מתחילים מחדש עם דבי מצקין Restart with Debbie Matzkin

Debbie Matzkin
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Restart with Debbie: Bridging Worlds into One Journey! Restart podcast is a celebration of resilience and new beginnings. Each episode explores the inspiring stories of people who chose to reinvent their lives, diving into the sparks that led to change, the challenges they faced, and the courage it took to start fresh. With warmth and curiosity, Debbie connects through heartfelt conversations, exploring themes of culture, identity, and transformation.

  1. Restarting Jewish Leadership in the Diaspora with Danielle

    FEB 9

    Restarting Jewish Leadership in the Diaspora with Danielle

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I had the honor of welcoming Danielle Chetrit into my home in Israel, a powerful voice from San Francisco and the founder of Malca Productions. Danielle shared her journey growing up in a deeply Zionist home, and how everything changed after October 7. What began as a response to rising antisemitism in the diaspora became a movement bringing some of the strongest pro-Israel voices from online platforms into real-life rooms across America. We spoke about life for Jews in the Bay Area today, the challenges in schools and communities, and the courage it takes to keep showing up despite protests, threats, and misinformation. Danielle opened up about Malca’s mission: empowering Jews and allies with tools, truth, and connection and building something real at a time when silence is no longer an option. This conversation is about leadership, responsibility, unity, and light even in the darkest moments. I promise it will leave you inspired to stand stronger, speak louder, and remember why community matters now more than ever.

    11 min

  2. FEB 9

    A Mishmash of Cultures with Esco

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with a creator whose identity itself tells a powerful story - Esco! Born and raised in South Florida to parents from the Dominican Republic, my guest grew up at the intersection of cultures — Jewish roots, Latin heritage, and a deep connection to Israel. She described her identity as a “mishmash,” a blend that became her compass for everything she does today: connecting cultures, people, and perspectives — both online and in real life We spoke about what it’s like to show Israel to audiences who have never truly seen it — people who thought Israel was only deserts and camels, and were shocked by the reality she shared through her content. She reflected on arriving in Israel before the war in 2021, and how representation, storytelling, and visibility shape understanding far beyond politics. The conversation then turned deeply human. We talked about how leaders, diplomats, and public figures carry the weight of representing an entire country — and how rare it is for them to feel at home, relaxed, and seen simply as people. That’s where her idea comes in: creating intimate, human-to-human spaces — dinners, food, conversation — not as hosts or authorities, but as friends around a table This episode is a reminder that culture isn’t built through statements or speeches — it’s built through connection. Through food. Through presence. Through opening your home and saying: you belong here.

    22 min

  3. FEB 1

    Zero Dollars, 40 Countries — with Tal

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with Tal, a young creator whose story stopped me in my tracks. What started as a simple moment on his 18th birthday — trading photography for a scooter in the south of France — turned into a life-changing decision: traveling the world through 40 countries with zero dollars, relying only on creativity, courage, and human connection. Tal shared how exchanging value instead of money opened doors everywhere — from places to sleep, to meals, to opportunities — and how strangers became helpers when he trusted people enough to ask. But the journey took a dramatic turn on October 7, when Tal was hitchhiking through Turkey and suddenly found himself needing to escape as war broke out. With no plan, no money, and only instinct, he made it out — guided by resilience and the unexpected kindness of the Jewish community, even from people he had met years earlier. This episode is about courage, faith in people, and the power of showing up with something to give — even when you think you have nothing. A reminder that sometimes, the world opens when you choose to move differently.

    41 min
  4. From Yeshiva to Broadway — with Dudu Fisher

    JAN 25

    From Yeshiva to Broadway — with Dudu Fisher

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I welcomed one of Israel’s most beloved voices and one of my closest friends of over forty years, Dudu Fisher. In this deeply personal conversation, Dudu takes us through the journey of his life: from singing secretly in yeshiva while listening to Elvis Presley, to becoming a cantor, a Broadway star, and a cultural bridge between Jewish communities around the world. We spoke about his historic role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, singing “Bring Him Home” in Israel and across the world, and how that song has taken on an entirely new meaning today. Dudu also shared emotional stories from Moscow, Auschwitz, and Nova, where he is currently filming a documentary about October 7 and antisemitism called Ashes of Identity. This episode is about faith, identity, miracles, music, and the power of staying true to who you are, even when the world tells you not to. It’s a conversation full of heart, memory, and hope. And one I will never forget.

    23 min
  5. Hallel - Restarting Jewish Confidence

    JAN 5

    Hallel - Restarting Jewish Confidence

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with Hallel Silverman, for a powerful and honest conversation about activism, identity, and what it really means to show up as a Jew today. We talked about working with teenagers and college students, building confidence instead of fear, and why education alone isn’t enough, we also need tools. From teaching young people how to protest safely and articulately, to creating chants and messages that cut through hate, this episode dives into what modern Jewish activism looks like in real life. We also spoke openly about antisemitism as the oldest form of hatred, how it reinvents itself in every generation, and why so many Jews today feel safer in Israel than anywhere else in the world. From death threats abroad to the reality of walking openly as a Jew, this conversation is raw, honest, and deeply personal. This isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about resilience, clarity, and courage. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

    25 min
  6. Restart with Sammy & Yocheved

    12/29/2025

    Restart with Sammy & Yocheved

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I sat down with two remarkable young leaders, Yocheved Kim and Sammy Yahood, whose paths crossed through tragedy and transformed into purpose. We spoke about courage, Jewish identity, faith, and what it means to stand strong in a world that often asks us to shrink. From confronting hatred and media distortion, to rediscovering pride, values, and responsibility, this conversation goes far beyond politics. It’s about culture. It’s about leadership. And it’s about choosing action over helplessness. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply inspiring. A reminder that strength and kindness are not opposites, and that every individual has the power to create change.

    1h 5m
  7. Choosing Israel: Jake’s Restart Story

    12/25/2025

    Choosing Israel: Jake’s Restart Story

    This week on Restart with Debbie, I had the joy of sitting down with Jake — a young, inspiring soul who packed up his life in Wisconsin and chose to begin again in Tel Aviv. Jake arrived in Israel right in the middle of COVID, with no clear plan and a very open heart. What followed was a journey of learning Hebrew, falling in love, finding his place, and eventually opening a bicycle shop in the heart of the city. His story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes life doesn’t unfold according to a map — it unfolds through courage, curiosity, and trust. We talked about aliyah, belonging, and what it really means to build community. Jake shared honestly about running a small business during wartime, how the war affected his shop, and how people showed up for him in ways he never expected. We also spoke about what it means to support Israel through everyday actions — not just words. And of course, we laughed. About Israeli culture, food, sabich, Yemeni flavors, and all those small moments that suddenly make you realize: I’m home. This is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, love, and choosing to build a life where your heart truly belongs.

    27 min
  8. Carrying History Forward: Micah Avni

    12/15/2025

    Carrying History Forward: Micah Avni

    In this episode, I sat with Micah and we went straight into the hard questions: What is the real difference between antisemitism and Islamic fanaticism? Why has Israel spent decades protecting people who now deny its right to exist? And how do we empower our youth to fight not with anger, but with identity? We talked about army service, resilience, Zionism, living with purpose in Israel, and why the Jewish story will always outlast hate. It’s raw, honest, challenging and exactly the conversation our generation needs right now.

    42 min
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About

Restart with Debbie: Bridging Worlds into One Journey! Restart podcast is a celebration of resilience and new beginnings. Each episode explores the inspiring stories of people who chose to reinvent their lives, diving into the sparks that led to change, the challenges they faced, and the courage it took to start fresh. With warmth and curiosity, Debbie connects through heartfelt conversations, exploring themes of culture, identity, and transformation.

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