Leah is the co-founder and Director of the Jean Schottenstein Oryah Institute - A Gap Year Seminary for frum young women in Jerusalem
At just 21, Leah Bostombky co-founded the Oryah Seminary in Jerusalem.
In this episode, Leah opens up about what it means to let go of the constant pressure to “do” and “arrive,” and instead find growth in the stage you’re in — even when it’s messy, unclear, or not what you expected. We talk about how being stuck can actually become your biggest opportunity for transformation, and why real success is built one small, grounded step at a time.
Enjoy! ❤️
To connect with Leah: Leah@oryah.org
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Rivka Mazal is a Writer, Seminary Teacher and Torah Lecturer in Yerushalayim.
To learn more from Rivka Mazal: Rivka Mazal Tauber | SubstackRivka Mazal Tauber (@rivkamazal) • Instagram photos and videos
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Beatie Deutsch is an Israeli national champion in the marathon and half marathon. As a mother of five young children, she has learned to apply her training to the real marathon of life. More than anything else, her journey has empowered her to dream big and keep pushing, a message Beatie is passionate about sharing with other women.
In today's episode we discuss how Beatie got into running, what advice she has for young women living away from home who want to consistently exercise, the connection between working out & overall personal growth, and much more!
Beatie on Insta:Beatie Deutsch (@marathonmother) • Instagram photos and videos
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Tzivie Greenberg is a Chabad Shlucha in Vancouver, Washington & an Internal Family Systems Practitioner facilitating emotional healing for soul-led living.
Chapters:
(00:03:47) What does 'healing' mean?
(00:07:42) Living in Survival mode
(00:14:46) The importance of feeling your feelings
(00:19:49) Why we avoid our feelings
(00:24:45) Hiding how you really feel from your parents while away from home
(00:27:06) Rasha conciousness
(00:28:35) Beinuni consciousness - bringing back CHOICE
(00:31:10) Dealing with feelings of Jealousy
(00:36:15) Your friends are your mirror
(00:37:52) Attachment styles in friendships and relationships
(00:42:21) When friendships get really intense
(0046:42) The nature of love in friendships
(00:48:53) Intensity in relationships
(00:58:01) How to not become a victim
(01:00:06) Functional dysfunction
You can contact her at tziviegreenberg@gmail.com and follow her on Instagram @tzivieg
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting 💪❤️
Hindel is a Dating Coach & Seminary Teacher living in Yerushalayim.
How do you know if you’re really ready to date? In this eye opening conversation with Hindel, we explore why knowing yourself is the key to knowing when you’re ready — and what you can work on before entering the dating world to step into dating & marriage with clarity.
To get in touch with Hindel:
+1 720 477 6406
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Rabbi Wineberg is a Veteran Rabbi, Grief Councilor & Chairman of the Jewish International School of Cape Town.
In todays episode we discuss:
Lessons from the 3 weeks - how Judaism teaches us to mourn
The connection between grief and leaving home for the first time
How joy & grief can co-exist in our lives.
Healthy vs unhealthy grief
The importance of learning to be vulnerable & to ask for help
How to be there for a friend who has experienced loss (and what NOT to do)
…And much more!
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@on_your_own_podcast
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next episode, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting! ❤️
Dr. Shula Wittenstein is a Jerusalem based therapist. She has been practicing for 28 years, specializing in trauma, anxiety disorders, and couples.
The timing of this interview was such hashgacha pratis - we recorded a few days before the war in Eretz Yisroel with Iran, where many young students living on their own found themselves without flights back home, running to bomb shelters, and having their lives turned upside down.
In this powerful episode, psychologist Shula Wittenstein breaks down what trauma really is, how it shows up in our lives, and how healing is possible.
If you have felt stuck, reactive, or just not yourself — this conversation will help you understand why, and what you can do about it.
I hope that you find this conversation as helpful as I did with all of the craziness going on in the world❤️
Dr Shula can be reached at drshulaw@gmail.com
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting! ❤️
Chanti is an industrial Psychologist with a background in Neuroscience and psychology.
While Chanti was living on her own in Israel away from her family, she got diagnosed with an incredibly rare and dangerous illness called Takayasu's Arteritis. Join us in this episode as we uncover how she was forced to redefine her sense of identity and worth beyond academic achievements and external validations. Learn how she navigated loneliness, embraced support, and developed a profound connection with Hashem, ultimately reshaping her perspective on life’s priorities and her role in the world
Who is Chanti? [00:01:51]
Moving to Israel on her own [00:03:20]
Pressure to have Academic Success [00:09:36]
Getting Diagnosed with Takayasu's Arteritis
The importance of Acceptance [00:29:04]
Redefining her Self-Worth[00:39:04]
Dealing with Loneliness [00:45:04]
Learning to let others offer support [00:47:05]
The challenges of returning to ‘normal life’ [00:51:51]
Open Heart surgery. [00:53:09]
The power of investing in Bitachon (01:11:00)
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Rabbi Kahane is the principle at Chedvas Seminary, a popular Seminary Teacher, and author of 'A fire in the darkness'
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Introduction.
[00:01:21] Who is Rabbi Kahane?
[00:02:10] Rabbi Kahanes Teaching Philosophy
[00:05:10] The Importance of Seminary
[00:07:25] The truth about Growth and Independence
[00:09:00] Dealing with Challenges
[00:11:10] Coping with Classroom Challenges
[00:13:00] Understanding Pain and Growth
[00:16:30] Pain, Pleasure, and Progress
[00:23:00] Avoiding Unnecessary Pain
[00:26:36] Recognizing Growth Opportunities
[00:31:29] Accepting Circumstances and Building Resilience
[00:38:39] Sphere of Influence
[00:42:00] Perseverance Despite Setbacks
To buy Rabbi Kahanes Book: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Darkness-Rabbi-Meir-Kahane/dp/1614658684
To get in touch with Rabbi Kahane:
MKAHANE@mkahane@aish.com
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting!
Ariella is the founder of Ready.Set.Sem, an organization that assists gap-year students in preparing for their studies abroad.
Chapters:
(00:01:45) What is ready set Sem?
(00:05:07) The impact of ready set Sem
(00:06;37) Parents sending their daughters to a foreign country
(00:07:05) Common concerns before going to seminary
(00:10:09) When your suitcase becomes your home
(00:11:06) The #1 essential thing to pack
(00:15:28) Coping with the hard new beginnings
(00:17:01) Packing anxiety
(00:20:13) How to not obsess over your clothing
(00:22:54) Wanting to be accepted in our new environment
(00:25:27) How to emotionally prepare yourself to leaving home
(00:27:37) It's not supposed to be perfect
(00:29:58) Dealing with challenging experiences
(00:34:31) Sem journal
(00:35:32) The pitfalls of Journaling
(00:38:42) What to pack and what NOT to pack
(00:42:03) How to avoid your hair falling out in Israel
(00:49:03) How amazon works in Israel
(00:50:15) How ready set Sem helps you throughout the whole year
(00:54:07) Final guest question
To get in touch with Ariella and learn more about Ready.Set.Sem:
Whatsapp:https://chat.whatsapp.com/LuAQm2MmrrSKGAELGIwIIH WhatsApp group Instagram
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Yael is a Money Coach, Speaker & Host of the Jewish Money Matters Podcast
Chapters:
(00:01:56) Who is Yael Trusch?
(00:03:44) Financial Adulting
(00:04:53) Setting up healthy financial habits
(00:06:52) Maaser helping with personal finance
(00:09:54) Bitachon as a financial foundation
(00:11:28) You can be religious and not trust G-d
(00:12:55) Optimizing your brain towards bitachon
(00:15:49) Jewish vs secular approach to money
(00:19:52) Joy is a magnet for abundance
(00:20:22) Living with G-d consciousness
(00:24:16) The danger of making financial decisions out of fear
(00:26:43) Taking care of your finances is part of serving Hashem
(00:28:20) The importance of knowing your Values
(00:32:19) Being present & Mindful with your money
(00:34:13) Hishtadlus VS Bitachon
(00:39:32) Maaser - what if I'm only earning a tiny bit?
(00:41:07) The secret to becoming a consistent saver
(00:44:55) Saying yes to your future self
(00:45:25) The toothpaste analogy
(00:46:10) Your money should be working for you
(00:47:44) Not being emotionally tied to your money
(00:49:26) Final guest question
(00:51:27) Having faith in our G-d given gifts
To connect with Yael or learn more: jewishlatinprincess.com
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Chana is a Shlucha, Author & Marriage Coach living in Tzfat
Chapters:
What does Social anxiety feel like?
Social anxiety when living 24/7 with other girls
Becoming comfortable with being alone with yourself
How to stay true to yourself in a friend's group
Chanas experience with social anxiety
You need to be your own friend first
Making Hashem real
'60 seconds meditation' - feet on the floor
A practical tool to deal with overthinking
The importance of your relationship with yourself
What if you don't like yourself?
Shame as a connector
Peer pressure
How NOT to be vulnerable
Friendship breakups
Reclaiming memories
How to avoid playing the blame game
The importance of closure
Misunderstandings from texting
The importance of friends throughout your life
There are friendships worth fighting for
Final question
Chana Margulies (@chanamargulies) • Instagram photos and videos
click here to read Chana's transformational memoir "Jumping In Puddles", and click here for Chana's latest book Nurturing Light: Emotional Freedom.
Chana’s latest book written for teens, is available on amazon, called, Start With The Good part. Here
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting
Bashie is an Author, Life Coach, Mental Health Awareness Advocate, & Host of the Jewish Teen Talk Podcast
Chapters:
(00:01:55) Who is Bashie Naparstek?
(00:07:06) Social Anxiety
(00:09:12) What depression feels like
(00:10:42) When life stops feeling simple
(00:12:45) Understanding Depression
(00:15:54) Seminary & living away from her twin sister
(00:17:57) Going to a therapist for the first time
(00:20:39) The unpredictability of Depression & Anxiety
(00:33:40) What anxiety feels like
(00:35:00) How to help a friend who's struggling with their mental health
(00:37:18) Taking medication in secret
(00:29:20) Shidduchim
(00:44:50) How do you know if you're ready to start dating
(00:46:07) Married life & postpartum depression
(00:47:04) Finding Hashem in the Psych ward
(00:51:50) The power of knowing you are not alone
(00:56:30) The closer you get to yourself, the closer you get to Hashem
(00:59:24) It's ok to not be ok
Bashies book:https://www.amazon.ca/Soundtrack-my-Life-Bashie-Naparstek-ebook/dp/B0DDXY1LRYTo work with Bashie: Coaching | My Site
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Rabbi Goldfarb is a Real Estate Entrepeneur and Motivational Speaker.
In honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar, here is a repost from last year's Adar episode with Rabbi Goldfarb!In today's episode we discuss: The paradox of the pursuit of happiness Why expectations make us miserable The difference between existing & living How to maintain long term happiness What we are really celebrating in Adar… and much moreRabbi Goldfarb can be reached at lchaimgoldfarb@gmail.com
I would love to connect with you!
Reach out on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com@esther_shemtovTo sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/aboutSee you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Rivka Mazal is a Writer, Seminary Teacher and Torah Lecturer in Yerushalayim.
Chapters:
(00:00:10) Why is Shabbos an important topic to discuss?
(00:08:47) The unique challenges of Shabbos when you are single and away from home
(00:10:26) The question that will transform your relationship with Shabbos
(00:12:45) Taking ownership of Shabbos
(00:17:30) Shabbos is a highlighter for what's going on in your life
(00;21:36) The unique opportunity that Shabbos gifts us
(00:22:20) Advice for connecting with great host families
(00;24:26) Advice for being a guest
(00:31:00) The give and take of staying in someone else's home
(00:34:55) Rivka Mazals crazy Covid Shabbos journey
(00:39:30) The importance of investing into your Shabbos
(00:43:26) Becoming an active participant in your Jewish life
(00:46:58) Shabbos is not just your 2 meals
(00:50:11) Rivka Mazals advice to herself first year away from home
To connect with Rivka Mazal:
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email:onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter,click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Dina is an Addiction Specialist who Coaches individuals and couples in navigating the challenges of the modern world.
Chapters:
(00:00:08) How Dina became an Addiction Coach
(00:05:37) What the frum community needs to know about Addiction
(00:10:20) The definition of Addiction
(00:15:33) The difference between A bad Habit and an Addiction
(00:16:12) Becoming conscious of phone usage
(00:21:21) When filters and time blocks aren’t enough
(00:24:38) Escaping difficult emotions
(00:28:00) The Asei Tov approach for phone use
(00:36:44) Accountability partners
(00:40)23) The similarities of Food & Technology Challenges
(00:42:12) A tip for managing anxiety
(00:48:26) The importance of asking: How is this serving me?
(00:53:23) You’re not alone in the tech struggle
(00:57:12) Dinas advice to herself the first year she left home
To learn more about Dina and get in touch:
dinahcohen.com
6478313730
I would love to hear from you!
For feedback, questions or recommendations for future episodes:
Email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram DM: @esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Terry is an author, podcaster, thought leader, educator and charity founder. She is a unique pioneer in the field of mental wellbeing and resilience with a remarkable backstory.
Chapters:
(00:02:07) Terrys story
(00:10:52) The unpredictability of life
(00:14:42) People Pleasing
(00:17:02) Overthinking
(00:20:23) Our brain likes to focus on the negative
(00:24:58) Perfectionism
(00:29:03) Healthy transitions from childhood to adulthood
(00:32:26) The role of parents in your life's journey
(00:38:54) How to claim your inner power
(00:43:15) Terry's invincible summer
(00:46:48) Challenging your beliefs
(00:49:48) Attached positive feelings
(00:55:42) what is Disassociation
(00:58:02) What does intrinsic wellbeing look like
(01:04:47) The limitations of Self awareness
(01:10:15) No one can take your wellbeing away from you
To learn more about Terrys work:
https://resilimy.com/
https://iheartprinciples.com/iheart-2024-community-campaign/
To get in touch with Terry: terry@resilimy.com
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@on_your_own_podcast
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting❤️
Frumie is a Professional Mentor and Certified Kallah teacher
Chapters:
(00:01:18) The definition of communication - and why it is so important
(00:06:00) The danger of using the word "should”
(00:08:45) The secret to becoming a better communicator
(00:11:36) How to avoid misunderstandings
(00:15:30) The disadvantages of texting
(00:20:07) Your self talk becomes the way you communicate
(00:29:10) The importance of letting yourself make mistakes
(00:38:11) The problem with holding things in
(00:41:31) How do I know if I should end the relationship?
(00:48:35) The importance of taking a stand
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@on_your_own_podcast
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Zalman Myer-Smith is the former bodyguard of Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Director Of Chabad Security Department – Florida, and Director of Security for Lubavitch Educational Center in Miami, the largest Jewish school system in the southeastern USA. Expect to learn:
... and much more!
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@on_your_own_podcast
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting ❤️
Adina is a Certified Life Coach, Shlucha & Host of The Confident Chabad Mom Podcast.
Chapters:
(00:01:38) How did Adina become a Coach?
(00:03:06) Common Misconceptions about 'Coaching'
(00:05:12) Why would someone hire a life coach?
(00:07:48) Coaching tools for negative self talk
(00:10:54) Brick brain VS Bubblegum brain
(00:14:38) How to build Self confidence
(00:21:35) How to stop beating yourself up
(00:25:13) What does Self Compassion look like?
(00:27:37) What do your mom clients wish they knew sooner
(00:35:00) How to become your own coach
(00:39:09) How to 'sit with' a difficult emotion
(00:50:20) What are the limitations of coaching?
(00:55:55) Building Support systems in a new environment
(00:57:05) The importance of going through hard things
To learn more / get in touch with Adina:
Adinalanda.com
The Calm & Confident Chabad Mom Tribe Membership
I would love to hear from you!
Connect with me on insta or email: onyourownpodcast@gmail.com
@esther_shemtov
To sign up for the On your Own Newsletter, click here https://www.onyourownpodcast.com/about
See you next week, and in the meantime, Happy Adulting <3