Podcast Update: After this episode, I will be putting the podcast on pause for a bit. In light of the cruelty happening in Israel, it feels disingenuous to continue posting content that in comparison, feels so trivial. It is important for me to keep the airways open for the professionals who come to serve and educate. In the meantime, you can connect with me on Instagram @ellenschweitzer_lifecoach. Please continue to follow the podcast so that you will be notified when I return. I am looking forward to reconnecting with you in a much lighter time.  We are conditioned to be strong, put on a brave face, and believe that vulnerability is a weakness. In reality, being vulnerable is one of the strongest things you can be. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about the power of vulnerability. In this episode, I share my experience of embracing vulnerability as a strength and the book and TED Talk that helped me open up to it. I try to be as real as possible on this podcast and truly believe that showing your most vulnerable self is the most real you can be.I challenge you to ask yourself next time you’re feeling vulnerable if you’re being weak or if you’re just being real.If you enjoyed this episode, share it on social media using the hashtag #WeCanBeRealPod. Don’t forget to also follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell me what resonated with you. STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagramLINKS REFERENCED:TED Talk: Brene Brown: Power of VulnerabilityThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Antisemitism is far from a new concept. Historically, there have been times when it was extremely bad and other times when it leveled out. Right now we are unfortunately in a really bad, really scary time. This week on We Can Be Real Lauri is back on the podcast to join me in talking about antisemitism. Lauri Bader has been actively involved with the Jewish Federation of Nothern New Jersey for 20 years and served as President of its Women’s Philanthropy for 3 years. She is a member of AIPAC which promotes the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Lauri has also been a member of Temple Emanual for 30 yearsIn this episode, Lauri and I discuss:Our upbringing and being naive to the hatred around the Jewish people. Finding the balance between being brave and standing up for what you believe in while keeping yourself out of harm's way.   The antisemitism on college campuses and the impact it has on our future generations.Times are scary and while we cannot sit back and do nothing, we don’t have to do any form of activism that we’re not comfortable with or feel unsafe doing. If you enjoyed this episode, share it on social media using the hashtag #WeCanBeRealPod. Don’t forget to also follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell me what resonated with you. STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagram

For the first time ever, The Bachelor franchise is giving someone a second chance at love in the later part of their life with the release of The Golden Bachelor. As widows ourselves, my friends Debbie, Jaynee, and I were interested in tuning in to get a glimpse of what it looks like for other people in our situation to find love again. This week on We Can Be Real, my guests and I discuss The Golden Bachelor from a widow’s perspective! In this episode, Debbie, Jaynee, and I discuss:Our positive and negative takeaways from the first couple of episodes of The Golden Bachelor.The impact the contestants on the Golden Bachelor have on the women watching.Our speculations on the intentions of the contestants.The major differences between what contestants on The Bachelor look for and what the contestants on The Golden Bachelor look for. Our thoughts on uprooting your life at our age, PDA, and sex on the first date. If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagram

In light of the senseless violence and destruction in Israel, it would be irresponsible to continue putting out regular podcast episodes without using my platform to address these horrific acts of terrorism. Complacency is NOT an option here. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by my dear friend Lauri Bader who fortunately got out of Israel safely and recounts her story while sharing resources for how we can help.Lauri Bader has been actively involved with the Jewish Federation of Nothern New Jersey for 20 years and served as President of its Women’s Philanthropy for 3 years. She is a member of AIPAC which promotes the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Lauri has also been a member of Temple Emanual for 30 yearsIn this episode, Lauri and I discuss:Lauri’s experience being in Tel Aviv when the missiles hit on Saturday and her internal dilemma to stay in solidarity or flee to safety. Touching the surface of why this is happening and why now. Providing resources for how we can show our support and get involved. Resources:Write a letter to Congress asking for their support. Find your local Jewish Federation and donate.Donate to Friends of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).Donate to Magen David Adom, Israel’s National EMS Organization.Jewish or not, we owe it to the people of Israel to stay educated and support them in any way that we can.If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.CONNECT WITH LAURI:FacebookInstagramSTAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagram

Content Warning: This episode includes brief mentions of violence and murder. We are not in control of the hand we are dealt in life. We are, however, in control of what we do with that hand and how we make the most of it to make a life worth living. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by Mark “Mayor” Farese sharing his life story and how he cultivated connection and capitalized on every opportunity that came his way. In this episode, Mark “MAYOR” and I discuss:How he turned his passion for sneakers into a full-time hustle that opened the door to more opportunities in the online space. The incredible role models in Mark’s life that had a hand in building him into the person he is today. How Mark managed to grow and leverage his network without ever using people.How he overcame the circumstances of his upbringing to create a successful and fulfilled life. Learning and growing from your mistakes. If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.CONNECT WITH MARK “MAYOR” FARESE:InstagramX (formerly Twitter)STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagram

You don’t have to be physically alone- widowed, separated, single, etc. to feel alone. As humans, we are driven by connection and human interaction so even if we’re seemingly surrounded by people the majority of our lives, that feeling of loneliness can still creep in. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about overcoming loneliness one connection at a timeSome of the things I am doing to overcome my loneliness include:Sharing how I am feeling with other people to not keep everything bottled up.Reconnecting with my family members on a deeper more meaningful level.Rejoining a networking group I once belonged to and loved being part of.Finding connections by joining communities with others who have similar hobbies.Sharing meals with others- in person or via FaceTime.Your feelings are always better out than in. Whatever you’re feeling, talk to someone. I promise it can help.If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagramLINKS REFERENCED:Business Network International

Creativity is inside all of us and it does not matter which medium we choose to practice, the path to self-expression and self-development is through artistic expression. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by Stephanie Hirsch to talk about finding light in the dark through artistic expression!Stephanie Hirsch is a New York-based mixed media artist whose conceptual works explore themes of self-transformation and awareness. Stitching together words and imagery representing notions of strength, courage, humanity, and renewal, Hirsch questions and repositions everyday phrases. She repurposes objects generally considered masculine in nature and feminizes them as a way to show the dichotomy and duality within us as all. She has exhibited with numerous galleries and museums, has participated in various art fairs, and is part of several permanent collections such as the Newcomb Museum at Tulane University, and the Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach, Florida. She is currently an artist in residence at Silver Art Projects. In this episode, Stephanie and I discuss:The lightbulb moment that led her to take ownership of her life.How Stephanie found self-expression and healing through her art.The intentionality behind the mediums of art Stephanie chooses to work with and the text she chooses to include in her pieces.Asking God, the universe, or whatever your higher power is to show you the signs of the lessons you are meant to learn.Meditation’s role in helping her find the calm in the chaos.The power of practicing the “I am” statement.If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE HIRSCH:WebsiteInstagramSTAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagramLINKS REFERENCED:The Untethered Soul by Michael SingerThe Surrender Experiment by Michael SingerThe Creative Act by Rick RubinWishes Fulfilled by Dr. Wayne DyerA Return to Love Workshop by Marianne WilliamsonThe Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn

If I asked you to picture a Rabbi, you may have a specific type of person in mind and that person most likely wouldn’t have the Instagram handle @myhotrabbi. Today’s guest is challenging these stereotypes and paving a path of her own sharing Judaism in a joyful way. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by Rabbi Rebecca to discuss confessions of a female Rabbi. Rebecca Keren Eisenstadt is a Rabbi and private educator. She obtained semicha from Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk in New York. She graduated with Honors from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Rebecca also graduated from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. Rebecca has been working as an on-demand Rabbi, B'nai Mitzvah, Hebrew and Judaic Studies tutor for more than 15 years, combining her loves of Judaism, music, and performance. She works with various synagogues in Manhattan and is affiliated with several Rabbis in the US and Israel. She also officiates weddings, funerals, baby namings, bespoke holiday gatherings and other Jewish life cycle events. Rebecca works with several charities to benefit veterans and the needy. Rebecca is currently developing a follow-documentary series about her busy life as a young female Rabbi. In this episode, Rebecca and I discuss:Why Rebecca actively avoids labeling herself.Challenging the stereotypes of what it means to be a Rabbi while respecting the rules- and it all starts by being comfortable in your own skin. Insight for anyone who may be struggling with their faith in God after experiencing pain. Reframing this idea that you have to be all in to practice religion the “right way.”The themes and topics covered in Rebecca’s upcoming book, Confessions of a Female Rabbi. If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.CONNECT WITH REBECCA:InstagramWebsiteTikTokStay tuned for the release of her book, Confessions of a Female RabbiSTAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagramLINKS REFERENCED:When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. KushnerPeople Love Dead Jews by Dana Horn

Overcoming a binge eating disorder (or any eating disorder for that matter) is so much more than focusing on gaining or losing weight. There are a series of mindset shifts that need to happen first so that you can begin to make healthy choices that will lead you toward becoming the best version of yourself. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by my guest Meghan to talk about the mindset shifts to overcome a binge eating disorder. Meghan is a middle school science teacher in New York City about to begin her 27th year of teaching this September. Outside of the classroom, she loves exploring New York City, running (currently training for her second NYC Marathon), and spending time with family and friends. Meghan’s passions include being an aunt, rooting for her favorite teams (Penn State, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Milwaukee Bucks), all things social justice, and helping others. She struggled with binge eating and weight issues for most of her life but through her work with Ellen, she was able to finally name her disordered eating, develop strategies for working through binging, and after accomplishing that work towards becoming the best version of herself.  She hopes to help others by sharing her story.In this episode, Meghan and I discuss:How working with Ellen helped Meghan come to terms with and name her eating disorder. Some of the things that were so successful in helping Meghan overcome the urge to binge.Using the practice of ‘fast-forwarding the tape’ to help make decisions around eating.Examples of how Meghan’s mindset around food has shifted over the years.  How working with a nutritionist helped Meghan further reach and maintain her goals while nurturing a healthy relationship with food.Reincorporating exercise into her routine in a balanced way.  We can learn so much about ourselves and about others when we share our stories and open the door for conversation. If you or anyone you know is struggling with disordered eating, please feel free to reach out. If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagram

I’ve been thinking a lot about core values because I used to believe that I would have the same core values for a lifetime. Recently, after reevaluating my core values, I have noticed a shift away from my focus on being a wife and a mother to valuing so much more. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about reevaluating and leaning into your core values!In this episode, I discuss the shift in my core values after the loss of my husband and my children transitioning into their adult lives towards finding value and fulfillment in other things.I encourage you to sit down and reflect on your own core values. DM me on Instagram and let me know what your core values are.If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN:WebsiteInstagramLINKS REFERENCED:The Highly Sensitive Person Book by Elaine N. Aron Ph.D.The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron