Neshamos.org Podcast: Stories of Hope and Healing

In this honest and emotional episode, Shlomo Wolf shares his journey through anxiety, addiction, and self-discovery. Raised across different countries, always the “new kid,” Shlomo learned early on to survive by reading people and fitting in—often at the cost of his own needs.When weed entered his life, it felt like relief—a break from constant alertness and self-judgment. But beneath the addiction was something deeper: a belief that he only mattered if he was useful, helpful, or liked.Shlomo reflects on what it means to finally stop performing and begin healing—not just from substance use, but from years of codependency and self-erasure.

Bruyah's journey through trauma has completely changed the way she sees life, resilience, and healing. After her devastating accident, when she was told she was partially paralyzed, she faced an incredibly long road to recovery—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In this episode, Bruyah opens up about the raw emotions she felt, from the fear and uncertainty to the moments of inner strength that helped her keep going.She talks about how, even after overcoming huge obstacles, the smaller struggles of daily life can still feel overwhelming. Bruyah reflects on the importance of community, being kind to yourself, and the constant effort it takes to hold onto hope—even when there are no guarantees.Her story is one of perseverance, acceptance, and learning to find strength even in the face of the unknown. It's a conversation that reminds us that healing isn't just about surviving—it's about truly learning how to live.

In this uplifting episode of the Neshamos podcast, Yosef Halevy, an accomplished entrepreneur and sports coach, shares his profound journey from a challenging upbringing marked by bullying and instability to building resilience and helping others. Yosef's story highlights how he found solace and strength in basketball, transforming his adversities into life lessons and meaningful projects. The conversation delves into Yosef's move to Israel for personal growth, the importance of being present, and practical advice on journaling and meditation for mental well-being. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the power of self-acceptance, community, and the ongoing journey of healing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/support

In this deeply moving podcast episode, Miriam Raquel Feldman shares her family's emotional journey navigating her son's struggle with Pandas, a debilitating autoimmune disorder. With vulnerability and honesty, Miriam Raquel shares the heart-wrenching challenges they faced, from anxiety and depression to intrusive thoughts and paranoia. Within the darkness of their ordeal, Miriam Raquel and her husband exemplify unwavering love and dedication as they navigate uncharted territory. Through their son's pain and despair, they find strength in each other and in their commitment to a healing solution that aligns with their deepest values, even when conventional methods fall short. Miriam Raquel's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless capacity of a parent's love. Join her as she offers a glimpse into their journey, filled with hope, faith, and the transformative power of a parents unconditional acceptance. To learn more about Miriam Racquel's work or to get in touch visit https://www.miriamracquel.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/support

Mendy's story starts as a chaotic storm, replete with neglect, shock, sexual abuse & addiction. Hear how life's challenges took him to the depths of addiction and despair, on the brink of losing everything and what ultimately led Mendy to learn to seek the help he needed. Mendy is sober now for over two years and lives a happy life in Israel together with his wife and four children. The Neshamos project is a charitable endeavor and relies solely on our generous donors for support. To sponsor this (or any) episode or for dedications please reach out to us via podcast@neshamos.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/support

Meet Estee, a Montreal native who's now a young wife and mother of four in Brooklyn, NY. In this episode, Estee opens up about her journey living with her husband's debilitating anxiety. From being the “can-do” problem solver since childhood, she soon realized that she couldn't “make it better” for everyone else around her anymore. The depths of her husbands emotional distress compelled her to seek out the help she deserved. Today, Estee prioritizes her well-being and develops compassionate empathy- no longer shouldering the responsibility of others' emotional states. ” I didn't only have to be on the receiving end, but I also had to tell people exactly how I wanted them to support me.” Estee's transformation even led her to become a certified life coach, supporting women dealing with addiction and mental health challenges. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/support

Join us in this powerful episode of the Neshamos Podcast as we dive into Mendy Schusterman's remarkable journey. Raised in Peabody, Massachusetts, Mendy, at just 22 years old, has already experienced the depths of hopelessness and suffering that comes with alcohol addiction. With raw honesty, he shares the turning point that ignited his desire for change and led him on a path to recovery. As a full-time social work student at TUW University, and a senior student at Bais Menachem Wilkes Barre Yeshiva- Mendy now uses his personal experience to provide support and mentorship to younger students. In this episode, he shares his gripping story of overcoming alcoholism and finding a new path filled with hope and alignment. Don't miss this inspiring account of transformation and resilience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/neshamos-podcast/support

Leah shares her experience of feeling lost, sad, and disassociated in her younger years, and struggling to just accept and be herself.  She learned how to be okay with her feelings and open up to hope, connection, and life's blessings. She openly shares a part of herself on her Instagram page called Mastering Me, where she shares openly about her mental health, spirituality, struggles, and triumphs.  Growing up she felt like every day was a fight, like the world was out to get her. She struggled with feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and being less-than.  By going to retreats and therapy, she has been able to heal and accept herself, be proud of herself, and motivate herself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Born in Montreal, Canada, Bashie describes her childhood and adolescent years of dealing with the consequences of clinical depression gone undiagnosed. “At recess time in school, I would escape to the back stairwell with my pen and journal to just write and cry”. With guidance from professional sources, a stretch in the psych ward, as well as many life experiences serving as her greatest teachers - Bashie received her diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, and has found immense strength and healing within the 12 Step Program for Emotions Anonymous. Today, Bashie gives back as a teacher and mother, incorporating Jewish and G-d centered values through the lenses of mental health, and cares for her wonderful family. To get in touch with Bashie, you can email her at bashie.h@gmail.com. We hope you enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Today, let's voyage into the world of emotions. Meet Sarah Bennaroch - born in Los Angeles, she currently lives in Crown Heights, and is the founder and owner behind Gymies Gym. In this episode, Sarah divulges her history of combating an intense inner critic and facing disempowering narratives within herself; and these voices would invite feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt into her consciousness. Today, Sarah asserts herself to address what's going on within her, and has created a support system around her, because she knows that asking for help is courageous. This episode is a gift to us all, we hope you enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome our youngest podcaster to date! Born and bred in Crown Heights, Ephraim Sacho is an 18 year old student, and currently attends Bais Menachem Yeshiva in the Poconos (Wilkes-Barre). In this episode, Ephraim illuminates us with his experience facing crippling anxiety, depression, and paranoia. These factors soon thrust him into his manic episode, and eventually a mental breakdown.   Hear how Ephraim has battled with his internal demons, and fought for his birthright - a meaningful and joy-filled life. Today, Ephraim cultivates a lifestyle of health and stability, and emphasizes G-d as an essential point in his recovery. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

“When it would happen, I would just see red.” Meet Dovid Zane Braslawsce. Born in “trucker-stop “ Beaver, Pennsylvania, Dovid was that child with unending energy. He was an explosive kid, expressive, untamed, and at times violent. In fact, at the ripe age of seven, he was sent to anger management classes that attempted to teach him how to regulate himself. “I would go blind” is how Dovid depicts these moments. “ I would feel a lot of shame after; but at the same time, I wasn't even so sure what had just happened!” Why did Dovid feel out of control? How did he learn to channel his boundless energy? And what about the shame and guilt that each outburst would torment him with? Fast forward to Dovid now. Dovid now resides in Crown Heights, New York, and devotes his time to his passion projects- G-d and martial arts! Currently, he runs a self defense and fitness training program for men and boys in Crown Heights, in which he is fortunate to practice and teach his healing on the daily. Be sure to check out @magenhamelekh to see him in action! Tune in below to hear Dovid's journey of healing, awareness, faith, and growth. We hope you enjoy this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Meet Yitzy Rabinowitz. Yitzy was raised in Borough Park, and currently resides in Crown Heights, NY. In this episode, hear Yitzy's heartfelt recount of his journey of healing from sex addiction and codependency. He demonstrates immense courage and bravery in speaking about the various factors that played into life story, and brought him to where he stands today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Hear Breina's story of her struggle with addiction and her eating disorder from a first-person view. This episode will leave you with a deeper sense of compassion and understanding, and a very sobering view of recovery and the real-life challenges it presents. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Leah Groner shares with us her journey at discovering clarity. With the support of her family and her general practitioner, Leah received her diagnosis of ADHD in her twenties. She eloquently illustrates for us her journey in navigating the various challenges that would come up with her, along with the gifts of support and clarity that she found along the way. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Meet Rachel Cohen. Rachel is Long Island homegrown, and continues to live there now with her family. She works as a Special Ed Teacher, and uses her talents to inspire and advocate for others on their road to recovery. She shares with us her history of childhood sexual abuse and medical trauma, which set forth her journey in learning to cope with her pain. After experiencing anorexia, an opioid addiction, and many intense emotions, Rachel is here with us today to share her story of acceptance. Acceptance of herself, of her emotions, and of her history. You can visit Rochel on her blog- https://midnight-musings.wixsite.com/midnight-musings --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Rivka Tauber is a writer, Torah educator, and public speaker who grew up in Crown Heights and recently made aliyah to Jerusalem. In this episode, Rivka shares her journey from the challenges of depression and the struggle of finding reasons to live to the wholeness she discovered in her connection with others, her relationship with G-d, in therapy, and so much more along the way. Thank G-d, today, she is free from the obsession over the future and is able to live in the present. Today, she helps others who are struggling and works to show up as her whole self. You can follow Rivka on instagram at instagram.com/rivkamakesaliyah. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Yankel Meislin is a sofer (Torah scribe), author, public speaker and mentor who lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with his wife and five children. To the casual observer, he looks like your typical Chabad rabbi, spending his day in prayer, holy work, and raising a family. While that may be true now, there was a time when Yankel's identity couldn't be more of a contradiction to what it is today. Yankel grew up in a small town in Long Island, NY. As a physically small child with a unique personality and ideas, he was the target of school bullies for many years. Deeply unhappy and anxious, he turned to weed, alcohol, and other drugs as a way to self-medicate and soothe his battered sense of self. Eventually, his drug habit grew to be too expensive to cover with his high school allowance money. That's when Yankel turned first to stealing, which soon became unsustainable, and eventually to dealing drugs, which came along with handling weapons, associating with mafia members, and engaging in dangerous behaviors. It wasn't until Yankel was forced to flee from threats to his life that he truly committed to rehab and AA gatherings, where he discovered religion, spirituality, and a new direction in life. Now, Yankel joins us on the Neshamos Podcast to share his story of leaving his personal exile, which included addiction, bullying, drug dealing, violence, and constant running, to find his redemption in sobriety, accountability, happiness, fulfillment, and peace. Today, Yankel has been sober for 14 years. “I firmly believe that everything that I went through from the day I was born until today is in the service of helping someone else,” Yankel reflects. “Otherwise, why would I have gone through such crazy things? And since that's the way I view it, I must pass it on in order to help someone else.” Yankel can be reached via Whatsapp at 718-714-8201 or at btbh770@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Meet Tzipora Zelmanowitz, a recovering Love Addict. Tzipora, a practicing attorney who lives in Queens, New York, has been in recovery from her love addiction for 5.5 years. Her journey into the world of recovery began after years of unsuccessful dating, when she eventually began to wonder… why weren't things working? Why was she dating the kind of men she didn't actually want to marry? Were things supposed to be this hard? As she started looking within, she began to understand that she struggled with addiction—specially, an addiction to love. “The turning point was me realizing that there's something wrong with me needing to be different with every person I'm encountering,” Tziporah reflects. “I didn't know what I liked or how I was going to show up as a spouse in a relationship…. I was going to be whoever my husband wanted me to be.” Now, years later, after attending therapy and a 12-step program,Tziporah joins us to discuss the pain of carrying a constant, insatiable need for love, validation, and acceptance, the fear of rejection that came along with that, and her recovery from love addiction and codependency. Today, she's building self-love and acceptance, and inspiring and educating others to do the same. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Nechamy Rabin, a high-powered, upbeat mom of three who has her Masters Degree and works in Special Education, is not the kind of person you'd imagine would cry over a parking spot. Growing up in Pittsburgh in a large family, Nechamy always knew she wanted to have a large family of her own someday. “It couldn't be that hard,” Nechamy recalls thinking. “Everyone looks great pushing their Bugaboos up Kingston Avenue.” For the most part, things worked out after her first child. But after the birth of her second, “I went from functional to completely not functional. I remember crying because I couldn't find parking.' Now, Nechamy joins the Neshamos Podcast to share her story of experiencing, overcoming, and growing from Postpartum Depression. Eventually, Nechamy's husband urged her to seek support. With the help of medication and a qualified therapist, Nechamy worked through her PPD and gained skills and perspective to help her thrive. Today, Nechamy is an advocate for women's mental health and is passionate about educating women about Postpartum depression and mental wellness. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Shiri Kornblit joins the Neshamos Podcast to share her story of surviving traumatic early childhood loss of a parent, the coping mechanisms she developed as a result, and her process of learning and recovery as she began healing from helplessness and many patterns of unhealthy behaviors including addiction to drugs and alcohol. As an adult, Shiri joined Alcoholics Anonymous and eventually became a baalat teshuva. Today, she lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and two children and works as an emergency room Physician's Assistant. Shiri was an active volunteer with The Gedalya Society during the height of Covid and continues to give back to the Crown Heights community. “I'm sharing my experiences so that anyone who is currently suffering (or who has a family member who is suffering) from addiction or self-destructive patterns and behaviors who needs to hear this can hear a message of, ‘there is a way out'. This isn't a hopeless state of mind and body.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Shloimy Fuchs was born and bred in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and currently serves as a mashpia in Yeshivas Bais Menachem of Wilkes Barre (now located in the Poconos). In this episode of the Neshamos podcast, Shloimy talks about his struggles with anxiety, addiction, and low self esteem. In his younger years, he was a “problem student” who was expelled from yeshiva and spent time on the streets shoplifting and committing petty crimes. Later, he sought comfort in alcohol, relationships, and a party lifestyle, which only led him further away from his true self. In this episode, Shloimy takes us along on his journey through different Yeshivas, different stages of religious commitment, and his growth along the way. With the help of therapy, meditation, Alcoholics Anonymous, and supportive mashpias and friends, Shloimy turned his life around and began living a conscious, meaningful, and proactive life. Today he continues to grow and maintain his mental and spiritual health and helps others do the same. “It’s doing the work, taking the steps,” Shloimy reflects. “It’s a daily avodah and it brings you closer to yourself and to the truth. It’s a blessing to have these tools that I can use to heal myself.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Today, Sarah Rivkah is comfortable with who she is and uses her own experience with childhood loss to help others who are going through similar situations. Her annual shabbaton for children who have lost a parent gathers some 225 children from all over the world and gives them an opportunity to make friends, heal, and grow together. You can find Sarah Rivkah on Instagram at instagram.com/links_shlomiesclub or via her website, www.wereinittogether.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Elka (Malamud) Cabacov is a yoga teacher and Psychology student born and bred in Chicago, where she currently resides with her husband and daughter. For years, Elka struggled with Bulimia/Binge Eating Disorder that first began when she attended seminary in Israel. As she struggled with restrictive eating habits and bingeing compulsions, she began to understand that at the root of her unhealthy behaviors were underlying emotions and a sense of disconnect. What followed were years of ups and downs as she delved deeper into her inner self, weathered bouts of depression and disordered eating, and began the journey toward healing. Over time, Elka utilized self-help tools such as journaling, meditation, mindfulness techniques and talk therapy to discover the wholeness within that became the foundation for her eventual recovery. Today, Elka is an assistant facilitator for group Psychotherapy sessions at a residential recovery facility and has launched her own organization called Soul Substance, which helps members foster healthy relationships with their bodies. You can learn more about Soul Substance or contact Elka by visiting her website, soulsubstance.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Rochel Spangenthal is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and writer from North Carolina. At a young age, Rochel’s family made the transition to a religious lifestyle, becoming Baalei Teshuva and joining the Chabad community. Rochel took her religious responsibilities seriously, determined to be the perfect daughter and student and aspired toward a relationship with a man befitting her religious status. She was scrupulous in her Torah observance, carefully maintaining her distance from men as she sought a “good” shidduch (match). As an adult, Rochel experienced sexual assault and began questioning everything: herself, her relationship with G-d, her status as a religious Jew, her future and any future relationships. She believed she was “ruined.” Rochel was told she had to hide her story and be ashamed of what had happened to her so that it wouldn’t impact her reputation and her shidduch chances. In this episode, Rochel relates how her experience launched the beginning of her journey toward growth and healing. She talks about how she shared her story with others, and the reactions she received as a result. Now, Rochel has integrated her story into who she is today and uses it to drive herself forward. She has learned that she has an untouchable, innate purity regardless of her circumstances. “Bad things happen and we can’t go back, but we can choose how we go forward,” she concludes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

In this episode of The Neshamos Podcast, Mushky Rosenfeld talks about growing up with an anxiety disorder, severe eating disorder, her experience in recovery centers and how her recovery has impacted and continues to impact her life today. There's so much to learn from this hour-long conversation! Catch up on past Neshamos Podcast episodes at neshamos.org/interviewed --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Schneur Lakein is a Miami-based entrepreneur who grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. At three years old, Schneur lost his mother, and his father passed away just twenty years later. As a result, Schneur struggled with feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and a desperate need to prove his strength and independence to both himself and others. As he progressed first through primary and high school and later on to the Israeli army, he began to understand how his mindset, self-beliefs, and inability to open up were limiting everything from his performance to his relationships and ultimately his quality of life. A self-development workshop proved to be a major turning point for Schneur. At the age of 26, he began to let go of his victim mentality, transform his perspectives, and choose to live consciously. Today, Schneur focuses on self-growth and creating his own identity. “When you choose to accept what happened to you, you have power,” he reflects. “You are no longer a victim of an unchangeable past.” His message? “You’re bigger than your circumstances, whatever they may be, and nothing is beyond your reach. Whatever hole you’re in, you can dig your way out by choosing your life exactly the way it is, every single day.” We’d like to give a special shoutout to Schneur, who was one of our very first guests here at Neshamos.org back when we launched the organization with our first-ever event in MONTH YEAR. At the time, he took the stage to share his story in front of a crowd of hundreds of people, setting a precedent and shattering stigmas around mental health. You can watch the full video of his speech here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzAAb3xWi5coYtWciFy9MgwvsoU8hF258 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Growing up, Rachel (Ruchi) Lebowitz felt misunderstood and unheard. She struggled both at home and in school, secretly harming herself and, in her own words, attempting to make herself “smaller.” When Ruchi got married, she thought she’d “made it.” It quickly became apparent, however, that her husband had a serious gambling addiction. In addition to the problems his addiction inflicted on their marriage, they two could barely stay afloat financially. As Ruchi sought help for her husband’s addiction, she discovered that she struggled with codependency, feelings of low self-worth, and more. Instead of placing the blame solely on her husband, she learned that she had to focus on growing and repairing herself, first. After years of therapy and work, Ruchi and her husband gained the tools they needed in order to grow, heal, and ultimately build a strong marriage. “The beauty of growth is that once you get over the big, painful jump, growth becomes something subtle, painless, and beautiful. The healthier you become, the easier the growth and change become, too,” Ruchi shares. Neshamos.org would like to wish Ruchi and her husband a warm Mazal Tov on the birth of their son, Gaddy, who was born just after this podcast was recorded. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

A short snippet from the episode dropping this Sunday i.y.h. (November 8th) at 6pm. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Rabbi Avremi Zippel grew up on shlichus in Salt Lake City, Utah. Zippel is a survivor of child sexual abuse, something he kept secret for a long time. After getting married, moving on shlichus, and becoming a father, he eventually chose to go public with his story, impacting hundreds of people and becoming an advocate for mental health and survivors of sexual abuse in the process. In this episode, Rabbi Zippel opens up about his internal experiences, how his self-image shaped his experience and outlook, and how he healed and learned to reconnect with himself and with G-d. “When you get to a position where your experiences can provide something for someone else, it is the single greatest blessing you can hope to attain as a human being,” Zippel reflects. His goal is to inspire and lend strength to other survivors of sexual abuse--and this episode is a powerful step in that direction for those with a similar experience to his. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Singer/Songwriter/Rabbi Yossi Rodal of Carlesbad, CA talks about losing his sister at the age of 12, struggling with the feelings of loss and grief, coming to the realization that he needed help to heal, and eventually embarking on the road toward healing and using his music as a tool toward that end. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

“Growing up, I didn’t smile much.” Chaim Gutleizer’s story starts with that—and ends with him becoming the youngest person ever to become a certified grief recovery specialist. How did Chaim make this transition? As a survivor of bullying, Chaim spent years battling feelings of loneliness and unhappiness. After experiencing bullying at the hands of a teacher, Chaim left his elementary school and switched to Darchai Menachem, the first place where he enjoyed positive chinuch. Eventually, he used his experience to enter into grief recovery, become a specialist in the subject, and steer his life in the direction of his choice. Today, he smiles a whole lot more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Meet Rabbi Velvel Lipskier.In the latest episode of the Neshamos Podcast, Velvel opens up about being diagnosed and living with Manic Depression Bipolar Type 2 Disorder and traits of Borderline and Dependence personality Disorders.Velvel has also experienced the pain of Suicidal Ideation, but thank G-d he is here today and is here to share his story and help others. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Growing up in the foster care system, Freidel Levin of Mimulo Floral & Event Design always craved a "normal" life. She spent years believing she didn't deserve the things she needed. Eventually, she learned to connect with herself, and thereby connected with G-d. Hear her tell her story in her own words. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

For years, comedian Chani Lisbon used alcohol as a coping mechanism to help her survive daily living not feeling good enough and ashamed, not even knowing that she was actually a survivor of trauma, until she finally discovered a new way to appreciate and enjoy life without having to turn to the bottle. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Growing up on Shlichus in Queens, NY, Moshe Hecht found himself straddling two worlds. At home, in Queens, he was "that Lubavitcher," while in the Chabad community, he never quite fit in. A high-energy student, he often found himself penalized for acting out in class. It wasn't until he hit his thirties that he first put names to feelings and behaviors that had been plaguing him all his life: ADHD, and depression. "I discovered I'd been suffering from depression my whole life," Moshe muses. "At times I'd be low on the scale of depression, and other times I'd be high." When he went through a particularly bad period of depression where he found himself unable to get out of bed in the morning, his wife did what he called "the best thing a spouse could do to someone in my situation" and kicked him out of the house. Having hit rock bottom, Moshe set out on a journey of healing and self-discovery. With the help of the right medication and qualified mental health professionals, Moshe began the laborious work of pulling himself out of depression. "Today, I can look at my depression from a distance," Moshe says. "It doesn't completely overtake me. I still get depressed at times, but I don't feel completely hopeless. I can visualize it from a distance and come up with a solution... My number one priority is dealing with my mental health." --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

When Yosef Eichenblatt got married and moved on shlichus to serve as a local Rabbi in Jerusalem, things seemed to work out perfectly--except they didnt. As a teen, Yosef had started drinking socially. What had been a "fun," recreational activity quickly became a crutch that Yosef relied on to help him get through his challenging responsibilities as a Rabbi. After seeking help, he was prescribed Valium and Ritalin, but the drinking continued. It wasn't until things came to a head and Yosef came to terms with the fact that he did, indeed, have an alcohol problem that he began the work of turning his life around. Today, Yosef joins Coach Moishe on the Neshamos podcast to share his story of finding serenity and embracing a new lifestyle as he celebrates 5 years of sobriety this week. “Everybody goes through stuff. We’re Chassidim, Jews, brother, sisters--so why not share?! Let's beak that culture of going through problems and keeping them under the rug.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support

Growing up, Herschel Stevens was your typical Chabad yeshiva boy. But behind the facade of the studious, smart yeshiva bochur lived a traumatized child who was struggling with a history of sexual abuse, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts.In this podcast, Herschel opens up about his experience, including the words that changed his life, the people and social systems that helped him fight through his trauma, his experience with therapy and tips for those struggling with mental health issues."Nothing's going to get better if you don't get the ball rolling, and I think opening up is the first step."   Adding text --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/neshamos-podcast/support