Schmoozing Time

David Khabie
Schmoozing Time

Empowering proud Jews to embrace their identity and unlock their personal brand✡️

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 43: Beating Brain Cancer & Living Fearlessly w/Adam Swartz

    WARNING: This episode contains its fair share of “f-bombs” and language that may be deemed inappropriate by more formal standards. If you're easily offended, consider skipping this one. Imagine this nightmare scenario: You’re diagnosed with brain cancer. Covid-19 shuts down your world. Your father suddenly collapses and dies while out shopping for wine, all within a matter of a few months. How would you handle that? This was the brutal reality Adam Swartz faced just a few years ago as life threw unimaginable challenges his way. But instead of breaking under the weight of it all, Adam found a way to push forward.  How did these tragedies shape his relationship with God and Judaism? Did they change his vision for his clothing brand, Umbrla Supply? In one of the rawest, most powerful episodes I’ve ever recorded, you’ll hear Adam’s unfiltered journey through loss, faith, resilience, and entrepreneurship. His struggles didn’t just make him a stronger person—they shaped him into a Fearless Jew determined to challenge ideas, embrace meaningful dialogue, and inspire action. Adam Swartz is the founder of Umbrla Supply, a brand that embodies life’s highs and lows, turning adversity into strength. A brain cancer survivor, Adam has made it his mission to give back, donating a portion of Umbrla Supply’s proceeds to brain tumor research. His story is one of grit, faith, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. SUPPORT ADAM’S WORK  USE PROMO CODE “BRAIN” FOR 20% OFF* YOUR FIRST ORDER: https://umbrlasupply.com/umbrlasupply/  *- May not apply for all products listed on the website Summary:  00:00 Introduction to Adam Swartz: A Warrior's Journey 02:44 Adam's Life Story: From Business to Brain Tumors 08:18 Facing Adversity: Loss, Illness, and Resilience 13:13 Faith and Perspective: Navigating Life's Challenges 20:23 Finding God: Different Paths in Judaism 23:53 The Love for Golf: More Than Just a Game 28:42 Nostalgia and Humor in Film 30:01 The Birth of Umbrella: A Unique Concept 32:35 Facing Adversity: Lessons from Personal Struggles 36:34 The Importance of Action Over Words 39:26 Jewish Identity and Community Resilience 46:10 A Call to Action: Embracing Jewish Pride

    51 min
  2. FEB 2

    Episode 42: The Importance Of Being Mentally And Physically Tough w/Rafi Pinsky

    From Brooklyn to the battlefield to the world of real estate, Rafi Pinsky’s journey has shaped him into a remarkably resilient person. I sat down with Rafi to discuss how his time in the IDF influenced his identity, career, and perspective on life. We delved into the challenges of the real estate industry, the power of social media in personal branding, and the importance of authenticity in podcasting. Rafi doesn’t shy away from the tough topics—he emphasizes the need for resilience and accountability within the Jewish community and makes a compelling case for confronting antisemitism with strength and unity. Rafi Pinsky is a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Brooklyn College. Currently based in Miami, Florida, he works as a residential real estate agent serving the Miami-Dade and Broward areas. In addition to his real estate career, Rafi is the host of the Soothing Semantics podcast, a show featuring open discussions on topics such as real estate, finance, human psychology, and martial arts, where he has produced over 200 episodes! Check Out Rafi’s Work: https://linktr.ee/Soothing_Semantics  Summary:  00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding and Identity 03:11 The Journey to the IDF: A Personal Choice 04:49 The Impact of Military Service on Identity 07:32 Lessons from the IDF: Resilience and Brotherhood 08:47 Transitioning to Real Estate: Skills and Challenges 11:38 The Reality of Real Estate: Beyond the Glamour 14:19 The Importance of Consistency in Business 16:34 Overcoming Struggles: Military Training Experiences 19:17 Humor and Identity: Making Fun of Ourselves 22:27 Navigating Sensitivity and Humor in Jewish Identity 27:01 Confronting Antisemitism: Personal Experiences 27:47 The Need for Collective Action 29:48 The Role of Community in Confronting Threats 31:44 Military Experience and Its Impact on Identity 33:46 Building Resilience and Strength 36:02 The Importance of Authenticity in Podcasting 37:07 Consistency and Growth in Podcasting 44:52 Memorable Moments in Podcasting 46:50 Continuous Improvement and Self-Awareness

    51 min
  3. JAN 26

    Episode 41: A Loud And Proud Episode w/Hillel Fuld

    If you aren’t already familiar with the marketing legend Hillel Fuld, you will be after listening to this episode. He’s been labeled Israel’s best marketer and has a wealth of knowledge on branding and what truly moves the needle in business. During this Schmooze with Hillel, you’ll learn about his remarkable journey as a relentless advocate for Israel and the Jewish community. He shares insights on his prestigious Knesset award and unpacks the profound importance of living in Israel. Hillel dives into the challenges Israeli tech companies face in marketing their groundbreaking innovations to the world and highlights why building a powerhouse personal brand is the ultimate game-changer. He emphasizes the importance of earning trust and delivering results before even thinking about compensation. Closing the episode with impact, Hillel calls on young Jews everywhere to own their heritage unapologetically and boldly stake their claim in shaping the future. Hillel Fuld is a prominent technology blogger, startup advisor, and global speaker based in Israel. In the past, Hillel has advised hundreds of companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Apple—an impressive testament to the brand he’s built for himself as a marketing and tech expert. Combined with his wealth of business knowledge and his willingness to speak out for Jewish causes, Hillel has amassed over 300,000 followers across all social media platforms. Learn More About Hillel Here: https://www.hillelfuld.com/  Summary:  00:00 Introduction to Hillel Fold: A Marketing Legend 02:51 Hillel's Award and Advocacy for Israel 05:15 The Importance of Living in Israel 10:20 Marketing Challenges in Israeli Tech 18:10 Building a Brand: Lessons from Hillel's Experience 24:12 The Value of Delivering First: A New Business Model 26:00 A Call to Action for Young Jews

    27 min
  4. JAN 12

    Episode 39: Amplifying Atheism And Activism w/Benji Rosenzweig

    On this episode of Schmoozing Time, I had the chance to schmooze with Benji Rosenzweig, a dynamic figure whose life weaves together Jewish identity, community building, and a deep passion for music. In this inspiring conversation, Benji shares his journey as an atheist Jew, his innovative work in organizing community events for the Detroit Jewish community, and his belief in music as a powerful tool for storytelling and connection. The discussion explores how advocacy shapes personal branding and celebrates the profound influence of cultural ties within the Jewish community. Benji Rosenzweig is a seasoned commercial real estate broker and Vice President at Colliers International, specializing in retail properties with a strong focus on the Detroit market. Beyond his professional career, he is an active community leader, passionate about fostering cultural connections within the Jewish community, where he proudly identifies as an atheist Jew. A TEDx speaker and music advocate, Benji champions the transformative power of music as a tool for storytelling, healing, and connection. Inspired by his daughter Ella's journey with nonverbal communication, he is also a devoted advocate for inclusivity and special needs awareness. Summary:  00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding and Community Engagement 03:24 The Evolution of Hanukkah Celebrations in Detroit 06:02 Jewish Identity: Atheism and Community Involvement 07:39 The Intersection of Music and Jewish Culture 10:14 Exploring the Grunge Era and Jewish Contributions 13:14 The Legacy of Jewish Influence in Music History 25:41 Jewish Influence in Grunge Music 25:56 The Power of Music in Community 27:08 The Importance of Personal Branding in Music 28:40 The Balance of Story and Technical Proficiency in Music 35:58 Advocacy and Personal Values 51:13 Ella's Story and Nonverbal Communication Advocacy Connect With Benji: https://linktr.ee/benjirosenzweig?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY3iiAIkHCenDUJSKTY04h53fePkaJaAcOItDCicbfWD8akABlvnsaWaLg_aem_6kKExHUafNms2D487TvlQA

    53 min
  5. JAN 5

    Episode 38: The Power of Community In Personal Growth w/Maayan Gordon

    In this episode, I sit down with Maayan Gordon—an incredible six-time founder with over 2 million followers across social media—to explore her inspiring journey of self-discovery, her embrace of her Jewish identity, and the pivotal role that community and personal branding play in her life. Maayan shares stories about her recent travels across America to promote small businesses, entrepreneurial ventures that shaped her path, and also discusses how her Jewish heritage has influenced her values and outlook. We dive into the power of empathy, the challenges of building an authentic personal brand, and the emotional bonds that foster meaningful community engagement. Maayan Gordon is a serial entrepreneur, community-building expert, and storyteller who is passionate about spreading kindness. Maayan specializes in helping industry experts, creators, and businesses build thriving online communities that drive measurable growth and impact. She is also a sought-after speaker and consultant, offering insights into community building, marketing strategy, and business systems.  Reach Maayan Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maayangordon/  Summary:  00:00 Introduction to Mayan Gordon's Multifaceted Journey 03:29 Mayan's Jewish Background and Early Experiences 06:18 Disconnection from Judaism and Rediscovery 09:39 The Impact of October 7th and Community Connection 12:32 Finding Purpose and Meaning in Judaism 15:06 Mayan's TikTok Journey and Social Impact 18:05 Traveling America: Challenges and Connections 21:07 The Power of Community and Personal Growth 29:19 The Entrepreneurial Journey 32:45 Building Community Connections 36:35 The Role of Personal Branding 47:53 Creating Meaningful Experiences through Personal Branding

    55 min
  6. 12/29/2024

    Episode 37: Creating Her Own Path w/Chloe Hechter

    From a young age, Chloe knew that she was going to use her acting experience to her advantage and create a life for herself that was different from most people. But how exactly did she rise to become an influencer as a “relatable Jew’? In our schmooze, Chloe and I sat down to discuss her rise to fame on social media. Chloe shares her experiences growing up in a diverse Jewish household, her early career as a voiceover artist for Disney, and how she transitioned to creating relatable content on TikTok. She also emphasizes the significance of consistency and finding a unique angle in content creation, offering valuable advice for aspiring creators.  Our discussion highlights the importance of community, representation, and the power of humor in navigating challenges, especially for young Jewish audiences. Chloe Hechter graduated from Syracuse University in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication & Rhetorical Studies Bachelor of Arts in Writing. She has an avid social media presence (over 100K across multiple platforms), using her platform to tell relatable stories about being a young Jewish adult. She’s collaborated with many notable Jewish brands including Birthright Israel and Hamsa Club.  Check Out Chloe’s Work: https://linktr.ee/chloehechterr Summary: 00:00 Introduction to Jewish Identity and Personal Branding 02:11 Exploring Unique Jewish Backgrounds 08:04 The Importance of Community in Jewish Identity 11:36 Creative Expression: Japs the Musical 14:56 Early Acting Career and Disney Voiceovers 21:00 Navigating the Challenges of the Acting Industry 22:19 Transitioning to TikTok and Viral Fame 25:22 Navigating Identity and Social Media 28:10 The Rise of a Jewish American Princess 31:05 Finding My Voice in Content Creation 33:22 Reinventing Jewish Social Media 37:05 Comedy as a Respite 40:41 Keys to Successful Content Creation

    48 min
  7. 12/22/2024

    Episode 36: Being A Mensch To Build A Business In Sports w/Jake Teplitzky

    In the world of sports, athletes aren’t just defined by their performance on the field — their personal brand holds just as much power. Building the right partnerships with the right people and brands can transform how they are perceived by the public, which is why people, like Jake, are crucial to athletes leveraging their brand. I sit down with Jake Teplitzky, a young entrepreneur and Founder of TMG, which is an agency that helps athletes monetize and build their brands. We dive into Jake’s Jewish upbringing, how key life events shaped his identity, and the dedication it takes to turn dreams into reality. Jake opens up about navigating anti-Semitism, the challenges of starting his own business, and the values that guide him both personally and professionally. We discuss the importance of integrity, mentorship, and authenticity in the sports world, as well as the need for financial literacy and trust in building meaningful relationships. Jake is a testament of how confidence can get you in front of the right people, despite being in an ultra-competitive industry.  Jake Teplitzky is the Founder and CEO of Teplitzky Management Group (TMG), a sports agency dedicated to helping athletes, both collegiate and professional, maximize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. In 2020, a full year before NIL became a reality, Jake launched TMG, initially focusing on helping student-athletes leverage sponsorships, endorsements, and engagement opportunities. Jake attended the University of Miami, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Human and Social Development and his Master's degree in Sport Administration. Check Out TMG: https://teplitzkymg.com/  Summary:  00:00 Introduction to Schmoozing Time and Guest Introduction 06:25 The Holy Seizure: A Life-Changing Experience 09:17 The Intersection of Judaism and Sports 14:13 The Importance of Work Ethic and Passion 24:06 Starting TMG While Working a 9 to 5 32:03 Integrity and Leadership in Sports 37:41 The Value of Hard Work and Patience 43:23 The Need for Financial Literacy in Sports 48:23 The Importance of Authentic Relationships 58:52 Final Thoughts

    59 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Empowering proud Jews to embrace their identity and unlock their personal brand✡️

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