Chavie and Adele kick things off by reminiscing when Chavie lived in Aidel’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 Instagramwww.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 chaviebruk@gmail.com.

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 InstagramTotally 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 chaviebruk@gmail.com.

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 InstagramTotally Unexpected! Substack Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie begins the conversation by asking Rabbi YY how he manages his output of classes and public appearances while balancing personal responsibilities. Rabbi YY shares that although he has always maintained a heavy workload, he eventually realized that constantly jumping from one thing to the next can be a distraction. He shares a personal anecdote from when he was teaching a class to teenagers, and his own teenage children found it amusing that their father would have any relevant advice for teens. That was one of the catalysts for embarking on his own journey of self-discovery and reshaping his approach to teaching. Chavie and Rabbi YY discuss the importance of practicing an embodied Judaism and recognizing when ego or the self take control of the task at hand. Rabbi YY describes what it was like to memorize six to seven hours of the Rebbe’s lectures every week as a young student, and how that continues to impact him more than thirty years later. Chavie brings up how the concept of Moshiach can sometimes feel elusive. Rabbi YY offers that today, we can taste what it feels like to live in a Messianic era by letting go of the things we cannot control—the frequencies of ego, fear, insecurity, feeling overwhelmed or disassociated—and recognizing that we have the ability to touch coherence and oneness, which is the frequency of trust, surrender, faith, and love. These are the higher frequencies of redemption, which are not pulled down by the gravity of the earth—the frequency of guilt and shame. Rabbi YY Jacobson is one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world today and a mentor to many thousands across the globe. He has traveled to hundreds of communities in six continents, educating and inspiring people of all backgrounds. Rabbi Jacobson was the first Rabbi ever to be invited by the Pentagon to deliver the religious keynote to the US Military Chief of Chaplains and to the National Security Agency.   Referenced on the Pod6:42 All Classes, Rabbi YY’s Podcast & App10:17 The Algemeiner Journal 12:20 Carl Jung Quote34:05 Ufaratzta Circle Stay in touch with Rabbi YY! www.theyeshiva.net Rabbi YY's InstagramAll Classes, Rabbi YY’s Podcast & App   Stay in touch with Chavie!Chavie's InstagramTotally Unexpected! Substack This week’s episode is dedicated in honor of our dear Rebbe, the Lubavitcher Rebbe of blessed memory, whose 31st Yahrtzait is today, the third of Tammuz, June 29th, 2025. Today’s sponsors are an incredible group of Jews from Los Angeles and New York who have a deep appreciation for Rabbi YY Jacobson and his teachings and who appreciate our work in Montana.  Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Tanya open the conversation by exploring the tension between being perceived as popular or “cool” but not actually feeling that way inside, and the journey towards truly accepting oneself feeling “cool” from within. Tanya reflects on her upbringing in Los Angeles as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivor Sam Menlo, who helped establish the contemporary Orthodox Jewish community in LA. She shares what it was like to grow up in the shadow of such a prominent family while navigating the challenges of being a child of divorce and often feeling like the “black sheep.” Chavie and Tanya discuss how essential it is to evolve within marriage and parenting, and how life’s ups and downs can ultimately be embraced as happy chaos.   Tanya Menlo-Heyman lives in Los Angeles with her husband, fellow LA native Avi Heyman, their four children, and a lively menagerie of dogs and cats. She is a community activist with deep roots in LA’s Jewish community. Her deep love for beauty, Judaism, and family—both human and furry—shapes a distinctive style that is entirely her own. Every detail of Tanya’s life is intentionally curated, reflecting her philosophy of using art, nature, and fashion to elevate the physical in her service to Hashem.  Referenced on the Pod 1:06:57 Gedale Fenster  1:33:23 Dr. Brad Reedy  Stay in touch with Chavie!Chavie's InstagramTotally Unexpected! Substack This week’s episode is dedicated by a loving grandchild in memory of Reb Mendel and Chana Brook, who devoted their lives to raising their ten children, defending the Holy Land as members of the IDF, and sharing their love for Torah, G-d, and the Jewish people in every way possible. Not all heroes wear capes. Some simply wake up each day with wholesomeness in their hearts, gratitude to their Creator, and a commitment to doing what’s right and fighting the good fight. Mendel and Chana were those heroes, and they did so without fanfare. This episode is dedicated in honor of their hundreds of descendants around the world.   Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Mimi talk about their shared sleep deprivation struggles, thanks to their kindred spirit, non-bedtime-conformist six-and seven-year-old daughters. Mimi shares how her idyllic childhood growing up in Miami Beach was disrupted at age ten when her nineteen-year-old brother passed away suddenly in his sleep. She reflects on the impact of experiencing grief at such a young age while also trying to make sense of the grief of the adults around her. Chavie and Mimi discuss the tension Mimi managed as a teenager—being the life of the party while silently struggling with an eating disorder that lasted until she gave birth to her first child. Chavie brings up how current beauty trends are drifting back toward an emphasis on thinness, after a brief period of body positivity. Mimi shares how she and her husband had a wake-up call right before COVID that launched them on a self-discovery journey involving alternative healing methods like psilocybin, ayahuasca, and breathwork. Chavie and Mimi talk about finding the right guidance for these experiences and how they can align with Orthodox Jewish values.   Mimi Minsky writes like she breathes—honest, healing, and a little bit holy. She speaks and writes professionally for mainstream media, brands, businesses, and private clients, and she leads healing writing circles that crack people wide open. Mimi believes words, people, and connection are the medicine.  Referenced on the Pod 57:21 Dr. Joe Dispenza, Louisa Hay, Abraham Hicks Publications, Dolores Cannon, Neville Goddard  59:08 This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind Netflix Documentary 1:19:57 G-D, Rationality, & Mysticism by Dr. Irving Block (Chavie’s Grandfather)   Stay in touch with Mimi!Mimi's InstagramMimi's Substack mimiminsky@gmail.com Stay in touch with Chavie!Chavie's InstagramTotally Unexpected! Substack Today’s episode is dedicated by the Ausch family in honor of the Isru Chag wedding of their son Mordechai to his Kallah Sheva Perel. May they merit to build an eternal edifice among Klal Yisroel with an abundance of blessings in all aspects of life and may the entire family know only Simchos today and forever.    Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Tonia connect over their shared upbringing as daughters of Chabad emissaries in Texas, reflecting on how empowering it was to carry so much responsibility from a young age. Chavie asks how Tonia maintained her creative spirit as a teenager, within a system that often values conformity, and Tonia shares how her strong intuition drew towards the deeper, mystical teachings of Chassidus, which harmonized naturally with artistic outlets like spoken word poetry. Chavie and Tonia explore how concepts like bittul (self-nullification) and modesty can sometimes be misdirected to disempower women, which misrepresents the Torah’s intent. Instead, they agree that these values belong within the broader framework of one’s service of Hashem and should never be weaponized as measures of their connection to G-d.   Tonia Chazanow is a writer, artist and spoken word poet. She hosts the Human & Holy podcast and teaches weekly Tanya classes. She is passionate about Torah study, gathering Jewish women, and the power of the arts to better understand ourselves and G-d.  Referenced on the Pod1:34:55 - Reclaiming Dignity   Stay in touch with Tonia!Human & Holy on InstagramHuman & Holy on Spotify  Human & Holy on Applewww.humanandholy.com  Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog This week’s episode is sponsored by Brooklyn Brokerage, a New York based firm that focuses on customer satisfaction, while offering five-star services for all your insurance needs. Reach out today for a risk-free quote at www.BrooklynBrokerage.com or 718.799.5607. Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Simi Polonsky, co-founder of The Frock NYC, joins Chavie to reflect on her journey from a stable and joyful childhood in Coogee Beach, Australia to navigating the loss of her first husband, Shua, at just 31. Chavie and Simi explore whether hardship must always be the catalyst to “doing the work, and how Simi’s return to working with her sisters at The Frock, after Shua’s passing, was a vital part of her healing. Simi and Chavie explore the power of creative self-expression, not for the attention, but as a vital outlet for being seen and witnessed. Simi shared how she is grappling divorce being part of her story—while maintaining the gratitude she feels for having Yaniv, her second husband in her life. Simi shares that today is facing her soul’s deepest fear of being alone, and how that is allowing her to model to her daughters that they, too, have the strength to weather these life changing moments. Simi shares the feelings of rage, anger and then also realizing the deep intimacy of “standing alone with Hashem in a dark room” in those moments and how she has never felt closer to Hashem.  Simi Polonsky is a dynamic force of creativity, spirituality, and resilience. With an unshakable passion for expression and connection, she merges artistry with a deep relationship with Hashem, walking through life with purpose and authenticity. A proud solo mother of three, Simi co-founded The Frock NYC, a pioneering fashion brand that helped reshape the conversation around modesty. Though the brand has evolved, its spirit lives on through a vibrant community and creative presence. Through her writing, creative direction, and speaking, Simi shares from the heart—inviting others into honest, soulful connection and empowering women to show up fully in their truth.  Referenced on the Pod45:47 Permission to Feel  Stay in touch with Simi!Simi’s InstagramThe Frock NYC  Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog This week's episode is dedicated by a loving family member in honor of Pesel Rivka bas Hudya. May Hashem bless this incredible woman with a full recovery. Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Lisa begin by bonding over their shared experience as podcast hosts and reflecting on Chavie’s participation in Lisa’s program. Lisa traces her path from personal trainer to certified health coach, eventually pursuing a Master’s and Doctorate in Social Work and launching a holistic and integrative health coaching business. She shares her health journey, beginning with being sent to Weight Watchers at age nine and reaching 300 pounds by the time she was seventeen. Then, after losing 150 pounds through extreme dieting, Lisa found herself physically unwell and emotionally unraveling. She shares with Chavie how this crisis propelled her to investigate why diets fail, ultimately leading her to discover the connection between trauma and health. Chavie and Lisa explore how our societal obsession with triggers and the desire to “feel safe” at all times desensitizes us from coping with uncomfortable feelings and circumstances that aren’t actually threatening to our safety—emotional or otherwise. Lisa shares that if we learn to accept feelings we don’t like, we can rely on other tools to find comfort rather than immediately turning to food. Once we learn to do that, it becomes okay to rely on food for comfort—as long as we feel in control and aren’t dependent on it for a sense of safety.   Lisa Schlosberg is the founder of Out of the Cave, LLC, where she combines her comprehensive expertise as a licensed social worker, integrative nutrition health coach, certified personal trainer, and registered yoga teacher to guide emotional eaters toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and healing. Maintaining a 150-pound weight loss for more than a decade by healing her relationship with food (through emotional healing, somatic experiencing, mindset shifts, and more), Lisa discovered that her lifelong struggle with "morbid obesity" and “disordered eating” were symptoms of unprocessed trauma and emotional stress. This realization fueled her passion for helping others navigate similar challenges with a heart-centered, trauma-informed approach. Her strengths-based philosophy is rooted in the belief that using food to cope is a valid method of managing stress, and it is possible to heal from the inside out. Driven to make her work accessible to all, Lisa hosts the Out of the Cave podcast, where she shares powerful client stories and expert insights to inspire global transformation.   Referenced on the Pod Life with Kate ACE Study Dr. Vincent Felitti Interview What Happened to You? By Oprah Winfrey “You Are In Control Not Your Triggers” - Dr Gabor Mate  Elizabeth Gilbert on Fear & Emotions Out of the Cave Podcast Episode with Jeff   Stay in touch with Lisa! www.outofthecave.health Apply for The Out of the Cave Group Program Here Lisa’s Instagram Lisa’s Facebook Lisa’s YouTube Channel The Out of the Cave Podcast   Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog   Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Malka begin the conversation by reflecting on their shared experience of marrying young and expecting to have children right away. They discuss the harsh reality of infertility, the emotional toll of repeated interventions, and the pivotal decision to stop and consider new options. Together, they break down the step-by-step process of choosing adoption, challenging the notions of a homogeneous family where everyone looks alike and shares the same background. Malka shares her experience of adopting a Black child while living in Crown Heights, where the values established by the Lubavitcher Rebbe promote inclusivity, yet daily life presented painful challenges. She and Chavie explore their differing approaches to raising a family of choice, weighing the mental health implications of giving space to grief over infertility, the nuances of acknowledging differences between biological and adopted children, and the complexities of being White parents to Black children in a world that sometimes views such a decision with suspicion. They also discuss the progress in conversations around race in the Chassidic community and the hope it brings for their children.   Malka Groden is an adoptive mother of three children. Every day, she thanks G-d for her infertility, without which she would not have been blessed with her beautiful family. She oversees fundraising at a Jewish nonprofit and loves the opportunity to spend time with and learn from generous individuals.   Referenced on the Pod Adopting Our Daughters by Rabbi Chaim Bruk  PUAH Fertility Lessons in Heichaltzu The Rebbe’s Words to Mayor David Dinkins The Rebbe Didn’t Discriminate, Neither Should We Should White People Adopt Black Kids with Jada Pinkett-Smith   Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog   This episode is dedicated by Chaim Meir Hazan and his fiancé Sandra Chokron in honor of Mrs. Chavie and Rabbi Chaim Bruk.  Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie begins the conversation by sharing her struggles with skincare and the transformative experience that led her to Linda, forming a deep friendship along the way. Linda reflects on what it was like to be born in Hawaii, grow up in Washington State, and move to Japan with her family for middle school. She shares how, after returning to the West Coast for college, she started out in retail, transitioned to the tech industry at Microsoft, and eventually found her way to Bozeman, where she embarked on a new career in skincare. Together, Chavie and Linda explore the connection between skin, body, and the nervous system, the power of showing up as we are, and the tension of being in the wellness industry when the products are so often driven by harmful trends.    Linda is a holistic esthetician who believes in safe, non-toxic skincare, touch-focused techniques, and non-invasive technology that supports skin health. She believes that skin health comes from understanding how our body’s systems operate and are linked. Living in the sunny and arid mountains of Montana, she puts a significant emphasis on how the environment and climate can influence skin health.   Referenced on the Pod Always consult your aesthetician, and consider your budget, lifestyle, and environment when making decisions about your skin care. Microcurrent Facials Red Light Therapy Masks & LED Face Masks LED Light Therapy Surgeon Compares Facial Tissue With & Without Fillers+Botox   Stay in touch with Linda!www.handsomefolk.beautyLinda's Instagram   Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog   Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie begins the conversation by asking Chaim about his childhood, growing up under the Rebbe’s wings in Crown Heights. He shares how idyllic it was to live in the Rebbe’s presence and how it permeated every aspect of daily life. He also reflects on some of the negative influences he absorbed as a yeshiva student, particularly the “you are with us or against us” mentality. Chaim talks about how his marriage to Chavie and the personal growth that followed helped shift his perspective, allowing him to see the world in a more nuanced way. He and Chavie discuss the importance of having a mentor—an objective third party to guide couples—along with seeking more rigorous support through therapy. Chaim and Chavie share numerous personal anecdotes about how this approach has helped them navigate the often-turbulent reality of raising five adopted children in the remote Jewish outpost of Bozeman, Montana.   Rabbi Chaim Bruk is the Co-CEO and spiritual leader of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana. He moved to Montana in 2007 with his wife Chavie, where they launched a renaissance of Jewish life across the state. They are raising their five children in Big Sky Country, where they enjoy nature daily. Chaim loves teaching Torah, writing about Judaism and current events, and has an obsession with kosher sushi.   Referenced on the Pod "My Rofeh Yedid, Dr. Feldman" The Need for Mentorship "Mama’s Boy"   Stay in touch with Rabbi Chaim!www.jewishmontana.comwww.instagram.com/chabadmontana X @MontanaJewWeekly Torah Class on Youtube Montana's Jewish Voice   Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog   This week's episode is sponsored by Dr. Leorah Ross and her daughter Kochav in honor of the yahrzeit of her father, Reb Shmuel Zev OBM, and in honor of Klal Yisroel, our amazing Jewish family.  This week’s episode is also dedicated by Daniel ben Yita Feiga and Sarah Emunah bas Sarah, who are dear friends and pillars of Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana.    Want to sponsor an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Mina and Chavie begin by reminiscing about their high school days together in Chicago. Mina reflects on how her parents nurtured creativity in each of their children, inspiring her to explore photography and writing. She then shares the earth-shattering moment when, at just eight years old, she learned her brother passed away as an infant due to a genetic condition. She and Chavie discuss Ambiguous Loss—the often-overlooked, long-term impact of unresolved grief. Mina describes how, from the moment she learned of her brother’s death, she began “looking for her brother” and committed her life to helping children with special needs. Chavie and Mina talk about the many roles women navigate throughout their lives and the importance to know, “you can do it all but not all at the same time.” Mina shares her own journey with life coaching and somatic healing, which led to her to participate in Chai Lifeline’s Tour de Simcha, a 50-mile cycling marathon with a fourteen month old baby.   Mina Richler is a proud Jewish woman and a loving mother of seven. She was born and raised with her twelve siblings in New City, New York as grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. In 2007, Mina co-founded Chabad of Gloucester County with her husband Avi and serves as Rebbetzin and Director for Women & Youth. Mina's happy place is over a hot cup of coffee and in deep discussion with just about anyone. In her spare time Mina can be found writing, road cycling, or behind a camera capturing G-d's beautiful people and life as it is.   Referenced on the Pod Dr. Edith Eger Ambiguous Loss - Dr. Pauline Boss  Chai Lifeline - Tour de Simcha  Grit by Angela Duckworth    Stay in touch with Mina!Mina’s Blog www.instagram.com/minarichler    Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog   This week's episode is dedicated by our dear friends Maxine and Ralph Milliken in loving memory of their dear son Todd Edward Wasserman, Tanchum Peretz, who spent the final few months of his life in Bozeman enjoying the great outdoors, and sadly left his world at a young age due to his struggle with asthma. He was a giver and was always there to help others in their time of need.   For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Brochie talks with Chavie about pausing her interior design business after having twins, which created an "empty space" for her to explore a new approach to design. She shares how she discovered Human Design, which focuses on identifying one's unique gift to share with the world and the most natural way to do so. Chavie and Brochie discuss how and if this aligns with Hassidic and Jewish values of dedicating all talents and skills to serving Hashem. Brochie then shares how she came across Designology and the Place Types method, which helped her identify her clients' unique aesthetics rather than following a rigid color palette approach. Together, Chavie and Brochie discuss their frustrations with design trends and explore which styles resonate most with them.   Brochie Spritzer is a luxury interior designer who uncovers each client’s unique style through their personality. Just as your personality influences how you dress, it also shapes your interior design style. Brochie brings the concept of "placetypes" to life, showing how different personalities translate into interiors. Instead of imposing a signature look, she designs from her clients’ perspective, creating spaces that feel personal, sophisticated, and one of a kind.   Referenced on the Pod Mellisa Wood - Tepperberg on Human Design with Jenna Zoe  Designology - Sally Augustin  Jeff Shelton, Architect  Studio McGee  Chris Loves Julia - Pottery Barn Collection   Stay in touch with Brochie!brochieinteriors@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/brochiespritzer/   Stay in touch with Chavie!www.instagram.com/chaviebrukwww.totallyunexpected.blog   This week's episode is sponsored by the Jewish Children's Library Fund, which helps establish Jewish children's libraries in communities across the United States. The goal is to create libraries in community members' homes, providing a dedicated space—beyond school or shul—where children can experience Jewish pride. The fund offers matching grants and a database to help you get started. If you or someone you know is interested in opening a library, text Reuven Rockford at 954-709-9541 and visit their website at www.jewishchildrenslibraryfund.com. For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Michal compare notes on growing up outside mainstream religious communities, and speaking Yiddish and Hebrew, respectively, as their first languages. Michal shares how she developed a passion for education early on and always knew she wanted to be a teacher.  Chavie and Michal then discuss how although teaching might not be the most glamorous career, it is such a powerful position and should only be pursued by those who are truly passionate and qualified. Michal shares how she realized that "what she does" is not "who she is" which helped her navigate  launching her online fashion business while also running a Chabad House and being a full-time mom. Michal and Chavie discuss the unique needs of the modest consumer, sharing tips and best practices for looking your best while shopping smart and spending wisely.   Michal was born and raised in Long Beach, California. She is a devoted mother, business owner, and educator who leads Chabad House in Toluca Lake together with her husband. After spending a decade teaching middle school in Los Angeles and running a homeschool in The Valley, Michal transitioned to entrepreneurship, creating a unique, quality-driven modest fashion brand. Her deep appreciation for fashion is matched by her lifelong passion for education. Known for curating designs from around the world, Michal caters to the modern, modest, and fashion-forward woman. She loves inspiring women to care for themselves at every stage of life, empowering them to embrace their creativity and express their individuality through clothing.    This Week's Q&A’s Was the yoga retreat you attended a Jewish program? Are your kids resentful when you travel? Did you stay at the retreat for Shabbos or at the local Chabad House? Referenced on the Pod Child Development Specialist, Dr. Siggie   Stay in touch with Michal! www.instagram.com/shopmoddo www.shopmoddo.com   Stay in touch with Chavie! www.instagram.com/chaviebruk www.totallyunexpected.blog   This week's episode is dedicated by Rabbi Shneur Zalman and Mimi Felig of Miami in loving memory of their son, Boruch Sholom Dovber ben Shenur Zalman. Also in honor of the Bruk family and the entire team at Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana, with blessings for continued success in their holy work, including this podcast, Totally Unexpected!  For dedications, sponsorships, or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Sheva and Chavie begin by discussing the value of dark humor as a coping mechanism for navigating life’s painful moments. Sheva reflects on her childhood, growing up in the desert of Tucson, Arizona, on a beautiful 10-acre property raised by her hippie parents. After being expelled from high school, she attended a school for troubled youth. At 15, she found a job and eventually left home at 16. Sheva shares with Chavie how the challenges she faced as a teenager helped her identify with her daughter, Rozie, who was born with Down syndrome. Labeled by society as "high functioning," Rozie doesn’t fit neatly into societal categories—neither fully part of the special needs community nor the "normal" world. Sheva also talks about her journey to becoming frum, finding structure while striving to maintain her individuality. In addition to her spiritual journey, Sheva shares about studying fine arts with a focus on illustration, becoming an EMT, and taking pride in raising a creative family.   Sheva Givre was born and raised in the beautiful desert of Arizona, lived in Baltimore, Maryland and recently moved to Parkland, Florida. She used to be the author and photographer of the inspiration blog, My Shtub. In recent years she changed her advocacy from blog writing to social media where she shares the joys and challenges of family, motherhood, and raising her four children including a child with special needs.     This Week's Q&A’s I recently got married and moved across the world to a new country and it's been really hard to start from scratch without knowing anyone. Any tips? I just lost my son in the summer and I’m having a hard time coping with lifecycle and seasonal transitions. Any advice? What’s your ideal travel to at-home ratio where everything feels balanced? Referenced on the Pod “Ace’s” Trauma Evaluation Screening Stay in touch with Sheva! www.instagram.com/pearlyluart   Stay in touch with Chavie! www.instagram.com/chaviebruk www.totallyunexpected.blog This week's episode is sponsored by East Side Kosher Deli in Denver, Colorado, a one stop kosher concierge for your vacation anywhere out West. For more information please visit www.eastsidekosherdeli.com or chat with a representative on WhatsApp at 747-243 -1683. For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Shaina and Chavie start off by reflecting on Shaina’s upbringing on Shlichus (Chabad outreach) in 1970s Los Angeles. They explore how the unique challenges of her childhood and teenage years pushed her to grow up before she had the tools to manage her emotional and mental health. As a young parent, Shaina was determined to break the cycle, so she sought help to equip herself with the skills to raise her children differently. Chavie and Shaina discuss somatic techniques for regulating conflict and challenges with children and teens, emphasizing the importance of managing our body’s responses. Shaina also highlights the need to shed shame and stigma in our communities around issues like infertility and teenage struggles while respecting boundaries and privacy. Shaina lives in Los Angeles and is a certified parent and life coach specializing in working with and supporting parents of teens. Her journey began–like that of many parents—navigating the uncharted waters of raising children without a guidebook. She immersed herself in countless  parenting resources, often second-guessing her decisions along the way. This experience inspired her to pursue professional certification, with a focus on the transformative approach of “parenting from the inside out.”   This Week's Q&A’s Where was your dress from that you wore at the Chai Lifeline Dinner?  When does ski season start in Montana? What does Chai Lifeline do for you in Montana?    Referenced on the Pod Avi Fishoff, Twisted Parenting  Michal Carlebach, Shop Moddo   Stay in touch with Shaina!www.instagram.com/parenteen_coach www.parenteencoach.com   Stay in touch with Chavie! www.instagram.com/chaviebruk www.totallyunexpected.blog   For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

In this episode, Chavie and Sheva dive into the intersection of fashion and spirituality. Sheva shares her journey from being a fashion-forward teen with limited resources to founding a spiritually-driven fashion magazine that empowers Jewish women to embrace their essence. She reflects on transforming mivtzoim, (Jewish outreach), in high school from a dreaded task into something cool and inspiring. Sheva talks about her evolution from personal shopper to stylist, adapting during the pandemic, and the lessons she’s learned about managing energy, surrendering to challenges, and stepping into an abundance mindset and her power as a Jewish woman. Sheva grew up in Hallandale, Florida with a strong desire to empower women in being their best selves. Starting off as a personal shopper & color analyst, Sheva evolved and created the first Jewish women’s fashion and lifestyle digital magazine. She’s a wife, mother, and female entrepreneur, like many of her clients.   This Week's Q&A How do you prepare Menny for another camp experience after the racial incident that occurred this month?  What’s the biggest advantage of living in a small Jewish community? I love how you use “and” instead of “but.” How did that start?  Referenced on the Pod Aligned Tishrei Issue Zeya Comedy Carla Mathis Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being   Stay in touch with Sheva!https://www.instagram.com/sheva_kastel   Stay in touch with Chavie! www.instagram.com/chaviebruk www.totallyunexpected.blog   This episode is sponsored by Sichos in English, the pre-eminent publisher of Chassidic thought in English where Jewish mysticism comes to life. Learn more at www.sie.org. For sponsorship or advertising opportunities, please reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Sarah and Chavie begin by discussing how Sarah started journaling as a young child, which ignited her love for self-expression. They explore the tendency for kids to box themselves into labels and emphasize the importance of letting them know it’s okay to have fun and embrace who they are. The conversation shifts to the "Suffering Olympics" and hustle culture, where unhappiness and hardship are often rewarded and seen as virtues. Sarah shares how much she values her ability to acknowledge emotions in her profession and reflects on the breakthroughs she’s achieved in helping teens express their feelings in a healthy way. Chavie asks Sarah about her spiritual journey and the impact it has had on her identity as a singer-songwriter.  Sarah Immerman, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist originally from Cleveland and now based in Boston. She specializes in helping teens and young adults navigate emotion dysregulation using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is currently the Director of Family Services and the Assistant Director of the Day Program. She is an NCSY advisor and was a counselor and behavior team member at Camp HASC. Sarah is also a singer-songwriter and loves to journal.     This Week's Q&A Do you take podcast guest suggestions ⁠If you wrote a book what topic would it be about? ⁠What was the first book to make an impact on you? Referenced on the Pod Brad Reedy, The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child's Struggle & The Road Home: https://a.co/d/h9Nq0Nn Sarah Immerman's music on Sound Cloud   Stay in touch with Sarah!Sarah's LinkeIn   Stay in touch with Chavie! www.instagram.com/chaviebruk www.totallyunexpected.blog   This episode is dedicated by Rabbi Moshe & Dini Scheiner and their incredible community at the Palm Beach Synagogue, www.palmbeachsynagogue.org. For sponsorship or advertising opportunities you can reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Moshe shares his journey with Chavie growing up as a shy introvert in a large family and developing a debilitating anxiety with many physical symptoms that went unexplained for years. Life took a dramatic turn when his wife had a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumor, propelling him into a journey of healing and self-discovery. Moshe shares how he found The Emotion Code, a method to release trapped emotions, and learned to address the deep connection between emotions and physical health. Chavie also shares her struggle with celiac disease and how Moshe helped her uncover the emotional triggers that were the underlying factors of the symptoms. Moshe and Chavie talk about the the power of attracting energy and how to know the difference between toxic positivity and trusting that everything happens for a reason. Moshe Weinbaum grew up in London, England, and studied abroad in the US. His life’s passion has always been to help others. He has worked with youth, teenagers, and adults. When he discovered the Emotion Code and Body Code, he knew it could be an effective tool to help people become healthier. Moshe specializes in treating addiction, relationships, trauma, and other behavioral and social challenges.    This Week's Q&A Is there good skiing in Montana? I keep getting hives, what should I do? Can too much therapy do more harm than good? References & Resources The Emotion Code, by Bradley Nelson Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell   Stay in Touch with Moshe!www.instagram.com/mosheweinbaum www.awarenessrelease.com   Stay in Touch with Chavie! www.instagram.com/chaviebruk www.totallyunexpected.blog   For sponsorship or advertising opportunities reach out to Chavie on Instagram or at chaviebruk@gmail.com.