Your Unhinged Is My Success — CEO of Lifeway, Julie Smoly...

What this episode covers

Julie Smolyansky is the immigrant founder and CEO of Lifeway Kefir, who turned a family business into a category-defining wellness brand—and did a some truly unhinged things along the way to make it work. In this episode, we talk about our shared Russian-speaking Jewish heritage, grit, raising kids while scaling a company, and how Julie thinks about Jewish leadership and antisemitism today. Follow Julie Smolyansky on Instagram @juliesmolyansky and check out Lifeway Kefir wherever you buy your groceries! Support our work: buymeacoffee.com/peoplejewwannaknowWhat We Discuss: 00:00 Intro & Episode Agenda02:49 Immigrating to America & creation of Lifeway 15:14 Unhinged things Julie did to grow business & what she's learned31:06 What are Julie's kids up to? 35:00 On antisemitism 37:20 How did Julie find her mentors? 39:32 Julie's message to Jewish people44:08 Closing Remarks & Guest Nomination

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How long is this episode of People Jew Wanna Know?

This episode is 45 minutes long.

When was this People Jew Wanna Know episode published?

This episode was published on February 18, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Julie Smolyansky is the immigrant founder and CEO of Lifeway Kefir, who turned a family business into a category-defining wellness brand—and did a some truly unhinged things along the way to make it work. In this episode, we talk about our shared...

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