv. Together with Lucy, we laughed, cooked, and shared from the heart about life after the war, what it means to live in Israel today, and the flavors that keep us grounded. We spoke about resilience, the beauty of simple food (yes, sabich is still our favorite!), and our dream of creating a Shabbat Club that brings together new olim, Israelis, and friends from around the world. From tiramisu battles to reflections on hope, this episode is a celebration of friendship, food, and the Israeli spirit.

In this very special episode of Restart, I had the honor of hosting Kayam Boccara once again. After a long lecture tour across the United States, Kayam returned to share not only his incredible personal story, but also the powerful experiences he had meeting Jewish communities abroad. From the battlefield in Gaza to months of rehabilitation, and now standing as a voice of hope and resilience, Kayam continues to inspire thousands with his journey. Our conversation dives into pain, healing, and the choice to turn trauma into purpose – reminding us all that even in the darkest moments, it is always possible to restart.

In this heartfelt episode of Restart, I had the incredible honor of welcoming my dear friend Diego Santos, an amazing journalist with deep roots in storytelling. We dove into his eye-opening journeys - from Indonesia’s tsunami to today’s challenges in Israel and discussed how social media has changed journalism forever. Diego shared powerful reflections on truth, ethics, and the incredible spirit and innovations that define Israel, from its resilient people to groundbreaking technologies. We also explored culture, history, and hope for peace amid turmoil. This episode is a raw, honest conversation about the world we live in, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Tune in, share, and let’s keep bridging our worlds together. Am Yisrael Chai! ❤️

In this moving episode of Restart, I sat down with Denise Bar-Aharon, the heart behind Make-A-Wish Israel. We talked about the magic of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses, and how one moment of hope can spark strength, healing, and even miracles. Denis opened my eyes—and will open yours—to the real power of dreams. Sometimes, the wish isn’t just for joy. It’s a wish to live.

In this heartfelt episode of Restart, I sit down with the wonderful Rami—an Aussie chef who made aliyah and turned his passion for food into a mission. From high-tech in Australia to hummus in the Shuk, Rami shares his incredible journey of finding home, purpose, and joy right here in Israel. We talked about what food means to us, why sharing a plate is more than just a meal, and how cooking connects us to the people we love. We also dreamt up a future Shabbat dinner together, and believe me—you’ll want an invite 😉 For anyone who’s ever restarted, moved countries, or just loves a good sabich—this one’s for you. Let’s cook, share, and restart together 🫶 Love, Debbie

In this special episode of Restart, I sat down with Luai Ahmed, a brave and thoughtful voice who shared his personal journey from Yemen to Israel — and how everything he believed about the Jewish people was completely transformed. Luai was taught that being Jewish meant causing harm. But through real relationships, travel, and honest conversations, he discovered the opposite: a people rooted in Tikkun Olam — healing the world. This episode is raw, real, and full of hope. It’s about breaking down walls, listening with an open heart, and finding truth beyond headlines.

In this episode of “Restart,” I am honored to host Terry Newman, an entrepreneur, investor, and geopolitical strategist. Terry shares his insights on the current global crises and the necessity for a significant restart in our thinking and actions, particularly in relation to Israel. We delve into topics such as the transformation brought by technological advancements, the historical context of anti-Semitism, and the implications of the Abraham Accords. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of unity and understanding in creating a better future for all. Join us as we explore how we can learn from the past to build a more inclusive and peaceful world.

In this very special episode of Restart, I had the honor of speaking with Tal Brody — an Israeli legend, an athlete who didn’t just play basketball, but changed the story of Israeli sports and pride forever. We spoke about the unforgettable night of 1977 when Maccabi Tel Aviv shocked the world by beating the Soviet Union’s team in Belgium — a team that was considered unbeatable. Tal shares how this victory was much bigger than a sports moment — it became a symbol of hope, strength, and the Israeli spirit. Tal opens up about the emotions, the atmosphere, and how his famous words, “We are on the map — and we are staying on the map!”, were born from that magical night. This is not just a story about sports — it's a story about Israel, about standing tall, about restarting even when the odds are against you.

Hey everyone! In this episode of “Restart,” I sat down with the amazing Lihi Griner, who I had never met before but turns out is a big star in Israel! 🎉 We dived into everything from her hilarious run-ins with the law (seriously, a cop drama!) to her heartwarming career as a doula. We had a blast chatting about life, laughter, and the wild world of reality TV. This episode is packed with laughs, surprises, and some life lessons that hit close to home. Don’t miss it!

Welcome back to another episode of “Restart with Debbie Matzkin!” Today, I’m super excited to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: how food, routine, and those special moments in our lives all come together. Join me and my wonderful guest, as we chat about the little things that make our days brighter—like starting our mornings with a delicious breakfast or enjoying a cozy dinner with friends and family. We’ll share our favorite recipes, talk about the joy of cooking, and how creating a daily routine around food can really uplift our spirits. You’ll hear some fun stories and tips on how to make mealtime a special occasion, whether it’s a date night or a casual lunch with loved ones. So, if you’re looking to spice up your everyday life and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing meals, this episode is for you! Let’s make every day a little more flavorful together. Tune in, and let’s get started!

I’m excited to introduce you to the incredibly talented Talia Zoref, a fashion illustrator who has taken the art world by storm! 🌟From her humble beginnings in a small town in Israel to collaborating with fashion powerhouses like Dior, Chanel, and Fendi, Talia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we dive deep into her passion for illustration, how she built her brand through social media, and her dreams of creating art that resonates with people. Talia embodies the spirit of “restart” in every sense, reminding us that with dedication and creativity, anything is possible. Join us as we explore her story and uncover the magic behind her illustrations. Don’t miss this episode! It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of following your dreams 🎙️✨

Excited to share my latest episode featuring Sivan Hadari! 🌟 We discuss her incredible journey from New York to Tel Aviv, her experiences as an artist, and the empowering HER Tel Aviv initiative and community she founded to support women from all over the world making Aliyah. Don’t miss this inspiring episode! 🎙️✨

I’m honored to invite Kayam Boccara to my podcast, Restart. Kayam, a former IDF captain, faced the unimaginable during a mission in Gaza—losing comrades and suffering life-threatening injuries. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey of survival, resilience, and healing. We talk about how he turned trauma into purpose, dedicating his life to supporting fellow wounded soldiers and advocating for peace and social change. This conversation is raw, powerful, and deeply inspiring. I invite you to listen and be part of this journey of strength, hope, and the power of a restart. 🎙️✨

In this episode, I sat down with Arian Lev, a special woman with an incredible approach to understanding the subconscious. Arian shared her unique method of identifying "blocking codes"—patterns deeply rooted in our subconscious, often passed down through generations. We explored how these hidden patterns shape our lives and how her method, subconscious engineering, can help release these blocks and create meaningful change. This conversation was eye-opening and inspiring, offering a new perspective on growth and transformation. I invite you to listen and take this journey with us.

How does war reshape the world of therapy? Psychotherapist Moria Siso shares her journey of treating combat veterans and navigating the emotional challenges of this difficult time. A conversation filled with resilience, warmth, and hope.

"From High-Tech to Humor: Bridging Cultures with Shahar Cohen" In this episode of Restart with Debbie, comedian Shahar Cohen shares his transition from high-tech to comedy, offering hilarious and heartfelt insights on cultural differences between Israelis and Americans. Shahar delves into humor as a bridge for connection, the role of food in uniting people, and how recent events in Israel have shaped his comedic approach. A conversation full of laughter, resilience, and cultural discovery. Listen now for a fresh take on unity through humor! 🎭✨

Stephani, a daughter of a South Lebanon Army family, shares her powerful journey – from memories of Lebanon to adjusting to life in Israel, her "restart" decision, and her path to conversion. In this heartfelt and profound conversation, she opens up about how her story became her mission to advocate for Israel. A story of identity, change, and personal purpose.

How did antisemitism in Spain turn Jessica into a digital warrior? I was thrilled to host Jessica for an inspiring conversation about her personal experience with antisemitism, her fight for truth on social media, and the false narratives that are taking over the global discourse. Jessica is doing amazing work in advocating for Israel among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide, sharing Israel's story on every digital platform.