As the High Holidays approach, many of us gather with family, see old friends at shul, and catch up on a year’s worth of life. But for those who don’t fit the “expected” mold—singles, people without children, divorced or widowed individuals, single parents—these moments can feel isolating instead of uplifting. In this episode, Dr. Aimee Baron sits down with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen, who recently launched "Kol Echad," an Orthodox Union initiative to make sure no one in our community is overlooked or left behind. Together, they talk about: Rabbi Motzen's background and how/why he came into this work. How so many people feel unseen in Jewish communal life, and how "Kol Echad" aims to fix it Simple and practical suggestions that synagogues, hosts, and individuals can make to be more inviting and inclusive Impressing upon people that we all need to be involved in this to make a difference This conversation is both honest and hopeful, reminding us that true community is built not only at the family table but also in the act of making space for each other—especially those carrying unseen stories. Whether you’re someone who has felt “forgotten,” or someone who wants to do better at seeing others, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and a path forward. Mentions: Unmatched by Sarah Lavane More about Rabbi Yisrael Motzen: Rabbi Yisrael Motzen is the rabbi of Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Congregation in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as special assistant to the executive vice presidents of the Orthodox Union and is also the director of Kol Echad, a new OU department dedicated to creating communities where every single person matters. Sign up for the Kol Echad E-Magazine here Connect with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen: - Follow him on Instagram - Connect with Kol Echad on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
What happens when life doesn’t unfold the way you thought it would? When the hopes you once held close—marriage, children, grandchildren—don’t materialize, or take a completely unexpected path? In this powerful episode, we share the stories of three extraordinary women who bravely open up about their deeply personal experiences of waiting, grieving, and finding meaning in places they never expected. Rachel made the decision to stop trying after years of heartbreaking fertility treatments. Even though the choice was hers, it still hurts, and sometimes in the moments she least expects it (like shul dinners- this was NOT what I expected her to say). Tzipora, a single woman, vulnerably shares that a lot of her pain comes from younger family members who get married and have kids while she is still waiting. Seeing others move forward with their lives, while she is still stuck as the "cool auntie," is just so hard. Peri will never be a grandmother, and she is okay with that. But it's when other people start to brag about the newest baby in their family, or when she needs to put on a brave face for too long, it just becomes too much. More about Rachel Honeyman: Rachel Honeyman has been involved with IWSTHAB since its early days — first as a recipient of support, then as a board member. Rachel and her husband, Tzvi Doron, are childless-not-by-choice after a painful, 5+ year infertility journey, about which they've both written and spoken publicly (including in Instalives and podcasts for IWSTHAB). While motherhood isn't in the cards for Rachel, she gains great comfort in being able to give back to the IWSTHAB community. Rachel has a Master's in English, runs a marketing and web design agency called HoneyBeBold, and is a martial artist and women's self-defense instructor. She lives in Long Island, NY. Connect with Rachel: - Follow her on Instagram - Visit her website here More about Tzipora Grodko, LMSW: Tzipora Grodko is a dynamic public speaker, psychotherapist, and coach who inspires audiences across the Jewish world with powerful messages of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Her viral talk, Things Shadchanim Should Know, reframed the “shidduch crisis” with a more compassionate lens, making her a leading voice in single advocacy. Ranked as the #1 Meaningful People episode of 2022, Tzipora has since traveled globally, speaking at schools, organizations, and events on topics like mental health, leadership, and breaking societal stigmas. She recently launched Stories of Hope, the first Orthodox podcast of its kind, featuring extraordinary stories of unexpected love. Through her work, she continues to inspire deeper understanding, broader possibilities, and a future filled with support and hope. Connect with Tzipora: - Follow her on Instagram - Visit her website here More about Peri Lyman: Songwriter, reading specialist, kugel maker extraordinaire Connect with Peri: -Follow her personal and Loaleinu Instagram accounts - Visit her website here - Feel free to reach out via email at: Perilyman@gmail.com Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
“I couldn’t have my child bearing years end with a dead baby” with Taliya Corbett This is a messy, complicated truth of what it means to carry both heartbreak and hope. After the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Ora, all Taliya could think was—“The only thing that will make me feel okay again is another baby.” But the road to pregnancy wasn’t simple. And even when she finally conceived, she didn’t feel joy. Or hope. Or love. This episode is for anyone who's been told that a new baby will "fix it"—and then finds themselves drowning in guilt when it doesn’t feel that way at all. Because love after loss is not always immediate. And healing isn’t always linear. And sometimes you need some medicine to help with the anxiety too More about Taliya Corbett: Homeschooling mom of five and one angel always in her heart. Taliya is a stillbirth warrior turned storyteller who shares her wild, sacred, and unfiltered journey through motherhood, faith, grief, and healing. From iced coffee-fueled chaos to deep spiritual reflections, she invites you into a life that’s messy, meaningful, and magnetic. Connect with Taliya: - Follow her on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
Renowned Jewish matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom joins us for a raw and honest conversation about the intersection of egg freezing and dating. We get into the pressure, the judgment, and the impossible choices many women face—whether they want to freeze, don’t want to, or simply can’t. Aleeza also shares how this shows up in the dating world: men asking about egg freezing before a first date, when (or if) to bring it up in the dating process, and what real support looks like from friends and family. Whether you’re navigating this yourself or walking alongside someone who is, listen with an open heart…people are struggling and we don’t need to add pressure to this already difficult time in people’s lives. More about Aleeza Ben Shalom: Aleeza Ben Shalom is the renowned globe-trotting Jewish Matchmaker, who captivated audiences worldwide with her highly popular Netflix show, "Jewish Matchmaking," reaching millions of viewers across 130 countries. She continues to wow audiences worldwide with her in-person and virtual appearances and has recently published her third book, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me A Love That Lasts.” To date, she has successfully helped thousands of people get married, and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches Connect with Aleeza: - Follow her on Instagram - Check out her website Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
In this anonymous and deeply moving episode, a woman shares the story she never imagined would be hers. She always thought getting pregnant would be a struggle, but when it finally happened naturally (and it was twins!), there were mixed emotions... because she and her husband both carry a serious genetic disorder. And that meant there was a possibility the babies might be affected. What follows is a harrowing journey of diagnostic testing, endless waiting, and pain. This is a story about maternal love, medical complexity, and emotional devastation. About the babies she chose to protect, even if it meant letting them go. About what life looks like after, and how a single question—“How many kids do you have?”—can carry a thousand invisible layers. She speaks straight to the hearts of those who’ve faced impossible choices, and to the people who want to support them but don’t know how. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s a necessary one. Content warning: This episode includes discussions of TFMR (termination for medical reasons), genetic illness, and pregnancy loss. Mentions: Jscreen Genetic testing Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
In this raw and real conversation, we sit down with a therapist and mom of four who opens up about what it was like to fall apart just when everything looked “fine.” She shares the unexpected crash of antenatal depression during her third pregnancy, the challenge of diagnosing herself when she’s supposed to be the expert, and how she finally got the help she needed. We talk about receiving a BRCA+ diagnosis after her mother’s cancer, deciding to undergo a preventive mastectomy (with a hysterectomy still to come), and grieving the loss of future fertility. Julia also reflects on how her view of G-d has shifted from religious anxiety and bargaining to a more grounded kind of faith, and why posting honestly on social media became her lifeline. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “hold it together,” questioned your faith, or wondered how anyone survives the chaos of being human—this episode is for you. Topics include: - What antenatal depression can actually look like (even when you’re a therapist) - Getting a BRCA+ diagnosis and making hard decisions - Letting go of the fantasy of more children - Religious anxiety, fear, and finding balance - How humor and public storytelling became part of her healing - Control, or lack thereof—and learning to live with it Mentions: Sharsheret and Chai Lifeline More about Julia Makowsky: Grew up in Los Angeles moved to New York for school where I was set up with my husband. I have a masters degree in social work and have been working in the field for over 13 years. I am a mom of 4 children and reside in the five towns. Recently I was diagnosed with BRCA1 where I have been navigating what is the best course of action for myself and my family. Connect with Julia: - Follow her on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
“I finally wanted this baby—and then I lost her.” In this heartbreaking and brave conversation, Hasidic Hipster Girl Sarah Guigue shares the story behind her stillbirth with honesty, vulnerability, and warmth. It's filled with hope, loss, and survival, told with stunning courage. Sarah grew up carrying adult responsibilities from a young age. Taking care of her siblings, holding the household together, she longed for freedom. So when she got married, she felt relief. Independence. And for a long time, no desire to have children. It took years of healing and hard work before she finally felt ready. And then came the pregnancy. It was complicated, filled with uncertainty—but also faith. Sarah deeply believed things would be okay. She and her husband saw many doctors, and were prepared for every possibility. Still, nothing could prepare them for the day they lost their baby. In this episode, Sarah opens up, raw, beautiful, and utterly unfiltered, about the complicated emotions around becoming a mother after childhood parentification, the day she gave birth and said goodbye, and how she copes when the grief feels unbearable. More about Sarah Guigue: Sarah Encaoua Guigue is a passionate coach, educator, writer, MC, and content creator devoted to living and sharing the light of Chassidus. Through her platform Hassidic Hipster Girl, she brings deep spiritual ideas into relatable, modern conversation—infusing daily life with meaning, joy, and connection to Hashem. Driven by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s vision of Dira Betachtonim—making a dwelling place for Hashem here in the physical world, Sarah guides women & girls from stuck to soul-aligned through her 1:1 coaching, and various offerings. She can be reached via Instagram DMs @hassidic.hipster.girl Connect with Sarah Guigue: - Follow her on Instagram - View Sarah's additional content Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
What happens when you do everything "right," but life doesn’t follow the script? In this deeply honest conversation, Bianca Jade—a 46-year-old Jewish Latina woman—shares the winding, emotional path of her fertility journey. From freezing her eggs in her late 30s after a much-needed push from her therapist, to getting married at 44 and diving headfirst into trying to conceive, Bianca opens up about the pain of two miscarriages, the complexity of waiting, and the quiet grief of time passing. We talk about what it means to take control - switching clinics, finding coaching - and what it means to surrender. Surrendering to uncertainty. To the reality of not having a baby yet. And even to the possibility that a baby might never come. Bianca reflects on the deep spiritual work she’s done (with the help of teachers like Jackie Glaser), the questions she's had to sit with, and how she’s found joy and meaning in a life that looks different than she once imagined. This episode is for anyone navigating fertility with a timeline that doesn’t match everyone else’s—and for anyone who's learning how to live fully, with or without children. Mentions: The Joy of Later Motherhood: Your Natural Path to Healthy Babies Even in Your 40's by Bettina Gordon-Wayne "Joy - The Birth of IVF" a Netflix series Practioner Aimee Raupp Rejuvenating Fertility Center More about Bianca Jade: Bianca Jade is a leading beauty, fitness and integrative lifestyle influencer, TV Host and wellness personality. She’s known for her personal blog Mizzfit.com, where wellness meets style. As a Latin-American entrepreneur and TV/internet personality, Bianca shares her life experiences navigating the health & wellness world with audiences across the nation and amongst her half a million follows on social media. Bianca has appeared on outlets such as Today Show, CBS Morning News, Dr. Oz, Banfield, and regional affiliates across the country. Bianca is also a beauty expert and educator, and lifestyle guest host on HSN. She shares her health & beauty tips with publications like New Beauty magazine as a contributor (in both English and Spanish) and travels the world featuring wellness destinations for healthy travelers. In 2018, Bianca had the foresight to do an egg retrieval and shared her experience online. “My Egg Freezing Story” quickly went viral on Youtube, inspiring fertility awareness online and in the media. At 45, Bianca officially started her IVF journey and uses her social platforms to advocate for fertility education, wellness and community. Her latest exciting venture is “Primed for Pregnancy” Retreat which provides women with all the resources, information, and coaching needed to navigate their own fertility journey with confidence. Bianca is currently working on her first book about Fertility Wellness and Mental Health. "I started IVF when I was 38 years old by freezing my eggs at the suggestion of my therapist, who I'm eternally grateful to. Never knew if I would actually get married or have a family but just didn't want to live with any regrets. At 44 I got married, and a few months before our wedding we visited my IVF doctor to just check-in and tell him that we wanted to fertilize soon. I remember him telling me to "hurry up" and even "to do it before the wedding" but I just felt like I had a lot of time on my hands...which kind of makes me laugh now. Less than 2 months after our wedding, I was pregnant naturally. And less than 2 months later, I had miscarried. Here I was going through the real deal fertility journey and learning that "yes, I was part of a statistic now". For a year I couldn't conceive and then this past Feb, I got pregnant! We surprised my parents at a fancy dinner with the news, only to find out 2 weeks later that we lost the baby again. This is where I stop typing and take a long breadth because all I know is that this journey is not easy for everyone including myself but I refuse to give up until it's time to make a shift. I have 2 embryos left and I'm well aware that I'm at the end of my opportunity of having biological children. I have made peace with that. What I've learned is the most important thing to me is to be a mother. The person I was before I started this journey is not who I am today, 2 losses later. I'm a very strong woman who is here to put it all on the table and help other women not make the same mistakes I did. Thank you for inviting me on your podcast! xo" Connect with Bianca Jade: - Follow her on Instagram - Check out the Primed for Pregnancy retreat Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michael Neuman, LCSW joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -his own personal fertility journey -his clinical work -what it’s like for men to carry invisible grief, societal pressure, and silence—all while being expected to "be strong" -the emotional toll of fertility journeys and loss on men -what it looks like when men are struggling and what actually helps (and what really doesn’t) when you’re trying to support a partner More about Michael: Michael Neuman, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist based in Miami and Hollywood, seeing kids and young adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and paternal mental health. He is the founder of Ji4Life, a nonprofit that helps kids and teens with physical challenges compete in extreme races and trains weekly at the Jewish Leadership Academy. A dedicated athlete, Michael has competed on American Ninja Warrior twice, a winner on CBS’s Million Dollar Mile, and appeared on Amazon Prime’s Beast Games. He lives in Florida with his wife and daughter. Connect with Michael: -Follow him on Instagram -Check out the Instagram page for Ji4Life -Join his Father Postpartum Support Group Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaz Naor joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -the raw and remarkable story of how he became a father through surrogacy -the emotional complexities, logistical challenges, financial hurdles, and moments of deep joy that shaped his path to parenthood -what led him to pursue fatherhood on his own -the decision to use surrogacy and the entire process from choosing an egg donor to the moment his daughter was born -how Jewish tradition community played a role in his journey -the hope and strength required along the way -what he wants other men, queer folks, and Jewish families to know about nontraditional paths to parenthood More about Chaz: Chaz Naor is a native New Yorker, an active member of the Jewish LGBTQ+ community, a dedicated higher education professional, a passionate theater producer and avid theatergoer—and, above all, a devoted solo dad to his one-year-old daughter, Lia. As if he weren’t busy enough, Chaz recently joined Ivy Fertility as a consultant, partnering with intended parents to demystify the surrogacy process and support them in building families of their own. For Chaz, sharing his surrogacy story isn’t just personal—it feels essential. He knows there are so many gay men who dream of becoming fathers but feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even scared to take the leap. By being open about his story, Chaz hopes to break down those barriers, show what’s possible, and give others the confidence to pursue the family they deserve. Connect with Chaz: -Read an article about Chaz -Follow him on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jordana Brown joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her journey becoming a frum single mother by choice -the unexpected path that led her here and how she never imagined this would be her story -the emotional toll of letting go of “the plan” and the strength it took to move forward anyway -the moment the decision became real, egg freezing, the heartbreak of multiple pregnancy losses, and the incredible strength she had to keep trying -how people judged, supported, misunderstood, and sometimes surprised her—and what she wishes others understood about this path If you’ve ever felt like your life looks different than you thought it would—or if you’re wondering what it means to choose motherhood on your own terms—this one is for you. This is a special mother's day episode - for all the mothers out there who fought desperately, year after year, to have a child. More about Jordana: Jordana is a single mom living with her yummy daughter Amalia in Israel. She made Aliyah from Queens, NY in 2014, started out in Jerusalem and moved to Tel Aviv seven years ago. After getting her Master’s in speech pathology, Jordana hasn’t practiced in 10 years and now works in marketing. Jordana enjoys wine nights, reads voraciously and lives for European travel and her Friday brunches- none of these activities have happened since Amalia came on the scene. But she’s worth it. Connect with Jordana: -Follow her on Instagram -Check out her blog Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sarah Ickovitz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her powerful story of navigating remarriage, discovering genetic challenges, and turning to IVF with genetic testing -the emotional impact of learning you carry a genetic condition -how she was able to make it through all the hard moments in the process -what helps her stay focused and stay positive through it all This is a moving conversation about what it means to rebuild, reimagine family, and keep going with courage. More about Sarah: -Sarah is a remarried Mom of 4. She has 1 IVF baby and 1 on the way. Inspiring others that true happiness does exist. Connect with Sarah: -Follow her on Instagram -Send her an email Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jessica Zucker, PhD, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her new book, “Normalize It” -how she expands her lens to address a multitude of challenges that women face- that so often make them stay silent -how to speak about the uncomfortable to help make you feel less alone (even though I hate that phrase- listen to hear why!) More about Dr. Zucker: Dr. Zucker specializes in reproductive and maternal mental health, which means she primarily works with women who are contemplating or struggling with pregnancy, pregnancy and infant loss, pregnancy after loss, pregnancy ambivalence, during transitions in motherhood, prenatal and postpartum adjustments, birth trauma, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and in the midst of relationship challenges after the birth or loss of a child. In her critically acclaimed, groundbreaking book I Had a Miscarriage, Jessica Zucker boldly exposed the silence, stigma, and shame that surround pregnancy loss and demonstrated the need to normalize conversations around painful reproductive events that too often go unspoken. In Normalize It, Zucker expands her lens to address a multitude of challenges women face—from girlhood, body image, motherhood, reproductive choice, sexual trauma, menopause, and more—that so often incite shame and overwhelming cultural pressure to stay silent. Based on patient stories, coupled with cutting-edge psychological research, Zucker fearlessly shares her insights into the shame and stigma that shroud so many women’s experiences and explores the liberation that can follow when we get vulnerable and talk about the hard stuff. Connect with Dr. Zucker: -Check out her new book, Normalize It -Take a look at her website -Follow her on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Estie Rose, MS, CGC, Heather Hipp, MD, and Gail Heyman, join Aimee Baron, MD for the second episode of our 5-part IWSTHAB x JSCREEN Podcast series is all about Fragile X. When people think of genetic testing before pregnancy, they often think of Tay-Sachs or cystic fibrosis—but Fragile X is just as important and far less understood. In this episode, Estie Rose and Dr. Heather Hipp explain the difference between recessive and X-linked conditions, what it means to be a Fragile X carrier, and how it can affect fertility and family planning. We also hear from Gail Heyman, who shares her deeply personal journey navigating Fragile X in her own family—and how that led her to advocacy. Whether you're building your family or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with insight, honesty, and heart. -Click here to watch Part 1: Introduction to Genetics and Infertility More about Estie: Estie Rose is a certified genetic counselor at jscreen. She has a special interest in community education and serves as a resource for individuals who are facing genetic health issues. Connect with Estie: -Follow her on Instagram More about Heather: Dr. Heather Hipp is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) physician and an Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University and then her MD degree at Emory University, where she continued her training in residency and fellowship. She is the Program Director for the REI fellowship at Emory and serves as chair for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Education Committee. Her profession memberships include American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society. She is also on the National Fragile X Foundation Scientific and Clinical Advisory Committee. Her research focuses on women who are carriers for the fragile X mutation and their risk of premature ovarian insufficiency, as well as trends and outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States. More about Gail: Gail Heyman is a passionate advocate and leader in the Fragile X community. After her son was diagnosed in 1989, she co-founded the Fragile X Association of Georgia and has served as its director ever since. Her family’s experience—spanning three generations affected by Fragile X conditions—fuels her tireless work to raise awareness, promote research, and support others navigating similar challenges. Gail also serves on JScreen’s advisory board and has received national recognition for her leadership in genetic advocacy and inclusion. -Click here to learn more about Gail's story -Check out Carly Heyman's book, My eXtra Special Brother -Learn more about Fragile X here Connect with JScreen: -Visit their website -Coupon Code: IWSTHAB18 for $18 off initial testing (no expiration date on this offer) -Follow JScreen on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shirel Korobkin, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her deeply personal fertility journey -the stillbirth she experienced four years ago, a recent miscarriage, and the ongoing pain and resilience that define life after loss -the powerful parallels between her own struggles and the journey of the Jewish people in Egypt -what it means to seek liberation while still walking through grief -tangible ways to care for yourself and “fill your cup” this holiday season—especially if your heart feels heavy during a time that celebrates freedom and renewal More about Shirel: Shirel, with a background in colour management and graphic communications, made Aliyah (moved) to Israel in 2020. During her first few months as a new immigrant (olah chadashah), Shirel discovered she was pregnant. After a healthy pregnancy, at 26 weeks, Shirel found out there was no heartbeat and had to deliver her baby. Shirel felt she had no one to turn to for support. Shortly after her loss she moved to a remote city with no English-speaking resources, friends, or family, which created a void for the support she desperately sought. She found IWSTHAB who helped guide her through her loss, a pregnancy after that loss (PAL), and eventually welcoming a healthy rainbow baby. Shirel currently resides in Harish, Israel, and is very involved with developing events and support for the English-speaking community there. She is very grateful to be working with IWSTHAB and looks forward to giving back to the very same community that helped her through her most difficult moments. Shirel understands the challenges new immigrants and members of English-speaking communities face while navigating their fertility journeys in Israel and looks forward to providing support with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Connect with Shirel: -Send her an email -Join one of Shirel's support groups Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Kasten RN, BSN, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -her deeply personal journey through antepartum and postpartum depression -hyperemesis gravidarum, and debilitating blood loss -the relentless storm that made daily life unbearable -how in the end, a hysterectomy was the only path forward, a choice that gave her back her health, her energy, and her sense of self -the grief that came along with her hysterectomy and the knowledge that there would be no more children More about Chaya: I'm a 35 year old mother of 2. I'm a nurse who's passionate about women's health and education in the Healthcare field. I made aliyah with my family as a 20 year old single girl. I went to nursing school in Netanya and met my husband who's American there. We lived there for a few years and moved back. I had to do the American nursing boards which I did in February 2020. After a couple of nursing jobs, I now work at a juvenile detention center which I really enjoy. I like decorating cake and cupcakes and have recently discovered the fun of resin. In sharing my story, I hope to give chizuk and help out even one person who feels alone. Connect with Chaya: -Send her an email Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Hott joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -grief, resilience, and the power of turning personal tragedy into a source of healing for others -her experience navigating secondary infertility, a devastating stillbirth, and an early loss -how each heartbreak deepened her grief and after years of heartbreak, pain and healing, she welcomed her rainbow baby, but her story didn’t end there -how she took her pain and transformed it into purpose -her journey of becoming a grief educator, dedicating herself to helping others navigate the unbearable weight of loss Chaya will be running our Second/Third Trimester Loss group and the new Recurrent Loss group, which will be starting in May 2025. More about Chaya: Chaya is a Certified Grief Educator, trained by renowned expert David Kessler, and a Certified Trauma Coach through Daniel Schonbuch at the Torah Psychology School for Coaching and Counseling. She founded Jewish Grief Groups to support bereaved women after the loss of a pregnancy, baby, child, parent, spouse, sibling, or loved one. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaya endured the stillbirth of her baby boy after a decade of infertility due to a medical condition. Months later, a miscarriage compounded her grief, leaving her isolated and lost—until she found IWSTHAB, whose support carried her through her losses and a subsequent pregnancy with her rainbow baby. Inspired by the healing she experienced, Chaya now helps others navigate grief with compassion and understanding. Chaya lives in Pomona, NY, with her husband, three children, and one forever in her heart. She finds joy in working out, hiking, and cake decorating. Connect with Chaya: -Send her an email Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Carly Joseph joins Aliza Konig, IWSTHAB's surrogacy consultant, to speak with Carly Joseph, to explore the deeply personal and emotional journey of surrogacy. From the initial struggles of building a family to the life-changing decision to pursue surrogacy, Carly is excited to normalize conversations around surrogacy and share her story in a vulnerable way in hopes that it will offer hope and comfort to others. They talk about... -the journey to parenthood before considering surrogacy -the emotions and uncertainties of choosing surrogacy -navigating the first steps—agency vs. independent surrogacy -building a relationship with a surrogate and staying connected throughout pregnancy -the highs, the doubts, and the life-changing moment of holding her baby -lessons learned and advice for intended parents -how this experience led to the creation of a surrogacy concierge business to support others on this path More about Carly: Carly Joseph is a surrogacy concierge helping Intended Parents match with the right surrogates quickly. Having navigated her own two surrogacy journeys, Carly knows firsthand how overwhelming the process can be. Her mission is to combine personal experience with established relationships to help make the path to parenthood smoother. Carly works with intended parents who are ready to explore surrogacy, providing real, personal support from someone who's been there. Through her comprehensive support package, she handles the complex parts so you can focus on the excitement of growing your family. Connect with Carly: -Follow her on Instagram -Send her an email -Check out her website Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aliza Abrams Konig joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -the complex and deeply personal journey of surrogacy—one that comes with unique challenges, especially within the Jewish community -the realities of surrogacy, the emotional and halachic considerations, and the questions that so many intended parents struggle with -finding a “kosher” surrogate—how hard is it, and what are the costs? Are grants available? -the emotional and relational aspects—how involved are partners, and how does that shape the bond with the baby? -preparing for someone else to carry your child—what if disagreements arise? -explaining surrogacy to your child—when and how to tell them, and do some parents choose not to? This conversation is honest, raw, and full of insight for anyone exploring surrogacy or supporting someone on this path. Whether you’re considering surrogacy yourself or just curious about the experience, this episode sheds light on the deeply personal and communal aspects of building a family through surrogacy. More about Aliza: Aliza Abrams Konig is the Director of Student Leadership at Yeshiva University. Throughout Aliza’s career, she has worked within areas of student life, team building, creating curricula, and enriching the experiences of thousands of students through Experiential Education. Earlier in Aliza's career she served as the YU Director of Alumni Engagement, Assistant Principal at Central, Yeshiva University High School for Girls, Director of Student Life at Stern College, and as the Director of Jewish Service Learning for the University, where she built the service learning curriculum and established chessed missions around the world. Aliza is a member of the inaugural Wexner Field Fellows program through the Wexner Foundation. She has spoken worldwide in synagogues, community centers, and schools about leadership, education, faith, prayer and issues related to the contemporary Jewish family, dating, infertility, surrogacy and family, and is a sought-after consultant on surrogacy. Aliza holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College, and a Master’s in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is now a doctoral candidate at Wurzweiler. Aliza, her husband Samuel, and their family live in Riverdale, New York, where they are very involved with their community, synagogue, and other local organizations. Connect with Aliza: -Send her an email Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Aliza Ancier joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about... -mindfulness and how this technique can ground people during times of stress or anxiety (hello fertility journey) -what mindfulness is and isn’t, some misconceptions, how she personally found it helpful after her loss stillbirth, and some practical suggestions on how to incorporate pieces of it into your own life -learning new ways to cope with the ups and downs *For practical solutions, jump to the end of the episode (36:21) More about Aliza: Dr. Aliza Ancier PT, DPT, PCES specializes in helping women navigate their motherhood journey. She has a doctorate in physical therapy with a special interest in maternal health and is a trained mindfulness teacher and educator. Aliza is a mother to three wonderfully rambunctious children at home and one of her twins, in her heart. Connect with Aliza: -Send her an email Connect with us: -Check out our Website - Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube