For our 27th podcast, we are honored to have a conversation with Rabbi Avram Mlotek. Avram is a rabbi, cantor, actor, writer, and a current graduate student in social work. In 2015, he co-founded Base, a new model for Jewish practice that reaches out to unaffiliated young adults, now operating in nine cities. He worked as the Manhattan rabbi for Base for six years and currently serves as spiritual director (Mashgiach Ruchani) for the international Base program. In July of 2021, he wrote the article, "I'm a Rabbi With Mental Illness and I'm Done Trying to Hide My Pain: There are so many others out there who, like me, are suffering in silence. You are never alone." Listen as Avram describes his mental health journey and the role of religion and spirituality in mental health.
No Shame On U Podcast 26: Sophie Traube and Max Hobhouse
For our 26th podcast, we were thrilled to go international with guests Sophie Traube and Max Hobhouse, both originally from England. We discuss their summer of biking to raise mental health awareness across the U.S. from Portland, Oregon to New York City. They share why they are so passionate about mental health, some great stories and reactions from their summer and how they got some of their biggest fans. Special thanks to No Shame On U’s Lewis Summer Intern Ellory Shutan who connected us to Sophie and Max.
No Shame On U Podcast 25: Rebecca Minkus-Lieberman
For our special 25th podcast, we were thrilled to be joined by Rebecca Minkus-Lieberman, Co-Founder, Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning. We talked about Rebecca’s education background, the many wonderful offerings of Orot including mindfulness and meditation, and the upcoming high holiday series No Shame On U is honored to be collaborating on with Orot.
No Shame On U Podcast 24: Aitan Maeir
For our 24th podcast, we were delighted to speak with Aitan Maeir, a Chicago area teen currently in his sophomore year at University of Wisconsin- Madison. It is our second in a series with Aitan - this time talking about his experiences with DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) — what it is and how it has helped him.
No Shame On U Podcast 23: Suicide Loss Survivor Mimi Aron
Mimi Aron is a Mom, Grandma, and survivor of suicide. She lives in Madison, WI after relocating from the Cleveland, OH area with her mini poodle puppy, Gracie Joy. She is currently working part time as a physical therapist, rewriting her bucket list, and learning what it means to live her authentic self.
No Shame On U Podcast 22: Aitan Maeir — A College Student’s Perspective on Social Media and Mental Health
For our 22nd podcast, we were delighted to speak with Aitan Maeir, a Chicago area teen currently in his sophomore year at University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is our first in a series with Aitan — this time talking about social media and mental health — its impact and unintended consequences.
No Shame On U Podcast 21: Paige GoldMarche, Chicago and Midwest Director, Moving Traditions
For our 21st podcast, No Shame On U was delighted to talk with Paige GoldMarche, the Chicago and Midwest Director of Moving Traditions, an organization that helps teens navigate the world. With the high rates of teen depression and anxiety, we discussed the importance for teens to feel a sense of connectedness and belonging, especially in this pandemic world, and the wonderful work Moving Traditions does to foster those connections.
No Shame On U Podcast 20: Jodie Segal
For our 20th podcast, we were delighted to speak with Jodie Segal, MSW, Director of Education at Chicago-area based Elyssa’s Mission. We talked about the history of Elyssa’s Mission and the life-saving teen suicide prevention work they do impacting thousands of students, staff and parents. Jodie also shared the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts to look for and what to do.
No Shame On U Podcast 19: Bonnie Lane
For our 19th podcast, we were delighted to speak with Bonnie Lane, M.S., of Family Support Services. We discuss the vast range of mental health services she provides for families from finding a residential setting for a loved one, helping with accommodations for college students and so much more. Bonnie really truly just wants to help.
No Shame On U Podcast 18: Jessica Leving
For No Shame On U’s 18th podcast, we were delighted to speak with Jessica Leving, Author of “Billy’s Sister: Life When Your Sibling Has a Disability” and the Executive Director of the Center for Siblings of People with Disabilities. We talked about the high rates of anxiety and depression that siblings experience, strategies for parents to deal with jealousy and anger a sibling might feel, and a lot more.
No Shame On U Podcast 17: Steven Parker
For our 17th podcast, we were delighted to talk with Steven Parker, Chief Growth Officer for the Chill Anywhere App. We discussed different strategies for navigating through these challenging times, his 9 year old daughter’s approach, how the high rates of loneliness pre-Covid have gotten even higher, and how the Chill Anywhere App can help. Special for the No Shame On U community: code noshameonu gets you 50% off the monthly subscription.
No Shame On U Podcast 16: Joel Dworkin
For our 16th podcast, we were so excited to talk with our inspirational friend, Joel Dworkin, who just celebrated his twelve year sober anniversary. Joel shares his journey with addiction, advice for loved ones of individuals living with addiction, tips on managing recovery during these shelter in place times, and much more.
No Shame On U Podcast 15: Sophie Riegel, author of "Don't Tell Me to Relax!"
For our 15th podcast, we were delighted to talk with Sophie Riegel, author of “Don’t Tell Me to Relax!: One Teen’s Journey to Survive Anxiety (and How You Can Too)”. We discuss what it was like realizing she lived with anxiety, the bullying she faced and how she got it to stop, trying different treatments, overcoming panic attacks at inopportune moments, advice for teens and parents, and much more. Sophie is currently in her first year at Duke University,
Editor’s Note: Miriam had Sophie’s incredible book on her mind when talking to her, so she inadvertently said “our readers” instead of “our listeners” a few times.
No Shame On U Podcast 14: Adv. Liron David, (BSW, LL.M), Director of International Relations and Development at Enosh
In our 14th podcast, we had the honor of speaking with Liron David, Director of International Relations and Development at Enosh. We discussed the great work done by Enosh - the Israeli Mental Health Association. We touched on the stigma and shame surrounding mental health Liron sees both in Israel and America and in her international work for Enosh. And, Liron talks about the help Enosh provides for people living in Israel and/or people from America and around the world that may be spending several months to a year or more in Israel.
No Shame On U Podcast Episode 13: Dayna Altman, Author of "Bake it Till You Make it: Breaking Bread, Building Resilience"
For our 13th podcast, we were thrilled to speak with Dayna Altman, author of "Bake It Till You Make It: Breaking Bread, Building Resilience," the first-of-its-kind mental health and resilience cookbook. The book tells the inspirational and resilient stories of 43 people from all different backgrounds who have overcome major life challenges.
Dayna shared with us her mental health journey, including hospitalization and suicidal ideation, that led her to write the book. She also discussed the organizations she has started, provided advice for people with mental health conditions, and explained how through her work, writing, speaking, and more, she is providing hope and guidance to individuals around the country.
No Shame On U Podcast Episode 12: Rabbi Ilan Glazer, Author of "And God Created Recovery"
For our 12th podcast, we were honored to speak with Rabbi Ilan Glazer, author of "And God Created Recovery: Jewish Wisdom to Help You Break Free from Your Addiction, Heal Your Wounds, and Unleash Your Inner Freedom."
During our conversation, Rabbi Glazer shared his personal journey with addiction, how he maintains his recovery, and how he manages situations that pose special challenges. He also provided helpful tips for friends and family members of individuals living with addiction. Rabbi Glazer's message of hope is inspiring countless people, and his book offers valuable insights and guidance for those seeking to overcome addiction and find inner freedom.
No Shame On U Podcast Episode 11: Linda Meyers, Author of “The Tell”
In episode 11, we were honored to talk with Linda Meyers, a true inspiration. In her memoir, Linda details what it was like growing up in the 1940s and 1950s with a mother with a mental health condition. After her mother’s suicide in 1970, Linda was determined to break the stigma of suicide and mental health and shared the truth. She also discusses how growth can come from tragedy and the changes she made to her life to make meaning of her Mother’s life. Huge thanks to Eitan Feiger for all of his help preparing for this podcast!!
No Shame On U Podcast Episode 10: Ally Golden, Author of “A Good Soldier”
In episode 10, we were thrilled to talk with Ally Golden, author of the memoir “A Good Soldier”. In her memoir, Ally details growing up with a parent living with a mental health condition, something many people can relate to, but most never speak about. We discuss her journey, the effect it had on her life, and the importance of - and the fact that there is no shame in - seeking mental health treatment. We also talk about her work with survivors of suicide loss.
No Shame On U Podcast Episode 9: Rea Bochner, Author of "The Cape House"
In episode 9, we are delighted to talk with Rea Bochner, author of the memoir “The Cape House.” We discuss Rea’s experience with eating disorders and how she got to this point in her journey, and the grief she describes in her memoir about her Mother’s terminal prognosis and the advice she would give to people in similar situations.
No Shame On U Podcast Episode 8: Wendy Dolin, LCSW, Founder of MISSD
In episode 8, were honored to talk with Wendy Dolin, LCSW, who has her own therapy practice and is the founder of MISSD: The Medication-Induced Suicide Prevention and Education Foundation in Memory of Stewart Dolin. We talk about akathisia, her suicide prevention advocacy through MISSD, her amazing trial win and NY Times feature, and the national and international awareness she has raised about akathisia.