PODCAST · society
Thoughts About Life
by Shaul & Chana Rosenblatt
Thoughts About Life is a space for honest, reflective conversations about what it means to live well. From how we relate to ourselves and others, to dealing with the ups and downs of the unpredictable nature of human existence — this podcast explores the everyday questions that shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of meaning. It’s about slowing down, reflecting, and learning to enjoy the moment we’re in. No fluff, just real talk about real life.
Episodes
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Is Being Comfortable Bad for You?
Rabbi Noach Weinberg taught that comfort isn’t something to strive for. But is being comfortable really a bad thing? We unpack what he meant: the difference between pleasure and escape, comfort as a goal versus comfort as a foundation for living well, and why teachers need to speak the language…
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Death Isn’t the End?
A conversation about death, fear, faith and what it means to really live. We discuss the idea that our time here is temporary, that we don’t know what’s around the corner, and that dying is a release of the soul from its limitations.
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Are We Looking for God in the Wrong Place?
What if finding God has less to do with religion and ritual, and more to do with getting quiet, going within and discovering that He was there all along?
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You Can’t Force Change — You Can Only Wake Up To Something New.
Rosh Hashanah is often seen as a time to make resolutions and try to change. But what if real change isn't about forcing ourselves to be different, but about learning to see differently? We talk about Rosh Hashanah, the shofar, self-acceptance and the power of finding a new perspective on life....
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Entitlement: Does Anyone Owe Us Anything?
Do our parents owe us anything? Does society owe us anything? In this episode, we explore the growing culture of entitlement, the balance between responsibility and generosity, and why true fulfilment comes from building your own life rather than expecting others to provide it.
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AI: Should We Be Excited or Worried?
Will AI improve our lives and make us smarter, or make us redundant and stupid? In this episode, we have a balanced conversation about technology, wisdom, progress, and how to use AI without losing ourselves.
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The Trouble With Blame
In this episode, we explore why looking outside ourselves for relief, fairness, justice, or someone to blame leaves us feeling stuck. Starting with a powerful story of addiction and recovery, we discuss how blame stands in the way of growth, how our state of mind naturally rises and falls like…
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How to Know What Direction to Take in Life
How do you know when something is right for you? In this episode, we discuss vision, inspiration, and the idea that perhaps we’re not meant to think our way through life — but to move towards what we genuinely feel called to.
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Choosing Life
Why do people continue to have children in a world filled with suffering, uncertainty, and loss? In this episode, we explore the human capacity for hope, the desire to build a future, and why, even after life's darkest moments, people still choose love, family, and new beginnings.
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One Step At A Time
How much of the future should we really try to control? In this episode, we respond to a listener's question by exploring the tension between planning ahead and living in the moment. Why do thoughts about the future create so much anxiety? At what point does responsibility become fear? And how do...
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Real Change Can’t Be Imposed (Even by Ourselves)
In this episode, we respond to a listener question about self-discipline, boundaries, and change, exploring the difference between healthy growth and harsh self-pressure. We discuss ego, self-acceptance, and why real transformation happens gradually through insight, understanding, and life...
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The Giving Effect
This week, we respond to listener questions about giving in relationships, vulnerability, parenting, and whether parents “owe” their children anything. We explore the difference between obligation and genuine giving, why love cannot be forced, and how entitlement can quietly damage relationships....
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Why Social Media Is Distorting Your Reality
Why does the world feel more intense than it really is? In this episode, we explore how social media can distort our sense of reality—overloading our natural instincts and amplifying fear. A simple but powerful conversation about perception, anxiety, and learning to see clearly again.
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What Do Parents Owe Their Children?
In this episode of Thoughts About Life, we explore an often misunderstood question: what do parents actually owe their children? Drawing from Jewish principles and real-life parenting experiences, we discuss the balance between guidance and independence, challenge the idea that parents are...
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The News Diet: Protecting Your Feeling in a 24/7 World
In this episode, we explore our relationship with the news in an age of constant updates and endless headlines. Does staying informed actually help us—or does it quietly fuel stress, fear, and overwhelm? We discuss how modern media shapes our perception of reality, why “news” is often more…
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Fear or Perspective? Navigating Antisemitism Without Losing Yourself
Antisemitism is on many Jews' minds, but how do we respond to it? In this episode, we explore the balance between awareness and fear, challenging the instinct to catastrophize and questioning whether our perception is sometimes shaped more by thought than reality.
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A Busy Life, A Quiet Mind
Are you actually busy — or do you just think you are? In this episode, we explore the difference between a full life and a busy mind, and how the feeling of “being busy” might be something we create ourselves. A simple shift in perspective can turn pressure into peace — without changing your...
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Separate Realities In Relationships
In this episode, we talk about the idea of separate realities, the understanding that every person experiences the world in their own unique way. Many relationship conflicts come from believing our perspective is the “right” one. But when we recognise that everyone has their own internal world...
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Why Understanding Moods Matters So Much: Part 2
In this episode, we continue, as promised our discussion on moods. We look at how low moods masquerade as reality, especially in relationships and big life decisions. We share stories about marriage, parenting, work stress, and the temptation to take drastic action when emotions run high.…
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Why Understanding Moods Matters So Much
This week we discussed moods in relationships. We explored how moods are like the weather, they come and they go. They are not permanent, they are not facts, and they are not the full story of who we are or who our partner is. We spoke about the importance of being light-hearted around moods…
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The Spirit Of Giving
This week we talk about what we believe is the most important thing in a relationship - the spirit of giving. We explore the difference between giving because you should and giving because you want to. We discuss why so many relationships lose that feeling over time and how reconnecting with it…
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The Surefire Road to Success
In this episode of Thoughts About Life, we explore a somewhat counter-cultural idea: success comes slowly. We discuss why stability, patience, and consistency are essential for building anything meaningful. From Abraham’s journey, to running a business, raising children, writing books, doing…
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Living From Vision, Not Obligation: Part 2
In this episode of Thoughts About Life, we explore the contrast between living from obligation - “must,” “should,” and external pressure - and living from vision, inspiration, guidance, and your heart. Drawing on personal stories from parenting, work, faith, and powerful historical examples, we...
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Living From Vision, Not Obligation
In this episode, we share a conversation that emerged organically during a long drive - one that touches on marriage, parenting, community pressure, and what happens when major life decisions are made without a sense of inner vision. Using examples from family life, work, and relationships, we...
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Our Experience of Life Comes From Within
In this episode, we explore a misunderstanding at the heart of so much human suffering: the belief that our experience of life is happening to us, rather than coming from us. Drawing from real clinical experience, Chana shares powerful encounters with clients who have spent decades feeling...
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The Sydney Terror Attack
Shaul and Chana felt moved to reflect on the rawness of recent events following a horrific terror attack in Sydney. The conversation turns naturally to loss, fear, and how human beings respond when their world feels shaken. They begin with compassion — for the lives lost, the families grieving…
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Choosing Life
Human instinct leans toward life. The human soul holds on to every moment it can, and none of us truly knows how we will experience diminished capacity until we face it ourselves. What one person imagines as a living hell, another may receive with grace, gratitude, and unexpected resilience. In...
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Love Is The Feeling
In this episode, we reflect on a widespread—but often unspoken—belief that quietly undermines many relationships: the idea that “If you loved me, you’d do this for me.” Whether it’s taking out the bins, dressing a certain way, or showing up to an event, partners frequently use behaviour as a...
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Learning from the Hyenas
In this episode, we dive into Africa! After watching the new David Attenborough documentary, we found ourselves thinking about the differences between humans and animals. There is so much for us to learn from how we are like them – but also from how we are unlike them. We explore the lessons…
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Were the Nazis ‘evil’?
In this episode, we consider some important questions that are raised by the film we saw recently, Nuremberg. Do evil people exist? How far can we human beings go in the direction of good and the direction of ‘evil’. We look closely at the contrast between our incredible capacity for greatness…
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'I Swear'
In this episode, we look at what we learnt from our recent film watching. 'I Swear' is a film that shines a light on how far our society has come in the past few decades. We remember how, not so long ago, the world was far more dismissive and busy-minded, often missing the deeper struggles that...
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Till Divorce Do Us Part
Divorce has become one of the defining features of modern relationships — but why? In this episode, we delve into one of the most painful and complex human experiences. Why do so many marriages fall apart today? Is it that people have changed — or that our expectations of love and commitment…
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'Get Over Yourself'. The three most important words in a relationship ┃Part 2
In this episode, we take a deeper look into one of the most crucial, hardest, yet easiest, parts of any healthy relationship: getting over yourself. We explore what it really means to move past ego, pride, and self-centred thinking, and how doing so can transform the way you connect with others…
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'Get Over Yourself'. The three most important words in a Relationship
In this episode, we dive into relationships: specifically, why studies show that cohabitation before marriage increases the chances of divorce. We explore what living together before marriage really says about a relationship — how it often reflects a desire for everything to be “perfect” rather...
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Assisted Dying - Compassion Or Surrender?
This week we tackle the difficult conversation, now happening in Parliament, about allowing assisted dying. Would legalising be a compassionate choice — or a sign we’ve lost sight of life’s sacredness? We don’t necessarily agree on this one and so we can genuinely explore both sides. On the one...
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You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19)
In this episode, we begin with the murder of Charlie Kirk and reflect on how devastatingly absurd it is that people committed to their ideas have claimed more lives than anything else in human history. We explore how opinions, when taken too seriously, can push people toward violence – and why...
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Do I Really Need That Lottery Ticket?
In this episode, we dive into the balance between faith and effort. Do I really need to buy a lottery ticket to “do my part,” or is that just an illusion? We explore the idea that God provides everyone with what they truly need, often in ways we don’t expect. And if we want more in life, maybe…
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How To Make Your Dreams Come True
In this episode, we explore the beauty of human diversity — how each of us is drawn to different jobs, places, and paths in life, and how God guides us to where we truly belong. Without this variety, our world would be far less rich. When we honour people’s choices, rather than forcing them into...
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When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan
In this episode, we explore one of life’s great questions: why do bad things happen to good people? Together, we look at how setbacks—though painful—can become opportunities for growth and transformation. We discuss the importance of embracing change, recognizing that while we may make our own...
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All You Need Is Love
In this episode, we unpack the famous Beatles lyric, “All You Need Is Love” — but not the kind of love most people think of. We explore a deeper, more universal love — not the love between two individuals, but an impersonal, unconditional love that lives at the core of every human being. It’s the...
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Living In The Moment
This episode is about being present. We explore how real presence means being in life, not in our thinking. As a result, it's not something you can think your way into. Quite the opposite. Being in life means not thinking. It happens sometimes when we give to others or in emergencies. People just...
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What A Time To Be Alive
Whilst many seem to feel that we live in such challenging times, we argue that our world is only improving. There's no better time to have lived than 2025. Humanity always has its ups and downs, but overall the trajectory is upwards and we are so blessed to live at the time that we do. Click...
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Seeing Beyond Opinions
In this episode, we dive into something that affects us all — opinions. Why do we argue over them? Why do we take them so seriously? And what would happen if we stepped back and saw them for what they are — just opinions. We explore how letting go of the need to be right can make us more…
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Our Experiences Are What They Need To Be
Click here to join our new 'Thoughts About Life' WhatsApp group. In this episode we talk about the different states of mind we go through—some clear, some confusing—and how much freedom there is in accepting them without trying to change or escape them. Ups and downs are part of our journey…
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The Danger Of Busymindedness
Click here to join our new 'Thoughts About Life' WhatsApp group. This one’s about how fast everything’s gotten — podcasts at x2 speed, WhatsApp replies that are just emojis, people reacting instead of actually talking. We get into why this kind of communication doesn’t really give us space to...
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The Hope That Humanity Can Change
In this episode, we reflect on one of the 13 principles of faith in Judaism: the belief in the Messiah and the idea that everyone can change. We explore the hope embedded in this belief — that no matter how dark the world seems, we are never stuck. We are not bound by our past, but are constantly...
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Is Attraction Overrated?
In this episode, we challenge one of today’s most accepted relationship ideals: the centrality of physical attraction. Is it really the foundation of love—or just a distraction from something deeper? We unpack why connection and emotional resonance matter far more than fleeting chemistry, and how...
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Trusting Yourself Around Food: The Wisdom Within
In this heartfelt episode, we explore a new, freeing perspective on weight loss—one that doesn’t involve dieting, restriction, or willpower. Instead, it’s about reconnecting with your own inner wisdom. We talk about why loving food is natural, how diets often make things worse by increasing...
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Trusting In Our Kids' Wisdom
What if our kids already have a sense of what they need—and it’s our job to help them uncover it, not override it? In this episode, we talk about what it means to really listen to our children. We reflect on the balance between offering guidance and giving them room to grow, make choices, and...
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Parenting: Trust and the Art of Letting Go
In this episode, we explore the importance of having honest conversations with our children — even about life’s most difficult topics, like death. We talk about why hiding the truth can do more harm than good, and how being open helps build trust, understanding, and resilience. We also reflect on...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Thoughts About Life is a space for honest, reflective conversations about what it means to live well. From how we relate to ourselves and others, to dealing with the ups and downs of the unpredictable nature of human existence — this podcast explores the everyday questions that shape our happiness, well-being, and sense of meaning. It’s about slowing down, reflecting, and learning to enjoy the moment we’re in. No fluff, just real talk about real life.
HOSTED BY
Shaul & Chana Rosenblatt
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Thoughts About Life have?
Thoughts About Life currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Thoughts About Life about?
Thoughts About Life is a space for honest, reflective conversations about what it means to live well. From how we relate to ourselves and others, to dealing with the ups and downs of the unpredictable nature of human existence — this podcast explores the everyday questions that shape our happiness,...
How often does Thoughts About Life release new episodes?
Thoughts About Life has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Thoughts About Life?
You can listen to Thoughts About Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Thoughts About Life?
Thoughts About Life is created and hosted by Shaul & Chana Rosenblatt.
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