The Franciska Show

Summer Break Announcement

I will be on break for the next few weeks. Praying for all our people in Israel and around the world. Peace and stay safe! For episode suggestions - please reach out to Franciskakay@gmail.com

“My Experiences with Dating as a Black FFB & the Inspirations Behind my Latest Music”

Raphi Fulcher's Musical Journey and Life as a Black Orthodox Jew In this episode, Raphi Fulcher, also known as Hebrew, discusses his unique background and perspectives. Growing up as the youngest of six children to parents who converted to Judaism in the 1960s, Raphi shares his experiences moving across different states and eventually studying in Israel. Currently a project manager in digital marketing, Raphi is also a passionate musician. He talks about his musical influences, family background...

A Near-Death Perspective and Role Reversal - with Batya Sherizen

Batya Sherizen shares her transformative journey from a driven and overwhelmed entrepreneur to a fulfilled and present mother, wife, and businesswoman. Batya recounts her life, from her early marriage and 10 years in Israel to her thriving business as a child sleep consultant, which she ran while her husband was in Kollel. A life-threatening pregnancy complication led to a near-death experience, altering her perspective profoundly. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of balancing caree...

Behind the Scenes: Rak Shalom’s Victory with Franciska’s Song "Tov Lehodot" - with Olivia Herman & Shua Kanarek

In this episode, join Olivia, Herman, and Shua Kanarek as they discuss their experiences with Rak Shalom, an acapella Jewish choir at the University of Maryland. The conversation covers personal backgrounds, how they got involved, and how the group operates democratically, including song selection and leadership roles. They also delve into the impact of being part of a diverse Jewish community, arranging music, the challenges and benefits of a co-ed acapella group, and the logistics behind manag...

Navigating Loneliness and Recovery - with Estee Weingarten

New Releases (Kol Isha) https://open.spotify.com/album/6iHHbVxVghTr9VXJ4ZW4NK?si=Q5CeNjiwQA69lrTP26z8eQ https://open.spotify.com/album/1nbIq6V2VmcIxFNwsCwNkc?si=Y5VtA51aTUqraHqWmKuSsA In this episode, Estee Weingarten discusses her journey from Montreal to New York and her transformation into a life coach focused on women affected by spousal addiction. Estee talks about her own experiences with her spouse's mental illness and addiction, leading her to establish 'The Comfort Zone,' an organizatio...

A Journey of Eating Disorder Recovery; Choosing Solitude

Stay tuned for new singles dropping for Lag BaOmer! Chaim's Journey: Battling and Recovering from an Eating Disorder In this episode, Chaim, an attorney specializing in immigration and family law, shares his personal struggle with an eating disorder, starting from his preteen years through recovery. He discusses how his eating disorder affected his life, including the intensive treatment and the personal and communal challenges he faced as a religious Jewish male. Chaim elaborates on his journey...

Nurturing Creativity in Out-of-the-Box Youth - with Rabbi Tani Prero

Educational Adventures: Embracing Creativity and Individuality at Camp Yalu Wilderness In this episode of The Franciska Show, Rabbi Tani Prero discusses his background as an Orthodox Jew, his experiences growing up, and his journey to establish Camp Yagilu Wilderness. With the aim of helping creative and independent-minded boys, Rabbi Prero runs this unique camp that offers activities like deep-sea fishing, hiking, and animal care. He talks about the essential need for nurturing creativity in ch...

A Medical Talk About: Vax, Ozempic, SSRi’s, Jewish Anxiety, IVF - with Dr. Sharon Stoll

Navigating Medicine and Faith: A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Stoll In this episode, Dr. Sharon Stoll discusses her background growing up in a modern Orthodox Jewish community in Philadelphia, her journey to becoming a neuroimmunologist, and her professional experiences working at Yale and now in Philadelphia. The conversation touches on her approach to patient education, especially around COVID-19 and various medications, including GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and SSRIs for mental health. Dr. St...

Pilot Episode: "GETTING FREE" & Announcements

Check back in next week for a brand new episode of The Franciska Show To book Franciska for your BAT MITZVA - email franciskakay@gmail.com Enjoy this pilot episode of "Getting Free" a new podcast hosted by the International Beit Din with Rabbanit Leah Sarna (a former guest on the Franciska Show). https://gettingfree.podbean.com Imagine finally escaping a marriage after years of abuse. But there’s one last step- you need your abuser’s permission to get a divorce. That’s the reality for the Jewish...

[RERUN] Jews & Food With Jill Sharfman

How to handle Diets on Shabbos? Why are eating disorders so common in the Orthodox community? Jill Sharfman NC (Nutrition Consultant), is the co-host of the nutrition podcast “Let My People Eat.” On each episode she helps to demystify confusing talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping kosher. She is a board-certified holistic nutritionist living with her family in Los Angeles. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and at https://letmypeopleeat.com Follow her on ...

Chasing Shadows: The Hunt for Justice in Get Refusal with Jennifer Lankin & Ezra Stone P.I.

In this episode of The Franciska Show, host Franciska discusses the complexities and behind-the-scenes efforts involved in helping women, known as agunot, who are unable to obtain a religious divorce (get) from their husbands. The episode features interviews with Jennifer Lankin, Interim CEO at ORA (Organization for the Resolution of Agunot), and Ezra Stone, a private investigator who specializes in tracking down recalcitrant husbands who refuse to grant their wives a get. Jennifer shares her jo...

Continuing the Conversation on Mixed-Orientation Dynamics

In this episode, we continue the conversation from last week with a new perspective on the issue of dating and relationships within a community. Our guest shares her personal experience of dating someone who later disclosed being gay, discussing the emotional impact and the broader community implications. The conversation explores the difficulties faced by individuals who want to lead a committed lifestyle while dealing with same-sex attractions, the challenges in communication and transparency ...

Embracing Choice; A Unique Perspective on Love and Faith -(Anonymous)

In this episode, the guest shares their experience growing up in a religious Jewish community, facing questions about their sexual orientation, and grappling with their faith. They describe their upbringing, moments of self-realization, and the challenges of reconciling their identity with community expectations. The guest discusses pivotal moments in high school, relationships with women, and the struggle to remain within the confines of their religious beliefs. They emphasize that attraction l...

"Breaking Open" - A Novel About Healing and Growth After a Broken Engagement - with Adina Edelman

This Episode is sponsored by Jump Into Shape www.jumpintoshape.fun About Our Guest: Adina Edelman is a book editor for Jewish publishers and self-publishing authors. She has worked on over 120 books of various genres and recently published her debut novel, Breaking Open. Adina has led multiple writing workshops and editing webinars, all with the goal of helping writers mine their message for gold. She is passionate about producing high-quality, relatable fiction for Jewish readers and is already...

Rethinking Cultural Norms: Individual Choice in Jewish Life

This Episode is sponsored by Jump Into Shape www.jumpintoshape.fun This episode features a deep and honest conversation inspired by the format of Joe Rogan's podcasts and focuses on the complexities of religious traditions and societal pressures within the Jewish community. The guest, who remains anonymous, discusses a variety of topics including the flaws in the education and religious guidance system, the influence of materialism, and the pressure to conform. Additionally, there is a debate ov...

Things You Should Know - Jewish Divorce & Beit Din - with Rabbanit Leah Sarna

Book Franciska for your event: franciskakay@gmail.com Navigating Jewish Divorce: In this episode of The Franciska Show, Franciska recaps a recent concert and discusses upcoming events. The main segment features Sarna, sharing insights on Jewish divorce and the Agunah crisis. Sarna details her upbringing in the Orthodox community, her work with the homeless in New Haven, and her academic journey at Yale. She explains the historical context of the Agunah crisis, the role of Batei Din, and her orga...

Navigating National & Personal Grief with Mother of Fallen Soldier Zechariah Haber HY'D

Tickets for Unity Concert in Monsey (March 2nd): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thepowerofyourstory/1560379?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYgEkUb9O3nlnD67gNQFZgHDtoh1mJfIIWMzaHGs9JOsMc7iW60ccOQaC0_aem_ww_6TYeR66qgCL5ChBA5tw In this emotional episode of the Franciska Show, Francisca dedicates the beginning moments to acknowledge the horrifying news from Israel involving the Bibas children and Shiri, expressing heartfelt condolences to the affected families. She announces her performance at the u...

The Naked Truth: Unpacking Toxic Messaging [The GRAMMYs] with Anna Sherman

The Impact of Toxic Messaging and Pop Culture on Modern Relationships The episode features guest Anna Sherman discussing the widespread issue of toxic messaging in pop culture, spurred by reactions to events like the Grammys and behaviors of public figures such as Kanye West and Bianca. Anna and the host critique the 'naked trend' and its implications for women's portrayal in media, contrasting it with men's treatment. They delve into how these messages influence societal norms, especially affec...

Religious Abuse in Marriage is REAL - with Beatrice Weber

Leaving the Chasidish World: Beatrice Weber's Journey of Self-Discovery In this episode, Beatrice Weber shares her compelling journey from her upbringing in a Chasidish Jewish community to her eventual exit after facing an abusive marriage and fighting for better education for Chasidish children. A mother of 10 and a grandmother of 13, Beatrice discusses her struggles with the patriarchal structure of her community, her fight in family court, and her role as the executive director of YAFED, an o...

Eat Well, Move Well, Be Well: Integrating Tradition with Wellness - with Shmuel Chaim Naiman

In this engaging episode of the Franciska Show, guest Shmuel Chaim Naiman shares his unique journey from Baltimore to Israel, emphasizing the importance of personal health and wellness intertwined with Jewish values. Naiman discusses his new book 'Land of Health: Israel's War for Wellness,' the significance of personal stories of conflict, and the importance of real food, mindful movement, and overall well-being. His discussions cover topics from the cultural implications of physical activity in...

Behind the Scenes of the “Let’s Stay Safe” Book- with Bracha Goetz

In this episode of the Franciska Show, author Bracha Goetz discusses her journey of personal transformation and her impactful work as a children's book author. Goetz, who wrote 43 children's books and one memoir, shares how her books aim to instill gratitude in children and help their souls shine. She recounts her dramatic shift to becoming Torah observant during a trip to Israel and details her educational background, including studying psychology at Harvard with aspirations to become a psychia...

Postpartum Unraveled: The Hidden Trauma That Forced Me to Heal (NO MORE SILENCE) - with Fradel Neuman

Throwback Episode: https://thefranciskashow.libsyn.com/a-gaslighting-case-in-the-literal-sense-with-shulim-leifer Do Diaspora Jews Care (Orthodox Conundrum) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdIh-tnFszE In this episode of The Franciska Show, host Francisca interviews Fradel Neuman, an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic woman from Monroe, about her personal journey through child sexual abuse, depression, and her ongoing healing process. Fradel reveals the impact of her upbringing on her mental health and spiri...

East Ramapo's Funding Crisis & Taxation Trap with Rivkie Feiner

In this episode of The Franciska Show, Rivkie Feiner, CEO and owner of a consulting firm specializing in nonprofit funding, shares her unique experiences as an Orthodox Jewish woman balancing religious beliefs with professional demands. Rivkie discusses her journey from a secretary to owner of a firm that helps clients secure millions in government grants. She also elaborates on her advocacy work, especially in the East Ramapo Central School District, and the challenges posed by systemic funding...

Understanding Perinatal Grief with ATIME

In this episode of the Franciska Show, host Franciska speaks with Chumi Friedman and Yonina Kaufman from ATIME's HUG program, which provides support to Jewish couples experiencing perinatal and infant loss. They discuss the complexities of emotional and physical grief, common misconceptions around pregnancy loss, and the importance of community and cultural sensitivity. The conversation also includes insights into how HUG offers medical, emotional, and spiritual support, along with details on pe...

Guest Host Episode with Mark Trencher and David Sheril (The Orthonomics Podcast) - "The First-Ever Community Middot Report Card"

Women in Tanach SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/01QmPoPVFrdXoxsli21of5?si=G39hZX17QV6qxzdS4I73zw Mark Trencher offered to have a conversation with a Franciska Show podcast listener David Sheril about his latest survey on the topic of Midos/Midot in the Jewish Orthodox Community as an interem episode while Franciska is on podcast Hiatus. Enjoy the podcast and here is a link to the Orthonomics Podcast itself: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orthonomics-podcast/id1607753307 About ...

[RERUN] "When I Worked in Juvie" - With CP Handler,MSW, LISW-S

Thanks for tuning in for a RERUN episode. To join the discussion group: email: franciskakay@gmail.com About Our Guest: CP is a client-centered, humanistic therapist who believes that it’s the human within the therapist that creates the space for recovery and self-actualization. CP’s holistic approach to treatment was born out of a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection. After working in vastly different populations, CP discovered early in her career that trauma and mental illness do not ...

[RERUN] The ASIFA Inspiring or Not? - With Dr. Efrat Bruck

Thanks for tuning in for a RERUN episode. Was the women's ASIFA a success? Why was it so inspiring? Why were so many many turned off? What did they do right? How could have it been better? How does Charedi leadership feel about women, their roles and right for self expression? Listen to this episode to hear a frank discussion that brings up all sides. Check out the original episode on this show with Dr. Efrat Bruck: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-the-issues-brought-up-in-m...

Announcements - (8 YEARS!)

Breaking the Stigma: Body Positivity and Cultural Influences - with Dr. Marcy Forta

Message Franciska to share how a specific episode has impacted YOU. franciskakay@gmail.com In this episode, Franciska engages in a conversation with Dr. Marcy Forta, who provides insights into her background in business, her personal struggle with an eating disorder, and her efforts to help prevent eating disorders in the Jewish community. Dr. Forta discusses her organization Atzmi, which focuses on addressing body image, self-compassion, and emotion regulation through various age-specific curri...

8 Things About The Franciska Show (Birthday Bonus Mini Episode)

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