Talk2Tamara

This week on Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with saxophonist and 613 Music Academy founder Sarah Koussevitzky for a conversation about what happens when the identity you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears. Sarah spent years immersed in music, performing at jazz festivals, studying jazz at the University of Texas at Austin, and building a life around being a musician. Then COVID brought that world to a halt, and somewhere along the way, Sarah stopped playing, took down her websites, deleted pieces of her musical past, and eventually stopped calling herself a musician altogether. What followed was a journey of searching. Through Judaism, community, teaching, marriage, and eventually motherhood, Sarah continued to redefine who she was. But becoming a mother brought another unexpected identity shift, forcing her to confront the parts of herself she thought belonged to an old life and decide which ones she wanted back. Sarah shares how Jewish music ultimately helped reconnect her to the part of herself she had walked away from and inspired her to create 613 Music Academy, a space that brings together her love of jazz, Jewish music, education, and community. Tamara and Sarah also talk about burnout, hustle culture, learning to listen to yourself, letting go of labels, balancing ambition with motherhood, and realizing that growth doesn’t always require becoming someone new. Sometimes, it means finding your way back to who you’ve been all along. It’s a conversation about identity, faith, motherhood, music, and learning that every version of yourself can belong in the same story.

This week on Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with Isaac Rudansky, author, entrepreneur, andlifelong creative, to talk about the nearly decade-long journey that eventually led him to athree-book deal with Penguin Random House.Isaac’s story didn’t begin with a publishing deal. It began with hundreds of pages written in theearly hours of the morning, an editor telling him his manuscript simply wasn’t ready, and adecision to put it away. He went on to build a successful advertising business, start a family, andspend nearly nine years away from the book. But the feeling that he had started something andnever finished it never fully went away.When he finally returned to writing, the road wasn’t any easier. Isaac rewrote the manuscript,studied the craft, attended workshops, queried roughly 350 middle-grade literary agents, andfaced rejection after rejection. Even the agent he wanted most turned him down multiple times.Instead of accepting the no, Isaac kept refining the book and trying again.Eventually, the same agent who had previously passed on his work read the new manuscriptand wanted to represent him. That journey ultimately led to something Isaac had spent yearschasing: a three-book deal with Penguin Random House.But this conversation goes far beyond becoming a published author.Tamara and Isaac get candid about ambition, rejection, creativity, insecurity, growing up in acreative and religious home, the need for external validation, and why achieving the thing youthought would finally make you feel “enough” doesn’t necessarily stop you from searching forthe next thing.They also explore the power of what Isaac calls “idiotic optimism”: believing in somethingeven when the odds are stacked against you, being willing to look a little crazy while chasing it,and using that chip on your shoulder as motivation to keep going.This episode is about unfinished dreams, relentless persistence, and the complicatedrelationship between success and self-worth.Because sometimes the dream you put away is the exact one you’re supposed to come back to.

In this deeply personal episode of Talk2Tamara, Tamara sits down with Shelby Armstrong, aformer D1 athlete, fitness manager, and entrepreneur, for an honest conversation aboutrelationships, emotional abuse, resilience, and finding your way back to yourself.Shelby opens up about the patterns that followed her through several serious relationships, fromfeeling responsible for someone else’s happiness to confusing intensity with intimacy. Sheshares the reality of her most recent relationship, where love bombing and feeling deeply caredfor slowly turned into walking on eggshells, sleepless nights, emotional manipulation, andfeeling like she had lost pieces of herself along the way.She also shares the moment she realized she needed to leave, the people who helped her findthe strength and resources to do it, and what it took to rebuild her life on her own terms. Now onthe other side, Shelby reflects on learning that healthy love may not feel intense or chaotic at all.Sometimes, it simply feels calm, safe, and easy.This conversation is about more than leaving an unhealthy relationship. It’s about recognizingpatterns, trusting yourself again, allowing others to support you, and rediscovering the version ofyourself you thought you had lost. As Shelby puts it, she finally feels free to show up fully asherself and wants a future with someone who allows her to keep doing exactly that.

In this episode, Tamara sits down with Hannah Schuster, a New York attorney, entrepreneur,founder of Shuster Law, and creator of Legal Bestie, for a conversation that goes far beyondthe courtroom. Hannah shares how an unexpected divorce during law school, years of helpingfamilies navigate high-conflict situations, and becoming a stepmom completely transformed theway she approaches both life and law.Together, they dive into blended families, conflict resolution, co-parenting, setting healthyboundaries, and why "winning" a divorce often comes at the expense of the people who mattermost. Hannah also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, the life-changing perspective itgave her, and the importance of prioritizing your health, relationships, and peace overperfection.Whether you're navigating divorce, blending a family, facing a personal challenge, or simplytrying to create healthier relationships, this episode is filled with practical advice, heartfeltstories, and powerful reminders that your hardest seasons can become the foundation for yourgreatest growth.Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: 0K3OIBPCZZHWHONY, HS0RF6DPAEIJMPL8

In this episode, Yakira Apfel — fitness studio owner and mom of four — opens up about a roadthat wasn't always visible from the outside. She talks about the eating disorder that took root inseventh grade and followed her into seminary, the shame of wondering if what she went throughwas even "real enough" to count, and the honest admission that she didn't get help until yearslater. She's candid about postpartum anxiety, a decade of hypochondria, and what it actuallytook to come back to herself — including the role movement and purpose played in pulling herout of it.We also go into her religious journey — how becoming a mother reshaped her relationship withobservance, the moment her family was turned away from a school over a single photo, thequiet grief of being judged on appearance instead of character, and what it meant to finally setdown something she'd been carrying for years.By the end, Yakira lands on what she calls mental agility: not the absence of struggle, but thecapacity to actually feel the hard stuff — the anger, the grief, the fear — and come back from it.A raw, honest conversation about eating disorders, motherhood, faith, and learning to trustyourself.

In this powerful episode, Tamara sits down with bridal makeup artist, entrepreneur, and contentcreator Chava Lowy for an honest conversation about resilience, rejection, and finding purpose.After being isolated from her classmates, rejected by schools, and struggling with severe acneas a teenager, Java shares how those painful experiences shaped her confidence instead ofbreaking it. She opens up about building a successful makeup business at a young age,learning to trust herself, healing from childhood wounds, and why your greatest setbacks canbecome the foundation of your biggest success. Whether you've ever felt overlooked,misunderstood, or like you weren't enough, this episode is a reminder that your story isn't overand your hardest seasons may be preparing you for something far greater.

From Controlling Wife to Empowered Woman: Esther Malka's Marriage Transformation | Talk2TamaraIn this powerful episode of Talk2Tamara, host Tamara Gestetner sits down with Irina, also known as Esther Malka — a speaker, podcast host, and content creator who helps women strengthen their marriages by embracing traditional feminine values. Esther opens up about her own marriage struggles — being controlling, ungrateful, and living in "victim mode" — and how she transformed her mindset to build a happy, healthy relationship. We talk about the difference between masculine and feminine energy, why women are natural "receivers" and men are natural "givers," the danger of rejecting your husband's efforts, and how embracing femininity (not feminism) can actually empower women in marriage. This conversation is honest, controversial, and eye-opening — a must-watch for any woman who wants to understand her marriage on a deeper level. 🎙️ Follow Esther Malka: Instagram @whatyourhusbandwonttellyou.pod 🎙️ Follow Tamara Gestetner: Instagram @talk2tamara 🌐 Website: tamaragestetner.com#feminineenergy #relationshipadviceforwomen #Talk2Tamara #EstherMalka #MarriageTips #jewishpodcast #WifeGoals #healthymarriages #podcastbrasil

Your body never stops talking to you — the question is, are you listening?In this episode, I sit down with Adina Erez, CEO of Bleu Glove Concierge, who blends evidence-based medicine with a whole-person approach to healing. We talk about how chronic stress, grief, and "survival mode" show up in the body as real physical symptoms — from Crohn's disease and IBS to burnout and emotional eating.Adina shares the hard truths she tells patients every day: that hunger is a life force, that compassion (not perfectionism) is the real healer, and that you can't expect anyone else to be on your team if you're not on your own. We get personal — I open up about my own diagnosis with Crohn's after losing my mother, and how "the body keeps score" became more than just a phrase for me.This is a conversation about medicine, but it's also about grief, self-abandonment, and finally coming home to yourself.🩺 In this episode:Why the same diagnosis can lead to completely different outcomesThe link between grief, trauma, and autoimmune diseaseWhy hunger is often the first thing we ignoreCompassion vs. perfectionism — and why one heals and one harmsLearning to be okay with not being okay"Are you on your own team?" — the question everyone needs to ask themselves💙 About Adina Erez & Bleu Glove Concierge: Bleu Glove is redefining what healthcare can be. We bring expert medical care to patients at home, in the office, in our clinic, and virtually, while partnering with businesses and healthcare organizations to provide comprehensive corporate medicine, occupational health, medical clearances, and wellness solutions. Personalized care. Exceptional medicine. Wherever you need us.📱 Instagram: @bleugloveconcierge 🌐 Website: Bleugloveconcierge.com🎙️ Find Tamara: 📱 Instagram: @talk2tamara 🌐 Website & all podcast platforms: https://tamaragestetner.com/If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations on health, healing, and being human.#TheBodyKeepsScore #GutHealth #CrohnsDisease #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SurvivalMode #SelfCompassion #TalkToTamara #BleuGloveConcierge #EmotionalHealing #WomensHealth #Burnout #TraumaHealing #ConciergeMedicine

Money Didn't Make Me Happy — Divorce, Reinvention & Finding Yourself After 18 Years of Marriage Being successful money-wise doesn't make you happy unless you do the inner work." — Micky KleinIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Micky Klein — interior designer, fashion consultant, life coach, and proud single mom living in Miami Beach — to talk about one of the most honest journeys we've ever heard.After 18 years of marriage, three kids, and a successful career, Micky Klein realized something was deeply missing. She didn't just survive her divorce — she used it as a turning point to finally look within, break free from the victim mindset, and reinvent herself completely.🔥 In this episode, we cover:- Why success and money still left her feeling empty- How she stopped playing the victim during her divorce- The inner work that actually changed her life- Co-parenting with grace — even celebrating her ex's engagement- Why it's NEVER too late to reinvent yourself- Small daily habits that shifted her entire mindsetWhether you're going through a breakup, feeling unfulfilled, or just ready for a change — this episode will leave you inspired.✨ Follow Micky Klein📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/more_by.me/🌐 Website: www.morebyme.com(Downloadable journal & 1-on-1 coaching coming soon!)⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 — Hook: Money doesn't buy happiness00:45 — Micky Klein background & early marriage03:05 — 18 years together, 3 kids & moving to Miami05:31 — Interior design career & chasing self-worth06:18 — The truth about success & the void inside07:39 — Divorce & learning to stop being a victim57:00 — Genuinely celebrating her ex's engagement55:20 — "It's never too late to reinvent yourself"59:37 — Where to find Micky Klein🎙️ Subscribe for more real, raw conversations about life, growth & becoming your best self.#Divorce #Reinvention #SelfGrowth #InnerWork #SingleMom #WomenEmpowerment #MindsetShift #LifeAfterDivorce #Podcast #PersonalDevelopment #MomLife #Authenticity

Send us Fan MailComedian ChaniLisbon sits down with Tamara on Talk2Tamara for one of the rawest, most honest conversations yet — covering alcohol addiction, losing her faith, living with alopecia, and how she found her way back to sobriety, Hashem, and herself.Chani opens up about taking her first drink at 15 and feeling like it was “the answer to her entire life,” becoming a functioning alcoholic in her 20s in New York, the random encounter on Kingston Avenue that led her to recovery, and the painful moments of relapse-adjacent temptation — including living with alopecia and losing her hair three times.This episode is honest, vulnerable, and unexpectedly funny. Chanishares how she rebuilt her relationship with Judaism, became a full-time Jewish comedian, moved from New York to Florida, and learned to forgive the people who hurt her most — including a moment where she looked at her abuser across a room and, for the first time, felt only love.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, faith, identity, or forgiveness — this conversation will give you hope.🎤 Guest: ChaniLisbon — Comedian🎙️ Host: Tamara — Talk2TamaraWHAT WE COVER:00:00 - Hook: A really hard day before the podcast01:00 - Intro: Meet ChaniLisbon03:00 - Growing up, divorce, and finding alcohol at 1508:00 - Moving to New York and becoming a functioning alcoholic14:00 - The moment that led to getting sober19:00 - Alopecia, pain, and choosing not to drink22:00 - Becoming a full-time Jewish comedian28:00 - Moving from New York to Florida35:00 - Forgiveness, faith, and looking at her abuser with love49:00 - Dating, marriage, and surrendering to Hashem58:00 - Where to find Chani+ closing thoughtsFOLLOW TAMARA:Instagram: @talk2tamaraWebsite: Tamaragestetner.comFOLLOW CHANIE LISBON:Instagram: @chani_lisbonMerch: “Hashem is Legit” / “Good Jewish Girl”#Talk2Tamara #ChaniLisbon #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #JewishComedian #FaithAndRecovery #AlcoholAddiction #MentalHealthPodcast #PodcastInterview #RecoveryStory #AlopeciaSupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailMarriage, Loneliness & Intimacy Real Talk with Dr  Lauren  Orthodox Therapist  | Talk2TamaraWe're BACK! 🎙️ After a technical issue delayed Part 1, Dr. Lauren — PhD in Clinical Psychology and known as The Orthodox Therapist — finally joins us for the full conversation we've all been waiting for. In this episode, we dive deep into:✅ Why people feel MORE lonely in marriage than when they were single✅ The unrealistic expectations we bring into marriage✅ Why self-work matters MORE than couples work✅ Pre-marital counseling — does it actually help?✅ Intimacy, physical connection & what nobody talks about✅ How the Jewish community approaches relationships & therapy✅ The pressure men face around sex (and what's actually realistic)✅ Should you ever share your sex life with friends?Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married — this episode will give you a completely new perspective on emotional connection and what it really takes to build a healthy relationship.🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode!👍 Like this video if it helped you📲 Find Dr. Lauren:Instagram: @theorthodoxtherapistWebsite: www.theorthodoxtherapist.com---marriage advice, loneliness in marriage, orthodox therapist,Support the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Talk to Tamara! In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Hopper, a Fox News journalist, psychologist, and single mother who shares her powerful journey through divorce, engagement, and self-discovery. Brittany opens up about:• Finding love again after divorce and the lessons learned• Breaking the stigma around single motherhood• Why she's become a hopeless romantic despite hardship• The importance of self-love and reflection• Her faith and optimism in finding happily ever after• Toxic relationships vs. choosing individual happinessListen as Brittany shares candid insights about relationships, co-parenting with kindness, and maintaining hope through life's challenges. Perfect for anyone navigating divorce, looking for love again, or learning how to prioritize themselves.WATCH FOR: Inspiring stories about resilience, healing, and second chancesChannel: Talk to TamaraHost: TamaraGuest: Brittany Hopper (@brittanyhopper.tv)#TalkToTamara #SingleMom #Relationships #DivorceTalk #LoveJourney #PodcastInterviewSupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailThis is a deeply honest conversation about breaking generational trauma, childhood abuse, and the healing journey towards forgiveness and peace.Leah shares her powerful story of growing up in an abusive home in Melbourne, Australia, and how she found the strength to build a completely different life for herself and her family. We discuss:✨ Recognizing childhood trauma and abuse✨ Breaking generational patterns✨ The journey toward forgiveness (without sacrificing boundaries)✨ Why family loyalty shouldn't come at the cost of your mental health✨ How to heal from deep pain and shame✨ Building healthy relationships after trauma✨ The importance of seeking help and speaking upThis conversation is for anyone who has experienced family trauma, felt lost on their healing journey, or struggled with the pressure to maintain relationships with toxic family members. If you're carrying pain in silence, know that you're not alone, and healing is possible.🎙️ Hosted by Tamara Gestetner🎤 Guest: Leah---**IMPORTANT MESSAGE:**If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out for help:- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453---📌 **Connect with Tamara:**Instagram: @talktotamaraWebsite: tamaragestener.comConsultation bookings available at tamaragestener.com---**Hashtags:**#TraumHealing #FamilyTrauma #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildhoodAbuse #Forgiveness #GenerationalHealing #MentalWellness #SurvivalStory #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries---⚠️ **Trigger Warning:** This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, physical abuse, and emotional trauma. Please take care of yourself while listening. If you need support, reach out to a mental health professional or the resources listed above.---**Duration:** 1 hour 2 minutes**Content:** Educational | Self-Help | Mental Health | Personal DevelopmentSupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailHow to process grief without living in survival mode | Losing my mother | Talk2TamaraIn this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of navigating grief and loss after losing my mother. From her sudden illness and multiple surgeries to the devastating diagnosis of cancer, I explore how grief showed up in unexpected ways throughout the entire process—not just after her passing.🎙️ **What You'll Learn:**• The real story of my mother's illness and how it changed our family forever• How grief manifests differently for everyone, even before losing someone• The five stages of grief and how they showed up non-linearly in my life• Why surviving in "survival mode" prevents true healing• How unprocessed grief shows up as anxiety, physical illness, and other symptoms• The importance of sitting with your emotions instead of running from them• Practical insights on moving from anger to gratitude and acceptance💔 **Key Insights:**This episode dives deep into the emotional toll of caregiving, the loss of identity, and the journey toward healing. If you've experienced loss or are currently grieving, this conversation is for you. I discuss how I escaped survival mode and learned to process my grief in healthier ways.⏰ **Timestamps:**0:00 - Introduction & My Mother's Story16:08 - The Diagnosis Journey28:18 - Unexpected Turns & Medical Complications5:34 - The Physical Impact & Identity Loss23:48 - Living in Survival Mode26:52 - How I Coped (& Why It Didn't Work)28:46 - The Five Stages of Grief29:14 - Denial & Putting On a Brave Face30:38 - Anger & Why I Suppressed It31:05 - Bargaining, Depression & Numbness32:35 - Finding Acceptance After 8-9 Years33:27 - Key Message: Process Your Grief🔗 **Resources & Support:**If you're dealing with grief, consider journaling or meditation to help process your emotions. Remember: grief is not linear, and there's no "right" way to grieve.👉 **Subscribe** for more real conversations about life's most difficult moments.Support the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailBehind The Glam:  Depression & Weight Loss Story | Talk2TamaraIn this powerful episode, we dive deep into the untold story of Dina Stern — a successful wig entrepreneur, mother, and someone who openly shares her journey through postpartum depression, weight loss surgery, and reclaiming her identity.Dina takes us through her incredible journey:  Building a thriving wig business from her bathroom while dealing with imposter syndrome  The real experience of postpartum depression — what it looks like behind the Instagram filters  Her candid discussion about weight loss, body image, and getting weight loss surgery  Why medication, working out, and therapy became her lifeline  How she learned that fixing your body doesn't fix your mind — it's the INTERNAL work that matters  Creating a toxic-free, holistic lifestyle with her husbandKey Takeaway: You can wear your Chanel, keep your gloss on, AND take medication for postpartum depression. There's no shame in seeking help.Dina's story is for every woman who's felt invisible, struggled with their body image, or wondered if something was wrong with them after having a baby.Connect with Dina: 📱 Instagram: @talk2tamara🌐 Website: tamaragestetner.comIf you found this helpful, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Support the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailIn this podcast, we talk about something that so many people are living through but almost nobody says out loud.Batya has been married three times. She survived an abusive relationship. And now she is living a completely different life.In today's episode she shares —✅ How to recognize love bombing✅ What emotional and verbal abuse actually looks like✅ Why leaving is so incredibly hard✅ Her healing journey and learning to trust again✅ How she finally found the right person👉 If you or someone you know is going through something like this — this video is for you.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━📌 Find Batya on Instagram: @makeupbybaya🎙️ Host: Tamara Gestetner🌐 Website: tamaragestetner.com📩 One-on-one coaching: DM on Instagram    or visit the websiteSupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailThis is a conversation most people avoid but need to hear.In this episode, I sit down with nurse practitioner Allyssa Brody to talk about postpartum and peripartum psychosis, something that is often misunderstood, minimized, or completely missed.We talk about what it actually looks like beyond what people assume, how it’s different from baby blues or postpartum depression, and the warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. This is not about fear. It’s about awareness.Because the truth is, not every woman feels like herself after giving birth and sometimes it goes far deeper than we expect.We also talk about why so many women stay quiet, how partners and families can recognize when something is off, and what real support should look like during this time.This episode is for women, for partners, for families, and honestly for anyone who wants to better understand the mental health side of motherhood that doesn’t get talked about enough.If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone and there is help.Listen to Talk2Tamara wherever you get your podcasts.Support the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by personal trainer Toby Assor for a conversation about resilience, identity, and what it really looks like to rebuild your life from the inside out. With over a decade of experience helping clients transform their bodies and their lives, Toby brings a deeply personal and intuitive approach to fitness, grounded in both physical strength and inner growth.Toby shares her personal journey growing up in a religious Orthodox home, navigating feelings of not fitting the traditional mold, and eventually finding her way through movement, discipline, and self-trust.We explore how physical fitness can become so much more than just exercise. It can be a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming your sense of self during life’s hardest seasons.Life can look “put together” on the outside while feeling incredibly heavy on the inside. So many people are quietly struggling, unsure how to move forward or reconnect with themselves.In this episode we talk openly about rebuilding identity, developing discipline, and learning how to show up for yourself even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Toby’s story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal.If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself, struggled to find your footing, or wondered how to start over in a meaningful way, this episode is for you.Connect with Toby on Instagram @FitWithTobySupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode, I talk about something so many of us live with but rarely say out loud: our relationship with our bodies.For many women, body image becomes a lifelong conversation in our heads. It shows up when we look in the mirror, when we get dressed, when we see photos of ourselves, and in the quiet way we judge or compare ourselves throughout the day.In this episode I share my own thoughts and experiences with body image and how complicated that relationship can be. Our bodies carry our stories. They change through different seasons of life, through motherhood, stress, aging, and everything in between. Yet we often treat them with criticism instead of understanding.This isn’t a conversation about diets or trying to “fix” our bodies. It’s about becoming more aware of the way we think about ourselves and beginning to shift that relationship with a little more honesty and compassion.If you’ve ever struggled with how you see your body, this episode is a reminder that you’re not the only one having this conversation. It’s one many of us are quietly carrying.Support the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by therapist Lauren Hofstatter, also known as The Orthodox Therapist, for a conversation about the questions people often have about marriage but don’t always feel comfortable asking out loud.We take a “fishbowl” approach to the discussion, responding to real questions about intimacy, communication, emotional connection, and the challenges couples face behind closed doors. Nothing is scripted and nothing is off limits.Marriage can be beautiful, complicated, confusing, and deeply personal all at the same time. Yet so many people feel like they’re supposed to figure it all out on their own.In this episode we talk openly about what it means to build connection, navigate differences, and communicate honestly in a relationship. Our hope is that by having these conversations out loud, people feel a little less alone in the questions they carry.If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re experiencing in your relationship is normal, or wished someone would just talk honestly about marriage, this episode is for you.Connect with Lauren:On her websiteOn InstagramSupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.

Send us Fan MailIn her debut episode, Tamara introduces herself, her background as a licensed therapist and coach, and the deeper mission behind this podcast. Through her personal story of growing up Orthodox Jewish, marrying young, and navigating relationships, motherhood, and identity, she opens up honest conversations about mental health, body image, trauma, and connection — all through a compassionate, judgment-free lens.In this episode:Who Tamara is and why she started this relationships and mental health podcastHow her advice column sparked deeper conversations about intimacy, anxiety, and personal growthGrowing up Orthodox Jewish and how faith shaped relationships, identity, and self-expressionEarly marriage, navigating intimacy without prior dating experience, and learning in real timeThe reality behind “good” relationships and why communication and curiosity matterOpening up conversations around body image, trauma, anxiety, spirituality, and connectionWhat to expect from future episodes focused on relationships, mental health, and honest self-reflectionSupport the showFollow Tamara on Instagram @Talk2Tamara, subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for new episodes on relationships and personal growth. Watch new episodes on Youtube and visit my website for coaching and 1:1 support.