We Can Be Real

This week on We Can Be Real, I have a conversation with Veronica Finlay, Director of Development at The Center for Great Expectations. CGE is a nonprofit rehabilitation center that seeks to form a partnership with homeless pregnant, and /or parenting women and adolescents, men, and their children, in creating a safe place, safe presence and a safe path, that enables clients to experience, choose and maintain physical, psychological, social and spiritual health for themselves, their children and their families. CGE's Vision " To be a national leader in providing transformational (behavior health) substance use and mental health treatment to women, children, men and families impacted by trauma, abuse and neglect". As the Director of Development at CGE, Veronica is responsible for donor identification and stewardship, event planning and execution, grant writing, appeals, newsletter and outreach. Her passion is helping people; uplifting those who struggle or face significant challenges due to circumstances beyond their control. Everyone deserves the opportunity to flourish and CGE helps families and women due just that. To learn more about CGE and to help, you can reach out to Veronica at vfinlay@cge-nj.org and please visit the website www.cge-nj.org.

No one goes into a marriage expecting to get divorced. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that many marriages fail and when they fail it is so important to have the right people on your side to help you navigate this extremely intimate and sensitive time. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about prenups, signs of separation, and having a “successful” divorce. Angela Kim is the chair of HDRB&B’s Matrimonial and Family Law Department. Her clients rely on her at critical – and often profoundly upsetting – moments in their lives. Angela handles a wide range of matrimonial and family law matters, including marriage dissolution (divorce), property distribution, child custody, spousal support, child support, and matrimonial agreements (prenuptial, post-nuptial and separation). A key part of Angela’s practice centers on economics and personal financial matters in an effort to secure equitable treatment for her clients. Angela chose to practice law because people are important to her; she wanted to belong to a profession where she could have a positive impact on lives and bring something back to the community. In this episode, Angela and I discuss: If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you. CONNECT WITH ANGELA KIM: HDRB&B HDRB&B LinkedIn Angela Kim's LinkedIn STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

If you’re like me trying to date again later in life, you may have realized that dating isn’t how it used to be. In this digital era of dating, you might find yourself intimidated to even start or end up on dates with all the wrong guys. That’s why for Valentine's Day I wanted to treat my listeners to an episode with love coach, Natalie Kita. This week on We Can Be Real Natalie and I are talking about finding your last love. Natalie Kita is a love coach, helping smart, successful, spiritually conscious, "single again" women over 40 stop choosing and attracting the wrong guys. Her methods help her clients say goodbye forever to loneliness and rejection and manifest healthy, fulfilling, deeply connected, and lasting love with the exact right partner, in just 3-6 months. In this episode, Natalie and I discuss: 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. CONNECT WITH NATALIE KITA: Website Your Last Love Method Program Facebook Instagram STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

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: Website Instagram LINKS REFERENCED: TED Talk: Brene Brown: Power of Vulnerability The 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 years In this episode, Lauri and I discuss: 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: Website Instagram

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: 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: Website Instagram

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 years In this episode, Lauri and I discuss: 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: Facebook Instagram STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

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: 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: Instagram X (formerly Twitter) STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

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 time Some of the things I am doing to overcome my loneliness include: 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: Website Instagram LINKS 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: 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: Website Instagram STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram LINKS REFERENCED: The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Wishes Fulfilled by Dr. Wayne Dyer A Return to Love Workshop by Marianne Williamson The 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: 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: Instagram Website TikTok Stay tuned for the release of her book, Confessions of a Female Rabbi STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram LINKS REFERENCED: When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner People 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: 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: Website Instagram

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: Website Instagram LINKS REFERENCED: The Highly Sensitive Person Book by Elaine N. Aron Ph.D. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult life experiences someone can go through. We all experience and process our grief differently and thus, survive in our own ways. Regardless of how you work through your grief, talking to someone can help. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about surviving the grief of losing a loved one. Brittany is a psychotherapist at Boutique Psychotherapy in NYC. She practices individual talk therapy with her clients and her specialty is working with adults struggling with anxiety, relationships, life transitions, women’s health issues, and grief and loss. Brittany majored in psychology at The University of Maryland and finished her studies at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. In this episode, Brittany and I discuss: If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you. CONNECT WITH BRITTANY PINTO: LinkedIn Website Instagram STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

I wasn’t the most resilient when I was younger, often caving under pressure and turning to food and weed to cope with the struggles in my lfie. As I got older, I found my resilience out of the necessity of caring for the people that I loved and my resilience grew from there. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about building resilience in the face of adversity. In this episode, I discuss: Is there something you’re struggling with? Send me a DM and let’s chat. 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: Website Instagram

Your personal story tells your clients what it is that you stand for. It shows them (and yourself through the work to find your story) your purpose and the things that drive you. It acts as a magnet to draw opportunities to yourself because once you stand in your personal story, you’ll find yourself showing up differently not only in your business but in your life. This week on We Can Be Real I, joined by my guest Patrice Poltzer are talking about the power in finding and sharing your personal story. After making a pivot from her career as a producer for the TODAY show, Patrice made the leap to start her own business helping people tell more powerful stories in their business to connect deeper to their audiences. In this episode, Patrice and I discuss: What is your personal story? Message me on Instagram and share with me the things that drive you towards your goals. If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you. CONNECT WITH PATRICE POLTZER: Instagram Newsletter LinkedIn Join the Founder’s Fire Cohort Waitlist STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

When I started my podcast, I vowed to share my life experiences and how I got through them with strength, resilience, and humility. The same goes for this episode where I talk about being single and dating again after losing the love of my life. This week on We Can Be Real I’m talking about navigating the dating world (or choosing not to). In this episode, I discuss: 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: Website Instagram LINKS REFERENCED: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Self-esteem is linear and confidence is subjective. It is all part of a journey with peaks and valleys made up of the experiences throughout our lives. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by Hila Revah to talk about boosting confidence and cultivating self-esteem! Hila Revah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working in a private practice in Bergen County, New Jersey. In her sessions with clients, she starts where the client is at. Through empathy and validation, Hila helps clients address the issues they came to see her for by catering sessions toward specific needs, realistic goals, and objectives. In this episode, Hila and I discuss: Having insecurities is part of being human but as long as you want to make progress and positive change, it can happen. You need to want it and you need to be real with yourself about it. If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you. CONNECT WITH HILA REVAH: Website Instagram Email her at: hilarevahlcsw@gmail.com STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

Conceptually, we know what hunger is but in our busy lives, we can lose touch with it making it increasingly difficult to recognize the difference between habits and cravings. Differentiating between hunger, appetite, and cravings is so important as everything we do in life plays into how we eat and how we take care of ourselves from the inside out. This week on We Can Be Real I’m joined by Brigitte Zeitlin to talk about identifying the difference between hunger, appetite, and cravings. Brigitte Zeitlin is a celebrated women’s health coach and Registered Dietitian and founder of BZ Nutrition. She has been featured in Vogue, Well+Good, Women’s Health, Us Weekly, Self, & more. Brigitte is my go-to expert in nutrition and is a fan favorite when I bring her in to help my clients as well. In this episode, Brigitte and I discuss: Awareness is key to everything in life but specifically, it is the key to maintaining a balanced diet that satisfies you. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you. CONNECT WITH BRIGITTE ZEITLIN: Instagram Book a Nutrition Application Call STAY CONNECTED WITH ELLEN: Website Instagram

There is so much that we can learn from those who are older and wiser than us. That is why this week on the We Can Be Real podcast, I am joined by my mother, Lenore Gensior as she shares her wisdom, life experiences and advice. This week on We Can Be Real, we’re exploring wisdom across generations! In this episode, my mom and I discuss: My mother’s biggest life takeaway is to always follow your heart and explore what you feel called to do in life. So tell me, what is your calling? 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: Website Instagram