In this powerful episode, marketing expert, comedian, and mother of two, Joan Wiener, takes us on a deeply personal journey through her life. She shares her experiences of growing up in a conservative Jewish home on Long Island, facing the profound loss of her mother at just six years old, grappling with her religious identity, losing her roommate in a bus bombing, navigating a broken engagement, and battling infertility.

Joan’s wit and resilience shine through it all, demonstrating how humor can be a source of strength even in the darkest moments.

If you’d like to continue the conversation with Joan, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, or her website.

00:00 - Meet Joan Wiener Levin

01:37 Joan's Childhood and Family Background

02:53 - The Loss of Joan's Mother

10:09 - Joan's Path to Becoming a Comedian

16:02 - Joan's Religious Journey

24:07 - Finding Love and Marriage

27:48 - A Traumatic Experience in Israel

29:18 - Graduate School and the Pull to Israel

31:17 - Navigating Personal Tragedy and Relationships

36:31 - Life in San Francisco During the Dot-Com Boom

39:09 - Challenges and Joys of Parenthood

42:48 - The Journey of Aliyah

48:00 - Struggles with Judaism and Personal Beliefs

*For updates and conversations about these episodes, follow me at @talesoftamar on Instagram.

You can also reach out to Tamar@tales-of.com with questions, comments, or inquiries, and/or check out my website tales-of.com to learn more about who I am and what I do.

** Please note that from November 11th until December 31st, Anything But Traditional is having a sale on podcast ads - $25 for a 30-second ad. Be in touch if interested!

Thank you for listening!