Totally Unexpected!

Aura starts off by sharing her experience working behind the camera as a makeup artist to Hollywood’s stars. Chavie asks Aura if there was a conflict between being a creative in the artistic mecca of fashion while straddling her identity as a religious Jew. They talk about Aura’s beginnings in the colorful, lively home of her legendary parents, Rabbi Shlomo and Olivia “Schwartzy” Schwartz. Chavie and Aura also explore the dynamics of dating within the Chabad world, including Aura’s story of dating someone outside the community: a Modern Orthodox boy who happened to be the lead singer of Blue Fringe. Aura opens up about her own spiritual journey, how incorporating Chitas into her daily life grounds her, and the various podcasts and workshops she now leads on topics like Rosh Chodesh, the often-taboo subject of money, and her newest course inspired by The Artist’s Way.
Aura grew up as the ninth of twelve children to Rabbi Shlomo and Olivia Schwartz, in a home filled with song, stories, and community. For more than twenty years she worked as a makeup artist, creating beauty tutorials for brands like CoverGirl and Burt’s Bees, where her greatest joy was connecting with women and helping them recognize their own inner beauty. In 2020, Aura expanded her work by completing training at the IPEC Life Coaching School. Today, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, musician Dov Rosenblatt, and their five children. She leads Women’s Rosh Chodesh Circles, facilitates retreats—including one this past week in the Ellijay mountains—and is building a Women’s Spa Retreat. Aura also hosts the Dream Detour podcast, where she explores spirituality, abundance, and the journey back to our truest selves.
Referenced On the Pod
10:35 Aura on Awake Jewish Women 
23:36 Aura’s Divine Wealth series on her podcast, Dream Detour
38:49 Dov Rosenblatt’s band, Blue Fringe 
42:41 C Lanzbom, Soul Farm
55:12 Chitas 
59:39 Chayenu pamphlets
1:04:15 Chana Kalmenson on Aura's podcast, Dream Detour
1:16:26 IPEC Life Coaching 
1:43:07 Cathy Heller on Aura's podcast, Dream Detour
1:43:28 The Artist Way by Julia Cameron 
1:44:28 Tonia Chazanow's podcast, Human & Holy podcast 
Stay in touch with Aura!
Aura on Instagram 
Aura on Facebook
Aura's upcoming workshop, The Artists Way Forward
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog 
This episode is dedicated by our dear friends and cousins Laibe and Esta Gordon of the Five Towns, in loving memory of Laibe’s older brother, Binyomin, Yonasan Binyomin ben Reb Nissan, Zichrono Levracha, who passed away on Lamed Tishrei. May Hashem send comfort to his wife, Sandy, his daughters, Perel, Naomi, and Malkie, and the entire family. 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

In this conversation, Chavie and Gitty start off by exploring Gitty’s unique childhood, going from a Modern Orthodox school to a Bais Yaakov and constantly having to juggle the subtle social dynamics. As a child of immigrants, her parents always demanded excellence and went to great lengths to make sure Gitty had the tools to succeed. Gitty talks about getting married right out of seminary, how she started a jewelry and accessories business after moving to Lakewood, and how she intuitively saw the potential in using social media as a promotional tool for launching her makeup work when Instagram was still in its infancy. Chavie and Gitty talk about the tension between being open with their audiences and welcoming all questions while still maintaining boundaries, and they discuss what they consider to be “off-limit” questions. Chavie asks Gitty about her journey of self-discovery post-divorce and what led her to become a Chabad Rebbetzin. Gitty shares openly and emotionally about the joys and challenges of running a Chabad House and life alongside her husband, who serves as both a Chabad rabbi and a Dayan (rabbinical judge).
 
Rebbetzin Gitty Hecht is married to HaRav HaDayan Mordechai Z. Hecht and serves as Rebbetzin of their shul, Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC, in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY. A former global bridal makeup artist, Gitty is now a sought-after speaker and educator who shares relatable, down-to-earth perspectives on real-life challenges through a contemporary Torah lens. A selection of her insightful talks can be found online. 
 
Referenced On the Pod
54:33 Totally Unexpected! episode about Human Design
1:34:40 The Tanya
Stay in touch with Gitty!
@gittyhecht on Instagram
rebbetzingittyhecht@gmail.com
www.gittyhecht.com
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog 
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

In this conversation, Chavie and Esty bond about the joys of school finally being in session after a far-too-long, in their very frank opinion, summer break. They talk about how important it is to acknowledge that while they may be imperfect moms, they are the perfect moms for their children. Chavie and Esty share deeply moving and hilarious life hacks from their grandmothers, who were the original models for today’s “self-care” trend. Esty shares about her life journey from being a teenager who discarded boundaries, growing up in Kfar Chabad, Israel, and then finding personal growth and balance through a reconnection with Tanya and Chassidic spirituality. Chavie asks Esty about her journey from being a well-known wig stylist (and Chavie’s personal wig stylist for more than ten years!) to guiding others in the pursuit of a more spiritual life. As always, Chavie doesn’t shy away from getting to the core of her guest’s personal journey and digs deep with Esty to explore how she made that transformation.
Esty Prus is a mother of seven, speaker, and the founder of Simply Tanya. Through her unique blend of personal storytelling, Chassidic insight, and practical tools, Esty inspires women to embrace meaningful change from the inside out. Drawing deeply from the teachings of Tanya, she shows how its timeless wisdom can guide every stage of life. Esty also produces and leads transformative women’s retreats and journeys to the Rebbe, weaving together learning, reflection, and community experiences that leave a lasting impact.
 
Stay in touch with Esty!
@estyprus on Instagram
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog 
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Yitzchok kick off by reminiscing about his visit to Montana for Chavie's birthday, when he created the Overflowing Cup art installation, proudly displayed in the background of every Totally Unexpected! episode (check out Chavie’s Instagram reels, it’s a must see!!). Yitzchok shares his fascinating childhood journey from the Australian Outback to Crown Heights at the Rebbe’s farbrengens. Chavie asks what first sparked his love for art and self-expression, and Yitzchok opens up about the moment he had to make a Sophie’s Choice: between continuing his calling as a Chabad shliach or to make an impact on the world through his talents as an artist. Together, they explore: Yitzchok's innovative Chassidic pop-art installations, what Jewish art really means, and the value in letting go of inhibitions for creativity and self-expression to flourish. They also discuss the role of art in the Orthodox Jewish school curriculum and why nurturing creativity is vital for a child’s development. Chavie and Yitzchok also bond over their passion for out-of-the-box socks.
 
Yitzchok Moully, is a conceptual artist exploring the intersection of spirituality and the material world. Blending his colorful hippie upbringing with his Hasidic roots, he creates bold, vibrant works that bring Chassidic ideas to life through contemporary art. His practice invites collaboration, often inviting the viewer to be an essential part of the artwork’s meaning and impact. Today, his focus is on Jewish public art—sculptures and murals that transform communal spaces into vibrant landmarks of Jewish creativity and identity.
 
Referenced On the Pod
1:01:30 Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room 
1:21:10 “Popthodox-Black Humor” Yitzchok's pop art installation in Israel
1:38:42 This Year's Menorah Installations
1:47:35 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo 
 
Stay in touch with Yitzchok!
moully@moullyart.com  
https://www.moullyart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/moullyart/  
https://www.instagram.com/madewithmoully  
https://www.instagram.com/jewishpublicart/ 
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog 
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie begins by asking Chanie about her childhood growing up in Crown Heights. Chanie describes herself as a “poster child” within mainstream Chabad institutions but, as a result, lacking the stimulation to go deeper in her own self-discovery. Chavie and Chanie discuss the challenges of going out on shlichus—starting a Chabad House—at a very young age, newly married, and often with a first child on the way. They compare notes on having to show up for their communities as though they had everything figured out, even while they were still at the earliest stages of personal growth and identity. Chanie explains how her desire to create language for these challenges and break the taboos around discussing them led her and her husband to start M54, an organization focused on helping individuals acknowledge these realities and find inner solutions for navigating them.
 
Chanie is the co-founder of the Chabad House at Brandeis University and the CEO of M54, an organization she launched with her husband, Rabbi Peretz Chein, to help people find agency as they navigate today’s often overwhelming lives. On campus, she developed innovative programs focused on personal growth while fostering deeper connections with Judaism and G-d. Over the years, the Chabad House has positively influenced countless students and alumni, its impact growing steadily with each incoming class. Chanie’s dedication to meaningful conversations and attentive listening led to the creation of M54 in May 2020, at the onset of the Covid pandemic. Chanie is also a mother of six and has chosen home birth for each of her children.
 
Referenced On the Pod
6:30 Chanie’s new program, M54
8:00 Episode with Chavie’s mother, Rivkie Block on Totally Unexpected! 
33:15 Episode with Yossi Jacobson on Totally Unexpected! 
58min Rosh Chodesh Society 
1:47:15 Chavie’s blogpost, Observations From the Netherlands 
1:57:30 Aimme Baron’s podcast, Talking Away the Taboo 
 
Stay in touch with Chanie!
chanie@m54.orgChanie on Instagram www.M54.orgwww.chabadbrandeis.org
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie sits down with Aleeza to explore her spiritual journey into Orthodox Judaism, embracing kosher, Shabbat, and modest dress as a student and tells the story of how she met her husband. Aleeza reflects on how quickly it all happened, joking that “fast is my slowest speed,” while sharing how her family needed time to adjust. She opens up about her lifelong dream to move her family to Israel and the Covid-era saga that unfolded when her family finally made Aliyah. Chavie asks Aleeza how she landed her Netflix series, Jewish Matchmaking, and what drew her into the world of matchmaking in the first place. Together, they discuss the role of self-awareness and personal growth in finding a life partner, they explore whether there really is a ‘shidduch crisis’ in the Orthodox community, and the universal challenges of dating, no matter the person's religious background.
 
Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker, best known as the star of Netflix’s hit series Jewish Matchmaking. She hosts the popular Matchmaker, Matchmaker podcast, where she shares insights and experiences to guide people on their journey to find love. Aleeza has trained more than 450 matchmakers and coaches and is now spearheading the Jewish Matchmaking Movement in partnership with World Mizrahi, a global initiative to create meaningful connections within the Jewish community. For Aleeza, fostering relationships isn’t just a career it is her calling and her passion.
 
Referenced On the Pod
7:34 Jewish Matchmaking show on Netflix 
53:58 Nefesh B’Nefesh 
1:11:07  Aleeza’s Company - MarriageMindedMentor.com
1:21:55 Erin & Sara Foster’s podcast: The World’s First Podcast 
1:25:59 Indian Matchmaking show on Netflix 
1:15:06 Aleeza’s new book: Matchmaker Matchmaker 
2:19:34 Elisheva Liss interview about sex-ed in the Orthodox-Jewish community
 
Stay in touch with Aleeza! MarriageMindedMentor.com@aleezabenshalom on Instagram Aleeza’s Podcast, Matchmaker Matchmaker 
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog
 
Today’s episode is dedicated by Max Coen, a family friend who has devoted his life to Eretz Yisroel. Max is dedicating this episode to Mrs. Chavie and Rabbi Chaim Bruk as a proud partner in their work in Montana and beyond.
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie sits down with Malky to explore the fascinating world of Human Design. Malky shares her journey of growing up in a big family where her voice often got lost, and how discovering her Human Design chart shifted her perspective. Instead of seeing her personality as a flaw, she learned to recognize her unique way of showing up in the world. Chavie reflects on her own experience and how Human Design has helped her accept her natural personality rather than struggle against it. Together, they break down the five energy types—Generators, Manifestors, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors—and discuss practical ways to apply Human Design in daily life. 
 
Malky Lichtenstein is a Human Design coach, wife, and mom of two from Brooklyn, New York, now based in Waterbury, Connecticut. She’s passionate about making Human Design feel simple, grounded, and practical—whether she’s reading for a parent, a couple, or someone just starting their journey.
 
Referenced On the Pod
A Modern Guide to Human Design by Rachel Lieberman 
Human Design Free Chart 
 
Stay in touch with Malky! 
@malky.lichtenstein on Instagram 
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie and Adele kick things off by reminiscing when Chavie lived in Adele’s childhood home in Morristown, New Jersey, as a dorm counselor. Years later, their paths crossed again when Chavie hired Adele to create a brand video to launch Chavie’s then-new blog, clearasmud.blog. Adele shares how she jumped into the workforce straight out of high school, hustling an office job at a title insurance firm. From there she waltzed into Bloomingdales in Short Hills Mall and got a job in beauty and cosmetic. These early experiences and training in sales laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial drive today. Adele talks about her desire to help women feel good about themselves and how that propelled her to sharing her lifestyle online and becoming a trusted source for all things fashion, beauty, and design. Chavie asks Adele about the shift in her online presence recently, and Adele opens up about how she is reevaluating the value she wants to offer online. Together, they dive into everything from fashion and beauty to health and current events to AI and the challenges of managing technology use for kids.
 
Adele Beiny is a lifestyle creator, beauty enthusiast, and mother of two known for her savvy, honest approach to all things wellness, travel, and real life. She’s the voice behind Life’s Looking Good (@lifeslookingood), where she shares unfiltered takes on aesthetic trends, wellness experiments, and making everyday life feel like an adventure. Whether she’s testing the latest treatments, exploring Europe’s best-kept secrets, or helping other women embrace change with confidence, Adele brings humor, candor, and lived experience to every conversation.
 
Referenced On the Pod
9:25: Clear as Mud Blog & Brand Story 
14:33 Life Unfiltered (Adele’s podcast) 
20:58 A Modern Guide to Human Design by Rachel Lieberman 
23:00 Human Design Free Chart 
40:58 Olympia Gayot, Creative Director, J Crew 
1:32:50 Ayurvedic principles regarding the suppression natural urges
1:35:48 The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter 
 
Stay in touch with Adele! 
@lifeslookingood on Instagramwww.lifeslookingood.com
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!
@chaviebruk on Instagram
www.totallyunexpected.blog
 
This week’s episode is dedicated by Sholem and Rifky Kushner, in the merit of the safe return of all our beloved hostages still held in Gaza—especially Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, who are in urgent need of a miracle.
 
This episode is also sponsored by two wonderful couples from Lakewood, New Jersey, who prefer to remain anonymous. They deeply appreciate the podcast and are delighted to lend their support to Totally Unexpected!
 
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie opens by asking her mother how she feels about Chavie sharing her life so openly on social media. They then go on to talk about the fascinating connection Rivkie’s father had with the Lubavitcher Rebbe during his time in Paris while the family was trying to emigrate to America. Chavie asks her mom how she sustains her energy and commitment through forty years of leading Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas with her husband, Rabbi Chaim Block. Rivkie talks about evolving from the wide-eyed idealism of youth to a more grounded acceptance of challenges as opportunities for growth. Chavie shares a childhood story she’s never told before, and Rivkie speaks about her determination to keep working and growing despite societal expectations around age and aging.
 
Rivkie Block was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and serves as the co-founder and director of Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas, which she and her husband, Rabbi Chaim Block, established 40 years ago. She is also the founder and director of the Gan Ganni Preschool in San Antonio, which she launched 36 years ago, that focuses on nurturing each child’s individual spirit and creativity. Rivkie and Rabbi Chaim are the proud parents of nine children, all of whom serve as Chabad emissaries around the world.
 
Referenced on the Pod
37:30 Montana Chai Anniversary Video Series
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!Chavie's InstagramTotally Unexpected! Substack
 
Today’s episode is dedicated by Lewis and Maggie Sperber who have become dear friends and committed supporters of our work in Montana. Lewis and Maggie love that this podcast is a space for authentic Jewish conversations, honest debate on contemporary issues, and helps people feel connected in this journey we call life.
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.

Chavie opens the conversation by reflecting on how Dr. Cohen was her doctor since she was just three years old. Dr. Cohen tells the story of his family’s fascinating immigration from Europe to the Texas-Mexican border in the early 1900’s when there was still a lot of resistance to Jewish immigration in the USA. He shares how he began his medical career as an ER doctor on Native American reservations, later exploring homeopathy and alternative healing. He talks about his time living on the road, immersed in nature, and how that experience shaped his desire to integrate the natural world into his healing practice. Dr. Cohen also opens up about his spiritual journey and how his Jewish practice evolved. Chavie recalls when Dr. Cohen moved with his family to San Antonio and helped form the first minyan alongside her father, Rabbi Chaim Block, the founding rabbi of Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas. Chavie and Dr. Cohen explore a wide range of health topics from balancing homeopathy with Western medicine, to finding nuance in vaccine conversations, and most importantly, learning to trust nature as a path to true healing. 
Dr. Larry Cohen was born in Texas and has lived in many other states throughout his life. He earned his MD in 1975, followed by one year of postgraduate work in psychiatry and internal medicine. He then joined the Public Health Service, working on the Navajo Reservation and later with the North Carolina branch of the Cherokee Nation. Afterward, he spent over a year traveling in a VW camper (what else!). He eventually returned to San Antonio to practice emergency medicine before pursuing further study at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA. There, he collaborated with two other physicians and several PhD psychologists in a program that integrated classical homeopathy, nutrition, yoga, breathwork, biofeedback, meditation, and massage therapy. Later in his career, Dr. Cohen studied functional medicine and focused on treating complex chronic illnesses. He incorporated intravenous therapies and established a multidisciplinary clinic that included Chinese medicine, chiropractic care, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and a PhD clinical psychologist.
Referenced on the Pod
0:08:55 – Hair, the Musical
0:10:25 – The Himalayan Institute
0:10:37 – Biofeedback
0:10:50 – Swami: Encounters with Modern Mystics by Doug Boyd
0:32:30 – Divided Legacy by Harris L. Coulter
0:44:53 – Homeopathic Psychology by Philip M. Bailey, M.D.
0:45:22 – Dr. Samuel Hahnemann
0:46:40 – Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means
0:58:38 – Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing by Dr. Vasant Lad
1:14:34 – Homeopathic Remedies: For Health Professionals and Laypeople by Dale Buegel, Dennis Chernin, and Blair Lewis
1:15:06 – Homoeopathy for the First Aider by Dr. Dorothy Shepherd
1:15:35 – Helios Homeopathic Remedy Kits
1:54:58 – Chavie’s Essay: Walking Through the Fire of My Life
 
Stay in touch with Chavie!Chavie's InstagramTotally Unexpected! Substack
Want to sponsor or dedicate an episode? Reach out to Chavie on Instagram or by email at chaviebruk@gmail.com.